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Freeport Herald 12-17-2020

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Freeport

CoMMuNItY uPDAtE Infections as of Dec. 14

2,699

Infections as of Dec. 7 2,512

HERALD Leader

lighting up for the holidays

Police academy class sworn in

Covid-19 vaccine comes to Nassau

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Page 14

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$1.00

DECEMBER 17- 23, 2020

Vol. 85 No. 51

Covid-19 count keeps rising State, village officials worried about possible second shutdown and trying to change. We’re simultaneously increasing hospital capacity and, frankly, As of Monday, Nassau County changing how hospitals operate. had more than 72,00 positive At the same time, we have to cases of Covid-19, and the Vil- slow the spread by doing what lage of Freeport had nearly we know works — social distanc2,700, according to the state and ing, wearing masks and avoiding county departgatherings.” ments of health. Local officials G ov. A n d r e w agreed that a secCuomo war ned ond shutdown that a second statemust be avoided, as w i d e s h u t d ow n it would decimate was possible if the area’s economy Covid-19 positivity and bring back the rates continued to hardships that rise. On Wednesbusinesses faced day, New York had during the spring. a 5.66 percent posiFreeport Mayor tivity rate, with Robert Kennedy Long Island’s rate said that the vilhovering at 5.7 perlage Police Departcent as a seven-day ment has remained ANDREw CuoMo v i g i l a n t a b o u t average. At a news con- Governor enforcing masks ference on Monday, and social distancCuomo said that if ing through the the positivity rate did not drop holiday season, as Freeport conby January, hospitals across the tinues to be the third-hardest-hit state would be overwhelmed, and community in the county. the death toll from Covid-19 During the initial shutdown would spike again. in March, the village had to fur“At this rate, if nothing hap- lough about 60 percent of its pens, we could have 11,000 people employees, and throughout the in the hospitals and 3,500 spring, it responded to at least deceased,” Cuomo said. “That’s the trajectory we’re looking at Continued on page 4

By RoNNY REYES rreyes@liherald.com

A

Christina Daly/Herald

A night out with the missus Santa and Mrs. Claus took a Robalo boat out for a spin as they joined the annual Freeport Holiday Boat Parade on the Nautical Mile last Saturday. Story, Page 3.

County wraps up 2020 roadwork

Merrick Road repairs mark end of resurfacing season By RoNNY REYES rreyes@liherald.com

As Nassau County Department of Public Works employees repaved the section of Merrick Road in front of the Freeport Memorial Library on Dec. 10, County Executive Laura Curran stood nearby to announce that the job marked the completion of the county’s 2020 road resurfacing season. Despite the fiscal constraints

caused by the pandemic, Curran said, the county surpassed its goal of repairing 150 miles of road by the end of 2020, completing 172 miles, the second-highest number in a decade. “The pandemic has not put the brakes on our progress or commitment to restoring the county’s pothole-ridden roads,” Curran said. “ Investments in our infrastructure are investments in our economic recovery, and I am determined not to slide

back to where we used to be and jeopardize the immense progress we’ve made to get our roads in top-notch condition.” County Legislator Debra Mulé, of Freeport, added, “By prioritizing an aggressive roadrepaving prog ram, Nassau County is underscoring its commitment to projects that support economic growth, promote public safety and improve quality of life for residents.” Continued on page 11

t this rate, if nothing happens, we could have 11,000 people in the hospitals and 3,500 deceased.


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December 17, 2020 — FREEPORT HERALD LEADER

Neighbors iN the News The new chiefs of the Freeport PD Freeport Mayor Robert Kennedy formally swore in Michael Smith as the new chief of the Freeport Police Department and Carl Hetzel as deputy chief on Dec. 1. Smith, who previously served as deputy chief, succeeded former-Chief Ray Horton, who retired on Nov. 29. Hetzel had

been a lieutenant in the department prior to the promotion. Both Smith and Hetzel have been leaders in the Freeport Police Departments’ coronavirus response and in the efforts to help the village reopen safely amid the pandemic.

Courtesy Office of Assemblywoman Judy Griffin

LocaL Leaders kicked off the start of the holiday season with Santa Clause on Dec. 5.

Village celebrates the holidays Among those in attendance were Mayor Robert Kennedy, Freeport Fire Department Chief Scott Braun and Secretary Ray McGuire, Freeport Police Chief Michael Smith and Deputy Chief Carl Hetzel, Freeport Village Trustee Carmen Piñeyro, Freeport Rec Center Director Victoria Dinielli and State Assemblywoman Judy Griffin.

Cory Knopf Team Leader 516.375.7727

From my home to yours, I wish you a holiday season filled with health, love and gratitude.

Courtesy Village of Freeport/Facebook

Freeport Mayor robert Kennedy, right, swore in Deputy Chief Carl Hetzel and Chief Michael Smith to their new positions on Dec. 1.

As our surroundings evolve, filling our homes with intention is more important than ever. I am thankful to each of my clients, and am grateful to have played a part in guiding you home.

Cory Knopf Licensed Associate RE Broker 516.375.7727 cory.knopf@compass.com

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Local officials joined Santa Clause to ring in the holiday season in Freeport on Dec. 5. Although the boat parade had been postponed due to the weather, the village still held its annual Tree and Menorah Candle Lightings at the Freeport Recreation Center and at The Esplanade on the Nautical Mile.


WHAT’S UP NEXT DOOR AND AROUND THE CORNER

Photos by Christina Daly/Herald

THE DIONISIO FAMILY prepared to set sail aboard the Ricochet IV for the annual Freeport Holiday Boat Parade on Dec. 12.

ABIGAIL JOHNSON, LEFT, Alexa Cruz, Ava Cruz, Chase Sieber, Charlotte Johnson and Cole Sieber were excited for the parade.

Freeport celebrates holidays with boat parade The Village of Freeport held its annual Holiday Boat Parade last Saturday on the Nautical Mile. The holiday parade kicked off at the Woodcleft Esplanade, with the fleet of boats led by the Captain Lou. Santa Claus and the Grinch were among those who joined the parade piloting their own boats. Although this year’s parade had been delayed by a week due to rain, Mayor

Robert Kennedy said he was still glad residents came out to the annual event. “It was great to keep the traditional alive despite the pandemic,” Kennedy said. “And it brought some much needed life back to the Nautical Mile.” The Freeport Chamber of Commerce was also there to hand out free hot chocolate, snacks and PPE kits and collect donations for Toys for Tots.

THE FREEPORT CHAMBER of Commerce and the Church of Nazzarene collected Toys for Tots and handed out PPE kits. CHRIS THULMAN, DESIREE Fasulo, Robert Arist, Luana Costa and Albert Vurgos lit up the waters with their patriotic Christmas boat.

FREEPORT HERALD LEADER — December 17, 2020

HERALD NEIGHBORS

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December 17, 2020 — FREEPORT HERALD LEADER

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Two Freeporters arrested for attempted murder in village

freeport Continues to have the thirdhighest number of confirmed, positive cases in Nassau County — 2,699 as of Monday.

State Police arrested two men whom they allege attacked a 27-year-old man with an axe near the Meadowbrook State Parkway, in Freeport, on Nov. 28. Police said Oscar Romero-Hernandez, 37, and Jose Otero, 38, both of Freeport, were in a physical altercation with a fellow Freeporter at around 10:40 p.m., in the wooded area off the Meadowbrook State

Parkway near Sunrise Highway, when they struck him in the head with an axe. The victim was transported to Nassau University Medical Center, where he was listed in critical condition. Romero-Hernandez was charged with attempted murder and assault. Otero was charged with attempted murder, assault and criminal possession of a weapon.

Crime watCh Courtesy Nassau Department of Health

Mayor: Second shutdown could devastate village Continued from front page

two dozen Covid-19 cases a day. As positive cases began to drop in the fall, with the village averaging about 50 cases a month, there was optimism for a steady recovery in the village, but cases began increasing at the end of November, with more than 400 new cases in the village reported by the county DOH. Kennedy urged residents to follow Covid-19 guidelines to combat further spread in the village. “We need to continue wearing our masks and practicing social distancing,” Kennedy said. “I really hope it doesn’t come to another shutdown. That would be devastating to our businesses.” The village has since April given out 12,000 free masks to residents and visitors. Residents can pick up masks at Village Hall or the Freeport Recreation Center. In the Freeport School District, Superi n t e n d e n t D r. K i s h o re Ku n ch a m expressed worry about the recent spike in Covid-19 cases. While the positivity rate in the district is significantly lower than that in the community, there were 99 confirmed cases in the district as of Dec. 14, according to the state DOH. Kuncham said he was meeting with

district officials to develop a plan for the district ahead of the winter break amid the uncertainty caused by the rapid increase in cases. “We don’t know what the situation will be like over the break and when we return to classes on Jan. 4,” Kuncham said. “We’ve handled a shutdown before, and we have our remoteinstruction system in place, should it happen again.” State officials warned that while the virus had primarily spread in New York by people gathering outdoors in large groups over the spring and summer, the virus is now being spread mostly through small indoor gatherings. Cuomo called it “living room spread,” which was responsible 74 percent of recent positive cases in the state, according to contact tracing data. Cuomo urged residents to cut back on these gatherings during the holidays to avoid a shutdown. “If we don’t, we know what closes down a region. It’s called a ‘red zone,’” the governor said, referring to the microcluster label that the state will designate for a community with rapidly rising case numbers, enabling it order a partial or full shutdown. “That’s the situation we’re trying to avoid.”

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

MAIN PHONE: (516) 569-4000 ■ WEB SITE: freeport.liherald.com ■ E-MAIl: Letters and other submissions: freeporteditor@liherald.com ■ EDITORIAl DEPARTMENT: Ext. 206 E-mail: freeporteditor@liherald.com Fax: (516) 569-4942 ■ SUBSCRIPTIONS: Press ”7” E-mail: circ@liherald.com Fax: (516) 569-4942 ■ ClASSIFIED ADVERTISING: Ext. 286 E-mail: ereynolds@liherald.com Fax: (516) 622-7460 ■ DISPlAY ADVERTISING: Ext. 249 E-mail: sales@liherald.com Fax: (516) 569-4643 Freeport Herald, USPS 307320 is published weekly, every Thursday, by Richner Communications, Inc., 2 Endo Blvd. Garden City, NY 11530. Periodicals Postage is paid at Garden City, NY and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Freeport Herald, 2 Endo Blvd. Garden City, NY 11530. Subscriptions by qualified request in zip code 11520, $50 for 1 year within Nassau County or $60 for 1 year out of Nassau County. © 2020 Richner Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.

