Long Beach Herald 01-21-2021

________________ LONG BEACH _______________

HERALD

When You’re Having an “Out of Money Experience”

CoMMUNItY UPDAtE Infections as of Jan. 20

DEADLINE APPROACH

2,606

Infections as of Jan. 13 2,421

ING

Also serving Point Lookout & East Atlantic Beach

MlK contest winners chosen

Winter sports resume

Page 04

Page 05

$1.00

JANUARY 21 - 27, 2021

THE LEADER IN PROP ERTY TAX REDUCT ION

18/21 itc FG Demi Condensed

Apply online at mptrg.com/heraldn ote or call 516.479.9171

Hablamos Español

Page xx

Maidenbaum Propert y Tax Reduction Gro up, LLC 483 Chestnut Street, Cedarhurst, NY 11516

Vol. 32 No. 4

Christina Daly/Herald

A CRoWD oF about 100 marched from Laurelton Boulevard to the Martin Luther King Center on Monday, honoring the memory of Dr. King.

MLK remembered in parade, speeches

By JAMEs BERNstEIN jbernstein@liherald.com

On Monday, Martin Luther King Day, 6-year-old Gianna Argueta, wearing a black parka and clutching a handful of flowers, stood outside the MLK Center on Riverside Boulevard with her father,

Sergio Argueta, listening to speeches praising the slain civil rights leader and urging that his work continue.

It was the second time that Gianna had been at an MLK rally with her father, who is a longtime community activist in Nassau County and the founder of a gang-prevention

agency.

“It’s important that all of us love each other,” Gianna said as she listened. She added that she had watched TV on Jan. 6, when rioters took over the U.S. Capitol. “It was very sad,” she said. “And it wasn’t cool.”

Gianna was one of about

100 people who turned out to celebrate the life of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who was assassinated at a Memphis motel on April 4, 1968.

This MLK Day was marked by memories of one of the most painful years in recent American history, including

the killing of Black people at the hands of police, a pandemic that has taken the lives of more than 400,000 people, a president who was impeached for the second time, high unemployment and the mob attack on the Capitol.

Participants marched from Continued on page 3

L.B. Police commissioner appointee hits roadblock

By JAMEs BERNstEIN jbernstein@liherald.com

Ron Walsh, a high-ranking, veteran Nassau County police officer, was to be sworn in last Friday as Long Beach’s new top cop after a farewell ceremony at Nassau police headquarters.

That did not happen, however. Instead, Walsh, 55, did not receive a permanent pension waiver from New York state to become the city’s new police commissioner. Instead, he received only a temporary waiver, allowing him to serve only until Feb. 28.

Walsh, who was chief of the NCPD’s support division, dis-

closed the problem at a Long Beach City Council work session on Jan. 14. “I found out t h a t m y w a ive r w a s n o t approved,” Walsh said.

In a statement earlier this week, Brian Wells, president of the Long Beach Police Benevolent Association, said the union was “disappointed the city has still not been able to appoint a permanent police commissioner. We continue to look forward to a permanent appointment and hope it will bring much needed continuity to this important position, lead to meaningful contract negotiations, as well as the resolution of several pending grievances.’’

I

found out my waiver was not approved.

RoN WAlsh

Commissioner appointee “Our hope,” the statement continued, “is that whatever temporary role Chief Walsh will hold during this protracted appointment process does not lead to violations of department rules and regulations, the city charter, and New York State civil service law.”

Walsh said earlier this week that contract ne gotiations

between the city and the PBA had resumed. “We’re moving forward,” Wells said.

The PBA has been working without a contract for 3½ years. A state arbitration panel recently ruled that PBA members should not receive any pay raises because the city lacks t h e m o n e y. T h e P BA h a s appealed the ruling.

Without the waiver, according to state law, Walsh can keep his NCPD pension, but can earn only between $30,000 and $35,000 while working for the city. His NCPD salary was in the six figures.

As Walsh explained, there were other candidates for the commissioner’s job who were Continued on page 3

open house weekend

January 21, 2021 — LONG BEACH HERALD

2

390 Hamilton avenue, Hewlett

Sunday, 1/24 | 12:30-2pm | $1,750,000 gil Shemtov 516.835.3333

Sat 1/23 11am-1pm & Sun 1/24 1-3pm | $998,999 Richard Baumel 516.395.4770

260 weSt BRoadway #3c, long BeacH

45 KiRKwood StReet, long BeacH

3 Boyd StReet, long BeacH

7 auguSt walK, long BeacH

89-24 155tH avenue, HowaRd BeacH

133 daviSon avenue, oceanSide

Saturday 1/23 | 12-2pm | $850,000 Joyce coletti 516.313.2700

Sunday 1/24 | 12-2pm | $739,000 Joyce coletti 516.313.2700

Saturday 1/23 | 12-2pm | $349,999 carmela urso 516.268.6000

Saturday 1/23 12-2pm $799,000 Joyce coletti 516.313.2700

Sunday 1/24 | 1-3pm | $549,000 Joyce coletti 516.313.2700

Sunday, 1/24 | 12-2pm | $649,995 michael nolan 917.697.1985

30a west Park avenue • long Beach 516.432.3400

1118046

180 alden Road, Hewlett necK

Hopes continue for center reopening

3

LONG BEACH HERALD — January 21, 2021

continued from front page Laurelton Boulevard to the MLK Center, listening to some of King’s most memorable speeches, including his “I Have a Dream” speech, delivered on Aug. 28, 1963, on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. At the MLK Center, its chairman, James Hodge, noted that the facility, which serves children and seniors, has been closed since the pandemic began in March, the longest closure since the building opened in 1967. Long Beach and MLK officials continue to discuss ways to reopen the center, which lacks a Covid-19 safety plan, city officials have said.

City officials said they have been in talks with MLK board Gianna members aimed at helping to reopen the center. arGueta Hodge said that emails were age 6 sent to all of the City Council members, inviting them to the event, but “none of them came.”

But council President John Bendo said that neither he nor other council members had received invitations. Bendo also said that the event violated the state’s Covid-19 safely rules, which limit gatherings, depending on the event and the venue.

Hodge, Bendo said, had changed the name of the event from a “march” to a “protest,” which is protected by free speech laws. Hodge “rebranded it to get around the law,” Bendo said.

Hodge insisted that email invitations were sent out, and provided a Herald reporter with copies of emails that he said showed that Bendo and City Manager Donna Gayden had been invited. He said the event had always been called a “protest,” and it did not violate Covid-19 restrictions.

“We love everybody,” Hodge said at the event. “We love this city, and we love the council, but they are not here.”

Referring to the riot at the Capitol and other events, Anissa Moore, a former City Council president and a professor at Nassau Community College, said,

i

t’s important that all of us love each other.

Christina Daly/Herald

Six-year-old Gianna arGueta joined the March to the MLK Center on a bright Monday morning.

“We must move forward, but the violence must stop before the healing can begin.” She also called for the reopening of the MLK Center.

State Sen. Todd Kaminsky, a Long Beach Democrat, noted that white supremacists had attempted to take over the Capitol, and that their actions should not be forgotten on MLK Day. “This is about fighting today and the next day” against such actions, Kaminsky said.

Hodge said that he and others fear that parts of Long Beach’s largely Black North Park section may be taken over by developers who want to build highpriced condominiums and push Black people out of

the area. City officials have said that no such plans exist.

Much of the day, however, was dedicated to what King would want to see in 2021. “If Dr. King were here, he would tell our children, ‘You are our future,’” Hodge said.

Then Kelis Walsh, 14, addressed the crowd outside the MLK Center. “Since I was little, I have been marching in Black Lives Matter parades,” she said. “I was 6 when I started. I want you to know that all lives matter.”

Later, Kelis said she wants to become a surgeon.

Walsh remains in post until further approval need a waiver.”

Gayden suggested that the city interviewed by City Manager Donna might have to re-evaluate its job qualiGayden. If any one of them did not need a waiver and was otherwise quali- fications. The description of the qualifications for the police commissioner’s fied, he or she would get the job. job may have been “too minS i n c e Wa l s h w a s n o t imal,” she said. sworn in to the post, it was “I want people to underunclear on Jan. 14 whether stand the waiver is the queshe could legally continue to tion, not the person” who car ry out the duties of was selected for the job, police commissioner. That Bendo said. “We’ll do what issue was not addressed at we have to do to fix this.” the council’s work session.

But it was unclear what A person familiar with city steps the city could take to operations said Walsh was ke e p Wa l s h i f h e we re in his office at Long Beach forced to work for such a police headquarters that low salary. ron Walsh day.

Walsh was chosen over City Council President Phil Ragona, a city police John Bendo questioned the officer for 34 years who had come out state rules. “It sounds odd,” he said. “If you’re qualified and you’re the right of retirement last spring to take over temporarily as commissioner. Ragona person . . .”

“You don’t get to choose the best can- retired again when it became apparent didate,” Walsh said. “The person must that Walsh would get the job. continued from front page

Christina Daly/Herald

ron WalSh, a Nassau County police official was expected to be sworn in as Long Beach’s new police commissioner, but the ceremony was postponed after he failed to get a pension waiver.

MLK Poster and Essay Contest Winners In celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s birthday, the City of Long Beach invited elementary, middle & high school students from the barrier island to participate in honoring the legacy of Dr. King by submitting a poster or essay. The students thoughtfully reflected on Dr. King’s dream, tying in the theme of “Unity, Service, and Collaboration during the Pandemic.” They city had an overwhelming response of expressive artwork and essays.

The essays winners are: High School: Lily Eustate, LBHS, Grade 11 Middle School: Niyat Issak, LBCRS, Grade 7 Elementary School: Bianca Leible,

West School, Grade 5 The Poster winners are: Middle School: Emancipation - Sydney Brandt, LBMS, Grade 7 Elementary School: We Will Make It Through! - Maximo Vitolo, Lindell School, Grade 4 Teamwork - Kaitlyn Dambrose, Lindell School, Grade 5 Let Freedom Ring - Erica Addey, West School Love Beats Hate - Blaise DeNicola, West, Grade 5 The city thanked to all the students and teachers that participated in the Martin Luther King Jr. Poster/Essay contest.

FiFth grader Blaise DeNicola’s Love Beats Hate poster. seventh grader sydney Brandt won for his Emancipation poster.

Photos courtesy City of Long Beach

FiFth grader Kaitlyn Dambrose’s Teamwork poster. ________________

long beach _______________

HERALD HOW TO REACH US

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

MAIN PHONE: (516) 569-4000 ■ WEB SITE: www.liherald.com/longbeach ■ E-MAIl: Letters and other submissions: lbeditor@liherald.com ■ EDITORIAl DEPARTMENT: Ext. 213 E-mail: lbeditor@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

nd! la Is g n o L , s o b b a h S d Goo Friday Jan 22 Candle lighting 4:42 Torah reading: Bo

Shabbos ends 5:52

Read about the Torah portion every week in The Jewish Star… along with professionally curated news and opinion from Israel, across America and around the world. No fake news.

TheJewishStar.com

■ DISPlAY ADVERTISING: Ext. 249 E-mail: sales@liherald.com Fax: (516) 569-4643 The long Beach Herald USPS 005231, is published every Thursday by Richner Communications, Inc., 2 Endo Blvd. Garden City, NY 11530. Periodicals postage paid at Garden City, NY 11530 and additional mailing offices. Postmaster send address changes to Long Beach Herald, 2 Endo Blvd. Garden City, NY 11530. Newsstand Price: $1 Subscription rates: $50 for 1 year within Nassau County.

Out of Nassau County: $60 for 1 year. Copyright © 2021 Richner Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.

LI’s BEST Jewish newspaper • KOSHER & FAT FREE

1118199

January 21, 2021 — LONG BEACH HERALD

4

By JAMES BErNSTEIN jbernstein@liherald.com

Courtesy Long Beach School District

ALLISON COhEN IS in her sixth season of varsity gymnastics.

Long Beach athletes return to action

By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com

Some Long Beach High School studentathletes are back in action.

Low- and moderate-risk winter sports got off the ground this month despite rising Covid-19 numbers. Bowling, gymnastics, track and field, fencing, swimming/ diving and air rifle began practice throughout New York State on Jan. 4.

High-risk winter sports such as basketball, wrestling, hockey and competitive cheerleading remain on hold and are subject to Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s approval or disapproval.

Long Beach is competing in each of the sports being offered this winter and planning to host some gymnastics and swim meets — without spectators — according to Athletic Director Arnie Epstein.

Gymnastics coach Jessica Baker is carrying 14 on the roster and said the schedule features a combination of virtual and in-person meets. “Practice is running very smooth,” she said. “The kids constantly sanitize their hands and feet and they’re using their own chalk buckets. They can take off their masks during routines but otherwise everyone has one on.”

Senior Allison Cohen is a sixth-year member of the gymnastics team who competes in all four events — bars, beam, floor exercise and vault. “Overall, things have been good,” she said. “The majority of last year’s team is back. We can’t give hi-fives or congratulate each other like we used to, but we’re trying to make the most of it.”

The Marines are expected to host Valley Stream on Feb. 3 and Garden City on Feb. 6.

Long Beach boys’ swimming coach John Skudin said he’ll miss the thundering noise of the crowd during meets. “Our parents are great and we get a lot of the student body cheering on their friends,” he said. “You can feel the energy and that’s something we’ll miss. This season we have

to feed off our own energy and do so spaced six feet apart.”

Nassau’s track and field schedules had to be revamped after the county was notified by St. Anthony’s High School in South Huntington it would be unable to host meets inside its fieldhouse. Instead, Section VIII, the governing body for Nassau high school athletics, moved to Plan B, which calls for outdoor meets at high schools. At the very least, the first few weeks will be strictly virtual.

“We’re coming off our best winter season,” said Long Beach girls’ track and field coach Megan Grahlfs, who has a roster of 25. “The kids are making the best of a tough situation. They’re happy to be participating and being with their friends.”

Long Beach is planning to hold one inperson meet, Jan. 30 against the Valley Stream schools. For virtual track meets, teams will perform at their home sites with one official present. Times for running events and measurements for distance events will be input into a countywide database. Masks will be required of all coaches and athletes at all times.

On hold indefinitely are basketball, wrestling, cheerleading and hockey, the four winter sports deemed “high risk.”

After bumping the potential start date three times, the New York State Public High School Athletic Association said it will not put another target date on those sports to begin. It will await further guidance from the Governor’s office. “At this time there is no definitive timeline for authorization of high-risk sports to resume competition,” NYSPHSAA Executive Director Robert Zayas tweeted Jan. 6.

Long Beach boys’ basketball head coach Scott Martin has been conducting a skills camp since December and following the Governor’s daily briefings closely. “Every day that goes by, it gets less and less likely we’ll have a season,” Martin said. “We just have to wait for state guidance and hope for the best.”

It is winter time here, but in warmer climates, including Israel, January 27 marks the early beginning of Spring, known to Jews as Tu Bishvat.

At the Chabad of the Beaches in Long Beach, the occasion this year will be celebrated, as many other holidays have been this past year, virtually.

At 8:30 pm on Jan. 27, Rabbi Eli Goodman of the Chabad of the Beaches, will host an evening of “Kabbalrabbi Eli ah Cocktails,” in which he will explain the meaning of the fruits singled out by the Torah in praise of Israel, including grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives and dates.

“This day marks the season in which the earliest-blooming trees in the Land of Israel emerge from their winter sleep and begin a new fruit-bearing cycle,” Goodman said.

According to Deuteronomy, “man is a tree of the field.”

The event is aimed at young profes-

sionals. Goodman said that for $25, they will receive a gift package of exotic fruits and ingredients to make three fruity cocktails.

Tu Bishvat is one of the lesser-known Jewish holidays. But Goodman said it is “politically correct” because “it connects man with nature,” and that it is becoming more popular.

