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music educators honored

W.H. lions Club gives back

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Vol. 27 No. 16

THE LEADER IN PROPERTY TA X REDUCTION

Hablamos Espa ñol

18/21 itc FG Demi Condensed Page xx

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Protecting volunteers Fire departments increase safety measures to avoid infection work for each call has become even more important during the pandemic, and that the departAs the coronavirus pandemic ment logs every volunteer who continues, first responders such reports to an emergency. Most as the Lakeview Fire Depart- calls are now limited to four peoment are tasked with responding ple — the driver, an emergency to emergencies while keeping services technician, an officer themselves safe. and an assistant. Over the past “ We e v a l u a t e month, the departeveryone that calls ment has limited the us during an emernumber of persongency, but we also nel responding to have to protect ourany given emergens e l ve s, ” M c N e i l l cy call to reduce said. “We’re not pertheir chances of confect. We try to do the tracting the virus. best we can with Volunteers are now what we have, and routinely equipped we’re [trying] to prowith personal promote social distanctective equipment ANDReW BRoHm ing at the firehouse.” including N95 The West Hempmasks, gloves, medi- Second asst. chief, stead Fire Departc a l g o w n s , e y e West Hempstead ment has also limitshields and surgical Fire Department ed the number of bonnets. volunteers that go “Our fire chief, out on calls. And the James Galia, had instituted department has limited the these policies to protect our vol- amount of volunteers at the fireunteers,” Lakeview Fire Com- house to limit gatherings. missioner Heather McNeill “We train and try to instill a explained. “With volunteers, we certain set of guidelines and prodon’t want to put their lives com- tocols in our members for pletely on hold. We’d like to years,” said Andrew Brohm, make sure that they’re taken West Hempstead’s second assiscare of.” McNeill added that paperContinued on page 12

By NAkeem GRANt ngrant@liherald.com

Sue Grieco/Herald

Blessings from afar The Rev. Michael Duffy, spiritual leader of Our Lady of Lourdes Church, above left, rode through Malverne with the Blessed Sacrament to celebrate Easter last Sunday. Duffy was joined by Brian Lewis, center, and Malverne Mayor Keith Corbett.

Malverne, W.H. nonprofits remain hopeful amid pandemic By NAkeem GRANt ngrant@liherald.com

Many of the events and activities that take place in Malverne and West Hempstead are supported and coordinated by nonprofit organizations. But because the coronavirus pandemic has temporarily halted these events, nonprofits find it more challenging to solicit donations and maintain volunteers. The West Hempstead Commu-

nity Support Association hosts a number of events throughout the year, including its annual Street Fair, the Holiday at Halls celebration and West Hempstead’s Got Talent. Each year, members also erect flags along Hempstead Avenue for Memorial Day Weekend. WHCSA President-elect Maureen Greenberg said that while the group’s annual membership mailing in January was successful in attracting new members, maintaining that level of support will

be difficult in the coming months. “Maintaining our volunteers and membership is very important, because it’s how we can help the community through our events,” Greenberg said. “All those things take money, and we need the membership to do that.” The group postponed its March 31 community forum because of the pandemic, but hopes to hold it sometime this summer. Greenberg, who previContinued on page 13

verything’s difficult, but with this, we ended up learning a lot on the fly.

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April 16, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

Village moves forward with roads project

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — April 16, 2020

By Nakeem GraNt ngrant@liherald.com

While the coronavirus pandemic has a put a halt to several activities and businesses throughout Malverne, the village’s roadway project is still in progress. As the Herald went to press on Monday, the village has 69 confirmed cases of coronavirus. The village board started its five-year plan to improve roads in 2016, but utility projects delayed the work. In 2018, National Grid upgraded the natural gas system in the village, and New York American Water updated over 10,300 linear feet — just under two miles — of water mains. In addition, PSEG Long Island initiated a plan to install a 7.3-mile, 138-kilovolt underground transmission line between Garden City and Lynbrook. “When we come out of this pandemic, we cannot afford to have any disruptions to our commercial district,” said Malverne Mayor Keith Corbett. “Another disruption this year will completely detriment our businesses. I’ve pushed PSEG to keith CorBett get their project done so that our businesses can thrive when Mayor, this is over.” Malverne The Town of Hempstead has also pushed forward with its own roads project for other communities. Town Supervisor Donald Clavin announced a $40 million stimulus package two weeks ago, which will go towards road improvements. With more than 1,200 miles of roadways in the town, the investment could “help workers recover from the Covid-19 pandemic, while enhancing qualityof-life and driver and pedestrian safety.” The town’s 2020 approved budget allocated roughly $150 million to fund the highway department and its various duties. Which new projects will be undertaken with the allocation remains to be determined. Clavin said the stimulus package represented a movement toward a return to normal life, following the Covid-19 virus. “This major capital investment symbolizes a significant step toward economic recovery . . . as we face the uncertainty of the Covid-19 pandemic together,” he said.

nother disruption this year will completely detriment our businesses.

Photos Courtesy Keith Corbett

the VillaGe of Malverne has continued its roadway project amid the coronavirus pandemic. Hempstead Avenue is one of the latest roads to be repaved, above. the VillaGe BeGaN its roadway improvement project in 2016.

Firefighters mourn Valley Stream firefighter By peter Belfiore pbelfiroe@liherald.com

Mike Field, a Valley Stream native, EMT who was a first responder during the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and former captain for the Valley Stream Fire Department, died on April 8 at Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital because of complications from the coronavirus. He was 59. Firefighters in surrounding communities, including the Malver ne Fire Department shared their condolences shortly after his death. “The chiefs and members extend heartfelt condolences to our brothers and sisters of the Valley Stream Fire Department as they mourn the loss of one of their dedicated heroes and their friend, firefighter Michael Field,” the

vices, he was a Cub Malverne Fire DepartScout pack leader and ment said in a Facebook Little League coach. He post. “Field spent his life was also involved in volunteering for the organizing the Nassau neighbors in his commuCounty Fire Riders nity, please keep him and “Christmas in June” toy their department in your drive for patients at the thoughts.” Cohen Children’s Medi“He was the best,” cal Center. Valley Stream Fire Chief “He was there for Jason Croak said. “He everybody and always was a guy that would do Courtesy Valley Stream Fire Department had a smile on his face, anything for anybody at Valley Stream fire a n d a lw ay s j o k i n g the drop of a hat.” around,” Croak said. “He Field was a member Department EMT Mike Field l ove d eve r y b o dy. H e of the department since died on April 8 from compliloved his wife, he loved 1987, and active in the cations of the coronavirus. his family, and he loved Nassau County Junior pets.” Firefighters Association Before working for the village, Field and the Valley Stream Junior Fire Department. In addition to the fire ser- was an emergency medical technician

for the New York City Fire Department, and was on the scene before and after the collapse of the World Trade Center towers on Sept. 11. He was also a lifelong Valley Stream resident, a graduate of Central High School and an active member of Valley Stream Fire Department EMS. “He was dedicated, and loved what he did. He was just a great guy,” his son Steven said. “He was loved by all, and he loved them back. He was always there for everybody.” All three of Field’s sons are active members of the Valley Stream Fire Department. Field is survived by his wife, Stacey, and sons Steven, Jason and Richard. A memorial service will be planned at a later date.

Lions Club gives back, thanks first responders The West Hempstead Lions Club has kept themselves busy during the coronavirus outbreak. With many groups in need of donations and support, the Lions Club has made several contributions to organizations in the community. The club donated $250 to the Interfaith Nutrition Network and another $250 to St. Thomas the Apostle’s food pantry. In addi-

tion, they provided groceries for two of West Hempstead’s veterans, and groceries for four senior citizens in the community. The Lions Club, along with the Lakeview Fire Department, also hosted the Easter Character Parade last weekend. –Nakeem Grant

Photos courtesy West Hempstead Lions Club

The lionS club decorated their trucks for Easter parades in Lakeview and West Hempstead last weekend.

It’s Your MoneY By

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HoMe oFFICe DeDuCtIon BeneFIts eLIGIBLe sMALL BusIness oWners Small business owners may qualify for a home-office deduction that will help them save money on their taxes and benefit their bottom line. Taxpayers can take this deduction if they use a portion of their home exclusively, and on a regular basis, for any of the following: • As the taxpayer's main place of business • As a place of business where the taxpayer meets patients, clients or customers. The taxpayer must meet these people in the normal course of business. • If it is a separate structure that is not attached to the taxpayer's home. The taxpayer must use this structure in connection with their business. • A place where the taxpayer stores inventory or samples. This place must be the sole, fixed location of their business.

Deductible expenses for business use of a home include real estate taxes, mortgage interest, rent, casualty losses, utilities, insurance, depreciation, and repairs and maintenance.

Certain expenses are limited to the net income of the business. These are known as allocable expenses. They include things such as utilities, insurance, and depreciation. While allocable expenses cannot create a business loss, they can be carried forward to the next year. If the taxpayer carries them forward, the expenses are subject to the same limitation rules. Below are two options for figuring and claiming the home office deduction. Regular method: This method requires dividing the above expenses of operating the home between personal and business use. Selfemployed taxpayers file Form 1040, Schedule C, and compute this deduction on Form 8829. Simplified method: The simplified method reduces the paperwork and record keeping for small businesses. The simplified method has a set rate of $5 a square foot for business use of the home. The maximum deduction allowed is based on up to 300 square feet. Presented as a service to the community by

L.I. Tax Services Inc. Div. of Wolfsohn Financial 153 Broadway, Lynbrook NY 887-7380 www.wolfsohn.biz

WeST heMpSTead lionS Club member Terri Oster thanked Lakeview and West Hempstead’s first responders.

Neighbors iN the News Malverne School District honored for music education The Malverne School District was recognized by the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation as one of the Best Communities for Music Education. Malverne is one of 754 school districts across the nation to receive this honor, which recognizes the outstanding efforts of teachers, parents, administrators and community members to ensure all students are o f f e re d exc e ptional music education in their

curriculum. The NAMM Foundation, assisted by the Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas, evaluates schools and districts based on their funding, highly qualified music teachers, commitment to high music standards, community support, and participation and access to music instruction. Courtesy Malverne School District; compiled by Nakeem Grant

Courtesy Malverne School District

The Malverne School District is one of 754 schools to be recognized as one of the Best Communities for Music Education by the NAMM Foundation.

