Issuu

Long Beach

HERALD Also serving Point Lookout & East Atlantic Beach

l.B. ‘kingpin’ raises funds

Don’t put your health on hold

Your hometown heroes

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Vol. 31 No. 20

MAY 14 - 20, 2020

City businesses ponder options for reopening many times a day. “When this pandemic first happened and we started to lock When the City of Long Beach down, we talked to restaurants,” finally reopens, it will look pret- said Ian Danby, the chamber’s ty much the same, but it won’t chairman, who hosted the Zoom feel that way. meeting. He noted that the chamThe Chamber of Commerce ber had come up held a Zoom meeting with the idea of Tuesday night, in placing grab-and-go which it announced signs outside some the results of a restaurants to help recent survey of them by speeding up small businesses: customer traf fic, what they believe and that there had would be the best been other meetings way for the city to with business ownreopen, and how ers over the past few they will conduct weeks. businesses when it Interim City does. Manager Donna Customers may Gayden’s executive be required to wear assistant, John masks for a long leAh tozer McNally, who also time; social distanc- Chamber took part in the ing may be routine vice president Zoom session, said well into the future; the city was formugrab-and-go will conlating plans to retinue at a number of establish- open. City officials, McNally ments; bars where people like to said, have been talking to State socialize may be forced to allow Sen. Todd Kaminsky, a Long only a cer tain number of Beach Democrat, and U.S. Rep. patrons inside; sanitizers may be Kathleen Rice about those plans. everywhere; food servers may The opening, he said, would take wear gloves; plastic throw-away place in phases, with essential menus might become standard; businesses opening first. and workers will no doubt be “There are a lot of known required to wash their hands Continued on page 7

By JAMes BerNsteiN jbernstein@liherald.com

Courtesy Long Beach Public Schools

essential, and well-fed Long Beach fifth-graders baked treats and packaged fruits for first responders at St. Francis Hospital in Roslyn. Story, more photos, Page 8.

School board adopts budget

Budget vote and elections to take place June 9 By DArwiN YANes dyanes@liherald.com

The Long Beach Board of Education approved a $145 million budget on Tuesday, about $3 million more than the current spending plan, and a tax levy of $106 million. With the coronavirus pandemic affecting the economy, Michael DeVito, the district’s assistant superintendent of finance and operations, reduced an earlier spending plan by about $40,000, which included limiting travel to conferences by

school board and administration members. “Within the context of the pandemic that we’re in the midst of, knowing that things are going to be different this summer, [and] probably in the fall,” DeVito said, “we took another look to see how we could tinker with the budget, so we could reduce it even further.” No student activities were cut, and a new junior varsity field hockey team, which was in danger of being eliminated, will remain in the spending plan. Additionally, the district will not

look to outsource its food services, which was a heated topic at a budget meeting in January. Funds that were set aside for projects but not used will account for about $1.4 million of the budget increase, DeVito said. “Everything that’s in our overall budget is only going up less than 1 percent,” he said. “It’s about a 0.9 percent increase, which is a very small increase. This really presents to the community an extremely low and responsible budget, and I think this is something that we worked Continued on page 9

e tell people, just try and follow the CDC guidelines. That’s all we can do right now.

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

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

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

mountsinai.org/southnassau

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

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May 14, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — May 14, 2020 Photos courtesy MSSN

Mount Sinai South Nassau hospital officials have begun a “Don’t Put Your Health on Hold” campaign, urging anyone who is dealing with a medical issue, but is afraid to come to the hospital amid the coronavirus pandemic, not to risk safety by staying home.

MSSn officials:

Hospital’s safe for non-Covid patients areaS of the hospital that housed coronavirus patients during the surge last month have been deep cleaned and sterilized.

By Mike SMollinS

muscle could weaken, causing long-term health issues stemming from a blockage in the vessel. He added that it could lead to a With the coronavirus causing many person becoming unable to enjoy hobbies South Shore residents to be afraid to visit like walking or jogging, or worse. hospitals to address other medical issues, “People are delaying care, and while it’s Mount Sinai South Nassau hospital in not necessarily always fatal, it’s going to Oceanside has launched a campaign impact lives,” Sharma said. “It can be very informing the community that it’s safe to challenging for patients to feel safe, but we come to the facility. Amid a 50 percent drop want them to know that we have taken in patients visiting the hospital’s emergenevery measure.” cy department, physiMSSN is still cians and adminisawaiting approval trators are urging from the state’s residents not to risk Department of their health out of Health to return to fear. providing elective “We don’t want surgeries, but SharHave you been diagnosed with people to put their ma noted that physihealth on hold in fear Covid-19 and suffered its cians perform eight of Covid,” said Joe symptoms? Have you been to 12 procedures per Calderone, MSSN’s hospitalized because of the day to treat patients. senior vice president They include gall disease? If so, then the Herald of corporate commustone attacks, spinal would potentially like to tell your nications and develstenosis, appendicitis opment, “and we’ve story. Contact Executive Editor or any other ailment taken the steps needScott Brinton by emailing that cannot wait for ed to ensure their sbrinton@liherald.com. treatment. On May 6, safety when they hospital administracome here. Our overtors opened a driveall message is simply through coronavirus that it is safe to come here.” testing site in the Washington Avenue As the spike in coronavirus patients has parking lot. Patients who are undergoing lessened, MSSN officials have launched a “Don’t Put Your Health on Hold” initiative any procedure in the hospital must be testin the hope to “return to normal.” In addi- ed at the tent within two days before their tion to a deep cleaning of the facilities operation. Calderone said the hospital had about where coronavirus patients were treated, the staff has taken many precautions to 100 Covid-positive or Covid-suspected patients as of May 7, which continued the ensure the hospital is safe for the public. Chief Medical Officer Dr. Adhi Sharma trend of decreasing cases. At one point, 80 said it could be dangerous for residents not percent of the patients in the hospital had to visit the hospital after experiencing a tested positive for the coronavirus, but the medical episode. He said if a person has number has consistently remained at chest pains that lead to a heart attack, doc- roughly 40 percent in the last few weeks. tors are usually able to open a heart vessel While many units were transformed into and treat the patient that same day, increas- facilities to treat Covid-19 patients last ing the chances of a full recovery. If they month, Calderone noted, the decrease in decide to stay home out of fear, the heart cases has helped the hospital staff to slowly msmollins@liherald.com

herald seeking Covid-19 patients

empty the units and sanitize them before enabling non-Covid patients to return to the areas. Sterilizing agents have also been used in the emergency department and intensive care unit. Over the past two weeks, the two large triage tents outside the facility that hospital staff erected in late March to treat patients during the surge have not been used. Calderone said administrators would likely keep them up into the summer and possibly through the fall in the event of another surge. Sharma said that while a second strain of the virus is likely, it’s up to the community to keep its impact minimal. “If people are careful and wear their masks when they’re in public, wash their hands and really minimize any unnecessary meetings or gatherings, it’s that element that is going to help reduce that second surge,” he said. “It’s individual responsibility and common sense. Those can help us avoid a large second surge.” In addition to hospital staff wearing personal protective equipment, administrators have dedicated spaces in the hospital for non-Covid patients, and a no-visitors policy remains in effect. If any patients

exhibit shortness of breath, a fever or any other symptom consistent with the virus, they are not placed in the non-Covid area, even if they are coming in for an ailment unrelated to the virus, such as a broken bone. Though the coronavirus has stressed frontline workers, Calderone said, there have been silver linings, such as the outpouring of support from the community in the form of food and other donations, and the strengthening of the staff by dealing with hundreds of critical care patients. Calderone added that the staff was thankful for everyone in the community who supported them, and that he also wants South Shore residents to know that it is safe to come to the hospital for non-coronavirus related issues. “We know the public has been hearing nothing but Covid news for the last two months,” he said, “but we’ve taken all necessary steps to ensure patient safety, and if you’re feeling a symptom of a potentially serious issue, it’s going to be much riskier to stay at home and ignore those symptoms than if you came here to the Emergency Department.”

May 14, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

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.

