Issuu

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SPRING FORWARD at 2 a.m. on Sunday. Remember to change your smoke detector batteries.

HERALD Infections as of March 7

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Guilty plea in Grabelsky slaying

Chamber installs board members

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MARCH 11 - 17, 2021

Vol. 24 No. 11

Former MFD captain dies at age 78 Stress put on the jacket. “Bill was very detail-oriented, calm, and he tried to instill that The radio scanner that blared in you,” Stress said. “Working in from inside Kim Sheridan’s the community, you’re dealing childhood home in Merrick was with your own neighbors at so constant, she said, she times, and he always said to preassumed everyone else had one pare yourself . . . to handle emerin their house, too. It would alert gencies with real people . . . and her father, volunact as best as you teer firefighter can under the cirWilliam Babcock, cumstances.” when a call came Fo u r ye a r s in. after his stint as Sheridan said captain, Babcock that growing up became involved so close to Friendwith the Nassau ship Engine & County Fire SerHose Co. 2 headvice Academy in quarters, on May 1984. That Meadowbrook S e p t e m b e r, h e Road, gave way to earned a firematic a lifetime of memteaching degree ories that she and WIllIAM BABCoCk from the Universiher siblings ty of the State of shared with their New York Educafather, who died on Feb. 19 at age tion Department, and began 78. passing his knowledge on to genAlthough Babcock was born erations of firefighters. and raised in Brooklyn, he spent “He was a natural instructor the last 50 years of his life in and educator,” said Lee Babcock, Merrick with his wife, Jan. For Bill’s daughter. “He was first 47 of those years, he volunteered deputy chief of the academy by with the Merrick Fire Depart- the time he retired in 2013.” ment, climbing the ranks along “The academy takes in volunthe way. He joined Friendship on teers from 71 fire departments in July 2, 1974, and became captain in 1980, the same year that Kevin Continued on page 3

By AlyssA sEIDMAN aseidman@liherald.com

Andrew Garcia/Herald

ERIC sPINNER, FAR left, JWV Commander Gary Glick and former Commander David Zwerin hosted the post’s first Veterans Resource Fair early last year. This year, the post will mark the 125th anniversary of the organization.

Jewish War Veterans mark group’s 125th anniversary By ANDREW GARCIA agarcia@liherald.com

This year, Jewish War Veterans Post 652 of Merrick, which has members from across Nassau County, will celebrate the 125th anniversary of the JWV organization. What started in 1896 as a group of veterans who wanted to disprove falsehoods that Jewish men did not serve in the Civil War is now the longest-functioning national veterans service organization in

the country. Anti-Semitic remarks drove the JWV’s 63 fo u n d e r s t o fo r m wh at became a legacy — and those remarks, which are still prevalent today, are a large part of what drives Commander Gary Glick to lead Merrick’s post. “History repeats itself, and we’re afraid of that,” Glick said. “People really believed no Jews fought in the Civil War, when thousands upon thousands died.” “We’re trying to [commem-

orate] this, especially in light of continuing anti-Semitism,” JWV member Eric Spinner said. Glick recalled his own confrontations with prejudice: pervasive racism in the United States and abroad in other countries, such as Germany. “I thought the war was over, but it wasn’t,” he said. “That’s why I got wrapped up even more in the JWV — besides being the minority, we were always persecuted.” Continued on page 10

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Babcock had a ‘passion’ for the fire service Nassau County, so there’s a lot of people coming in and out of there,” Stress said. “To rise up in the ranks that high . . . goes to show you that he was very dedicated to this vocation.” Because of his long tenure at the academy — and his distinct head of white hair — Babcock often got noticed by fellow firefighters while running errands in town or during family outings to Cooperstown, Shea Stadium and Epcot Theme Park in Orlando, Fla. “Between his hair and his smile, he was easy to pick out in a crowd,” said Chris Babcock, Bill’s son. “He was a benefits manager by day, but the fire service was definitely his passion.” Over time, Stress and Babcock became closer friends, and often found themselves paired up for golf outings or sitting at the same table during installation dinners. The two served in Friendship together for 40 years. “As other guys get into their 50s, they slow down a little bit, but he was an active member up until the end,” Stress said. “Even into his 70s, he was getting into the fire gear — he’d say, ‘I might have one more in me.’” Chris recalled the elaborate engine sendoff organized by the Merrick Fire Department following Babcock’s death. Because of the pandemic, the family did not expect many visitors at the funeral, but “it felt like the entire fire academy was there,” Chris said. “You hear the stories of firefighters being family, but we really saw it [that] week.” Babcock’s children remembered him as a quiet jokester, a gentleman and a friendly person who was easy to know. At family occasions, he was known to bring beer, pie and a big smile on his face, Sheridan said. “He was tough, but full of love,” she said. “Between all of his jobs, he was always around, always thinking about us.” Babcock is survived by his wife, Jan; his children, Lee Babcock (Alex Pertsovsky), Chris Babcock (Rose) and Kim Sheridan (Matt); and four grandchildren, Asher and Ivan Pertsovsky and Olivia and Billy Sheridan. Visitation and services by N.F. Walker Funeral Home in Merrick. Burial at Calverton National Cemetery in Riverhead.