Arrests

Identity theft

■ A wanted woman was arrested for criminal mischief on Dec. 8, on North Main Street. The Freeport License Plate Reader system altered officers of a vehicle entering town registered to a person wanted by Nassau County. Freeport officers found the car parked on North Main Street with the suspect in the driver’s seat.

■ A Freeport resident, of East Dean Street, reported a case of identity theft on Dec. 8. The resident said he had received a letter in the mail from T-Mobile about a phone bill, but he told police that he did not have an account with T-Mobile and that an unknown suspect may have used his personal information to open the account. The resident notified the cellular company and closed the account.

■ A male, 34, was arrested on Dec. 9, on East Sunrise Highway, for robbery. The suspect was seen stealing merchandise from a business on East Sunrise Highway by security, who stopped the man and advised him to pay. Police report that the suspect punched the security guard, cutting his lip. The suspect tried to run off with the merchandise but was restrained until police arrived to arrest him. ■ A male, 22, was arrested on Dec. 13, on South Main Street, for DWI. Officers responded to an auto accident on South Main Street, where the suspect had reportedly jumped the curb and struck a utility pole, traffic control pole and stopped on a lawn. The driver had left the scene, but he returned later to claim responsibility. Multiple empty beer cans were found inside the car. Officers noticed the strong smell of alcohol on the driver when interviewing him.

Forced entry Freeport officers responded to an automatic alarm about the smell of gas coming from inside an apartment on Broadway on Dec. 9. First responders attempted to locate the resident or key holder, but when they could not find them in time, the Freeport Fire Department had to pry the door open to get inside and stop the gas leaking from the stove. The gas was shut off, and the property manager was notified.

Larceny ■ Freeport officers responded to a case of larceny on Broadway on Dec. 10. A female victim told officers that an unknown person had stolen the catalytic converter from under her gray Honda. The value to replace the stolen part was about $200.

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.

1-800-244-TIPS Nassau County Crime Stoppers

The public is asked to call Crime Stoppers if they have any information about any crimes.


Hempstead Town’s IT’S FREE! Winter Movie Festival

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FREEPORT HERALD LEADER — December 17, 2020

Drive-in Theater COME T0

Fri

HEMPSTEAD TOWN’S WINTER MOVIE FESTIVAL

Sat

Sun

TOWN PARK POINT LOOKOUT

FREE WINTER DRIVE-IN MOVIES All movies will be shown at Town Park Point Lookout, 1300 Lido Blvd., Point Lookout

Almost Christmas Friday, December 18 5 p.m.

Donald X. Clavin, Jr. Supervisor

Frank Zangla Commissioner, Parks & Recreation

Saturday, December 19 5 p.m.

Frozen 2

Sunday, December 20 2 p.m. Council Members Dorothy L. Goosby Bruce A. Blakeman Anthony D’Esposito Dennis Dunne, Sr. Thomas E. Muscarella Christopher Carini

Kate Murray Town Clerk

Jeanine C. Driscoll Receiver of Taxes

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The Town of Hempstead is teaming up with Toys for Tots this holiday season. We are asking residents who attend one of these drive-in movies to bring an unwrapped gift to donate to Toys for Tots to help underprivileged children.

The Grinch


December 17, 2020 — FREEPORT HERALD LEADER

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What’s neWs in and out of the classroom

Herald ScHoolS

Students submit thankful art

Courtesy Freeport Public Schoos

new Visions student Jazlyn Acevedo Baez submitted a drawing of her family to the Thanksgiving Day Creative Celebration.

Freeport students at the New Visions School and Caroline G. Atkinson Intermediate School took part in State Sen. John Brooks’s Thanksgiving Day Creative Celebration. The celebration called for students to submit artwork about what they were thankful for this year. At New Visions, students Jazlyn Acevedo Baez and Kailey Lalloo submitted pictures of their families under the guidance of their art teacher, Nancy Williams. At Atkinson, fifth-grade students submitted a variety of essays and poems that focused on their families, teachers, school and pets.

Giblyn holds spirit week The Leo F. Giblyn Elementary School held their annual spirit week from Nov. 16-20. Each day featured a different theme, including Team Tuesday, Whacky Wednesday and Farmer Friday as students showcased their school spirit by wearing T-shirts and face masks that matched each theme.

Like in previous years, Giblyn students and staff also held a food drive, where they collected more than 3,000 food items this year for Freeport Outreach.

the leo F. Giblyn Elementary School held their annual spirit week from Nov. 16-20. Courtesy Freeport Public Schoos

Astronaut speaks with students NASA astronaut Scott Tingle returned to Freeport on Nov. 23 through a virtual meeting with students to talk about his work aboard the International Space Station. Tingle, a U.S. Navy veteran, had spoken with student back in 2018 while he was still in space, now back home, Tingle discussed the logistics have working in space and how students can become astronauts, too. “In order to be an astronaut you need a strong educational background…and to never give up,” Tingle said. He also complimented the school on their work in the national CubeSat program, where students are working to build their own nano-satelite to send to space.

Courtesy Freeport Public Schoos

AstronAut scott tingle spoke virtually with Freeport students as he spoke about his experiences in space and how to get there.


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December 17, 2020 — FREEPORT HERALD LEADER

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Bringing local sports home every week

Herald sports Nassau H.S. football approves 6 games By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com

Nassau County high school football, slated to begin practice March 1 of 2021, announced it will play six regular-season games, down from the standard eight, and also eliminate scrimmages and one round of playoffs. In addition, no Long Island championships will be played against Suffolk County, which will conduct only five regularseason games. “We’re preparing for the season as if it’s going to happen and will have some things to address such as transportation and spectators as we get closer to March,” said Nassau football coordinator Matt McLees, who noted the decision to pass on the LICs was made with all 50 programs in mind. “We like the model we’re using,” he added. “It was most important to play six meaningful regular-season games above all else. With the power rankings we use, at least six games are necessary.” Playing six games, as opposed to five, also gives each team three home games and three road games, instead of an unbalanced schedule, McLees explained. “The football committee deserves a lot of credit for the effort they put in,” he said. “In the end, all the decisions will benefit hundreds and hundreds of kids.” The season is scheduled to kick off Saturday, March 13, though McLees said some games could be played on the 12th if teams wanted to give up a day of practice. Freeport (Conference I), Garden City (II), Plainedge (III) and Seaford (IV) are the defending county champions. Freeport, which has captured back-to-back Long Island Class I titles, is the only one of the four not seeded No. 1 after losing some key contributors who transferred out of state to play this fall. Oceanside is the top seed in Conference I and will open on the road against Farmingdale. “I think the six games is good,” Oceanside head coach Rob Blount said. “It appeals to the majority of schools, rather than catering to the top of each conference with more playoff games. I hope we can get the season in. A small percentage of kids will continue to play in college, but most will play their last games. It’s something they will cherish for the rest of their lives.” Garden City, which has won four straight county crowns, opens at Carey. MacArthur, the 2019 runners-up in Conference II, is seeded second and will take on South Side in the opener. Other local matchups in Week 1 include Calhoun at Mepham, Valley Stream Central at Long Beach, and Kennedy at Elmont. “It’s always fun lining up against one of the other teams in our district,” Mepham head coach Anthony Cracco said. “We didn’t have the opportunity to play either of the Bellmore-Merrick teams last year so our seniors are really looking forward to it.”

Anthony Hughes/Herald

MEphaM aNd CarEY will renew their Nassau Conference II football rivalry on April 10. Plainedge, which nipped Freeport in the 2019 Rutgers Cup voting, kicks off at Lynbrook. Seaford opens at North Shore. The regular season is scheduled to conclude Saturday, April 17. The number of playoff teams in each of Nassau’s four conferences has been cut in half, from eight to four. The semifinals are scheduled for April 24, followed by the county championship games May 1-2.

eight teams switched conferences Of the eight programs taking on new conference rivals for the upcoming season, half were part of Conference III a year ago. Runner-up South Side jumps to Conference II, while perennial powers Wantagh and Lawrence, along with North

Shore, bounced to Conference IV. New to Conference III are Manhasset and Valley Stream South. East Meadow and Herricks are back in familiar stomping grounds in Conference I after competing in Conference II in 2019.

Jv remains on saturday mornings The majority of Nassau’s junior varsity football games in 2018 kicked off Monday afternoons, but last year the action returned to traditional Saturday mornings at the opposite location of that day’s varsity game. It’ll remain that way in 2021. Should any freshmen, sophomores or juniors not step on the JV field on a particular Saturday morning, they would be eligible to play in the varsity game.

10 games to watch ■

March 13: Garden City at Carey

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March 13: Plainedge at Lynbrook

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March 13: MacArthur at South Side

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March 20: Lawrence at Seaford

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March 27: Freeport at Oceanside

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March 27: Elmont at V.S. Central

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March 27: West Hemp. at Clarke

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April 10: Mepham at Carey

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April 10: Freeport at Baldwin

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April 17: Wantagh at Seaford


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FREEPORT HERALD LEADER — December 17, 2020

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obituaries

Gloria Pantina December 17, 2020 — FREEPORT HERALD LEADER

Gloria A. Pantina, of Freeport, died on Dec. 8. She was the beloved wife of the late Donald, loving mother of Valerie (Michael) Labiak, Lisa, and Donald Jr. and cherished grandmother of Megan, Conor, Christie, Callen, Cameron, Ryan, Cole and the late Michael. Visitation and funeral services were held at the Hungerford & Clark Inc. Funeral Home. Interment Holy Rood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the American Lung Association, at lung.org, would be appreciated.

