Malverne/West Hempstead Herald by Richner Communications, Inc

Malverne/West Hempstead

HERALD Breakfast club returns to W.H.

Boy Scouts stay active in W.H.

teen honored for community service

Page 5

Page 4

Vol. 27 No. 24

JUNE 11 - 17, 2020

Returning to normal

Showing love for the class of 2020

Malverne, West Hempstead businesses ready for Phase Two

West Hempstead High School senior Korrina Plair donned her mortarboard and thanked parents, teachers and administrators during the school’s car parade last Friday. More photos, Page 3.

By NakEEm GraNt and Scott BriNtoN

in-store sales; vehicle sales, leases and rentals; retail rental, repair and cleaning; and comngrant@liherald.com, sbrinton@liherald.com mercial building management. After nearly three months of Myers, who is a real estate being closed as part of a state- agent, said that many businesses wide lockdown, businesses in like his thrive on face-to-face Malverne and West Hempstead interaction. While some people are itching to get back to work. have been able to work from We s t H e m p s t e a d home during the Chamber of Compandemic, he added, m e rc e P re s i d e n t businesses like real Marshall Myers said estate cannot surthat once more busivive that way. nesses reopen dur“Real estate is a ing Phase Two of contact sport,” Gov. Andrew CuoMyers said. “Being mo’s reopening plan, able to actually see getting local support the home in person will become more and the size of the vital than ever. rooms, you can’t do “The dust still DEirDrE BEll that virtually.” hasn’t settled, but I Owner, The updated have a feeling that Hair By Deirdre reopening timeline some of the small is the result of a conbusinesses aren’t tinued drop in new going to survive,” Myers said. coronavirus hospitalizations, “Those that remain need sup- intubations and deaths, accordport from local residents. Hope- ing to Gov. Andrew Cuomo. fully, they’ve been able to get When he announced on June 5 enough assistance to last this that barbershops and hair salons long. I’m hoping that with local would be included in the Phase support, they’ll be able to carry Two reopening, several local on.” hair stylists said they were excitLong Island’s Phase Two ed about returning to work. reopening, which was set to start Deirdre Bell, owner of Hair on Wednesday, included officebased work; real estate services; Continued on page 9

just miss seeing my customers, so we can’t wait to see them again.

Christina Daly/Herald

Residents create petition to fire Malverne teaching assistant By NakEEm GraNt ngrant@liherald.com

A petition has circulated on Facebook urging the Malverne School District to fire Louise Piacente-Aguilar, a teaching assistant in the district. Residents called for Piacente-Aguilar’s resignation over a post she had made on Facebook last week that they considered racist. Piacente-Aguilar, who has worked in the district for 23

years, commented about demonstrators protesting the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer on Memorial Day. She asserted that protesters, many of whom were black, should be run over repeatedly by police officers, stating, “They should have ran each and everyone of these animals over and than go back and forth over them to make sure they did not miss any.” More than 7,000 people had

signed the petition as the Herald went to press on Monday. District Superintendent Dr. James Hunderfund said the district was aware of Piacente-Aguilar’s “distressing” post. “The Board of Education and administration take this matter very seriously, and it is under investigation and being addressed through the legal process,” Hunderfund said in a statement. “This disContinued on page 9

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June 11, 2020 â€” HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

HERALD

What’s neWs in and out of the classroom

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — June 11, 2020

Herald ScHoolS

Photos by Christina Daly/Herald

District aDministrators joineD West Hempstead High School Principal James DeTommaso, left, for the school’s car parade on June 5.

Car parade at W. Hempstead High School Cars decorated with black and yellow balloons drove past West Hempstead High School during the school’s car parade for the class of 2020 on June 5. Parents, teachers and administrators held up signs to congratulate their hardworking seniors. Some students even donned

Victoria tuDisco wore her mortarboard during the parade, above left. art teacher ellen Layburn, above right, made a sign for her students. Business teacher mike Silberman gave air high fives and blew his horn, far right. high school senior Matthew Freidman shared a laugh with one of his teachers who he had not seen in months.

their graduation mortarboard as part of the celebration. Many of the students were also thrilled to see their teachers in-person for the first time since the district transitioned to stay-at-home learning in March. –Nakeem Grant

Neighbors iN the News

News briefs

June 11, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

Proposed bill to aid small businesses

Nakeem Grant/Herald

WesT HempsTead HigH senior Hannah Walz, center, received the community service award from the West Hempstead Community Support Association on June 4. With her are Santos Welti, far left, Maureen Greenberg, Marge Von Holten and Dorothy Krimsky.

Teen honored for community service The West Hempstead Community Support Association honored West Hempstead High School senior Hannah Walz with this year’s community service award on June 4. Group members, equipped with masks, visited Walz and her mother, Theresa, at her home to award her a $500 scholarship. “This was such a great surprise . . . I’m just speechless,” said Walz, who will

attend Molloy College to study psychology this fall. WHCSA President Maureen Greenberg said Walz’s involvement with groups and organizations such as the West Hempstead Public Library and the TOPSoccer program made her stand out as this year’s honoree. –Nakeem Grant

Every life matters to us … Dear neighbor:

We live and work in this community. The lives of each and every one of you is important to us and we are here to tell your stories — from beginning to end. That includes the final chapter. At this difficult time, I want to remind you that obituaries in all Herald Community Newspapers are, and have always been, completely free. COVID-19 has taken far too many, far to soon. Let us help you commemorate the life of your loved one with a story and photo celebrating their life. Contact our Executive Editor Scott Brinton, sbrinton@liherald.com or call 516-569-4000, ext 203, if you would like to memorialize a loved one in the Herald, regardless of their cause of death.

Proposed legislation approved May economic rebirth of Long Island.” Through the current health crisis, 27 by both the State Senate and Assembly would give industrial development small businesses and small not-for-profagencies more to support small busi- it organizations have been forced to nesses and nonprofit organizations pare services or shut down operations. during the coronavirus panThe result has been thoudemic. The measure needs sands of people unemployed to be signed by the governor. and communities devastatThe bill enables IDAs to ed. Current law limits IDAs of fer g rants and in-kind from providing loans and donations to small businessdonations to businesses es and small not-for-profit even though they are in desorganizations for personal perate need of short-term protective equipment and financial assistance to fixtures - like plexiglass remain viable. n e e d e d t o p r e ve n t t h e “I commend Senator spread of Covid-19. It authoKaminsky for leading the Todd Kaminsky rizes IDAs to provide up to way to give IDAs the ability $25,000 in loans to small to give grants and loans to businesses and small nonsmall businesses to help profits to help remain viable. Industrial them recover and reopen after this hordevelopment agencies help to foster rible pandemic,” Nassau County IDA economic development. Chair Richard Kessel stated in the “It is devastating to see many small same release. “IDAs all across the state businesses close in our communities have millions of dollars that can be putting thousands out of work,” State used to invest in the economy and help Sen. Todd Kaminsky, (D-Long Beach), a our downtowns. Nassau will certainly co-sponsor of the measure, said in a be part of this.” news release. “We need to make it easier for our downtowns to bounce back –Jeffrey Bessen and this bill will help jump-start the

School budget, election deadlines extended Saying “No New Yorker should have to choose between their health and their right to vote,” N.Y. Gov. Andrew Cuomo extended the deadline for mail-in ballots in local school budget and school board elections, originally scheduled for Tuesday. Hand-delivered ballots still must be received by 5 p.m. on June 9, according to

a news release, but mail-in ballots may be received until June 16. In the same executive order, the governor allowed absentee ballots in the state’s presidential primary to be counted if postmarked no later than June 23. This means voters may mail their ballots as late as the day of the election.