MERRICK HERALD — March 11, 2021

continued from front page

Photos courtesy Kim Sheridan

BaBcock, center, and other members of Friendship after a call in June 1991. At to right was Merokean Ronnie Gies, who died in the line of duty at the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001.

BaBcock often took his four grandchildren to visit Friendship Engine & Hose Co. 2 headquarters on Meadowbrook Road, above left. He was a 47-year member of the Merrick Fire Department. Bill and his wife, Jan, above, on their wedding day in 1966. The couple raised their family in Merrick and lived there for 50 years. in 2018, BaBcock, far left, and his family took a trip to Walt Disney World resort in Orlando, Fla. His children recalled spending many afternoons at the firehouse growing up.

Crime watCh Nassau Coliseum to be Covid-19 vaccination site Massapequa man pleads guilty been most affected by the pandemic. The Coliseum vaccination site is scheduled to open later in March and will be Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum located on the lower-level exhibition hall. will become a Covid-19 vaccination site, Earlier, Curran had released a stateCounty Executive Laura Cur ran ment on the first anniversary of Nassau’s announced over the weekend. first confirmed Covid-19 case that read: “We’re focused on continu“We remember the 2,935 preing to ramp up our capacity cious lives lost [in the county] for vaccination as more supand look forward to the future ply is anticipated to arrive in with renewed hope. Nassau the coming weeks,” Curran continues to lead the way said in a statement. “All of our among major New York counresidents must have access to ties in getting residents vaccithe Covid-19 vaccine, and this nated, which is a very positive iconic site gives us the ability signal for our recovery.” to deliver the vaccine rapidly. I As of Sunday, 22 percent, or would like to thank the New a little more than one-fifth, of York Islanders for so graciousNassau residents had received ly sharing their home with the at least one dose of the Covidcommunity, as well as the 19 vaccine, according to Curmanagement team at Nassau LAuRA CuRRAN ran. Live for helping pave the way County executive She noted, however, that to Nassau’s comeback.” N a s s a u re s i d e n t s m u s t The Coliseum will be remain vigilant in the fight the third major vaccination site opened against the coronavirus and continue to by Nassau County. The county is already wear masks and maintain social distancoperating sites at Nassau Community Col- ing. “Although we’ve seen a major decline lege and the Yes We Can Community Cen- in cases and hospitalizations since our ter in Westbury, in addition to one-day pop- winter peak,” she said, “we’re not out of up sites in communities of color that have the woods just yet.”