Doris Leistner

THAT’S A WRAP! Season 1 of Herald Inside LI

In August, Herald Community Newspapers launched a weekly webinar series called Herald Inside LI. Each episode of Herald Inside LI welcomed community leaders to discuss a range of topics and analyzed how industries and roles have changed during the pandemic. As we close out the year, we’d like to extend a THANK YOU to our sponsors, panelists and listeners.

HERE’S WHAT WE BROUGHT YOU THIS YEAR: AUGUST 12: K-12 Education: Back to School AUGUST 21: Higher Education: Back to School SEPTEMBER 3: LI Housing Market, Buy or Sell? SEPTEMBER 9: Lockwood College Prep Virtual Event SEPTEMBER 17: K-12 Education Update SEPTEMBER 23: A Fall Without Sports OCTOBER 8: Home Buying 101 OCTOBER 14: Health + Wealth Virtual Event OCTOBER 15: Pink Power: Breast Cancer Awareness OCTOBER 21: Next Steps in Nassau: An Update from Elected Officials OCTOBER 29: Economic Development NOVEMBER 10: Coping for Kids: Mental Health Awareness NOVEMBER 12: Not-for-Profit Summit NOVEMBER 19: Applying to College DECEMBER 3: Power of 5G Part I DECEMBER 10: Power of 5G Part II

Doris Kurtz Leistner, 98, of Brookly, died on Dec. 9. Doris was born in Borough Park, NY, to Russian immigrants Sadie Selfer and Leybish "Louis" Kurtz. Doris was the youngest of her four siblings: Beatrice, Mildred, and Milton. Doris was a graduate of James Madison High School. In 1942, Doris met her future husband, Sol Leistner, while playing miniature golf with a friend in Manhattan Beach. Sol gave her a ride home and that chapter became a book, including the time when Doris became very ill during a date and had emergency surgery to remove her kidney. Sol was undeterred and on Feb. 17, 1943, the couple married in her parent's living room. The wedding took place on a Thursday morning before everyone went to work, and on the next Monday her new husband was drafted into the U.S. Army. After his service in the Army, Doris and Sol made their home in Sheepshead Bay and her husband ran the family business, Koenig Ironworks. In 1952, they moved with their two sons, Ken and Barry, to Lido Beach, where her husband owned, built and operated Malibu Beach Club, which Doris named, until 1969. Doris was the belle of the ball at Malibu where she greeted the guests and the entertainment, including Pearl Bailey, Milton Berle, Red Buttons, Louis Armstrong and his Orchestra, Alan King, Xavier Cugat, Harry Belafonte, Buddy Hackett and many others. After a year in Malibu, the family moved to Long Beach and then to Woodmere. Widowed at 57, Doris traveled the world from Russia to Ireland with her

girlfriends and family. She enjoyed Broadway shows, dining out and current events but, she never remarried. In 2002, Doris moved to the Hewlett Towne House for many years and she enjoyed playing canasta and had many friendships. She was always ready with a smile and witty remark. As she began her 90s, Doris moved to the Bristal at N. Woodmere, where she celebrated many birthdays in style, including her 98th. Her colorful holiday outfits, love of ice cream, red lipstick, a string of pearls and enthusiasm for song and dance kept her young at heart. She was lovingly attended by her aides, Divina Esporlas, Innocencia Jacobson, Melbene Lupoy and Ann Marie Singh. Family and friends were everything to Doris, and she loved her sons and their spouses, grandchildren, nephews and niece and was loved in return. Her sense of humor and love of life made her appear decades younger, even at 98. Doris was preceeded by her loving husband Sol, son Ken, sisters Beatrice and Mildred and brother Milton. She was survived by son Barry, his wife Dawn (Boudreaux), Ken's wife, Kathy (Tuite); grandchildren Sol and Bariann (Smith) and husband Eric Smith, nephews Gary Elman and wife Harriet, Leon Elman and wife Arlene and RIchard Kurtz, nieces Ronnie Gibstein and Joan Rosen and husband Marty. A graveside service was held on Dec. 11. at Pinelawn Memorial Park, in Farmingdale. In lieu of flowers contributions to Cure Alzheimer's Fund, at curealz.org/giving/donate/ or Lakeview Youth Federation, P.O. Box 525, West Hempstead, N.Y. 11552, would be appreciated.

Tyrone Williams Tyrone Williams, of Freeport, died on Dec. 10. He was a retired firefighter of the FDNY Engine Co. 308, in Richmond Hill. He was the beloved husband of Audrean, loving father of Tyren and Tiffani and dear brother of Robert. Visitations will be held on Dec. 18, between 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Hungerford & Clark Inc. Funeral Home. Cremation services will be private.

Missed an episode or want to re-watch? Subscribe to our YouTube channel to see all past episodes at LIHerald.com/Recordings. The first episode of Season 2 airs Thursday, January 7* at 10am to discuss the spike in prospective college students opting to stay local, rather than leave the area for their higher education. To sign up, go to LIHerald.com/StayingLocal.

*subject to late-breaking news

To sponsor a webinar or for more information RICHNER contact Amy Amato at aamato@richnerlive.com or 516.569.4000 x 224 PRODUCED BY

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Email us at insideli@liherald.com

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Do you have an idea for a webinar?


Completing last of three major Freeport projects has repaired nearly 100 roads in the last eight years. The county DPW also performed $600,000 of vital emergency repairs and filled about 90,000 potholes. The county has budgeted $35 million for next year’s resurfacing, and officials said they hope to restore another 150 miles of road. Curran said among the major roads to be included in the 2021 resurfacing project are Grand Avenue, in Baldwin; Austin Boulevard, in Island Park; and the intersection of Ocean Avenue and Merrick Road, in Lynbrook. “I’m proud to share that despite the fiscal restraints of the pandemic, we surpassed our goal for 2020 and are moving full speed ahead in 2021, embarking on our third year in a row of unprecedented road repairs,” Curran said. To view all the roads that the county has repaved since 2018, and see which are to be included in 2021, visit nassaucountyny.gov/roadwork. The 2021 schedule is still being updated. To view which municipality is responsible for maintaining a certain road, you can visit nassaucountyny.gov/myroads. To report repairs or potholes to the county, contact the Nassau DPW’s Highway Maintenance Unit at (516) 571-6900. To reach the Freeport DPW, call (516) 377-2289.

thE Nassau CouNty Department of Public Works repaved a section of Merrick Road on Dec. 10.

Courtesy Village of Freeport

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Courtesy Nassau County Executive’s Office

Nassau CouNty ExECutivE Laura Curran, center, and County Legislator Debra Mulé recapped the county’s 2020 road projects, which concluded with the repair of Merrick Road, in Freeport.

Scott Britton, Executive Editor

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Some of the major road repaving projects this year included two sections of Merrick Road, in Freeport and Merrick; three sections of Old Country Road; three sections of the Long Island Expressway; and Peninsula Boulevard, in Lynbrook. The projects were completed with $33 million from the county’s capital plan. Freeport Mayor Robert Kennedy said that along with Merrick Road, the county’s road-resurfacing projects have also brought much-needed repairs to North Main Street and Seaman Avenue over the last two and a half years. “Those roads had long been neglected by the county and were in major need of maintenance,” Kennedy said. “Those roads are the three major thoroughfares in Freeport, so it’s great to see them fixed.” Along with repaving the roads, the county installed curb extensions at street intersections. The bulb-outs, as they are called, improve traffic flow and provide drivers with better sight lines when turning, making intersections safer for drivers and pedestrians. Sidewalks in these intersections were also updated to include better wheelchair accessibility. Kennedy added that the village provided additional lighting and other fixtures on these roads. The Freeport DPW has also worked to repair eight roads this year. The village

FREEPORT HERALD LEADER — December 17, 2020

CoNtiNuEd from froNt pagE

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Northwell hosts 2nd Gun Violence Prevention Forum

December 17, 2020 — FREEPORT HERALD LEADER

By Scott Brinton sbrinton@liherald.com

Former U.S. Rep. Gabrielle “Gabby” Giffords stood outside the Safeway supermarket northwest of Tuscon, Ariz., on Jan. 8, 2011, chatting with constituents about Medicare reimbursements, when a 22-year-old gunman opened fire, killing six and injuring 11, including Giffords, who was the target of the attack. A bullet sliced through the left side of Giffords’s head, and she was placed in a medically induced coma to ease swelling on her brain. When she awoke, she could not speak. She needed two months of speech therapy to mouth the words, “Twinkle, twinkle, little star,” according to USA Today. Nearly 10 years later, her speech is still labored. “Words once came easily, but today I struggle,” she told the audience at Northwell Health’s second Gun Violence Prevention Forum last Thursday, broadcast over the internet. Some 1,200 people from throughout the country registered for the event, which was intended, in part, to reframe the debate over gun control from a battle over the Second Amendment right to bear arms to one of public safety. The two-hour event featured a long line of speakers from the government, the medical community and private industry, including former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, long an outspoken proponent of gun control, and U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy, a Democrat of Connecticut. Nearly 40,000 Americans die of gun

Former U.S. rep. Gabrielle Giffords, who was nearly killed in a 2011 shooting, was among the featured speakers during Northwell Health’s two-hour virtual Gun Violence Prevention Forum last Thursday. Joining her was U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, a Republican of Pennsylvania. violence annually — more than a hundred a day — two-thirds by suicide, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Michael Dowling, president and CEO of Northwell Health, said Americans must recognize that the country is — and has been for a long time — in the middle of a “pandemic of gun violence.” At Northwell’s first Gun Violence Prevention Forum, held last December in Manhattan, the health system pledged $1 million to fund gun violence research and prevention, and Dowling called on other major health systems across the country to join in the effort and provide funding as well.

Last December, Northwell established the Center for Gun Violence Prevention, headed by Dr. Chethan Sathya, a pediatric surgeon and associate trauma medical director at Cohen Children’s Medical Center on the Queens-Nassau border. “We have to get behind the root causes” of gun violence, Sathya said at the Dec. 10 forum. To that end, Northwell is undertaking a major research study at three of its hospitals, asking patients questions about the firearms they might have in their homes to help determine their risk of injury by gun. The study is funded by a $1.4 million grant from the National Institutes of Health.

