Lynbrook/East Rockaway Herald 02-11-2021

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infections as of Feb. 9

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infections as of Feb. 2 2,727

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Dancer thrives at prestigious school

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Vol. 28 No. 7

Cuomo says state will study municipal water customers of New York American Water on Long Island have been plagued by exorbitantly aseidman@liherald.com, msmollins@liherald. high rates for water — this simcom ply cannot continue,” Cuomo G o v. A n d r e w C u o m o said in a news release. “New announced Feb. 3 that the state Yorkers deserve access to clean, Department of Public Service safe and affordable water, and we will look into the feasibility of are going to pursue every avenue municipalizing New York Amer- to make that happen.” ican Water, the privately owned The possibility of municipalutility whose serizing NYAW was vice and water bills met with mixed have long been reactions from decried by Nassau many Lynbrook County customers. and East Rockaway The study will residents. assess dif ferent Responding to a avenues by which Herald reporter’s to reduce customer inquiry in a Lyncosts — which in brook Facebook some cases are group, Ralph Valnearly five times larella called water m o r e t h a n t h e RAlPh VAllAREllA costs “astronomiprice of municipal- Lynbrook resident cal” under NYAW ly owned water — compared with including a public municipal water takeover. The announcement districts. comes after two independent fea“On top of that, the service sibility studies conducted by and quality we receive for those Walden Environmental Engi- high rates is poor at best,” he neering determined that local wrote. ratepayers in NYAW’s HempAngela D’Amico Felden said stead territory and Sea Cliff dis- she wanted clean, safe water and trict would see a reduction in didn’t believe she was getting it. their water bills through a pub- “I have a whole-house water fillic acquisition of the company.

“For far too long, the 120,000 Continued on page 4

By AlYssA sEiDmAN and mikE smolliNs

t

Courtesy Jennifer Kenny Shirman

We’re getting used to this After the second snowfall in a week on Sunday, the Sherman brothers, from left, Aidan, Brendan and Eddie, had some winter fun.

Teen makes a difference during Covid 15-year-old helps seniors register for vaccinations By mikE smolliNs msmollins@liherald.com

When Covid-19 cases began to climb locally, Lynbrook resident Liam Schorr didn’t hesitate to help his community.

First, he volunteered to call seniors to check on them and see if they needed anything as part of a volunteer service created by State Sen. Todd Kaminsky, a Democrat from Long

Beach. In that role, Liam, 15, a sophomore at Lynbrook High School, working with a list of area residents on an Excel spreadsheet, called them, and if they needed anything — such as masks, food or hand sanitizer — he arranged for deliveries.

Then, when the vaccine rollout began, he helped seniors and others who had difficulty with technology by scheduling appointments for them online so they could be inoculated.

“It was really nice to help some of them, and most of them, they feel weird asking for help,” he said, “but some of them actually needed stuff, and it was nice getting them the stuff that they needed.”

Liam first started helping seniors make vaccine appointments when his grandparents asked him for assistance. After that, he helped their friends and Continued on page 7

he service and quality we receive for those high rates is poor at best.

February 11, 2021 — LYNBROOK/EAST ROCKAWAY HERALD

2

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Young dancer excelling at prestigious school msmollins@liherald.com

Kayla Marie Mingo said when she first tried dance at the age of 3, she wasn’t a big fan of it. Now, she is excelling at the prestigious Edge School of the Arts in Queens, where she takes six types of dance courses and plays piano.

“My favorite part of performing in front of people is doing it with my friends,” she said. “We have a lot of fun when we’re on stage. I also like when the audience claps for me. It makes me feel really good. I also like all of the costumes we get to wear.”

Kayla, 11. who is a sixth-grader at Lynbrook South Middle School, has been taking advanced classes and performing at the Edge school for seven years and playing piano for six of them. She said she first became interested in dancing when she saw her cousins perform. She takes six dance classes there, including tap, jazz, African, modern, ballet and her favorite, hip-hop.

Kayla said she experiences plenty of nerves when getting ready to put on recitals for an audience, but she gains confidence through the many rehearsals at the Queens school, which she said helps her perfect her performances. She said she and her peers also “get silly” to stay loose before big performances, and that she closes her eyes and keeps thinking positive thoughts before taking the stage.

Most recently, she performed “Free to Be You and Me,” a virtual routine that was shown to the staff at Mount Sinai South Nassau hospital in Oceanside. The theme of the performance was that people are free to be what they want to be, Because of Covid, the dance classes and performances have gone virtual via Zoom, and Kayla said her classes are now working on a performance in celebration of Black History Month, which will be presented on Feb. 26.

“I enrolled her in dance when she was 3,” recalled Kayla’s mother, Kelly Mingo. “She actually hated it at first, but she has a natural gift . . . To be able to get on stage in front of hundreds of people, whether it be by herself or with her team and at her young age, she has no idea how important and how huge that is. I don’t think she knows how good she is.”

Kayla’s father, Timothy Mingo, said his daughter has shown tremendous Photos Courtesy Timothy Mingot improvement in her skill set over kAyLA hAs been dancing since she was 3. time.

“For me, it’s the growth watching painting, and she said she hoped to her from when she first started to where remain in the arts for years to come. As she is now,” he said. “ It’s actually weird for performing, she added, it can be a lot to me that she does all these dances in of hard work, but it pays off. front of all these people yet she’s kind of “It’s a lot of work getting ready to pershy. I’m definitely proud of her.” form in front of people,” she said. “We In addition to dancing and playing have lots of rehearsals with our teachers piano, Kayla said, she also loves other and spend a lot of time making sure aspects of the arts, including drawing and everything is perfect.”

kAyLA MArie Mingo, 11, has been excelling at dance and the piano at the prestigious Edge School of the Arts in Queens.

Neighbors iN the News

Lynbrook PTAs recognize 16 individuals Despite the global pandemic, the Lynbrook Council of PTAs continued its annual tradition of honoring several individuals who have made a difference in the Lynbrook schools and community.

The council recently announced 16 award recipients for Founders’ Day, an annual celebration that recognizes the founding of the National Congress of Mothers, the precursor to the modern PTA. Members of the Lynbrook Council of PTAs said they hope to officially commend the 2021 honorees for their positive contributions at an in-person event at a later date when it is safe to do so. Recipients of the awards represented Marion Street, Waverly Park and West End elementary schools; North and South middle schools; Lynbrook High School; The Lynbrook Council of PTAs and the Special Education PTA. The honorees were Me g an O’Donovan, Lauren Pignataro, Vicki Boyle, Dr. Benedict Tieniber, Sandra Moore, Marie Toscano, Millie Almonte, Debra Geiser, Abby Manasakis, Matthew Schneck, Meredith Votano, Diana Giarriputo, Theresa Macchia, Meghan Ceglie, Christina Gerbi and Patti LaBarbera.

Courtesy Lynbrook Public Schools; compiled by Mike Smollins

The honorees Lynbrook Council of PTAs Megan O’Donovan Lauren Pignataro Lynbrook high school Vicki Boyle Dr. Benedict Tieniber Lynbrook north Middle school Sandra Moore Marie Toscano Lynbrook sePTA Millie Almonte Debra Geiser Abby Manasakis Lynbrook south Middle school Matthew Schneck Meredith Votano Marion street school Diana Giarriputo Theresa Macchia Waverly Park school Meghan Ceglie West end school Christina Gerbi Patti LaBarbera

Christina Daly/Herald

The Lynbrook PTAs acknowledged 16 people who have gone above and beyond for the community as part of the Founders’ Day awards.

LYNBROOK/EAST ROCKAWAY HERALD — February 11, 2021

by Mike sMoLLins

3

Cuomo appoints special counsel for water stead, where his water was supplied by the ter and another filter under the sink, and I town’s water district, to Lynbrook, where keep having to change them often,” she water operations are controlled by NYAW, wrote. “The cost of dirty water and filters and he noticed a significant increase in price and a decrease in the quality of seris a hardship. This has to be corrected.”

For her part, Krystie Javier said she did vice.

Dan Caracciolo, of East Rockaway, not favor government involvement in offered a different take in water. “I don’t agree with response to an inquiry in an Cuomo sticking his head in East Rockaway community a n y wh e r e, ” s h e w r o t e.

Facebook group, posting that “Cuomo should focus his he believed fresh water is efforts on opening schools five taken for granted in the U.S., days a week with no insidious especially in the Northeast, restrictions.” where, he said, it is “abunAlan Pawelsky shared a dant.” similar sentiment, calling it “We are drilling in our “an absolute joke and disaquifers and future generagrace” when the government tions will be barren,” he wrote. gets involved in utilities.

Courtesy Department of “I think if you want to water Ivy Reilly said she thought Public Service your lawn with our fresh there was a lack of compewater, you should pay for it.” tence among private utilities SpeCial CounSel Rory Lancman, the Departthat has affected ratepayers’ rorY Lancman. ment of Public Service’s spewallets, and that while she cial counsel for ratepayer prousually opposed adding more governmental control, she favored explor- tection, will oversee the study, which is to ing whether municipalizing NYAW would be completed by April 1. It will include a series of virtual public hearings at which help.

“We go to buy filtering systems to use residents and elected officials can offer with the other filtering system, and we still comment.

Lancman told the Herald that the state’s don’t feel safe drinking out of the faucet, so we buy bottled water instead,” she wrote. study would consider whether municipalization of all or part of NYAW’s system “It’s time for a change.”

Cindy Springstein called the water would be feasible and more beneficial for rates “insane,” while Ralph Vallarella ratepayers. This comes after advocates noted that he moved from West Hemp- called on the DPS to reconsider a proposed

Continued from front page

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sale of American Water Works’ New York operation to Liberty Utilities, another private entity, which was announced in November 2019.

The department is currently reviewing the details of the $608 million deal.

“Our examination of the feasibility of converting American Water to municipal control is going to factor in the value of the assets that exist and, realistically, be cognizant of the role that ratepayers have played in making American Water a company that [Liberty] is willing to pay hundreds of millions of dollars for,” Lancman said.

After Walden concluded that Hempstead ratepayers would see savings of between $70 and $383 a year if the town acquired a portion of NYAW’s Nassau operation, Water Department Commissioner John Reinhardt claimed that such savings would be “diminutive” compared with the almost $500 million cost to acquire the system. He also demanded “state involvement” regarding a takeover.

Lancman criticized Hempstead officials for “ignoring” the results of Walden’s study. “If Hempstead or any other locality is going to oppose municipal control despite our analysis and analysis of their own experts,” he said, “they’re going to have to explain to the public why they’re not doing anything to lower rates.”

In a statement, NYAW President Lynda DiMenna said the issue of affordability depends on a special franchise tax — which accounts for a significant portion of customers’ bills, she said — not who manages the system. A public takeover, she said, is not “financially prudent.”

“A public takeover would lead to an increase in the debt service obligations of Long Island residents by hundreds of millions of dollars,” DiMenna said. “The best path forward for our customers is the elimination of that special franchise tax combined with completing the sale to Liberty Utilities.”

Legislation to eliminate the franchise tax was introduced in the State Senate last year by Sen. Todd Kaminsky, a Democrat from Long Beach, and co-sponsored by Sen. John Brooks, a Democrat from Seaford (see box).

On the North Shore, Sea Cliff ’s elected representatives, including State Sen. Jim Gaughran and Assemblymen Charles

_______

pols praise state study of nYaW “Long Islanders have been forced to live with American Water’s ridiculously high rates and poor service for too long. It is past time for an impartial study to determine how clean, affordable water can best be provided to our communities. I applaud the governor for making this a priority, and will continue to lead the fight for utility transparency and affordability.

Ratepayers deserve nothing less.”

— State Sen. Todd Kaminsky (9th District) “Access to affordable, drinkable water is something a developed country shouldn’t be arguing about in the 21st century. Yet, here we are, grappling with fixing a problem that shouldn’t exist for thousands of my constituents and so many others on Long Island.

The governor’s steps here are desperately needed and will hopefully help our residents. I have introduced legislation aimed at increasing penalties for utilities that overprice, underserved and game the system. The people we serve have had enough.”

— Assemblywoman Judy Griffin (21st District) Lavine and Michael Montesano, have been vocal supporters of public water. Last July, a bill establishing the public North Shore Water District, authored by Gaughran, passed the State Senate.

A companion bill was presented to the Assembly by Lavine around the same time but did not pass by the end of the year.

New bills will be presented to the Senate and Assembly this year, and if they were to pass and then be signed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, an authority could be established

by April.

lynbrook/east rockaway ______

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LYNBROOK/EAST ROCKAWAY HERALD — February 11, 2021

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Tickets start selling out at UBS Arena

By Melissa Koenig mkoenig@liherald.com

Nearly 60 percent of club and premium spaces have already been sold out at the new UBS Arena at Belmont Park, which is set to open next fall, UBS officials told the Herald last week, as construction on the 17,000-seat arena continues.

The suites will offer New York Islanders fans private areas to enjoy food and drinks with their friends and families as well as provide them with parking benefits and potential concert tickets, while the Spotlight Club will allow fans to see the players head down the tunnel to the ice, the 1905 Club will provide backstage passes, and the Loft Club will offer Islanders fans views to the bowl from the bar.

The walls of the 56 suites have already been installed, according to Michael Cossentino, senior vice president of tickets and premium experiences for the New York Islanders, adding that they have found seats for all the current Islanders ticket holders and are only a few weeks away from selling out of upper-bowl tickets.