Malverne/West Hempstead

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April 16, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

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the coronavirus effect on minorities

Sources: Nassau County, U.S. Census, American Community Survey. Illustration by Christina Daly/Herald

Governors get together over reopening the economy es,” referring to the possibility that Covid19 cases might climb again if people were to go back to work without adequate The governors of Delaware, Connecti- guidelines and insufficient preparation. cut, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont said the and Rhode Island gathered Monday in a coronavirus spread along his state’s Interteleconference to announce a regional sate-95 corridor, otherwise known as its panel that will study how best to reopen “commuter corridor.” The virus, he t h e e c o n o my a n d t h e appeared to suggest, was schools. spread by commuters in and Governor Cuomo, leadout of New York City. ing the effort, announced Pennsylvania Gov. Tom the creation of the panel, Wo l f s a i d a r e g i o n a l which will comprise three approach to reopening the representatives from each economy is vital. “We all state — a health official, an know we can do anything economic official and the better when we work togethchief of staff of each goverer,” he said. “We need to do nor. The governors are callthis right.” ing it a regional advisory He said he believes the council, which will not have Gov. andrew six-state approach will decision-making power, but become a model for reopenrather will help formulate Cuomo ing regional economies plans for a re gional across the country. approach to reopening that are subject to Delaware Gov. John Carney said the the governors’ approval. key question is, “How do we reopen “New York believes we have reached a things in a way that’s safe?” plateau” of new coronavirus cases, “The state boundaries,” he noted, Cuomo said. “This is relatively good news “mean very little to this virus.” in a world of bad options.” The objective, Rhode Island Gov. Gina With cases leveling off, he said, it is Raimondo said, is to “develop new guidetime to begin planning for the day when lines for this new normal.” businesses are allowed to resume operaAll of the governors are Democrats. tions and students may return to classes. The announcement came after PresiNew Jersey Gov. Philip Murphy said dent Trump over the weekend signaled the regional approach would help avoid that he believes he will be the arbiter of “inadvertent and unintended consequenc- when the economy will reopen.

By SCott Brinton sbrinton@liherald.com

ew York believes we have reached a plateau [of Covid-19] cases.

Herald file photo

Governor Cuomo Gathered five other Northeast governors to announce a regional advisory council to develop plans to reopen the economy regionally. In addition to New York, the council will include representatives of Delaware, Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island.

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — April 16, 2020

Covid-19 has affected minority populations and densely populated areas more than others. The maps below show the correlation between coronavirus hot spots in Nassau County and population density.

April 16, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

Cuomo calls for SALT repeal amid pandemic By Scott Brinton sbrinton@liherald.com

In his Saturday address, Governor Cuomo called on Congress and President Trump to repeal the SALT provision of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act to provide relief to residents of hightax states like New York and California amid the pandemic. The SALT provision eliminated all but $10,000 of the federal deduction for state and local taxes, known commonly as the SALT deduction, costing New Yorkers millions of dollars annually in federal taxes. “You want to help New York … you want to help the places that are affected [by Covid-19], then repeal the SALT provision,” Cuomo said. The provision “targeted” states like New York, the governor said. In a March 26 editorial, the Herald called for repeal of the SALT provision. For an excerpt from it, see box. Cuomo urged people not to play politics around Covid-19, particularly given that it is a presidential election year. President Trump, he said, has been responsive to New York’s needs amid the coronavirus crisis. “Keep politics out of the discussions,” Cuomo said. He noted that he does not plan to run for president, despite some pleas within the Democratic Party that he should jump in the race — Joe Biden is now the presumptive nominee after Sen. Bernie Sanders dropped out last week. Some 783 people died of the coronavirus statewide overnight from last Friday into Saturday. The governor noted that was not an all-time high, which came three days earlier when 799 peo-

From the Herald’s editorial….

Gov. Andrew cuomo is asking Congress and President Trump to eliminate the SALT provision of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act to provide financial relief to New Yorkers battered by the coronavirus. ple died. He also said the number of intensive care unit admissions and number of intubations were both down dramatically, which could indicate the state had hit a plateau of infections. Cuomo described the current phase of the pandemic in New York as the “end of the beginning.” He urged people to continue to “stay

the course” and practice social distancing. He noted that without it, a second wave of infection is possible. When New York’s economy should fully reopen is a subject of study and debate, the governor said. Reopening it, he said, “cannot be at the expense” of human life.

In high-tax regions like New York and California, the weight of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was already causing enormous fiscal strain for many homeowners, who lost all but $10,000 of the federal deduction for state and local taxes, known commonly as the SALT deduction. Loss of that single deduction in high-tax regions has cost people thousands of dollars. Many Long Island taxpayers reported that their federal tax bills rose $3,000, $5,000, $8,000 or more last year. Those bills are not expected to abate this year, unless Congress acts. It should immediately reinstate the SALT deduction. People here will certainly take $1,000 or $2,000 [in stimulus funds], but restoring the deduction would do far more for many homeowners who are suffering because of the coronavirus. For the full editorial, see liherald.com.

New York coping with a rising death toll By Scott Brinton sbrinton@liherald.com

Governor Cuomo said at his news briefing last Thursday that additional funeral directors would be brought in to aid with final arrangements for the hundreds of New Yorkers who are dying of the coronavirus. Overnight that day, he said, 799 people had succumbed to the disease, bringing the total who had died in New York to more than 7,000. That was the highest overnight death toll New York had seen to date, and at press time, it remained the highest. As of April 13, there were 846 Covid19-related deaths in Nassau County, and 23,553 people had been diagnosed with the illness. Cuomo spoke of the coronavirus as a “silent killer.” “9/11 was supposed to be the darkest day” for New York in a generation, he

Social distancing, he said, is about said. As of Wednesday, April 8, Covid-19 protecting the most vulnerable in socihad killed more than twice as many ety. The governor ordered all American people in New York than 9/11, when the flags to fly at half-staff in total number of deaths honor of the dead. statewide reached 6,268. By executive order, he As of Monday, nearly also declared that all New 9,400 were reported dead in Yorkers can vote by absenNew York. tee ballot for the June 23 “Our hospitals and primaries. health care workers continAnd all unemployed ue to be stretched to the New Yorkers will receive an limit,” Nassau County additional $600 payment, Executive Laura Curran and unemployment benesaid. fits were extended from 25 Cuomo, speaking in to 39 weeks. some of the strongest terms T here were positive he had used yet last week, Gov. Andrew s igns las t we e k. Both called Covid-19 a “vicious Cuomo and Curran said predator of a virus” that cuomo social distancing appeared preys on those whose to be working and was health has already been compromised because of underlying reducing the number new hospitalizations. medical conditions.

/11 was supposed to be the darkest day for New York in a generation.

To maintain the plateau, they said, people must stay at home unless they are essential workers. Rapid testing for the coronavirus on a mass scale could allow people to return to work, Cuomo said he believes. He warned, however, that the virus may come in waves. He noted that the Spanish flu epidemic of 1918 struck in three waves. And already, he said, there were scattered reports, including in The Los Angeles Times, that Wuhan, China, may be experiencing a second wave of infections. A secondary infection wave could come, he said, if the virus were to mutate into a new form, potentially infecting those with immunity to the first virus. There is an emotional toll the pandemic has had on many people, the governor said. Those in need of help can call the state’s Emotional Support Hotline at (844) 863-9314.

Officials: MSSN still performing surgeries sbrinton@liherald.com

Mount Sinai South Nassau hospital in Oceanside is still open for trauma and emergency cases, despite an influx of critically ill coronavirus patients in recent weeks. That was the message that Joe Calderone, MSSN’s senior vice president of corporate communications, and Dr. Rajiv Datta, the hospital’s chief of surgery, delivered to the public via a 15-minute Facebook Live session last Thursday. “We are still a trauma center,” Datta said. “We still take care of acute cases.” MSSN is the South Shore’s only trauma center, which treats the most urgent cases such as car crash and gunshot victims. An emergency patient, by contrast, might be suffering from an acute medical condition such as appendicitis. To remain a Level II trauma center, the hospital must maintain a trauma operating room and keep a trauma surgeon on duty at the hospital 24 hours a day, seven days a week. As of last Thursday, Calderone said, the hospital had 450 patients in total — 300, or 66 percent, were Covid-19 patients. All trauma and emergency patients are tested for coronavirus upon entering the hospital, Datta said, “so we can protect them, and we can also protect our staff.” The operating room is equipped with a

Facebook Live screenshot

Dr. rajiv Datta, chief of surgery at Mount Sinai South Nassau hospital in Oceanside, and Joe Calderone, senior vice president for corporate communications, held a Facebook Live session in front of the hospital Thursday to let the public know trauma and emergency surgeries are still be performing at MSSN. HEPA filter to ensure the air remains pure, and all surgical tables and equipment are wiped down with bleach, he said. Surgical patients recover in the operating room, and then they are segregated in a non-Covid-19 section of the hospital. “The staff is very keenly aware of which patients are Covid positive and which are not,” Datta said. “That information is delivered to everybody.”

He emphasized, “The operating room is still functional, only doing trauma cases and emergency cases.” Follow-up care is provided in MSSN’s outpatient facility in Valley Stream and via telehealth video chat. “It’s a new way of practicing medicine,” Datta said. There is no longer visitation at the hospital. After patients are sufficiently recovered from surgery, family members or

friends must pick them up at the front entrance of the hospital on Merrick Road. They cannot enter the hospital. “This is an all-hands-on-deck situation at South Nassau,” Calderone noted. Several staff members from hospital’s surgical team, both surgeons and nurses, have been redeployed to medical wings of the hospital to help treat Covid-19 patients. Normally, the hospital might have 22 patients on ventilators. It had 80 as of last Thursday. “I’m amazed to see how our staff is helpful,” Datta said, noting that retired surgeons have called to volunteer their services. “So far we have been able to accommodate,” he said. “Everybody is stretched.” The hospital is still performing a small number of elective surgeries for cancer patients, said Datta, who is medical director of MSSN’s Feil Cancer Center in Valley Stream. Primarily, however, cancer patients are being treated with radiation and chemotherapy in cordoned-off wings — chemo at the front of the hospital, and radiation at the back. Both Calderone and Datta emphasized the importance of social distancing. “We are not out of the woods by any stretch of the imagination,” Calderone said. To watch the full video, see liherald.com.