“Progress has been made, but there is so much more to do,” Dowling said, emphasizing that the intent is not to deny anyone the Second Amendment right to a firearm, but rather to determine what concrete measures can be taken to reduce gun violence nationally, including which ones must be enacted through federal legislation. High on the priority list, according to a number of forum speakers, is enacting a federal law to require a universal background check for anyone who purchases a firearm, without loopholes. Among the speakers supporting a universal background check was U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, a Republican from Langhorne, Pa., who appeared with Giffords. On gun safety, Fitzpatrick, a former FBI special agent, said Democrats and Republicans “can come together on areas that we agree,” including background checks, estimating that 70 to 80 percent of Americans support them. Other speakers, however, spoke of political paralysis in Congress, where special interest groups like the National Rifle Association, which opposes universal background checks, hold sway. That is why, Giffords said, Americans must remain politically engaged and apply pressure to lawmakers to act. After she was shot, she said, “I found one word, and I found another.” People can make their voices heard, she said, at the ballot box. “We can let this continue,” Giffords said, “or we can act. We can vote. We can be on the right side of history. Vote, vote, vote.”

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Hofstra selects first female president bstieglitz@liherald.com

After a yearlong search with 270 candidates, the Hofstra University Board of Trustees has unanimously selected Susan Poser as its ninth president — making her the first woman to fill the role. Stuart Rabinowitz, who has been the university’s president for the past 20 years, announced his retirement at the end of last January. In search for his successor, the university formed a committee of 13 members, including representatives from the Board of Trustees, university faculty and Student Government Association. “In Dr. Poser, we have found a higher education leader of exceptional experience, a collaborative and visionary person, and a scholar of great depth and intellect,” said Board Chair Donald Schaeffer, who made the announcement on Dec. 9. Poser, who will begin her tenure on Aug. 1, recently spoke to the Herald about her experience in education, goals in her first year as president and plans for a postpandemic Hofstra. “I was really amazed by what’s going on at Hofstra,” Poser said. “It’s also incredibly well-managed financially and in a really great place coming out of the pandemic.” Poser lauded the advancements Hofstra made during Stuart Rabinowitz tenure, including the university’s partnership with Northwell Health to create the Zucker School of Medicine and Hofstra Northwell School of Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies. Analogous in Poser’s leadership was UIC’s acquisition of the John Marshall Law School, which established the first and only public law school in Chicago. What also stands out to Poser about Hofstra is its commitment to liberal arts and the humanities. “Students need to be encouraged to pursue a liberal

Courtesy Hofstra University

SuSAN PoSER wILL be Hofstra University’s ninth — and first female — president. arts education and also need to know that they could get a job with it,” she said, adding that Hofstra provides this to students through internship opportunities, five-year

graduate programs and experiential learning. Before her role at UIC, Poser was the dean of the University of Nebraska College of Law from 2010 to 2016 and the associate to the university’s chancellor for three years before that. Poser grew up in Manhattan and majored in classics at Swarthmore College, graduating with honors. She earned her law degree and doctorate from the University of California, Berkeley. Before starting her academic career, Poser clerked for the Honorable Dolores Sloviter, the chief judge of the U.S. Court Appeals for the Third Circuit in Philadelphia. She also served as the Zicklin Fellow in Ethics at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. “I have had the privilege to work with the Hofstra University community . . . for many years and know that under her leadership, Hofstra University will flourish for years to come,” Rabinowitz said. Asked about her immediate goals as president, Poser said, “I know it’s cliché, but the first thing I want to do is meet a whole lot of people and listen to them and get a real feel for what everyone thinks of the university, how things are going there and how things should go moving forward,” she said. One of Poser’s main priorities as an educator is to embrace diversity and foster “a culture of inclusion,” she said. This is evident in the actions she has taken during her tenure at UIC, where no race or ethnicity makes up 50 percent of the student population. “I think we’ve learned that we’re very adaptable and resilient,” Poser said when asked what teachers and students could take away from the pandemic. Educators were forced to learn how to teach online and, Poser said, could benefit by incorporating these new teaching methods and virtual programs into their courses after the pandemic.

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FREEPORT HERALD LEADER — December 17, 2020

By BRIAN STIEGLITZ

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December 17, 2020 — FREEPORT HERALD LEADER

After the SweAring-in, Police Benevolent Association President James McDermott, right, at lectern, offered words of advice for the recruits.

Photos by Scott Brinton/Herald

NCPD swears in one of its largest cadet classes By Scott Brinton sbrinton@liherald.com

Nassau County officials swore in 185 cadets at the Police Academy in Massapequa Park last Friday morning — one of the largest classes to enter the county’s tough, seven-month officer training program ever. It was a socially distant affair, with 49 of the masked cadets seated on aluminum folding chairs in the auditorium of the former Hawthorn Elementary School, which Nassau leases from the Massapequa School District. The remaining recruits were separated in groups of 15 or 16 and spread out among surrounding classrooms to watch the ceremony via livestream. The county police force now stands at 2,259, without the new recruits. The cadets will study both in the classroom and through a series of intense simulations at various venues, which will imitate policing on the streets, including car chases, said one of the trainers, Chris Boccio, who grew up in Lynbrook. He stood by fellow trainer Joe Monez, of Mineola, in a hall as cadets sat in their classrooms nearby after the swearing-in. The two noted that the NCPD requires a significantly more rigorous training program than New York state mandates — Nassau puts cadets through 1,050 to 1,200 hours of training, compared to the minimum 639 hours that the state requires for basic police training. County Executive Laura Curran greeted the cadets during the ceremony. “Welcome to our Nassau County family,” she said. “We will have your back,” adding, “Your success is our success.” The age of the Hawthorn building was apparent in the auditorium where Curran spoke, with its dim lighting, worn linoleum floor and exposed heating duct above, wrapped in silver insulation. A $54 million, 89,000-square-foot academy is now under construction on the campus of Nassau Community College in Garden City and is expected to be complete in May. The current class will be the last to train at the Massapequa Park facility and the first to graduate at the new Garden City center, said Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder, who grew up in Lynbrook

and now lives in Wantagh. He also noted it is the first to enter the academy amid a pandemic, and will be the first to graduate under new state policing reforms enacted after the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis on May 25, which stress the need for community policing that requires officers to understand and engage with people at the local level. At the same time, the reforms made the use of a chokehold a felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison if an officer injures or kills a person, and opened police misconduct records to the public, among other measures. It’s also expected that the cadets will wear body cameras when they patrol the streets after graduation, Ryder said. The county and Police Benevolent Association recently came to terms on the requirement. Officers are to be paid a $3,000 annual cash stipend to wear the cameras. The union membership, county Legislature and county fiscal control board must still sign off on the agreement. Ryder, now in his 38th year in policing, said he “embraced the culture here” during his time at the academy in 1986, after having spent four years in the New York

cAdet MichAel ShAnnon was among the 185 recruits who were sworn in to the NCPD’s academy on Friday. Police recruit chelSeA Penn was joined at the swearing-in by her brother, Derrick Penn, an officer with the NCPD’s 8th Precinct.

Police Department. The NCPD’s culture, he said, is one “of community service.” Cadet Chelsea Penn, 26, who was not permitted by academy rules to give her hometown, said, “I’m a little nervous but super-excited” about starting police training. She had been at the academy since

early that morning and had gone for a run before the swearing-in. She stood beside her brother, Derrick Penn, 28, an officer in the 8th Precinct in Bethpage, who has been with the department four years. “She’s a perfect asset to this department,” Derrick said, smiling.


Courtesy Northwell Health

Covid-19 vaccine is on its way to Nassau By Caitlin O’Brien and SCOtt BrintOn sbrinton@liherald.com

Nassau County hospital officials and elected leaders are moving fast to prepare for distribution of the first doses of the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine after federal emergencyuse authorization for it was approved last Friday. New York is slated to receive 170,000 doses in the first batch. The first dose in New York state — and perhaps the nation — was given at Northwell Health’s Long Island Jewish Medical Center in New Hyde Park, on the NassauQueens border, on Monday morning. It went to a 52-year-old critical-care nurse, Sandra Lindsay, of Port Washington. The pharmaceutical companies Pfizer, Moderna and AstraZeneca have each developed vaccines that are more than 90 percent effective in preventing Covid-19 infections. Experts say that a vaccine or vaccines might be widely available to the public by April or May. In the meantime, the first doses will go to essential workers, in particular hospital employees, long-term care facility workers and emergency medical technicians, as well as nursing home residents, as per State Health Department protocols. Dr. Dave Neubert, the Town of Hempstead’s emergency medical director and an attending emergecy physician at NYU Winthrop Hospital in Mineola, said the town would be using Facebook Live town halls to promote the coronavirus vaccine to residents so they would be ready and willing to take it when it becomes available. Neubert said the sessions would help explain how the vaccine is administered and assure people that they will not become ill when they take it. None of the vaccines use the live virus, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The vaccines, Neubert explained, give “your body the blueprint for making the antibodies without you having to be exposed to the infection itself.” Mercy Medical Center, in Rockville Centre, is expecting the vaccine to become available quickly for workers there. Dr. Jason Golbin, senior vice president and chief quality officer for Catholic Health Services, said, “Catholic Health employees will be

selected to receive the vaccine based on risk of exposure to Covid-19. Top priority will be given to employees and physicians in our ICUs, emergency departments and dedicated Covid units, home care and hospice, as well as long-term care facility workers who regularly interact with residents.” In a Truth in Medicine poll conducted by Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital in Oceanside in October, more than half of respondents said they would not take the vaccine or were unsure if they would, said Dr. Aaron Glatt, chairman of MSSN’s Department of Medicine and chief of infectious diseases. Recent national polls have indicated that the number willing to take it may be climbing, and is now closer to 60 percent. The vaccine, Glatt said, “is something that will be very important in stemming the terrible spread of this epidemic, and hopefully lead to the end of this epidemic.” David Nemiroff, president and CEO of Long Island Federally Qualified Health Centers, said there were already many people who were skeptical about vaccines before the pandemic, so it may be difficult to persuade everyone that this one is safe, but he believes public support will grow. Nemiroff said that his group of family health centers, with locations in Elmont, Freeport, Hempstead, Oceanside, Roosevelt and Westbury, has asked community leaders, including legislators and church pastors, to encourage people to get the vaccine. “There is a light at the end of the tunnel,” he said, “and people should feel pretty optimistic about that.” The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines must be stored at temperatures well below freezing, while the AstraZeneca vaccine must be chilled. Northwell Health has obtained medical-grade freezers to hold the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, according to Dr. Bruce Hirsch, an infectious disease physician at the health care system. Meanwhile, a smaller organization, like LIFQHC, will potentially have to partner with a hospitall like Nassau University Medical Center, in East Meadow, for vaccine storage. Jill Nossa and Mike Smollins contributed to this story.