“It’s an exciting time to be an Islanders fan,” said Cossentino, who has been meeting between 50 to 100 people daily to discuss seating opportunities at the new arena. He has been hosting in-person tours for eight fans maximum at a time, all of whom must wear masks, as well as drive-through events at which Islanders

Courtesy UBS Arena

a rendering of the UBS Club at the new arena. fans can get an up-close look at the construction site and pick up Islanders swag.

“It’s things like that to build that meaningful connection with people,” Cossentino said, noting that there’s a general “sense of pride and excitement” when people get to experience the new arena firsthand. “Generally, the community’s been very supportive.”

In fact, he said, the Islanders have seen an increase in ticket holders from West-

chester and Connecticut because of to Belmont Park’s closer proximity to the two areas than from the Islanders’ former home at Nassau Coliseum. There has been a 45 percent increase in ticket sales to people from Westchester, Cossentino said, and a 28 percent increase in ticket sales to people from Connecticut.

Meanwhile, UBS officials also made their first concert announcement last week, saying The Weeknd, the Canadian

singer-songwriter, will perform at the new arena on April 7, 2022, as part of his After Hours World Tour, which had to be rescheduled because of the coronavirus pandemic. Tickets for the show went on sale on Monday, following The Weeknd’s Super Bowl halftime performance.

For more information about the UBS Arena, and to see the different seating options virtually, visit www.UBSArena. com.

Inside LI to host family business webinar By nicole alcindor nalcindor@liherald.com

Many Long Islanders are g rappling with questions about how they can best start or maintain a business. Many wonder how a family business differs from other businesses and what it takes to bring their businesses to the next level of success.

To help shed light on these and other questions, Herald Inside LI will host a webinar on Tuesday, Feb. 23, “Success in Family Business.” Starting at 10 a.m, the episode will cover the legal and financial steps that may affect multiple generations of a family business.

All are welcome to attend, including members of established family businesses and those who are curious about what starting a business would entail.

The e pisode, which is s p o n s o re d by B a r n e s & Barnes P.C. and Marshall & Stevens, will feature panelists Leo Barnes Jr., a partner

at Barnes & Barnes P.C., and John Agogliati, managing director at Marshall Stevens.

Anyone interested in joining this webinar can register free at LIHerald.com/FamilyBusiness. Upon registering, attendees can submit questions for the panelists, or can ask during the webinar using Zoom’s question-and-answer function. Skye Ostreicher, host of Herald Inside LI, will be happy to ask your questions.

To register for future webinars, go to liherald.com/ insideli. To sponsor a webinar or for more information about Herald Inside LI, contact Amy Amato, executive director of corporate relations and events, at aamato@ richnerlive.com or call (516) 569-4000, estension 224.

Herald inside li will host a webinar on how to find success in family business Feb. 23 at 10 a.m.

Courtesy Herald Inside LI

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Lynbrook teen makes a difference during pandemic then many others after he was referred to them. In all, he has helped more than 20 seniors make appointments, including many who live in the Lynbrook Restorative Therapy and Nursing facility. He said he plans to continue to help those who either have issues with computers or don’t have the patience to set up appointments themselves.

Barbara Marcus said she was having trouble navigating a website to make an appointment, and Liam helped her find a time and location to receive both doses of the vaccine. She called him a “standup kid,” and described him as respectful and patient.

“He knows what to do, and he realizes it’s important for the seniors,” Marcus said, “so he really goes more than the extra mile. It’s nice to see.”

Marcus, who retired as a nurse at Mount Sinai South Nassau hospital two years ago but maintains her certification, said she has referred her friends to Liam to help them set up their appointments.

His mother, Andi Schorr, said she was proud of her son, and that his efforts to help seniors were in keeping with his character.

“I’m actually not surprised, because during Covid, early on in the pandemic, he began volunteering for Senator Kaminsky and checking on elderly people,” she said. “He reached out on his own. He called seniors and checked up

on them throughout the pandemic. He really just used all his resources, and he’s still going at it.”

Liam also excels in school, where he maintains a high-90s average and is involved in a variety of clubs and activities, including the tennis team, the speech and debate club, and mathletes.

Andi and Mike Schorr’s youngest son, Cooper, 13, is also talented, especially at tennis, earning a national ranking in the sport after he and Zavier Augustin, of Malverne, won the Boys 12 doubles title at the U.S. Tennis Association’s Empire Cup in Mamaroneck in December 2019.

With the victory, Cooper was ranked No. 12 in his age group by the USTA. Outside school, in addition to volunteering, Liam works for the National Income Life Insurance Company, where he helps organize Zoom appointments for potential clients who are looking to acquire life insurance. Andi said that though he is a teenager, his employers have been so impressed with him that they trust him to handle clients at such a young age. In the past, Liam started his own side businesses, which included fixing phone screens for his peers and others after learning the skill on YouTube and, as a sixth-grader, selling fidget spinners in an enterprise he called Spinners for Winners.

“He’s a smart kid,” Andi said. “He’s in all the top classes, and he totally thought about helping others get vaccinated on his own. It’s special.”

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LYNBROOK/EAST ROCKAWAY HERALD — February 11, 2021

Liam SChorr, 15, a sophomore at Lynbrook High School, has helped in many ways during the pandemic, including volunteering to help seniors register for their Covid vaccinations.

February 11, 2021 — LYNBROOK/EAST ROCKAWAY HERALD

8

events and activities

community update Ongoing Covid-19 Testing Lynbrook residents are eligible to get tested for Covid-19 at the Valley Stream Pool parking lot, 123 W. Merrick Road in Valley Stream from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays. Rapid testing is available and no appointments are needed. Stay in your car and wait for directioins, and bring your identification and insurance card.

VFW Thrift Shop in East Rockaway Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3350 in East Rockaway has launched its Veterans’ Thrift Shop. The post is at 164 Main St. Due to the pandemic, the store’s schedule varies, but members are trying to open daily, including Sundays. For thrift shop information and hall rentals, call the post at (516) 887-8170, and ask for Pat, Gary, Tony or Gene.

Thursday, Feb. 11 Cyberbullying Roundtable State Sen. Todd Kaminsky will host a virtual round table on cyberbullying on Feb. 11 at 5 p.m. To access the live stream, visit Kaminsky.nysenate.gov, or facebook.com/senatorkaminsky.

Tuesday, Feb. 16 Lynbrook Village Board Meeting The Lynbrook mayor and village board of trustees will host its next meeting at Village Hall, 1 Columbus Drive, at 7 p.m. It will also be streamed virtually. Visit lynbrookvillage.net or call (516) 5998300 for more information. It will also be Grievance Night.

Friday, Feb. 19 Tax Greivance Workshops Nassau County Legislator C. William Gaylor is hosting two tax greiving webinars virtually at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. The tax grievance filing period is now underway. Anyone who disagrees with the assessed value of their homes covering

l l l l l

Courtesy Town of Hempstead

Veterans get thrifty East Rockaway Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3350 has opened its thrift shop, which received a special visit from Hempstead Town Councilman Anthony D’Esposito and Town Clerk Kate Murray last month, as well as Mayor Bruno Romano and village trustees. the 2022-23 year is eligible to file a tax grievance. The filing period was recently extended another 60 days and now runs until April 30. To attend either of the workshops, visit nassaucounty.gov/ld6 and click the link on my home page to register.

Tuesday, March 9

Tuesday, March 16

Lynbrook Library Board Meeting

East Rockaway Board of Education

Virtual Family Bingo

Wednesday, March 10

Join the East Rockaway Public Library for virtual family bingo at 4 p.m. Those interested in participating can call the library at (516) 599-1664, stop by the library to pick up bingo cards and register, or email dmiller@eastrockawaylibrary.org to receive the virtual link and to learn more.

The Lynbrook Library will host its monthly board meeting at 7:30 p.m.

For more information, call (516) 5998630.

Lynbrook Board of Education The Lynbrook Board of Education will host its next meeting at 7:30 p.m. at Lynbrook High School, 9 Union Ave., Lynbrook. Virtual meetings can be found at lynbrookschools.org.

The East Rockaway VFW’s thrift shop is open for business.

Sen. Todd Kaminsky hosts cyberbulling roundtable Feb. 11.

Lynbrook village hosts Grievance Night on Feb. 16.

Virtual tax grievance workshops are set for Feb. 19.

E.R Library hosts virtual bingo on Feb. 19.

The East Rockaway Board of Education will host its next meeting at 7 p.m. at East Rockaway Junior-Senior High School, 443 Ocean Ave. Live stream recordings will be posted at eastrockawayschols.org. It will also host a budget work session on Jan. 12 at 6 p.m., preceded by a regular work session.

HaVinG an EVEnT? Items on the Community Update pages are listed free of charge. The Herald welcomes listings of upcoming events, community meetings and items of public interest.

All submissions should include date, time and location of the event, cost, and a contact name and phone number. Submissions can be emailed to msmollins@liherald.com

9

LYNBROOK/EAST ROCKAWAY HERALD — February 11, 2021

February 11, 2021

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Above photo: What your child takes away from summer at camp will help them make friends, excel in school, and confidently take on any challenge that comes their way.

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Everyone gets a say. At camp, children help determine how their day is spent. Their advice is actively sought, and they feel like equal players. Emulating this environment at home allows them to continue to stand up for themselves and feel like a contributing member of the household.

Avoid the negative compliment. Don’t inadvertently sabotage efforts by pointing out differences in behavior. Instead of saying, “you never did this before,” praise the behaviors in a genuine way. For example, “I noticed how patient you were with your little brother.” n

r camp! o f y h t l a e h t e G

our clAsses cover:

recording - mAsTering sTudio

In the classroom How can parents help transfer these skills into the classroom? The American Camp Association suggests implementing the following tips: Remember to remind. When campers come home, they often keep the spirit of camp alive for a week or two, and then things trail off. Use positive reinforcement to remind campers that you appreciate the positive attitude and willingness to help that they developed at camp.

Become camp-like. Families can set the example by demonstrating a willingness to change something at home in order to sustain some of the changes campers have made.

Bob Ditter, a clinical social worker and psychotherapist, suggests: “Parents have to make a decision. Are they willing to change something in their practice at home in order to sustain some of the changes their kids have made, such as having a job wheel that you put up on the wall outlining chores?”

303 East Park Ave. Suite A Long Beach, NY

897-4600

Office Hours By Appointment

1119608

Mature, Adult Staff, 1:3 Ratio Hot Lunch • Ice Cream • Transportation 2 Heated Pools • Red Cross Swim Instruction Arts & Crafts • Cooking • Music Kickball • Basketball • Wiffle ball Lunch With Surprise Characters Annual Dog Show Science • Nature • Gardening Weekly Specialty Activities

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YoUNGer CAMPerS

o many parents chose camp for their child or teen because of the immense benefits of the experience. Not only does camp foster making new friends and learning 21st century life skills like independence, problem-solving, and teamwork, but it’s also fun! Once the summer fades and children return to school, families can apply the camp experience to the school year.

These are some of the extra items from camp in the school backpack: Confidence — All through the camp experience, children and youth have tried new activities and been successful; they feel empowered.

Curiosity — Camp has given children and youth the chance to explore, study, and observe in an experiential learning environment.

Character — Camp has challenged children and youth to develop character — through fostering respect for each other, a sense of community, and the ability to solve problems.

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Family Owned & Operated Since 1954

Summer camp

11

By Andy Pritikin

F

or two decades, I’ve been heralding the importance of summer camp to families who have never attended. Years before Covid-19, there existed a world-wide outbreak amongst our youth in technology addiction, social skill deficiency, indoors isolation, and over-parenting.

And now, since March 2020, our kids have been living an increasingly bizarre, unnatural life of screens and quarantines, hybrid schooling (if they’re lucky), and enough fear and disappointment to last them into adulthood.

However, in the midst of the insanity, we learned that summer camp can become a beacon of hope, a lifeline towing them back to their normal selves.

More than 1,000 lucky children and 250 staff attended Liberty Lake Day Camp in summer 2020. While strict safety guidelines and a modified program where necessary, the fundamental essence of camp remained intact: Kids, playing together, mentored by caring staff, and in most cases — outdoors. According to the campers, parents, and staff at camps that ran last summer, it was by far their most meaningful camp experience ever, as well as an impactful life event. And think about it — that was after only four months of screens and quarantines. Imagine what it’s going to be like in 2021? Wowza!

In 2020, 70 percent of camps didn’t open, many due to government restrictions, others by choice. The camps that did open showed great resiliency and creativity in adapting and flourishing within their new parameters, doing it better than most schools. While some families and staff chose to postpone their camp attendance until 2021 — most didn’t want to miss out, even in the midst of a pandemic, despite apprehensions.

What were these people, crazy? Absolutely not. They strongly believed that the benefits outweighed the perceived risk. This June, after two compromised school years and everything that’s gone along with it, our children’s need for the benefits of summer camp will be crucially important.

Real Human Connection Zoom and remote learning have saved us in so many ways. But there’s no substitute for real human connection.

Making and strengthening relationships while being guided by loving people is what camp is all about. The essence of camp is in the friendships we forge, something we are all lacking and craving these days.

Reacquainting Ourselves With Nature While society has been trapped indoors for the past year, most of the world is outdoors, and it is amazingly beautiful, and fills our soul with joy. From picture perfect days, to “liquid sunshine” washouts — it’s real living — the way our ancestors lived for thousands of years, until the advent of central air, video screens, and the internet.

Our bodies yearn for the outdoors, and that’s where most summer camps happen.

Resiliency Our kids are certainly developing it; experiencing disappointments that will make them stronger. Learning to be brave and confronting challenges and fears are also important facets of resiliency.