Thursday, May 14 Movement for Flexibility and Balance with Stephanie Durso This class begins with breathing techniques to help relax and relieve stress by focusing on breath (pranayama) and the present moment. The class is for anyone who wishes to improve flexibility, balance, and concentration as we coordinate our breath with stretching and fluid movement. The exercises can be performed while standing or seated, so it is ideal for anyone that wants to enjoy the benefits. There will be a short guided meditation at the end of the class to leave you feeling peaceful, inspired, and prepared to take on the challenges of everyday life. The virtual event will take place from 11:30 a.m.12:30 p.m. on Zoom, visit the Long Beach Library’s website www.longbeachlibrary.org for more information.

Meditation with Lisa Unplug from the news and learn to relax and unwind in this unique online meditation class with Lisa Wisel, MS, BC-DMT, LCAT. Re-center with an “embodiment” meditation which focuses on the senses and aliveness. 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.

Songs for My Mother: A Broadway Concert Join Long Beach Library’s soprano librarian, Eileen Pollis, in a live online performance of Broadway’s maternal best from My Fair Lady and Show Boat to Porgy & Bess. The virtual event will

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

Thursday Night Trivia: The Office Missing Dunder Mifflin? The Jim & Pam saga? Dwight Schrute’s beet plantation? Then come join this Thursday Night’s Trivia Challenge where you’ll compete against fellow lovers of TV’s The Office. One winner will receive a $25 to JJ Cooper’s in Long Beach. Long Beach Library will be running an online trivia challenge every week during the quarantine and winners will receive gift cards from local businesses. If you would like to nominate a Long Beach business, please email us at info@ longbeachlibrary.org. The virtual event will take place from 7:30- 8:30 p.m. on Zoom, visit the Long Beach Library’s website www.longbeachlibrary.org for more information.

Friday, May 15 Chair Yoga The essence of yoga is to serve, love, give, purify, meditate, and realize. This virtual Chair Yoga class will focus on a full-body practice from head to toe and will help strengthen your nervous system and reduce stress and stiffness. Kathleen Regan has been practicing yoga since 1993. She is certified in Hatha/Raja Yoga and is a certified Kundalini instructor. Please wear comfortable clothing. 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.

Friday Movie Discussion: Wrinkles Come join us for our Friday Movie Discussion! This week we’re watching Wrinkles (English Dubbed). You can watch the movie for free using your Long Beach Library card on Kanopy. Then join us Friday to discuss. 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.

Drawing Club with Miss Tanya

Family Online: Nintendo Switch Virtual Gaming

Grab some paper, pencils, pens, markers, or crayons and join Miss Tanya on Zoom for an online version of our informal Drawing Club. The virtual event will take place from 2:30-3:30 p.m. on Zoom, visit the Long Beach Library’s website www.longbeachlibrary.org for more information.

Join Tanya and Tom for an hour of online play. E-mail your friend code to Tanya tsuarezmatos@longbeachlibrary.org Must have Nintendo Switch Online access and the game Super Smash Bro’s. Ultimate.

Coping During COVID: Adult Support Group

Monday, May 18

If you’re struggling during the COVID-19 quarantine, you’re not alone. Join the library’s adult support group hosted by Elizabeth Price-Ramos, LCSW, CASAC and George Ramos, MLS, CASAC, S.A.P. and learn strategies for coping during this crisis. They will be considering some of the following questions: - What coping skills work best for you? - Can you find gratitude during this time? - Have you developed positive habits

Morning Coffee Hour with Tara Lannen- Stanton

There’s no need to go through this alone. Join our online meeting for help. The virtual event will take place from 3-3:45 p.m. on Zoom, visit the Long Beach Library’s website www.longbeachlibrary.org for more information.

Saturday, May 16 Yoga for Health & a Peaceful Mind with Stephanie Durso This Hatha yoga class will warm, tone, and open your body. It is an advanced beginner class, so please note that many of the poses will require the participants to sit or lie down on the floor for core strengthening, and sometimes flow from a kneeling or downward dog position to a standing position. If you are not comfortable being on the floor, you can perform some of the poses seated in a chair. The virtual event will take place from 10-11:30 a.m. on Zoom, visit the Long Beach Library’s

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 ■ 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. Subscription rates: $36 for 1 year within Nassau County. Out of Nassau County: $58 for 1 year. Copyright © 2020 Richner Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.

Start the week right and join Library Director, Tara Lannen-Stanton, and other library staff members for your Monday morning coffee. They want to hear how you’re doing, and we’re happy to answer any reference or library questions you might have during this hour. The virtual event will take place from 9-9:30 a.m. on Zoom, visit the Long Beach Library’s website www.longbeachlibrary.org for more information.

Writers’ Circle City Hall, 1 W. Chester St. Live streams of meetings available at www.longbeachny.gov.The virtual meeting starts at 7 p.m. If you’re a writer and want to join other local writers serious about the craft, then come join our Writers’ Circle on Monday from 11am to 1 p.m. Download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system. Visit the Long Beach Library’s website www.longbeachlibrary.org for more information.

Origami Workshop Join the library staff online at 2 p.m. for an hour of fun making origami. Library clerk Russell Stein will demonstrate how to fold simple shapes out of paper-any paper! Projects include boxes with lids, fortune tellers, and transforming stars. Watchers are welcome, or come fold along. Supplies: At least 2 dozen sheets of 8.5 “ x 11” copy paper. Also have a ruler, hardcover

book, or straight table edge handy. Visit the Long Beach Library’s website www.longbeachlibrary.org for more information.

Tuesday, May 19 Long Beach Memories: A Pictorial History & Discussion Missing Long Beach? Join us for a Pictorial History of Long Beach every Tuesday at 2 p.m. with Eileen Pollis, librarian & lifelong resident of Long Beach. Take an extensive tour of our beautiful city through the Library’s gallery of photos and Local History Collection. Let’s share our memories!

City Council Meeting City Hall, 1 W. Chester St. Live streams of meetings available at www.longbeachny.gov.The virtual meeting starts at 7 p.m.

Parent Survival Chat Put the kids to bed and unwind and chat with Nicole and Jeannine, librarians and parents trying to navigate life at home with kids, work, and school... six feet apart. Wine welcome. The vitual event will take place from 9-10 p.m. on Zoom, visit the Long Beach Library’s website www.longbeachlibrary.org for more information.

Wednesday, May 20 Proposed Library Budget This year’s library budget and trustee vote on June 9th will be conducted entirely by absentee ballot. Join Library Director, Tara Lannen-Stanton, to hear about the library’s proposed budget and plans for July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021. The virtual event will take place from 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. on Zoom, visit the Long Beach Library’s website www.longbeachlibrary.org for more information.

Nassau honors its ‘health care heroes’ County executive comes to NUMC for National Nurses Week By Bridget downes bdownes@liherald.com

In honor of National Nurses Day, Nassau County Executive Laura Curran and other county officials paid tribute Wednesday to the health care professionals working on the frontlines of the pandemic. “These are our heroes,” Curran said at a news conference outside of the Nassau University Medical Center, joined by nurses and other medical staff. “They are the crucial part of our health care infrastructure . . . and oftentimes they take the place of the family. In people’s last days, they’re the ones there, providing care and holding the hands. It’s difficult work, it’s emotionally taxing, and it’s incredibly important.” Some health care professionals are sleeping in RVs, staying in their basements or even camping out in tents in their backyards, the county executive noted, to maintain self-isolation orders. Others go through meticulous self-decontamination measures, including changing

in the garage and showering before hugging family members. “You are our warriors and we want to thank you for what you’re doing each and every day,” Curran said. “As I say, this crisis has not created heroes, it has revealed the heroes already among us.” To date, the Nassau County Office of Emergency Management has distributed 2 million pieces of personal protective equipment to health care workers and first responders. Dr. Anthony Boutin, CEO of NUMC, thanked Curran for coming to the hospital to celebrate National Nurses Day. “I commend our hard-working nurses, all our valuable employees working hard here,” Boutin said. As of Wednesday, the hospital was housing 52 patients who tested positive for Covid-19, and 20 whose results were pending. “This is a significant achievement. We have a 74 percent decline at our peak here at NUMC,” Boutin said, “and I’m happy to report some good news. We are discharging our 565th patient today.”

nassau County exeCutive Laura Curran, left, came to Nassau University Medical Center in East Meadow last Wednesday to pay tribute to nurses in honor of National Nurses Week.