TOH to let residents transfer burial rights to Covid victims By MeliSSa KOenig mkoenig@liherald.com

When Deborah Salant heard that victims of the coronavirus pandemic were being stored in refrigerated trucks in New York City, she knew she wanted to donate her family’s two burial plots at Greenfield Cemetery to those who could not afford to bury their loved ones during this pandemic. She was not going to use the plots, which can fit four graves, she said, as she has no children of her own, and she plans to be buried with her grandparents and parents at the Nassau Knolls Cemetery in Port Washington. “I’m sitting on this cemetery plot I’m not going to use,” said Salant, a 66-yearold Franklin Square resident, and she thought donating it to a family who lost a loved one to the coronavirus would ease the family’s trauma because they would not have to worry about what could happen to their relative’s body. But when she spoke to a representative from Greenfield about transferring the burial rights to a family in need, Salant was surprised to learn that she would need to spend more than $12,000 on the site her great-grandfather purchased more than a century ago, and would not be able to transfer her rights to the property to a non-relative, under the Town of Hempstead code. Feeling dejected, she then wrote to

town officials who own and operate the Uniondale facility, asking them to change the law during the pandemic, and was ready to plead her case at the Dec. 8 board meeting when town officials announced that they had already unanimously passed a resolution to allow people to transfer their rights to families of Covid victims and suspend all costs associated with the transfer. Her family’s debts on the property were also expunged. “I was just speechless that they accepted this,” Salant said. “Walking out, I feel like I was shaking.” “She broke down in tears,” Town Supervisor Donald X. Clavin recounted at a news conference about the new policy on Dec. 10, “but we gave her the applause she deserves.” The town is on track to double the number of funerals it held last year, he said, with state records showing that there have been more than 2,200 Covidrelated deaths in Nassau County since the pandemic began, and Clavin told Salant that her idea “is potentially going to help hundreds of people in this pandemic” by providing them with funerals at a townowned cemetery that are half the cost of funerals at private cemeteries. “You might say you’ll have an everlasting memory,” Clavin told Salant, adding that the town is “here to help people” and “here to do what’s right.”

Town of Hempstead/Facebook

at a newS conference with elected officials on Dec. 10, Deborah Salant spoke about how she donated two cemetery plots to families of Covid victims.

Public Notices

LFRE1 1217

LEGAL NOTICE A Notice is hereby given that a license, number 1324064 has been applied for by the undersigned to sell beer, wine, liquor and cider in a restaurant under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 442 N. Main Street, Freeport, NY 11520, in the County of Nassau, for on premises consumption. TRES DIAMANTES LTD. 124136

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

LEGAL NOTICE REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS INDEPENDENT AUDITING SERVICES For THE INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF FREEPORT NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK The Incorporated Village of Freeport is hereby requesting proposals from qualified firms of Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) to conduct the annual audit of the finances of the Village of Freeport. Specifications may be obtained at the Office of the Purchasing Agent, Municipal Building, 1st Floor, and 46 North Ocean Avenue, Freeport,

New York, 11520 or on the Village website, w w w. f r e e p o r t n y. g o v, from 9:00 a.m. on Monday, December 21, 2020 until 4:00 p.m. Friday, January 8, 2021. Completed proposals are to be delivered to Ms. Kim Weltner, Purchasing Agent, Incorporated Village of Freeport, 46 North Ocean Avenue, Freeport, New York 11520. All proposals must be received by 4:00 p.m. Friday, January 8, 2021. The Board reserves the right to reject any or all proposals received. In submitting a proposal, Vendors agree not to withdraw their proposal within forty-five (45) days

after the date required to submit. The Incorporated Village of Freeport is committed to a policy of equal opportunity and does not discriminate against vendors on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, race, color, creed, religion, ethnicity, national origin, disability, marital status, familial status, veteran status or any other basis protected under federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and ordinances. Kim Weltner Purchasing Agent Village of Freeport VILLAGE OF FREEPORT Issue Date - December 17, 2020 124155

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FREEPORT HERALD LEADER — December 17, 2020

nOrthwell health nurSe Sandra Lindsay, of Port Washington, became the first person in New York state to receive Pfizer’s Covid19 vaccine on Monday.


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Beach Terrace Care Center In Long Beach, New York Part-Time On All Shifts For Our Neuro-Behavior Unit. Must Have Experience In Hospitals Or Nursing Homes With Psych Units Or Related Field. Please Fax Resume To: 516-431-2105 Attn: Greg Pimentel Or Email GPimentel@beach-terrace.com CASHIER WANTED For Grocery Store West Hempstead. Experience Helpful. Email Resume: ianddglatt2@optonline.net Or Call 516-444-6010

CONSTRUCTION LABORERS

Lipsky Is Seeking Construction Laborers For The Mill River Construction Project Located In Oceanside, NY. Requirements as follows: Proof Of Section 3 Eligibility, OSHA 10 Card, Must Be Authorized To Work In The United States, Own Transportation. Please Send Your Resume And Qualifications To: Info@LipskyConstruction.com Subject:† Mill River Project Resume. Upon Approval Of Your Qualifications You Will Be Sent An Invitation To Interview For The Job Position.

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

HANDYMAN WANTED

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

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For Order Taking, Phones, Light Data, Commission, Entry, Will Train! $800.00 Per Week, Medical, Dental, 401K, 2 Weeks Vacation, Holiday Pay. Please Apply In Person MondayFriday Bet: 9AM and 7PM At CALLAHEAD CORP. 304 Cross Bay Blvd. Queens NY 11693 PLUMBING MECHANIC FT/PT WANTED: 10 Years Experience. Must Have To o l s A n d C l e a n D r i ve r ' s L i c e n s e. 516-431-1569

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FREEPORT HERALD LEADER — December 17, 2020

Homes

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

Lynbrook

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his large Hi-Rance features 5 bedrooms and 2 full baths. The main level includes 2 bedrooms and a full bath, EIK and private side entrance. The 2nd level of the home includes a large extended kitchen with skylight, formal dining room which is perfect for large family gatherings and a formal living room with hardwood floors and vaulted ceilings and tons of natural light. The large master bedroom has huge double closets and a private balcony. There are also 2 additional bedrooms plus a1 Full Bath. This could easily be a Mother/ Daughter with proper permits. Asking $595,000

IN BRIEF Douglas Elliman of Rockville Centre is proud to announce that Alexandra Porter has joined their growing team

Alexandra Porter, Licensed Real Estate Salesperson formally with Laffey Fine Homes in Manhasset, is thrilled to be selected as one of the newest agents to join the new office of Douglas Elliman in Rockville Centre. Under the leadership of fellow Sacred Heart Academy alumni, Donna O'Reilly Einemann, Alexandra will be working as a dedicated full-time agent targeting new buyers and home sellers in Rockville Centre and surrounding communities. Alexandra is local expert! She is a Rockville Centre resident, was born and raised in Garden City, and attended Adelphi University where she graduated with a BFA in Acting. She most recently was pursuing a career in the performing arts in Manhattan before utilizing the downtime she had during quarantine to pursue a Real Estate career. She became a licensed Realtor in August. She believes her unique experiences will give her the advantage she needs to stand out as an agent. She plans on applying the skills she's learned and nurturing the relationships she's built over the last decade to excel as a real estate professional. Alexandra loves taking on challenging work so that the client does not have to. She wants to be a superstar in the eyes of those who know her and that means working harder than anyone else. We are thrilled to have Alexandra's passion, humor, work-ethic, and commitment on our Team. You can reach Alexandra at 516.238.3455 or at alexandra.porter@elliman.com.

Mathias Coni Real Estate Sales Person Cell: 516-587-3283 Offie: 516-223-2525 Century 21 American Homes 2911 Long Beach Rd. Oceanside, NY

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Open Houses

Open Houses

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

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

Gus Allotti realtor ® 43 N. Park Ave

1099323

NYS Licensed Real Estate Salespersons

BestLiHomes.com • 516-418-3333

Call me for a free professional consultation.

Sherlock Sherlock Homes Homes

Melinda Beauchamp

Rockville Centre, NY 11570

Licensed Real Estate Salesperson

516-790-6633 516-764-2601

lirealtorgus@gmail.com www.Century21SherlockHomes.com Each office is independently owned and operated.

Mobile: 516.721.7805

mbeauchamp@coachrealtors.com mbeauchamp.coachrealtors.com 1113386

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

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

REAL ESTATE

Now is the time to buy or sell a home.

Where Dreams Come Home

HEWLETT BAY PARK

NEW TO MARKET!! 10,000 Sq Ft Waterfront Property on an Acre of Parklike Grounds. 5 BR, 5.5 Bth Contemporary. IG Pool ................................. $4,650,000 70 Heron Dr, BA, 6 BR, Contemporary with Open Layout on an Acre of Parklike Property. Move Right in! SD#14 .......................................... $1,699,000 159 Meadowview Ave, BA, Stately 5200 Sq Ft Colonial Featuring 6 BR, 6.55 Bths on Acre Of Resortlike Prop with IG Pool, Tennis Ct, & Outdoor Kit. Fin Bsmt, 2 Car Gar, Fabulous Location in SD#14............................................................................. REDUCED!! $2,699,000

REAL ESTATE

1113385

HOME OF THE WEEK

314 Sunrise Highway Rockville Centre NY 11570

Melinda & Thor


HERALD

Homes

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

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

HERALD

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

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

516.431.0799

aboveallgutters.com

We look forward to providing home buyers and sellers with the highest level of personalized service and support.