It’s easier to stay at home and stare at screens — but we want our kids to grow up with the kind of courage and “can-do” attitude that our health care, essential workers, and superhero school teachers have learned and cultivated.

Mental Health While summer camp is widely known for its physical health benefits, according to the CDC, “Children’s mental health during public health emergencies can have both short and long term consequences to their overall health and well-being,” so it’s no surprise that hospital visits

Saying goodbye Prepare your child — and yourself for camp For parents, the most heart-racing, adrenalin pumping moments happen when you let go and watch your child try something on his or her own. The moment the training wheels come off, the first trip down the driveway on the skateboard, the time our children ride the school bus —these are more than just memories, these are critical moments that define growth and change.

For many families, the first time a child goes off to camp is one of the biggest let go, hold your breath, and watch them soar moments in childhood.

In today’s world of high-tech kids and families who have a constant connection to each other, it’s essential to take the time to emotionally prepare for camp. First-time families can ease into the camp experience with a minimum of stress by doing some prep beforehand. related to mental health have risen dramatically for school age children and adolescents.

Kids are resilient and can bounce back quickly. But a year and a half of stress and anxiety is bound to leave a mark. Extroverted kids are suffering, missing the energy of their peers. Introverted kids may seem to enjoy sitting in their homes, away from life’s normal pressures — but they need social interaction just as much.

We had a depressed young camper last summer who hadn’t left his apartment nor gotten fully dressed in months. By his third day of camp, his parents thanked us for “returning his childhood to him.” For many kids, camp is a more important social-emotional antidote than the actual vaccine.

Summer Camps Can Be Successful During A Pandemic Good camps breed creative adaptability, and get things done — we always have. How do you get a group of third-grade boys to listen? What do we do about the incoming storm? The bus is running late, animals got into the supplies, no electricity in the kitchen, kid pooped in the pool…

Camp people don't complain — we figure it out and make it happen.

Camp offers kids the unique opportunity to step back into a simpler time, with no internet connection or mute button needed. A place where a small community can have faith in the human spirit and support from one another without judgment, simply because it’s the right thing to do.

Our kids need to be out of our homes, playing with other kids, and camps have proven that it can be done safely, even under the most challenging circumstances.

Andy Pritikin is the director of Liberty Lake Day Camp, in Mansfield Township, N.J., LibertyLakeDayCamp.com, as well as founding partner of Everwood Day Camp, in Sharon, Mass., past president of the American Camp Association, NY/ NJ, and host of the Day Camp Podcast. n Above photo: Camp experiences, even in our pandemic-altered world, can still strengthen values, build confidence, develop coping mechanisms when adversity strikes, and enable campers to make lifelong friends.

Promises, Promises Under absolutely no circumstances should you promise to pick up your child from camp early if he/she is having a “bad time”. Making this promise will only ensure that a struggling camper will make no effort to turn things around. If you make deals before camp begins it is much easier for the child to count down the number of days you’ve promised they must stay at camp than it is to jump into the routine and put in the emotional energy to see it through.

Overcoming homesickness provides children with wonderful skills. They gain resiliency, confidence and a sense of accomplishment. Children learn that they can’t just snap their fingers and parents will immediately obey their command.It also addresses the issue of commitment. .

Have A “Test” Sleepover A number of first-time campers have never slept away from home. Going to camp shouldn’t be ‘the practice run’! So make arrangements with a family member or friend to have a sleepover without Mom or Dad present. While it might be uncomfortable and unfamiliar the first time out, practice does make perfect.

Stop And Shop Have a fun outing! Take your campers with you to have them choose camp linens, a camp costume, a new pair of flip-flops or sneakers, or a brand new hoodie to keep the mosquitoes at bay.

Having tangible symbols of their adventures to come will help to further invest them in the camp experience.

Discuss Expectations Many parents respond to their children’s fear of camp by reassuring them that there is nothing to worry about or that they’re about to have the most wonderful time of their lives.

While parents and camp staff expect and hope that this is true, it is best to prepare your camper about how they might feel the first few days and nights away from home. They need to know that it is perfectly normal to miss parents, to miss the comfort of home, to miss familiar routines, to find it difficult falling asleep.

Brainstorm strategies that you know work best for your child.

If they expect only smooth pathways, the first bumps in the road will send them stumbling. n Above photo: Ramping up for camp is a process — for families and campers.

LYNBROOK/EAST ROCKAWAY HERALD — February 11, 2021

Our kids' antidote to pandemic living

Camp & SCHOOL

Directory

RACQUET CLUB

2021

Junior Tennis Camp June 28 - August 20 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM th

Big Chief

Big Chief is a family owned/operated school/ camp that has been proudly serving the community for 61 years. (6 weeks to 13 years). Big Chief provides a clean/safe environment where children feel loved and secure. We are small enough to give that personalized attention with great counselor/ child ratio. Older campers customize their own program based on their interests. Large enough to offer great extensive activities. Promoting the love of and lifelong skills. All tucked away on park like facilities in the heart of East Meadow. Air conditioned facilities , heated pools (true quality care).

Big Chief 516-781-3900 www.bigchiefschoolandcamp.com

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PRice fOR full week: $395 PeR dAy: $90

Before

afTer

insTruCTion, Drills & maTCh play Must be willing to LEARN and hAvE fuN! Must sign uP in AdvAnce with full PAyMent.

Walk INs may have to be turNed aWay.

- programs aVailaBle orange, Green & yellow ball, tournament training

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1119879

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e-mail: carefreetennis@gmail.com

Grace Lutheran PreSchool

Grace Lutheran Preschool is a community school run by Grace Lutheran Church for over 50 years. The school welcomes two, three, and four year old children of all faiths and backgrounds. At Grace Lutheran Preschool, children will learn and play. The school provides guidance and direction while encouraging cooperation, resourcefulness, creativity, curiosity and the love of God in a safe and respectful atmosphere. Monthly tuition rates are reasonable. For more information give us a call 516-409-5188 Grace Lutheran PreSchool 516-409-5188 www.gracelutheranbellmore.org

Where children Learn & Play ...

Grace Lutheran Preschool

Lawrence Woodmere Academy Summer Day

Lawrence Woodmere Academy Summer Day 336 Woodmere Blvd., 516-374-5559, lwasd. org. Ages: 2 to 15. Fees: Call for rates. Specialties: Full day, half day, Red Cross swim instruction, arts and crafts, drama, dance, tennis, aeroball, sports, sports clinics, all immersion arts camp; Center for Creative Arts Academy, and all immersion sports camp; Champion Sports Academy. Note: Transportation and meals included, extended days: early drop-off and late pickup available (subject to change). Tours Available: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.Sundays, March through June 27, call for an appointment.

Lawrence Woodmere Academy Summer Day 516-374-5559 www.lwasd.org

The Sound Lab-Recording Mastering Studio Sound Famous

516-489-9005

Attention all singers-songwriters-artists-musicians you can work with New York’s top producer/ engineers in a state-of-the art recording studio in Bellmore Village. The Sound Lab offers everything from recording – mixing and mastering with an engineer … to protools/logic/beatmaking classes and intro. To music promotion and more…Inquire about our summer recording camps - or the “one song special” that includes recording - mix and master that is Radio/social media ready.

The Sound Lab-Recording Mastering Studio 516-804-2222 www.soundlabnyc.com

HERJC Nursery School

Serving the community for over 50 years

* * * * *

2-1/2 year old program 3 year old program 4 year old program Morning Sessions available Reasonable Monthly Tuition

Register for 2021 Don't miss out – Register Now! Call for an appointment to visit us at

1294 Bellmore Avenue • North Bellmore (2 blocks south of Jerusalem Avenue)

516.409.5188

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February 11, 2021 — LYNBROOK/EAST ROCKAWAY HERALD

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Going to school for the first time is one of the most important milestones in a child’s life. The Hewlett East Rockaway Jewish Centre Nursery School prides ourselves in offering the very finest programming while finding creative ways to bring our children back to our building and taking precautions against Covid-19. We offer the very finest programming in a facility designed for young children, emphasizing individual and small group activities.

We focus on giving our children a strong foundation upon which to grow socially, emotionally, academically and spiritually, providing them with the tools necessary to be successful as they climb the educational ladder. Our school approaches Judaism as a heritage and a tradition to be celebrated by all who wish to participate. Our program takes place in our state of the art facility, including a Parenting Center, two outdoor playgrounds, a new outdoor classroom, indoor gym, and a brand new state of the art science facility. We are proud to offer Toddler Time, for children and their caretakers, and programs for children ages two through pre-kindergarten.

HERJC Nursery School 516-599-1169 www.herjc.org/nursery-school

Carefree Racquet Club

Where can find a junior summer tennis camp highlighting the excitement of competition, high instructured and plenty of all-around playtime? At Carefree Racquet Club, complete with seven airconditioned indoor tennis courts, 2 half-court basketball court, a cozy lounge and snack area... that’s where! At Carefree’s summer camp, we encourage the social aspect of loving the game just for the fun of it. We stress the positive approach to competition which gives our juniors perspective on and off the court. Comprised of knowledgeable and the staff is and Tennis Professionals. We will be waiting!

Carefree Racquet Club 516-489-9005 www.carefreeracquetclub.com

Middle schoolers face special academic hurdles

R

emember the days when your son or daughter rushed in from school, gave you a big hug and gleefully sought praise for a top grade on an assignment or test? That may seem like ancient history if your child is now in middle school. More likely you’ve noticed your child shying away from physical affection, experiencing odd and dramatic mood swings, and becoming a lot more interested in popularity and peer pressure than pleasing you.

If so, you’re not alone. From the blogs on popular parenting sites, to the pages of parenting magazines to school and community forums, scores of parents of children going through the “tween” years will tell you they’re going through troubled times as well.

Children who are grappling with social and emotional pressures are often distracted in the classroom and too preoccupied to give homework the attention it deserves. This is particularly troublesome given the increasing demands of middle school learning. In mathematics, lessons in basic computation are giving way to complex problem-solving. In reading, lessons focus more on comprehension, and require students to articulate what they have learned in oral and written form.

Subjects ranging from science to history to the social studies likewise require more critical thinking. And progress in all of these subjects becomes especially vital for building a foundation for increasingly challenging work in high school and beyond.

So while in many ways school may be getting “harder” — or at least more complex — your child’s equally complex behavioral changes can make learning a volatile proposition at best.

So what should parents do? Expect some changes and know what to look for. Talk with your child’s guidance counselor to find out more about other pressures that may be arising in the school environment, and school-based solu-

tions that may be under way. Take a close look at your child’s academic progress during the past year. Is he or she maintaining good grades and solid study habits? If not, is it because of social/emotional issues or because of specific learning skills?

If your son or daughter is struggling, you need to take prompt action to shore up these deficiencies. Your child’s teachers and guidance counselors should have a list of school or community-based options for supplemental instruction.

Think about potential mentors for your child. While your son or daughter may suddenly be no fan of overt parental

control, he or she may still value advice from other adults or responsible older youth.

Ideally, this should be someone your child can talk to about emotional issues and someone who can reinforce your views about keeping on track academically regardless of the difficulties of this age. It’s an added bonus if this individual has the time and ability to help with homework or special assignments that can help build skills and knowledge.

Find a productive, smart extracurricular activity. If your son or daughter is struggling academically, it may sound counterintuitive to look for another activity to fill the day.

And yet the right activity could actually help your child become more academically motivated and self-assured. If your son is anxious about being too small to play football but loves to read, start your own at-home book club with rewards every time a book is completed.

If your daughter’s having trouble fitting in with the popular kids but designed her first Web page when she was 10, look for a technology club or other accelerated learning opportunity that can help her hone these skills and meet girls with similar abilities and remind her that there really is life after the 8th grade. While most children struggle with some subjects, most have a natural aptitude for at least one.

Activities like these can keep your child build a sense of self worth and smooth the way past the inevitable disappointments of this challenging period in his or her life.

In the meantime, take some deep breaths and try not to worry. With consistent assurance that your child is loved and ever-vigilant monitoring of the academic bottom line, you can both survive the “terrible tweens” older and wiser for the experience of getting through it together. n Above photo: The right after-school activity can help your child become more academically motivated and self-assured.

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Hewlett-East Rockaway Jewish Centre Nursery School Hewlett-East Rockaway Jewish Centre Nursery School Cheryl Karp, Early Childhood Director, 516.599.1169 Cheryl Karp, Early Childhood Director, 516.599.1169

Congregation Etz Chaim • 295 Main St., East Rockaway, 11518 Congregation Etz Chaim • 295 Main St., East Rockaway, NYNY 11518 Congregation Etz Chaim •Rabbi 295 Main St., East Rockaway, NY 11518 Paul Resick, • Bonnie Zakarin, Hazzan Andrew Warmflash, Rabbi • David Sislen, Hazzan • 516.599.2634 516.599.2634 • www.herjc.org • www.facebook.com/herjc.community Andrew Warmflash, Rabbi • David Sislen, Hazzan • 516.599.2634 www.herjc.org • www.facebook.com/herjc.community www.herjc.org • www.facebook.com/herjc.community

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LYNBROOK/EAST ROCKAWAY HERALD — February 11, 2021

Helping your child succeed

13

Attention parents and students:

Help your kids refocus A

s the school year passes the halfway point, some kids may get distracted from their studies. If you and your kids want to re-focus on school success, here are some suggestions for kick-starting learning: Commit to learning. With your children, come up with one or two major goals that you want to accomplish for the remainder of this school year. Raising that algebra grade? Getting homework done on time and turning it in the next day? Organizing a study area at home? Using a planner regularly and efficiently? Agree on some ageappropriate rewards and consequences.