Dani Feierman of Long Beach, 31, a mother of three, will be taking part in the ceremony.

“It’s a good opportunity to learn about the traditions with the children,” she said.

Those wishing to register Goodman should RSVP at chabadofthebeaches.com.

At Temple Emanu-El of Long Beach, Rabbi Jack Zanerhaft, said he will hold a Tu Bishvat “seder” before Jan. 27. A seder, he explained, is simply “an orderly way to acknowledge all of the fresh fruits and products” available once spring arrives.

Zanerhaft compared Tu Bishavt to Arbor Day in the United States.

And, he said, it is considered a new beginning. “It’s the Rosh Hashanah for trees,” Zanerhaft said.

PROTECT YOUR WORLD

• Get a Better Policy • Get a Better Price • Get a Better Company You Have options CAll todAY! For over 80 years we have been offering great service and prices.

Meyerson-Roth Insurance Business • Home • Auto • Flood • liFe

516-432-5800

www.yourcoverage.com

email : info@yourcoverage.com

30B West Park Avenue | Long Beach

5

LONG BEACH HERALD — January 21, 2021

Herald sports

L.B. synagogues prepare to celebrate early spring

1118134

Bringing local sports home every week

January 21, 2021 — LONG BEACH HERALD

6

events and activities

community update Ongoing Library Board Meeting The Long Beach Public Library Board of Trustees meets at the library, 111 W. Park Ave., on the third Monday of every month. For more information contact info@longbeachlibrary.org.

Long Beach Soup Kitchen The Long Beach Soup Kitchen, 140 West Pine Street, serves hot meals Monday through Saturday, starting at 11:45 a.m. Guests are served a nutritious, home-cooked meal, which includes soup, salad, fruit cup, hot entree, vegetables, dessert, bread and beverages. Take-home bags are also provided, which include a sandwich, fruit and a sweet.

Valentines for Veterans

dence in your next presentation, then don’t miss this dynamic 5-week Public Speaking 101 series with trailblazing public speaking coach, Kyle Savage.

The virtual event will take place from 2-3:15 p.m. on Zoom, visit the Long Beach Library’s website www.longbeachlibrary.org for more information.

Nassau County Legislator Denise Ford is sponsoring a Valentines for Veterans letter drive, where people can send letter of support to veterans before this Valentines Day. For more information, look at the flyer above.

Tuesday, Jan. 26 80’s Movie Night: Discussion of UHF Feeling a little nostalgia for the 80’s?

Join staff for a fun-filled chat about the 1989 cult classic movie, UHF (Rated PG13, 1hr 37min) starring Weird Al Yankovic which is available to watch on hoopla with your library card! Also available for free via Pluto TV. The virtual event will take place from 7-8 p.m. on Zoom, visit the Long Beach Library’s website www.longbeachlibrary.org for more information

Thursday, Jan. 21 Beginner’s Bridge Learn to play bridge in this fun virtual bridge class designed for players with little (or no) knowledge of the game. It is ideal if you want to understand the game basics or relearn bridge using more modern techniques. Instructor Anne Bass--who has been teaching bridge for six years and playing for many more--will show us basic bidding conventions, as well as guidance in playing sample hands. The virtual event will take place from 10-11:15 a.m. on Zoom, visit the Long Beach Library’s website www.longbeachlibrary.org for more information.

Movement for Flexibility & Balance Designed to help relax and relieve stress by focusing on the breath (pranayama), Stephanie Durso’s popular class will help improve flexibility, balance, and concentration.

The exercises are done in a standing position, but seated chair modifications are available. You’ll finish off with a short guided meditation leaving you feeling peaceful and inspired. Please wear comfortable clothing and have a chair available. 1-3 pound weights are optional for a more challenging workout. The virtual event will take place from 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

l l l l l

Board of Education Meeting The Board of Education meets on Tuesday, Jan. 26, at 7 p.m. for a regular meeting. Agendas will be posted online at www.lbeach.org.

Courtesy Denise Ford

on Zoom, visit the Long Beach Library’s website www.longbeachlibrary.org for more information.

Youth Advisory Board This is your chance to tell the board about programs and activities that you’d like to see at the library, and earn Community Service credit.Grades 4 and up. The virtual event will take place from 4-5 p.m. on Zoom, visit the Long Beach Library’s website www.longbeachlibrary.org for more information.

Friday, Jan. 22 Chair Yoga This popular virtual Chair Yoga class focuses on a full-body practice from head to toe and will help strengthen your nervous system and reduce stress

and stiffness. Using a combination of seated and standing positions, you’ll learn balance, breathing, and focus like never before. Beginners are welcome, and this class is open to all. The virtual event will take place from 9-10 a.m. on Zoom, visit the Long Beach Library’s website www.longbeachlibrary.org for more information.

Film Discussion: Rain Man Join Library staff for their Friday Film discussion. This week’s selection is the 1988 comedy-drama Rain Man (Rated R, 2hr 14min) which is available on hoopla with your library card! Also freely available on Youtube with an account. The virtual event will take place from 1-2 p.m. on Zoom, visit the Long Beach Library’s website www.longbeachlibrary.org for more information.

Saturday, Jan. 23 Yoga for Health & Peace This advanced beginner Hatha yoga class is designed to strengthen and lengthen your muscles and free your mind. Instructor Stephanie Durso will guide you into each pose and provide alignment cues for holding the pose and breathing deeply. The virtual event will take place from 10-11 a.m. on Zoom, visit the Long Beach Library’s website www.longbeachlibrary.org for more information.

Wednesday, Jan. 27 Current Issues in the News Join Rhoda Plotkin to chat about current issues in the news, and discuss some of the critical domestic and international issues facing America today. All are welcome to participate in the discourse, share opinions, and learn more about the current events shaping our history The virtual event will take place from 2-2:45 p.m. on Zoom, visit the Long Beach Library’s website www.logbeachlibrary.org for more information.

Monday, Jan. 25 Public Speaking 101 Whether you’re looking to brush up your interview skills or gain more confi-

Effective the week of Monday, Jan. 25, citywide residential recycling will revert back to Wednesdays only.

The MLK center sponsors a virtual financial workshop on Jan. 21 at 5:30 p.m.

Polar Bear splash happening now till Feb. 7 City Hall public access hours 9-11 a.m. and 2-4 p.m. Appointments recommended.

Zoning board meets on Jan. 28.

7

LONG BEACH HERALD — January 21, 2021

Our 275 Rockaway Turnpike Medical Practice is Moving!

Our clinicians located at 275 Rockaway Turnpike, Lawrence, NY 11559 are relocating to 105-38 Rockaway Beach Boulevard, Rockaway Beach, NY 11694 Our final day to see patients at 275 Rockaway Turnpike is February 16, 2021.

We will begin seeing patients at 105-38 Rockaway Beach Boulevard on February 22, 2021.

1118273

To schedule an appointment, call 718-318-3434.

January 21, 2021 — LONG BEACH HERALD

8

MSSN doctors offer Covid-19 vaccine updates

By Mike SMollinS msmollins@liherald.com

Though it could take many months for the Covid-19 vaccine to reach the majority of people, a number of physicians remain optimistic about the progress made so far.

“We hope we will have enough vaccine for everybody in the next few months — that’s months plural,” said Dr. Aaron Glatt, the Department of Medicine chairman and chief of infectious diseases at Mount Sinai South Nassau hospital in Oceanside. “Until then, people have to make sure they’re practicing how to stay safe and healthy.”

Wearing a mask, Glatt appeared alongside MSSN Chief Medical Officer Dr. Adhi Sharma in a MSSN triage tent for a Jan. 14 Facebook Live session, at which the doctors updated the public about the vaccine and the latest on the coronavirus, as well as fielded viewers’ questions. They stressed that those seeking a vaccine should not call the hospital or show up and wait in line, but should check the state Department of Health’s website to set up appointments and get the latest news.

The doctors urged patience for those who are eager to get a Covid-19 vaccine, but have been unable to so far, noting that New York state only gets 300,000 doses per week, and nearly 20 million people need to be inoculated. They added that those who get a certain vaccine for their first dose (either Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna) should receive the same type for their second, and they should be inoculated at the same facility each time.

Glatt cautioned that the vaccine takes 10 days to take effect, and that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advised people who cannot be vaccinated again in two weeks to get it as soon as they can, but should not restart the series if more than two weeks pass.

The doctors also urged people not to act as though they are immune to the virus because they have been vaccinated,

Peter Belfiore/Herald

Dr. ADhi ShArMA, left, Mount Sinai South Nassau’s chief medical officer, and Dr. Aaron Glatt, the hospital’s Department of Medicine chair and chief of infectious diseases, gave an update on the coronavirus pandemic and the Covid-19 vaccine during a Jan. 13 Facebook Live session. Above, the doctors at an event before the pandemic started. even though the two vaccines have been shown to be more than 90 percent effective in clinical trials. Glatt said the science is not there yet to determine whether someone can be vaccinated and still be a Covid-19 carrier, so people should continue to wear masks after they have been inoculated. Research will determine the vaccines’ efficacy in time.

As of Jan. 14, MSSN had more than 100 Covid-19 patients in the hospital and was offering rapid testing, vaccinating those who were qualified and treating non-Covid patients who were in separate units of the hospital.

“We are certainly seeing a second surge relative to the holiday period from Thanksgiving to Christmas to New Year’s,” Glatt said. “It looks like there were a lot of events and people were exposed.” He added that doctors believed

key points Dr. Aaron Glatt and Dr. Adhi Sharma offered the following answers to frequently asked questions about the Covid-19 vaccine: ■ Those who are looking to get a Covid-19 vaccination at Mount Sinai South Nassau hospital should not call or show up to the hospital; they should visit the state Department of Health’s website to see availability.

■ Those who receive a certain vaccine for their first dose (either Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna) should get the same type for their second, and they should be inoculated at the same facility each time.

■ The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that people

receive both doses within 14 days, but people who cannot should get their doses as soon as they can after the twoweek period. If two weeks pass, they should not restart the series by getting the first dose again.

■ There have been no issues found in pregnant women, those on blood thinners or anyone with allergies, though those with a history of allergic reactions to vaccines should exercise caution and inform the staff.

■ Tests are under way to see if the vaccine causes any issues for teenagers and children under 16.

■ Those who are vaccinated should wear masks and practice social distancing because they could still be carriers.

the number of cases would decline in the coming weeks as more people return to avoiding mass gatherings and continue to mask and social distance.

Sharma said many Covid-19 patients were in critical care, and he lauded the hospital staff for its hard work. “Whatever we can do to stem this tide, we’re doing it,” he said.

With many pregnant women hesitant to receive a vaccine, Glatt said it was more dangerous for them to risk getting

Covid-19 than to be inoculated, and there was no evidence of the vaccines being dangerous to pregnant women or causing infertility. He added that even though pregnant women were not included in the clinical trials to develop the vaccines, 12 people involved in them did become pregnant after and have shown no issues so far.

The doctors also noted that the vaccines could be taken with blood thinners, and those with allergies can, for the most part, receive either of the two vaccines; however, people with a history of allergic reactions to vaccines should exercise caution. Studies are also underway to determine the vaccines’ effect on children and teenagers under 16 years old, they said.

The vaccines have also been effective against the new strain of Covid-19, Glatt said, adding that even those who have had the virus should be vaccinated after waiting 90 days after recovering from the illness. Additionally, Glatt said, a person can get a Covid-19 vaccine and receive another inoculation, such as the shingles vaccine, but should separate the shots by two weeks.

Glatt said that while the slow distribution of the coronavirus vaccine is frustrating, people should be patient and work together to end the virus.

“We don’t control the flow of the vaccine,” he said. “It’s all federal and flows through the state, and each state has a different distribution plan. Everyone is working really hard. There’s no bad guy here. We’ve cleared out every dose of vaccine that we have. We’d love to have more, we’d love to give out more, but it’s coming.”

Representative Rice calls for Capitol metal detectors Following the recent deadly domestic terrorist attack on the U.S. Capitol, Rep. Kathleen Rice, a Democrat from Garden City, and Rep. Jared Huffman, a Democrat from California, sent a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and others, calling on congressional leaders to install magnetometers, or metal detectors, at the Capitol permanently.

The letter, co-signed by 25 of Rice and Huffman’s colleagues, came after reports that congressional members were allegedly armed on the House floor on the day of the attack in what would be a violation of existing House rules. It also reiterated Huffman’s request to ban members from carrying firearms on Capitol grounds.

“I want to thank Speaker Pelosi for installing magnetometers outside the House floor after [the recent] insurrection and for her announcement that members of Congress who refuse to use them could face hefty fines,” Rice said. “While there are already existing rules preventing firearms on the House

floor, it is apparent that several of my colleagues have no intention of respecting them. Requiring members to pass through magnetometers is a necessary security measure, and I believe this change must be made permanent to ensure the safety of all who work on the House floor.”

“Threats of political violence are on the rise, even from within our own ranks. There is a long-standing rule preventing members from bringing guns to the House chambers, but it is becoming more and more clear that some of my colleagues choose to flout the rules,” Huffman said. “Requiring members to go through magnetometers before entering the House floor is a necessary change, and I believe this baseline, commonsense security measure should be made permanent. Members of Congress are not above the rules, and we should be held to the same standards as every other person that enters the Capitol.”

9

What’s neWs in and out of the classroom

social and study times.”

“It’s really a whole responsibility shift in your life,” Yellin said. “You’re on your own, but there are people to help you manage it.”

Courtesy Long Beach Public Schools

Alumni joined current students to share their college experience.

2021 Estate and Medicaid Planning MODERATOR

Skye Ostreicher

Herald Community Newspapers

PANELISTS

Frank G. D’Angelo, J.D.

Family Care Connections, LLC Topic: 2021 Medicaid Planning for Aging and Illness

FREE LIVE WEBINAR

4

10 - 11

FEB

AM

AM

Tune in to learn about: ESTATE PLANNING, RESPONSES TO COVID-19: • Overview of a comprehensive estate plan • How estate planning has evolved with the COVID-19 pandemic • Updates to the New York Power of Attorney • Estate planning considerations for your family and loved ones • Tips to be sure you are prepared for the unexpected

Stephanie A. D’Angelo, Esq. D’Angelo Law Associates, PC Topic: Estate Planning, Responses to Covid-19

SPONSORED BY: D’Angelo Law Associates, PC Stephanie A. D’Angelo, Esq.

D’Angelo Law Associates, PC

FAMILY CARE CONNECTIONS, LLC

Your Trusts & Estates Attorney

• Wills & Trusts • Estate Planning • Asset Protection • Probate

Nassau (516) 222-1122

• Estate Administration • Elder Law • Real Estate

Queens (718) 776-7475

MEDICAID PLANNING FOR AGING AND ILLNESS: 901 Stewart Ave., Ste. 230 • Garden City, NY 11530 www.DangeloLawAssociates.com

• General medicaid eligibility for both homecare and nursing homecare • Updated income and resource criteria for eligibility for medicaid in 2021 • New rules governing asset transfers for homecare medicaid eligibility in 2021 • Accessing home care and the Nursing Home Transition And Diversion Program

Register to submit your questions for the panelists or ask them live during the webinar.

REGISTER @ LIHerald.com/PlanningAhead CAN’T MAKE THE LIVE WEBINAR? REGISTER AND YOU’LL RECEIVE THE RECORDING! PRODUCED BY

RICHNER

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

1118596

Long Beach High School students are taking steps in their college and career pursuits, and they received inspiration from members of Class of 2020 on Jan. 8 during a virtual Alumni Panel. While the annual event typically invites the college freshmen back in person, it was held remotely this year due to Covid-19 safety protocols.