1112911

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

947101

1106049 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

www.AllStarRealEstateBrokers.com

1109112

We’re Keeping the American Dream Alive. 2949 Long Beach Road, Suite 8 • Oceanside, NY, 11572 Phone 516.766.8200

“Going Above & Beyond to find your Dream Home”

Rhonda Healy

Mention this ad and get

Apartments Wanted

EAST ROCKAWAY WATERVIEW! 3Bds, 2Bths, EIK, FDR, LR, Den, FBasement, Garage,,Large Yard. Zone X-no flood insurance. Too Much To List! 516-241-6075 MLS: 3271059/ Coldwell Banker

Mature - Single

FREEPORT 3 BDS, 2 Bath, Bright DR, LR, Finished Basement, Enclosed Yard, Detached Garage.. Credit Check, First /Last Months Rent $3100 Utilities Included 646-515-5131

HIRING?

Place Your Ad in the Herald Help Wanted Classifieds. Call 516-569-4000, press 5 to speak to an Account Executive.

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

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

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

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

Call the USA Classified Network today!

1-800-231-6152

on labor only

• Permits & Legalizations • Certified NYS Backflows • Licensed Master Plumber • Insured • FREE Estimates

OffiCe: 516-766-4583 Call/TeXT: 516-840-9432 A Fresh CoAt For A Fresh stArt!

1092109

House For Sale

Houses For Rent

10% Off

CAll JD PAINtING & reMoDelING CorP

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

516-297-1885

1110755

OneKey Multiple Listing Service

jairorzc58@gmail.com licensed and insured

FUTURE WINDOWS & SIDING 718-224-7079 917-945-7079 SPECIAL!

$189

Installed

FLAT ROOFS SHINGLE ROOFS

1109243

Verdeschi & Walsh Realty 1025 W. Beech St. | Long Beach, NY

HEWLETT BAY PARK NEW TO MARKET! 10,000 Sq Fet. Waterfront Property on an Acre Of Parklike Grounds. IGP, 5 bds, 5.5 Baths Comtemp., $4.650,000 Ronnie Gerber 516 -238-4299 Douglas Elliman

Dave marlOWe Plumbing, inC. DBA BOB PHILLIPS PLUMBING

Real Estate Salesperson, abR, SRS E: Rhonda.Healy.VW@gmail.com

Q. We’ve had construction on our home going for what seems like forever. We got stopped by the pandemic in April (after starting right before, in March), and didn’t really get going again until July. A building inspector told us the insulation didn’t pass, and there was no “fire stopping.” The contractor said he followed the plans. We looked at the plans and the permit, and it doesn’t say anything about fire stopping. First, why didn’t the insulation pass, and second, what is fire stopping? We’re about to throw in the towel. Help! A. You don’t need a towel to throw in or even clean up the mess; you just need to know that not all insulation is the same. Either the insulation was the wrong type or thickness, or it may have been installed incorrectly. In the past decade, the federal Department of Energy has issued more stringent guidelines on what thermal ratings must be onte eeper installed for floors, walls and roofs. Your state, following the DOE, sets codes based on regional requirements to save energy. If you look at the plans, there should be information about what R value was designed and approved. R stands for resistance, and is printed on each bale of fiberglass. If the insulation installed was a lower number or was jammed into a narrower cavity, that may be a reason to fail. Another common failure is using open-cell foam insulation when closed-cell, which has a higher resistance, and cost, was specified in the drawings. Another common error is when air gaps allow cold air to creep right through. I often see where fiberglass insulation is forced into the gaps around windows, and when fiberglass batting is compressed, it loses insulation value because the thermal resistance is in the air pockets, not the material. Due to the formulas and calculations we professionals have to provide “online” for each job, this is taken seriously, so if the installer ignored the required insulation, the inspector could not pass noncompliant work. I respect your inspector for trying to protect your interests. Fire stopping is an important safety factor in protecting occupants. All pipe and duct penetrations, by law, have to be sealed completely to prevent flames from drawing into cavities, seeking oxygen and rapidly consuming the building and trapping people inside. Anyone who builds must build legally, whether there’s a note on the plans or not. Although building officials like to see more and more informational notes to cover everyone in case of liability, site enforcement by inspectors is important. Your builder has an equal responsibility to follow all the laws. As a professional witness, I remember hearing a judge once state, “Ignorance of the law is no excuse.” Trying to say that “it wasn’t in the plans,” doesn’t relieve a party to the construction of responsibility for building to the letter of the law. So check for gaps, insulation type and markings to verify you’ve got the right stuff. Stay warm!

M

Over 100 Years Of familY Plumbing Oil to Gas • Toilets • Faucets • Repairs & Replacements Waste Piping • Water Piping

M: (516) 236-7269

We failed on insulation and fire stopping

Ask The Architect

*If your property is currently listed with another brokerage, please disregard. It is not our intention to solicit the listings of other brokerages.

1110798

December 17, 2020 — FREEPORT HERALD LEADER

18

$999 VINYL SIDING Up to 1000 sq ft

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.


19

Market Place • •

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

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

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

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

UNWAN

conSuMer reportS:

1107248

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

CARS, TRUCKS AND UNWANTED UNWANTED CARS UNWANTED CARS VANS. CRASHED OR CAR

the Best for Less!

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FREE ESTIMATES

ALFREDO’S CONSTRUCTION

Se Habla Espanol

in

Call For Fall Specials

senior Citizen Discounts

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Free estimates

516-889-3200

631-255-8335

Expert Watch Repair

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

SEAmLESS GuTTERS & LEADERS

HEATING OIL

WeNK

• Installed • Repaired • Cleaned • Vinyl Siding • Roofing • Trim • Over 30 Years Exp. • Lics./Ins.

HOME • COMMERCIAL

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

PIPING & HEATING CORP.

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Residential and Commercial - All Phases

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

CALL FOR MORE INFO No service in Long Beach

1081114

CALL NOW FOR LOWEST PRICE

OFF

ALL CLEAR DRAIN & SEWER SERVICE

(516)409-9696 • (631)422-9696 Sinks • Tubs • Toilets • Sewer Lines

516-678-6641– Licensed & Insured 1066253

CLUTTER

1078401

Chimney King, Ent. Inc.

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

Fully licensed and insured Nassau • Suffolk • NYC

WWW.LIHERALD.COM

CRAZY? driving you

Sell your merchandise in no time! Email your Ad to the Herald and PrimeTime Classified Department at

sales@liherald.com to run a FREE "Finds Under $100"

1113433

wenkpipingandheating.com

1112267

Fully licensed and insured Nassau • Suffolk • NYC

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BRIAN CONNELLY

1112267

• Oil to Gas Conversions • Hot Water Heaters • Boilers All Plumbing & Heating Work For House Lifts • Licensed and Insured!

1108705

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Father & Son Owned

Free estImates...call anthony romeo

631-255-8335 CALL

Chimney King, Ent. Inc.

Call The WeNKS!

Exp. 12/31/20

BLACKTOP

BeSt priceS in town

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

Licensed & insured

If Your Plumbing STINKS

the

1109793

Specializing

at

1103000

RYAN 516-695-4527 917-697-3647

1110703

Kitchens • Bathrooms • Painting Roofing • Sheetrocking • Plumbing Electrical • Concrete • Powerwashing Carpentry • Basements • Baby-Proofing Ikea Furn. Assembly • Computer Repairs

RUNNING CARS •NO TITLE • NO KEYS • NO PROBLEM PROMPT PROMPT SERVICE, CALL SERVICE, CALL PROMPT SERVICE 631-255-8335 FOR ALL YOUR FOR ALL YOUR JUNK FOR ALL YOUR JUNK CARS, TRUCKS AND CARS, TRUCKS AND JUNK CARS, VANS. CRASHED CARS, TRUCKS ANDOR VANS. CRASHED ORCARS TRUCKS, AND VANS. RUNNING VANS. CRASHED OR •NO TITLEOR • NO KEYS RUNNING CARS CRASHED RUNNING CARS • NO PROBLEM •NO TITLE • NO KEYS RUNNING CARS PROMPT SERVICE, CALL •NO TITLE • NO KEYS •• NO PROBLEM • NO KEYS • NO NO TITLE PROBLEM 631-255-8335 PROMPT SERVICE, CALL • NO PROBLEM

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lucy MenSAh

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

Sunday, August 02,Too 2020Small!" 11:06:29 AM "No Job Get

1.99 Per Gallon

$

1112012

AlkAline WAter Sold

Is Bottled Water Safer?

OWA_Purge_BW_Bold

FREEPORT HERALD LEADER — December 17, 2020

HERALD


December 17, 2020 — FREEPORT HERALD LEADER

20

HERALD

Stuff

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

Finds Under $100

Adoption

CAMERA BUNDLE: KODAK Easyshare V550 Digital w/Memory Cards, Batteries, C h a r g e r s , C a r d R e a d e r, m o r e . $80 516-794-4712

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

CROCK POT HAMILTON Beach 6qt. Both brand new. $15. 516-297-2420

MERCHANDISE MART

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

Antiques/Collectibles

DESK- SOLID WOOD (not veneers) 6 large draws. Excellent condition. 46"wide 27"ht $50 516 314-6535

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

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

FINDS UNDER $100

DISHES, IKEA BRAND New in box. Service of 6, Blue $35. 516-225-9191 DOLL HOUSE BEAUTIFUL, handmade, wood, 8 rooms plus bathroom, two story, all furnishings! $99 516-314-6536 DOLL HOUSE MINIATURES & ACCESSORIES. Accessories $2-$10. Furniture $10-$50. Call Joy Evenings, 917-743-7695 Leave Message GIRLS CLOTHES: SIZE 5, New with Tags. Jeans, hoodies, long-sleeve Tshirts Call/text 917-420-5814. $8

Finds Under $100

JEWELRY: BRACELETS, EARRINGS. Silver And Costume. $10-$30. Great For Gifts!! Call Joy Evenings, 917-743-7695 Leave Message

2 MIRRORS: 24X36 - color 1) gray 1) silve r, p e r fe c t c o n d i t i o n , $ 1 5 . e a c h 516-297-2420

LAPTOP CQ60- 215DX: Win-10 64X, 4gb Mem, 250gb HD w/case; $90 516-794-4712

B E N C H , B E AU T I F U L LY U P H O L STERED Solid wood. $85 516-225-9191

ORIGINAL TIFFANY ASHTRAY with certificate 4 1/2 " triangle shape, paid $100.00 asking $25.00 516-579-9089

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

PEA COATS: GAP Kids, Wool Boys, Medium, Navy Blue. Girls, Large, Red.. Each $25 516-825-0069

• To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5 • To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5 Finds Under $100

Home Improvement

AUTOMOBILE & MARINE

Autos Wanted

SHARK ROTATOR PROFESSIONAL corded liftaway Vacuum with accessories (3). $95 516-427-9021

BRIAN CONNELLY SEAMLESS GUTTERS

Autos For Sale

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

TV LG 32": Model 32LJ500B, Like New, Seldom Used. $60.00 516-221-5374 WIRELESS 5-IN-1 FAST charging station, multiple phone dock stand, charging pad, 4USB ports. $25 516-825-0069

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

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

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

Helping you find a HOME or sell a HOME … a place to call your own.