Northwell Health clinical trials under way By Scott Brinton sbrinton@liherald.com

The Northwell Health medical system, with hospitals throughout the greater New York metropolitan area, has conducted clinical trials for a possible treatment for Covid-19 since March 18, and an effort that began with two patients now involves hundreds. That’s according to Dr. Christina Brennan, vice president of clinical research at Northwell’s Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research in Manhasset. Brennan sat down with video producer Rob Hoell for a Facebook Live interview last Thursday in which she discussed the ongoing clinical trials that Northwell is engaged in. She noted Northwell was among the first health systems in the nation to undertake clinical trials for a treatment. Locally, trials are taking place at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset and Long Island Jewish Medical Center in Queens. Early on, Feinstein Institutes researchers teamed up with Gilead Sciences and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals to identify potential treatments for Covid-19 patients who are hospitalized with moderate to severe conditions. The goal, according to a Northwell release, is “to improve recovery and speed discharge from hospitals.” Brennan said last week that Northwell also undertook an additional study to gauge the effectiveness of hydroxychloroquine, an anti-malarial drug that has been touted often by President Trump. With Gilead, the Feinstein Institutes is examining the safety and effectiveness of remdesivir (RDV), an investigational antiviral drug, to reduce the intensity and duration of Covid-19 in hospitalized patients. RDV, Northwell officials said, has “demonstrated positive effects” on other viruses such as MERS and SARS. The trial with Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, which now involves 216 patients, is examining the safety and efficacy

Facebook Live screenshot

of sarilumab, a human antibody that may help prevent severe pneumonia in some Covid-19 patients. It is normally used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, Brennan said. “We’re really excited about the three opportunities and more to come of the trials,” she said. Northwell is not engaged in clinical trials to develop a vaccine against Covid-19, she noted. Brennan could not say how long development of a treatment drug or drugs would take, and if any of the drugs now in trials would ultimately be proven effective. Patients’ participation in all clinical trials is voluntary. Daily, Brennan said, clinical researchers are feeding data back to the pharmaceutical companies involved in the trials, and the companies are analyzing that information. When a sufficient data set is amassed, the companies will then approach the Food and Drug Administration for possible approvals. Northwell physicians on “the front lines” are selecting

Dr. chriStina Brennan, vice president of clinical research at Northwell’s Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research in Manhasset, sat down with video producer Rob Hoell for a Facebook Live session last Thursday to discuss ongoing clinical trials for a Covid19 treatment at Northwell.

patients for the trials with Feinstein researchers. “It can be tough as investigators,” Brennan said. “You so desperately want to help patients and find the right treatment for them.” She said, however, “We’re seeing more discharges daily from our clinical trials, so we’re hopeful.” Speaking of the clinical researchers, Hoell said, “You guys are, to my mind, the unsung heroes … Every day we get closer and closer to maybe finding out what’s going to work and what’s going to knock out this virus.” Brennan did say clinical research appears to substantiate anecdotal evidence from physicians in the field that Covid-19 is potentially more deadly for older adults and those with pre-existing medical conditions, and that anyone, of any age, can be infected and suffer its effects, including older teenagers. To watch the entire interview, see liherald.com.

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — April 16, 2020

By Scott Brinton

April 16, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

Three MSSN employees die of coronavirus By mike smoLLins msmollins@liherald.com

Three employees at Mount Sinai South Nassau hospital have died after contracting the coronavirus. Dr. Jesus Zambrano, 54, an attending pediatrician who worked in Freeport, died on March 29, while Mario Salonga, 59, a per diem physical therapist in home care, recently died, and Ferdinando Moretti, 73, an MSSN painting crew foreman, died on April 4. The hospital did not disclose the date Salonga died, and an inquiry was not returned. “They exemplify what makes every Mount Sinai South Nassau employee and medical staff member special, the willingness to be present during a time of unprecedented crisis with a special commitment to the patients we serve,” MSSN President and CEO Richard Murphy said in a statement. Zambrano was a Brooklyn resident and joined the MSSN medical staff in 2012. He worked with Dr. Luis HerreraAcevedo at a Freeport practice. He previously attended medical school in Santo

Christina Daly/Herald

three empLoyees of Mount Sinai South Nassau hospital died after contracting the coronavirus. Domingo, Dominican Republic, and trained as a pediatric resident at Lincoln Medical Center in the Bronx. He was board certified by the American Board of Pediatrics, and many of his patients and

colleagues saw him as a beloved figure. Salonga had been a part of MSSN’s inhome patient care staff for five years and worked for the Visiting Nurse Service. He was described as a kind, gentle soul and

an upstanding father, husband and friend. He provided compassionate and professional care for patients and his daughter, Katrina, said he was dedicated to his profession, according to a news release from the hospital. She added she was raised by the motto “always put others first,” and her father exemplified it. In addition to Katrina, Salonga is survived by his wife, Cecilia, and their son, Joseph, in Valley Stream. Moretti retired from MSSN in 2014 after 31 years of service. He returned to work per diem in 2015 to support the hospital’s various expansion projects. His colleagues recalled that Moretti was lighthearted and quick with a joke, and that he was well versed in topics ranging from construction to cooking. He is survived by his daughter, Andrea, son, Mario, and four grandchildren. His wife, Olga, predeceased him. “I cannot sufficiently express my appreciation and respect for the contribution each of them has made to the life of Mount Sinai South Nassau,” Murphy said. “We extend our prayers and deepest sympathy to their families.”

Judge to decide if L.B. boardwalk can reopen By James Bernstein jbernstein@liherald.com

A Nassau County Supreme Court judge was to hear to hear a case filed Friday by an attorney who wants the City of Long Beach to reopen its 2.2-mile boardwalk, which was closed March 26 to help stop the spread of the coronavirus. At press time Monday, no decision had been reached. Scott Cohen, who filed the case on behalf of Francis McQuade, an unsuccessful candidate for Nassau County District Attorney last year, said Long Beach acted improperly in closing the boardwalk because it did not have the permission of the New York State Department of Health to do so. “I have a problem with the boardwalk being closed,” Cohen said Monday. “It wasn’t done in the right way.” McQuade called the city’s decision “arbitrary.” Long Beach officials said the city does not comment on pending litigation. But city officials had noted that the Nassau County Department of Health had not overturned Long Beach’s decision to close the boardwalk. The suit was filed against the five elected city council members, interim City Manager Donna Gayden and her assistant John McNally. Cohen said the closing left Long Beach residents with only two ways to enter the beach, at Pacific Boulevard and New York Avenue. He said this created a hardship for people who want to walk on the beach, as well as for residents of those two streets. An excess of cars could be parked on those streets, Cohen said. “I’d like the decision to be overturned,” Cohen said. He said the boardwalk was closed at a time when fewer people were aware of the dangers of the coronavirus. “People are now more aware” of social distancing and other measures, he said. The boardwalk was closed, city officials had said, because large crowds had been gathering there and few were observing social distancing. The boardwalk is an iconic part of Long Beach, attracting thousands during summer holiday weekends. It is also a favorite spot for joggers and cyclists. The boardwalk has bathroom facilities and a large food stand. As of April 7, Long Beach City Council President

John Bendo said the number of confirmed cases in the city stood at 285, a large jump from the previous ago, when there were about 200 cases. “We’ve been informed that some of this increase is attributed to increased testing and ramped up processions of tests,” Bendo said on the City’s website. “But officials are also projecting that this and next week will see Nassau County reaching its peak epidemic. While this may be welcome news of sorts, please know that now is the time to double down on our social distancing efforts, not to relax them.” Bendo also said that Long Beach police are following up on complaints by some residents that some restaurants and bars are not adhering to social distancing and have stepped up patrols to enforce the guidelines. The city has also temporarily suspended recycling. The boardwalk close had the support of Nassau County Executive Laura Curran and State Sen. Todd Kaminsky. a Long Beach Democrat, as well as by some civic organizations. Sam Pinto, president of the Eastholm Civic Association, said, “Right now, under the current pandemic situation, having the boardwalk closed will help flatten the curve. Closing it is a benefit.” The case is to be heard via Skype.

Photos by Christina Daly/Herald

a Long Beach lawyer filed a lawsuit against the City of Long Beach to reopen the boardwalk, which was closed in March because officials say people failed to adhere to social distancing.

MSSN staff celebrated with large parade

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — April 16, 2020

By Mike SMollinS msmollins@liherald.com

More than 300 vehicles lined up outside of the entrance to Mount Sinai South Nassau hospital on April 8 in a parade organized to show front-line workers that the community appreciates them. “It was a really, really special moment,” said Joe Calderone, MSSN’s senior vice president of corporate communications and development. “Just knowing that people on the outside of the building have some idea of what’s going on inside this building … and that they care about what’s happening here and how hard the front-line workers are at it, it’s just really terrific and we are very grateful.” Doctors, nurses, support staff, maintenance workers and other hospital employees — many of whom work 16-hour shifts each day — came out to greet the caravan of supporters, which included police officers, firefighters, other first responders and community members looking to show their support. The supporters came from Oceanside and several surrounding areas, including Rockville Centre, Baldwin and Freeport. Many of them came holding signs thanking the medical staff, and enthusiastically honked their horns. “It was a tremendous outpouring of the community,” Calderone said. “Our employees are stretched thin and working under unprecedented conditions that they have not seen in their medical careers. For them, it was just a great morale booster, lifting their spirits, and we’re just extremely grateful to the community and our volunteer board members who helped organize it.” Board Vice Chairman Tony Cancell-

Photos by Christina Daly/Herald

Front-line workerS at Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital in Oceanside came outside to greet hundreds of cars that drove by in a parade to support them. ieri and member Butch Yamali organized the parade. Calderone said the front-line staff is “in the fog of war with this invisible, deadly virus,” and noted that it was important for the staff to have the support of the community. He added that the community has stepped up in many ways, including donating food, money and supplies. “The community has just stepped up in every way possible, mostly unsolicited” he said. “They’ve done everything they possibly could to support us, and it just really means a lot to us.”

Many oF the passengers held signs voicing their support and gratitude, above. FirSt reSponderS alSo took time to thank the medical staff, including the Rockville Centre Fire Department. even the eaSter bunny made an appearance at the parade, mask and all, and spent some time with, from far left, Nurse Karine Austin, Willie Wright and Nurse Nicole Mascolo.

aBout 300 carS partook in the parade.

April 16, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

ObiTUArY

Belmont worker succumbs to Covid-19 By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com

Martin Zapata, who lived and worked at Belmont Park, died April 7 at the age of 63 following a two-week battle with the coronavirus. He was a native of Panama and spent the past two years working as a groom for trainer Tom Morley. Morley, who resides in West Hempstead, started a GoFundMe fundraiser for the Zapata family and raised more than $10,000 in the first six hours. On the GoFundMe page, Morley wrote: “He was an integral and much loved part of our team at Morley Racing but he was also a family man, a loving husband and will be sorely missed from coast to coast. New York racing has lost one of its own and Panama one of its brightest, smiling sons.” At the time of his death, Zapata was reportedly one of 20 Belmont residents/ workers to test positive for Covid-19. He tested positive on March 24 and was hospitalized two days later when his condition worsened. “We are deeply saddened by the loss of one of our community. Martin was a well-regarded horseman who always demonstrated great care and joy in his work. Our deepest condolences go out to his family and friends,” said New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association President Joe Appelbaum.