Coordinator of School Counseling Kerry Fallon moderated the Google Meet live stream and guest panelists represented college, the military and employment. They included Sage Bernstein, St. Francis College; Jeremiah Cochran, Carnegie Mellon University; Tori Famighetti, U.S. Army and New York Institute of Technology; Janeris Gonzalez, SUNY Farmingdale; Arjun Gupta, Vanderbilt University; Amy Ramon, Stony Brook University and Brooke Yellin, Nassau Community College.

The graduates each shared their own take on the first few months of life after high school and offered tips for success. They brought a unique perspective, having be gun colle ge, military involvement and new jobs in the midst of a pandemic, and discussed their experiences in navigating the transition during such atypical times. They described the variety of in-person, remote and hybrid college class structures and explained how they have established friendships through group chats and virtual meetings.

The alumni discussed their future aspirations, factors that influenced their choices and ways that challenging high school courses helped prepare them for the rigor of college and the workforce. They also reviewed their high school involvement in clubs, sports and other activities, as well as college opportunities that they have embarked upon. Several speakers noted that their high school participation helped them deter mine their interests and steered them towards their future paths.

“Don’t be afraid to get involved,” Ber nstein said. “Do something that interests you because then you’ll find other people who are interested in the same things, and friendships can spark from that.”

With regard to adjusting smoothly to the college workload, the alumni emphasized the importance of time management and taking responsibility for oneself. They advised students to reach out to professors and college officials when needed and take advantage of peer study times and other sources of extra help.

“Make a schedule, don’t try to wing it,” Cochran said. “Schedule your

LONG BEACH HERALD — January 21, 2021

Herald ScHoolS Long Beach High School alumni visit virtually

Friedberg JCC’s Camp Ga’avah thriving

January 21, 2021 — LONG BEACH HERALD

10

By TonY BeLLissimo tbellissimo@liherald.com Courtesy Stephanie Abrams

The campgrounds in Wheatley Heights is home to Friedberg JCC’s Camp Ga’avah for LGBTQ children ages 6-17.

Tighten Your Belt, Fatten Your Wallet!

MODERATOR

PANELISTS

Skye Ostreicher

Herald Community Newspapers

Veronica Ferrero

Marie Taylor, AAMS, CRPC

AVP and Community Lending Coordinator Emigrant Mortgage Company, Inc.

FREE LIVE WEBINAR JAN

28

Financial Advisor Edward Jones

ADDITIONAL PANELISTS TO BE ANNOUNCED

SPONSORED BY:

7- 8 PM

PM

LEARN WAYS TO CUT EXPENSES & SAVE MONEY The start of a new year is the perfect time to reassess your expenses. Experts discuss easy ways to put more cash back into your pocket, including how to: • Pay off credit card debt and put your finances in order • Refinance your home now with low rates

• Grieve your property taxes • Plus so many more easy and fun ways to save.

Sign up now to submit your questions or ask them live during the webinar

REGISTER @ LIHerald.com/CutExpenses PRODUCED BY

RICHNER

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

1118621

CAN’T MAKE THE LIVE WEBINAR? REGISTER AND YOU’LL RECEIVE THE RECORDING!

A new camp introduced by the Friedberg Jewish Community Center in Oceanside recently completed its third summer program and has grown into a year-round platform for LGBTQ children ages 6 through 17.

Camp Ga’avah (Pride) began as a pilot program in 2018 with a grant from the United Jewish Appeal Federation of New York and had nine children and teens enrolled for a one-week summer camp. In 2020, despite the challenges of the pandemic, 13 people took part in the camp over a seven-week span, including five newcomers.

“The only difference between this year’s camp and the first two was the location,” said Stephanie Abrams, the director of camping services at Friedberg JCC. “Instead of at the campgrounds in Wheatley Heights, it was held on site here at Friedberg JCC. It’s exciting to have new kids on board. We still had arts and crafts, sports and fireside chats where they all really bond.”

Abrams described the camp, which starting in 2021 is increasing to eight weeks beginning on June 28, as a safe, welcoming place for kids who identify as LGBTQ as well as gender fluid, gender creative and gender questioning. Allies, such as a sibling or friend, are also encouraged to join. She said year-round activities, with the exception of a weekly virtual meeting, are on hold due to Covid19, and in the past they have featured field trips to Broadway shows, museums, ice skating, hiking, nature walks and guest lecturers. Campers also partake in community service projects.

Lizzie Rabin, a 2020 Long Beach High School graduate, was a Camp Ga’avah participant for each of its first two years and worked as a counselor this past summer.

“The first year was only one week, but all of us at the camp were close to the same age and we really bonded,” Rabin said.

“We hung out a lot after camp ended and remain friends. It’s a fun camp and I’m planning to return to work as a counselor next summer.”

Open to all Long Islanders, Abrams said she’s had campers say they’ve never had close friends before enrolling, and some have started Gay Straight Alliance clubs in their schools.

“I think kids feel more empowered by our camp and gain confidence and become more active in their everyday lives,” she said.

Friedberg JCC also offers a parent/ guardian support group that meets (virtually) on the first Thursday of every month. For more information, visit friedbergjcc.org.

11

January 21, 2021

LONG BEACH HERALD — January 21, 2021

Catholic Schools We e k

January 21, 2021 — LONG BEACH HERALD

12

Photo courtesy Greg Shemitz

Catholic education:

The freedom to choose

1118119

Select the school that best suits your student’s needs at a Catholic elementary school

Visit Visit our our Website Website to to schedule: schedule: ●● ●● ●●

Virtual Virtual Open Open Houses Houses (week (week of of February February 1st) 1st) Individual Individual In-Person In-Person Tours Tours Video Video Conference Conference with with Principal/Teacher Principal/Teacher

Highlights: Highlights:

●●

Nursery Nursery through through 8th 8th Grade Grade In-Person In-Person and and Remote Remote learning learning offered offered Nominated Nominated Best Best Catholic Catholic School, School, Best Best Nursery Nursery School, School, Best Best Private Private School School for for consecutive consecutive years. years.

AA learning learning environment environment focused focused on on faith, faith, service, service, and and excellence excellence

Maria Maria Regina Regina School School

4045 4045 Jerusalem Jerusalem Avenue, Avenue, Seaford Seaford NY NY 11783 11783 (516)-541-1229 www.mariareginaschool.org (516)-541-1229 www.mariareginaschool.org

1118100

●● ●● ●●

By Gary Layton Freedom of choice has been a defining characteristic of the American experience since the country’s founding. Very little in life is as empowering as the ability to evaluate a number of possible choices, and to select the one that is uniquely suited for you.

That includes education. Parents have the ability to select from a growing number of alternatives to public schools, including private, charter, and religious schools.

Parents choose these schools to provide their children specialized religious instruction, to deliver more individual academic attention, and to help reinforce the value they live at home. Catholic schools succeed today because they are uniquely qualified to deliver all of these things, and parents get to select the Catholic school that best matches their needs.

One of the highlights of Catholic education on Long Island is the variety of highquality Catholic elementary schools that fall within the busing limits that our taxpayerprovided buses support. Because even though you elect to enroll your children in a Catholic school, your public district is obligated to provide busing for your student(s) at no charge. The availability of busing plus the Diocese of Rockville Centre policy that gives all practicing Catholics on Long Island the ‘inparish’ discounted tuition price for whatever school they choose means that regardless of where you live, and regardless of which parish you belong to, a Catholic elementary education is an affordable option.

For parishes with schools associated with them, the choice is often evident.

Many choose to educate their children in the company of their ‘second family’, their faith family, right in their neighborhood parish. Others, particularly those who worship in parishes not associated with a school, make their choice by the combination of academic, social and spiritual support offered in the school community they choose. While each school in the Diocese of Rockville Centre shares a common State academic curriculum, and shares a religious curriculum determined by the Diocese, each school has a unique personality that is determined by a combination of its history, its staff, and to a greater extent, to the families that make up the school community.

Catholic education is a journey in both education and faith, and like most journeys, the destination is important, but it is the

journey itself that needs to be memorable.

Because it encompasses a block of time that is eight to ten years of your and your student’s life, and because the trajectory of a student’s life is partially determined by the company they keep, be mindful of who your fellow travelers are. I assure you that both you and your children will come away from the elementary school experience with friends who will be yours forever.

During the journey they will provide academic and social support. The other parents will similarly sit across the kitchen table and be confused by ‘new math’, and they’ll be up late some nights helping to finish three-panel poster board projects.

Their, and their children’s values will be shared with your children, you will serve on committees together, and you will get to experience the joys of First Holy Communion, Confirmation, and ultimately graduation together. Much of the strength of Catholic education, and the success you children will have will be the result of this supportive extended family.

Finding families with shared values and similar high expectations for their children won’t be difficult because they are who make up the communities at every Catholic Elementary School. Ultimately, most parents make their decision based on their confidence in the principal who sets the tone and selects the staff, and in their confidence in the teachers who will spend more waking hours with your children than even you at times, but ultimately, most make the specific choice based on a ‘gut instinct’. The most common answers parents give when asked ‘Why this school?’ is that “It just felt right.” Or “The school felt like a warm hug from the first moment I walked in.” or similar intuitive feelings they had. Keep it in mind that the ‘feeling’ – the feeling of warmth and welcoming, is why your student will love their school, and why your student will grow to love learning. It is a love of learning that shapes a young person’s attitude towards school and towards life.

A Catholic elementary education offers many advantages for the student, and for their families. Catholic Schools Week is a great time to explore whether a Catholic Elementary School is the right choice for your children. n Above photo: The value of learning blends with the learning of values.

13

Attend a

CATHOLIC EDUCATION: THE DIOCESE OF ROCKVILLE CENTRE

Elementary 9Catholic High Schools 39 Catholic Schools 6 co-educational / 2 girls / 1 boys

Acceptance rate to Catholic high school

100% (from most elementary schools)

Catholic school students SUCCEED

99.7% HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION RATE

COLLEGE ATTENDANCE RATE

PUBLIC NATIONAL: 84.1%

99%

CATHOLIC NATIONAL: 86.5% PUBLIC NATIONAL: 46%

74.1%

RECEIVE DISTRICTPROVIDED TRANSPORTATION including virtually all elementary students.

ELEMENTARY ENROLLMENT

52% 48% 12:1 13:1 girls

boys

STUDENT:TEACHER RATIO

secondary

A Catholic Schools Week like none before Because Long Island’s Catholic schools make the safety of their current students and families the first priority, most schools have moved away from the large group celebration of Catholic education that has defined previous Open Houses.

So how does a family looking for something better find a school this year?

This year Long Island’s Catholic Elementary Schools are supporting the interests of aspiring families through a combination of virtual and in-person visiting opportunities. licatholicelementaryschools.org website: A visit to the central website for Long Island’s Catholic Elementary Schools provides general insight into the advantages of a Catholic education, identifies some of the key differences, and identifies how the schools are organized to serve students from Nursery School through Eighth Grade. There are maps and descriptions showing the locations and summary information on each school, and information on how to register and the financial aid available to support you.

You’ll find links to each school’s website and directions to locate each school.

School websites: Catholic Elementary Schools have websites that offer exceptional insights into each school community. On the school website you’ll read about the mission and vision of the school, ‘meet’ the Principal through letters and regular communications with parents, learn about how the school is organized to address the needs of Early Childhood, Elementary and Middle School students and learn about the various sports, clubs and extracurricular activities available. Class pages describe the

DoE General Infographic REV070920:Layout 1 7/9/20 4:00 PM Page 1

elementary

atholic elementary schools will be offering online open houses for Catholic Schools Week this year.

The global pandemic identified the strengths and weaknesses of schools and school systems in a way that had been previously unimaginable. Only a handful of schools were prepared to immediately move to remote learning, and fewer still were able to both execute a great remote program and then return their full compliment of students back into safe classrooms in the fall.

All of Long Island’s Catholic Elementary Schools were among this exclusive group.

Now, almost a year from the onset of the pandemic, Catholic schools are celebrating Catholic Schools Week, the part of the school year where most families who were considering the advantage of a Catholic education get to visit and select which school is right for their children.

A Diverse Population:

24+%

ethnic or racial minorities

14% latino 10% africanamerican A PLACE FOR EVERYONE

LAY TEACHING STAFF

NON-CATHOLIC ENROLLMENT

RELIGIOUS 3.4%

12% 96.6%

EXTENDED DAY PROGRAMS:

88%

of elementary schools

An Investment in the Future:

Average tuition: elementary, $5400; high school, $11,000

TECHNOLOGY-ENABLED INSTRUCTION

100% of schools have Internet access • 100% of schools utilize mobile devices (iPads or Chromebooks) • 100% of students have access to Google’s G-Suite applications for education

educational focus at various levels and communicate the assignments and dayto-day activities. The school website will also provide insight into how parents can participate and support their child’s education. Look for the ‘I’m New’ tab on the school’s website.

Virtual Video Tours: Many schools have worked to facilitate your needs during the pandemic by putting together virtual video tours to give you a look inside their facilities, to allow you to meet some of their key staff members, and to give you a sense of the esprit-de-corps of their community.

Live Virtual Tours: During Catholic Schools Week, many schools will stage live online events to give you a chance to both see the facility and learn the academic, social and spiritual advantages the school offers. These sessions, lasting approximately 45 minutes will allow you to meet the principal, key staff members, and often parents from each community.

The school will post the schedule of these events and allow you to select the time that works best for you.

One-On-One Virtual Visits with the Principal: Your student(s) needs are unique, and some of the advantages of Catholic school are individualized attention and differentiated instruction to meet each child’s needs. You can schedule a one-on-one meeting with the principal of the school you select and be confident that your child(ren) will thrive in the environment.

Individual Family or Small Group Tours: Some schools will offer visiting times when small group tours will be accommodated. These require an appointment. Tours will take place during scheduled windows when the school and the classrooms will be open, and when teachers and staff will be available to answer your questions. Often these are afternoons or weekends when the school is scheduled be deep cleaned prior to the students’ return. Faculty and staff place the continued safety and health of our current students and families above all else.

While the way prospective families will review and interact with the schools has changed, the Catholic school difference of addressing the ‘whole child’, academically, socially and spiritually remains.

Visit the school’s web site to schedule to visit virtually or in-person to see why a Catholic elementary education will help your student succeed in high school, in college, and in life. A Catholic education is an advantage that lasts a lifetime. Plan to learn more about the advantages of a Catholic elementary education this Catholic Schools Week. n

LONG BEACH HERALD — January 21, 2021

C

virtual open house

‘Never missed a beat’ — Catholic schools shine during uncertain time Seamless move to remote learning in the spring supported students’ academic and spiritual journeys

By Tina Dennelly “Is anyone fearful about the future of Catholic schools?” a parent pondered on the Parents of Long Island Catholic School Students Facebook page in spring 2020 shortly after the pandemic hit and the lockdown began.

With some parents out of work or furloughed due to the coronavirus pandemic and Sunday contributions to parishes down because churches were closed, many wondered how the events would impact Catholic schools. But the agile response of Long Island Catholic schools to the pandemic and shift to remote learning has impressed current school families and caused new families to consider enrolling.

While a few responded to the Facebook question that they were concerned, the more than 75 other commenters were wholeheartedly optimistic.

“Not at all! [Our school] never missed a beat,” said one. “More pleased than ever with our investment in Catholic schools,” said another. And a third: “I cannot begin to tell you how impressed I am with what Catholic schools are doing during this.”

Parents in the group whose children attend schools in the Diocese of Rockville Centre — from St. Martin of Tours in Amityville, Holy Trinity High School in Hicksville, and St. Dominic’s in Oyster Bay, to

name just some — said they were amazed at how quickly and how well the schools responded to the pandemic.

“St. Aidan’s [in Williston Park] has done an impeccable job in implementing distance learning,” said parent Violeta Gromulska in a comment. “The teachers’ dedication is impressive. All my emails get answered, even [at] late hours of the night.

The communication is phenomenal.