By sCott BRINtoN sbrinton@liherald.com

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to murder of Merokean

Lindquist lives on Rhode Island Avenue in Massapequa and was employed by a costume store in Westbury. A Massapequa man pleaded guilty to Grabelsky was remembered as selfless the 2019 death of 32-year-old Evan Grabel- on social media. “Whenever somebody sky, who was killed in a stabbing attack needed encouragement, a inside his Merrick home. laugh or share a love for Ryan Lindquist, 23, smart sweets, Evan was admitted to the secondthere as positive as can be,” degree murder charge in wrote Wicked Wellness, a Nassau County Court on Facebook page dedicated to March 3. The two met on a encouraging people on dating app. weight-loss journeys, in a G r ab e l s k y s u f f e re d post. more than 150 stab wounds Many who posted memon his hands, arms and ories of Grabelsky other parts of his body, belonged to the Weight according to Nassau CounWatchers community. In ty Police Department Com2012, Grabelsky lost more manding Officer Stephen than 100 pounds after Facebook photo Fitzpatrick, of the Homiattending Weight Watchers EvAN GRABELsky cide Squad. meetings in Wantagh. He Grabelsky was found told Newsday that his probdead in his home on June lem was food addiction, 1, 2019. He had been living which he worked through with his parents — who at the meetings. were out at the time of the Grabelsky worked as a attack — in a two-story special education paraprohome on Elliot Street near fessional at Great Neck Frankel Boulevard. North High School since The altercation began September 2015. He earned in Grabelsky’s bedroom on his bachelor’s degree in the first floor, Fitzpatrick communication and media described in a press conferstudies from University of ence following the inciMassachusetts at Amherst Courtesy NCPD in 2009, and a master’s in dent. The struggle continRyAN LINDquIst ued through the house, school counseling and into a common den area, guidance services from and ended on a landing Queens College in 2012. between the first and second floor. It In 2011, he worked as a school-counselappeared that Grabelsky was trying to ing intern at Wellington C. Mepham High escape, Fitzpatrick said. School. He was also an associate director Lindquist also caused injuries to his at Camp Iconic in Bellmore, where he own hands, Fitzpatrick added. “We oversaw the recruitment and hiring of noticed he injured himself — both of his staff members, coordinated training seshands were cut up,” he said, “which is sions and served as a liaison between indicative of someone who stabbed some- staff and parents. Acting State Supreme Court Justice body over 100 times.” Evidence of their relationship was Helene Gugerty said she planned to sengathered through telephone conversa- tence Lindquist next month to 20 years to tions and text messages. Grabelsky’s par- life in prison under a plea bargain the ents did not know Lindquist, Fitzpatrick prosecution and defense negotiated, Newsday reported. said.

By ANDREW GARCIA Agarcia@liherald.com

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The Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores held its annual installation ceremony at Smithville South Hook Ladder & Engine Co. 1 in North Bellmore on Jan. 20. In attendance was President Jim Spohrer, Vice President Gene Judd, Treasurer Dan Yngstrom, Recording Secretary Kristen Robertson and board members Michael Pittakas, Robert Alweis, Hector Granados, Peter Ray, Paul Danziger, Sal

Brigandi, Danielle Spina, Nancy Hiler, Lauren Cuccias and Robert Saylor. The chamber officers were joined by local elected officials, including Hempstead Town Supervisor Donald Clavin, Nassau County Legislator Steve Rhoads and Ameer Benno, representing state Assemblyman David McDonough. For more information about the chamber, visit www.bellmorechamber.com.

Courtesy Merrick Chamber of Commerce

Merrick chamber installs new officers The Merrick Chamber of Commerce held its annual installation ceremony at the Merrick Road Golf Course Clubhouse on March 3. In attendance was President Ira Reiter, Secretary Margaret Biegelman, Treasurer Andrew Nachamie, Immediate Past President Femy Aziz and board members Joe Baker, Julie Marchesella, Arlene Gregory, Randy Shotland, Marian Fraker-Gutin, Diane Duel and Lori Berger. Not pictured are Vice President

Margaret Muller and board members Douglas Mills and Sharon Edwards. The chamber officers were joined by local elected officials, including Hempstead Town Supervisor Donald Clavin, Hempstead Town Councilman Christopher Carini and Nassau County Legislators Steve Rhoads and Thomas McKevitt. For more infor mation about the chamber, visit merrickchamber.org.

Courtesy Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores

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comes to an end

By AlyssA seidmAn aseidman@liherald.com

I’m going to tell you something I wrote in my college admissions essay almost 10 years ago: “I’ve always had a fascination for stories.” I hope this fascination has been evident to you, dear reader, as I’ve done my best to bring your attention to all the neighborhood news you expect from the Herald. And in doing my best, I achieved more than I ever imagined. I met sources whose stories and lives left an irrevocable impression on mine. I was promoted three times in less than three years. I was recognized by the New York State Press Association in its Better Newspaper Contest, thrice. I grew exponentially as a writer, as well as a person. I’m here to tell you that while my story is far from over, it is entering a new chapter. On March 15, I will join Hearst Connecticut Media Group as editor of The Ridgefield Press, a weekly community-based broadsheet not unlike the Herald. Though I did not come to this decision lightly, I know it’s for the best. But I can’t leave without lyssA giving a grand exit speech — it’s the Gemini in me. Five years ago, Karen Bloom, the Herald’s special sections editor, convinced me to take a chance on myself and come aboard as her intern. I accredit the internship, and Karen’s endless encouragement, as the main reasons for my subsequent hiring more than a year later, just four months after I graduated from college. It’s funny now to think of one of the first meetings I ever covered. In 2017, North Shore residents met with Long Island Clean Air Water and Soil to forge a united front against New York American Water. I begrudgingly attended, preoccupied with leaving for a trip the next day, and thought, “All this hubbub? Over water?” At that point, ratepayers were calling for a public takeover of the private utility. Today, the state is investigating the feasibility of municipalization. I would often joke that I could write the book on American Water because that’s how extensive my coverage was. After reporting on the North Shore for