Courtesy PSEG

PSEG LONG ISLaNd aims to help residents avoid phone scams.

PSEG warns of scammers Tom Morley/Twitter

BELMONT BackSTETch wOrkEr Martin Zapata passed away from complications related to Covid-19 on April 7. New York Racing Association CEO and President Dave O’Rourke said in a statement: “We at NYRA offer our condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Martin Zapata, a beloved member of our New York racing community and a respected horseman. During these troubling times, we stand together with our colleagues at NYTHA, B.E.S.T, Belmont Child Care Association, and the New York Race Track Chaplaincy to offer comfort for all who are mourning Martin and to continue to support the ongoing needs of the backstretch community”

Obituary notices Obituary notices, with or without photographs, 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: ngrant@liherald.com or 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530

With a heightened sense of uncertainty across the world emboldening phone scammers who impersonate electric company employees, PSEG Long Island urges residents to know the facts and protect themselves. “In times like these, every challenge our households face is magnified,” the utility’s Vice President of Customer Services Rick Walden said in a news release. “The heightened anxiety we’re feeling is perfect for scammers, whose preferred tactic is to make people panic at the thought of getting their power shut off. That’s why it’s important for people to know that, during this crisis, PSEG Long Island is not shutting off power due to nonpayment due to financial burdens.” Phone scammers typically tell their potential victims that they must pay an overdue bill or face immediate shut-off of electricity. The utility has temporarily suspended shutting off electric service for non-payment amid the coronavirus. PSEG Long Island does not accept payment via prepaid gift cards, wire transfers or cryptocurrency, such as Bitcoin. What to look out for: ■ You receive a call from what looks like PSEG Long Island on your caller ID. ■ The caller threatens to shut off your

service and demands an immediate payment by pre-paid card, wire transfer or Bitcoin. ■ The caller informs you that you require a new meter and demands a deposit before the installation can occur (PSEG Long Island does not require a deposit for a new meter installation). ■ You’re given a phone number to call back that, when called, may sound similar to PSEG Long Island’s automated call system. ■ What PSEG Long Island will and won’t discuss over the phone: ■ A genuine PSEG Long Island representative will ask to speak to the customer of record. ■ If that person is available, the representative will explain why they are calling and provide the account name, address and current balance. ■ If the customer of record is not available, the PSEG Long Island representative will not discuss the account at all and ask that a message be left for them to call 1 (800) 490-0025. Courtesy PSEG Long Island; compiled by Mike Smollins

News briefs Chaplaincy to match donations for pantry The New York Race Track Chaplaincy of America has launched a matching gift drive for its food pantry that will benefit backstretch workers at Belmont Park as they deal with the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic. Donations to the food pantry made until June 6 will be matched up to $25,000 by a member of the New York Racing Association Board of Directors, which gives the chaplaincy the potential to raise up to $50,000 for its pantry — one of the few in the area that is still open during the Covid-19 outbreak. “We’ve seen skyrocketing demand for our food pantry program, and we need help in order to meet these

n e e d s, ” s a i d C h ap l a i n H u m b e r t o Chavez. “It’s often at the most challenging times, when a lot of good people are facing hardship, that our racing community comes together.” All donations to the food pantry are distributed to backstretch workers and their families at Belmont Park, where training has continued since the cancelation of live racing on March 19 at Aqueduct Racetrack. The Aqueduct spring meet set, which had been set to run through April 19, has also been canceled. Financial donations can be made online at https://bit.ly/3ef4Rsw. The chaplaincy is also accepting donations of food. For more information, email info@rtcany.org or text (516) 428-5267.

Draw chalk pictures for Earth Day To commemorate Earth Day, State Sen. Todd Kaminsky who represents the 9th Senatorial District, which includes several South Shore communities, is asking Long Island children to take part in what is being called the “Chalk the Walk” Earth Day challenge. Kids are encouraged to take to their driveways and sidewalks and using chalk, draw a picture of what Earth Day means to them. To enter, snap a photo of the drawing and email it to kaminsky@ nysenate.gov, no later than April 20. A winner will be chosen on Earth Day, April 22.

Courtesy Sen. Todd Kaminsky

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — April 16, 2020

Hempstead Town Is Here For You! During this challenging time, we want residents to know that employees and the Town Board are working hard to keep your essential services running.

NEED HELP FROM A TOWN DEPARTMENT? Email the following departments at: Building Department:

tohbuildingquestions@tohmail.org

Town Clerk’s Office:

tohtownclerkquestions@tohmail.org

Tax Office:

tohtaxquestions@tohmail.org

Parks Department:

tohparksquestions@tohmail.org

or call (516) 812-3600

For a list of other department email addresses, please visit hempsteadtownny.gov/directory

STAY CONNECTED • For email updates: hempsteadtownny.gov/townnews-mailing-list • Swift 911 emergency notifications: hempsteadtownny.gov/ emergency-services/ swift911-emergency-notification • Facebook: @hempsteadtown • Twitter:

@hempsteadtown

• Instagram: @hempstead_town

Have Questions About COVID-19? Join Supervisor Don Clavin, Councilman Anthony D’Esposito and Dr. Dave Neubert for three Facebook Live sessions:

Friday, April 17 at 2 p.m. Monday, April 20 at 2 p.m. Friday, April 24 at 2 p.m. IMPORTANT COVID-19 RESOURCES:

JOIN US!

New York State (NYS) Coronavirus Hotline .........................................................................(888) 364-3065 New York State (NYS) Coronavirus Website .................................................... coronavirus.health.ny.gov Nassau County Coronavirus Call Center .............................................................................(516) 227-9570 CDC Coronavirus Disease Hotline ........................................................................................(800) 232-4636 CDC Coronavirus Disease Website ...................................................................................coronavirus.gov NYS COVID-19 Emotional Support Hotline ..........................................................................(844) 863-9314

Supervisor

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Don Clavin

Kate Murray

Council Members Town Clerk Dorothy L. Goosby • Bruce A. Blakeman • Anthony P. D’Esposito Jeanine C. Driscoll Dennis Dunne, Sr. • Thomas E. Muscarella • Christopher Carini Receiver of Taxes

April 16, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

Courtesy Lakeview Fire Department

The Lakeview Fire Department demonstrated one way to maintain six feet of space between people, using caution tape.

Firefighters update safety protocols continued from front page tant chief. “Everything’s difficult, but with this, we ended up learning a lot on the fly. We’re retraining our members in a way that can protect them.” Brohm said that while the Fire Department has faced major emergencies in the past, nothing compares to the coronavirus outbreak. “This global pandemic presents a new challenge for us,” he explained. “We had the Ebola scare, but it was nothing on this kind of scale. I don’t think anybody on

ʼ TS

A H W EN? OP

Long Island has dealt with anything on this kind of level, other than Hurricane Sandy or 9/11.” West Hempstead firefighters and EMT units have equipped themselves with personal protective equipment to reduce the chances of contracting the virus. The Fire Department’s leadership, Brohm added, has kept its volunteers safe and prepared. “Our leaders here have done a great job in breaking down the protocols over the past few weeks,” he said. “They’re really

the ones who have been leading the charge in making sure that everyone here is safe and making sure we have the proper materials.” County Executive Laura Curran held a news conference at the Malverne Fire Department last month, at which she detailed the types of emergency response vehicles used for large-scale outbreaks of infectious diseases. The vehicles Curran featured included hazmat and special operations trucks, a command bus and a major

emergency response vehicle. Curran noted that Malvernite James Callahan, the commissioner of Nassau County’s Office of Emergency Management from 2006 until his death in 2011, was instrumental in putting the county’s plan in place for the use of emergency response vehicles. “Our volunteer firefighters and ambulance service train for everything,” Curran said. “It’s really important that we protect our first responders so that they stay healthy and strong to help us.”

THE ANIMALS ARE DEPENDING ON US TO BE HERE FOR THEM... CRISIS OR NOT

Let Your CommunitY Know!

North Shore Animal League America is facing critical challenges during the coronavirus pandemic – but that will never change our NO-KILL PROMISE to care for homeless dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens.

FREE

Online Business Directory List your business’ status and find out information about other local businesses. YOU CAN SAVE THE LIVES OF INNOCENT ANIMALS NOW. VISIT animalleague.org or CALL 516-883-7575

1085396

1086152

liherald.com/whatsopen

PLEASE DONATE A GIFT TODAY Give what you can to help us through this emergency. We must continue our mission to rescue; provide shelter, medical care, and nourishment; and adopt out homeless pets during the COVID-19 crisis.

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Nonprofit organizations find new outlets

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — April 16, 2020

continued from front page ferent way for us to work and to share the ously served as the group’s treasurer, said arts,” Coonan said. “Having support at a that facing this challenge in her first year time like this is immensely important. Not isn’t easy, but she has managed to do so everyone that’s been a part of this lives in with support from group members like Malverne, but they’ve all contributed to us and supported the arts in some Rosalie Norton, an executive way.” board member. Coonan said that he and the “Rosalie has been a great other group leaders had mentor, and she has committed reached out to members and to guiding the people on the people who contributed to the board through the process and group over the years in the during this time,” Greenberg hope that they would take part said. “It’s a challenging time in Theatre at Home. He for all of us, and our hearts go thought people might be relucout to everyone that’s lost tant at first, but to his surprise, somebody.” many jumped on board. CoonThe Malverne Community DaviD Coonan an, an English teacher at HowTheatre, which has produced ard T. Herber Middle School in theatrical works in the village President, Malverne, said that the platfor more than 50 years, has Malverne had brought together also seen the adverse effects of Community Theatre form amateurs and professionals the pandemic. The group was unlike anything else. forced to postpone its spring “Regardless of your experience in the concerts, and anticipates having to postpone its summer shows as well. MCT Presi- arts, this has become the great equalizer,” dent David Coonan said that while the Coonan said of Theatre at Home. “No matgroup’s scheduled shows have been post- ter who you are, we’re all stuck at home. poned, members brainstormed ways to We’re able to share this art in a nonjudgkeep theater alive. Last month, the MCT mental way, and that’s a beautiful thing.” “The MCT has a wonderful group of peolaunched Theatre at Home on all of its social media platforms, in which members ple,” he continued, “and we’re all dedicated to the company, and more importantly, read sonnets of their choosing each day. “It’s a way for us to escape from the ter- they’re all dedicated to the theater. We’re all ror of this pandemic, and it opened up a dif- just trying to make the best of it.”

aving support at a time like this is immensely important.