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

Stuart Richner Publisher srichner@liherald.com 1091720

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Malverne/West Hempstead

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Long Island Breakfast Club returns home to find jobs. “Now we’re finding ways to help all people who struggle to find work,” CarliHaving held meetings at different ven- no said. “We just want to be there to meet ues throughout Nassau County, the Long the needs of the community. We hope to Island Breakfast Club has longed for a be there for people to provide advice and home to run their meetings. counseling in any way.” Founded in West Hempstead, Valentina Janek, another the group will return home as one of the club’s founders, they plan to host future meetsaid that since the pandemic ings at G’s Dance and Night began in March, she received Club. several phone calls from resi“It’s come full circle and dents on how the group could it’s expanded, because for assist them. Supporting othanything to survive, you have ers during challenging times, to change and adapt, and we Janek said, is what her group have,” said Stephanie Carliis all about. no, a co-founder of the Break“This club has gone too far fast Club. “I like that it’s back for us to fail,” Janek said. in West Hempstead where it “The bottom line is, we all StephaNie all started and I think it’s a need something like this. We bigger, better venue. I’m so CarliNo have a home now where we proud to have been a part of can have more regular meetL.I. Breakfast Club it since the beginning.” ings and we can continue our The club offers employmission.” ment and career counseling, workshops, The collaboration with G’s, Janek interviewing classes and referrals, among explained, came when she invited the other assistance, to help those seeking night club’s owner Gregg Cajuste, of West employment after losing jobs in middle Hempstead, on the Breakfast Club’s radio age. The club also hosts monthly meet- show last year. Cajuste was invited to ings, including sessions featuring motiva- return as a guest for several shows, and tional speeches and job interview discus- he now serves as a member of the club’s sions. Carlino said that when the group advisory board. had formed in 2006, their goal was to sup“I knew that the Breakfast Club didn’t port middle-aged residents who struggled have a home base,” Cajuste said, “so once

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — June 11, 2020

By Nakeem GraNt ngrant@liherald.com

e just want to be there to meet the needs of the community.

Courtesy Long Island Breakfast Club

loNG iSlaNd BreakfaSt Club members Gregg Cajuste and Valentina Janek met at the club’s new home, G’s Dance and Night Club, in West Hempstead, on June 4. we started talking about the idea of having the club here, she jumped on it. It’s amazing to be part of an organization that’s dedicated to helping others. Sometimes in life, people get lost and we’re helping people find their way.” Communicating with others in-person, Cajuste said, is what he looks forward to

the most once the group begins to hold their meetings. “You don’t realize what you miss until you don’t have it anymore,” he said, “and I think a lot people have come to that realization during this pandemic.” The Breakfast Club will hold their first meeting at G’s at a later date.

W. Hempstead’s Boy Scouts remain active The coronavirus pandemic has not stopped West Hempstead Boy Scout Troop 240 from participating in scouting activities, they have just moved into the virtual world. Prior to the pandemic, Troop 240 met weekly, held monthly camping trips, performed service projects and did other activities such as hiking and bird watching. Our troop is still staying active with meetings being held virtually through Zoom. Each online troop meeting has a different theme including trivia nights and skits performed by the Scouts. The online meetings have been a great way for the scouts to stay connected to the troop, see their fellow scouts, and they provide a way for troop leaders to check how the scouts are handling this stressful time. The troop leaders have been encouraging the scouts to continue performing Good Turns on their own while staying safe. From June 1 to June 10, the troop held a community food drive to support the food pantry at West Hempstead High School. The troop takes great pride in marching in the West Hempstead Memorial Day Parade, but like all of the other in-person events, the parade was cancelled this year. The troop did the next best thing by holding a virtual Memorial Day ceremony to honor the brave men and women that have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country. While home, the scouts have also been taking part in the online scouting activi-

Courtesy West Hempstead Boy Scout Troop 240

WeSt hempStead Boy Scout Troop 240 have remained active amid the coronavirus pandemic. ties offered by Boy Scouts of America Theodore Roosevelt Council. They have been completing requirements to advance in rank and have been taking virtual merit badge classes. The troop leaders have been actively supporting the scouts as they advance in rank by holding Scoutmaster Conferences and Boards of Review through Zoom. On June 8, the troop held its first virtual Court of Honor Ceremony. Many scouts earned merit badges and advanced in rank since our last in-person Court of Honor held in January. The scouts

received their merit badges, awards and ranks virtually this time and will receive the merit badges, awards and rank patches at a later date. These ceremonies are an important part of scouting because they recognize the hard work and dedication of the scouts and leaders and boost morale. The coronavirus pandemic has also caused Theodore Roosevelt Council to move its extremely popular Boy Scout summer camp from the idyllic confines of the Onteora Scout Reservation in Sullivan County to a virtual summer camp

through Zoom. Scouts will be able to take online merit badge classes during the day and take part in an evening program that includes virtual campfires, socials, and a movie night. The leaders and scouts of West Hempstead Boy Scout Troop 240 strive to keep scouting strong in our community even during this unprecedented time in Scouting history. Thomas O’Neill Committee chairman, Boy Scout Troop 240

June 11, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

Photos by Christina Daly/Herald

More than a thousand people gathered across from Hempstead Town Hall to protest the death of George Floyd and others who died at the hands of police. They came to show solidarity and protest in the hope that the laws will change and people of color will be treated equally. Many signs listed the names of those who have been victims of violence.

Protest held at Hempstead Town Hall By chriStina daly Dozens of protests have taken palce across Long Island since the death of George Floyd, 46, on May 25. Shawn Fullerton and his mother, Belinda Watkins, a member of the Hempstead Chamber Board, held a rally outside of Hempstead Town Hall last Friday in the hope of bringing everyone together and changing the laws. Belinda told the crowd, “I’m tired. I’m tired of telling my son it’s not safe to go outside. I’m tired of shedding tears. I’m tired.” More than a thousand people gathered across from Hempstead Town Hall to protest the death of Floyd and others who died at the hands of police. They gathered to show solidarity. Many signs listed the names of those who have been victims of violence. Other signs stated, “It’s freedom for everybody or freedom for nobody,” “No Justice, No Peace,” “Black Lives Matter,” “Silence=Violence,” “All lives can’t

matter until black lives matter,” “My skin color is not a crime,” “I can’t breathe,” “This is not a riot, this is a revolution” and “It’s not white vs black, it’s everyone vs racists.” Hempstead Deputy Mayor Charles Renfroe, the Rev. Sedgwick Easley of the Union Baptist Church and Barbara Powell of the NAACP Hempstead Branch attended the protest outside of town hall. As drivers went by, they honked and yelled in support, which was met with cheers by those gathered along the street. One of the few young protesters at the event, 8-year-old Maleah Malone, said, “I care about black people, and I’m marching for them. They shouldn’t be treated this way.” Her mother, Shaunte Malone, she said her children would be the ones living in the world protesters were working to create. Dorothy Goosby said it’s so important to get people involved. “I’ve been going through this, what they’re going through, my whole life,” she said.

Shawn Fullerton and his mother, Belinda Watkins, a member of the Hempstead Chamber Board, held the rally in the hope of bringing everyone together and changing the laws. “no juStice, no peace,” chanted Maleah Malone, 8, and her brother Kendrelle, 9, as they held their signs high. Their mother said they would be the ones to live in the world the protesters were fighting for.

During the rally outside of Hempstead Town Hall, Julia and Daniel Tellerman registered participants to vote.

ProteSter SteFanny cardona held her sign toward the police officers across the street who lined the sidewalks outside of Hempstead Town Hall.

What a little girl is teaching the word about racism sbrinton@liherald.com

Around 7:30 p.m. Thursday, I stood atop the Long Island Rail Road trestle in Merrick, looking out on the sea of people who filled Sunrise Highway as far as I could see, east and west. Officials later estimated the number of demonstrators who attended the Black Lives Matter protest at 3,000 to 4,000. The next morning, I tried to imagine Sunrise Highway with 20 million people. Would they even fit along its 120.6 miles? Twenty million was the number of Twitter users who had, as of Friday morning, watched a 15-second video I shot of 7-year-old Wynta-Amor Rogers, of Uniondale, marching beside her mother, Lakyia Jackson, at a different Black Lives Matter protest through Merrick and Bellmore, on Wednesday. (The views climbed to nearly 23 million by Monday.) In the video, taken around 6:30 p.m., Wynta-Amor chants with the protesters, “No justice, no peace!” Many among the thousands who commented on the post described WyntaAmor as “fierce.” Yes, she was. Her hands moved to the beat of the chant. Her fingers pointed furiously. At the end, she raised her fist, seemingly in anger. Her fiery spirit was evident in her eyes. Wynta-Amor, it appeared, had fully inter nalized the emotion of the moment. She was breathing it in, living it. I was live-tweeting the protest to chronicle it for the Heralds. When I posted the video, I never imagined it would go viral. By the time the protest ended two hours later, 25,000 people had viewed it. By midnight, a million had. Thirty-six hours later, 20.2 million, and counting. People from all parts of the globe viewed it. In effect, this little girl broadcast a central message of Black Lives Matter for all in the Twittersphere to see: We must have justice to find the lasting peace our society seeks. Later on Wednesday, Wynta-Amor’s mom tweeted to thank me for the support that day. “We have to show our kids the right way,” Jackson said. “Yes, Wynta-Amor,” she added, “mommy will help make your future better and all the rest of the kids in the world.” Thursday morning, my wife said she went to bed the night before with Wynta-Amor’s words ringing in her ears. She couldn’t escape them. There was a certain melody to them, a righteous power. Wynta-Amor wasn’t the only one whose passion you could feel that afternoon. There were also 21-year-old Adriana Brutus, of Elmont, and her 24-yearold brother, Matt, who are black. They gave impassioned speeches at the Merrick Long Island Rail Road station, about a half-hour before I took the video of Wynta-Amor. “I’m scared every time I come outside,” Adriana said through tears. Her words left me thunderstruck.