Especially [Principal Julie] O’Connell’s weekly messages. All subjects have been addressed — gym, art, music, Spanish, religion, etc. The structure, planning and implementation has exceeded my expectations. “ Other parents in the group — several

of whom said they are public school teachers — noted that some Long Island public school districts took weeks to begin remote learning and struggled to keep students engaged in virtual classrooms.

Long Island’s Catholic elementary schools worked to maintain the continuity of instruction and the normal social and spiritual structure of the students’ day with prayer, and other community activities.

There’s that sense of family. I think that’s what is making parents realize the connection between faith and learning.

Morning Star Initiative continues In January 2020, the Diocese of

Rockville Centre announced a long-term plan to strengthen, expand, support and revitalize its Catholic elementary schools (see morningstarinitiative.org). The Morning Star team in February began inperson visits to each of the 39 diocesan elementary schools to assess each school’s culture, identity and contributions.

Despite the New York on PAUSE order that closed school buildings, the team remained busy — it helped launch the Curriculum Leads program, which allows teachers to pool resources and share expertise with other grade-level and subjectarea teachers from Catholic schools around the diocese, soon after remote instruction began in mid-March.

“The pandemic may have changed the Morning Star Initiative’s trajectory and the landscape in which we were working,” said Brother Thomas Cleary, S.M., chief revitalization officer for the Morning Star Initiative, “but it has not dampened our commitment to strengthen the Catholic elementary school system one bit!” n

Above photo: Schools in the Diocese of Rockville Centre found a unique way to support and strengthen remote learning when schools were required to close last year.

Please visit our website

www.olpschoollybrook.org for registration information and to sign up for a Virtual Tour

21 Fowler Avenue, Lynbrook 516-593-4888

olpschoollynbrook.org Tuition Assistance Available

1118278

We are now accepting registration for Fall 2021

1118140

January 21, 2021 — LONG BEACH HERALD

14

LI Catholic 1-2 pg CSW ad 2021:Layout 1 1/14/21 9:19 AM Page 1

Students put moral values to work in their lives every day Strong spiritual guidance is an essential part of daily activities at Long Island’s Catholic elementary schools, creating a special sense of community among children, families, teachers, and the local parish, which reinforces moral values and an abiding respect for others. Resourceful instructors use powerful spiritual teachings and real-world experiences to bring these values to life for children, while our smaller classes allow for more personalized and productive interaction between students and teachers.

Applying strong values in many selfless ways Catholic school students apply the moral and spiritual lessons they learn in the real world by participating in charitable community initiatives throughout the year and by responding every day to others in a respectful and helpful manner. This spirit of caring and community in our students helps to

give them the enduring moral foundation to become active, contributing members of society.

Through faith we grow A strong Catholic identity as taught in Long Island’s Catholic schools matters.

These schools are uniquely empowered to help children in some very important ways. Catholic schools: √ Help socialize children in a positive way. √ Reinforce the positive values that you live in your family. √ Reassure children that they are safe and loved. √ Teach children that their value is not based on how others see them. √ Lead the way with teachers who are models of the faith.

OUR LADY OF LOURDES CATHOLIC SCHOOL, MALVERNE NY

Our Lady of L ourdes Sc hool provides Early Childhood (2yr & 3yr), Pre-Kand K-8 education.

Attend a virtual Open House, and see the Catholic School difference from the comfort and safety of home.

Getting to know us is easy.

Attend one of our Virtual Open Houses to learn more about what makes us special!

OLL VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSES: Feb 2 Feb 3 Feb 4

I I I

7 PM - 8 PM 7 PM - 8 PM 7 PM - 8 PM

I I I

Grades PK - 2 Grades 3 - 5 Grades 6 - 8

To find a Catholic Elementary School near you, visit www.LICatholicElementarySchools.org, and click on “Find A School”.

Register Online: ollmalverne.org/virtualopenhouse

www.LICatholicElementarySchools.org

1118239

Our Lady of Lourdes School I 76 Park Blvd I Malverne I NY I 11565 Main Offic°' (516) 599 - 7328 ollmalverne.org

1118135

"Our Lady of Lourdes School provides a nurturing learning environment focused on academic and spiritual development."

LONG BEACH HERALD — January 21, 2021

Catholic Schools Week Virtual Open Houses • Jan. 31-Feb. 6

Faith-based education

15

1118415

January 21, 2021 — LONG BEACH HERALD

16

Reopening the schools

17

Photo courtesy Greg Shemitz

most cases, students stayed in a single location and teachers rotated between classes to minimize contacts. Halls and stairways were identified as single direction routes within the building; and classrooms, auditoriums, cafeterias and even bathrooms were reimagined to maintain the appropriate social distance. In the classroom, desks were sepa-

rated, and clear Lexan dividers were placed on desks and tables where appropriate.

Principals worked to establish a range of new procedures at each school that helped to assure student safety. Masks of course were mandatory, and students had planned ‘mask breaks’ built into their day in safe, distanced, outdoor spaces. Some schools

staggered start and end times. Many schools utilized different doors for different grades, and all schools test everyone entering the building to assure that they don’t have a fever. The range of activities in gym changed, and food began to be served in single-serving boxes or containers.

As the new school year started, parents were given the option of having their children attend in-person or attend school virtually. While the overwhelming majority of families chose to send their children back to school, virtual students participate daily at every school.

By utilizing a combination of physical changes to their facilities, and new policies and procedures to guide daily life, Long Island’s Catholic Elementary Schools opened in early September on schedule and have been operating as planned the entire academic year. The continuity of the children’s education has been maintained.

The sanity and structure of students’ lives has been returned. Student-teacher relationships burn bright again, friends have been reunited and the children’s spiritual journeys continue. n

Above photo: Students returning to the classroom meet their classmates who remained at home to continue remote learning.

1118178

In the mist of the conflicting information and uncertainty surrounding the pandemic that was prevalent during this past summer, the leadership team from the Morning Star Initiative and the Department of Education had to make some serious decisions. Catholic Elementary School students from across the island had been learning remotely since mid-March, and even though the schools were well prepared to take learning online again in the fall, the leadership team understood the educational and social ‘costs’ associated with isolating children for extended periods of time.

Following a parent survey that indicated that a vast majority of the families of students across the diocese would support a return to classes, the team got to work. First, a consulting firm that specialized in risk mitigation and emergency operations planning was retained to help draw up a master re-opening plan. This plan, which is available at the DRVCSchools website, provided the master plan that each school would follow.

Representatives from the emergency operations consulting firm subsequently visited each school to help each modify the elements of the plan to best suit each specific building layout and student population. One of the elements each plan included was the creation of cohorts of students who would learn together. In

LONG BEACH HERALD — January 21, 2021

Long Island’s Catholic schools put students and families first

18

2341 Washington Avenue Bellmore, NY 11710

(516) 785-5709

www.steas.com @seas_bellmore seasbellmore

Bright n i g e b s e r Futu at SEAS!

* Providing an education for Nursery - 8th Grade * Full Day Pre-K and Kindergarten * Utilizing SmartBoard Technology, ipads, chrome books and coding * Offering Academic Intervention and Special Education Services * Five day Nursery Program * Providing in school learning five days a week *Following NY State and Nassau County guidelines to safeguard our children from Covid-19

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Regional School is a Cognia accredited Catholic School providing academic excellence since 1992. We provide a faith-filled environment of prayer and sacramental preparation alongside a rigorous academic curriculum including art, technology, physical education, music, band and foreign language.

Contact Leeann Graziose, Principal, to schedule a private or virtual tour.

1117537

January 21, 2021 — LONG BEACH HERALD

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Regional Catholic School

January 21, 2021

strategies for success

LONG BEACH HERALD — January 21, 2021

your HEALTH body / mind / fitness

19

January 21, 2021 — LONG BEACH HERALD

20

Marie L Taylor, AAMS®, CRPC® 365 Hempstead Avenue West Hempstead, NY 11552-2042 516-538-4338

edwardjones.com

Member SIPC

www.edwardjones.com

1113682

Member SIPC

Make your New Year’s resolutions stick By making goals realistic, there is a greater chance that you will keep them throughout the year, incorporating healthy behavior into your everyday life Lose weight? Check. Start exercising? Check.

Drink less alcohol? Check.

It can be daunting when your list of New Year’s resolutions is as long as your holiday shopping list. In addition to the post-holiday slump, not being able to keep your resolutions by February, March or even late January may increase your anxiety. When your holiday decorations are packed up and stored away, the frustration of an unused Fitbit or other reminders of failed resolutions can make the later winter months feel hopeless.

However, it is important to remember that the New Year isn’t meant to serve as a catalyst for sweeping character changes. It is a time for people to reflect on their past year’s behavior and promise to make positive lifestyle changes.

“Setting small, attainable goals throughout the year, instead of a singular, overwhelming goal on January 1 can help you reach whatever it is you strive for,” says psychologist Lynn Bufka, PhD. “Remember, it is not the extent of the change that matters, but rather the act of recognizing that lifestyle change is important and working toward it, one step at a time.”

By making your resolutions realistic, there is a greater chance that you will keep them throughout the year, incorporating healthy behavior into your everyday life.

1118053

IRT-4395F-A

Financial Advisor

Start small Make resolutions that you think you can keep. If, for example, your aim is to exercise more frequently, schedule three or four days a week for your workout instead of seven. If you would like to eat healthier, try replacing dessert with something else you enjoy, like fruit or yogurt, instead of seeing your diet as a form of punishment.

Change one behavior at a time Unhealthy behaviors develop over the course of time. Thus, replacing unhealthy behaviors with healthy ones requires time. Don’t get overwhelmed and think that you have to reassess everything in your life. Instead, work toward changing one thing at a time.

Talk about it Share your experiences with family and friends. Consider joining a support group to reach your goals, such as an exercise class, whether virtual or in-person, or connect with others to achieve a common goal. Having someone to share your struggles and successes with makes your journey to a healthier lifestyle that much easier and less intimidating.

Don’t beat yourself up Perfection is unattainable. Remember that minor missteps when reaching your goals are completely normal and OK. Don’t give up completely because you ate a brownie and broke your diet, or skipped your run for a week because you were busy. Everyone has ups and downs; resolve to recover from your mistakes and get back on track.

Ask for support Accepting help from those who care about you and will listen strengthens your resilience and ability to manage stress caused by your resolution. If you feel overwhelmed or unable to meet your goals on your own, consider seeking professional help.

Psychologists and therapists fully understand the connection between the mind and body. They can offer strategies as to how to adjust your goals so that they are attainable, as well as help you change unhealthy behaviors and address emotional issues.

Courtesy American Psychological Association

21

Y

Take charge of your life one step at a time

our health matters — now more than ever.

We’ve struggled through an unprecedented time, which for many of us had a significant impact on our healthy lifestyle goals. We’ve sat in front of our computers on Zoom meetings, on the couch binge-watching TV and have turned to comfort foods for sustenance (often in front of the TV).

After these many months of living in our bubbles, however, we’ve reached the point where it’s clearly time to get back to the habits that kept us healthy before these endless months of being at home.

With the coronavirus pandemic still looming large, keep health and wellness at the forefront of 2021.

Break Bad Pandemic Habits Although important in preventing the spread of Covid-19, the stay-at-home orders and social distancing didn’t do many favors for some of our healthy habits. In fact, it was common that many people reduced their physical activity and ordered take-out food for meals. While there’s no need to feel guilty about that, especially if those habits helped to get you through those challenging months, it’s time to reconsider those unhealthy habits that the pandemic created.

Take a look at the habits you picked up during the pandemic. Decide if they’re hurting or helping your health. If unhealthy, focus on habits that reverse their impact for the new year.

Move, Move, Move If you’ve dropped exercising, it’s time to get back to it. While you don’t necessarily need to go back to the gym yet, with Covid-19 still raging around us, find ways to get yourself moving and motivated. Follow online workout classes at home, and exercise outside while safely distancing yourself from others.

Don’t overlook the benefits of merely walking.

Brisk walking, even for just 10 minutes a day, can improve your circulation, boost your mood and improve your sleep. If you want to start walking more in 2021, try doing it in 10 minute chunks to make it less daunting.

Remember, you can tell if you’re walking briskly enough if you’re able to talk, but you’re breathing faster than usual.

Spend Less Time Sitting Down Many health/fitness professionals consider sitting to be the new smoking — the body wasn’t built for spending hours at a desk or in front of the TV. It increases your risks of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and breast, colon and colorectal cancer.

Try the Pomodoro method to break up desk time: Set a timer to break each hour into two 25-minute blocks separated by two five-minute breaks. Work intently during the work periods and move about during the breaks. Use your breaks to stand up, do a quarter squat, do some rotations, or just go for a walk round the office. This technique can also boost your focus when you’re working.

Keep Up Cleanliness Habits As we continue battling coronavirus, personal hygiene and cleanliness are more important than ever. Thankfully, these habits will still have health benefits even after the pandemic is behind us. Certain practices such as washing your hands after visiting a store or wearing a mask in public when sick or in crowded places will slow the spread of other diseases and germs, such as the common cold or stomach bugs.

Re-commit To Nutritious Meals Break that comfort food habit. Or at least eat less of it. Don’t t approach healthy eating as an upleasant chore. Make food more fun by challenging yourself to cook and eat something new every week. As well as vitamins and minerals, there are hundreds of micronutrients known as phytochemicals in food. Eating a wide variety of food is an easy way of ensuring we get a good nutritional mix.

Also planning meals is an essential step in your healthy meal strategy. A focused food shopping list cuts calories and waste, and saves money, as you only buy what you need (and throw nothing away). Take the time to plan your meals, and write out a list before you goto the store.

Focus On Your Mental Health 2020 had a lot of negative news. Pairing that with social distancing and the inability to visit loved ones: it’s impacted the mental health of people everywhere.

Identifying mental health stressors and learning new ways to manage and deal with this stress is a great way to start the new year.

Need actionable next steps? Consider these tips: Consider journaling. Writing down what you feel grateful for or items troubling you can help organize your thoughts and create a greater sense of control.

Reach out to a professional. With many virtual options available, seeking advice from a therapist or psychologist is more accessible now than ever. If you’re struggling with your mental health, seeking professional help is often the best first step you can take.

Make “de-stressing” part of your routine. The highs and lows of life are unavoidable. That’s why working stress management into your routine is one of the best mental health habits you can develop.

Some options to consider include: prioritizing seven to eight hours of sleep each night (yes, that’s a stress management tool!), limiting screen-time, scheduling daily walks, planning regular conversations with loved ones, reading a book, or even making time for activities like puzzling or crafting that can take your mind off the worries of the day.

Above photo: Although the pandemic rages on, with the availability of the vaccine a better year is in sight. Commit to some essential health resolutions this year.

Life in balance

Fortify mind and spirit for the coming year We’ve been through a lot this year.

Whether you’re working from home for the foreseeable future or still have to go into the office, take a deep breath, take some time out, and get back to self-care principles.

There’s no better self-care than focusing on your mental health. When you have control of your mind and the way you think, it helps the way you process the world and will bring wholeness to your life. Resolve to build strong mental health into the year 2021 and far beyond.

Vow To Take Breaks and Time Off From Work You have to find balance in your life if you hope to have mental health.

Sometimes you might overwork yourself and this makes stress build-up that usually leads to an unhealthy climax. Simply taking breaks and time off from the job can work wonders for your mental health.

Aside from taking additional time off, just reclaiming your weekends can improve your mental health by leaps and bounds. Too many of us work stressful hours at work during the week, often carrying over into the weekend, or filling the weekend with loads of personal projects or errands that don’t give any time at all to decompress.

Make sure that you actually allow yourself time to rest and recharge during the weekend, or your stresses will only keep compounding.

Use your vacation time every year so that you can recharge your batteries.

Even taking a small vacation to unwind can help you find a balance that is healthy and fortifying.

Create A Daily Meditation Habit News of Covid-19 dominated headlines throughout 2020. The stresses of life and society will pile up and hurt you if you don’t take the time to decompress.