State, Northwell test in minority communities By sCott Brinton sbrinton@liherald

New York state and Northwell Health are partnering to increase Covid-19 testing in the minority communities hardest hit by the virus in downstate New York, Governor Cuomo said Saturday. Testing will take place at 24 churches. Two Nassau County houses of worship — the Union Baptist Church in Hempstead and the First Baptist Church in Westbury — will be among the 24. Results of the state’s diagnostic testing and antibody testing surveys found the highest rates of Covid-19 infection in low-income and minority communities, according to the governor. Additionally, a state survey of all newly hospitalized Covid-19 patients found communities of color are most impacted. Of the 21 zip codes with the most new Covid-19 hospitalizations, 20

t is a cruel fact that when you look at disasters and emergencies, the poorest and most disadvantaged people often pay the highest price. andrew CuoMo

New York state governor have greater than average black and/or Latino populations. “It is a cruel fact that when you look at disasters and emergencies, the poorest and most disadvantaged people often pay the highest price, and the Covid-19 pan-

demic is no different,” Cuomo said. “The fact is that low-income and minority communities are suffering the most. It is not right, and we have to address it.” Michael Dowling, Northwell Health’s president and CEO, said, “Given the prevalence of the coronavirus within communities of color, it’s imperative that we act quickly to prevent further spread of the virus. Among the ways we can protect our communities — beyond social distancing, wearing facemasks, avoiding group gatherings and basic hand hygiene — is through testing.” The governor also announced preliminary results of the state’s antibody testing survey of more than 1,300 transit workers in the New York City region. Roughly 14 percent, he said, had Covid-19 antibodies. By comparison, 16 percent, or 1 in 6 people on Long Island, tested positive for the antibodies, and 19 percent, or 1 in 5 people, were positive in New York City.

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — May 14, 2020

Photos courtesy Nassau County

County and nuMC officials demonstrated proper social distancing while honoring nurses.

May 14, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

Hempstead allocates $2M for food banks By Scott Brinton sbrinton@liherald.com

The Town of Hempstead has allotted $2 million of a $133 million federal aid package toward 14 food banks across the town to help ensure residents in need are fed during the Covid-19 pandemic, officials said Tuesday. Announcement of the allocation, made with the nonprofit Long Island Cares food bank, was the first act of the town’s newly created Economic Relief Advisory Committee, which will recommend how funds from the federal government’s economic stimulus package should be distributed. “Nobody in our town will go hungry because of the hardships they have experienced due to the Covid-19 pandemic,” Town Supervisor Donald Clavin Jr., a Republican from Garden City, said. “Between many of our residents losing their jobs and the grocery stores struggling to meet demand, this funding will keep our food banks stocked for the next couple of months so our residents can be reassured with quality meals.” Food distribution centers, run by Long Island Cares staff, will be located in Baldwin, Elmont, Lawrence, Roosevelt and other communities, and will be open two days a week for a total of eight hours. Times are subject to change depending on community need. For more information about where the food banks are located or how to schedule a pick-up or delivery, visit licares.org or call (631) 582-3663. Each family will receive a 20-pound box of food that can feed up to six people for a week. Each box will contain non-perishable, nutritious food, and staples such as milk and juice. Pet food will be provided if needed, and fresh produce will be available when possible. The federal funding will also support the Nassau Center for Collaborative Assistance, Long Island Cares’s satellite location in Freeport, and will go toward food distribution in Hempstead, Uniondale, Merrick, Bellmore and Oceanside. Clavin thanked U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer, a Democrat from New York City, and the Long Island congressional delegation for helping to secure the stimulus funding. He added, “We’re very fortunate to have Governor Cuomo’s historic leadership at this very desperate time in our state’s history. Our town government looks forward to working with the county and state governments to ensure these funds are used appropriately and efficiently to produce the greatest possible outcome for our

Courtesy Town of Hempstead

the town of Hempstead is devoting $2 million in federal stimulus funding to help feed the hungry across the town, Supervisor Donald Clavin said Tuesday. communities.” “The launch of the economic relief advisory committee is the first of many steps that will be taken over the next couple of months to regain economic stability for our town, its businesses and residents,” said Town Councilwoman Dorothy Goosby, a Democrat who represents the 1stCouncilmatic District, and who contracted the coronavirus and recovered. The town’s Economic Relief Advisory Committee comprises leaders from business, labor, education and the community, and includes: • Joe Belluck, Attorney and Founding Partner of Belluck & Fox, LLP: Before helping to found Belluck & Fox, a firm that specializes in mesothelioma cases, 18 years ago, Belluck took on large tobacco companies as the State of New York representative. • John Durso, President of the Long Island Federation of Labor: Durso represents workers in the supermarket, health care, pharmacy, delivery, dairy and retail food service industries. He is also international vice president of the United Food and Commercial Workers, and vice president of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store

Union. • Charles Fuschillo Jr., President and CEO of Alzheimer’s Foundation of America: Before joining the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America in 2013, Fuschillo served 16 years in the New York State Senate, drafting more than 200 laws. • Margarita Grasing, Executive Director of Hispanic Brotherhood: Grasing is also a former board member of the Rockville Centre Education Foundation, Nassau County HIV Commission and County Coalition of Youth Agencies. Kevin Law, President and CEO of the Long Island Association: Law is focused on fostering economic development and improving Long Island’s business climate. He is co-chair to the Long Island Regional Economic Development Council and was formerly a trustee of the Long Island Power Authority and chief deputy county executive in Suffolk County. • Mitchell Pally, Chief Executive Officer of the Long Island Builders Institute: As CEO of LIBI, Pally works to foster home ownership across Long Island. He was also chief counsel to the New York State Senate Committee on Transportation and the Legislative Commission on Critical Transportation Choices. • Geoffrey Prime, Mayor of Incorporated Village of South Floral Park: Aside from his mayoral duties, Prime is a criminal defense attorney and founding partner of Prime & O’Brien in Garden City. He is the past chairman of the Nassau Community College Board of Trustees. • Stuart Rabinowitz, President of Hofstra University: Before becoming Hofstra’s president in 2001, Rabinowitz was dean of its law school. As president, he founded the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine, Peter S. Kalikow School of Government and Fred DeMattheis School of Engineering and Applied Science, as well as the National Center for Suburban Studies and the Center for Entrepreneurship. • Cherice Vanderhall, Village Attorney of Hempstead Village: Vanderhall specializes in employment litigation and family law. She previously served as Hempstead Village deputy attorney. “The Covid-19 outbreak has affected us all,” Law said. “As part of the Economic Recovery Advisory Committee, I am committed to doing my part to get the Hempstead community back on its feet in the wake of this pandemic. The multiple perspectives and backgrounds this committee has to offer will ensure the maximum potential for this funding is realized for Hempstead residents.”

Little Leaguers parade in Point Lookout By Darwin YaneS dyanes@liherald.com

Little Leaguers took part in a car parade at Town Park in Point Lookout on Friday as a way to pay homage to a season lost because of the Covid-19 pandemic. The parade was put together by Town of Hempstead officials and fire departments from Merrick and Island Park. Hempstead Supervisor Don Clavin and members of the Town Board were on hand to cheer paradegoers. “This gives the local Little Leagues a chance to come down here, in a little bit of open space, and get cheered on,” Councilman Anthony D’Esposito said. “We just tried to bring some smiles to the kids’ faces and let them know they’re not forgotten. As soon as this gets past us, we will do anything we can to get them back to whatever sea-

son we can.” Merrick resident Al Belbol and his son Joseph, 12, took part in the parade. Belbol, who coaches his son’s Little League team, said Joseph practices every day in the hope there will be a season this year. He added that the parade gives players a sense of hope. “It means a lot to him to just be able to get his uniform on, feel pride in playing for the Merrick-Bellmore Little League,” Belbol said. “These kids are dying to play baseball.” Some Little Leagues represented in the parade were Merrick and Bellmore, Long Beach, Point Lookout, Island Park and Garden City South. New York Mets Legend Ed Kranepool, who was on the 1969 World Series team, was a special guest for the event. “Over the years, I’ve been to many Little League functions, and this is one of the greatest you can be part of,” Kranepool said. “Everybody be safe.”