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a year and a half I was called back home to cover Bellmore-Merrick. However, I was extremely hesitant to become the editor of my hometown papers — I developed a deep affinity for Sea Cliff/Glen Head and was comfortable where I was, plus my boss previously covered BellmoreMerrick for almost as long as I’d been alive. But viewing the community through this lens was the biggest blessing in disguise. I saw residents for who they really were rather than the stereotypes I had learned. As I heard of a source’s pride for their school, civic association or familyrun business, my own appreciation swelled, as well. Most importantly, I was able to grow outside of my comfort zone. If this pandemic has taught me anything it’s that humans are capable of enduring the unimaginable. In the span of a year, I lost some of my drive, most of my sanity and the only grandfather I’ve ever known, but I did not lose myself. And while waves of doubt crashed over me as I considered jumping ship, I knew I was ready to seize a new horizon — I don’t think I could’ve said that a year ago. eidmAn I vehemently thank the sources for trusting me to do my job, the readers for their compliments and criticisms, and my colleagues at Richner Communications Inc. for making the office such a welcoming place to work. Finally, I want to thank the Herald’s editorial department — the best in the biz, in my very unbiased opinion. I walked into that newsroom armed with apprehension, unsure of what the future would bring, but from each person I learned things not even a journalism degree can afford — and those are expensive. To me, this job was so much more than just a job. I wrote stories that mattered and changed people’s lives in some small ways. I made unforgettable memories and lifelong friends. Each and every stumble was followed by an even greater success, and it’s crazy to think that I’m still in the budding stages of my career. Soon I’ll relocate to Stamford, Conn., to start writing the next chapter of my story. And if the end is any indication of the beginning, it’s going to be a wild ride.

Call our editors today 516-569-4000 or email agarcia@liherald.com

MERRICK HERALD — March 11, 2021

My Herald chapter

Sexual Abuse and General Claims in The Roman Catholic Diocese of Rockville Centre, New York Bankruptcy The Roman Catholic Diocese of Rockville Centre, New York (“Diocese” or “Debtor”) has filed bankruptcy in order to restructure its nonprofit organization. Please read this notice carefully as it may impact your rights against the Diocese and provides information about the case, In re: The Roman Catholic Diocese of Rockville Centre, New York (Bankr. S.D.N.Y.). This notice is a short summary.

Who Should File a Sexual Abuse Claim? Anyone who was sexually abused, on or before October 1, 2020, and believes the Diocese may be responsible for the sexual abuse must file a claim. This includes sexual abuse in connection with any entity or activity associated with the Diocese. Sexual Abuse Claims include, but are not limited to: sexual misconduct, touching, inappropriate contact, or sexual comments about a person or other behaviors that led to abuse, and regardless of whether you thought the behavior was sexual abuse or not.

When Should I File a Sexual Abuse Claim?

Regardless of how old you are today or when the sexual abuse occurred, you need to file your claim so that it is received by 5 p.m. (Eastern Time) on August 14, 2021. If you do not file a timely Sexual Abuse Claim, you may lose rights against the Diocese and against Diocese Related Entities, including any right to compensation. If you have a sexual abuse claim against any such Diocesan parish, school or affiliated ministry, you may have a claim against the Diocese. Note that only the Diocese is in bankruptcy. If you have a claim against any Diocese Related Entity, you must take separate action to preserve your rights. Your information will be kept private. For more detail, including lists of names of clergy that have been identified in connection with sexual abuse claims, go to https://dm.epiq11.com/drvc or call 1-888-490-0633. The Sexual Abuse Bar Date of August 14, 2021 is not subject to further extension if the window created by the Child Victims Act is lengthened by the State of New York.