Photos by Scott Brinton/Herald

AdriAnA BrutuS, 21, of Elmont, a nursing student at NYU, said through tears that she does not feel safe leaving her own home.

ProteSterS At the June 3 demonstration marching on Sunrise Highway toward Babylon Turnpike.

As it happened, I later learned, Adriana had been communicating via Instagram with my own 20-year-old daughter, Alexandra. They’re both NYU students. Adriana is studying nursing, and Alexandra, business and technology management. Why must Adriana be afraid all the time? I thought. What sort of society do we live in that she must worry for her life because of her color? My daughter has never felt that level of fear, nor has my 17-year-old son, Andrew. As black people, Matt Brutus said, “We can’t buy property. They redline us. They say you have to go to school here.” BLM protesters aren’t saying they want to take anything from white people. They’re just saying they want an equal shot at life, liberty and the pursuit

of happiness — but that’s hard, if not impossible, for them when racism seems woven into the institutional fabric of our nation. A number of Merrick and Bellmore residents stood on their stoops and on street corners applauding the protesters on Wednesday and Thursday. They cheered and banged on pots. Now and again, though, someone called out, “All lives matter!” Sometimes the protesters ignored those shouts. Sometimes they chanted, “Black lives matter! Black lives matter!” louder and louder. The all-lives-matter folks just don’t get it. The BLM protesters aren’t saying black people’s lives matter more than anyone else’s. What they’re saying is, in

the eyes of a society with a centuriesold history of systemic racism, black lives have never mattered as much as white lives — but they should. They must, if we are to live in harmony with one another. To chant “Black lives matter!” is to affirm that the lives of black people do, in fact, matter. White people don’t have to proclaim their lives matter because they already do, according to society. In the past, a black man could die by noose because he looked the wrong way at a white woman. The George Floyd case, a number of pundits have said, is a modern-day lynching, captured for all to witness on cellphone video. The question is, what will each of us do about it?

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — June 11, 2020

WyntA-Amor rogerS, 7, marching during the Black Lives Matter protest in Merrick on Wednesday. The Herald’s video of her chanting, “No justice, no peace!” had more than 20 million views on Twitter as of Friday.

By Scott Brinton

Nominate a senior for a Herald superlative Opportunity to be recognized as “Nassau’s best” and to win $500 Richner Communications, publishers of Herald Community Newspapers, is now accepting nominations for the Herald 2020 Senior Superlatives. Nominations are currently open through Instagram (see @ longislandherald for instructions) and online at www.liherald.com/seniorsuperlatives until June 15. Winners will be published in the Herald’s commemorative Graduation 2020 section, presented by Molloy College, on June 25. Parents, family, classmates and friends are encouraged to nominate graduating high school seniors for the chance to be crowned Nassau County’s Most Likely to Succeed, Most Likely To Cure Cancer, Best Artist, Best Athlete, and more. Students can even nominate themselves. Additionally, each Herald 2020 Senior Superlative winner will be entered into a drawing for a $500 VISA gift card, presented by Herald Community Newspapers. Adina Stein, a senior at George W. Hewlett High School, said, “This is a great way to be honored this year. Finding out that my senior year would be cut short was very upsetting to me. I realized I wouldn’t be able to have my last school spirit week, prom, a traditional graduation, and other fun events we have spent many years looking forward to. After realizing that I can use this time to work on my productivity and look forward to my college freshman year, I decided to try

How to enter Nominate your favorite graduating high school senior today at www. liherald.com/seniorsuperlatives or on Instagram (see @longislandherald for instructions). The categories, among others, include: ■ Most likely to be at the beach ■ Most likely to become a billionaire ■ Most likely to change the world

painting again, which was an activity that I enjoyed in my childhood. Not only does this give me an opportunity to express myself in a new way, it also allows me to prepare artwork for my future college dorm. I will look at these paintings on my wall with pride, knowing I turned an upsetting situation into a positive one. And to be recognized as a Senior Superlative means a lot.” Her father, Michael Stein, said “Adina has loved to paint and draw from an early age and has shown improvement the past few years. She has spent her free time during the quarantine period painting various art projects on canvas with plans to decorate her college dorm in the fall. Her cre-

ativity and artistic skills will complement her academic endeavors in the future.” “We thought this was a fun way to honor these high school students who are graduating in extremely atypical times,” said Stuart Richner, president of Richner Communications and publisher of Herald Community Newspapers. “We would also like to thank the many businesses and organizations from the community that stepped up to sponsor the Herald 2020 Senior Superlatives to allow these graduating students to be recognized.” Sponsors to date include Sacred Heart Academy, Oceanside Family Dental, Ritz Jewelry and Tim White Home Improvement.

■ Most likely to find a cure for cancer ■ Most likely to invent the next iPhone ■ Most likely to be an Instagram star ■ Most likely to be a future firefighter ■ Most likely to raise a family on Long Island ■ Most likely to become a movie star ■ Most likely to win a Nobel Peace Prize

HERALD

We want to honor your grad! BECAUSE THIS YEAR IS DIFFERENT Post a FREE photo and listing of your grad’s sports, honors and activities — or make a splash with family photos, highlights and more! Opportunity to publish in June 25 HERALD Class of 2020 Issue.

Visit https://liherald.honormygrad.com to post and for more information

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June 11, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

Business owners ready for Phase Two

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — June 11, 2020

taurants reopen for dining? Currently, By Deirdre, in Malverne, said she and only takeout and curbside pickup are her coworkers started preparing things allowed. In-person dining will resume at the salon last Friday. “We’ve had cus- with the Phase Three reopening, which tomers who have been with us for is scheduled to begin in Nassau on June 24, if the number of hospitalizations 30-some-odd years,” Bell and deaths in the county said. “I just miss seeing my remain steady or continue to customers, so we can’t wait drop. to see them again.” Curran said she was planShe added that she had ning for restaurants’ reopenbeen calling her clients perii n g . O n F r i d a y, s h e odically to maintain relaannounced a plan to allow tionships during the lockvillages, towns and cities to down. shut down certain streets to M a r ya n n G o d b e r s o n , facilitate al fresco dining owner of Marcucc for Hair, while reducing the need for in Malverne, also said she tables inside eateries, looked forward to seeing her enabling them to maintain clients again. While everysocial distancing. She called one would be wearing masks the initiative “Open and giving one another air Streets.” hugs, she said, being in their “Continuing the county’s company would matter the efforts to support the revival most. of our downtowns and busi“We want to make people ness districts,” the county feel good again,” Godberson website reads, “the county said. “Malverne is such an maRyann will be fast-tracking permitawesome town and the peoting approvals for tempople are so supportive. I’m so godBeRson rary road closures, with a grateful for our community Owner, decision within a week of and our clients, because Marcucc for Hair receiving an application.” they’re the reason we can To apply, visit www.nasreopen.” Nassau County Executive Laura Cur- sacountyny.gov/OpenStreets. The Nassau County Industrial Develran called the planned opening of barbershops and hair salons “great news,” opment Agency is spending roughly and said that Cuomo’s order allowing it $500,000 to provide 1,000 small businessgives “our business owners the certain- es and nonprofits with personal protecty they need to reopen safely.” tive equipment. Businesses with fewer A big question on many county resi- than 20 employees, minority- and womdents’ minds has been, when will res- en-owned businesses and those in eco-

continued from front page

e want to make people feel good again. Malverne is such an awesome town and the people are so supportive.