Darwin Yanes/Herald

the BelBol familY from Merrick took part in the parade on May 8.

City working on plan to reopen businesses

unknowns,” McNally said. Chamber board member Gretchen Grotenhaler presented some of the survey’s findings. “Many of the businesses have had to close completely,” she said. “Many are planning reopenings, and want to follow the guidelines” of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There are about 800 businesses in Long Beach, according to the chamber. These days, city streets are practically empty, and “Sorry closed” signs hang on many doors. Normally at this time of year, restaurants, bars and surf shops are gearing up for the summer greTchen season. The boardwalk has remained closed since the end of groTenhaLer March — when, city officials Chamber board said, people continued to congremember gate there despite requests by police that they socially distance — and it is uncertain when, or if, the beach will open. Asked about that, McNally said the decision would be made by Gov. Andrew Cuomo. Grotenhaler said that business people want social distancing to continue, and they want their customers to use hand sanitizers. Some told the chamber that stores should limit the number of customers allowed in. Beauty salon owners, she said, suggested using every other chair, and a dance school said it would put grids on the floor to show students where they should stand. Others, Grotenhaler said, talked about whether they could take customers’ temperatures before they entered. In addition to the continued use of masks, businesses also mentioned accepting most payments online to avoid

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — May 14, 2020

continued from front page

e want to help the city come back.

Christina Daly/Herald

The Long Beach Chamber of Commerce discussed ways the city would work when it reopened after the pandemic. handling cash or credit cards. Some even proposed discussing personal health issues with customers to determine whether they were affected by the coronavirus. Many business owners, she said, want more opportunities to exchange ideas with one another in the interest of remaining safe. Grotenhaler said there were discussions about setting up pop-up tents on the boardwalk when it opens again. She added that there was also talk about organizing a local business expo to mark the city’s reopening. “We

want to help the city come back,” she said. Chamber Secretary Brian Berkery said that another survey was being sent out, and that businesses were being asked to create videos of their stores and offices, which could be compiled on the chamber’s website. Vice President Leah Tozer echoed the anxiety of many in the city. “Everybody is asking when we can reopen,” she said. “We tell people, just try and follow the CDC guidelines. That’s all we can do right now.”

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May 14, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

What’s neWs in and out of the classroom

Herald ScHoolS

Photos courtesy Long Beach Public Schools

Benjamin Levinson Baked cookies for hospital workers as an Odyssey Angel.

‘Odyssey Angels’ help frontline workers A team of Long Beach fifth graders that won first place at the regional Odyssey of the Mind competition earlier this year are now putting their collaborative and creative energy towards helping others. Seven students formed an Odyssey Angels group and took on a thoughtful endeavor. The group is comprised of Sydney Bergstein (Lindell), Benjamin Levinson (West), Kate Ragona (East), Violet Richter (Lido), Jordan Soriano (East), Aaliyah Trichter (Lindell) and Sebastian Tricola (West). Although they cannot meet in person, the students connect remotely by baking cookies and making cards out of their individual homes. The items are delivered to the staff at St. Francis Hospital biweekly as a way to brighten the frontline workers’ days. The students began this initiative entirely out of their own impetus to make a positive impact, with no prompting from their coaches Douglas MacConnell and Justin Sulsky. Benjamin and Sydney created a Google Slides presentation to get their teammates onboard – a testament to their enthusiasm, and an example of an authentic, student-driven learning experience. “This is just an example of LB kids going the extra mile on their own,” said Sulsky. “It was a great leadership opportunity for the kids about to enter middle school.” Odyssey Angels is a program that challenges participants to use their unique creative problem-solving abilities to help an aspect of their community that would otherwise be overlooked. Anyone can participate, so long as at least one person in the group is on an Odyssey of the Mind team. The St. Francis staff members, one of whom is a family friend of a participating student, have expressed great appreciation for this group’s kindness during these challenging times.

aaLiyah TrichTer prepared fruit for hospital workers. sydney BergsTein mixed up some heartfelt treats for hospital employees. kaTe ragona creaTed uplifting artwork for the frontline workers.

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* Hottest Peppers include: Trinidad Moruga Scorpion, Bhut Jolokia, Scotch Bonnet, Habanero and Carolina Reaper.**Unofficial ‘Worlds Best Tasting Tomatoes’ on order: Belgium Giant, Better Boy, Black Cherry, Black Krim, Brandywine, Burpee Delicious, Caspian Pink, Cherokee Purple, Kellogg’s Breakfast, Lucky Cross, Mortgage Lifter, Orange Paruche, Sungold.

The Board of Education voted to adopt its budget for the 2020-21 school year.

continued from front page $30,000 of unbudgeted funds, Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Gallagher said. The hard to achieve.” Gov. Andrew Cuomo has said that board does not yet know whether the disschools may lose 20 percent of state aid, trict will be reimbursed for the cost of the and district officials said they took that election, but board President Maureen Vrona said she would send a letter to local into account as they assembled the budelected representatives, reminding them get. The district is still waitof this “unfunded mandate.” ing to hear how much of its Information on the elecstate aid will be cut. tion process will be posted on DeVito also said that his the district website, and DeVisalary, and those of other disto said he would also create trict superintendents, would presentations to help resibe frozen for the next year as dents better understand the a way to “tighten belts” and budget before the vote. “prepare for a tough road Additionally, Gallagher ahead.” said that the administration A budget hearing is set for was considering postponing a May 27, by way of a conferlive graduation ceremony ence call. The call-in number until the first week of is (425) 436-6390, and the dr. GallaGher August. She added that duraccess code is 899201. Resiing the week of June 8, the Superintendent dents will vote on the spenddistrict would schedule ing plan and candidates run10-minute appointments for ning for school board by June 9 by return- graduating students to accept their diploing paper ballots that that will be mailed mas on stage on the Long Beach High to them next week. Residents should School field and pose for photos. receive them by June 2, and must return “We’re really trying to work hard with them by June 9. the seniors to give them some degree of a Printing and mailing the ballots, special time in June,” Gallagher said. “I which will include postage-paid return will hold off on making a final decision envelopes, will cost the district about on the live ceremony as long as we can.”

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HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — May 14, 2020

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May 14, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

Covid-19

Local Hometown heroes

Kevin Calhoun Halfway Down

nurses, doctors and medical staff.

Jacquelyn Rosen Nurse at MSSN

We started with Nassau [University] Medical Center and Mt. Sinai, since those were the two hospitals primarily serving the people of Freeport. But then we had a couple of nurses from other hospitals stop by the restaurant and ask if we could do the same for them, so we expanded to seven hospitals now.

It all began around March 27 when I got boxes of gloves to donate to Mt. Sinai [South Nassau].

One of our regulars, Larry, got laid off like a lot of people because of Covid-19. He comes in from about 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. everyday to help us put the meals together and deliver them. We’ve given out more than 3,100 meals to these hospitals all over Long Island. To help, visit bit.ly/2WKHCyH.

When I was heading over there, I stopped by to pick up coffee for the medical staff. You know, give them a little something extra. I was surprised to see how ecstatic everyone was over the coffee. Some of them even started tearing up and told me how they hadn’t had anything to drink or eat in a while. I knew what we had to do, so I spoke to my partners at the restaurant, Hughie and Richie, and we put our money together and started putting together meals for the

HOMETOWN

HERO

Erin Tomlin Nurse at MSSN

on the floor, so we help the patients FaceTime as much as we can. A lot of them are older and confused, and when they get to speak to their family and see their faces, they become a little more grounded.