Your Hometown Newspaper

To Place an Ad Call: 516-569-4000

HErald

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

*MICHAEL LO BAIDO CONSTRUCTION*

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

Miscellaneous

Suburb or country, house, condo, townhouse or apartment, our Classifieds can help you find a HOME that fits your style, your budget and Real Estate needs... it’s a MUST SEE!

Call us today!

Cleaned, Repaired & Replaced Also Specializing in Roofing & Siding No job too big or small Lic. #H2709920000. Ins. Free Est. 516-234-4388 or 516-623-8447

•

Press 5

Crossword Puzzle

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

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

Tree Services 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

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

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

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

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

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

Autos Wanted ***AAA*** AUTO BUYERS $Highe$t Ca$h Paid$ All Years/Conditions! WE VISIT YOU! Or Donate, Tax Deduct + Ca$h. DMV ID#1303199 Call LUKE 516-VAN-CARS 516-297-2277 CARS, TRUCKS, SUVS & VANS WANTED. I Buying All Years, Running or Not! NO TITLE, NO KEYS NO PROBLEM! Same Day Service!! CALL CASH CARS GUYS 631-417-5040 Call us last,We will Match or Beat any Legit Quote!

Junk Cars Wanted

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

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

Call us at 516-766-0000

To Place Your Ad in the Herald Classifieds. Call 516-569-4000, press 5 to speak to an Account Executive.

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 REAL ESTATE & MORE... Herald Classifieds ... JOBS, MERCHANDISE, To Advertise 516-569-4000 REALCall ESTATE & MORE... press 5 JOBS, MERCHANDISE, REAL ESTATE & MORE... JOBS, MERCHANDISE, REAL ESTATE & MORE... JOBS, MERCHANDISE, REAL ESTATE & MORE... JOBS, MERCHANDISE, REAL ESTATE &’sMORE... Answers to todAy puzzle JOBS, MERCHANDISE, REAL ESTATE & MORE... JOBS, MERCHANDISE, REAL ESTATE & MORE...


21

opiNioNs

N

ew York state is facing a $9 billion budget deficit due to the coronavirus pandemic, with severe cutbacks and tax hikes likely on the way. Although there should be some relief coming at the federal level once President-elect Joe Biden takes office, New York definitely needs to develop some new revenue streams, and fast. Nearly two years ago, I argued in a Herald op-ed that the state should legalize the recreational use of marijuana, and that Nassau County leaders Nick and residents BuglioNe shouldn’t be so quick to shoot the notion down, as they so frequently do. I also wrote that it was about time the state legalized sports gambling, an activity that so many people take part in illegally already. Not surprisingly, two years have passed and little has changed. The recreational use of marijuana is still illegal. And while the New York State

i

Gaming Commission made sports gambling legal about six months after my first op-ed ran — you’re welcome — bets can only be placed at a handful of upstate casinos. Nobody is getting off their couch on a football Sunday to drive to the Catskills so they can bet that the Jets are going to lose again. Now, more than ever, we need to legalize marijuana and online sports gambling. Obviously, we desperately need the tax revenue. But more important, both are now legal in nearby New Jersey. Two years ago I pointed out that a friend of mine who lives in Jersey City was taking my bets all football season long. He still does. I send him cash through Venmo and text him my bets. He keeps a ledger, and at the end of the season we settle up. But two years ago, recreational marijuana use was illegal in New Jersey. Not anymore. In an Election Day referendum, New Jersey residents voted overwhelmingly to legalize pot. Now, before I propose this scenario,

T

I would like to make clear that I don’t smoke marijuana. But if I wanted to, what would stop me from calling my friend and asking him to pick up some weed for me at his local dispensary? Maybe we could meet at Penn Station, have a bite to eat, catch up on our lives and make a quick transaction. And couldn’t any enterprising person who has a friend in New Jersey place an even larger marijuana order, pick it up and sell it on the streets of Nassau County at a markup? To be clear again, I’m not suggesting that anybody do this. I’m merely pointing out the obvious: Now that marijuana is legal in New Jersey, it is tantamount to being legal here. The stuff is going to pour in over the border anyway, so why don’t we join the party, so to speak? The same thing goes for online sports gambling. If people want to do it, they’re going to do it, regardless of what the law says. So let’s legalize it and cash in. I’m not alone in my thinking. I was heartened to hear Gov. Andrew Cuomo

he stuff is going to pour in over the border anyway, so why don’t we join the party, so to speak?

recently say he thought marijuana would be legalized soon. Meanwhile, State Sen. Joseph Addabbo, a Queens Democrat, likes his odds of getting State Senate Bill 17d passed, which would legalize online sports betting. Although neither measure would pull New York state completely out of its fiscal crisis, it’s safe to say that both would generate billions of dollars in revenue. Oh, but I can almost see the Nassau County curmudgeons seething as they read this. I sure felt their wrath two years ago, when I first weighed in. One Herald reader wrote in and all but called me a drug addict. I even got an email from Nassau County Executive Laura Curran, who wrote that, while she enjoyed reading my columns (I’m kind of a big deal), she respectfully disagreed with my opinion. Look, write your letters. Call me names. Say whatever you want to say. It isn’t going to change the fact that the recreational use of marijuana and online sports gambling are here to stay. So let’s legalize them. New York sure could use the cash. Nick Buglione is a teacher, freelance journalist and former editor of the East Meadow Herald.

Lost and found in the pandemic

think somewhere around the end of October, my husband and I ran out of things to say. Sitting across the dinner table from each other over plates of Costco soup and a homemade Greek salad with wimpy lettuce, our eyes met and … that was it. Our eyes met. At breakfast we had already covered news about the grandkids and news from the news. We have a rule about no TV during meals, so we ate in companRaNdi ionable silence, kReiss which felt both OK and a little sad. When you’re out and about, seeing friends, going to an office, getting your hair cut or your car serviced or planning a weekend away or going to weddings and funerals, there is an ongoing narrative to your days. Normal life is grist for the conversation mill. But these days we’re not cutting our hair or mingling or going shopping. We walk our dog, but don’t stop to chat with the neighborhood dog friends out for a stroll. Conversation requires material, and our material is growing

thin: “Did you speak to the kids?” “Do you want pepperoni or mushrooms?” “Did you sign the health care proxy?” We have lost more, too. Underpinning our lives is the sense that things will work out OK. We have believed in ourselves, that we can work through problems and survive life’s challenges and even tragedies. But the pandemic has eroded some of that confidence in ourselves and in the future. We wobble a bit from time to time. After 52 years of marriage, after decades of living in one community and creating friendships that form the fabric of our lives, that fabric is fraying, as friends are lost. At our age, we expect that people will get sick and some will die, but during a pandemic there is no satisfying way to grieve as a community of friends. Three dearest friends died since we began isolating ourselves, and we didn’t get to see them within weeks or months of their passing. We said what we could in messages and emails and photos, but one hug would have obviated the need for words. My grandkids, ages 10 to 17, are spinning in their own galaxies of online school and virtual reality and friend

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bubbles and much too much downtime and isolation. No one can give them back this year, and while they have learned patience and resilience, I wouldn’t suggest global pandemics to teach character building. I miss them. I find I work hard to catch their attention with nottoo-annoying texts and offers with homework and pitches for group activities and games. They’re a tough sell, and nothing virtual compares to seeing them face to face. It is important, I think, to be honest with ourselves and authentic with our kids and grandkids, not just cheerleaders for pandemic silver linings. I will say, however, that much has been found during this time. Reference the same patience and resilience, which all of us have had to summon. “New York tough” resonates these days. I am more disciplined about getting out and exercising, between clouds and raindrops, whenever I find a patch of blue. Just about every day, I move, somehow and somewhere, just to change the scenery and push away unwelcome thoughts. I keep close with friends nearby and far away, giving more time to more

e’ve lost time with family and dear friends, but found the time to try new things.

expansive emails and the sharing of photos and memories. It helps. All these threads weave the fabric tighter. I have started crafting books. What an incredibly satisfying thing it is to begin by folding papers and adding photographs and snippets of poetry and passages from old letters and collaging together something meaningful in an original book. It absorbs my free time, of which I have a lot. I appreciate the luxury of time to do art. What I also place in the “found” column is the challenge of baking complex desserts, like the cranberry lemon bars I made from a New York Times recipe. Every part, from the fresh cranberry puree to the lemon curd to the crust, had to be prepared separately and then composed. Now I have 24 bars in the freezer. Since I eat them only occasionally, they should last me until we get the vaccine. If you’re reading this, and since I am writing it, we are still here, and still riding this crazy wave. As a new year approaches, even as we grieve for what has been lost, it feels exhilarating to watch the first people getting vaccinated, offering us all the promise of a healthy 2021. Copyright 2020 Randi Kreiss. Randi can be reached at randik3@aol.com.

FREEPORT HERALD LEADER — December 17, 2020

N.J. just legalized pot. N.Y. needs money. Well, then, why not?