Meditation is one of the best steps you can take to decompress and sharpen your focus. People who meditate are literally training their brains with each session. Meditation works your brain’s Reticular Activating System (RAS), which is responsible for your ability to notice patterns and trends.

By accessing this part of your brain, it becomes easier to sort things out in your life rather than getting lost in the jumble and clutter that your brain naturally creates.

The beauty is that the more you meditate, the more comfortable you with

the chaos that your brain naturally thrives in. This can help your decision making and feeling of safety and security.

Having a meditation practice can help build your feeling of spiritual connectedness to something bigger than yourself. It’s great for the brain and can help stress melt away.

Exercise A Little Bit At Least Every Day Scientists like Willem Boone have left groundbreaking research about the inherent connection between the mind and the body. What this means is that a healthy body creates a healthy mind just as much as a healthy mind can create a healthy body.

Exercising on a regular basis can help you decrease stress in your life and soothe your body.

You can take your mental health in hands simply by exercising several times per week. No matter what form of workout you prefer, elevating your heart rate and working up a serious sweat on a regular basis is therapeutic and nature’s medicine for your mind. Your brain produces feel good endorphins that act as mental medicine every single time you exercise.

This allows you to be formidable against the many different changes that happened on a day today so weak bases.

Your mind will work better when you’re constantly pumping up a sweat, you’ll feel better and have more energy.

Learn To Let It Go There’s so much of life that we can’t control. Because of this, you need to have mastery over the things within your control.

So where does that leave the things you can’t control? Let them go. Seriously.

If you admittedly have no control over that potential outcome you’re stressing out over, submit to this fact, and vow now to worry about it. Trust yourself to be resilient no matter what life throws your way, as opposed to needlessly stressing yourself out over things that may never happen.

Learning to let go is a way of life and something that you will have to revisit on a moment by moment basis. When you give yourself the grace and freedom to not stress over these sorts of matters, you’ll learn to appreciate the little things and live lighter.

Above photo: Your quality of life will improve when you learn to master your mind.

LONG BEACH HERALD — January 21, 2021

Welcoming a healthy 2021

Get good sleep Rest up for a healthy body and mind If 2020 gave you sleepless nights, let 2021 be the year you take back control of your health and sleep patterns.

Being sleep deprived can negatively affect your mental and physical health. It can even make you prone to major illnesses, from obesity to depression. Reducing screen time before bed, sleeping in a cool room, and going to bed at the same time each evening all help with a good night’s rest. Apps can also help you pinpoint any issues and help you to improve your sleep.

On average, most adults need around seen to eight hours of sleep per night, but as we get older, our sleep patterns change and we tend to get less and less. On the other hand, if you have a history of sleeping too much, try to limit your time in bed to seven to nine hours a night. Too much of a good thing can be bad, even when it comes to sleep.

It could be easy to find yourself slipping into a bad sleeping routine if you are among the many now working from home, but making simple changes could have a huge impact on the quality of your sleep.

Try to keep a regular sleeping schedule Wherever possible, aim to go to bed and get up at the same time every day (even on your weekends or days off). The consistency will help to program your internal body clock and get it used to a routine.

An irregular schedule can cause drowsiness and mood swings, as well as concentration and memory problems. There is also evidence that suggests those who have a disjointed sleeping pattern are more susceptible to weight gain.

If you are constantly changing the time you go to bed and wake up, your body is unable to adjust to a set schedule.

Minimize stress and worry before sleep Feeling worried or stressed can often be a key reason for getting a bad night’s sleep.

Relaxation techniques such as meditation can also help you feel calm before you settle down for the night.

Take some time out to wind down before you go to bed. Activities, like reading or taking a warm bath, can help you separate your sleeptime from what’s been going on during the day.

Relaxation music is also a great way to minimize stress before bed and there are also a number of apps designed to help with sleep, however it is important to consider that it is recommended that use of smartphones and tablets is minimized an hour before bed.

Break your screen habit We know it’s not easy to break your pre-bed Netflix or social media habit, but health professionals highly recommend making it one of your 2021 resolutions. The blue light emitted from your device interferes with melatonin production, which your body needs to prepare for sleep.

Optimize your sleeping environment Ensure your bedroom is the perfect place to get a good night’s sleep! First, make sure your room isn’t too hot or too cold. The perfect temperature for sleep is 65° F. Avoid bedding and sleepwear that don’t allow your skin to breathe.

Some people find that bathing or showering

before bed is also helpful.

The room should be free from any noise that can disturb your sleep — if this is not possible consider purchasing some earplugs to block out any potentially disruptive sounds. Finally, your room should also be free from light — blackout curtains or eye masks may be able to help if your room is too light.

According to sleep experts, you should be getting yourself a new mattress every seven years or so. That means you’ll be spending around 20,000 hours lying on it — so it’s well worth making sure you buy one that suits you. Research indicates that sleeping in a bad bed is the equivalent of getting an hour’s less sleep every night.

Stop snoozing Hitting the snooze button may feel good in the moment, but the adverse effects it can have don’t. If you wake up and then snooze for 15 minutes, you start a new sleep cycle and then wake up without completing it. If you wake up

feeling tired each morning, but you have a habit of snoozing, this could be the reason why.

It will take you longer to feel awake even if your eyes are open when you wake up midsleep cycle. Try to make it a habit in 2021 to get up when your first alarm goes off. If this is difficult, put your alarm on the other side of the room, so you need to get up to switch it off.

Avoid eating big meals or sugary snacks before bed If you have a big meal right before you go to bed it can take your body a while to digest it, meaning it may be difficult to get to sleep. A general rule to follow is to finish eating at least two to three hours before you intend to go to bed, particularly if you are eating heavy or sugary foods which may keep you awake longer.

Above photo: Is improving the quality of your sleep on your New Year’s resolutions list? If not, add it to your top five. Sleep is a pillar of health and wellbeing. It’s as essential as breathing,

TELEHEALTH AND REMOTE CARE APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE

Hy p n o s i s Can Help!

one-on-one Hypnosis for Adults and Children in a safe & Comfortable Environment Weight • Smoking • Stress • Anxieties Fears • Phobias • Grieving • Unwanted Habits Self Esteem • Confidence • Starting Over Dating • Clutter • Study Habits • Memory Procrastination • Menopause • Sleep Issues Sports Improvement and More

At Comprehensive Audiology, our goal is to provide our patients with personalized care to experience better hearing and better communication. By utilizing state-of-the-art equipment and the latest hearing aid technology, we’re

Terry Biener, CCH

changing lives, one patient at a time.

Certified Clinical Hypnotist in practice since 1992

Hearing Evaluations

Easy Changes Hypnosis

3D Digital Ear Scan

HypnoShe@aol.com www.easychanges.com Lo Cat e d i n Va L L e y St r e a m

Gift Certificates Available

FlExiblE Hours • by AppointmEnt only CAll For A FrEE pHonE ConsultAtion

Custom Swim Plugs Custom Hearing Protection Auditory Training Esther Fogel, AuD doctor of audiology

Assistive Listening Devices Modern, State-of-the-Art Office Sunday and Evening Hours

1117866

516-791-6174

Hearing Aids

1081740

January 21, 2021 — LONG BEACH HERALD

22

Comprehensive Audiology | 261 Broadway, Lynbrook, NY 11563 | find us on:   P 516.387.4000 E info@comprehensiveaudiology.com W comprehensiveaudiology.com

23

LONG BEACH HERALD — January 21, 2021

Shake up your wake up Be smart about breakfast to kickstart the new year minutes or look for options that are easy to eat on the go, such as this Triple Sorghum Granola, which can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container to maintain its crunchy texture.

Triple Sorghum Granola 1 cup cooked sorghum (cooked according to package directions) 1/2 cup dry whole oats 1/2 cup pepitas (pumpkin seeds) 1 cup slivered almonds 2 tablespoons sorghum syrup 2 tablespoons coconut oil 1/2 cup dried cranberries 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut chips 1/2 cup popped sorghum (popped according to whole grain package directions) Heat oven to 200 F. Spread sorghum on jelly roll pan. Place in oven 1 hour, turning every 15 minutes. Remove from oven and transfer to large mixing bowl. Stir in oats, pepitas and almonds.

Raise oven temperature to 300 F. In 1-quart sauce pan, heat sorghum syrup and coconut oil until oil melts. Blend well. Pour liquid mixture over dry ingredients; stir to blend well. Spread evenly on jelly roll pan. Bake 30 minutes, turning every 10 minutes.

Remove from oven and stir in cranberries, coconut chips and popped sorghum. Allow to cool. Break apart. Store in airtight container.

Above photo: Sorghum is a gluten-free whole grain that is adaptable for use in a variety of recipes.

HOURS M-F 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM Saturday 9 AM - 3PM

OUR RigOUROUS PROtectiOn MeASUReS will enSURe A SAFe And cOMFORtAble OFFice viSit.

1118257

As you look to the new year with plans for healthier habits, there’s no better place to start than the beginning — the beginning of each day, that is. Countless studies have shown the benefits of a nutritious breakfast as part of a healthy eating plan, and there are plenty of options to make a good-for-you breakfast that tastes great, too.

Experts agree that there are numerous health benefits to breakfast. For example, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics credits breakfast with helping brain function and memory as well as preventing tiredness and overeating as the day wears on. Mayo Clinic staff adds that adults who eat breakfast are likely to consume more vitamins and minerals, and less fats and cholesterol.

Wake up your morning routine with these tips for a healthier start to each day: Plan a well-rounded meal. Incorporate whole grains, like sorghum, lean protein, low-fat dairy and fruits and vegetables, for a nutrientrich meal that will keep you fueled and feeling full until lunch time.

Experiment with new flavors.. Avoid burnout and boredom by trying new foods. For example, substitute your typical grain with sorghum. In addition to its delicious flavor, sorghum is a highly versatile ingredient that is naturally high in fiber, iron and protein and can be used in a wide range of preparations.

Eliminate obstacles. If hectic mornings are preventing you from getting a healthy breakfast, find solutions that work for you and your family.

Prepare make-ahead foods that you can heat in

January 21, 2021 — LONG BEACH HERALD

24

HEALTH MEMO

A

What you should know about neurostimulation to treat chronic pain What are the treatments for chronic pain?

There are many treatments for chronic pain, including, but not limited to: Physical therapy and lifestyle modification, TENS, topical therapies, over the counter and prescription medication, and injections and nerve ablations.

s many as 50 million Americans have chronic pain. It interferes with their work, their activities of daily living, and almost every facet of their lives. Brian J. Snyder, M.D., is a partner and attending neurosurgeon with Neurological Surgery, P.C. (NSPC Brain & Spine Surgery), Rockville Centre, and a fellowship-trained, board certified expert in using neurostimulation to treat chronic pain, surgery for epilepsy, movement disorders, and refractory pain.

What options exist when nothing else works?

Neuromodulation, or neurostimulation, is a group of procedures that involve placement of electrodes temporarily (an if successful), What causes chronic pain? permanently in the nervous system. These Chronic pain can have many causes. It can be treatment procedures interfere with the message Brian J. Snyder, M.D. caused by prior injury, medical disease, or prior for pain being sent to the brain. surgery. Some patients may have chronic pain These procedures include: spinal cord with no apparent cause. stimulation (SCS), dorsal roots ganglion stimulation (DRG), peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS), occipital nerve stimulation What are some of the types of chronic pain?

(ONS), motor cortex stimulation (MCS), and deep brain stimulation • Low back pain (caused by arthritis, injury, etc.) – Some (DBS). patients with chronic low back pain may have had prior surgery and persist with that pain.

If a patient had an unsuccessful trial or implant for • Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS – formerly known as neurostimulation in the past, or has a device implanted that RSD) – Caused by nerve or tissue damage, sometimes very doesn’t work very well, are they a candidate for one of these benign in nature resulting in a severe pain syndrome. procedures?

• Migraine and other headache/occipital neuralgia.

Yes. The technology has advanced substantially in the last • Shingles (post-herpetic neuropathy). several years and there are new devices and new procedures that are allowing us to treat many new patients and to better treat

patients that have older systems.

About Neurological Surgery, P.C. (NSPC Brain & Spine Surgery) Founded in Freeport in 1958, Neurological Surgery, P.C. (NSPC Brain & Spine Surgery) has grown to become one of the largest, private neurosurgical groups in the U.S. with seven conveniently located offices on Long Island, including offices in West Islip, Commack, Port Jefferson Station, and Riverhead.

The practice’s experienced neurosurgeons and interventional neuroradiologists are experts in “Bloodless” brain and spine surgery, including laser spine surgery, endoscopic spine surgery, ultrasonic spine surgery, radiosurgery, and other advanced minimally invasive techniques which are used to treat brain tumors, brain aneurysms, trigeminal neuralgia, herniated disc, spinal stenosis, chronic back pain, and other conditions. Please visit www. nspc.com to learn more.

To schedule an appointment for a consultation with Dr. Snyder, please call 516- 255-9031.

100 Merrick Road, Suite 128W, Rockville Centre, NY 11570 • 844-NSPC-DOC Health memos are supplied by advertisers and are not written by the Herald editorial staff.

HEALTH MEMO

HEALTH MEMO

Can winter weather affect your hearing?

Winter can be hard on your ears and your hearing aids, but with preventive measures, it doesn’t have to be.

Protect Your Hearing More than 31 million Americans ages 6 to 69 have noise-related hearing loss. Whether hunting or snowblowing, wear well-fitting earplugs, headphones, or even earmuffs.

Stay Warm and Dry A hat, scarf, or set of earmuffs keeps the severe cold, wind, or moisture from causing problems such as exostosis, which can lead to ear blockage, infections, and hearing loss.

Beware of Ear Infections A flu or cold increases chance of getting an ear infection, so get a flu vaccine and wash your hands regularly.

Protect Your Hearing Aids A hat, scarf, or set of earmuffs protects your devices from cold and moisture, too.

Also, remove your batteries at night and leave the battery door open to curb moisture and maintain battery life.

Appointments can be scheduled by calling 516-387-4000 or at comprehensiveaudiology. com/make-appointment/. Follow us on Facebook, Linkedin, Google, or Instagram @comprehensive_audiology, or visit us at www.comprehensiveaudiology.com.

T

261 Broadway, Lynbrook 516-387-4000 www.comprehensiveaudiology.com

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

Steps to successful retirement

oday’s retirees are looking for purpose. In fact, 55 percent of them said retirement is the time for a “a new chapter in life,” according to the 2020 Edward Jones/Age Wave Four Pillars of the New Retirement study. But to afford this new chapter, retirees need to be financially prepared.

If you’re approaching retirement, how can you achieve this financial preparation?

For one thing, you may need to prioritize your goals. You might want to travel the world, collect rare wines or fix up old houses, but time and money may force you to make some choices.

You might also want to calculate if you can still afford to retire when you had initially planned. If you need to work longer, you can benefit by adding more money to your 401 (k) and IRA.

Finally, if giving back to your community is a key element of your purpose-driven life, you’ll need to budget how much you can give to charitable groups each year.

It can be extremely rewarding to live your retirement purposefully but you’ll find it a lot easier to do when you make the right financial moves.

Marie L. Taylor, CRPC, AAMS Edward Jones Financial Advisor 365 Hempstead Ave., West Hempstead 516-538-4338 • 866-400-4338 www.edwardjones.com marie.taylor@edwardjones.com

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

25

LONG BEACH HERALD — January 21, 2021

WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED NSPC is proud to announce that all of our world-class physicians are now in-network, participating providers with the New York State Health Insurance Program (NYSHIP). We’re available for expert treatment of all brain and spine conditions.

Scan with your mobile device to schedule an appointment

In-Network with The Empire Plan (NYSHIP)

1118159

nspc.com | (844) NSPC-DOC

Our commitment of caring for Long Island is well-established, so we decided to shorten our name.