I am a psychiatric/mental health clinical nurse specialist at Mount Sinai South Nassau, which means I wear many hats. Providing emotional support to patients and the staff has always been my most valued role, however, I have been redirected through the years. With training and experience in disaster mental health, I believed my work providing support to the nurses and supportive staff working on the front-lines in all affected areas would be most essential during the surge of patients with Covid-19. It was especially needed as the units were changing to “Covid-only” and it was very difficult for the staff to find any time away

One of the biggest things that has changed is that no one is allowed to have visitors anymore. It’s sad because they are so lonely and sick, and I think about how, if I were in that situation, I would want to be able to see people. We have two iPads

I’m still on a Covid floor ,and it’s getting better, but there are moments of intensity. In the beginning, every nurse was intubating patients. Now, even though the patients are infected, they’re more stable, so I hope it’s going in the right direction.

HOMETOWN

HERO

Heartfelt connections were made as we all tried to make things better for the patients and their families, with the resources we had. What will remain so clear to me in the many days to come is our need to be connected. As nurses and supportive staff from different departments were re-deployed to prevent various hospital services from being overwhelmed by the surge, we began to cling to each other tighter. The entire Mount Sinai South Nassau team pulled in tighter, with each other, across job duties. I have been with MSSN for 27 years, and have always felt honored to be a part of our team in a variety of capacitie. I believe it is especially important to take a pause and honor the connection between ourselves globally and the care we provide to our patients.

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HERO

Lt. Anthony Fallon Long Beach Fireman

safety of my crew during the shift. Unlike smoke or fire, or the dangers of a rescue scene, we cannot visualize the virus, but we see its devastating impact on families. I’ve been very aware of my mental health both on and off duty. I have done my best to balance my time at work as well as trying to stay active while I’m not at work by exercising, enjoying hobbies and resting.

I work three or four days a week, from 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., so it’s pretty tiring. I live at home with my parents and my sister, and have had to segregate myself from them – I use a separate bathroom, sit on separate couches and try not to touch anything they touch so that I don’t infect them.

I just graduated last May, and it’s definitely been a different type of nursing experience than what I expected. I am on a floor that was an orthopedic, trauma and medical surgical unit, and it flipped into a critical care unit when the pandemic hit. It was a big change for us, and treating Covid patients has definitely had an impact on me and made me look at nursing differently.

from their patients. I visited patient care units regularly, touching base with the staff, listening, validating and offering ideas on self-care. I witnessed the staff’s perseverance despite their fears.

Ever since I was a child I wanted to be a firefighter, and being able to serve my community as a firefighter and Critical Care EMT, I have had many opportunities to help my neighbors. Over the last 25 years in fire and EMS service, I never would have expected to experience what I have doing during this Covid-19 pandemic. Dealing with the challenges of Covid-19 was unexpected, being part of it and helping others has made me stronger. Two things stand out, the importance of proper protective equipment, and the mental health impact of being entrenched in public service against the coronavirus. As a Lieutenant, I am responsible for the

During these tough times, seeing how people have stepped up to help others has brought bittersweet joy and a silver lining to what we have been dealing with. A new sense of pride has been instilled in our duty to serve, and I hope that the worst of it is behind us. While we have been told to socially distance and isolate from others, I find that mental health and self care awareness should also be focused on. Eating right, disengaging from stress, and getting outdoors has been really helpful. Do yourself a favor, disconnect from your phone, the news and social media; and soak up some sun and decompress if possible.

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HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — May 14, 2020

Before You Take the Plunge,

MLK Center awaits paper work before re-opening

May 14, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

By James Bernstein jbernstein@liherald.com

The Martin Luther King Center in Long Beach, closed for over a week because of a faulty fire alarm system and the lack of a new health department permit, was to open in a day or two, according to the center’s attorney. But maybe not so fast: the center needs an okay from the Nassau County Department of Health. The county Fire Marshall has given it a green light, but the city’s building and fire commissioner must sign off. The center serves meals to about 350 low-income people every day. But the center’s regular routine of workers cooking inside the building on Riverside Boulevard came to an abrupt halt last Wednesday when Long Beach changed the locks on the doors of the center after, officials said, people continued to come for meals and other activities, even though the Nassau County Fire Mashall’s office had declared the building closed. The fire alarm system was not working, and earlier last week, the Fire Marshall’s office inspected and said it must be fixed before the building could be occupied again. Since then, the center has been providing meals through donations of food. On Monday and Tuesday, Long Beach delivered 100 Grab and Go bags of food.

Mary Ellen Laurain, a spokeswoman for the county Health Department, said Tuesday the center’s permit had expired in December and must be renewed before the building can be re-opened to prepare food. She said the department had sent the center paperwork to fill out and was waiting for it to be returned. Laurain said the center would not be penalized for operating without a permit, but added: “They have to be in compliance.” “The shutdown of the building caused a lot of concern,” said Fred Brewington, a well-known Long Island civil-rights leader. Brewington said “over the weekend, there was a lot of back and forth” between MLK and Long Beach officials over how to resolve the situation. The City of Long Beach has permitted the center to serve food Friday in the parking lot of the building on Riverside Boulevard, according to John McNally, executive assistant to the City Manager. The city’s permission to serve the food was part of an agreement struck last Friday morning after Long Beach and MLK officials met at City Hall. Hodge did not return calls Tuesday. . Michael Uttaro, an assistant chief in the fire marshall’s office, said the faulty alarm has been repaired, but Long Beach City building and fire commissioner Scott Kemins must give the final okay.

Class of 2020 Don’t miss Rockville Centre this

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Call Today

Scoring ‘strikes’ in the fund-raising circuit jbernstein@liherald.com

John LaSpina inhabits two distinct worlds: he is a kingpin in the universe of bowling, and a fund-raiser extraordinaire, aiding veterans, first-responders and the blind. LaSpina, 72, of Long Beach, manages to combine both worlds under the sprawling umbrella of a 60-year-old company called Maple Family Centers, which owns bowling alleys in Flushing, Rockville Centre, Farmingdale, Coram and Clearwater, Fla. These are places of Friday night fun for teens and families, serious league bowlers and those who just want to spend a few hours tossing a ball down a lane while they enjoy cokes and hot dogs with friends. But he must now focus his business talents in an unexpected direction - how to re-open his bowling alleys once New York State lifts restrictions on companies like his closed by the coronavirus pandemic. On the non-sporting side, LaSpina is the driving force behind several charitable initiatives. He is chairman of the Bowlers to Veterans Link, which over the years has raised more than $50 million to provide assistance to military veterans. He is also a board member of the “Fight for Sight” organization. His bowling fundraiser each year collects thousands of dollars for research into vision problems. “He’s been a volunteer for half a century,” said Arthur Makar, Fight for Sight’s executive director. “He started volunteering in high school. No one has been involved with the organization as long as he has.” LaSpina started a fund-raiser called Strike for Sight, which he runs out of his bowling alley, JIB Lanes, in Queens. To Laspina, one world could not exist without the other. They are both in his blood. His father, Peter LaSpina, started a bowling alley in Brooklyn in the late 1950s, and LaSpina joined the business full-time in 1971. His enthusiasm for the sport comes through in every sentence. “Bowling has no boundaries,” LaSpina said in a recent interview, passion for the sport growing in his voice. “You could bowl. Your grandmother could bowl. Blind people can bowl. Special needs people can bowl. Then you just have people who like to have fun.”