Courtesy Google Map

deiRdRe Bell, owneR of Hair By Deirdre, in Malverne, said she looked forward to seeing her clients again. nomically distressed communities are eligible for the program. Businesses can apply at www.nassauboost.net. All Nassau County businesses must, by state mandate, prepare reopening plans, detailing how they intend to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 virus and ensure the safety of workers and

customers. The plans must include wellness checks for employees and customers; disinfection and cleaning routines; social distancing protocols; and PPE supplies for employees and customers. Businesses must also affirm to the state that they agree to operate according to state safety mandates.

District officials investigate ‘distressing’ post continued from front page trict does not stand for or condone any verbal or physical act/threat or social media post that exhibits or promotes violence, intolerance or hate of any kind. Any student or staff member who violates our usual guidelines as noted in the district’s Code of Conduct will face disciplinary and/ or legal action, as appropriate.” In a comment on the Herald’s Facebook page, district resident Evelyn Chassagne said that Piacente-Aguilar should be fired, and that the district could make an example out of her by doing dR. James so. “People of all color, HundeRfund shades and races are proSuperintendent, testing peacefully and exercising their constitutional Malverne School rights,” Chassagne said in District her post. “To [see] this type of hatred by an educator is careless, misguided, disgusting and inhumane.” In response to Floyd’s death, district officials

he Board of Education and administration take this matter very seriously and it is under investigation.

Courtesy Facebook

Residents called foR Malverne teaching assistant Louise Piacente-Aguilar’s resignation over this Facebook post. shared a statement on the schools’ website that reads, “This district embraces our pride in our diversity, and our success has always stemmed from our unity in creating an environment for all students to succeed. Let’s continue to be a beacon of light for each other during this time.” In an effort to support the social and emotional needs of the school community, district officials also

announced that they are working to form a committee to help students. The committee, which will include community leaders, aims to help students navigate the challenges of race relations. A formal statement explaining the purpose, goals and how to participate will be shared with district residents at a later date.

June 11, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

OBITUARY

Sylvia Brocker succumbs to Covid-19 at 96 By Melissa Koenig mkoenig@liherald.com

A rose gold casket sat inside a vacant funeral home at the end of April, a colorful reminder of a woman who lived a colorful life. Sylvia Laine was born on April 7, 1924 in Corona, Queens, to Finnish immigrant parents. She had five sisters and two brothers, one of whom died when she was very young. She married Warren Brocker in 1943, and they moved to Franklin Square a few years later, where they raised their four children. There, Sylvia became involved at the St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church in West Hempstead, and served as its secretary and on its council. Then, when she got older, she led the singing group at the Catholic Charities Senior Center at Wesley United Methodist Church. She died from the coronavirus on April 14, one week after her 96th birthday. She had been in the hospital for almost three weeks, some days of which she would say she felt “OK,” but others she would have to rely on a ventilator for oxygen. Her son, Andrew, stayed by her side during her final moments, and called his relatives so they could tell Sylvia what she meant to the family. Her children described her as one-of-a-kind. She was very outgoing, and liked to make cream puffs, macaroni and cheese and lasagna, her daughter, Melanie Osse said, noting that the lasagna was her favorite. As a family, she said, they took frequent trips to Zachs Bay and Heckscher State Park, and would visit friends in Northport over the summer. They lived in a small house, Brocker Osse said, and five people had to share one bathroom. But, she said, “We made do with what we had.”

Courtesy Andrew Brocker

sylvia BrocKer died from the coronavirus on April 14, one week after her 96th birthday. Sylvia had a sense of ‘sisu’ — a Finnish term meaning determination, perseverance and a power of will — her family explained, which helped her through the loss of her husband in 2000 and the loss of her eldest son, Warren Jr., in 2003 at the age of 55. She also lived her life to its fullest, Andrew said, and made her presence known wherever she went. Every day, she would wear a different shade of lipstick, even if she did not have any plans, and loved to be fancy. She never passed up delicious food, sometimes eating cake for

breakfast, and would sing questions. “We’d be like, ‘Mom, you’re living in a musical,’” Andrew recounted. She used that talent to put on plays for residents in local nursing homes, where she volunteered. One day, she told her son, Russell, about her work, and noted “a little old man in the front row,” which Russell thought was ironic. “My mom never acknowledged her age,” Russell explained. “She never looked her age, she never acted her age.” Sylvia was active on Facebook, Andrew noted, and would often comment on her relative’s posts with pictures and hearts. And after her husband retired with a Civil Service Pension in 1977, the couple traveled to Tanzania for three months, where Warren helped build a bus garage and Sylvia taught at a local school. She remained “sharp as a tack” even as she got older, according to Andrew. Once, after undergoing surgery, a social worker asked him about her health, to which Sylvia asked the social worker if she “‘could talk to me, please?” “The woman jumped,” Russell recalled. He said he is happy that he has had his mother in his life for 68 years, noting “most people don’t get that.” Sylvia was laid to rest on April 24, wearing a designer pink suit, with her Chanel lipstick, a purse and her nailpolish. The family is also planning to hold a colorful celebration of her life, complete with a church service and a cocktail party, next year. She is survived by her children; Melanie Brocker Osse, Russell Brocker and Andrew Brocker; here nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. She was pre-deceased by her husband Warren, and her eldest son, Warren Jr.

Marketing grants under proposed legislation By Melissa Koenig mkoenig@liherald.com

A bill in the New York State Legislature would help small business owners better market themselves and promote their businesses, as Long Island’s economy begins to reopen. Under the “New York First” bill, A10473, money from the State Department of Economic Development and the New York State Urban Development Corporation would be used to provide small business owners grants of up to $10,000 for marketing campaigns, consultation services and search engine optimization lessons. The business owners would have to apply for the funds, detailing how they would use the money and listing any additional business assistance services they receive. They would also have to identify the specific target audiences they are trying to reach, and explain how they would measure their success. Additionally, local Chambers of Commerce, business improvement districts and other nonprofits that support local businesses could apply for the funding to create cost-effective ways to encourage New Yorkers to shop local. “We need to do everything we can to promote small businesses,” Assemblyman Ed Ra, a Republican from Franklin Square who introduced the bill in the State Legislature on May 22, said at a news conference last Wednesday, adding that the state already has the money set aside for economic development. That money could instead be used to promote the state’s “mom and pop” shops, he said, rather than the large online retailers that New Yorkers have been buying

Melissa Koenig/Herald

asseMBlyMan ed ra, at the lectern, proposed legislation allowing business owners to get marketing grants from the state. He spoke about it at a news conference on June 3. from, since Gov. Andrew Cuomo issued the New York on Pause order in March. The order declared that all non-essential businesses would be closed statewide to curb the spread of the coronavirus. Only “essential” personnel, including health care workers, grocery store employees and pharmacists, were allowed to continue working. But Kevin Hyms, president of the Ronkonkoma Chamber of Commerce who expressed his support for the legislation at the news conference, said, “All businesses are essential,” and Assemblyman Doug Smith, a Republican from Holbrook, noted that 95 percent of the

businesses in New York are small businesses. “Our communities are built on small business,” said Eric Alexander, of the Long Island Main Street Alliance. “Now is really the time to let the communities know it’s time to reopen.” Long Island began to “un-pause” and reopen its economy on May 27, when construction, wholesale trade and retailers were allowed to restart operations for curbside pickup. If the number of deaths, hospitalizations and new Covid-19 cases remain stable or decline, professional services, finance and insurance, real estate and leasing companies could begin to reopen this week.