We’re now Catholic Health Services of Long Island.

No matter your health need, you can count on our highly-awarded, compassionate network of care.

HOSPITALS:

CONTINUING CARE:

MEDICAL GROUP:

• St. Francis Hospital & Heart Center®

• Catholic Health Home Care • Good Shepherd Hospice

• Catholic Health Physician Partners

• Good Samaritan Hospital

• Good Samaritan Nursing & Rehabilitation

• St. Charles Hospital • St. Catherine of Siena Hospital • Mercy Hospital • St. Joseph Hospital

• Our Lady of Consolation Nursing & Rehabilitation • St. Catherine of Siena Nursing & Rehabilitation

Learn more at chsli.org/catholichealth

Catholic Health Services of Long Island is now Catholic Health 1118058

January 21, 2021 — LONG BEACH HERALD

26

The vaccine is here, but there’s a big wait agarcia@liherald.com

The public distribution of Covid-19 vaccines in New York state has begun, but the supply in Nassau County has not kept up with the high demand, according to officials.

More than 55,000 doses of vaccines have been administered in Nassau, according to Executive Laura Curran, but as more people are vaccinated, the supply dwindles. Officials have relied on the steady influx of doses from the federal government, which sends roughly 250,000 vaccine doses a week to the state.

Under state guidance, all doses must be administered to eligible residents within the week that they are received.

In New York, a select group is currently eligible to receive the vaccine: those 65 and over, doctors, nurses and health care workers, first responders, teachers, and public transit, grocery store or public safety workers.

All appointments should be made through the state-run website, www.covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov. There, residents can check if they are eligible, and appointments for both doses of the vaccine can be made.

In Nassau, a state-run vaccination site has opened at Jones Beach, while Northwell Health has established sites at the Nassau University Medical Center and Belmont Park. Sites run by the county’s Department of Health have also been established at Nassau Community College and the Yes We Can Community Center in

Andrew Garcia/Herald

SEvERAl CovID-19 vACCINAtIoN sites have opened throughout Nassau County, Executive Laura Curran announced at a press conference. Last year, she held more than 100 press conferences on coronavirus updates alongside Department of Health Commissioner Lawrence Eisenstein, left.

Westbury.

Information from the county can be found at www.nassaucountyny.gov/vaccine.

Appointments for nearly all the available sites are booked. “We do not have enough vaccine supply to meet the demand,” Curran said in an interview.

“Anyone over 65 is eligible, health care workers, teachers, first responders, law enforcement, grocery store workers, transit workers — all of those people are eligi-

ble, and that’s a lot of folks.”

“We are begging for more,” Curran added. “I’m hoping the supply chain right up to our federal government gets fixed, and we can get what we need down here.”

Officials have been working on such a tight schedule that vaccines are often administered the day they arrive. When vaccination sites opened last Tuesday, for example, the doses administered that day had only arrived earlier that morning.

“That’s how tightly we’re moving it out

as quickly as we can,” Health Commissioner Lawrence Eisenstein said at a news conference.

“It’s a rolling process, so daily we are making our decisions and determinations,” Eisenstein noted. “When we have vaccines, we schedule out as far as we can.”

Those receiving the vaccines must make sure their second dose is of the same vaccine they were given for the first dose. The county DOH will reach out to residents who should be getting their second dose at a county-run site.

Through the state-run website, the second appointment should be made for the same site automatically. The website has run into problems, however, as the high traffic has caused the page to be inundated and sometimes crash.

Ralph Esposito, director of the Nassau County Veterans Service Agency, expressed concern for home-bound veterans and elderly residents who may not have the technical know-how to navigate a website. “My main concern are the veterans,” he said. “We have to start with the weakest first.”

Outreach programs for seniors are in the works, according to Curran. Officials are working to establish more sites at senior centers or houses of worship, and transport services are available through the VA. The Nassau County Office for the Aging will also assist seniors.

“We are ready to vaccinate the rest of the community as long as the supply chain is there,” said Dr. Anthony Boutin, president and CEO of NuHealth.

Experts discuss Covid-19 relief for businesses FRom lEFt, top row: moderator Skye Ostreicher; Grassi CPAs Lou Pizzileo and Robert Tobey; Jessica Dennehy, business and legal strategist for Pivot & Slay; and Robert Piechota, Long Island branch office manager for the SBA New York District Office for U.S. Business Administration.

By ANDREW GARCIA agarcia@liherald.com

Looking to relieve the economic burden felt by your business because of the Covid-19 pandemic? The latest episode of Herald Inside LI is here to help.

Four panelists gathered for the latest webinar, which focused on avenues of financial relief for small businesses. They included attorney Jessica Dennehy, business and legal strategist for Pivot & Slay; Robert Piechota, Long Island branch office manager for the SBA New York District Office for U.S. Business Administration; and Lou Pizzileo and Robert Tobey, CPAs and partners with Grassi Advisors and Accountants.

Skye Ostreicher, of Herald Community Newspapers and RichnerLive, moderated the discussion.

The episode premiered Dec. 8, as applications for a second round of paycheck protection program loans were soon approaching.

“This is really the hallmark of government response — it is in itself unprecedented,” Piechota said.

There have been roughly 65,000 PPP loans offered on Long Island, Piechota said. PPP loans are designed to help business owners maintain payroll to employees or themselves, Piechota explained. Sixty percent of the loan must go to payroll, while 40 percent can go toward expenses.

Piechota also explained that economic injury disaster loans, or EIDLs, are available directly through the SBA. Application information about them can be found at sba. gov.

The employee retention program is also a “flexible” option, Tobey said, that could help some businesses stay

Herald Inside LI Photo

afloat. A home health care agency was forced to lay off trainers, for example, he said, but it qualified and recouped some losses.

“It puts real money in your pocket today,” Tobey said.

“It’s a quick way to recover some cash that you can use to run your business.”

Grassi advisers can help business owners navigate the “interplay” between the employee retention and payroll protection programs to maximize the credit received, Tobey said. “It’s a really cool program,” he said. “This is something that a lot of folks really haven’t focused on. We picked up on this, and we think a lot of clients and businesses will be able to benefit in 2021.”

“This is the biggest stimulus package since the New Deal,” Pizzileo said. “For all its drama in the roll out, it’s been a great program that’s saved many, many businesses and many jobs.”

What about businesses that did not apply for the first round of PPP assistance, but qualified? For them, the program is reopening in 2021, Pizzileo said, and it will be available in an expanded fashion.

Businesses that are temporarily shut down, but still plan to open, can also qualify for PPP loans, Tobey said.

The application period for the second round of PPP loans opened the week of Jan. 11.

Business owners planning to apply should gather records showing a 25 percent reduction in revenue, which is one criterion to qualify for the loan, Pizzileo said.

This webinar was sponsored by Grassi. Questions can be directed to the Grassi Crisis Response and Recovery hotline at (212) 223-6216 or response@grassicpas.com.

Herald Inside LI is a weekly webinar series. To view this full recording or attend future webinars, visit liherald.com/insideli.

LONG BEACH HERALD — January 21, 2021

By ANDREW GARCIA

27

HERALD

Employment

CLASSIFIED

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

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

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

(We said it was simple. We didn’t say it was easy.) to join our outside sales team, contact Rhonda glickman. send your resume today. rglickman@liherald.com, 516-569-4000 x250.

 ALFREDO (917) 833-9370 1 SUNRISE MALL, MASSAPEQUA, NY 11758

The Franklin Square School District 6 Hours/Day, 5 Days/Week

SUBSTITUTE BUS DRIVERS 6 Hour Day, As Needed

1104975

INC

LEGAL SECRETARY PT: Freeport Law Office. Minimum 4yrs. Personal Injury Experience Required. Bi-lingual A Plus But Not Necessary. Call 516-384-6511 Or Email Resume To: stephencivardi@pobox.com

Sub Cleaners, Sub Monitors - $14.00/hr.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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

INSTALLER HELPER FOR SHOWER COMPANY IMMEDIATE HIRE WILL TRAIN F/T Heavy lifting. Positive Attitude.

Team player. Freeport/Merrick area.

Call 516- 634-4000

MEDIA SPECIALIST: For Sharona Beck Realty, A Long Island Real Estate firm.

Must be creative and dependable and be able to create, oversee and execute content on their social channels. Expertise in Social Media Platforms, Understanding of CRM databases and Competent with photo/video editing software a must. Email info@sharonabeckrealty.com with a resume

OFFICE HELP WANTED: MANY POSITIONS AVAILABLE

$22.50 PER HOUR PLUS MEDICAL/DENTAL. Employment type: Full time /Overtime available Multiple Shifts Available LOOKING TO HIRE TODAY!!! No Lay offs!

WILL TRAIN. CALLAHEAD OFFERS 2 WEEKS PAID VACATION, HOLIDAY S , 4 0 1 K , A N D H E A LT H A N D DENTAL BENEFITS. PLEASE APPLY IN PERSON MONDAY- FRIDAY AT 304 CROSS BAY BLVD, QUEENS NY 11693

1118287

jcentrella@franklinsquare.k12.ny.us

Part-Time School Monitors - $17.19/hr.

Sub Clerical - $15.00/hr.

HANDYMAN WANTED

SUBSTITUTE SCHOOL MONITORS 516-481-4100 ext. 3630

Effective immediately:

1118303

Homes

To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5 e s t. 1 9 1 1

Ronnie Gerber 516-238-4299

OPEN HOUSES BY APPOINTMENT SUNdAY, 1/24/21 HEWLETT BAY PARK

40 Heron Dr, BA, NEW TO MARKET!! 10,000 Sq Ft Waterfront Property on an Acre of Parklike Grounds Tucked away in Cul de Sac. 5 BR, 5.5 Bth Contemporary. Soaring Ceilings. IGP, Hot Tub. 285' Vinyl Bulkhead Raised, Redone Dock, 3 Car Garage...................$4,650,000 70 Heron Dr, BA, 6 BR, Contemporary with Open Layout on an Acre of Parklike Property. Move Right in! SD#14 .................... $1,699,000 159 Meadowview Ave, BA, Stately 5200 Sq Ft Colonial Featuring 6 BR, 6.55 Bths on Acre Of Resortlike Prop with IGP, Tennis Ct, Outdoor Kit. Fin Bsmt, 2 Car Gar, Fabulous Location in SD#14 .........

REDUCED!! $2,699,000

HEWLETT HARBOR

If interested, please contact and email resume to our Personnel Office at

Openings

Send cover letter & resume to: Amy Tenenbaum, Personnel Coordinator West Hempstead UFSD 252 Chestnut Street West Hempstead, NY 11552 Or E-mail: hr@whufsd.com

SCHOOL MONITORS

4 Hours/Day, 5 Days/Week 4 Hour Day, As Needed

West Hempstead UFSD

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

HERALD

FULL TIME BUS DRIVERS

real local, real news

Help Wanted

Phone: 347-713-3552

has the following positions available:

liherald.com

EMPLOYMENT

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

RELIANCE HOME SENIOR SERVICES

HERALD Community Newspapers

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

BENEFITS: • $14.41 Immediate Job Placement • Health, Dental, Vision, & Life Insurance ($5) • 1199 Union Benefits • Weekly/Overtime/Holiday Pay • Tuition Reimbursement • Member Wellness Benefits • Direct Deposit • Cases in Nassau Co & 5 Boroughs REQUIREMENTS: • PCA/HHA Certification • Flu Shots • NYS Photo ID & SS Card • Inoculation Record • Physical Exam, Drug Test • 2 Reference Letters

WALK-IN TO APPLY AT

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

RICHNER

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

1118448

We hire the smartest people who can solve the hardest marketing objectives with an arsenal of solutions and a smile through the journey.

PERSONAL CARE AIDES NEEDED IMMEDIATELY!!!

1117790

RecRuiting a great sales team is Really simple.

1117911

January 21, 2021 — LONG BEACH HERALD

28

ROUTES AVAILABLE AT CALLAHEAD Corp.

NO CDL required, 4 DAY WORK WEEK, (enjoy 3 days off). Run your own route. Year round No lay offs!

100% medical, dental, uniforms, 2 weeks paid vacation. 401K. Plus commission. Will train! 4am-2:30pm. .

Route driver $800.00 per week, includes $100.00 weekly bonus program. Plus 10-12 hours overtime. Apply in person Monday- Friday 9am-7pm at 304 Crossbay Blvd, Queens NY 11693 SCHOOL BUS AND Van Drivers Best Pay/Benefits package in the industry Start at $25.19 Bus and $21.97 Van Call Hunti n g t o n C o a c h t o d ay 6 3 1 - 2 7 1 - 8 9 3 1 www.huntingtoncoach.com SEWING MACHINE OPERATOR For Awning Manufacturing Business. Experienced With Commercial Sewing Machines Necessary. 516-250-8094; tgawnings@aol.com

REAL ESTATE

105 Lake Dr, BA, NEW TO MARKET! Spectaular Water & Golf Course Views. 4 BR, 4.5 Bth 4500 sq ft Contemporary Open Layout & Soaring Ceilings, 2 Car Gar, SD#14 .............................. $1,995,000 236 Richards Lane, BA, 5 BR, 5.5 Bth Contemporary Home on an Acre Of Resortlike Prop with IGP, Open Floor Plan. Full Fin Bsmt.

Main Flr Master. SD14 ..................................REDUCED! $1,499,000

WOOdSBURGH

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

EAST ROCKAWAY

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

WOOdMERE

1 Meadow Dr #2B, BA, NEW TO MARKET! Updated 2 BR Coop in Elevator Bldg. Spacious Rooms, Hi Ceiling. Prime Location ..............................................................................$289,000

Open Houses EAST ROCKAWAY 1 Thompson Dr, OPEN HOUSE BY APPT, 4 BR, 2.5 Bth Exp Ranch w/Open Layout in Waverly Park Area. Updtd EIK. O/S Prop w/Deck.

Att Gar. SD#20..$599,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman RE 516-238-4299

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

HEWLETT 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

HEWLETT BAY PARK 40 Heron Dr, NEW TO MARKET!! 10,000 Sq Ft Waterfront Proper ty on an Acre of Parklike Grounds Tucked away in Cul de Sac. 5 BR, 5.5 Bth Contemporary. Soaring Ceilings. IG Pool, Hot Tub. 285' Vinyl Bulkhead Raised & Redone, Dock. 3 Car Garage...$4,650,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman RE 516-238-4299

WOODSBURGH 185 BAY Dr, OPEN HOUSE BY Appt, 5/6 BR, 4.5 Bth Exp Ranch on Parklike 1/2 Acre Prop. Guest Q u a r t e r s , F u l l B s m t , 2 C a r G a r.

SD#14...$1,450,00 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299

HEWLETT HARBOR 105 Lake Dr, NEW TO MARKET!! Spectaular Water & Golf Course Views. 4 BR, 4.5 Bth 4500 sq Ft Contemporary w/ Open Layout & Soaring Ceilings, 2 Car Gar, SD#14..$1,995,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman RE 516-238-4299

Real Estate OWN LAND IN NEW YORK? Our hunters will Pay Top $$$ to lease your land. Call now for free info packet 1-866-309-1507 www.BaseCampLeasing.com / Ref# NY11721

House For Sale

Homes

HERALD

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

HOME OF THE WEEK

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

Q. I wanted to add on to the den on the side of my house. The den has been there since 1930. The problem I’m having is that if I want to make the addition so that it’s in alignment with the current den, the side distance to my property line is too close, by 12 inches, according to my building department. They say that I have to match the code requirement that was adopted in 1938, so instead of having a straight wall going all the way back, I either need to make a jog in the wall or go for a zoning variance. It just doesn’t make sense. I’m not adding a monster-sized addition, just 10 feet by 10 feet on the side of my house, behind tall hedges. My neighbor doesn’t mind, so what can I do about this?