LaSpina’s interest in research for vision problems is also lifelong. His mother lost vision in one eye after being struck by a baseball during a game. Raising money for those in need came the hard way. On September 11, 2001, LaSpina was driving over the Marine Park Bridge, which connects the Rockaway Peninsula in Queens to Brooklyn, when he saw smoke billowing some 20 miles of bright sunlight and clear skies away. The smoke was pouring from the twin towers of the World Trade Center, each of which had been struck by a hijacked airliner in the worst terrorist attack in American history. “I watched the dust falling down,” LaSpina said, as the towers crumbled. Long-time customers of his bowling alleys were 9/11 victims. “I felt like a business person, I ought to step up and do things for the first responders and veterans” of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. “9-11 woke me up,” LaSpina said. Earlier this month, Bowlers to Veterans Link announced that it is donating a $100,000 grant to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to support two new programs - Compassionate Contact Corps and Tele- yoga therapy. These funds allow veterans to keep a virtual personal connection during the COVID-19 pandemic with programs that address essential ongoing physical therapy and mental health needs such as depression and suicide prevention. BVL was founded in 1942 when bowlers across America raised funds to purchase planes to bring wounded servicemen and women home from World War II. LaSpina said BVL’s commitment to veterans is just as strong in today’s crisis where many active-duty military and veterans are working as first responders during the COVID-19 pandemic. “BVL has always been here for our veterans since 1942, and we will always be here for them with great appreciation,” said LaSpina. “It’s an honor for BVL to help fund these much-needed programs and to make this donation on behalf of a bowling community that salutes and supports our veterans.” The BVL donation will be targeted towards two VA programs to address ongoing physical therapy and mental

health needs. Compassionate Contact Corps is a new VA program established to recruit, train, and engage virtual volunteers to maintain contact with veterans who need that personal connection to other people between routine visits to the facility, or are otherwise isolated and vulnerable for depression. BVL is bowling’s oldest and own charity, providing more than $52 million in grants to VA hospitals and clinics since 1942. BVL has been recognized as one of “America’s Best Charities” by Independent Charities of America, earned a “TopRated” Nonprofit distinction from GreatNonprofits. In November 2018, BVL presented the VA with a check for $1.1 million. The organization donated the same amount in 2019. This year, LaSpina was presented with the Alberta E. Crowe Award, presented to an individual or an organization that has achieved long-term accomplishments in service to the sport of bowling. Peter LaSpina’s connection with bowling began in the late 1950s when he moved his family to Wilson Avenue in Long Beach and be-friend the Hoff family, who lived two doors away. “One of the Hoff brothers was making a killing in the bowling business,” LaSpina said, The senior LaSpina decided to get into the business himself. In 1959, he opened his first bowling alley in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, called Maple Lanes. At one point, the LaSpina family owned six bowling alleys at one time. At their peak, the family-owned 11, but sold some off as rental prices rose. Currently, bowling alleys are closed because of the pandemic shutdown. LaSpina said he and his staff have developed an 18-page plan for re-opening, including social distancing, cleaning and

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — May 14, 2020

By James Bernstein

Courtesy John LaSpina

John Laspina is the owner of several bowling alleys on Long Island. hand sanitizing. Bowlers may have to be separated by a lane that will go unused. The sport has had its ups and downs over the years. League bowling is less popular than it used to be, but recreational bowling is growing. Bowling alleys have also become event spaces for parties, celebrations and corporate events. Bowling, like golf, another individual sport, is not easy. The Hall of Fame NFL Quarterback Terry Bradshaw once said he could throw a football through a tire at a distance of 20 yards. But to bowl a perfect 300 game? That was something he never did. LaSpina acknowledges bowling is challenging. “But we always try to improve our scores,” he said. “You get a lot of personal benefits from it, and it’s fun.”

Island! g n o L , s o b b a h S d o o G Friday May 15 Candle lighting 7:47 Parsha Behar-Bechukosai Shabbos ends 8:57

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.

Courtesy LBNY Arts Council

arts Council holds kids art challenge

The JEWISH STAR Jewish LI’s BEST newspaper • KOSHER & FAT FREE

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LnBY arts CounCiL is asking Long Beach parents to send photos of their children’s artwork, which would be displayed on the council’s social media.

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and spacious living areas. Some of the features you will also enjoy are a den/living room, an eat-in kitchen which overlooks the spacious yard, a formal dining room and powder room. All are found on the first floor. SD #12.

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

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

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O HOLY ST. Jude, apostle and martyr, great in virtue, rich in miracle, near kinsman to Jesus Christ, faithful intercessor of all who invoked your special patronage in time of need. To you I have recourse from the depth of my heart, and humbly beg great power to come to my assistance. Help me in my present and most urgent petition. (Make your request). In return, I promise to make your name known and cause your name to be invoked. St. Jude, pray for us and all who invoke thy aid. Amen (Pray this 9 times a day for 9 consecutive days. On the 8th day, your prayers will be answered, for this prayer has never been known to fail. Please don't forget St. Jude once your request is granted, as it was for me)

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HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — May 14, 2020

Place Homes HERALD Market •

HERALD

Renovate or tear down? Q. I just bought a house that needs a lot of attention. It has little if any insulation, a sagging first floor, cloth-covered wiring with only a few three-pronged outlets that I doubt are grounded, and water stains in the ceilings. I’m thinking it may be cheaper to tear down, so I want to look Ask The into making the new house totally state-of-the-art, Architect meaning energy-efficient and storm-resistant, with computerized, wireless controls for a new boiler, sound system, lighting and security. I just wonder if, after investing in all this, is it worth it? Am I overimproving and out-pricing the house so I’ll never get my money back? A. Home ownership

Monte Leeper

is a challenge in many ways. For some, a home is a place to shelter, sleep, cook and entertain. For others it’s a little more like a place to enjoy time by a fireplace and a haven to relax or turn into a laboratory of gadgets and gizmos. If you’re concerned about value versus overpricing, then, other than a basic home, more upgrades are relative to comparable homes in the area. Making your home more, I often tell homebuyers, is based on your level of expected benefit and how long you hope to live there to enjoy the rewards of your hard work. State-of-the-art is ever-changing. Decide why you need the upgrades and how long they will last. If the upgrades have a return on investment, like superior insulation that reduces energy bills, solar electric or water heating, reflective or wind-resistant roofing and siding or radiant heat, then reducing bills makes the value greater. Adding a superior sound system, built-in computer and voice-controlled appliances, or a swimming pool and outdoor kitchen, are luxury items that may either become outdated or increase maintenance and insurance costs, which can actually lower the attractiveness to some future buyers who are looking at affordability. The traditional home, built 100 years ago up to the present, has basically the same structural configuration, either using amateur or unsound guessing to be over- or under-built or, since around the 1950s, a more enforced, regulated engineered construction. It’s pretty costly to just throw a home away, so you have to be sure to compare the existing with a replacement. Good design starts with sight orientation, the sun, winds, sounds and adherence to municipal zoning requirements. Decide if the size and shape of the existing home are a benefit or not. Insulated windows that allow uniform daytime lighting save energy. Properly sized overhangs screen harsh summer sun rays and allow windows to be open during a rain for fresh air. Look at what you have, what needs are not being met and how costly the renovation will be before starting over. If the home has a lot of dry-rotted structure or a crumbing or sinking foundation, replacement makes sense. If not, consider what’s useful to keep, and start from there with a trained, licensed professional. Good luck! © 2020 Monte Leeper Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.

HERALD

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May 14, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

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HErald

Crossword Puzzle

opInIons

’m trying to find the right word. Is it “hate” or “jealousy”? I’m not sure what the right label is for us East Coast residents, but it seems that a substantial number of Republicans in the U.S. Senate and House have a built-in hostility toward us. This dislike goes back many years, and may even be tied to the Civil War. Every time an eastern state asks for help from certain Congress members, it is met with a mean rebuff and a tirade. One great example is the Sept. 11 first responders, many of whom have died JeRRY from their expokReMeR sure to toxins at the World Trade Center site. Considering that 3,000 innocent people died in the terrorist attacks and thousands of first responders risked their lives trying to save them, Lower Manhattan should be considered hallowed ground. Nevertheless, it took years before the Long Island congressional delegation and other state officials persuaded Congress to approve a long-term extension of disability payments for those heroes. The fight against that effort was led by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Ken-

tucky. A number of Republicans from around the country who fought against the aid request backed him up. Republicans are now looking for ways to stick it to New York and other coastal states that are drowning in debt created by the coronavirus pandemic. The relief bills passed by Congress showed great favoritism to some Midwestern states at our expense. Businesses in Nebraska and North Dakota were treated better than suffering New Yorkers. More pandemic hospital gear went to Florida than to our health facilities, and most of it wasn’t needed. New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Massachusetts, which have large populations, are essentially being told that they’re not entitled to more financial assistance because they are “blue” states. Gov. Andrew Cuomo has told McConnell that we’re dealing with life and death, not party registration. McConnell has gone out of his way to single out New York, claiming that our deficit was due to high pension costs and that we had no legitimate need. Once he staked out his position, he was joined by senators from Iowa, Wisconsin and Arizona, who pledged that the Northeast would get nothing as long as they were in the Senate. Sen. Rick Scott of Florida, whose state is home to millions of trans-