Spread the news(letter) not the virus! Stay up to date with the latest Nassau County news. Sign up for an online account at www.liherald.com to receive our weekly newsletter with top stories and breaking news delivered to your inbox.

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What you need to know today.

Courtesy Lea Hennelly

Lea HenneLLy Began collecting donations to give to hospital workers on March 28. She received more than $3,500 in donations and then bought nearly $800 worth of snacks.

Friends Who Give donates snacks to hospital workers By MattHew FerreMi mferremi@liherald.com

A once-a-year community event that a Mineola resident began during the holidays in 2016 has spread to donating goods to medical workers on the front lines of the coronavirus. Denise Heckelman founded Friends Who Give in December 2016 to raise money for local families in school districts that need additional financial help around the holidays. Heckleman accepted donations of cash and gift cards at her home. With the coronavirus pandemic rapidly spreading across Nassau County, Heckelman and others thought of ideas to help others. “I’ve always been an advocate in giving back to others,” Heckelman said. “Since we started Friends Who Give in 2016, we’ve raised roughly $13,000 for those in the Mineola School District.” Lea Hennelly is a Garden City South resident who has been involved with Friends Who Give since 2016. She lives in the Franklin Square School District and has donated money and gift cards to families in the district. She also leads Girl Scout Troop 1754 in Franklin Square. Hennelly gave out her Venmo account username on the group’s Facebook page on March 28. Since then, roughly $3,500 has been donated through it, which Hennelly has used to deliver snacks and goods

to three hospitals: NYU Winthrop in Mineola, Long Island Jewish Medical Center in New Hyde Park and North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset. “We felt like it was an opportunity we couldn’t pass up on since people just want to help during a time like this,” Hennelly said. “My Venmo was blowing up left and right. I bought about $800 worth of snacks as a thank you to our frontline workers.” One of the frontline workers is New Hyde Park resident Jen Marsella, who works as a nurse at NYU Winthrop. Marsella helps with Friends Who Give in New Hyde Park and said she was touched by the delivery of snacks to the hospital. “It was amazing to find out that Lea was doing this,” she said. “It brings a smile to my face, and that’s important because there isn’t a lot of smiling going on in hospitals right now.” Marsella added how grateful she and her colleagues were for the donations. “At night there’s not much to choose from when it comes to food,” she said. “To come in and see this food, all you can do is say thank you.” Heckelman said the response from residents has been heartwarming. “We were put on this earth to do good things,” she said. “What we’re all doing such as donating masks to medical workers are all wonderful things that come from the heart.” For more information on Friends Who Give, go to https://bit.ly/3e92Xty.

$500,000 IN GRANTS AVAILABLE NOW TO LOCAL BUSINESSES

SMALL BUSINESS MARKETING GRANT

Apply for your share of the $500,000 marketing grant available to assist locally owned businesses.

STUART RICHNER Publisher Herald Community Newspapers

“Small businesses are the lifeblood of our communities. We are a small business ourselves, so we understand the pain that small business owners are going through right now. We at the Herald want to do our part to make sure that members of our small business community can continue to promote themselves during this trying period.”

Herald Team

WHO For all locally owned and operated small businesses on Long Island that have been negatively impacted by coronavirus.

WHAT A $500,000 grant program to support local small businesses. Each local business is eligible to receive up to $15,000 of matching grant funds, which can be used for Herald Community Newspapers print, digital and direct mail products in April through July 15, 2020.

WHERE Apply at www.liherald.com/grant.

WHEN Applications will be accepted until April 30, 2020 or until maximum grant funding has been distributed. Businesses will be contacted within two business days of submitting their application.

WHY Studies show that businesses that continue to market themselves during down times are the ones that fare the best long-term. This grant program will allow Long Island small businesses to continue promoting themselves and any new services they are offering during these unprecedented times.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS: • Every dollar that a grant recipient spends on marketing in Herald products will be matched with a dollar of grant funding, up to the award amount, to be applied towards marketing costs. • Businesses must be locally owned and operated. • Grants range from $300 to $15,000. • Grants can be applied to any Herald Community Newspaper marketing product or service during April through July 15, 2020. • Grants applied to direct mail products are net of postage/mailing costs.

RHONDA GLICKMAN VP Sales

LORI BERGER Sales Manager

rglickman@liherald.com

lberger@liherald.com

ELLEN REYNOLDS Sales Manager

AMY AMATO Executive Director

ereynolds@liherald.com

aamato@liherald.com

COURTNEY MYERS Media Consultant cmyers@liherald.com

For more information call Rhonda at 516.569.4000 ext. 250

APPLY TODAY AT

WWW.LIHERALD.COM/GRANT

A Special Collaboration With The Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores

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April 16, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

adopting a health care worker Herald file photo

The Malverne ChaMber of Commerce urges residents to purchase a $5 tote bag to support servers in the village.

Helping servers that rely on tips in Malverne With the hopes of aiding servers in Malverne, the Malverne Chamber of Commerce urges residents to purchase a $5 tote bag. All proceeds will go towards servers in the village, and tote bags will be available when residents pick up their to-go orders at local eateries in the village. “While the Chamber doesn’t pretend we can make up a lost paycheck, we are hoping to help monetarily in some small

The Malverne Civic Association has launched their own help a health care worker campaign. The group hopes that every health care worker nominated will be paired up with a village resident who wants to help. “Our health care workers are on the frontline of this pandemic — doing their best to help take care of us, so let’s do our best to help them,” the Civic Association said in a Facebook post. For those interested, residents can fill out a form at bit.ly/3ec1seb.

way for the people who have served us for years on a daily basis in our Malverne businesses,” the Malverne Chamber said in a Facebook post. Tote bags are available to purchase at Connolly Station, Pomodorino, Angelo’s Pizza, Malverne Diner, Antonio’s Deli, Village Juice Garden and Our Town Grille. –Nakeem Grant

Have a great story? Call our editors today 516-569-4000 or email ngrant@liherald.com

www.liherald.com

Animals along ‘slaughter alley’ get a rest by TIMOThY DenTOn tdenton@liherald.com

Everyone is looking for silver linings in these dark days as the Covid-19 virus cuts an inexorable swathe through the county. For the local fauna, human sheltering in place is very, very good news. Tens of millions of animals are killed along New York’s roadways each year. Clearing away the roadkill is the responsibility of several state and local departments, according to media spokesman Stephen Canzoneri, of the state Department of Transportation. “It depends on who owns the road,” he said. The state Department of Environmental Conservation has its hand in as well. But since traffic has come to a virtual standstill, roadways like the Wantagh State Parkway, normally a “slaughter alley” for animals and humans alike, is almost entirely clear of the sad carcasses of animals that tried unsuccessfully to get to the proverbial other side of the road. In one recent afternoon cruising up and down one of the most destructively lethal sections of the parkway, only one animal carcass was seen. From its desiccated appearance, it had been there for some time. No agency keeps exact records of the total number of animals killed along Nassau County’s roadways. Nationally, though, an estimated 10 million deer meet their demise at motorists’ hands each year, according to Maria Christina Lalonde, in an article for Wide Open Eats, an organization that seeks to educate on a variety of noncommercial dining opportunities. Harvesting roadkill for food is legal in 27 states, including New York — with a permit. “Animal rights activists and foodies alike hail roadkill as one of the

Courtesy Jon Katz PC

a gaggle Of geese got lucky as it crossed the road. most ethical and environmentally friendly meats,” Lalonde proclaimed. “Advocates point out that these animals were not raised or killed for food, and argue [that] letting people harvest roadkill makes use of a valuable free-range protein source that would otherwise go to waste.” “Roadkill is free of the antibiotics, hormones, and growth stimulants found in factory-farmed meat,”

Lalonde wrote. “And many roadkill species — including elk, deer, boar, and certain game birds — are pretty darn tasty, and sell for quite a bit when farm-raised, packaged and offered in stores.” Lalonde would be more likely to find raccoons, squirrels, Canada geese and various species of house pets along Nassau’s roadways. In any case, those animals have caught a break — for now.

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — April 16, 2020

Herald file photo

April 16, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

Seeking to avoid sewer ‘wipeout’ Residents’ flushing the unflushable strains system By J.D. FREDA jfreda@liherald.com

The necessity of keeping homes clean using disinfecting wipes, facial tissues and other products during the coronavirus pandemic is having an impact on Nassau County’s sewage system — and it stinks. Suez, the wastewater and sewage maintenance company in Cedar Creek Park, on the Wantagh-Seaford border, is contracted to manage Nassau County’s sewers through 2035. In a newsletter released in late March, company representatives wrote of a large uptick in the amount of flushable wipes coming through its pipes. The problem isn’t uncommon. According to first-quarter reports in each of the past three years, wipes that have bundled and twisted together, commonly referred to as “rags,” accounted for an average of around 15 percent of sewer blockages. In the first quarter of this year, however, the figure jumped to 47 percent. “There are a couple of different factors,” explained Lauren Sternberg, Suez’s Nassau County communications manager. “First things first: The sewer system we manage in Nassau County has about 3,000 miles of piping. More people are home, and more people are flushing. Maybe there’s a toilet paper shortage, but what we know is that more people are flushing ‘flushable’ wipes, which really aren’t flushable at all. If enough are used, they can wrap around each other and cause problems.” And residents, unaware of the problem, are flushing more than just wipes. Sternberg said that one resident has repeatedly sent knee-high men’s athletic socks down the toilet as well. Sternberg and her colleagues call him the “sock bandit.” Clogging issues can arise at any one of Suez’s 57 pumping stations in Nassau County. This is especially important in low-lying areas like southern Wantagh or Seaford, where the land is at a lower elevation than collection facilities and waste must be pumped uphill, against gravity. Wantagh and Seaford are part of Sewer District 3, where waste is pumped either to the Cedar Creek Water Pollution Control Plant, in Wantagh, or the Bay Park Sewage Treatment Plant, in East Rockaway. “Places like Seaford Harbor and parts of Wantagh are lower grade than the plants, so they have to pump that waste north,” said Phillip Franco, president of the Cedar Creek Oversight Committee, a civic association. “At those pump stations, pumps can break down. They have problems with this normally. Now, with this, it’s even worse.” Sternberg explained that, with more people at home, the company is seeing flushing trends that similar to weekends, when activity is steady throughout the day. On normal weekdays, flushing spikes in the morning and again in the evening. The stark increase in “rag” blockages, according to Sternberg, has occurred over a span of just a few weeks. The damage has varied. “Most of the time, we can unclog the pumps and see if they’re still operating

Photos courtesy Lauren Sternberg

TwisTED AnD TAnglED wipes, referred to as “rags,” have caused more frequent clogs in Nassau County’s sewage system. AT lEAsT onE resident has even flushed socks down his toilets. Clumps oF soCAllED rags have also made pump stations break down.

correctly,” she said. “We could fix that in a relatively short amount of time. Then there are times we have to do a full repair.” Sternberg did not offer a specific timetable for a full repair, which keeps a pump inactive. Although he is not a waste management worker, Franco is familiar with the technology. Waste, he explained, is sent through a filtration system, which initially removes any large solids — clumps of toilet paper, wood, socks. They are raked away and put in a dumpster. But solids can pass through, and are then separated from liquids. Liquids are directed into aeration

tanks, Franco said, which break down liquid waste from bathrooms. “That is then the stuff that goes into the ocean,” Franco said. Outfall pumps extend anywhere from two to three miles out, he said, beyond Jones Beach’s Field 6. Sternberg said that Suez had received “a lot more calls” about clogs in recent weeks. “We don’t want to be putting our guys more in danger,” she said, “because they have to go out into the community and have more contact with people.” “All these hours they’re spending cleaning out these clogs — that time and money could have been going towards something else, upgrading other things,” Franco said.