When Should I File a General Bar Date Claim? If you have a non-sexual abuse claim, you will need to file so that it is received by 5 p.m. (Eastern Time) on March 30, 2021. More information for general claims is available at https://dm.epiq11.com/drvc.

ACT NOW Before Time Runs Out: You can download and file a claim at the website or call the toll-free number listed below for help on how to file a claim by mail. WWW.

•

File a Proof of Claim.

•

Have questions? Call or visit the website for more information.

https://dm.epiq11.com/drvc

•

If your claim is approved, you may receive compensation from the bankruptcy.

1-888-490-0633

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Seidman SayS

Official Approved Notice from U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York

March 11, 2021 — MERRICK HERALD

Courtesy Nickelodeon

ChAsE VACNIN, sECoND from left, plays Bench, a hardheaded football player who has to lead the school’s drama club as an outsider.

Merokean cast in Nickelodeon show By ANDREW GARCIA agarcia@liherald.com

Your LocaL communitY

WantS You!

A Merokean will soon appear on television screens and streaming devices across the country, as part of Nickelodeon’s newest show. Chase Vacnin plays Bench in “Drama Club,” a mockumentary-style live-action series akin to “The Office” that follows a group of middle schoolers as they shine a light on the inner workings of the school’s overlooked drama club. Bench is a hardheaded football player who must step in and help save the group when their choreographer suffers an injury. The show’s 10, half-hour episodes premiere digitally on Nick.com this Saturday, March 13, and the first episode will air on Nickelodeon next Saturday, March 20, at 8:30 p.m. “As a football player of eight years and a varsity player of four years, it excited me to be a football player who’s now in a drama club,” Vacnin, 19, said. “It’s close to home; I feel rooted behind the character.” The mockumentary format places characters in front of the camera as if they’re being interviewed, bringing a “unique” twist to the network, Vacnin said, which has traditionally focused on

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Herald Community Newspapers seeks an experienced journalist to report for and edit one of our newspapers. The focus of our paper is community news; on the people in the neighborhoods we serve, covering the schools, events, government and the people, places and events that make our communities tick. Qualified candidates must have at least two years of newspaper or wire service experience in reporting and editing. Long Island residents a strong plus. Candidates must have driver’s license, own car and cell phone. As a community journalist, you will be required to cover meetings and other evening events in the local community. Good salary and benefits.

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Qualified applicants should e-mail their resume and salary requirements to: careers@liherald.com with EDITOR/REPORTER position as the subject line.

Throughout the pandemic, healthcare workers, first responders, grocery and pharmacy personnel, and so many others, have been dedicated to supporting and assisting our community. They are true heroes who deserve our respect, praise and recognition. As many remain on the front lines in 2021, we invite you to nominate a Hometown Hero to be featured in Herald newspaper editions throughout the year.

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sketch comedy in its live-action offerings. “It really adds something new,” he added. “Everyone is so comedically gifted.” Although the first season of “Drama Club” has officially wrapped, Vacnin is hopeful that the show will get picked up for more seasons. “I can’t see this not going the distance,” he said. The television series is just the first of Vacnin’s projects slated for public release. He is set to appear in “This is the Night” alongside Naomi Watts, Frank Grillo and Bobby Cannavale, and has also been cast in “The Many Saints of Newark,” the prequel series to “The Sopranos.” Although Vacnin could not reveal the name of the character he’s playing, he hinted at having mob ties in a prominent role. Vacnin’s role was smaller at first, but his “charismatic” nature landed him more scenes, he said. The actor’s “next big thing,” he hopes, is an even bigger project — perhaps involving superheroes. He is certain, though, that his time in Hollywood is only just beginning. “I grew up watching shows like ‘Drake and Josh’ and ‘iCarly,’” Vacnin said. “It’s really beautiful and crazy to see myself as that next generation.”

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March 11, 2021

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Hearing and Vision

MERRICK HERALD — March 11, 2021

your HEALTH body / mind / fitness

March 11, 2021 — MERRICK HERALD

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MERRICK HERALD — March 11, 2021

Listen up!