planted Easterners, chimed in with his own diatribe against the northern states. What is fascinating about this meanspirited attack against New York is that these same senators aren’t reluctant to visit Wall Street to beg for campaign cash. A few years ago, when Florida Sen. Marco Rubio spoke out against directing money to the dying first responders, U.S. Rep. Peter King, who represents many of us, told Wall Street money people to withhold contributions to Rubio or any other member who opposed the 9/11 aid. New York state had more than 335,000 cases of Covid19 as of Monday morning, the most in the country. Our hospitals and their personnel have been under enormous strain keeping up with this terrible virus. We are paying a high premium for masks, gowns and other desperately needed items, and the federal government has been accused of intercepting and diverting medical supplies from several states. Police and firefighters are working long shifts in order to keep up with the emergency demands of sick people. There are sad stories about the death of first responders and thousands of other local people every day. Another obligation of the government, in the event of a future epidemic, should be to coordinate the food supply. It is a trag-

elief bills passed by Congress favored some Midwestern states at our expense.

edy to see farmers destroying millions of pounds of crops and dumping fresh milk while hungry people are lining up at food banks all over the country. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue knows a lot about the farm business, but he has been clueless about how to move products to those in need. And, of course, Republicans in the Senate oppose expansion of the food stamp program for people in need. As a former state legislator who crafted budgets for 12 years, I understand that state deficits are connected to the number of Medicaid patients and the high demand for human services. School districts have always been given a high priority in state spending plans, but this year they face dramatic cuts. That means higher school taxes, and guess who will pay the bill? New York state’s fiscal crisis is tied directly to the high cost of health care, education and other ways in which it meets people’s needs. The Republican claim that deficits are tied to pension costs is an outright lie. But, if I have to choose between jealousy or hate to describe what they feel toward us coastal states, I think both words apply. 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.

Will this plague lead to a new dark age?

ometimes a black hole opens in a culture and civility falls in. History teaches us that sometimes, good will and decency are trumped by avarice and authoritarianism. Read the stories of the Salem witch trials, the genocide of the Holocaust, the purges in Rwanda and the “ethnic cleansing” in the Balkans, and you begin to connect the dots. I think we are on the cusp of such a moment, and I fear for our future. The cracks in the foundation of our culture began with the election of Donald Trump to the presidency and his very first lies about the crowd size at his inauguRandI ration, a seemingly kReIss small false note that presaged disaster. Over the ensuing years he systematically dismantled many well-functioning stanchions of government, fired legions of experienced government officials and replaced them with sycophants and hacks. The ground rumbled as he attacked the trusted agencies to which America has turned in times of trouble: the CIA and the

FBI. When the information coming from these bureaus reflected badly on him or his administration, Trump undermined their credibility, and by doing that, their efficacy. The crack widened with sick appeals to the racists and the know-nothings and the haters among us. Then, because sometimes we are caught in the confluence of a perfect storm, the coronavirus pandemic struck. It is the worst time to suffer through the worst epidemic in a generation, with the worst leader who has ever risen to power in the United States of America. Bad luck all around. We are living through a nightmare of unnecessary deaths caused not by disease alone, but by mismanagement and incompetence. From the beginning, Trump lied about the pandemic and what government was doing to stop its spread. He missed every single opportunity to make it better. Most disturbing, the lying and corruption at the top are trickling down. The crazies, the anti-vaxers and the hoax-mongers are having their moment. And they are being encouraged by the president, who ignores guidance from the best and brightest scientists and doctors we have in the

fight. Now, this week, I am seeing the black hole in our society opening wide. Who will fall in? The most vulnerable, of course. People will go back to work, not because anything at all has changed as far as the spread of Covid-19 is concerned, but because they need to support themselves. Because the president missed the opportunity to control the spread of disease, he tells the meat packers they have to show up. He knows they will go home to parents and grandparents and spread the disease. The cost of doing business. This is now the acceptable sacrifice: that tens of thousands, perhaps hundreds of thousands of working people and older people, especially those in nursing homes, will die so the economy can stumble forward. It did not have to be this way. There will be a virtual culling of old people in this country. To accept this calculated loss of life isn’t just un-American; it is depraved. Yet here we are. The way forward from this mismanaged crisis is difficult and complicated. We need reliable testing so we can know who is sick, we need contact tracing when someone

he crazies, the antivaxers and the hoax-mongers are having their moment.

falls ill, and we need the truth, most of all, on a daily basis, from a reliable source. Most people who need to work and have work will work. But it is the federal government’s responsibility to see that the tests and protections that can make that process safer are in place. Enough dissembling from the president. The fact that he has frequently deployed the “witch hunt” defense, from the Mueller investigation to the impeachment hearings to his handling of the pandemic, is exquisite irony. He is the witch hunter in chief, going after news outlets, reporters, political opponents and now even iconic scientists like Anthony Fauci, who are the only source of reliable information on the pandemic. As one of the characters said in “The Crucible,” the story of the Salem witch trials, “I’ll tell you what’s walking Salem — vengeance is walking Salem. We are what we always were in Salem, but now the little crazy children are jangling the keys of the kingdom, and common vengeance writes the law!” Their prey may be riding different imaginary broomsticks these days, but Trump’s witch hunters are still sowing havoc and reaping revenge. Copyright 2020 Randi Kreiss. Randi can be reached at randik3@aol.com.

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — May 14, 2020

New York & company: the states Republicans love to hate

Herald editorial

Long Beach

May 14, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

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

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

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

JEffREy NEgRIN Creative Director cRAIg whITE Production Coordinator cRAIg cARdONE Art Director ■

dIANNE RAMdASS Circulation Director

Stay strong, Nassau

he weekend was cold and windy, which likely prevented many people from venturing outside to potentially crowded spaces like the Jones Beach Boardwalk. For now, that’s a good thing. The more people stay home, the better. The coronavirus breeds among those in close contact. We know, however, that people will grow increasingly eager to get outside and see one another as the weeks wear on. Nonessential workers have been at home for eight weeks, and Nassau county Executive Laura curran warned last Friday that it could be another six weeks before the economy fully reopens downstate. Hospitalizations, cuomo explained, are declining but remain persistently high, and the fear is that opening the economy will lead to a spike in the covid-19 infection rate — and thus the hospitalization rate, which could, in turn, increase the death rate. deaths have declined to a quarter of what they were at the virus’s peak on April 9, when a staggering 799 people died overnight. From May 10 to 11, by contrast, 161 died. We mustn’t focus solely on statistics, though. Each reported death is a grandmother or grandfather, mother or father, wife or husband, sister or brother. Someone like Mike Field, a Valley Stream emergency medical technician and 9/11 first responder. He died on April 8 at Mount Sinai South Nassau hospital, of complications of covid-19. He caught it after transporting a patient. He was 59. Or Jim Adelis. He died April 4, at age 67. He organized Trees for Troops each year at dees’ Nursery in Oceanside, sending christmas trees to our troops overseas. And there are so many more. We must not forget them. Their memories should haunt us over the coming