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — June 11, 2020

GETTING BACK TO OUR LIVES BEGINS WITH OUR HEALTH. To our fellow Long Islanders: For months, we’ve all endured a crisis that has reshaped our world. And, although our daily lives will be affected for some time to come, we’re beginning to move towards some sense of normalcy and optimism. Along with the desire to protect lives, we all want to get back to living. And living well starts with your health. Your total health. That’s why we’ve instituted extensive safety measures throughout our hospitals and physician ofﬁces. There’s no need to ignore health issues or postpone procedures, because we’ve made it safe to get the care you need. The new summer is here. Now is the right time to refocus on your greatest asset of all—your health. Just know that, at Catholic Health Services, we’re here for Long Island and, most of all, we’re here for you. Sincerely, The Catholic Health Services Medical Staff

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t the beginning of this pandemic in March, a friend of mine messaged me saying that he knows the head of a Covid emergency department unit at [Mount Sinai] South Nassau [hospital] who told him about how hard the staff had been working. After reading that message, I immediately ran to the store to buy food and drove it over to Mount Sinai South Nassau. This led to the creation of the Kosher Response Project, an effort in which our goal was to feed as many first-responders as we can in the tri-state area. Since then we have come up with a couple more initiatives to help those in need; this includes the “Feed A Family Fuel A Restaurant” program that we started with Community Chest South Shore. The goal is to help feed families in need of food while also supporting local restaurants. We truly thank Community Chest South Shore for helping make this possible. Most recently with the help of World of Giving organization, we were able to arrange for an entire tractor-trailer load of freshly harvested tomatoes to be dropped off in our community. We were able to distribute thousands of cases of tomatoes to community members. I would like to thank the entire team and family of the Marion and Aaron Gural JCC who opened their home to us and teamed up with us to help distribute this farm fresh produce to our community.

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he idea behind the food bank at Our Lady of Lourdes Church is to have a store of food available in the event that this Covid-19 virus hits the community hard, and people aren’t able to get out from their homes due to sickness. It’s also for those who can’t afford food to due to the fact that they’ve been laid off. I had talked about this idea with Father Michael Duffy, and we pitched it to Mayor Keith Corbett. Once he spoke with the other church leaders in the community, they were all in agreement to run the food drive through our parish. The support we’ve gotten has been overwhelming. The reason we did the collection is because we anticipated that there would be severe restrictions placed on everybody. We also put together a community outreach for senior citizens in the community. We assigned 25 of our volunteers with call lists of local seniors, and we’ve been calling them about every other day to see if they have any needs. It works out better for the community this way. The idea is, as a community, we can act much faster than the government, and we can assess people’s needs on an immediate basis rather than having to go through the bureaucracy of government.

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HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — June 11, 2020

their Front-Line stories as toLd to our reporters Michaelle Solage SolageS gertrude nation elMont Valley StreaM PaStor, grace united MethodiSt church Valley StreaM

aSSeMblywoMan, new york State 22nd diStrict

s a lifelong resident of Elmont, it has been my honor to be able to give back to the community that has embraced my family and heritage. The Covid-19 pandemic has deeply impacted every aspect of our lives. I have seen and felt the struggles of our communities, as they lost all sense of normalcy. The fear and anger felt when everything they have worked hard to achieve just vanishes. It is extremely difficult and completely frightening. Yet, even during these unprecedented times, we have shown that we are more than capable of uplifting one another. My staff and I have worked to coordinate resources to ensure that services are being provided to all constituents in our district. It was humbling to work with members of the community, faith leaders and local organizations to help empower our vulnerable neighbors in their time of need. Although we have seen the exhaustion of front-line workers, tackled food insecurity in our community and felt the pain of loss, we have also seen the generosity, compassion and humanity of our communities. That spirit of resiliency will live within me. This type of unity is key to the path forward through the end of the Covid-19 pandemic.

ertrude Nation started working as a pastor in 2008 and began as the pastor of Grace United Methodist Church in Valley Stream in 2015. “The pandemic has really affected me in ways I haven’t imagined,” Nation said. “There is a lot of sickness, fear and stress that I hear from church members, family, friends and colleagues.” For Nation, she said that exercising faith in God during this time has helped her to do her job. Even though most of her pastoral work has been done from home during the pandemic, she said that she finds that she is handling more telephone calls, emails, WhatsApp communication and Zoom meetings than ever before. She also said that she finds herself relying on other church members to help facilitate the needs of the church during the pandemic. “I ask congregants to reach out to other members, especially the elderly, who might need someone to get them food from the store or they might need a call if they are alone,” she said. “During this pandemic, I am growing and focusing on my congregation, my ministry and on keeping people connected because that is important.” Despite the ability to interact virtually, Nation said she still misses her job before the pandemic. “I miss seeing the people and talking to them in person,” she said. “I miss greeting my church on Sunday services and fellowship time after church.”

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June 11, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

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2020 OF

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PUBLICATION DATE: JUNE 25 • SPACE & COPY DEADLINE: JUNE 11

SAY CONGRATS TO OUR GRADS: While 2020 grads can’t walk across the stage in cap and gown to receive their diploma — and they may not be able to celebrate their achievements with family and friends gathering from near and far —graduation remains a special time worthy of recognition. FAMILY & FRIENDS CONGRATS ADS:

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NCC pulls programs for students with autism By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com

Nassau Community College’s decision to remove a pair of popular programs designed to help students with autism spectrum disorder in and out of the classroom has parents and educators concerned. They want the programs restored. Citing finances as the main reason, NCC interim Vice President Valerie Collins sent a letter to the coordinators of both programs, known as ASPIRES and Achilles, to inform them that the programs would not be offered in the 2020-21 academic year. “Please do not make or continue to make any plans to recruit new students going forward,” read the letter from Collins, dated April 20. “The Achilles and Aspires programs will continue through the conclusion of this semester,” it continued. “The decision to end the programs this semester was, of course, influenced by financial concerns.” Roughly 35 students took part in the programs in the 2019-20 academic year. Multiple calls and emails to NCC requesting the amount of savings the cost-cutting move would bring for 2020-21 were not returned. Frances Viscovich, an NCC environmental science professor who coordinates the ASPIRES program, offered to volunteer her time and identified other individuals at the school who could assist at no cost. However, according to a statement released by NCC, volunteer hours could not be accepted. “I thought this would be my chance to give back to the community under Covid-19,” Viscovich said. “I felt like this would be my frontline volunteer work. These are such important programs. These students get essential individual and group counseling.” The ASPIRES program provides comprehensive support to students with ASD in weekly counseling sessions as well as programming designed to address executive functioning and social skill deficits. “The program started with one student six years ago,” Viscovich noted. “Now we have a waiting list. We should be promoting it, not ending it.” Wantagh resident Vanessa Kelly said her son Jimmy, a 2018 graduate of MacArthur High School, has seen con-

Christina Daly/Herald

The removal of two vital programs for students with autism has brought Nassau Community College’s decision into question. siderable improvement both academically and socially as a result of the ASPIRES program. His grade average has jumped from a B-minus in high school to an A-minus at NCC. “It’s a crucial program, and the social support has given Jimmy so much confidence,” she said. “He’s more independent as a student and a person.” The Achilles program has been around for nearly two decades and is for twice exceptional students — those who are gifted but learning challenged. Valerie Lagakis, an English and reading professor at NCC, has overseen the program since 2010.

“Students are specifically attending our school because of the Achilles program,” Lagakis said. “I’m upset for the new students who won’t be able to get into the program.” Baldwin resident Denise Baird is concerned her daughter Rebecca, a 2017 Oceanside High School graduate who just completed her first year at NCC, will not continue to excel at her current pace without ASPIRES. “The program is a Godsend,” Baird said. “Rebecca has benefitted a great deal.” State Sen. Todd Kaminsky, a Democrat from Long Beach, is encouraging the college to reconsider its decision. “The ASPIRES and Achilles programs at NCC support our county’s differently abled students who have just as much desire to succeed as all other young people,” Kaminsky said. “The programs help them develop the tools necessary to thrive at the next level, and there is simply no substitute for what they provide.” On May 27, the Nassau County Legislature, which votes to approve NCC’s yearly budget, sent a letter to college President Jermaine Williams to inform him it would not approve the 2020-2021 as it stands. Presiding Officer for the County Legislature, Richard J. Nicolello, wrote to Williams: “I urge you to restore the funding to these programs for the upcoming academic school year and beyond. Without such action, I do not see a path forward for the approval of the proposed Nassau Community College budget for this year.” The college released a statement. “Nassau Community College is focused on providing all of our students with the support they need to complete their academics at the college,” Lindsey Angioletti, the director of marketing and communications, wrote. “After careful consideration, students in the ASPIRES and Achilles program have been transitioned from the formal program to now receive individual campus services in our Student Personnel Services area and our Center for Students with Disabilities. “While we appreciate the offer of a member of our staff to voluntarily run the program, contractually we were not permitted to do so,” the statement continued. “It is of the utmost importance to the college that the students in the former ASPIRES and Achilles program have access to the tools they need to succeed in their academic journey.”