He called on the county to make people more aware of this issue. Nassau County Executive Laura Curran has mentioned it since the outbreak began, Franco said, but he hoped more measures could be taken. He and Sternberg are in agreement that communities need to be more aware of what is being flushed. “The wipes are not the problem. It’s flushing them,” Sternberg said. “It’s just a matter of getting rid of them the correct way.” “Sewers are not meant to take that kind of stuff,” Franco said. “If you want to keep your taxes down and have the tax money used towards other things, such as odor control, don’t flush your wipes.”

By TIMOTHY DENTON denton@liherald.com

Courtesy PSEG Long Island

Osprey cams offer respite from Covid-19 PSEG Long Island has installed two webcams to offer a peek into the daily lives of local ospreys. Employees work throughout the year to balance PSEG Long Island’s commitment to deliver power for its customers with its commitment to being a good environmental steward, utility officials said. Providing a safe nesting area for the osprey away from vital electrical infrastructure helps PSEG Long Island maintain strong electric service reliability. Ospreys often use utility poles and transmission structures for nesting, which jeopardizes system reliability, causes outages and equipment. “The osprey have made a triumphant comeback here since the 1970s, and PSEG Long Island works to make sure that they can continue to flourish,” said Dan Eichhorn, president and CEO of PSEG Long Island. “Especially now, with so many of us remaining inside our homes for the sake of public health, these webcams offer a much-needed front-row seat to the comings and goings of these majestic

birds.” PSEG Long Island has installed 24-hour webcams at two of the nests that were relocated by line workers during the time of year when the birds are not raising young. The first shows a live feed of a nest in Oyster Bay; a second webcam has gone live from a nest in Patchogue. At the Oyster Bay location, the osprey pair returned late last month. Since the resurgence of the osprey population, PSEG Long Island and its team, with the guidance and support from environmental partners, have identified best practices for when to move a nest, and when to create alternative safer nest locations for the ospreys, utility officials said. PSEG Long Island workers have relocated two-dozen osprey nests to ensure the birds are out of harm’s way from high voltage systems. View the cameras online at https:// www.psegliny.com/wildlife/ospreycam.

ToH earmarks $40M for road improvements By J.D. FrEDA and TIMOTHY DENTON jfreda@liherald.com; tdenton@liherald.com

Town of Hempstead Supervisor Donald Clavin announced a $40 million stimulus package last week “in an effort to get people back to work once it is safe to do so.” Clavin said the money would be used for roadway improvements. With more than 1,200 miles of roadways in the town, the investment could “help workers recover from the Covid-19 pandemic, while enhancing quality-of-life and driver and pedestrian safety.” The town’s 2020 approved budget allocated roughly $150 million to fund the highway department and its various duties. Which new projects will be undertaken with the allocation remains to be determined. Some of the repair work has already

begun, according to Town Councilman Christopher Carini, whose district encompasses Wantagh and Seaford. Repaving the stretch of Beltagh Avenue between Forest Lake School and Old Mill Road began on March 23. “The road surface will be replaced, and, in addition, new concrete curbs, driveway aprons and handicap ramps will be provided,” Carini said. “Being near an elementary school, it’s an important improvement that will increase safety for residents. I look forward to its planned completion in the middle of May.” Clavin said the stimulus package represented a movement toward a return to normal life, following the Covid-19 virus. “This major capital investment symbolizes a significant step toward economic recovery … as we face the uncertainty of the Covid-19 pandemic together,” he said.

As the wizards of finance begin to g rapple with the fallout from the Covid-19 crisis, it is clear that sales tax revenue — a major component in Nassau County’s 2020 budget — will drop off by at least 4 percent, according to a New York Association of Counties study. The study, cited in Moody’s Investors Service’s commentary on the Nassau Interim Finance Authority, estimated the loss “could punch a sizable hole of at least $50 million” in Nassau County’s 2020 budget, according to Moody’s Senior Credit Analyst Robert Weber. Because the county had already estimated a year-over-year increase of $33 million in sales tax revenue, the loss will likely be more than $80 million, or 2.5 percent of the budgeted general fund revenue for the year, Weber wrote. Citing the same NYAC study, however, Nassau County Comptroller Jack Schnirman said the sales tax losses could be as high as $180 million, or 12.7 percent of the budget. “No one knows how long this will last or how deep the hole will be,” Schnirman said. The one bright spot was the strength of NIFA’s credit quality, Weber wrote. The authority is rated Aa1; Nassau County has a rating of A2

Courtesy Nassau Interim Finance Authority

ADAM BArskY, cHAIrMAN of the Nassau Interim Finance Authority since 2018. — still solidly investment grade. But NIFA’s higher rating will enable the county to borrow money at lower interest rates — critical in the coming recovery, Weber wrote. Finally, the 2021 budget for New York State includes provisions for restoring NIFA’s bonding authority. It also extends the Authority’s oversight of county finances to 2051 from 2025, enabling the county to continue to benefit from NIFA’s stronger credit.

Comptroller to launch study of post-Covid recovery to crisis-related expenses, the modeling is complex and challenging, he added. Schnirman said the Covid-19 crisis Nassau County Comptroller Jack more closely mirrors the economic Schirman announced late last week that downturn of 2008-09 than the aftermath his office will begin conducting an in- of Hurricane Sandy. “We need to know a depth analysis of the impact the Covid- range of potential impacts on county 19 virus has had on the counrevenues so we can ensure ty’s finances. The analysis essential government servicwill provide “a series of proes will continue unimpedjections on critical revenues, ed,” he said. so that Nassau can best preThe financial impact pare for recovery,” Schniranalysis will provide projecman said in a news release. tions of models relating to “Covid-19 is an unprecesales tax and various fees, to dented threat to the health project the county’s finanand safety of our communic i a l t re n d l i n e s i n t h e ty, as well as our fiscal months ahead, Schnirman health,” Schnir man said. said. Jack schnirman The difficulty in making any On the expense side, projections is that “we do direct purchases have not not know how long his will yet had a critical fiscal last or how deep the hole will be,” he impact relative to previous crises, said. because only a few million out of a Economically dependent sales tax “is multi-billion dollar budget have been key to plan for the immediate future” spent thus far, Schnirman explained. “It and what comes after that, Schnirman is the revenue side that will take longer said. Because revenue losses take longer to materialize and is of greater concern to materialize than potential increases at present,” he said.

By TIMOTHY DENTON tdenton@liherald.com

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — April 16, 2020

Sales tax losses ‘punch hole’ in county budget

PsEG LONG IsLAND has installed two osprey cameras — one in Oyster Bay and the other in Patchogue — so people can watch the daily lives of these birds.

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COMBINED INSURANCE EXPANDING Long Island operation! Full time W2 sales agent opportunity full company benefits and leads provided. Call Bob (516) 567-7733 for immediate interview.

DISPATCH WANTED

No Experience Needed, we will train!!!!! F U L L T I M E M O N D AY - F R I D AY 11:30- 8:00 5-20 HOURS OF OVERTIME!! MEDICAL, DENTAL, 401K. 2 WEEKS VACATION, HOLIDAY PAY. $15.00 PER HOUR PLUS OVERTIME. APPLY IN PERSON AT: CALLAHEAD C O R P. 3 0 4 C R O S S B AY B LV D , QUEENS NY 11693 APPLY MONDAY- FRIDAY 12:00- 7PM JOB OPPORTUNITY $18.50 P/H NYC $16 P/H LI Up to $13.50 P/H UPSTATE NY CDPAP Caregiver Hourly Pay Rate! Under NYS CDPAP Medicaid program you can hire your family or friends for your care. Phone: 347-713-3553

OUTSIDE SALES

Richner Communications, one of the fastest growing media, event and communications companies on Long Island is seeking a Sales/Marketing candidate to sell our digital, events, sponsorships and print media products. Salary, Commission, Eligible for Health benefits, 401k and paid time off. Will consider part time. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to rglickman@liherald.com

Child/Eldercare Offered A LOVING PERSON Will Care For Your Loved Ones. 20+ Years Experience, CPR Certified, Good References, Own Transportation. 347-205-3554

his 11 Room, 2 story home is completely renovated, inside and out. Grand open living room with gas fireplace has custom cabinetry, shelves and archway to family room. This home boasts a beautiful formal dining room, eat-in-kitchen with Italian Carrera marble countertops, Thermador professional series appliances with oversized cast iron Kohler farm sink, Monogram Advantium micro/convection oven, double electric ovens, pantry, custom cabinetry including dishwasher and refrigerator, gas heat and 175’ deep lot. The bath-

Kevin Leatherman Real Estate Broker Direct Line: (516) 362-1828 | Client Text: (516) 271-2236 Leatherman Homes 25 S Village Ave. Rockvile Centre, NY

Child/Eldercare/Help Wanted CAREGIVER WANTED: Experienced, Oceanside. 9am-8pm, Must be Certified and have References. Must Drive, Clean License. Becky 929-248-2272

rooms are high-end white and red onyx, Travertine flooring, paver walkway and driveway with power gates leads to 4 car garage used as 3 with 10’ wide doors. It also has brown wave stone, custom coco Andersen windows, barrel gutters and is professionally landscaped..A legal 2 family home with highest and best use as a single-family is located in the South Incorporated Village. a prime location for being in the heart of the village, just 3 short blocks to LIRR and in the Riverside Elementary School District Near All! $1,350,000. Taxes $18,529.50 © 2018 Century 21 Real Estate LLC. All rights reserved. CENTURY 21® and the CENTURY 21 Logo are registered service marks owned by Century 21 Real Estate LLC. Century 21 Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each office is independently owned and operated. It is your responsibility to ensure that the marketing materials you choose or create are compliant with real estate and other local laws in your area.