Where to find help ■ The Long Island Crisis Center in Bellmore is a 24-hour suicide-prevention hotline. Its motto is, “Any problem. Any time. Anyone.” It can be reached at (516) 679-1111 24 hours a day, seven days a week. ■ The North Shore Child and Family Guidance Center is a nonprofit chilweeks. If they don’t, we may be tempted to let up on social distancing. We may forget to wash our hands and wear masks. But we simply can’t, or others will die. Make no mistake: We will be tempted to let up. Warmer weather is almost here, and we’ll all feel spring fever. We will desperately want to get out of the house and spend time with family members, friends and coworkers with whom we have interacted only via Zoom for weeks. We’ll want to return to our favorite restaurants and bars, shops and museums, ballparks and bowling alleys. We must be smart, however, and heed cuomo’s warnings. We must understand that the coronavirus is an indiscriminate, remorseless killer. We may no longer want to hide, but until the government tells us it’s safe to return to life as normal, we must stay strong and abide by the rules. In the end, we will eradicate this disease, but doing so will require patience and diligence — and, yes, a vaccine. We understand the need to reopen the economy. People fear losing their livelihoods, and worry about paying their mortgages and putting food on the table. A second surge of the virus, however, could be deadlier than the first, and keeping hospitalization and death rates at the lowest

■

letters

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

Choose wildlife over cyclists To the Editor: Your April 30-May 6 editorial, “Keep extending the Ocean Parkwy bike trail,” supported increased construction of the parkway bike trail. The recent extension of the bike trail eliminated significant tracts of natural habitat of rabbits and other wildlife in the brush along the parkway. The decreasing population of small mammals, in turn, will affect the population of maritime hawks and eagles, birds long coveted for preservation along the Long Island shoreline. A bike trail in exchange for natural fauna? Not an easy call, but I give preferential option to the natural environment. FrANK McQuAdE Long Beach

dren’s mental health agency. It can be reached at (516) 997-2926. ■ The Nassau County Office of Mental Health, Chemical Dependency and Developmental Disabilities Services can be reached at (516) 227-7057.

possible levels is a bit like balancing a scale. If too many people fail to socially distance, then we will tip the scale in the virus’s favor. That could lead to a second, longer shutdown of the economy, and possibly a second Great recession, or even a depression. The federal government has put in place a number of programs, amounting to billions of dollars, to aid desperate New Yorkers. It likely isn’t enough, and as we have written in recent weeks, more needs to be done — the government must help fund states’ annual budgets to guard against cutbacks to schools, hospitals, and fire and police departments. There is funding, though, providing at least temporary relief, helping Long Islanders survive the next month and a half. Accessing that money may require persistence and a load of paperwork, but at least congress allocated the funds, which are only now starting to stream through our local economy. If you are feeling desperate, understand that you’re not alone. There are tried and true institutions here in Nassau county to aid people in need at times like these (see box).

opiNioNs

ew York state’s Division of Licensing Services has adopted new regulations to address widespread housing discrimination. They take effect on June 20, and represent an important step forward. Yet much more state action is needed. The regulations come in response to irrefutable evidence of housing discrimination on Long Island. That was the focus of a joint hearing held on Long Island in December by three State Senate committees, at which I testified on behalf of ERASE Racism. eLaiNe But the problem Gross isn’t limited to Long Island. It is statewide and systemic. That’s why more state action is needed. The Senate committees’ hearing was sparked by Newsday’s three-year investigation of real estate sales practices on Long Island. It exposed widespread evidence of civil rights violations, employing a research technique — involving paired testers (one white, the other “of color”) and the expertise of the Fair Housing Justice Center — that mirrored an earlier investigation by ERASE Racism that demonstrated racial discrimination in real estate rental practices.

The problem, however, is not limited to sales or rental markets, or even to real estate. Stark patterns of residential racial segregation are evident across New York and the United States. They are the result of intentional, coordinated actions of federal, state and local governments, the housing and banking industries, and other institutions over many decades. Those patterns have been sustained by those institutions, which all need to work aggressively to end them. The new Division of Licensing Services regulations require real estate brokers and their employees and agents to notify — and obtain signed disclosure forms from — prospective buyers, sellers, renters and landlords about anti-discrimination laws. They also require the prominent display of information about how customers can file complaints about the services provided with the licensing agency. The new regulations thereby send two clear messages to real estate agents. First, the state has underscored that they must abide by fair housing statutes, and that their license to practice is contingent on compliance. Second, the state has clarified that the Division of Licensing Services plays a vital role in fair housing enforcement.

e should support programs that expand access to housing in all neighborhoods.

Letters Ending racial disparities To the Editor: The coronavirus epidemic has shone a bright light on already existing racial disparities in health outcomes. Our African-American and Latino communities are experiencing a disproportionate impact from Covid-19. This is unacceptable, and I wanted to take a moment to share with you how Nassau County is working to close the gap: ■ We created a hotline, (516) 3967500, where all symptomatic residents can make appointments for Covid-19 viral testing, regardless of insurance and immigration status, in partnership with our community clinics run by Long Island Federally Qualified Health Centers. In addition to increasing testing capacity in the Freeport, Hempstead, Elmont and Westbury centers, the county is covering the cost of staff, and providing testing kits, personal protective equipment and other essential items. ■ We have funded food distribution

This step should, however, be just the first of many by the state. At the joint hearing in December, ERASE Racism and the Fair Housing Justice Center proposed a five-point plan for New York, with the following core points: ■ Fully utilize the licensing power of the state to better regulate real estate licensees. The new regulations respond to that recommendation. The Division of Licensing Services should also determine whether licensees have engaged in conduct that warrants disciplinary action, including possible suspension or revocation of licenses.

■ Create a well-resourced, proactive, and better-coordinated fair housing enforcement strategy. Complaints of discrimination must be investigated in a timely and thorough manner, but significant resources must also be devoted to conducting proactive testing investigations, since victims of discrimination usually don’t know what properties they were not shown. ■ The real estate industry should take affirmative steps to ensure compliance with fair housing laws. The Long Island Board of Realtors has a special responsibility here, but industry-wide action is needed. That action should include the

hiring of more diverse sales forces.

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — May 14, 2020

More state action is needed for fair housing

’m “h ■ Affirmatively further fair housing in wh all housing and community developCo ment activities at the local, state and substan federal levels. New York’s Human RightsU.S. Se Law should be amended in two ways: 1) tility to to explicitly prohibit discriminatory many y action by local public agencies involved Civil W in housing, land use and zoning, or community development to ensure that their efforts are not perpetuating segregation by making housing unavailable based on race or national origin, and 2) to require state agencies and departments, local jurisdictions, public housing authorities and other public entities receiving state or federal funds for housing and community development to “affirmatively further fair housing” and take no action materially inconsistent with that. ■ New York State should implement fair housing legislative initiatives, policy changes, and support for programs that expand access to housing opportunities in all neighborhoods. Among other actions, the state should enact an “equitable share” housing plan and establish a minimum affordable housing goal for every community. All five of these steps need to be implemented for New York to achieve fair housing statewide. Elaine Gross is president of Long Islandbased ERASE Racism.

Framework Courtesy Ryan McDonough

sites that have already begun providing meals in our hardest-hit communities, including Hempstead, Uniondale, Freeport and Levittown. We are adding more locations throughout the county.

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■ Last year, I hired Andrea AultBrutus to serve as our first coordinator of health care equity. This is already helping us increase access to health care and improve outcomes in our communities of color. ■ I have conducted Zoom discussions with African-American and Hispanic community leaders, clergy and the NAACP. The conversations have been critical in understanding and addressing concerns in the community. We will keep working to provide critical resources to every community, and we will keep fighting for better health care for all our residents — during and after this crisis. Stay strong. LAURA CURRAN Nassau County executive

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LONG ISLAND’S LEADING ORTHOPEDIC GROUP IS LEADING THE WAY . . . with immediate, personalized appointments in the safest possible environment. Balancing the need to help relieve your orthopedic pain with the health and safety of our patients, staff and community, Orlin & Cohen is taking all precautions: • Pre-visit registration • Curbside check-in

Our offices across Long Island are open for in-person visits. Weekdays: 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Weekends: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Virtual telehealth visits are also available, seven days a week. MRI and therapy offices are open as well.

• Advanced and pre-entry health screenings for patients and staff • Plexiglass reception barriers • Social distancing with extended time between appointments and direct entry to exam rooms – bypassing waiting rooms • Masks for everyone, at all times • Continuous disinfecting measures in all areas Because in this crisis, protecting each other should be everyone’s top priority.

Nassau: 516-536-2800 Suffolk: 631-706-2800

Stay safe!

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May 14, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

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