Oceanside

Colonial Style Home

T

otally renovated from the ground up! This 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom Colonial features all new eat in kitchen with quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances and island. This home has a stunning formal dining room and huge living room, master suite with private bathroom, walk in closet, second floor laundry and pull down attic. There is a full basement with high ceilings and spray foam insulation. This home boasts a detached one car garage, all new heating, central air conditioning, electric, insulation plumbing, white oak hardwood floors, windows, siding, roof, black gutters, downspouts and more Out of the flood zone. Offered at $749,000

A. Not much, except decide whether you want a ridiculous-looking room with a jog in the wall or want to spend the money and time to go through the zoning variance process. When I see cases like this, I understand the intent of the law, but not the “spirit” of the law.

The intent is to prevent the construction of buildonte eeper ings too close to a property line, based on historical catastrophes such as the London fire and the Chicago fire, both of which saw hundreds of lives lost and tens of thousands of buildings destroyed, mainly because of their closeness to one another and their ability to burn easily.

We live in a modern age in which materials have been tested, analyzed, certified and regulated to limit flame spread, and communities have been set up with strict guidelines to leave spaces between buildings for safety and appearance. But knowing, or not remembering, this, communities may invoke the strictness of the law like a stern punishment, or look at the separate conditions and merits of each case, deciding that your straight wall versus a jogged wall isn’t going to hurt anyone and, being located on the side or behind your house, isn’t going to detract from the character of the community.

Some building departments have been given the flexibility to make these decisions, to avoid throwing the baby out with the bathwater, and have the authority to give approval for minor issues. Some municipalities have even gone so far as to pass ordinances allowing the discretion of building departments to allow for the alignment of built structures, previously approved, on the first story. It makes sense not to put homeowners through an unnecessary hearing process, sometimes costing thousands of dollars and many months of delay, just so they can have a straight wall.

Allowing alignment with a previously approved part of a building isn’t the same as having a flammable wall too close to a property line or another building. In the long run, a variance will be worth it. Otherwise the weird wall shift won’t be understood or be beneficial to you. Good luck!

Ask The Architect

M

516-644-8097 & 516-779-8423 www.thegandolfoteam.com Century 21 American Homes Direct: 516-779-8423 Email: johngandolfosells@gmail.com

Sherlock Homes Sherlock Homes

HIGH PRICES + LOW INTEREST RATES t rac

= LIST NOW

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

t rac

ont in c

ont in c

THINKING OF BUYING OR SELLING?

sed

686 Koelbel Ct, Baldwin Two Family

1118434

clo

9 Hanover Pl, RVC Two Family

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

43 N. Park Ave. Rockville Centre • 516-764-2601

1112376

DO YOU KNOW HOW MUCH YOUR HOME IS WORTH?

ApArtments For rent Freeport/BAldwin AreA No Pets or smokiNg

spacious 3 Br top Floor 2 Family House, parking, nice Area $3000 +Gas & electric.

Broker - 516-378-2884

1116846

luxury 1 Br Fully renovated, large walk-in Closet, elevated Bldg, walk to lirr. $2400 +Gas & electric.

Call for Your FREE Home Market evaluation now!

Lisa a. Fava CBR, sRs, aBR

LiCensed assoCiate BRokeR, LiCense #10301204103

50 Hempstead avenue Lynbrook, nY

516 815-2434

“Going Above & Beyond to find your Dream Home”

Rhonda Healy

Apartments For Rent

M: (516) 236-7269

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

OneKey Multiple Listing Service

1114108

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

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

1116815

t rac

ont in c

Contact one of our hardworking professionals today for all of your real estate needs!

30 Reid Ave, RVC Two Family

138 Woods Ave, RVC Two Family

Apartments For Rent EAST ROCKAWAY - LARGE STUDIO All Newly Redone. Beautiful Updated Kitchen, inc Dishwasher, Access to Washer/Dryer, Near Train. Avail. Immediatlely. $1650 + 1 Mth Security. inc Utilities. Stan 516-434-9385 VALLEY STREAM NORTH, Lower Level Studio. Suitable One, No Smoking/ Pets.

Includes All & Cable $825, 516-561-2155

L

© 2021 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.

LONG BEACH HERALD — January 21, 2021

A zoning variance for a bigger den?

29

HERALD

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

516.431.0799

1117654

aboveallgutters.com

lucy MenSAh Cell:

516-668-3607

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

www.lucyluulivingwater.com

W eNK

PIPING & HEATING CORP.

516-297-1885

OFF

jairorzc58@gmail.com

Any Service Call For New Customer

1105410

licensed and insured

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

"No Job Too Small!" Get the Best for Less!

Over 15 Years Experience Licensed • Insured

FREE ESTIMATES

$189

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

Installed 1109243

FLAT ROOFS SHINGLE ROOFS

$999 VINYL Up to 1000 sq ft SIDING

Page 2 is 4C constructed in InDesign. This page is a PDF exported from page 2 and converted to1109488 grayscale. Use 600 dpi for exporting.

COMPLETE RENOVATIONS

HANDYMAN SERVICE

RYAN 516-695-4527 917-697-3647

1103000

FREE ESTIMATES 4 HR EMERGENCY SERVICE

wenkpipingandheating.com

947101

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

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

Exp. 2/28/21

1.99 Per Gallon

$

CAll JD PAINtING & reMoDelING CorP

Father & Son Owned

$25

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.

AlkAline WAter Sold

A Fresh CoAt For A Fresh stArt!

STINKS

Call The WeNKS! 516-889-3200

Sunday, August 02, 2020 11:03:58 AM

conSuMer reportS:

Is Bottled Water Safer?

1117570

OWA_REBOOT_BW_BOLD If Your Plumbing

It's Healthier For You, Your Family, And Your Pets!

1112012

1112911

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

ALFREDO’S CONSTRUCTION

1115133

Se Habla Espanol

Carpentry & Painting Specialist

in

BLACKTOP

BeSt priceS in town

senior Citizen Discounts

Call For Winter Specials

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

516-424-3598 516-807-3852

Free estimates

Chimney King, Ent. Inc.

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

516-678-6641– Licensed & Insured 1066253

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

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

Fully licensed and insured Nassau • Suffolk • NYC

Expert Watch Repair

1112267

Residential and Commercial - All Phases

HEATING OIL HOME • COMMERCIAL

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

CALL NOW FOR LOWEST PRICE

(516) 379-2727

CALL FOR MORE INFO No service in Long Beach

1117369

Free estImates...call anthony romeo

Licensed & insured

the

1113846

Specializing

at

1108705

January 21, 2021 — LONG BEACH HERALD

30

1101909

Stuff Handyman

FREEPORT 2500 SQ. FT. Industrial Area Perfect For Car, Storage. Can Be Divided Bill. 516-641-6645.

HANDYMAN: All Kinds OF Interior Repairs. Baths, Kitchens, Tiles, Plumbing, Sheetrock, Painting, Carpentry. Licensed A n d I n s u r e d . E m e r g e n c y Wo r k .

516-810-0067 l handynyman.com

YARD SPACE - WANTAGH, Residential Backyard. Car, Jet Skis, Snowmobiles,, ATV's $125/month. 516-816-7383.

MERCHANDISE MART Antiques/Collectibles We Buy Antiques, Fine Art & Jewelry Same Day Service, Free In-Home Evaluations, 40 Year Family Business. Licensed and Bonded, Immediate Cash Paid..

SYL-LEE ANTIQUES www.syl-leeantiques.com 516-671-6464

FINDS UNDER $100 Finds Under $100 YANKEE PINSTRIPE JERSEY #5 DiMaggio Mitchell Ness collection, tags on, never worn $95.00 516-221-5374

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.

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

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL

WATER FILTRATION RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL LONG ISLAND WATER FILTRATION

Enjoy The Purest and Healthiest Enjoy WaterThe Purest and You Can Healthiest Get. Water You Can Get.

TAP WATER. LONG IS IT SAFE ISLAND TO DRINK? TAP WATER. CALLTO TODAY FOR A IS IT SAFE DRINK?

516-801-0191

*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 THE GENERAC PWRCELL, a solar plus battery storage system. SAVE money, reduce your reliance on the grid, prepare for power outages and power your home. Full installation services available. $0 Down Financing Option. Request a FREE, no obligation, quote today. Call 1-888-871-0194

FREE FREE

CALL TODAY FOR A WATER TEST & COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION WATER TEST & COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION www.BetterWaterNY.com

516-801-0191

FINANCING AVAILABLE

www.BetterWaterNY.com 61A Glen Head Rd., Glen Head

FINANCING AVAILABLE

61A Glen Head Rd., Glen Head

Miscellaneous

Miscellaneous

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

1-888-609-9405

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

HErald

Crossword Puzzle

Autos Wanted

Junk Cars Wanted

***AAA*** AUTO BUYERS $Highe$t Ca$h Paid$ All Years/Conditions!

WE VISIT YOU! Or Donate, Tax Deduct + Ca$h. DMV ID#1303199 Call LUKE 516-VAN-CARS 516-297-2277

DRIVE OUT BREAST Cancer: Donate a car today! The benefits of donating your car or boat: Fast Free Pickup - 24hr Response Tax Deduction - Easy To Do! Call 24/7: 855-905-4755

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

&/877(5 GULYLQJ \RX J\

CRAZY?

6HOO \RXU PHUFKDQGLVH LQ QR WLPH OO K GL L L (PDLO \RXU $G WR WKH +HUDOG DQG 3ULPH7LPH &ODVVLÀ HG 'HSDUWPHQW DW VDOHV#OLKHUDOG FRP WR UXQ D )5(( )LQGV 8QGHU WR UXQ D )5(( )LQGV 8QGHU

Plumbing PLUMBER! PLUMBER! PLUMBER! FREE ESTIMATES! Heating, Repairs, Installations. $25 OFF New Customers.

24 Hour Emergency Response.

516-599-1011

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)

We’ll Buy Any Car, Truck, Van or SUV Running or Not, No Title, No Keys NO PROBLEM We Beat Any Legitimate Quote

SAME DAY SERVICE

Call Us Last for the Highest Payment

631.417.5040 strategicservicesny.com

TOP DOLLAR PAID 1116829

Space For Rent

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

1118560

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

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 VIAGRA & CIALIS! 60 pills for $99. 100 pills for $150. FREE shipping. Money back guaranteed! 1-855-579-8907

AUTOMOBILE & MARINE

Autos For Sale BUICK ROADMASTER 1994: Leather Interior, Excellent Working Condition, Must See To Appreciate. $3750. 516-428-3915 MERCEDES BENZ E350, 2006: 4-Matic, 70K Miles, Excellent Condition. Must See! $12,000. 516-603-8697 MERCURY 2007 MARQUIS LS, Auto A/C, New Tires, Only 52k miles, Must See $6500. 516-378-4258.

Answers

to todAy’s puzzle

LONG BEACH HERALD — January 21, 2021

HERALD

31

32

Herald editorial

Long Beach

January 21, 2021 — LONG BEACH HERALD

HERALD Established 1990 Incorporating the Long Beach Independent Voice JAMES BERNSTEIN Editor dARwIN yANES Reporter EllEN fRISch Advertising Account Executive OffIcE 2 Endo Boulevard Garden City, NY 11530 Phone: (516) 569-4000 Fax: (516) 569-4942 Web: www.liherald.com E-mail: lbeditor@liherald.com OffIcIAl NEwSPAPER: Long Beach Historical Society Long Beach City School District Long Beach Humane Society

Copyright © 2021 Richner Communications, Inc.

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

Robert Richner Edith Richner Publishers, 1964-1987 ■ clIffORd RIchNER STUART RIchNER Publishers MIchAEl BOlOgNA Vice President - Operations ■ ScOTT BRINTON Executive Edtitor JIM hARMON

Copy Editor chRISTINA dAly Photo Editor TONy BEllISSIMO Sports Editor KAREN BlOOM Calendar Editor ■ RhONdA glIcKMAN Vice President - Sales EllEN REyNOldS Classified Manager lORI BERgER Digital Sales Manager

President Biden has his work cut out for him

W

e will need years, if not decades, to unravel and repair the damage that President Trump has done to the nation with his politics and policies.

Beyond his ineffectual, incoherent, even reckless approach to addressing the coronavirus pandemic, which has left the country in tatters, he worked continually to reverse sound policies and regulations developed over decades. Here are the Long Island-specific issues that we are hoping to see President Joe Biden address:

1. Climate change. There is no doubt that, long-term, global warming is among the most urgent issues facing Long Island.

We are surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, which is expected to rise in the coming decades as the Earth heats and the massive ice shelves of Greenland and the Antarctic melt away into the oceans as a result. It is unclear precisely how high the oceans will rise, but the range could be anywhere from one foot, if we were to act aggressively to limit carbon emissions, to as much as eight feet by the year 2100, if we were to continue on our current course, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

We could live with a one-foot rise. Eight feet would be a disaster, with significant inland flooding. Whole swaths of the Island could be lost to the sea. Think about that: Eight decades from now (one human lifetime), much of our home island could be underwater if we don’t curb our greenhouse gas emissions — now, not later.

Biden signaled weeks before he took

office that he would re-enter the 2015-16 Paris Agreement to limit greenhouse gases, which Trump pulled out of in 2017. Doing so would be an excellent start, but there is so much else to do — in particular, supporting our nascent green-energy industries, including solar and wind. Long Island is located in a region of the world known as the “Saudi Arabia of wind.” Under Trump, however, the federal government has done all it can to stall the development of major oceanic wind farms off our coast. It’s high time that the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management fast-track these projects.

2. Wetlands protection. Almost from the start of his presidency, Trump vowed to do away with an Obama-era rule that protected our streams, bays and wetlands from chemical contamination. The rule, known as the Waters of the United States regulation, covered roughly 60 percent of the nation’s waterways, according to The New York Times.

Last January, Trump did away with the rule, but went further, allowing land owners and developers, for the first time in decades, “to dump pollutants such as pesticides and fertilizers directly into hundreds of thousands of waterways, and to destroy or fill in wetlands for construction projects,” The Times noted.

Many citizens might not have noticed the loosening of a key environmental regulation, because Trump was six days into his first Senate impeachment trial at the time.

Wetlands are critical to buffering Long Island against hurricanes and tropical

■

JEffREy NEgRIN Creative Director cRAIg whITE Production Coordinator cRAIg cARdONE Art Director ■ dIANNE RAMdASS Circulation Director ■

hERAld cOMMUNITy NEwSPAPERS Baldwin Herald Bellmore Herald Life East Meadow Herald Franklin Square/Elmont Herald Freeport Leader Long Beach Herald Lynbrook/East Rockaway Herald Malverne/West Hempstead Herald Merrick Herald Life Nassau Herald Oceanside/Island Park Herald Oyster Bay Herald Guardian Rockaway Journal Rockville Centre Herald South Shore Record Valley Stream Herald Wantagh Herald Citizen Seaford Herald Citizen

MEMBER: Local Media Association New York Press Association Long Beach Chamber of Commerce

Published by Richner communications, Inc. 2 Endo Blvd. Garden City, NY 11530 (516) 569-4000

letters ‘Long Way Up’ is satisfying indeed To the Editor: Re Scott Brinton’s column “‘Long Way Up,’ a deeply satisfying travelogue” (Dec. 24-30): As someone who has lived and worked extensively in Latin America, I read with great interest Brinton’s opinions on “Long Way Up.” I have now watched all 11 episodes, and found them absolutely fascinating. Thank you. I would not have known about the series had it not been for Brinton’s highly descriptive piece.

Americans are notoriously insular when it comes to geography. “Long Way Up” gives us an intriguing look into the warmth and character of the Indigenous people living along the diverse roadways of Latin America, but it also awes us with spectacular glimpses of rugged, snow-capped mountains; colorful, varying waterways; and vast, stark deserts, together with captivating views of renowned historical sites such as Machu Picchu, which I have visited three times.