LICC tackles pandemic’s mental health impact By BRIAN STIEGLITZ bstieglitz@liherald.com

As the coronavirus pandemic continues into the summer, so does the mental health crisis that comes from both the trauma of those directly affected by Covid-19 and the fear and isolation of those under lockdown. The motto of the Long Island Crisis Center is “any problem, any time, any one” and the agency has adhered to it by continuing to provide all of its suicide prevention and crisis intervention services. According to Executive Director Theresa Buhse, the agency closed its Bellmore office on March 14. Roughly seven counselors have continued answering calls from their homes and about four counselors are on the overnight shift. Last week, they began polling their 70 volunteers to enlist more counselors to work from home answering calls. They also began re-trainings and briefings on Zoom to bring the volunteers back to speed on the coronavirus and the resources the LICC has to deal with it. The agency hopes to bring in new counselors for virtual training in July or August. And in September, they hope to be back on their office with additional health

and safety measures. “We have several different hotlines and have been answering them around the clock,” Buhse said. “We haven’t missed a beat when it comes to answering the calls.” According to Buhse, roughly 80 percent of the center’s calls specifically mention Covid-19 and even those that don’t involve callers who have lost their traditional coping mechanisms because of the lockdown. Some callers are sequestered with their families and can’t escape, others are triggered by wearing a mask and others are unable to attend the support groups that have been a lifeline for their recovery. “Although it feels like this has been going on forever, it hasn’t,” Buhse said. “There’s progress being made every day. Things are opening up and the basics are available. It’s not easy, but we try to help them see what they could do and what they do have.” About 30 percent of the center’s calls deal with substance use. An unprecedented change caused by the pandemic is that a lot of people with substance abuse issues rely on AA meetings and can no longer attend them. “For some people, that’s their biggest coping method of all and to have that taken away is devastating,” she

said, adding that some have turned back to substance use to cope and because of an increase in free time. But, she said, support groups are still available virtually and there are still ways for people to recover from home. “Just connecting with another human is helpful, especially for people who live on there own,” she said. “And if someone does need therapy or medication, there are places that are open.” The LICC also operates Pride for Youth, a support and advocacy group that provides health services to young members of the LGBTQ+ community. Pride for Youth has been running all of its usual meetings on Zoom and have been sending food and in-home HIV tests to clients who need them. The LICC also runs a community education program called Building Healthy Lives through Education and has been continuing to offer workshops over Zoom to reach students and parents while schools are closed. Laura Campbell runs the group, which holds workshops on cyber bullying, suicide prevention, self-injury and one called “Let’s Talk Mental Health.” “Help is out there,” Buhse said. “It may look different then it did and in a different form, but it certainly still exists.”

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — June 11, 2020

County Legislature won’t approve college’s 2020-2021 budget

June 11, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

Molloy bids farewell to Drew Bogner By Briana Bonfiglio bbonfiglio@liherald.com

Dr. Drew Bogner, the outgoing president of Molloy College in Rockville Centre, stood outside Kellenberg Hall decked out in a green suit coat and top hat on May 29. He wore this, he said, in reference to the wizard in the film “The Wizard of Oz.” When Bogner became president 20 years ago, he moved from Kansas to Rockville Centre, and people always made the “Wizard of Oz” jokes. “When you’re from Kanssa, it’s the one cultural reference people know,” he said. May 29 would have been the college’s end-of-year barbecue, which always has a theme. In past years, Bogner said, he always refused a “Wizard of Oz” theme, but acquiesced for his final year. Although there was no barbecue this year due to Covid-19, he dressed up as the wizard and staff members created a hot air balloon decoration for the balcony window — all for a drive-by parade for the 20-year president. Bogner and his wife, Karen, went into the building and stood on the balcony to wave down to colleagues and students wishing him farewell. Some were dressed as scarecrows, or Dorothy. Others held signs reading “Thank you Drew and Karen.” “It was a really nice surprise to be able to see people’s faces in person, so it was really very special for that reason,” Bogner said. “I felt bad that we haven’t been able to do that.” During Bogner’s time at Molloy, the college has grown from a predominantly undergraduate institution into a graduate-degree-granting school, increasing the number of academic programs from 62 to 150, including an additional 37 graduate programs and three doctoral programs. In that span, its enrollment has grown from 2,200 to about 4,900 students. In fall of 2019, the college dedicated its third residence hall to Bogner and his wife, naming it the Drew and Karen Bogner Hall. Before Bogner’s presidency, Molloy was a commuter-only college. Part of Bogner’s vision for the school was to introduce dorms to campus. After years of planning, the idea came to fruition in 2011, when Fitzgerald Hall opened to 109 residents, and again in 2014, when Maria

Photos by Briana Bonfiglio/Herald

Molloy faculty organized the drive-by parade outside Kellenberg Hall. Karen and Drew Bogner watched from the window. Regina Hall debuted, raising the student resident population to more than 200. Bogner also celebrated his last commencement ceremony virtually on May 18. His address to graduating undergraduate and graduate students was pre-recorded and live-streamed. “I’m going to miss the people,” Bogner told the Herald. “We have a lot of good friends at the college and in Rockville Centre, and I’ll miss the sense of community.” The college has chosen Dr. James Lentini, provost of Oakland College in Rochester, M.I., to serve as the seventh president of Molloy College. His term was to begin in July, but stepped into the role earlier to assist with pandemic response and provide a seamless transition. “I’ve had a chance to work with him,” Bogner said. “He’s very talented, experienced and fits Molloy. He’s a people person, cares about students and will be a wonderful addition to Rockville Centre community.”

drew and Karen Bogner waved from Kellenberg Hall, above. dr. drew Bogner enjoyed some time with Molloy College’s mascot, near left. a car drove by with a sign that read “Thank you, Drew and Karen.”

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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HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS â€” June 11, 2020

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Installing a bidet: no simple project Q. Because of this crazy time, we couldn’t get toi-

let paper, so I saw an advertisement for a bidet that attaches to the bottom of the toilet seat and ordered one. After weeks of waiting, there seemed like toilet paper was back in the stores, but then the bidet arrived. With no job to run off to, I decided to put the bidet on, and the instructions looked simple enough. That’s when I discovered that, like you often say, nothing is simple, and you’re right. My toilet is the kind that is sleek and modern, called “low profile.” Since we have never replaced the toilet seat, I didn’t know that the seat was Ask The attached with hidden bolts Architect that can’t be loosened or taken off. After going on YouTube, I saw in an instructional video by Kohler, the maker, that with a special-order kit that includes a flat tool, new bolts and special expanding sleeves, which I would need to use with a bunch of drill bits, a screwonte eeper driver and a mallet, I could do this “simple” job. I called a plumber, who looked at it and made one of those sounds like air rushing out of a balloon, and he said, after he couldn’t get the screw to loosen, either, that the toilet might get damaged if they drilled it out but they could try. If it got damaged, he said, as a backup, be prepared to replace the toilet and select what you would want to replace it. Even though I’m now searching for a new model toilet, I thought other readers would want to know about this problem before they go through this, as well. It all started with a simple roll of toilet paper that could have been available if people hadn’t swept them off the shelves in a panic. What would you do in this case?

A. I not only got calls from people I knew that they ordered the bidet attachment around early April, but I ordered one myself, and learned from your question that there were many who are experiencing the same issues. I’m often told by prospective clients that they want a simpler look, something more modern and “updated.” People seldom want to hear the truth when they have an idea about how to make things simpler, and I didn’t imagine that the engineers of that type of sleeklooking low toilet, with no indents or hidden places to clean, would actually be more complicated to work with. Who would have imagined that changing a toilet seat would mean changing a toilet? When people see something in a magazine, like an incredible staircase with no walls underneath or a fancy sports car, I wonder if they really understand the amount of complicated engineering that goes into the “simple” design. I would drill out the bolts with the kit standing by from the manufacturer and have the toilet selected, readily available to purchase for installation. Good luck!