Administrative Assistant:

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REAL ESTATE

American Homes The Gandolfo Team

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Interested in selling your home, buying, or investing? An experienced Realtor, former Baldwin High School Business Educator, & local resident for 35+ years, I’m an expert in helping people buy, sell, & invest in residential and commercial real estate on Long Island and in New York City. Contact me today for a free, confidential consultation and a free market appraisal.

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

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April 16, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

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© 2020 Monte Leeper Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.

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A. Unfortunately, no onte eeper one knows the answer to your question. We’ve heard many ideas from the medical community, but nothing is certain other than keeping a distance to avoid transmission. I just learned that I now have to stay at least 6 feet away from Bengal tigers as well. The theory and observation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health is that the coronavirus lives and multiplies in cooler and drier environments, and not as well in warmer, more humid environments. The rate of death has us all concerned for our safety and health. I’m beginning to hear of the deaths of people I either knew or who are related to friends, so it’s becoming more and more alarming as it becomes more personalized. I’m not sure what’s best in your particular circumstance, because absorbent finishes such as carpet, drapes and clothing require more effort to clean than hard flooring and furniture, for example. It is speculation, however, to think that these materials hold the virus longer than 24 hours, assuming that it is capable of latching onto surfaces, but people keep sending me bulletins about how it can live on hard surfaces, like metal and plastic, for that long. We can learn from the past, and 100 years ago, when the Spanish influenza struck, the equivalent of the surgeon general told the public, in the middle of winter, to keep their windows open. He believed that getting a breath of fresh air could keep the illness at bay. I can only tell you that it would have gotten pretty cold pretty quickly indoors. That’s the reason why, even for decades afterward, steam-fed radiators were so large and overdesigned — and why people regularly kept the windows open. Just under 30 million people died worldwide, and everyone knew of someone who was laid out in the parlor of their home, since funeral parlors were overburdened. In 1920, when the pandemic had ended, Ladies Home Journal made the uplifting suggestion that the parlor, a place of bad memories and sadness in the home, be renamed the living room. Room-unit air conditioners aren’t specifically made to filter viruses, so get some fresh air and keep a safe social distance.

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1085480

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1082954

I’m concerned about the coronavirus getting into my home. We live near a shopping strip where a lot of people come and go. We only use our single- room air conditioners when it’s absolutely necessary. I’m noticing that in warm-weather states, they’re still contracting the virus, so I doubt it will go away just because it’s getting warmer outside. Will my room air conditioners be enough to filter the air, and should I rely on them instead of opening my windows? We like the fresh air and need to save money by not running the units if we don’t have to.

Market Place •

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HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — April 16, 2020

Keeping the coronavirus outside

HERALD

Stuff

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

Real Estate

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Sprinkler Syst./Irrig.Wells

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HErald

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Tree Services

Junk Cars Wanted

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April 16, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

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AUTOMOBILE & MARINE

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516-569-4000 press 5, then 2

Answers

to todAy’s puzzle

opInIons

t’s good news that Congress was able to reach agreement on a financial rescue of our economy at a moment of grave national emergency. More than $2 trillion will pump oxygen into an economy that’s gasping for life. Along with the extraordinary measures the Federal Reserve has adopted to help keep businesses and financial institutions alive, the rescue legislation represents for our economy what respirators and ventilators are to those suffering from Covid-19 itself: a life-saving intervention to give them a chance to aLfonse survive. d’amato It’s particularly heartening that the legislation wasn’t held up for narrow political purposes. Partisanship has no place here. In New York, Gov. Andrew Cuomo has shown that kind of nonpartisan leadership. As he has pointed out, the coronavirus doesn’t play politics. It kills Democrats and Republicans alike. Congress didn’t play politics with the economic life of the nation, either. In a period of just three weeks, bills to help our health care system fight the virus and strengthen social safety net programs like unemployment insurance, Medicaid and

food stamps were sent to President Trump and signed into law. Language added to the rescue legislation provided greater transparency and accountability in the disbursal of $500 billion it set aside for loans to help American businesses meet their cashflow shortfalls and keep workers on their payrolls. The legislation stipulates that none of the funds can be used by corporations for stock buybacks or executive pay raises. And like the GMChrysler rescue bill passed during the Great Recession in 2008, the bill provides that once companies recover, they must repay as much of the money as possible. If more billions or even trillions of dollars are needed in the next few weeks or months to deal with this crisis, Congress should pass additional appropriations bills and send them to the president, who has signaled that he would sign whatever necessary spending legislation the lawmakers pass. That legislation should provide more help to state and local governments and our hospitals to help them meet the extraordinary costs they face. The ongoing emergency also presents Washington with a challenge to address some of the underlying problems the spreading virus has highlighted. America can no longer afford to be reliant on China

or other countries to produce drugs or medical equipment. That critical production must be brought home to America. Another thing this crisis has taught us is that the government and business can accomplish more when they cooperate in public-private partnerships. Witness how quickly our auto industry converted to the manufacture of desperately needed ventilators, and how the pharmaceutical industry is working with the Food and Drug Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and our academic research facilities to fast-track new treatments and an eventual vaccine. Cutting bureaucratic red tape has been central to getting these things done, and this flexibility should continue to guide government as we move forward. There are other areas where our government must take a new view. Our unemployment insurance system is proving woefully outdated when it comes to handling an unprecedented flood of jobless claims. Congress should look carefully at replacing unemployment insurance with employment insurance like that offered in Germany, where, in times of economic contraction, the government pays part of workers’ wages to keep them on company payrolls. We’ll also ultimately need to do some-

awmakers cut bureaucratic red tape to get people the help they need.

thing to assure that American workers’ health insurance isn’t interrupted by business downturns, and that they have adequate paid medical leave so they can stay home when they’re sick. The emergency bills move in this direction on both fronts, and that progress should continue. Our education system needs to learn a lesson from this crisis, too. Families have been getting a crash course in distance learning. In the future, our schools should fully embrace online education to allow students to more seamlessly do their schoolwork at home. That will require making sure that all students are equipped with the computers and internet connections they need. And for our higher education system, as I’ve said before, that also means discarding an outmoded teaching model that is bankrupting students with crushing debt and inadequate preparation to enter the workforce. When colleges and universities open this fall, they will face a drastically changed landscape, and they will need to change with it. The emergency measures Congress has taken are bold, life-saving ones that can help get our economy out of this emergency. America has stepped up to battle a crisis. Let’s keep it up. Al D’Amato, a former U.S. senator from New York, is the founder of Park Strategies LLC, a public policy and business development firm. Comments about this column? ADAmato@liherald.com.

Living through Covid-19, in bits and pieces

’ve been thinking about wagon trains; I’ll tell you why later. If I remember. Yeah, a serious side effect of the pandemic is definitely attention deficit disorder. It is increasingly difficult to focus and concentrate. Composing a sentence, which requires a grabby subject followed by a lively predicate, is challenging. Putting together 750 words is work. So I gave up. This week I will share the fragments that have been ricocheting around my brain. * * * My family is now the husband and me, and we seem to have shed RandI all the amenities of kReIss civilized life and regressed to our prehistoric roles. Example: He, the hunter-gatherer, risked his life this week to raid the local market in search of baking yeast. My hero. As the tender of the hearth, I decided to bake bread. Apparently, baking bread is an activity that fires all the endorphin receptors at once. * * *

I had a nightmare that dogs could carry the virus. That scenario would have terrible implications for Lillybee and all beloved pets. Real life is tough enough; why does the imagination offer up even more horrific iterations of the catastrophe? * * * How quickly we revert to basic survival mode. My friends and I are bartering: two rubber bands for a spool of thread, matzo ball soup for homemade muffins, hand sanitizer for a printer cartridge. * * * After years of railing against the dangers of too much screen time, my eyeballs are basically falling out of my head from looking at screens all day, my phone, my computer and my iPad all vying for my attention. * * * My husband has a bra on his face. It’s mine, and it’s nothing weird; we’re just following orders. We saw a website that explained how to make two masks from one bra, so I made the ultimate sacrifice and we now have two “brasks.” * * * There’s something about a global pandemic that flushes people out of hiding. I’ve been contacted by two long-lost rela-

tives, one I haven’t seen for 19 years and the other I haven’t seen for 27. They didn’t care if I was dead or alive for decades; now, suddenly, they want to say hello. * * * I’ve learned something about myself during this siege. I’ve always been fond of social distancing. I don’t mind time alone, and I don’t need to fill it up with phone calls or constant Zooming gettogethers. I’m composing a book about cooking through Covid-19 called “The Last Supper?” Everyone in the family is required to submit recipes and photos. I’ll trade you a copy for 5 Ziploc bags. * * * Our Seder was a table for two. We didn’t want to miss the fun part, so we hid the matzo (a Passover tradition) from Lillybee. She never found it, although it was hiding in plain sight on the carpet. This proves for all time that matzo is more cardboard than food. Lillybee can sniff out a peanut across the room, but matzo, not so much. * * * I stop in my tracks three or four times a day because I can’t believe something I’m reading or seeing in the news. There was the mother whose daughter had just died in her arms after contracting Covid-

19 while working in a nursing home. She had no protective gown. There were no masks. Then there was the doctor, a Kuwaiti refugee, who traveled on his own dime and at his own risk to work alongside the doctors in New York. He looked into the camera and said, “Don’t worry. We’re here. We’ll take care of you.” * * * I miss my kids and my grandkids, and I have no plans to see them. All these open-ended questions of contagion and immunity and pressing mortality preclude any planning at all. Enter the wagon train, last night’s epiphany. Our kids are out West. We won’t fly or drive in the foreseeable future. We aren’t great drivers, so an RV is out of the question. The obvious solution is to buy a wagon and a horse and rumble across the country in a convoy with other like-minded travelers. It could be OK. We could social distance. The only problem I can foresee is hitting the Rockies just as winter sets in. Come November we could get stuck in Donner Pass, and we all know how that ends. Copyright 2020 Randi Kreiss. Randi can be reached at randik3@aol.com.