Commit to a family-centered goal that education is important to all of you, and work together to support, encourage and help each other.

Set up helpful routines. Give your kids the consistency of fairly regular routines (weekends and holidays can be breaks).

Bedtime, wake-up, study, homework, play, family time — kids rely on these routines, and the structure helps them to feel safe, know what's expected of them and be successful.

Help them organize. Organized kids do better in school than haphazard kids. Help them to set up their planners (written or electronic), to keep their notebooks and backpacks neat and orderly, to break up large assignments into smaller ones so they

they're getting enough sleep, insisting on their good eating habits, making sure they're involved in regular and aerobic exercise, and sticking to the goals and routines you've established.

Be a good role model. Kids learn from their parents. If they see that you're organized, focused on what's important to you and your family, staying healthy and being true to your values, they'll pick up some pretty important life lessons.

Don't give up. Let your kids know that you're serious about these goals and that their school success is as critical to you as it is to them.

Get help early if it's needed. When your kids show that they're having trouble despite your best efforts, get help early. Ask a teacher or guidance counselor for help.

Get a tutor. Find a "study buddy" for your kid. Just get help before the little problem grows into a big one.

Ask other parents. You're not the only one trying to keep your kids on track. Learn from parents who've been through this, teachers who've guided hundreds of kids and others whose opinions you respect. No one has all the answers, but all of us have a lot of ideas. n don't seem overwhelming, to maintain a work space at home that's actually workable and not a disaster area, and to stick to the goals you've set together.

Join us...

Maintain healthy habits. Healthy kids are better learners. Help your children by monitoring their screen time (TV, video games, cell phones, etc.), making sure

Above photo: Manage the remaining months of the schol year with a renewed emphasis on goals and achievement.

Big Education, Small Class Sizes In person Monday-Friday or Remote Option Available Premier College Preparatory School Preschool – 12th Grade Small-Group Differentiated Instruction

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Daily bus transportation to and from Long Island, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens AND Afternoon drop off available to Atlantic Beach beach clubs

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LYNBROOK/EAST ROCKAWAY HERALD — February 11, 2021

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February 11, 2021 — LYNBROOK/EAST ROCKAWAY HERALD

NASSAu CouNTy REpuBLICAN legislators are calling for Gov. Andrew Cuomo to open a Covid-19 vaccination site at Nassau Coliseum. At left, the Coliseum before the pandemic struck.

Herald file photo by Christina Daly

GOP legislators call for action on vaccines two, at Nassau Community College and the YES Community Counseling Center in Westbury.

Nassau Coliseum would be the The 11 members of the Nassau County Legislature’s Republican majority “ideal” vaccination site because of the last Thursday called on Gov. Andrew size of the building and parking availCuomo to open a Covid-19 vaccination ability, Nicolello said.

“We possess the proper resources in site at Nassau Coliseum. The GOP legislators pitched the idea during a hearing Nassau County to help make this hapthey held to address vaccine rollout in pen and will do everything we can to assist that effort,” he wrote. “On behalf the county.

The meeting coincided with Cuomo’s of Nassau County residents, we urge you to work with us to put announcement that Yankee such a plan into motion as Stadium will be used as a soon as possible.” mass vaccination site to A week earlier, members administer 15,000 vaccines to of the Republican majority Bronx residents. had called on New York City According to Presiding Mayor Bill de Blasio to open Officer Richard Nicolello, vaccination sites within the that’s almost as much as the five boroughs to Nassau resnumber that the county has idents. administered since the rollAppointments to schedout began. ule a vaccine appointment “As you know, Nassau STEvE RhoADS within New York City can County continues to be County legislator be made through the cityamong the highest areas run website, https://vacwith Covid-19 cases in New York state,” Nicolello wrote in a letter cinepod.nyc.gov, or by calling (877) VAXsent to Cuomo and signed by the Repub- 4NYC, but appointments at these sites lican lawmakers. He noted that recent are blocked to many Nassau residents.

When signing up for an appointment, data from the county Department of patients are asked to certify they reside Health shows roughly 10.6 percent of Long Island residents have been vacci- or work in the city; if they live or work nated, compared to New York City’s 12.4 elsewhere, they are turned away.

The state-run (https://covid19vacpercent.

“While the numbers are improving, cine.health.ny.gov/) and county-run you have continually noted that Long (https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/vacIsland’s infection rate remains a great cine) websites for scheduling vaccine cause for concern,” Nicolello said. “This appointments do not have such restricmass vaccination site [would] allow tions. more residents to get tested, lower our The Republican majority, led by Preinfection rate, and allow more business- siding Officer Richard Nicolello, gathes to open and continue to rebuild.” ered in front of the Theodore Roosevelt The state currently runs one mass Executive and Legislative Building in vaccination site at Jones Beach State Mineola.

Park, in Wantagh, and the county runs “Residents across the county are hav-

By BRIAN STIEGLITZ and ANDREW GARCIA agarcia@liherald.com; agarcia@liherald.com

T

his really is an issue of fundamental fairness.

Andrew Garcia/Herald Life

ThE NASSAu CouNTy Legislative Majority, led by Presiding Officer Richard Nicolello, called on New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio to open vaccination sites to Nassau residents. ing difficulty obtaining appointments to get the Covid-19 vaccine,” Nicolello said.

“The fact that the city portal restricts Nassau residents from receiving the vaccine in New York City is unacceptable, especially when both Nassau County and New York state allow New York City residents to be able to freely sign up to get the vaccine at the sites they run.”

“This really is an issue of fundamental fairness,” Legislator Steve Rhoads, of Bellmore, said. “We’ve all received calls from residents who are scared for their own health and the health and safety of their families. There are 850,000 Nassau County residents who are technically eligible to receive the vaccine. . . yet the state is sending Nassau County less than 5,000 doses a

week.”

“We had an understanding that when the vaccines became available, that no matter where they were given, they would be open to anyone who could get an appointment,” Legislator Rose Marie Walker, of Hicksville, said.

“The vaccination rollout in Nassau County has been nothing short of a disaster,” Legislator John Ferretti, of Levittown, said. “We need to stand together and call on New York City Mayor de Blasio to open up vaccine centers for Nassau County residents.”

Questions, comments, and concerns can be submitted by emailing the clerk of the Legislature at LegPublicComment@nassaucountyny.gov. All public comments submitted will be made a part of the official record.

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LYNBROOK/EAST ROCKAWAY HERALD — February 11, 2021

FREE WINTER DRIVE-IN MOVIES Town Park Point Lookout, 1300 Lido Blvd., Point Lookout

Family Fun Fridays

Remember the Titans February 12 • 7 p.m.

Jumanji: The Next Level February 19 • 7 p.m.

Double Feature Saturdays

Incredibles II

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The Notebook

When Harry Met Sally

February 13 • 2 p.m.

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Dolittle (2020)

February 14 • 4 p.m.

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February 21 • 4 p.m.

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February 16 • 7 p.m.

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Ghost

Moonstruck

Movies open to Town of Hempstead residents only.

DONALD X. CLAVIN, JR.

Council Members DOROTHY L. GOOSBY • BRUCE A. BLAKEMAN • ANTHONY P. D’ESPOSITO DENNIS DUNNE, SR. • THOMAS E. MUSCARELLA • CHRISTOPHER CARINI

Town Clerk

Receiver of Taxes

KATE MURRAY

JEANINE C. DRISCOLL 1120636

Supervisor

February 11, 2021 — LYNBROOK/EAST ROCKAWAY HERALD

18

What’s neWs in and out of the classroom

Herald ScHoolS

Students’ kindness spreads to Connecticut Rhame Avenue Elementary School sixth-graders in Rachele Banducci, Kassie Tillem-Spero and Maureen Sheerin’s classes have been participating in a kindness activity happening in Connecticut.

The students have joined other students from across the country and are working hard to show how quickly kindness spreads. By doing this, they are writing about a situation when they were kind to others or have witnessed someone else being kind. They wrote their blurbs

on colorful paper hearts and then sent them to Veterans Park Elementary School in Connecticut.

The Connecticut school will display the hearts on a “kindness tree.” The tree expands down each hallway and throughout the school building. Veterans Park students can read about acts of kindness taking place throughout the country while walking to class each day.

Courtesy East Rockaway School District; compiled by Mike Smollins

rhAme Avenue elemenTAry School sixth-grader Maurice Knight wrote a blurb about kindness that will be displayed in the hallways of Veterans Park Elementary School in Connecticut.

Photos courtesy East Rockaway School District

AleksAndrA kolAkowskA Also participated in the activity.

Bricks pave path for PTA to raise funds During the past 10 years, the Lynbrook Council of PTAs scholarship fund has awarded more than $150,000 to graduating seniors who have demonstrated excellence in citizenship, scholarship, work ethic and service to their school and community.

One of the big events that helps raise money toward the fund is the annual homecoming football game. Due to the pandemic, the Lynbrook Council of PTAs has introduced a new campaign, Pave a Path, to support the fund this year.

Lynbrook High School is undergoing a massive con-

struction renovation, and members of the district have an opportunity to leave their mark and celebrate their Lynbrook loved one by purchasing a commemorative brick to be cemented in the new unit.

The brick not only serves as a lasting tribute, but it also supports current and future students with all proceeds benefiting the scholarship fund.

To learn more about the campaign or to purchase a brick, visit bricksrus.com/ donorsite/owlspath.

Courtesy Lynbrook Public Schools; compiled by Mike Smollins

Christina Daly/Herald

The lynbrook CounCil of PTAs has created a fundraiser to support its scholarship fund, by which patrons can dedicate a brick at the high school’s new edition to a loved one.

Smart teens doing stupid things ing kid but now have a moody, rude teen on your hands, know that you are not alone. The more you lecture, the more your teen will roll their eyes, stand their ground, blow you off. Some do it defiantly.

Some sarcastically. Others, passiveaggressively – agreeing with you, then doing what they damn well please.

Though most young people today are super smart, possessing skills and confidence that their parents often envy, there are still scads of things they don’t know that adults have down pat. Not their fault; they’re still baby adults. Knowledge can smooth the transition but it will be mostly

Guest Column

time and experience that will guide young people into behaving like responsible adults.

We adults should not confuse looking like an adult, talking like an adult even acting like an adult with being an adult.

LYNBROOK/EAST ROCKAWAY HERALD — February 11, 2021

©2021 Linda Sapadin, Ph.D. is a psychologist, coach and author in private practice who specializes in helping people become the best they can be. You can reach her at LSapadin@DrSapadin.com. Visit her website at www.PsychWisdom.com.

Linda Sapadin

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He was 18-years-old. Off to college in the fall. Old enough to take on the world, yet young enough to make a host of dimwitted actions before the sun rose the next morning.

He was invincible. He was strong. He was smart. Way too smart to listen to any stupid rules his parents laid down for him. He was fed up with their endless warnings. And their fears. And their “be carefuls.” Enough of that crap.

Tonight was his night. Covid or no Covid, he was out for a good time with his best buddies. Picking them up in his new Mustang. Flooring the pedal for a rush.

Breaking at the last minute for a thrill. It wasn’t until later that things went awry.

Later – after the screech of the brakes.

Later – after the siren of the ambulance.

Later – after the Jaws of Life pulled him out. Later – after he was informed that his friend didn’t make it!

This story is every parent’s nightmare.

Smart kids doing stupid things. Responsible kids being irresponsible. Insightful kids displaying not an iota of insight.

What causes such maddening teenage behavior?

The teenage brain may seem like an adult brain. Even better. Your kids are probably smarter, stronger, faster and maybe even wiser than you in many ways. But in other ways? Not so smart!

Their brains are not adult brains. If you doubt the veracity of that statement, think back to your own teen years. Unless you were a very good kid (aka – a scared kid), you probably did things you’d never do today.

Understanding the construction of the adolescent’s brain helps explain the risky behavior they take – despite knowing better. The executive part of the brain, also known as the frontal cortex, controls reasoning, helping us think before acting. It’s responsible for weighing choices, considering consequences, assessing probability, and ultimately deciding what to do. In teens, this part of the brain is still under construction. Hence, teens often engage in risky behaviors with little or no consideration of the possible consequences of their actions.

Research suggests that as smart as they are, teens don’t access their frontal cortex as frequently as adults. Parental lectures fly out-the-door when competing with electric, adrenaline-filled activity.

Boring for teens feels unbearable. Their brains are wired to seek out thrills, take a dare, court danger, as they convince themselves that nothing bad is ever going to happen.

If you have raised a considerate, car-

19

February 11, 2021 — LYNBROOK/EAST ROCKAWAY HERALD

20

Elks Lodge hosts successful food drive New York Elks Lodge No. 1 officers and members recently donated and collected food during a drive to help surrounding communities and restock the shelves of local food pantries.

“The weekend food drive was an amazing success,” the lodge members said in a news release. “Thank you to Elk members of Lodge No. 1. In addition to all food collected, donations reached $100. The lodge thanks our dedicated and generous lodge membership.”

The lodge’s Exalted Ruler Lisa Moldovan cooked, packed and served food on Sunday for attendees to takeout lunch and raised $300 for the lodge.

“Thank you goes out to Lisa as always,” the news release read, “for her dedication and we appreciate the generosity of our membership that came to support this event.”

The food drive also supported Ruff House Rescue, as members not only collected food for humans, but also for dogs.