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table neighborhoods are the backbone of every community. But in places like New York state, where housing costs continue to rise dramatically, housing stability is threatened for far too many, particularly families and individuals who rely on public assistance. On any given day, more than 92,000 New Yorkers are homeless. The gross inadequacy of housing subsidies is a critical factor in the rise of homelessness and housing instability. Long don Island is home to FRiedMan about 1,800 homeless households staying in shelters, while another 3,200 or so families and individuals struggle to get by on public assistance allowances that cover only 40 percent to twothirds of their monthly rents. These households are on the brink of becoming homeless, and most will find themselves facing eviction, having to double up with family or friends, or living in shelters or places not fit for human habitation. This crisis is manifest throughout our

state, where, for example, more than 150,000 children experience homelessness over the course of the school year. Many of the more than 80,000 public-assistance households that struggle to pay their rents every month will constitute the next wave of families and individuals to lose their housing. These families will need to find shelters, hotels, tents, abandoned buildings, cars or sofas where they can spend a night, a week, a month, a lifetime after literally losing the roofs over their heads. We have learned a great deal about the impact of housing instability and homelessness on individuals and families. Children who experience the intense stress of these hardships don’t do as well in school, and are more likely to have behavioral issues; adults are less likely to secure jobs and keep them, and more prone to mental and physical health problems; and families are often less able to succeed as cohesive units. But it doesn’t need to be this way. There is a solution in the form of legislation that has been pending in Albany for the past few years called Home Stability Support. HSS is a common-sense remedy

to the homelessness crisis that is supported by 129 members of the State Assembly, 37 state senators, more than 100 faith leaders, including the New York State Council of Churches and the New York State Catholic Conference, as well as dozens of local officials and scores of human services agencies and other advocates. The design is simple: HSS would bridge the divide between public-assistance housing allowances and reasonable rents in order to enable homeless and at-risk New Yorkers to leave or avoid the impermanent shelter system and secure stable housing of their own. Critics of the bill point out that the state had no resources for a program like HSS even before the coronavirus pandemic. But with homelessness in the state at record levels, shelters are overcrowded, and it costs taxpayers billions of dollars each year to leave this problem unsolved. HSS would not only help our homeless neighbors and those at risk of becoming homeless to become stably housed, it would also contribute to neighborhood stability and benefit taxpayers by preventing evictions, helping those

ousing instability turns the lives of children and adults upside down.

fleeing unsafe homes and reducing the use of costly shelters. Moreover, the pandemic has exposed longstanding systemic inequities: wealthy families have been weathering the crisis away from dense metropolitan areas, while low-income workers have lost their livelihoods or continue to be exposed to the virus. While some have been able to work from home, others have neither a computer nor access to the internet. For the rich, the pandemic presents investment opportunities never seen before, but for the poor, it means the total depletion of their savings. Now that New York state is slowly coming back to life after the lockdown, it is critical that Gov. Andrew Cuomo and legislative leaders recognize the need to end the vicious cycle of homelessness for families. Almost everyone in the Legislature agrees that Home Stability Support would be the immediate solution to our statewide, cyclical homelessness crisis. Now it’s now time for Cuomo to ensure that the post-pandemic comeback isn’t built on the backs of low-income communities. Don Friedman is a former managing attorney of the Long Island office of the Empire Justice Center, a statewide legal services and advocacy organization for low-income New Yorkers.

My own silver lining is in the mirror

on’t go changing to try and please me . . . Don’t change the color of your hair.” —Billy Joel

Why would women stretch out on their backs with their hair floating behind them in vats of lye? Apparently, in the 1600s that was the price of beauty for fashionable women in Venice. It was what one did on the Rialto to bleach one’s hair into “golden” locks. I mention this because my husband and I recently had “the talk.” There are lots of pandemic-fueled talks going on now Randi in America, and while this one kReiSS started in a jokey kind of way, with a slow burn, it quickly ignited. The accelerant was oldschool ageism. I realized we were talking about identity. I asked him if he liked my hair, which has been growing in gray since I decided not to risk Covid-19 by going to a hair salon. (As businesses open, I realize this

is now my personal choice.) Yes, it is a loaded question from spouse A to spouse B. Of course, just by asking, I’m making his opinion of my appearance important. And it is. As an older, pretty traditional couple, that has been the way we roll. We tell each other if a sweater looks too worn or pants are too tight. We accept opinions on new shoes or eyeglasses. We have an actual agreement that we don’t say anything negative about each other’s appearance before we go out for the evening, but upon returning, we are allowed to say, “Burn that shirt.” When I asked about my going gray, he said, “I like your hair dark.” Well, I liked it better when my hair was dark, too, but it can’t get dark unless I go to a salon, or color it at home, which is a project I am not taking on. Besides, why should I? Why was I hitched to a wagon that dragged me to a salon every eight weeks for a “touch-up”? When I said I didn’t plan to change my hair, he said, “Well, OK, but I like it better the other way.” “Well, OK,” I said, “I liked it better when you had wavy black curls and rip-

pling muscles in your arms.” The double standard suddenly popped out in high relief. Why is it OK for him to have gray hair and not think that it diminishes him in any way, and I have to dye my hair in order to “improve” my appearance when I start to show signs of aging? If the pandemic had not struck, confining us to home base and prohibiting socializing, I probably would have continued to color my hair indefinitely. But now? I’m done. Every eight weeks I’ll go to the theater instead, for the same money, should the theaters ever open again. Meanwhile, stuck in the house, I’m getting comfortable with the me in me. I’ve outgrown that woman with highlighted hair and ritualized applications of makeup. While we’re at it, let’s burn the bra. I see my husband’s eyes scan my upper torso and I know what he’s thinking. I go for it: “I’ve decided not to wear a bra anymore.” “I noticed,” he says. “Don’t you think your clothes look better when you wear a bra?” “My clothes would look better on a mannequin with Barbie Doll measure-

probably would have continued to color my hair indefinitely. But now? I’m done.

ments,” I say, “but I am an imperfect human woman, and bras are uncomfortable, and I don’t want to be pinched and wired into place anymore.” I mean, why don’t fat guys wear Spanx? I know some men color their hair, but most don’t, whereas some 70 percent of American women color theirs. The selfimprovement industry comprising hair coloring, makeup and dieting has been largely aimed at women. We have been all too willing to believe that we aren’t thin enough or pretty enough or sexy enough in our own skins. Especially as we get older, it’s big business to convince women to cover the evidence of aging by dyeing hair, applying more makeup and submitting to surgeries. This is a very old story, but it has been made new again by the coronavirus, which reminds us what is important in our lives. In the age of masks, it is unmasking us. When your partner asks what you think of her going without makeup, a bra or hair color, or he asks if he can forgo the haircut, there are only eight acceptable words to utter: “I love you just the way you are.” Copyright 2020 Randi Kreiss. Randi can be reached at randik3@aol.com.

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — June 11, 2020

Include Home Stability Support in the recovery phase

Herald editorial

Malverne/West Hempstead

June 11, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

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Protests should lead to reforms in New York

assau County wound ing on the sidewalk. That led down a whirlwind police to escort the BLM proweek of Black Lives testers around the counterproMatter protests testers. through local neighborhoods The next day, roughly 2,000 last week that were, with one BLM protesters turned out in exception, peaceful and upliftMerrick and marched through ing. local streets, from Sunrise Tens of thousands marched, Highway to Merrick Road, on to from Valley Stream to Bellmore Bellmore and back to Merrick. and from Hempstead to Long They chanted and cheered, Beach. They came seeking jusrapped and sang. This time, tice for George Floyd, killed by many local residents came out a Minneapolis police officer to welcome them. who pressed his knee into The day after that, 4,000 proFloyd’s neck for 8 minutes, 46 testers turned out, and they seconds. kept coming every day through At the same time, the protestlast Sunday. Outstanding! ers said they wanted social jusOn Saturday, a group of tice for all people, regardless of about two dozen protesters skin color. rushed at Nassau County police It’s about time that protests officers while to protest on the of this magnitude happened Meadowbrook Parkway in Merhere in Nassau. Often in the rick in the rain, according to past, when protests of this kind authorities. One officer’s ankle took place in response to an was broken. Another suffered a injustice, they happened in big bruised nose and a scratched cities like New York, Washingcornea. ton and Los Angeles. That left This should never have hapGov. Andrew Nassau residents with the dispened. No one should have Cuomo tinct impression that the social attempted to protest on the injustices that black people parkway, particularly when it have faced were not their concern. This was wet and slick. As one Facebook user time, protesters brought the demonstracommented, to do so would have been a tions to our otherwise quiet suburban “death wish.” neighborhoods, making them impossible More important, police never should to ignore. have been injured. The NCPD did an excelBravo! lent job of maintaining the peace and And these protesters weren’t taking no keeping everyone safe throughout the for an answer. In Merrick, a group of week. They didn’t deserve this. about 30 people, a number of whom were There were only 11 arrests of protesters from local neighborhoods, tried to stop 150 last week, all in Merrick, and all were Black Lives Matter protesters from march- among those who tried to jump onto the

don’t understand how you can see that murder on videotape and not be outraged. I said from Day One, I share that outrage.