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Herald editorial

Freeport

HERALD December 17, 2020 — FREEPORT HERALD LEADER

Leader

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It’s time for America to come to its senses over guns

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istening to Gabrielle “Gabby” Giffords speak, you’re quickly overcome by the urge to cry. The former congresswoman was once known for her incisive rhetoric, delivered with a magnetic smile. Then, at age 40, she was shot one sunny January day in 2011 outside Tucson, Ariz., while chatting with constituents in front of a Safeway supermarket. The 22-year-old gunman, angered by Giffords’s political views, had targeted her. Six died in the attack, and 10 others besides Giffords were injured. Giffords may have survived, but her speech did not. Her words once flowed easily, but now she measures each one, rehearsing phrases to string them together in coherent sentences before speaking in public. It is a miracle that she is able to utter a word. The bullet that struck her pierced the left side of her brain, leaving her unable to talk for two months. Through speech therapy, she regained the ability to speak, but only in short, labored bursts. That challenge was obvious during Northwell Health’s second Gun Violence Prevention Forum, a two-hour meeting of gun safety experts, medical practitioners, policy makers and elected leaders from around the country on Dec. 10. Giffords spoke alongside U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, a Pennsylvania Republican who supports a federal universal background check for firearm purchases, and whom Giffords, a Democrat, has endorsed for Congress. We applaud Northwell Health — in particular Michael Dowling, its presi-

dent and CEO — for taking a leading role in fostering dialogue about gun safety, while also funding gun violence research: Northwell put up $1 million last December to study America’s “pandemic of gun violence,” as Dowling calls it. We also applaud Giffords, who, despite the physical pain and mental anguish she endures, has been an outspoken proponent of common-sense gun laws that are intended not to take away anyone’s right to bear arms, but rather to enact safeguards — like background checks — to ensure that guns do not end up in the hands of criminals or those suffering from mental illness. No doubt, we need to understand the root causes of our nation’s crisis of gun violence, which kills an average of 110 people a day — two-thirds by suicide. With a $1.4 million grant from the National Institutes of Health, Northwell is conducting a major research study at three of its hospitals, asking emergency room patients about the presence of guns in their homes to assess their risk of injury or death by a firearm. Our nation desperately needs studies like this one. From 1996 to 2019, Congress, tied up in knots by the powerful gun lobby, refused to fund firearms research. Only recently, thanks to the monumental efforts of gun safety activists like Giffords, is Congress starting to parcel out research funds. In its 2020 budget, it earmarked $25 million for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health to study gun violence. Over the past two and a half decades,

letters How did we almost re-elect Donald Trump? To the Editor: Thanks to Randi Kreiss for being brave enough to write about the man currently in the White House (“We’re on Trump time for seven more weeks,” Dec. 3-9). I doubt he will ever go to prison, although I agree that he should, with almost 300,000 people dead. What a shame that he was almost voted back into office had we not pulled out all the stops to educate and organize. Happy to hear that not everyone on this island is a Trump supporter! CAROLANN PEREz Freeport

LIRR should rethink its plans To the Editor: In our new Covid-19 world, Amtrak, Long Island Rail Road, Metro-North Rail Road and New Jersey Transit must re-evaluate anticipated future ridership growth projections. The

roughly a million people have died by gun in this country, with about 170 mass shootings. After the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., in 2012 — in which 26 died, including 20 6- and 7-year-olds — Giffords and her husband, former astronaut Mark Kelly, who was recently elected in Arizona to the U.S. Senate, founded a nonprofit, simply called Giffords, to raise funds for gun violence research, lobby government to enact sensible gun legislation and educate the public about firearms safety. Writing recently on Giffords.org’s blog, Kelly Drane noted that gun sales have surged during the coronavirus pandemic. We see this at any time of potential unrest in our nation — fear drives firearms sales to ever higher levels. In November, some 2 million gun sales were recorded — a 48 percent increase over the same month last year. More guns, Drane rightly noted, do not make us safer. Quite the opposite. We know that economic calamities such as the Great Recession of 2007 to 2010 increase the likelihood of suicide, according to the medical journal The Lancet. We also know that people who die by suicide are significantly more likely to use a gun than any other means. At the same time, according to Harvard University School of Public Health, more guns bring more homicides. Therefore, stemming our nation’s all-too-easy access to firearms should — and likely would — reduce gun violence. The best way to effect change, Giffords noted last Thursday, is to “vote, vote, vote.”


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opiNioNs

ews about an FDA approval for the coronavirus vaccine is monumental, but we must not allow it to lull us into a false sense of complacency. This war isn’t over — in fact, there are still a few battles ahead. We are not immune to the nationwide Covid19 surge, and in the past month we have seen positivity and hospitalization numbers that are the highest they’ve been since we reopened in May. Our data is beginning to show a more even distribution of disease activity among all age groups across the county. This Laura virus doesn’t disCurraN criminate, and its reach is once again widespread across all our communities. I know that this has been a long and tiring battle, but now is not the time to let our guards down. We can’t allow Covid fatigue to get the better of us when we’re so close to the finish line. We have reached a clear point of community

spread that calls for increased vigilance from all of us. I continue to ask all residents to stick with the common-sense measures we know will keep us, and our loved ones, safe: Wear a mask, stay six feet apart and avoid unsafe gatherings. These simple measures can prevent us from going backward. Furthermore, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert, has said that Covid-19 will continue to disrupt lives until an “overwhelming majority” of people get the vaccine. Polls show, however, that as many as half of Americans have reservations about the shots. In response, Nassau County is launching the “We Can Do It, Nassau” campaign, a public-awareness campaign promoting confidence in the U.S. vaccine effort, emphasizing unity and patriotism and the importance of the vaccines to ensure that schools return to normal and we continue on the path toward a strong economic recovery in the county. The campaign is a tribute to Rosie the Riveter, the cultural icon representing women

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who worked in factories and shipyards during World War II. During the war, defense workers on Long Island turned out hundreds of military planes a month for Grumman, in Bethpage, and Republic Aviation, in Farmingdale. The county’s campaign seeks to remind the public of the extraordinary challenges that Americans — including Long Islanders — have overcome in the past and inspire residents to likewise step up for their country today. As county executive, I’ve made keeping schools and businesses open one of my highest priorities. As we manage the increase in cases because of the holidays and cold weather, the county will do everything in its power to keep education and commerce operating, but we need your help. Robust testing is key, and I am committed to continuing to assist schools in meeting testing requirements so we can keep our kids in school safely and keep our business community open through the winter. At the moment, hospital capacity isn’t a pressing threat in Nassau County, but

’ve made keeping schools and businesses open one of my highest priorities.

Letters same applies to any new proposed system capacity-expansion projects. Clearly, more people are going to telecommute from home on a permanent basis. Add the increasing crime and the declining quality of life in New York City, making working in Manhattan less desirable. Many Manhattan-based corporations, including some in the Wall Street area, are considering relocating some employees to satellite offices in the surrounding suburbs. The ridership growth for LIRR when the $11.8 billion East Side Access to Grand Central Terminal opens in December 2022 will be thousands less than anticipated. That start date assumes there are no more delays in the most recent project-recovery schedule. Our new commuting world calls into question the value of investing $8 billion or more in Governor Cuomo’s proposed Penn Station South project, comprising four new platforms and eight new tracks. LARRY PENNER Great Neck Penner is a transportation advocate, historian and writer who previously worked for the Federal Transit Administration Region 2 New York Office.

Stay strong, New York To the Editor: The federal Food and Drug Administration authorized Pfizer’s Covid-19 vaccine last Friday, and New York received its initial allocation of 170,000 doses over the weekend. As part of the distribution, the state is setting up 90 cold-storage sites as regional distribution centers that are capable of storage at the required temperature. This vaccine distribution will be a massive

the trend is in the wrong direction. To save lives and prevent further restrictions on restaurants and other businesses, we must do everything we can to hold the line. At the peak of the pandemic, we had almost 2,600 patients hospitalized with Covid-19, and 505 of them were on ventilators. As of Monday, we had 419 people hospitalized, with 36 on ventilators. We expect those numbers to go up, and the county is ready to increase capacity for hospital and ICU units as needed. I’ve been in constant conversation with hospital executives to ensure preparedness for a potential surge cases as well as the upcoming pivot to vaccine storage and distribution. I know that the holiday season brings unique challenges, but if we follow the guidance of our trusted public health professionals, we can save lives and keep our businesses and schools open while we eagerly await the distribution of the vaccine, our light at the end of the tunnel. We have worked so hard to contain this virus — let’s not lose our progress now. Lauran Curran is the Nassau County executive.

Framework by Christina Daly

undertaking. At the same time, we will need to manage our hospital capacity and continue to stop the spread of the virus. The vaccine is the weapon that will win the war. We will get it produced, we will get it distributed and we will be successful. But it will take months for the entire vaccination process to be completed. Meanwhile, New Yorkers should continue to wear masks, social distance, and avoid small and large gatherings. On Dec. 10, I announced new metrics by which micro-cluster focus zones will be determined to help control Covid-19 spread and ensure hospital capacity. Red zone: A red zone will be implemented when a region, after the cancellation of elective procedures and a 50 percent increase in hospital capacity, is 21 days away from reaching 90 percent hospital capacity on the current seven-day growth rate. Orange zone: A geographic area will be designated an orange zone if it has a 4 percent positivity rate (seven-day average) over the previous 10 days, and it is located in a region that has reached 85 percent hospital capacity. Alternatively, a geographic area may also become an orange zone if the state Department of Health determines that the region’s rate of hospital admissions is unacceptably high and a zone designation is appropriate to control the rate of growth. Yellow zone: A geographic area will be designated a yellow zone if it has a 3 percent positivity rate (seven-day average) over the previous 10 days, is in the top 10 percent in the state in hospital admissions per capita over the previous week and is experiencing week-over-week growth in daily admissions. GOv. ANDREW CUOMO

Celebrating the holidays patriotically — Freeport

N. FREEPORT HERALD LEADER — December 17, 2020

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Let’s keep up the great work in Nassau County


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December 17, 2020 — FREEPORT HERALD LEADER

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