Lodge member Kim Stein has donated many hours of her time to the local rescue organization. The officers and members have supported Stein as she helps there.

Courtesy New York Elks Lodge No. 1; compiled by Mike Smollins

the donAtions were spread across several tables.

the food drive featured several donations.

Photos courtesy New York Elks Lodge No. 1

new York elks Lodge No. 1 in Lynbrook recently hosted a successful food drive, which also supported Ruff House Rescue, where member Kim Stein volunteers her time to help.

Lynbrook historical odds & Bill would help Covid-19 ends: Horses and automobiles

By Art MAttson lyneditor@liherald.com

Editors note: Lynbrook historical odds and ends is a column that takes a look back at some interesting facts and events in the village from over the years.

Gilbert was knocked to the ground and his carriage ran over him, injuring both his legs and rendering him unconscious. The frightened horse succeeded in freeing himself from the carriage, but smashed it into kindling wood in the process. The horse was eventually caught at the racetrack of the Lynbrook Driving Park, a half mile away.

Edwards, expressed his deepest sympathy to Gilbert and stood ready to make reparations.

As reported in the South Side Observer on Feb 2, 1906, Fred Gilbert, of Cedarhurst, was severely injured on a Saturday after noon outside Karn’s Hotel in Lynbrook.

He had just arrived at the F ive C o r n e r s a n d w a s Mattson is the official LynMattson unhitching his horse-and-carbrook village historian and riage when an automobile the director of the Historical owned by a Mr. Edwards came by. The Society of East Rockaway and Lynbrook. honking of the horn and the snort of the Additionally, he is the author of “The Hisengine so frightened Gilbert’s horse that tory of Lynbrook,” which is available he tried to dash away. on Amazon.com and at local libraries.

kArn’s hotel At the Five Corners in 1908. It was the location of several horse-andcar accidents back then and is now a pet store.

Courtesy Art Mattson

first responders

A push has been made for legisla- demic — and who will continue to do so tion that would help health care work- for generations to come.”

Under the bill, physicians, nurses, ers and volunteer first responders who served on the front lines during the nurse practitioners, physicians assisCovid-19 pandemic repay their student tants, emergency medical technicians, paramedics and volunteer firefighters loan debt. who served in response to If passed into law, the the Covid-19 pandemic bill would establish a grant would be eligible for the prog ram and disburse student loan grant proawards up to $100,000 for gram, which would be eligible front-line workers administered by the state’s to repay student loans and Department of Health, in other educational expenses. collaboration with the State East Rockaway Fire Education Department and Chief Ronald Roeill said he the state’s Higher Educawas grateful for the protion Services Corporation. posed legislation, which “The least we can do for was sponsored by State our doctors, nurses, EMTs Sen. Todd Kaminsky, a Chief ronald roeill and volunteer firefighters Democrat from Long who risked their lives on Beach, in the Senate and Assemblyman Fred Thiele, an Indepen- the front lines during this pandemic is to help defray the costs of their educadent from Sag Harbor, in the Assembly.

“This bill will be a great way to tion,” Kaminsky said. “My bill will prothank the brave men and women who vide grants for our health care heroes volunteer their time and risk their lives and volunteer first responders to help day in and day out to protect our vil- them repay their student loans — a fitlage as members of the East Rockaway ting gesture of gratitude for those who Fire Department,” Roeill said, accord- have saved countless lives across our ing to a news release. “We applaud Sen- communities and state as a whole durator Kaminsky for sponsoring this leg- ing this Covid crisis.” islation, which is an apropos way to thank the heroic first responders who Courtesy State Sen. Todd Kaminsky; have served our community with dis- compiled by Mike Smollins tinction before and during this pan-

Officer to plead guilty

OBITUARY

By ANDREW GARCIA agarcia@liherald.com

Courtesy Robert Stridiron

NYPD offICER AND Nassau resident Valerie Cincinelli was expected to plead guilty on Friday of obstruction of justice after being accused of orchestrating a murder-for-hire plot against her ex-husband and her boyfriend’s daughter. could be recorded. In one taped recording that he made as part of his cooperation, Cincinelli allegedly said the hit man should kill her estranged husband near his Holtsville place of work, saying, “It would not look suspicious because the murder would take place in ‘the hood,’ or ‘the ghetto.’” In another, DiRubba told Cincinelli that in the case of killing the teen, the hit man did not want to carry out the murder near a school, and Cincinelli responded, “Run her the f--k over, how about that?’”

On May 17, 2019, the FBI staged Carvalho’s death and then Suffolk County police came to Cincinelli’s Oceanside home to inform her of her estranged husband’s death, and the FBI staged photos of a faux crime scene as part of the ruse. Immediately after police left, Cincinelli allegedly called DiRubba to discuss their alibis and told him to delete his text messages. The FBI recorded the call. Later that afternoon, Cincinelli was arrested.

Upon her arrest, Cincinelli was immediately suspended without pay from the NYPD after 12 years on the force, which is her current status. She had worked in the 106th Precinct in Queens, but had been on modified assignment without a gun since 2017 after a series of domestic incidents.

Reggie Jones Sr., Jones Beach’s longest-serving lifeguard and a longtime resident of Bellmore who grew up in Baldwin, died on Jan. 30 at 93.

Jones tried out for the Jo n e s B e a c h L i f e g u a r d Corps in 1944 at the age of 17. In a 2007 Herald interview at the home that he built on a south Bellmore canal, Jones recounted the more than 120 muscled young men with whom he Reggie was competing for a job.

“I went down and looked at these guys,” Jones remembered. “I said, I’m not going to make it.

I’m going to be in my father’s grease pit for life.”

He was one of 10 to earn a spot that year, however, and he continued to serve as a lifeguard every summer until he was 81. He remains the longest-serving lifeguard at Jones Beach.

Jones passed strength and stamina qualifications every year he served. At

Obituary notices Obituary notices, with or withoutphotographs, can be submitted by individuals as well as local funeral establishments.

They should be typed and double-spaced.

The name of the individual or funeral establishment submitting the obituary should be included. A contact phone number must be included. There is no charge for obituaries.

Send to: msmollins@liherald.com or 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530

nd! la Is g n o L , s o b b a h S Good Friday Feb 12 Candle lighting 5:08 Torah reading: Mishpatim

Shabbos ends 6:18

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.

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Scott Brinton contributed to this story.

It’s Your MoneY By

Jonathan Wolfsohn MBA, CFP, EA, ATA

tIPs For seLeCtInG A tAX PrePArer part ii

Make sure the Preparer is Available. Taxpayers may want to contact their preparer after this year’s April 15 due date. People should avoid “fly-bynight” preparers.

Provide records and receipts. Good preparers will ask to see a taxpayer’s records and receipts. They’ll ask questions to figure things like the total income, tax deductions and credits. never sign a Blank return. Taxpayers should not use a tax preparer who asks them to sign a blank tax form. review Before signing. Before signing a tax return, the taxpayer should review it. They should ask questions if something is not clear. Taxpayers should feel comfortable with the accuracy of their return before they sign it. Once they sign the return, taxpayers are accepting responsibility for the information on it. review details about any refund. Taxpayers should make sure that their refund goes directly to them–not to the preparer’s bank account. The taxpayer should review the routing and bank account number on the completed return. ensure the Preparer signs and Includes their PtIn. All paid tax preparers must have a Preparer Tax Identification Number.

By law, paid preparers must sign returns and include their PTIN. report Abusive tax Preparers to the Irs. Most tax return preparers are honest and provide great service to their clients.

However, some preparers are dishonest.

People can report abusive tax preparers and suspected tax fraud to the IRS. Use Form 14157, Complaint: Tax Return Preparer.

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80, he still sported tanned, toned arms, a broad chest and an easy smile, as the Herald reported in 2007.

Jones, a retired Garden City social studies teacher, was drafted into the Navy when he turned 18. He was sent to combat training in Sampson, N.Y., and World War II came to an end shortly thereafter.

After receiving an honorable discharge, Jones said, “I went back to the beach.”

He is survived by his sons, Reggie Jones Jr., of Point Lookout, and Gavin Jones, of Oceanside, and two Jones Sr. granddaughters.

Memorial services will be held at the beach this summer.

He died in Rockville Centre.

The Herald will publish a full-length obituary in the issue of Feb. 18.

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1120327

msmollins@liherald.com

LYNBROOK/EAST ROCKAWAY HERALD — February 11, 2021

Lifeguard legend Reggie Jones Sr. dies at 93

By MIkE SMollINS

A New York City police officer from Nassau who was charged with plotting to hire a hit man to kill her estranged husband and her boyfriend’s teenage daughter has agreed to plead guilty to one of the charges she is facing.

Though the terms of the plea deal were undisclosed at press time, Valerie Cincinelli, 36, of Oceanside, will plead guilty to a single count of obstruction of justice, for which she faces 46 to 57 months in prison.

In exchange for the plea, the government will drop the two murder-for-hire counts that Cincinelli faced, each of which carried a sentence of up to 10 years in prison.

Cincinelli’s attorney, James Kousouros, did not respond to a request for comment on the plea agreement. Cincinelli was unable to sign the deal, but was expected to

by Friday, after the Herald went to press.

The last time he spoke with the Herald, in June 2019, Kousouros said that if the case went to trial, it would “become clear that Ms. Cincinelli never would and never did participate in the conduct that she’s charged with.”

John Marzulli, a spokesman for the Eastern District’s prosecutors in the case, said he would not comment on the plea deal, but confirmed that Cincinelli was set to enter a plea.

Cincinelli was arrested in May 2019, and pleaded not guilty to two charges of murder for hire, for the plot to kill her estranged husband, Isaiah Carvalho Jr., and her boyfriend, John DiRubba’s, teenage daughter, and one count of obstruction of justice. The obstruction charge stemmed from her alleged destruction of cellphones to interfere with the authorities’ investigation. She has been held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn without bond since her arrest.

After her arrest, U.S. District Judge Sandra Feuerstein denied Cincinelli’s request for bond, saying she was a danger to the subjects of the alleged plot and the community, while noting she showed a “lack of impulse control and remorse.”

Federal prosecutors have said Cincinelli had a “volatile” relationship with Carvalho and DiRubba, and that DiRubba had allegedly originally agreed to hire a hit man to murder Carvalho before changing his mind, notifying authorities and cooperating in their investigation.

Prosecutors said Cincinelli was angry about having to share her NYPD pension with Carvalho in their pending divorce, and jealous of DiRubba’s daughter because of the time she spent with her father and the expensive gifts he bought for her.

Cincinelli’s alleged plan was hatched in February 2019, a month after Carvalho filed for divorce after four years of marriage, which sparked a custody battle between the two over their two children.

According to authorities, DiRubba told Cincinelli that he would put a plan in motion to carry out the hits for $7,000, but instead went to the FBI. Kousouros has alleged Cincinelli gave DiRubba $7,000 to purchase gold coins, not to hire a hit man.

Under the direction of investigators, DiRubba continued to plot with Cincinelli, and wore a wire so their conversations

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February 11, 2021 — LYNBROOK/EAST ROCKAWAY HERALD

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Nassau County native scores first goal with NYR

By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com

In just his second game wearing a New York Rangers sweater, Nassau County native Anthony Bitetto scored a highlight-reel goal to help the Blueshirts to a 4-2 victory over the Washington Capitals on Thursday night at Madison Square Garden.

Bitetto, a left-handed defenseman from Island Park who in October signed a two-year contract as a free agent to join the franchise he grew up rooting for, gave the Rangers a 2-0 lead 9:15 into the second period. He circled behind the Washington net, shrugged off a hit from Carl Hagelin and continued along the boards before skating toward the slot, working through some opposing traffic and sliding a backhand shot past goaltender Vitek Vanecek.

“It was magical,” said the

Virtual grievance workshops help challenge your taxes link on my home page to register. Participation is capped at 300 people by the Department of Assessment, so reserve As a result of the current administra- spots quickly. For any questions or furtion’s reassessment, property taxes will ther assistance, contact my office at (516) rise for 65 percent of Nassau County hom- 571-6206, or email me at cwgaylor@naseowners. A further decision by the admin- saucountyny.gov. Residents seeking to istration to freeze assessed values means access information on their property can that if a resident’s taxes were calculated visit mynassauproperty.com, and forms incorrectly, they will have and applications can be to pay the amount indicatfound at nassaucountyny. ed on their tax bill unless gov/agencies/ARC/form. they file a grievance chalhtml. lenging the assessment.

Our Legislative majoriThe tax grievance filing ty has fought for fairness, period is now underway. accuracy and transparency Anyone who disagrees throughout the reassesswith the assessed value of ment process that was their homes covering the launched by the current 2022-23 year is eligible to administration in 2018. file a tax grievance. The filUnfor tunately, County ing period was recently Executive Laura Curran extended another 60 days vetoed many of our initiaCOuNTY LEGISLaTOr C. and now runs until April tives and proposals to William Gaylor 30. improve the process. I will To help residents navicontinue to propose poligate through the tax grievcies and laws to reform the ance process, I will be hosting two virtual county’s reassessment procedures and workshops on Feb. 19, one at 2 p.m. and fight to help our taxpayers get the tax another at 7 p.m. Residents do not have to relief they deserve. pay a law firm or agency to file a tax grievance and these seminars will help Gaylor is a county legislator for Legislaaddress the necessary steps to file on tive District 6, which comprises Malverne, their own.

Lynbrook, North Lynbrook, Valley Stream To attend either of the workshops, and portions of Rockville Centre, Hewlett, visit nassaucounty.gov/ld6 and click the Franklin Square and Woodmere.