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letters D.A.: Reforms are greatly needed To the Editor: The horrific murder of George Floyd has moved millions of Americans to action, seeking to end systemic racism and mistreatment by law enforcement and a fairer criminal justice system. These issues are not new to our country, our community or to me as district attorney. We have seen large, peaceful protests across Nassau County that showcase the diversity of our communities dedicated to justice, alongside the professionalism of our law enforcement agencies, working under challenging circumstances. As the county’s chief law enforcement official, I believe this is an important moment to listen to those voices in our community calling for change, to reflect on how we can improve and to affirm our commitment to do better. I wanted to share with you what action we’re taking in my office, how we’re working with our law enforcement partners to better serve the public, to announce my sup-

Meadowbrook. We seem in this nation to be in a perpetual cycle of violence against people of color, followed by protests that at times turn violent, as they did in major cities around the country last week. It’s time that we end that cycle. Over the weekend, Gov. Andrew Cuomo renewed his call for enactment of the “Say Their Name” reform agenda, saying that police have to do their jobs, but do not have the right to abuse those they police, and that society will no longer tolerate delayed justice. The Say Their Name agenda would: ■ Make public prior disciplinary records of law enforcement officers by reforming Section 50-a of the state’s Civil Rights Law. ■ Ban chokeholds by law enforcement officers. ■ Prohibit false, race-based 911 reports and make them a crime. ■ Designate the attorney general as an independent prosecutor for matters relating to the deaths of unarmed civilians caused by law enforcement. We fully support passage of this legislation, and we call on the State Legislature to act on it immediately. “Police have to do their jobs, protect public safety,” Cuomo said. “There’s also police abuse. There’s abuse of power. Protesters — most of the protesters are peaceful — they are indignant. It is righteous indignation. I don’t see anybody who can see the Mr. Floyd video and not be indignant. I don’t understand how you can see that murder on videotape and not be outraged. I said from Day One, I share that outrage.”

opinions

he largest pandemic in 100 years gave us a crash course in public health. We quickly learned the epidemiological concepts of “flattening the curve, the risk of exposure, asymptomatic carriers, incubation periods, and why we must quarantine. Even though everyone may not have understood these concepts, we all learned what to do: isolate and minimize contact with others to stop the spread of the coronavirus. This was enforced here through Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s “New York State on Pause” — even marTine if you wanted to HackeTT go to school or a bar or a movie, you couldn’t because of the policies that closed them all for the sake of the public. Individuals had to sacrifice for the greater good. Eventually these policies, and changes in behavior, worked. On Long Island, the percentage of people testing positive for Covid-19 has dropped from 20 percent to 2 percent over the past six weeks. The number of daily deaths in New York City

dropped to zero last week for the first time since March. Nassau and Suffolk were among the hardest-hit counties in the United States, and we have been meeting the metrics of declining hospitalizations and deaths, and are moving toward reopening. We also learned that even though a virus cannot be seen by the naked eye, we can see its effects on the body. We understand that this invisible agent can be spread without the knowledge of those who have it, and that it can be deadly. The same is true for police brutality and its root cause, structural racism. Invisible to some and supported by many who are unaware of its impact, the overwhelming police presence in communities of color takes a continuing toll on people of color. Just as electron microscopes made it possible for viruses to be visible 90 years ago, police brutality is now visible is cellphone documentation that is viewed and shared on our myriad screens. The shocking and deeply disturbing video of George Floyd’s death as a direct result of a Minneapolis police officer’s knee on his neck made it painfully clear how racism

icroscopes have made viruses visible, and cellphones allow us to see brutality.

LeTTers port for pending legislation to promote trust and accountability, and to remind every Nassau resident that our doors and our hearts are open to all those we serve. Please continue to share your ideas with me. I am listening. ■ My office will partner with the Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University to analyze comprehensive charging and case disposition data to identify racial disparity and bias, and publicly report the findings of that review as well as any corrective action warranted. ■ We will also address the appearance of a conflict by seeking the appointment of a special prosecutor for all new cases in which police officers are credibly accused of criminal conduct in the course of their duties. ■ We will expand and enhance annual mandatory implicit bias training for all staff, and review our training curriculum to ensure that anti-bias education is an ongoing component. ■ We will continue our work to recruit and promote prosecutors, investigators and staff that reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. ■ We will expand our Community Councils, which already include our African American, Asian American, Hispanic American, South Asian American, Faith Leaders, Student and Community Partnership Program advisory councils to

and law enforcement violence intersect. The fact that Floyd’s autopsy revealed that he also had Covid-19 the month before he was murdered further connects the vulnerability of black people to public-health threats. The protests that followed across the United States and the world demanded an end to systemic racism. The American Public Health Association states that racism structures opportunity and assigns value based on how a person looks. The result is conditions that give an unfair advantage to some and unfairly disadvantage others. Racism hurts the health of our nation by denying some people the opportunity to attain their highest level of health. We know that in Nassau and Suffolk counties, Covid-19 deaths have disproportionately affected black residents. In 2018, the APHA also recognized that law enforcement violence was a publichealth issue. Racism and injustice have resulted in the deaths of more people than the 110,000 that Covid-19 has caused thus far in the U.S. We have seen that public-health solu-

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — June 11, 2020

A virus and police brutality: two public-health problems I

tions can work to reduce the virus’s toll. However, just talking about what to do — wearing masks, social distancing, disinfecting — does not work unless those recommendations are followed rigorously. tinue t Without conscious and vigilant action, ty is th Covid-19 would continue to spread and larly fa cause sickness and death. But as we wait on pub for a vaccine and the building of herd immunity, we may one day gain control of the virus, and live our lives without thinking too much about it. There is no similar one- or two-shot solution to an unjust societal system. Eliminating the public-health problems of police brutality and systemic racism will require public-health-sized solutions: consistent monitoring; education about how structural racism, especially on Long Island, came to be a force in our schools, communities and health care system; policy changes; and changes in citizens’ behavior and attitudes. Police brutality, and the underlying causes of systemic racism, require the 3,200 or same unprecedented level of action and gle to g ances t resources we used to address the pandemic. We are all connected, whether we thirds househ see it or not. homele Martine Hackett is an associate professor facing family of public health at Hofstra University. places Thi

Framework by Christina Daly

ensure broader geographic representation of Nassau’s communities. Many jurisdictions, including New York City, have established civilian oversight boards to provide independent review of complaints against police officers. These boards investigate and recommend discipline for officers accused of misconduct, refer potential criminal conduct for possible prosecution, and use tools like mediation to help improve relationships and trust between law enforcement and the public. To promote transparency and independence, we encourage Nassau County to establish a civilian police review agency. We encourage the Legislature to increase juror pay from the antiquated rate of $40 per day to $150 per day to promote more diverse and representative juries. For those who are self- employed, rely on tips or hold multiple part-time jobs, the cost to serve is simply too high. Legislation is pending to repeal Section 50-a of the New York State Civil Rights Law, which shields the personnel records of police from disclosure. Greater transparency regarding police misconduct and discipline is important to improve policies and oversight and promote public confidence. I support significant reform to Section 50-a. However, police officers do dangerous work. The overwhelming majority do their jobs with courage and integrity. And repeal that does not afford protection of officers’ personal information could endanger officers

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An installation in Pratt Park — Glen Cove

and their families. As we work to address police misconduct, it is important to be mindful of the essential role law enforcement plays in protecting our communities, and the difficult and often dangerous situations officers face. Post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, substance abuse and other conditions, exacerbated by work stresses, necessitate the ready availability of mental health services to ensure that officers can continue to safely perform their jobs. Officer suicides have occurred at an alarming rate in recent years, and wide-

spread protests and broad-based criticism will undoubtedly compromise morale. It is important that policymakers engage with law enforcement leaders and rank-and-file officers to ensure that as we move forward to address wrongdoing, we create an environment that sup-quickly ports the good work of the thousands of school police officers who serve the people of I rea Nassau County with professionalism andty. integrity every day. I ask has bee MADELINE SINGASnot to r Nassau County district attorneysalon. (

June 11, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

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