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — April 16, 2020

Congress steps up to battle the coronavirus crisis

Herald editorial

Malverne/West Hempstead

April 16, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

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Students, educators need to know what’s next

ew York City Mayor Bill de Blasio probably overstepped his authority when he decided late last Friday that he would keep the city’s 1,800 public schools closed through June, and he certainly bungled the decision politically. For starters, he didn’t tell Gov. Andrew Cuomo first — but he did tell Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s leading infectious disease expert, according to The New York Times. And when de Blasio did inform the governor, he did so by text. That led Cuomo to argue Saturday that only he has the authority to make such a decision, and he wanted to take a coordinated regional approach to school closings. Nassau County Executive Laura Curran immediately backed Cuomo, saying

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she, too, would like to see a regional approach. We agree. Lost in all the rhetoric, however, was an important point that de Blasio was making: He wanted to provide greater certainty to students, educators and parents about what they could expect over the next two and a half months. The governor has taken a wait-and-see approach to school closings, shutting them down two weeks at a time. We understand the need for such an approach. We shouldn’t be hasty in deciding to close the schools. Everyone wants children back in the classroom as soon as possible. That approach, however, leaves all parties involved in limbo, wondering what will come next. What educators and children need is certainty.

Don’t wait — fill in your census forms

pril 1, Census Day, came and went, but if you didn’t fill in your census forms, it isn’t too late to do so, and we urge you to complete them. With the coronavirus battering New York in every conceivable way — including financially — the state could use all the federal financial help it can get. The federal government uses census data to determine the number of representatives states have in the U.S. House of Representatives. The 435 House seats are apportioned based on the population of each state. The larger its population, the more seats a state receives — and the greater the voice it has in federal decisionmaking. The federal government also uses census data to distribute funding for pro-

grams like Medicare and Medicaid. In fact, a 2015 paper by the U.S. Census Bureau found that 132 federal programs used census data to distribute more than $675 billion in funds that year. Here’s the thing: If a state is underrepresented in the decadal census, then it receives fewer representatives and less federal funding than it deserves, and New York, by many accounts, is typically undercounted in the census. Now, not later, is the time to go online and fill in the census, or fill out the paper census you received in the mail and send it in. If you don’t, federal workers will swing by your home looking to count you and everyone who lives there. At a time like this, when a potentially deadly virus has spread among us, census workers shouldn’t have to do that when it

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Right now, there is no coordinated approach to how schools should handle the state’s curricula, and so, statewide, we have a hodgepodge of approaches. Some districts are fully online, with regular teaching schedules. Others, citing privacy concerns, are not teaching remotely, but rather are emailing students their assignments. Many students — particularly those in low-income areas — don’t have computers and internet connections. The state must make a decision soon about the fate of this school year, and if the schools are to remain closed through June, there should be one plan for all that ensures children will continue learning during this trying time.

letters

Spring brings signs of hope To the Editor: New Yorkers are celebrating the arrival of spring differently this year and in their own way. Although we come from different faiths, the season brings a message of resilience, renewal and hope. Spring is a metaphor for positive change and rebirth. We can all agree that hope is more important now than it has been at perhaps any moment in the recent past. We are all facing unprecedented challenges and anxiety for ourselves and our loved ones. At this moment, our faith, our family and our friendships are more important than ever. This is the time for us to try to be the best partners, parents, siblings, friends and neighbors that we can be. As we take the time for spiritual reflection, consider what brings us together. The things we have in common, our shared love of family and community, are what will carry us forward. I wish every-

takes only 10 minutes or so to fill out the forms online. According to the Census Bureau, you should be counted where you are living and sleeping most of the time as of April 1. If you’re responding for your home, count everyone who lives and sleeps there most of the time. That includes young children, foster children, roommates, and any family members or friends who are living with you, even temporarily. If someone is staying with you because of the Covid-19 pandemic, however, they should be counted where they usually live. This includes college students, who should still be counted at school, even if they’re home early. If they live in student housing, the college will count them. If they live off campus, they should respond for their offcampus addresses.

opiNioNs

ewly released data highlight major racial disparities in deaths from Covid-19, and it’s not surprising. It’s a reflection of the structural racism that has created an unequal foundation for so many aspects of life in America, including widely documented, underlying health disparities for African-American and Latinx people. It should move us to examine structural racism more closely, illuminate its impacts, and redouble our efforts to eliminate it. According to data released by the City of New eLaiNe York, black and Gross Latinx people are dying of coronavirus at twice the rate of white people. In New York state, excluding New York City, blacks account for 18 percent of deaths, despite comprising just 9 percent of the population. Fourteen percent of the deaths are Latinx people, who make up 11 percent of the population. In Michigan, according to The Washing Post, African-Americans account for 33 percent of Covid-19 cases and roughly 40 percent of deaths, despite comprising only

14 percent of the population. In Chicago, according to The New York Times, African-Americans account for more than half of those who have tested positive and 72 percent of virus-related fatalities, even though they make up a little less than a third of the population. Beneath these numbers are underlying health disparities for African-Americans and Latinx people. It is those underlying health problems that land people in the hospital and that lead to more deaths from the virus. Higher rates of infection for African-Americans are likely exacerbated by such factors as whether they can work from home, whether they work in “essential” services, whether they have routine access to health care, and how quickly they can get that care, among others. A study by New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer found that 75 percent of so-called front-line workers in the city — grocery clerks, bus and train operators, custodians and child-care workers — are minorities. Those circumstances are a function of structural racism, not a function of race, which is a social construct. In considering these racial disparities, we shouldn’t confuse the two. We shouldn’t give credence to the idea that there is something inherently

different about African-American or Latinx people that makes them have higher death rates — other than the circumstances of structural racism. What we should focus on is this: How do we address the racism that has caused and continues to cause health and other disparities? That’s the question that rightly examines the impediments to racial equity that are leading to these racial differences in Covid-19 deaths. Structural racism is partly a function of conditions that are baked into our society: the effects of slavery, Jim Crow, redlining and other historic conditions. But it is also partly a function of ongoing activities. ERASE Racism’s own research, and a recent landmark investigation by Newsday, evidenced widespread, contemporary racial discrimination in real estate practices on Long Island, for instance. That discrimination continues to steer black and Latinx people to less-integrated communities with fewer resources, and thus to lessintegrated schools with fewer resources. Anecdotal evidence already identifies disparities in students’ access to distance learning. Some schools send students home with laptops, for instance, while others do not. Some schools provide students

hreequarters of the city’s nonemergency frontline workers are minorities.

Letters one a healthy gift of spring. THoMAS DINAPoLI New York state comptroller

Objects to town budget practices To the Editor: Covid-19 has unleashed a catastrophic financial crisis. our economy is shuttered, and it is uncertain when it will rebound. Leaders must make every effort to retain workers, but also to tighten spending. Shockingly, as municipalities across the country are doing just that, Supervisor Don Clavin and the Town of Hempstead Board gave $770,000 in promotions, raises and new jobs for party favorites on March 30. With unemployment in New York soaring 360 percent and more than 10 million Americans suddenly left jobless, with no income or health insurance, last week it was Christmastime in Hempstead. Clavin and Council members Anthony D’Esposito, Dennis Dunne, Tom Muscarella, Bruce Blakeman, Chris Carini and Dorothy Goosby gave away almost $1 million in taxpayer dollars to friends and family while they thought no one was looking. In an empty, debate-free meeting lasting 10 minutes, they doled out political favors while hardworking residents wondered how they would pay their bills. As 450,000 New Yorkers lined up for initial unemployment assistance, Clavin’s cronies, Hempstead GoP club leaders and their children lined up at Town Hall to collect unbudgeted raises and promotions.

t’s with video-based instruction, while others to give them packets of material. New York cu state has left the details of remote learning gra to individual school districts, and that just amplifies the differences between the well- $2 trilli my tha resourced schools and those with fewer Alon resources. Again, structural racism is the determi- sures t help ke nant. The overwhelming percentage of black and Latinx students are in segregated and less-resourced schools, and are at a disadvantage now and, most important, in the fall, when they will most likely return to school behind their peers and the grade level standards. In 2018, ERASE Racism launched an ongoing regionwide public initiative called How Do We Build a Just Long Island? That’s exactly how we should approach this problem: How do we look at this data and together seek a just America — an America of shared action to disassemble structural racism. The coronavirus is creating a new future. Let’s create a future together that wasn’t does not accept the idea that these dispari- poses. P In N ties are unchangeable. Let’s take advantage of the light that Covid-19 is shedding shown on our society and come together to reflect ship. A that light onto a path to justice. It’s time to rus doe and Re work together as a nation and root out Con structural racism for good. econom period Elaine Gross is president of the Long our hea Island-based ERASE Racism. strengt unemp

Framework by Christina Daly

Compounding this outrageous and irresponsible betrayal was the March 30 vote to reduce the town’s fund balance by more than 50 percent. The fund is a rainy-day reserve to see the town through difficult times. Years of Nassau GoP patronage and irresponsible hiring practices, aggravated further by last week’s largesse, have led a financial structure in which payroll and related costs exceed 60 percent of the town’s budget. Couple this with the town’s debt burden, the new fund balance would not be sufficient to cover just two months of required payroll and debt service, not to mention utilities and other important expenses. At this meeting, there was no mention of how any of this might harm the unconnected rank and file. No one mentioned that the current town comptroller inflated revenue projections for 2020 — a concern that I raised during the budget process before Covid-19 hit. There was also no mention of shrinking mortgage recording tax fees, permit fees, recreation fees, a potential increase in health and pension costs, and potential decreases in utility payments from cash-strapped consumers. None mentioned how all of this might impact the town’s bond rating. This matters to residents, because when our bond ratings plummet, town costs rise, leaving fewer dollars for infrastructure and services. Not one board member mentioned Hempstead residents’ current pain before giving away their money. There was no voice of dissent speaking up for the rest of us. LAuRA GILLEN Rockville Centre Gillen was Town of Hempstead supervisor from 2018-19. Clavin, then the town tax collector, defeated her last November.

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — April 16, 2020

No surprise: More blacks and Latinos are dying of Covid-19

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UNFORTUNATELY, ORTHOPEDIC PAIN DOESN’T STOP IN A CRISIS.

With our new on-call only model, neither does the opportunity to receive care. Balancing the need to be there for our patients with the health and safety of our staff and community, we’re temporarily becoming an “on-call” practice – offering both in-person and telehealth visits – for those experiencing orthopedic pain. If you think you have an orthopedic issue that can’t wait, call Orlin & Cohen and a member of our team will work with you to assess whether you need immediate attention. It’s a new, creative approach to our practice: Because in this crisis, protecting each other should be everyone’s top priority.

In light of this broad accessibility to our services and for everyone’s safety, we are suspending our Merrick after-hours and weekend walk-in clinic for the duration of the crisis.

On-call orthopedic care by appointment only! Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. Saturday & Sunday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Call for your care needs assessment:

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

Stay safe!

orlincohen.com Rockville Centre Lynbrook Merrick Cedarhurst Garden City Massapequa Woodbury Melville Bohemia Smithtown Port Jefferson Riverhead Southampton Port Jefferson Station

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April 16, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

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