By C. WILLIaM GaYLOr III lyneditor@liherald.com

ISLaNd Park’S aNThONY Bitetto scored his first Rangers goal on Feb. 3.

30-year-old Bitetto, who played in a career-high 51 games for the Winnipeg Jets last season and registered eight assists, 145 hits and 50 blocked shots, “I usually don’t score those type of goals,” he added.

“More importantly, we got a good win.”

It was Bitetto’s third NHL goal in 185 games. He has 25 career assists. Each of the three previous times he put the puck in the net, he said, it was disallowed. “My mindset was please Lavi [Washington coach Peter Laviolette] don’t challenge it,” Bitetto said.

The dynamic goal, Bitetto’s first in three seasons, was shown as one of the “Top Plays” of the night on NHL Network. “It was a blackout moment pretty much,” he said.

A 2008 West Hempstead High School graduate, Bitetto was drafted in the sixth round in 2010 by Nashville and made his NHL debut for the Predators on Jan. 17, 2015.

New York Rangers/Twitter

News brief Virtual round table on cyberbullying set to be live streamed on Feb. 11 State Sen. Todd Kaminsky will host a virtual round table on cyberbullying on Feb. 11 at 5 p.m.

The forum will address the causes and manifestations of the cyberbullying threat to students and provide recommendations on how to best address the issue.

“Cyberbullying is a serious threat to our children in today’s world, and I am committed to doing all I can to stamp out this menace to our youth and their wellbeing,” Kaminsky said, according to a news release. “At my Senate roundtable, we will convene an expert panel of educators, students, law enforcement officials

and other stakeholders to discuss this serious issue in our schools — and how we can put an end to it.”

A 2020 study conducted by the Cyberbullying Research Center found that one in five students between the ages of 9 and 12 had seen, perpetrated or been a victim of cyberbullying. Kaminsky is the sponsor of legislation to establish a commission on the effects of cyberbullying in New York as well as measures that can be taken to address it.

To access the live stream, visit Kaminsky.nysenate.gov, or facebook.com/senatorkaminsky.

Public Notices

LLYN1 0211

LEGAL NOTICE VILLAGE OF LYNBROOK BID DEMOLITION OF R E S I D E N T I A L STRUCTURES SEALED BIDS will be received by the Village Clerk of the Incorporated Village of Lynbrook on or before March 4, 2021 at 11:00 A.M., at which time they will be publicly opened and read for the following:

“DEMOLITION OF R E S I D E N T I A L STRUCTURES” Requests for Proposals may be obtained at the Office of the Village Clerk, Village Hall, One Columbus Drive, Lynbrook, New York between the hours of 8:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M. Monday through Friday or on the Download section of lynbrookvillage.com.

The Board of Trustees reserves the right to reject any and all proposals if they are not in the best interest of the Village.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES John Giordano, Village Administrator Lynbrook, New York 124638

Place a notice by phone at 516-569-4000 x232 or email: legalnotices@liherald.com

PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES… Printed in this publication can be found online. To search by publication name, go to: www.newyorkpublicnotices.com TO PLACE AN AD CALL 516-569-4000 x 232 To place a notice here call us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com

LYNBROOK/EAST ROCKAWAY HERALD — February 11, 2021

Bitetto lights lamp for Rangers

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Must be able to do light plumbing and carpentry. 4-day work week. $700 per week. 100% Medical & Dental, 401K, $18.50 NYC, $17 L.I. up to $13.50 UpUniforms, Paid Vacations, Sick and state NY! If you need care from your relaHolidays. Apply in person: Mondaytive, friend/ neighbor and you have MedicFriday between 9am & 7pm At: Communications Clients m-Clients • Malverne Malverne Richner RECEPTIONIST NEEDED WITH Light aid,•they may be eligible to start taking• 42194 CALL-A-HEAD CORP. Bookkeeping Experience. Advancement care of you as personal 3" assistant under Communications 3.125x Richner 304 Crossbay Blvd., Possible. CPA Firm, Rockville Centre.

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Please email Résumé to: liliana d'errico, Personnel clerk lderrico@valleystream13.com

Malverne UFSD Long Island, New York

real local, real news OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR / SALES SUPPORT. F/T, Must Know Microsoft Office Suite, Have Strong Verbal & Written Communication Skills And Be A Multi Tasker And Practical Problem Solver.

Salary Commensurate With Experiemce. email resume to liz@sdmmetro.com.

Qualifications: Candidates must hold a NYS Registered Professional Nurse License CPR Certification required Position requires Nassau Civil Service Commission Approval

Application deadline: February 19, 2021

HERALD Community Newspapers

To apply online, please go to www. communitymainstreaming.org/about-us/career-opportunities/

Full Time, 11 Month Position Pediatrics Experience Preferred

Annual salary: $45,092

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

Compensation: $14.00 per hour.

RegisteRed school NuRse

1119517

Hours: Early Mornings (6am - 10am), Weekends (8am-2pm), Afternoon and Evenings (2pm-10pm)

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

An EquAl OppOrtunity EmplOyEr

RECEPTIONIST PT ROCKVILLE CENTRE LAZY BOY. Thursday & Fr iday 5-9PM, Every Other Saturday 10AM-6PM, Must Be Flexible To Cover Vacation Shifts.

Basic Computer & Phone Skills Necessary. Filing & Processing of Credit Cards and Finance Applications.

Fax Resume 516-766-1992 Email lzbgalleries@aol.com

School Monitors Part Time $14.00/Hour. 17 ½ to 25 Hours/Week.

Starting Immediately!

Applications may be picked up at:

Malverne UFSD Office of Human Resources 301 Wicks Lane, Malverne, NY 11565 or Call 516-887-6419

1119759

We are actively seeking dedicated Direct Support Professionals to work with intellectual and developmentally disabled individuals in a new residential home in N. Merrick, New York!

RecRuiting a great sales team is Really simple.

Malverne Union Free School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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

PERSONAL CARE AIDES NEEDED IMMEDIATELY!!!

BENEFITS:

• High Hourly Pay Rate • Immediate Job Placement • Health, Dental, Vision, & Life Insurance ($5) SALES P/T 2 Days Per Week For Window • 1199 Union Benefits Covering Store In Oceanside. Computer 5th_floor • Clients • m-Clients • Malverne • 42194 Malverne Richner Communi Weekly/Overtime/Holiday Pay Knowledge, Some Sales Experience Nec. 3.125x 3" Richner Communications mlcwc89@aol.com • Tuition Reimbursement Pg 1 School Monitors • Member Wellness Benefits SEWING MACHINE OPERATOR For • Direct Deposit Awning Manufacturing Business. Experienced With Commercial Sewing Machines • Cases in Nassau Co & 5 Boroughs Necessary. 516-250-8094; tgawnings@aol.com

TAX PREPARER P/T Franklin Square Experience Needed. Retirees Welcome.

C a l l 5 1 6 - 3 5 8 - 9 4 5 5 Fa x R e s u m e 516 358-9483. Email Resume: ed@loturco.com.

TRUCK DRIVER NEEDED F/T, CDL Cllass A License And 1 Year NYC Driving Experience Req. Home Every Evening!

RC Supply Corp. Freeport. 516-415-7733

REQUIREMENTS:

• PCA/HHA Certification • Flu Shots • NYS Photo ID & SS Card • Immunizations • Physical Exam, Drug Test • 2 Reference Letters

1119023

DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONALS NEEDED!

1104975

February 11, 2021 — LYNBROOK/EAST ROCKAWAY HERALD

24

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

25

HERALD

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

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

Lawrence UFSD Transportation SUPERVISOR POSITION

Rockville Centre

Move Right In!

R

enovations complete!

Stunning Center Hall Colonial renovated by RegalHomeslI. Beautiful craftsmanship typically found in $1m+ homes. Three bedrooms, two full baths, mudroom/office, family room, formal Living room, eat in kitchen, hardwood floors throughout, Central Air, Gas Heat and attached one car garage. There is a large yard with covered porch fabulous for entertaining. Walk to South Side High School, Wilson Elementary School, Recreation Center, shopping and restaurants.

1120620

The Transportation Supervisor is responsible for directing the daily operations of the transportation department, to assure safe and efficient pupil transportation, vehicle maintenance, vehicle acquisition, routing, scheduling, and fiscal responsibilities in support of the school district’s instructional and activity programs for students. This position requires strong proven abilities in organizations, leadership and human relationships.

The Lawrence School District services approximately 7000 Public and Non Public students to approximately 180 schools.

HOME OF THE WEEK

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

Send Resume & Cover Letter to: humanresources@lawrence.k12.ny.us

CUSTOMER SERVICE F/T ARROW EXTERMINATING CO. NEEDS BRIGHT, MATURE PERSON

GOOD SALARY & BENEFITS Pleasant Lynbrook Office Call 516-593-7770

1119997

• Heavy Phones • Diversified Office Duties • Computer Knowledge A Must • Phone Sales Experience A Plus Gloria Romanowski Real Estate Salesperson Sterling Silver Circle of Achievement Daniel Gale Sotheby's International Realty 36 S. Park Ave, Rockville Centre, NY 11570 (o) 516.678.1510 (c) 516.884.6379 gloriaromanowski@danielgale.com

Phone: 347-713-3552

1119953

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.

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

Ronnie Gerber 516-238-4299 OPEN HOUSES BY APPOINTMENT SUNdAY, 2/14/21 e s t. 1 9 1 1

1120252

$18.50 NYC, $17 L.I., up to $13.50 Upstate NY!

HEWLETT 154 Midgely Dr, BA, Updated 4 BR, 3 Bth Colonial on Quiet St in Old Woodmere Area. SD#14. Full Bsmt. Near All ............... $659,000

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.

IG Pool, 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 ............................................................ REDUCED $1,650,000

REAL ESTATE

Apartments Wanted

Open Houses

Reliable, mature professional looking for a reasonably priced one or two bedroom apartment in a building or private home.

Excellent credit. Excellent references.

Same employer for 20 years. Would be willing to do upkeep for a frequent traveling homeowner. Please reply to HeraldApt1@gmail.com

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 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 HARBOR NEW EXCLUSIVE! 7 BR, 4 Bth Exp Ranch w/ Full Fin Bsmt on Quiet St in SD#20. 2 Car Att Gar. Won’t Last! ........................... $1,198,000

Call the USA Classified Network today!

105 Lake Dr, BA, 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

1-800-231-6152

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

236 Richards Lane, BA, 5 BR, 5.5 Bth Contemporary Home on an Acre Of Resortlike Prop with IG Pool. 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. SD#14 ........$1,450,000

EAST ROCKAWAY

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

Rent Your Apartment through the Herald and PrimeTime Classified section. Call us for our great *specials. 516-5694000, press 5 for Classified Dept. *(private party only)

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

House For Sale 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 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

CoOps & Condos/Sale LAWRENCE PRESTINE CO-OP 2 Bds, 2 Baths, Completely Renovated Kicthen & Baths,Terrace, Garage, Near House Of Worship, Great Area. For Sale By Owner.

516-313-9694

APARTMENT WANTED

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

(516)860-6889/ (516)852-5135/ (516)582-9978 EAST ROCKAWAY: 3 BR, Fbth, LR, DR, EIK, Parking. Water/ Heat Included. Pets Ok. $2,200. 516-596-9470

ANNOUNCEMENTS Announcements A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION in Lawrence is seeking sealed bids for sales and installation of security related enhancements. The project includes: replacing entryway and internal doors with impact resistant security doors, access control, video surveillance with DVR integration, cameras and monitors, inspect internal security components, and follow up safety protocol with members as well as security and safety training for organization members to increase awareness and preparedness in response to a threat or attack. Selection criteria will be based on knowledge of surveillance and security, adherence to projected work schedule, prior experience, references, and cost. Specifications and bid requirements can be obtained by contacting us at BMHRFP@gmail.com All interested firms will be required to sign for the proposal documents and provide primary contact, telephone, fax, and email address. Bids will be accepted until April 30th 2021 and work is to commence by June 1st 2021 and completed by December 31st 2021.

LYNBROOK/EAST ROCKAWAY HERALD — February 11, 2021

Employment HERALDHomes

Bricks, too, require workmanship

Homes

HERALD

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

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

Q. Why do bricks fall off a wall? I live in a brick house, and was concerned when I saw in the news recently that a whole side of condos in Suffolk County just collapsed on cars. The report said it was under investigation, but we rarely hear the answer to what they found. What could cause that, and is there anything I can do with my brick house?

“Going Above & Beyond to find your Dream Home” Sherlock Homes Sherlock Homes LYNBROOK PROPERTIES

Rhonda Healy

M: (516) 236-7269

SO

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

DO YOU KNOW HOW MUCH YOUR HOME IS WORTH?

Call for Your FREE Home Market evaluation now!

LD

SO

LD

308 VINCENT AVE, $615,000 73 ROBERTSON RD, $530,000 Listing Broker Listing Broker LD

LD 1120301

SO

Lisa a. Fava CBR, sRs, aBR

LiCensed assoCiate BRokeR

50 Hempstead avenue Lynbrook, nY

516-815-2434

Helping you find a HOME or sell a HOME

15 SMITH STREET, $490,000 28 ROBERTSON RD, $530,000 Listing Broker Listing Broker

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

Why Not Print

… a place to call your own.