The series reflects a lesser-known, yet highly admirable, humanitarian side of the famous actor Ewan McGregor and his pal Charley Boorman.

Again, many thanks to Brinton for sharing his views on “Long Way Up.” CHRIS CARRINGTON Glen Head

storms, absorbing storm surge and thus protecting our mainland. Any effort to deregulate wetlands protection is a threat to the Island. The regulation must be restored.

3. SALT deduction: For many Long Islanders, there has been no single policy as economically consequential as Trump’s Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which limited the itemized deduction for state and local taxes.

Beginning in 2018, married couples filing joint federal tax returns could deduct only $10,000 for combined state, local and property taxes, or $5,000 for those filing separate returns.

Average homeowners on Long Island lost tens of thousands of dollars in deductions as a result of the act. Where once area families might have had a combined $35,000 or $45,000 in deductions, suddenly they were forced to take the new standard deduction of $24,000. Effective tax rates were lowered, yes, but not enough to make up for the deductions loss, so many Long Islanders saw their federal taxes increase.

We should also note that the tax rate reductions for individuals are set to expire in 2025, whereas Trump’s corporate tax reductions are permanent. Talk about socking it to the little guy!

The loss of SALT deductions is fundamentally unfair, in part, because it forces people to pay federal taxes on top of state and local taxes that they have already paid.

Clearly, this legislation needs reform, and with a new administration and a Democratically controlled Congress, we hope to see it overhauled.

33

opinions

o

n March 4, 1861, President-elect Abraham Lincoln stood on the East Portico of the U.S. Capitol to take the oath of office and deliver his first inaugural address.

Seven southern states had already split from the Union. Others would soon follow, and the day felt gloomy and worrisome.

There are so many similarities between the America of the early 1860s and the America of today. The Capitol, then as now, was heavily guarded by armed troops. Lincoln had to be spirited into WashingJim ton in the dark of so terrified Bernstein night, were his guards and aides that mobs would descend on his train and assassinate him.

Yet on that March afternoon, Lincoln delivered a message that he hoped would be healing. “We are not enemies, but friends,” he said in a deep but gentle voice. “We must

not be enemies. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection.”

Unfortunately, the president’s words did not stop the southern states from forming the Confederacy and attacking Fort Sumter, outside Charleston, S.C. Jefferson Davis was sworn in as president of the Confederacy two weeks after Lincoln’s inauguration.

Four years of war changed the face of America forever.

Yet once the Confederates surrendered at the Appomattox Court House in Virginia, Lincoln remained compassionate to the vanquished South and reached out with a healing hand. Confederate troops were allowed to return home unharmed, and Lincoln began the process of Reconstruction and bringing the rebel states back into the Union.

This week, Donald Trump, one of the most polarizing presidents in American history, was scheduled to leave the White House after four tumultuous years. The

a

situation sadly reminiscent of the scene at the Capitol nearly 160 years ago.

Letters Comparing Trump to Goebbels was out of line To the Editor: I get that the Herald has a point of view, and that it appears to despise Donald Trump. That said, it was disappointing that in last week’s editorial, “It’s high time truth prevails once again,” the Herald compared Trump’s assertion that he won the election to the propaganda of Joseph Goebbels, a person who committed unspeakable crimes against humanity. Nazi comparisons are overused, dishonest, and most of all disrespectful, as many millions of people died because of Goebbels’s lies.

The editorial did not address that, as opposed to the criminal behavior of Goebbels, the election audit proposed by Senators Ted Cruz and Josh Hawley was entirely legal, and would not have delayed the inauguration of President Joe Biden. But it would have assured tens of millions of Americans that the election results had an acceptable level of integrity, and it should have been done.

It was also disappointing that columnist Randi Kreiss wrote that we should do “more than take away [Trump’s] Twitter account.” What further action would she suggest, and where are we going with this?

Further, when Twitter continues to allow such tweets as “Every day that ends in y should be Punch at Trumper Day,” and one that calls for the president to be assassinated, it is plain that only some people who say some things will be censored by this social media platform.

Applying standards fairly matters, even when Trump is involved. Making Nazi comparisons and deciding who to censor on social media platforms are not solutions

nation is badly in need of healing, and that enormous task is now in the hands of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.

The question that we face — and that Lincoln faced — is simple, yet extraordinarily complex: How do we heal this country, tortured by a pandemic, unemployment, racism and division not seen for decades?

Lincoln’s plan was to readmit the rebel states and extend to the country paths out of poverty. Nearly 160 years later, our American society is far more complex.

Millions of people believe the 2020 election was “stolen,” and that a “deep state” exists, and is preparing to overthrow America and spread communism, socialism, Satanism, take your pick.

But somehow, we must begin the process of healing. A good place to start would be in the schools, from elementary to college.

Education programs as simple as how a democracy works would be a big help.

Courses in how to read a newspaper would

be helpful, too. I have met a number of people who do not know the difference between an opinion column and a news story.

Public libraries could establish discussion groups on the meaning of the last election, and the underlying cause of the riot at the Capitol on Jan. 6. Speakers — Republicans, Democrats, liberals and conservatives — could be called on to present their views, and the audience could question them and discuss their opinions.

Perhaps most important, people who have not spoken to one another during most of Trump’s presidency could find ways to get together, even in small groups. They might begin by talking about their kids, the Buffalo Bills or the baseball season that’s just around the corner. They might just find out how much they have in common, as opposed to what has divided them.

Once people see one another as human beings, and not as caricatures out of a comic book, it becomes harder to scream oaths and obscenities across a room.

If we can do just this much, the healing process will have begun.

Jim Bernstein is the editor of the Long Beach Herald.

Framework by Christina Daly

that are healthy for society when the underlying issues are more complex. In my opinion, you underestimate the intelligence of your readers.

MICHELLE GRAHAM Oceanside

Democrats had a chance to heal To the Editor: The days and weeks after the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol could have been a time for healing, since both parties were on the same page about the events of that day. This could have been a 9/11 moment when both sides agreed that the attack was on all of us.

If Joe Biden were truthful about wanting to heal the nation, he would have used the opportunity to pull the country together.

Instead, he is exploiting this tragic event for the advancement of the liberal Democratic cause. Not allowing President Trump to ride out his final days in office by attempting a second impeachment is the most divisive, vengeful political act that I have witnessed.

Trump was the first person in U.S. history with no political experience or military background to win the presidency. His voice was heard by the working class and the forgotten Americans who have been taken for granted by Washington. His election was a protest vote against the establishment.

It took a non-politician not to get us into a war for the first time in over 50 years, to bring jobs back to the U.S., to lower unemployment, to put money in the working person’s 401(k) and pocket, to support our troops and veterans, to support our law enforcement and first responders, to renegotiate bad trade deals, to stop North Korea

At the flea market — Bellmore

from lobbing missiles over Japan, to stand up to China, to build more border wall, to open opportunity zones in minority neighborhoods, to negotiate two peace deals in the Middle East, to respect our flag, to put Operation Warp Speed into action, and I could go on. He did all this while the entrenched politicians from both parties, big tech, the media and Hollywood all

fought against him.

The Democrats set out for revenge after the 2016 election because Trump defeated Hillary Clinton. Confucius said, “Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves.” The 2022 midterm election will be interesting.

TOM O’CONNOR North Bellmore

CorreCtion The story “Sanitation workers go full time” (Jan. 14-20) incorrectly stated that City of Long Beach sanitation workers had worked 60 hours per week and would work 80 hours per week in the future. In fact, they worked 60 hours and 80 hours per twoweek pay period.

The story “First responders get their shots” (Jan. 14-20) incorrectly stated that there were 2,000 current Covid-19 cases in Long Beach. In fact, there had been a little more than 2,500 cases since the start of the coronavirus pandemic last March.

We regret these errors.

LONG BEACH HERALD — January 21, 2021

Let the healing begin

January 21, 2021 — LONG BEACH HERALD

34

opINIoNS

A

What we do right now will echo in history

merica is in a state of shock in the wake of the assault on the U.S. Capitol, a second impeachment of President Trump and months of denial of the validity of November’s election. We have a new president who got the same number of electoral votes in 2020 as Trump did in 2016. The losing side can scream, holler and moan and the winning side can make grandiose plans for a new era, restricted only by how much our federal budget can absorb.

JERRY But we need an armistice.

The KREMER real question is, are the combatants ready to move on, or do we spend another four years arguing over Georgia, mail-in voting and Twitter’s right to ban people from its feed? In case you haven’t noticed, roughly 4,000 people a day are dying of Covid-19, and the numbers are going up. The country is paying a heavy price for those who ignored warnings about holiday gatherings and the stupid

A

people who still refuse to wear a mask because they consider it a political statement.

If you’re looking for help from some of the members of Congress, you’re seeking the wrong direction. It is shocking to see some of them refusing to stop for a metal detector in the Capitol, a week after a howling mob broke into the House of Representatives with the chanted intent to “Hang Mike Pence!” and kill Speaker Nancy Pelosi. The debate over Trump’s second impeachment revealed that there are still over 100 members of Congress who out of fear or stupidity are denying that an insurrection took place.

If Washington were a movie, we would be about to see the second run of what President Barack Obama faced when he was elected. The nation has been crippled economically by a virus that knows no political distinctions. It steals the last breaths from the young and the old, the healthy and the infirm, and is still very much not under control. Millions of people are out of work.

You may be one of the lucky ones who

A

have incomes and steady jobs, but it’s more than likely that some of your neighbors need the help of the local food pantry, and line up for free groceries.

It doesn’t take much vision to figure out how bad things really are in our beloved country.

Many thousands of businesses in New York state have closed for good in the pandemic. Whether it’s a nail salon, a small restaurant, a children’s clothing store or some other place that you’ve patronized for years, they are slowly disappearing, never to return again. Landlords are entitled to collect rent, and if local businesses can’t afford that rent, it’s only a matter of time before the financial stresses cause more closings.

We have a new president and the opportunity to revive an ailing nation, but it will require a new dose of unity to make things happen. If you travel to places like Richmond, Va., or Nashville, Tenn., you can buy Civil War booklets, battle maps and even knockoffs of Civil War attire. Most of it is just for the tourists, but there are still plenty of

an ailing nation needs not only a new president, but a new dose of unity.

people who believe the South won the war and they were “cheated” by the North. After World War I, many Germans believed they had won the war even though they signed a treaty of surrender.

Recovering from our current state of distress will not be easy. There are millions of true Trump believers who will stick to the lie that the election was rigged, and will resist any efforts to expand benefits into rural America and help their starving neighbors. There are lots of nut jobs out there with guns and loads of ammunition who are prepared to kill people who don’t follow their demented thinking.

The country is at a turning point. We can continue to look at everything through a political lens, or we can begin the job of healing. We have to set aside our political grievances and be open to the need to be a more united nation. If America fails going forward, it will be our failure.

Jerry Kremer was a state assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years.

He now heads Empire Government Strategies, a business development and legislative strategy firm. Comments about this column? JKremer@liherald.com.

Fear hovers over Biden inauguration week

s I write this, after the mob attack on the Capitol and before this week’s Presidential Inauguration, like many of you, I don’t know what to believe. From one corner, I hear credible threats that violent groups are planning to attack state capitols, and Washington, D.C., at any time. From another corner, I read that every agency responsible for national security is on high alert and that thousands of National Guard troops have been called into action RANDI to keep us safe.

KREISS Some people are echoing FDR: “We have nothing to fear but fear itself.” But times have changed. Most Americans stood together with FDR in the World War II fight. Now we apparently have to fear the enemies within.

The media is running with the big story, and that story is the possibility of further anarchy.

Much of the original inauguration plan has been scrapped to offer better security to incoming President Joe Biden and his team. Usually, as many as

200,000 people attend the ceremony; this year only 1,000 invited guests will be there. The outgoing president will not attend. Tens of thousands of National Guard troops will be on site.

The inaugural parade will be “virtual” across America. High fences have been erected around public buildings in the nation’s capital. One commentator said last night that Washington looks like the Green Zone, the heavily fortified area in the middle of Baghdad.

Are you feeling, as I do, that so much has already been lost? In the same way that Islamic terrorists won once we started disrobing at airport check-ins, the domestic terrorists have also gained ground. Their violence has necessitated that we live our lives differently.

Twelve years ago, when Barack and Michelle Obama walked down Pennsylvania Avenue after his inauguration, what a promising moment it was. In a column dedicated to my granddaughter, I wrote: “Sabrina, when you vote for president for the first time in 2024, my guess is it won’t matter much if the candidate is a woman or a man, gay or straight, white, Black, Hispanic or Asian. And it won’t matter because of

I

this election in 2008. As President-elect Barack Obama said in his victory speech, ‘Change has come to America.’”

We have come apart at the seams since then. Change has come, but not the change Obama envisioned.

We have become a country where delusional thinking takes hold among millions of people who act out their rage and frustration on elected officials and cherished landmark buildings, the iconic symbols of our democracy. We have become the place where, through incompetence, ignorance and even intentionality, a ferocious pandemic is raging across the country, as our leaders have failed to take appropriate steps to keep us safe.

Last Friday, the FBI was publicly warning of violent attacks on state institutions in the days leading up to and including the inauguration. But the same agency failed to sound the alarm before Jan. 6, when it reportedly had intelligence indicating an imminent attack on the Capitol. How do we reconcile that?

As the alarms sounded last week, a relative of mine sent out a letter to the entire family. He said he knew he was

can’t help thinking back to 12 years ago, and what a promising moment it was.

probably over-reacting, but he wanted to share a family plan for all of us to meet up in a worst-case scenario. In his mind, worst-case would be some kind of catastrophic attack in which phones and the internet would go down, leaving us with no means to communicate with one another. His proposed plan included a “regional” meeting place for the next month. It also detailed meeting places in other states and other countries in years going forward, with specific places for years ending in 0 and years ending in 5.

He used the dates of our parents’ birthdays for the particular meet-up days.

I assure you that this individual is solid and sober and believing that although a doomsday scenario is extremely unlikely, it has become more possible considering recent events.

When the unthinkable happens right before your eyes, like the assault on the Capitol, you are moved to consider other unthinkable scenarios.

I was momentarily tempted to respond to him with a joke to ease the pressing anxiety. But I’m thinking, instead, it doesn’t hurt to have a plan. I wrote back to him: “Thank you. This reminds us of what makes life worth living: one another.”

Copyright 2021 Randi Kreiss. Randi can be reached at randik3@aol.com.

35

LONG BEACH HERALD — January 21, 2021

I My Community Enjoy the best local news for your area with Herald Community Newspapers.

Stay connected with the schools, high school sports, local government, shopping, dining and more!

Now, get the Press delivered to your mailbox every week for up to 25% off newsstand prices!

Skip the trip to the newsstand.

Pick your best plan today.

four quarterly payments of only

BEST DEAL

$9.75

Auto-Pay. $39* per year *Outside of Nassau County $15 per quarter

one-Time Payment

$50† per year

real local, real news.

†Outside of Nassau County $60.

Order online at

Support Local News

or call 516-569-4000 press 7

Please consider supporting this local newspaper by making a donation.

An invaluable investment in one of your community’s most trusted institutions. www.liherald.com/local

www.liherald.com/subscribe

Stay connected with the community and support local journalism.

1115605

All rates based on Auto Pay. One time payment by check or credit card is $50.

Cannot be combined with any other offers.

January 21, 2021 — LONG BEACH HERALD

36

Wishing You And Yours A Joyful, Healthy, And Prosperous New Year

Long Beach Office 516.432.3400 | 30 West Park Ave

© 2021 DOUGLAS ELLIMAN REAL ESTATE. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY. 110 WALT WHITMAN ROAD, HUNTINGTON STATION, NY 11746. 631.549.7401.

1118559

elliman.com