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

Call us today!

choose

Your Hometown Newspaper

To Place an Ad Call: 516-569-4000

•

Press 5

RICHNER Printing Services

• Eco friendly facility • Environmentally safe soy based inks • Recycled paper • Help reduce the carbon footprint

Call Lou today at 516-569-4000 ext 223 East Rockaway $515,000 Judith Court. Colonial. 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms. Eat-in kitchen. Formal dining room. Den/family room.

Taxes: $14,879, Freeport $515,000 Nassau Avenue. Hi Ranch. 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms.

Updated eat-in kitchen with granite countertops. Den/family room and home office. Timberline deck with outside TV and speakers. Outdoor shower. Elevator boat lift and new raised bulkhead.

Taxes: $12,620.09 Franklin Square $475,000 Woodcliff Drive. Cape. 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom. Finished basement. Eat in kitchen. First floor master bedroom. Taxes: $12,819.43

Herald

Home Sales A sampling of recent sales in the area

Baldwin $465,000 Lakeside Drive. Colonial. 4 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms.

Finished basement. Formal dining room. Den/family room and home office. Skylight. Taxes: $8,605 Bellmore $654,500 Legion Street. Splanch. 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms. Partial finished basement. Updated eat-in kitchen with stainless steel appliances and high hats. Elegant entry foyer. Living room with skylight. Formal dining room. Den/family room.

Main level laundry and extra pantry space. Updated bathrooms and custom closets. Inground swimming pool.

Taxes: $12,983.78 East Meadow $492,000 Argyle Road. Expanded Ranch 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms.

Eat-in kitchen. Den/family room and home office. First floor master bedroom. Taxes: $13,569

A. The expression that something or someone is “built like a brick house” obviously didn’t apply in this case. You never think of brick as a weak or precarious material applied to buildings, but because brick is not structural, but rather cosmetic, attached to the rest of the face of a building with thin strips of metal from behind, if not done onte eeper correctly, the result can be just like what you saw in that news story.

Unfortunately, there’s little you can do about your wall’s hidden conditions unless you open them. Sadly, there are many workers who have never had formal training in the proper application of construction materials. I noted over the years, as a volunteer mentor in several high schools, that school curriculums reduced or eliminated classes in industrial arts, automotive repair and construction technology and replaced them with computer technology and preparation for a college education.

I realize this is a general statement that educators could debate and grade me on, but the simple fact is that because little or no training qualifications are required to get a contractor’s license and no formal construction education is required, poor workmanship and bad decisions, with no basis in engineering or science, are a daily occurrence, especially in residential construction. Not that everyone does a poor job, but quality control is based on pride and vigilance, not on uniformity, like you find with other skilled professions, where oversight and responsibility is strict and rampant, as in the medical field.

Anybody can argue anything, but public safety should be everyone’s job, and that wall was either missing the wall ties, they were spaced too far apart, they weren’t the right kind, the wall had no spacing behind to allow trapped water to flow out, or the backup material wasn’t correctly waterproofed and thus deteriorated. It’s important that even a brick wall is handled correctly from start to finish. We hear people protesting daily for freedom from regulation, but isn’t it your right not to be subjected to a brick wall collapse that was avoidable?

I speak with building and homeowners daily, and find that most, if not all, have a reasonable expectation that the work they’re paying for will be, as they often say, “perfect” or something close.

When that level of expectation isn’t met, the customer is generally upset. Since the industry places responsibility on the wrong people, such as inspectors, engineers and architects instead of the last person to touch the construction, the problem is perpetual. Good luck!

Ask The Architect

SO

1116815

February 11, 2021 — LYNBROOK/EAST ROCKAWAY HERALD

26

Hewlett Bay Park $2,000,000 Cedar Avenue. Colonial. 5 bedrooms, 5.5 bathrooms.

Finished basement. Eat-in kitchen. Formal dining room.

Den/family room.

Taxes: $42,410.68 Island Park $745,000 Baker Court. Expanded Cape. 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms.

Eat-in kitchen. Formal dining room. Den/family room and home office. Skylight.

Taxes: $10,439 Long Beach $610,000 Monroe Boulevard. Duplex. 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms.

Formal dining room. First floor master bedroom.

Taxes: $14,689.36 Malverne $595,00 Birch Road. Colonial. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Eat-in kitchen. Formal dining room. Den/family room. Oak flooring throughout and custom details. 70x100 manicured property. Convenient walk to village and LIRR. Taxes: $12,513.34 Source: The Multiple Listing Service of Long Island Inc,, a computerized network of real estate offices serving Nassau, Suffolk, Queens, and Brooklyn.

M

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.

27

Market Place • •

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

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

Dave marlOWe Plumbing, inC. DBA BOB PHILLIPS PLUMBING

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

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

CONTINENTAL TAX e PLANNERS thWanherae ytaoux ’rreetumrnor!!!!

TAX AND ACCOUNTING SERVICES Personal Tax Filing • Small Business Specialists • Payroll Services • Stimulus Review • Open Year Round

Mention this ad and get

10% Off

Virtual Tax Filing

Check our website www.contaxplan.com

1113171

1120043

OffiCe: 516-766-4583 Call/TeXT: 516-840-9432

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS Financial Planner, Insurance Broker and Estate Attorney also on premises.

1119591

on labor only

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

516-623-7700 • www.contaxplan.com 286 North Main St • Freeport NY 11520

A Fresh CoAt For A Fresh stArt!

CAll AurA PAinting & reMoDeling CorP.

OWA_STREAMLINE_BW_Bold Sunday, August 02, 2020 11:07:23 AM

947101

Specializing in: • Interior/Exterior Painting • Kitchens • Bathrooms • Basements • Wall Paper Removal • Power Washing 1117570

516-297-1885

jairorzc58@gmail.com licensed and insured

1109488

HEATING OIL

If Your Plumbing STINKS

Call The WeNKS! 516-889-3200

HOME • COMMERCIAL

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

Father & Son Owned

W eNK

PIPING & HEATING CORP.

516.431.0799

OFF

aboveallgutters.com

For New Customer Exp. 2/28/21

1105410

ALFREDO’S CONSTRUCTION at Se Habla Espanol

Licensed & insured

the

in

BLACKTOP

BeSt priceS in town

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

Carpentry & Painting Specialist

Residential and Commercial - All Phases

senior Citizen Discounts

1120012

Specializing

Free estimates

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

516-678-6641– Licensed & Insured Free estImates...call anthony romeo

CLUTTER

1066253

Chimney King, Ent. Inc.

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

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

Fully licensed and insured Nassau • Suffolk • NYC

CRAZY? driving you

Sell your merchandise in no time!

Email your Ad to the Herald and PrimeTime Classified Department at

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

1112267

$25

Any Service Call

1115133

wenkpipingandheating.com

grayscale. Use 600 dpi for exporting.

1112911

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

FREE ESTIMATES 4 HR EMERGENCY SERVICE

Page 2 is 4C constructed in InDesign. This page FOR MORE INFO (516 379-2727 is a)PDF exported from page 2CALL and converted to No service in Long Beach

1117369

CALL NOW FOR LOWEST PRICE

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

LYNBROOK/EAST ROCKAWAY HERALD — February 11, 2021

HERALD

February 11, 2021 — LYNBROOK/EAST ROCKAWAY HERALD

28

HERALD

Stuff

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

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

Finds Under $100

Finds Under $100

PET STEPS, HELP small pets reach sofas, beds. Plastic frame, faux wool cover $5. 516-546-2644

GE WINDOW AIR conditioner : model AEM10HQA1, Excellent condition paid $315 , $99. 516-360-8752 .

ROCKING CHAIR, COLONIAL painted white wood, includes removable baby blue seat/back cushion, $40, 516-678-0694

SERVICES

GLASSWARE, HORCHOW, BOXED, made in Italy, 6 rock, 6 drinking, green grass design, $35, 516-678-0694

ROUND COFFEE TABLE 40" with 4 cushioned seats that go underneath table.

Excellent $99 516-808-7535

Electricians

JOBS, MERCHANDISE, REAL ESTATE & MORE...

JOBS, MERCHANDISE, It’s inESTATE the Herald Classifieds...

REAL & MORE...

To Advertise Call 516-569-4000 JOBS, MERCHANDISE, REAL ESTATE & MORE...

JOBS, MERCHANDISE, REAL ESTATE & MORE... press 5

HErald

Crossword Puzzle

TV CABINET $50. 32" Sony Tube TV FREE. CD Stand $10.00. 20.5" CD Stand $5.00. 516-292-0430

E-Z ELECTRIC SERVICES, INC. All Types Residential/Commercial Wiring, Generators, Telephone/Data, Home Entertainment, Service Upgrades, Pools, Spas.

Services/Repairs. Violations Removed.

Free Estimates Low Rates.

516-785-0646 Lic/Ins.

Handyman 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

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

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 WE HAVE THE HELP YOU NEED HHA, LPN, Nurse's Aide, Childcare, Housekeeping & Day Workers. No Fees to Employers. Call Evons Services 516-505-5510

Autos For Sale MERCURY 2007 MARQUIS LS, Auto A/C, New Tires, Only 52k miles, Must See $4800 516-378-4258.

Autos Wanted 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

Junk Cars Wanted

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

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

Deals on Wheels

*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

Miscellaneous DISH TV $64.99 For 190 Channels + $14.95 High Speed Internet. Free Installation, Smart HD DVR Included, Free Voice Remote. Some restrictions apply. Promo Expires 7/21/21. 1-888-609-9405 Get DIRECTV! ONLY $69.99/month! 155 Channels & 1000s of Shows/Movies On Demand (w/SELECT All Included Package.) PLUS Stream on Up to FIVE Screens Simultaneously at No Additional Cost. Call DIRECTV 1-888-534-6918

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

24 Hour Emergency Response.

516-599-1011

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)

Want to sell your car, motorcycle or boat?

Have we got a deal for you! You can advertise your vehicle in the

Classifieds All for an amazing price! Your add will run until you sell your vehicle. Just call one of our expert classified account executives today and you will be on your way to making a great deal on your set of wheels!

516-569-4000 press 5, then 2

Answers

to todAy’s puzzle

29

opINIoNS

I

t happened as, I assume, many of these things do: It was a busy day, I was working at home, and the cellphone rang. Dozens of calls were coming in, and I assumed it was a colleague.

Instead, a man intoned loudly, “This is a Google Help Center. Your computer has been hacked.

Your bank account and other financial records are in serious jeopardy.”

I should have quickly hung up, but I was mired in work, thinking about all the JAMES things I need to about in a BERNSTEIN think workday, and I hung on. Soon, a woman with a soothing voice got on the phone, telling me all would be well and that the help center would work this out with me.

Within minutes, I was sent a screen shot. It showed a long list of phone numbers. Some of them were from area codes I recognized in the U.S. Others were not.

The woman told me that Chinese and Russian hackers had gotten into my computer system and had “made

many attempts” to get into my bank account. She said they had not yet succeeded, but were extremely persistent and would eventually find their way in.

Time to hang up? Of course. Most of my body and soul didn’t believe her, but to be perfectly candid, a tiny part wasn’t entirely sure. What if it was Google?

The man returned to the phone. He asked if I lived near a Walmart or a CVS. He said I would need to go to either and purchase an Apple card. I said, “Wait! You said you’re Google. Why are you telling me to go buy an Apple card?”

He fumbled a moment before saying the Apple card was “standard” for doing business. He asked if I had a cellphone, and told me to keep it on as I drove to the store and to keep it on once I was in the store.

But I think he knew he had failed.

Still, he asked me to put $400 to $1,000 on the Apple card and to call him once I did. He said the card had a code that I would need to read to him.

That was it.

I told him I had no intention of going to any store and that I would report the call to my bank and any

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authority I could think of. He maintained his poise. He said he would call me back in a few hours to see if I had changed my mind, and wanted to keep the hackers away from my bank account.

He never called.

I bring all of this up because this is a serious problem, and it’s getting worse. Recently, a close friend was hacked, and important work data from his files was destroyed. I read recently about an elderly grandmother who lived by herself who was hacked. She was told to go outside on a chilly evening and put $400 on a card and give the caller the numbers. She was saved at the last minute by a friend.

Many people I know think it can’t happen to them. But it can. Consider this FBI statistic: The agency’s Internet Crime Complaint Center said the total losses reported to it by scam victims increased to $3.5 billion in 2019 from $1.4 billion in 2017.

Many local, state and federal agencies employ cyber experts who try to track down hackers. But the real issue is that it’s up to each and every one of us to be guardians of our own digital

told the man I would report his call to my bank and any authority I could think of.

information.

There are the simple steps to take.

Outfit your computer with software that provides protection against hackers. Don’t answer calls from numbers you don’t recognize. Hang up on anyone who asks for money over the phone. Don’t play any of the quizzes or games on Facebook. Many are just ways to get your email or other information.

But there’s another way. It comes from Orthodox Jewish tradition to observe shabbos, or the Sabbath. The custom includes detaching yourself from all electronic devices — cellphones, computers, TVs and radios — from sunset on Friday to sunset on Saturday. Instead, shabbos observers spend time with friends and family, think about ways they might become better people, read books and study.

I’m not such an observer, but given the 24-hour, round-the-clock chatter and noise that makes up our lives, I can’t help thinking about giving up the electronic gadgets one day a week and just listening to the voices of family members and friends. That’s really the only kind of noise I now long to hear.

James Bernstein is the editor of the Long Beach Herald. Comments about this column? JBerstein@liherald.com.

Vaccine for teachers would give us a shot in the arm

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e need to let teachers play through the vaccine line.

Single parents should be prioritized as well. We have so many people who desperately need the Covid-19 vaccination that deciding who goes first is agonizing.

Those decisions need to be revisited as time goes by.

The rollout has been disorganized and flawed.

We all know people who jumped the line, who used money or connections to get a vaccination for themselves or family.

RANDI Let’s just agree KREISS that will happen in any bureaucratic enterprise.

Let’s also agree it made good sense to inoculate the over65 group first, along with health care workers and other first responders.

Note the past tense.

It made sense, but I changed my mind about the over-65 folks, my group.

We can wait another month or so, until teachers and all school personnel are vaccinated, so that kids can get back to

school. We shouldn’t have to ponder this devilish choice, but we do.

There isn’t enough vaccine, and the delivery systems are complex. People in every category are struggling to get their first doses. Teachers don’t want to go back into the classroom without protection, and that makes sense. According to Education Week, “Exactly where educators as a group fall within phased vaccination plans — and the speed with which those phases are happening — varies greatly from state to state.”

I observe the lives of my own grandkids, 11 to 18, in different schools in different states, and I know that despite the well-intentioned efforts to get them schooled while keeping them safe, they will be the group that suffers most from this prolonged isolation and lack of stimulation.

They’re not learning as they should, and that’s their primary job in their young lives. They’re not socializing, and that is critical to their development into well-adjusted adults.

The children are our future teachers and health care workers and public

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officials and diplomats and astronauts.

My grandkids are caught in the usual cycle of hybrid school, some days in the building, most days at home on Zoom.

It’s the best we can do with this model, but it’s sucking the life out of these kids. Sitting in front of screens all day is numbing. Going to school twice a week and sitting in enclosed plastic cubicles evokes thoughts of a dystopian world, barren emotionally and intellectually.

To get the kids back in real school, we have to make it safe for the teachers, instructors and our school coaches and administrators and support staff.

I didn’t think so last March. But the ground under our feet has shifted since then, as cases of Covid-19 exploded exponentially. Getting educators inoculated as soon as possible is imperative, and doable. Let’s put a hold on vaccinating the oldsters and let the teachers step ahead so they can go back to the classroom and kids can come out of isolation.

The other group that must be given priority is single parents. I know people in their 30s, 40s and 50s who have

hey need to get back to the classroom so our kids can come out of isolation.

children out of school, who are working from home as best they can and who are flying through this storm without a safety net of any kind. Minding the children and working and running a household and troubleshooting the unexpected, like kids’ illnesses or home repairs or car breakdowns, are pushing single parents beyond what should be expected of anyone. Mostly, they are terrified of getting sick and dying, leaving their kids alone in the world.

We can state the obvious: The vaccine rollout has been chaotic, but complaining doesn’t change our lives.

Now, one year into it, let’s pause shots for those 65 and older. Let’s protect teachers and get kids into classrooms. We need to inoculate single parents, and of course keep vaccinating our front-line medical and emergency workers. Then, hoping that pause isn’t too long or costly, we can get back to the older folks.

No one has a blueprint for getting through the pandemic of 2020-21. We need to keep tweaking the plans to meet the facts on the ground, which change every day.

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

LYNBROOK/EAST ROCKAWAY HERALD — February 11, 2021

How I almost got hacked

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Herald editorial

LYNBROOK/EAST ROCKAWAY

February 11, 2021 — LYNBROOK/EAST ROCKAWAY HERALD

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State must provide greater municipal oversight

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assau County Comptroller Jack Schnirman announced last week that he would not run for re-election — a wise move, given the tenuous nature of any candidacy he might have tried to mount and the lack of support from his own party that he likely would have encountered.

The Long Beach Democrat was once a rising star who ran for county executive only to bow out in favor of the current executive, Laura Curran. Schnirman, the Long Beach city manager from 2012 to 2018, lost his shine in 2018, when it was revealed that he had taken more than $50,000 in a separation payment that he shouldn’t have when he left the city’s employ, and that he had allowed millions of dollars in such improper payments during his tenure, according to a twoyear investigation by the Nassau district attorney’s office, which concluded last September.

Separation payments, granted for unused sick and vacation days, are common practice among local municipalities, but there are limits to them. Schnirman and many other Long Beach officials exceeded those limits — big time.

A Schnirman candidacy for re-election as comptroller would have threatened to drag down Curran, a Baldwin Democrat who is up for re-election herself this year, and who, because of her brave stance on property-tax reassessment, will likely face a tough battle to keep her job. There can be no hint of impropriety this year, and a Schnirman candidacy would have reeked of it.

But Schnirman wasn’t alone in what is clearly a longstanding pattern of improper payments. The practice in Long Beach, a Democratic stronghold, dates back to at least the 1990s, when the state comptroller audited the city, found payments that violated its charter and then did nothing — so the practice carried on for years, passed down from one generation of city officials to the next.

How, we wonder, could this have been allowed to carry on for so long? And, for that matter, is Long Beach the only city where officials have been taking such improper separation payments? All of this is scandalous — but, far worse, it has cost Long Beach taxpayers dearly over the years.

Current State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli was not in the post 25 years ago, when the practice first surfaced. The question is, what will he do now to ensure that it doesn’ t happen again — and isn’t happening in municipalities elsewhere in the state? DiNapoli investigated the Long Beach scandal and issued a scathing report in 2019. That was an excellent starting point, but more needs to be done.

We call on DiNapoli to provide greater oversight and follow-up in Long Beach to ensure that there’s no repeat of such a sorry episode, and to examine separation-payment practices across New York, if he isn’t already doing so. Are local governments following the rules?

At the same time, we call on state lawmakers to look into potential legislation to require such oversight. State Sen. Todd

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letters On the meaning of ‘originalism’ To the Editor: Re Robert Scott’s column “What happened to civic responsibility?” (Jan. 28-Feb. 3): Here’s what Supreme Court Justice Amy Comey Barrett actually said at her confirmation when asked to explain originalism in interpreting the Constitution: “I interpret the Constitution as a law and I interpret its text as text, and I understand it to have the meaning that it had at the time people ratified it. So, that meaning doesn’t change over time, and it’s not up to me to update it or infuse my own policy views into it.”

Despite Scott’s assertions to the contrary, this can only mean that the justice accepts all of the Constitution, including the amendment process. When Scott’s longtime Navy friend asked him which Constitution he believed in, Scott should have asked what he meant, as almost all of us know of only one Constitution, including its Amendments and the words in it that define the process by which those Amendments came to be. For Scott to brainstorm his friend’s mysterious multiple Constitutions into the proposition that Barrett believes in half a Constitu-

Kaminsky, a Democrat from Long Beach who made his political career fighting corruption as a U.S. attorney, is a logical choice to lead such an effort.

We must offer high praise to Long Beach City Council President John Bendo. In 2018, he bucked the city’s entrenched political culture and, as a councilman, spoke out about the separation payments. He was joined by then Councilwoman Anissa Moore.

Finally, we must note our own role in all of this. In the spring of 2018, the Herald began its own investigation into the separation payments, exposing them in an April 25 report, “Questions swirl over Long Beach payouts to non-union employees,” by then Long Beach Editor Anthony Rifilato. That led to a series of investigative stories over the subsequent months and years. Newsday also reported extensively on the scandal.

That is to say, the press did its job.

Even when faced with the threat of a lawsuit by one city official caught up in the mess, who was vainly attempting to stop the Herald from reporting this story ahead of the June 2019 City Council primary, we did not back down. Nor would we if faced with a similar situation in the future.

It’s been painful in recent years to hear the press labeled “the enemy of the people.” We know who we are, however. We take only one side — that of the truth. In this case, the truth prevailed, thanks to a handful of elected officials with integrity and the power of the press to expose government malfeasance.

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opinions

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he new year is off to a promising start in the effort to eliminate housing discrimination, with significant actions taken by the federal and state governments. Those actions, and related ones that are brewing, represent significant new momentum and underscore the vital role that local governments on Long Island need to play in this evolving effort.

On Jan. 26, President Biden issued an executive order on housing discrimination that has two fundamental compoeLaine nents: First, it recognizes the extenGross sive role of federal, state and local governments in advancing housing discrimination historically; and second, it initiates the undoing of two major Trump administration policies that undercut fair housing. Those two initiatives would maintain housing segregation by, first, blocking implementation of the statutory obligation to “affirmatively further fair housing” and, second, nullifying the Fair Housing Act’s Discriminatory Effects standard, under which the impact of a policy is just as relevant as the motivation. Without that standard, also called “disparate impact,” a well-established legal avenue to prosecute housing discrimination would be

invalidated.

Biden deserves credit for this important early action, putting the force of the federal government behind opposing housing discrimination rather than advancing it. The federal government’s commitment to fair housing, however, should be clarified by Congress and not left to the policies of any particular president.

There have also been two significant state actions.

First, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced a targeted package of reforms aimed at increasing homeownership rates in communities that have been adversely impacted by redlining, the government-sanctioned housing discrimination that long prevented home loans in communities of color. The package will enable low- and moderate-income borrowers — particularly households of color — to own homes and put historically underserved communities on track to close the racial wealth gap.

Cuomo’s proposed reforms will help revitalize segregated communities, but explicit incentives are still needed to help Blacks own homes in communities of their choice, including white communities. Such incentives could include subsidies for access to those communities.

Second, three State Senate committees jointly released a 97-page investigative report on housing discrimination on Long Island. Sen. Kevin Thomas, a Demo-

r

eforms introduced

by Governor Cuomo would be a step in the right direction.

LeTTers tion is ludicrous.

Clearly, Barrett endorsed the amendment process in the original Constitution as the proper way to effect policy change.

Rather than wring his hands, perhaps Scott can write another column telling us what, during his tenure as president of Adelphi University, he did to close the civic responsibility gap he bemoans in the students he had four years to bring up to speed, and how that differs from what other universities do.

DENNIS J. DUFFY Lynbrook

Support Hawxhurst, Ryder this March To the Editor: I proudly support the Lynbrook New Vision Party candidacies of Mike Hawxhurst and Laura Ryder for village trustees.

I have the great fortune to call each of them my close friend. During these challenging times, they are each uniquely qualified to lead our community in the coming years.

I first met Hawxhurst, the current dep-

crat from Levittown, is chair of one of those committees, the Consumer Protection Committee.

The report, which responds to testimony that I and others presented at committees hearings, calls for key reforms, including the creation of a New York State Fair Housing Strategy; more proactive enforcement of fair housing laws, including via testing; enhanced training for real estate licensing and renewal, as well as other brokerage industry changes; increased penalties for violators of fair housing laws; and policies to ensure that government at all levels is part of the solution by taking concrete steps to address discrimination and segregation.

The State Senate will soon advance fair housing legislation that would carry out the report’s recommendations.

These are major steps forward, and the officials involved deserve credit for advancing them. Other initiatives are brewing as well. For instance, a broad coalition of housing advocates, including ERASE Racism, is backing a bill just introduced in the State Legislature to legalize accessory-dwelling units. These are smaller homes on the same lot as a primary residence, including the familiar basement apartments and garage conversions. With the explicit Fair Housing provisions in this legislation, affordable and flexible housing options in all Long Island

uty mayor, when he stepped up to volunteer to help coach the St. Raymond’s CYO swim team some years ago. I quickly learned that he frequently answered the call to help out. His willingness to give his time to the community is matched by the leadership, judgment and competency that he has provided in recent years on the village board.

My wife Elaine and I first met Ryder in a professional capacity. Her skill and patience were invaluable as we navigated a new business. It was not long before we were inspired by her strong commitment to our community and found ourselves delivering groceries to neighbors and restocking local pantries. Ryder quietly works with the Lynbrook Community Chest to raise funds to assist Lynbrook residents in need. Responding to increased need, she helped found the Lynbrook Cares organization.

Recently, Hawxhurst and Ryder both helped to raise money to assist homeless veterans in Nassau County.

Lynbrook has a long and strong tradition of civic unity and service. This is a strength that continues to serve our community and residents well, particularly during recent difficult times. Hawxhurst and Ledwith have been at the forefront of these efforts for as long as I have known

communities would provide more options for people of color, especially Black families that have been systematically discriminated against. This legislation would help alleviate these inequities and would help existing homeowners struggling to make ends meet.

While all of these initiatives are at the federal and state levels, the State Senate report rightly calls on government at all levels, including local government, to be part of the solution. That point should be emphasized on Long Island, which has a stunning number of local governments within its two counties — a total of more than 100 villages, towns and cities.

It’s not coincidental that with so many local governments, Long Island is ranked among the nation’s 10 most racially segregated metropolitan regions. That segregation is, in large part, the byproduct of home rule: the power of hundreds of town and village governments to control what may be built in a neighborhood and who is permitted to live there.

Momentum is building at the federal and state levels, offering new promise of eliminating housing discrimination.

Much more is needed, even as these reform packages move forward. The next step is for local jurisdictions on Long Island to become, in the words of the State Senate report, “part of the solution.”

Elaine Gross is president of ERASE Racism, the regional civil rights organization based on Long Island.

Framework by Christina Daly

This weekend, it’s all about hearts and kisses — Locust Valley

them.

Lynbrook is the best village on Long Island. The New Vision Party has done a superb job. Hawxhurst and Ryder represent the very best opportunity to continue and enhance our strong tradition of civic unity and service.

Please vote for Mike Hawxhurst and Laura Ryder for Lynbrook village trustees this March.

JIM HUNTER Lynbrook

LYNBROOK/EAST ROCKAWAY HERALD — February 11, 2021

Momentum builds to eliminate housing discrimination

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February 11, 2021 — LYNBROOK/EAST ROCKAWAY HERALD

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