Lifelong hearing health starts with you

earing is the gatekeeper to human communication — it is one of the primary ways in which we connect with other people. Those of us who hear clearly probably cannot appreciate how difficult hearing loss can be. It can even lead to isolation and withdrawal from many pleasurable activities. While not all types of hearing loss are preventable, there are steps you can take to lower your risk of developing age-related hearing loss and/or noise-induced hearing loss. It’s never too early — or too late — to begin wearing hearing protection around loud noises. And adopting a healthy lifestyle and following your doctor’s advice can go a long way to protecting your hearing health. Your inner ear contains delicate hair-like cells that are quite sensitive to changes in blood flow. If these cells are damaged, you experience hearing loss. The healthier you are overall, the better you can prevent hearing loss — or preserve the hearing you do have, if you already have hearing loss. Manage your blood pressure and cardiac health High blood pressure and heart disease can damage the fragile mechanisms that help you hear. If you have high cholesterol or blood pressure, follow your doctor’s treatment orders to get it under control. Stop smoking and vaping, and limit drinking Studies definitively show that cigarette smoke — whether directly, secondhand, or even in utero — can have a big impact on a person’s hearing health. Likewise with heavy alcohol use, which can create a toxic environment in the ear. Vaping and hearing loss isn’t as well-studied, but there are anecdotal reports linking it to sudden hearing loss. Keep diabetes under control Research has shown that people with diabetes are twice as likely to have hearing loss. Just as with high blood pressure, diabetes can damage the cells in your inner ears. Keep your blood sugar under control and follow your doctor’s orders for managing diabetes. Exercise and practice stress reduction What isn’t exercise helpful for? Exercise improves blood flow and helps your body — and your ear health — in countless ways. Just be careful about loud music while working out and incorrect

weightlifting; both are linked to hearing damage. And because chronic high levels of stress aren’t good for your hearing (or the rest of you), do what you can to keep stress levels under control. Eat foods high in certain vitamins and minerals Did you know that certain vitamins, especially B12, are vital to good hearing? The same is true of minerals including potassium and magnesium. Iron-deficiency anemia is also linked to losing your hearing. Know your family history While knowing your family history won’t directly prevent hearing loss, it will help you know if you’re at elevated risk. Catching it early can reduce your risk of the negative impacts of hearing loss, such as cognitive decline, depression and social isolation. Be aware of drugs that cause hearing loss Hundreds of over-the-counter and prescription drugs are linked to hearing loss. These ototoxic drugs range from ordinary, over-the-counter medications like aspirin to chemotherapy drugs and IV antibiotics. In some cases, you may be able to take an alternative drug to reduce your risk of drugrelated hearing loss. Lower your risk of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) Even if you’re as healthy as an Olympian, you still risk hearing damage if you don’t protect your hearing in noisy environments. Regardless of your age or your hearing status, it’s always a good idea to protect your hearing when you’re going to be exposed to loud sounds. Noise-induced hearing loss can have many sources. Blasts, like gunfire or fireworks, can cause immediate hearing loss. Less explosive sounds, such as airplane engines, rock concerts, or even high-pitched dentist drills, still cause damage, just more slowly. Either way, the damage is almost always irreversible and cumulative. One common source of hearing damage you might not even realize? Your earbuds and headphones, especially if you don’t take the right precautions when you listen to music. Above photo: Hearing loss prevention begins with healthy habits like regular exercise.

Living with hearing loss No need to fear communications breakdowns Hearing loss can seem daunting, with its ability to affect relationships, selfconfidence, physical health, and more. Taking charge of it, however, can go a long way toward keeping you feeling empowered and engaged. There are many different cues that we receive that help us to understand speech and language. People with normal hearing don’t always receive all the cues, but the English language has enough redundancies that they often get enough cues to correctly identify the message. However some cues are unheard due to the hearing loss. Increased reliance is then placed on the remaining cues to understand conversation. This becomes more difficult when hearing is compromised and frustration often occurs between family members as everyone struggles to understand the rules of communication. Instead of getting frustrated, use the following tips to help you communicate more effectively and take your hearing loss in your own hands. Be an advocate for yourself Others cannot guess what you need. By hiding a hearing loss you will miss conversation and may respond inappropriately and cause further miscommunication. Ways to be an advocate: √ Tell others if you are having difficulty understanding. √ If you don’t understand what someone has said ask him or her to rephrase the message, not just repeat it. √ Educate others regarding hearing loss. Many do not understand why you can hear that they are talking but cannot understand what they are saying. They also don’t know what they can do to help. Ask others to talk more slowly and clearly and not to obstruct their mouths. Manipulate your environment to your advantage. Hearing clearly when there is background noise is probably the biggest challenge for people with hearing loss. When

you can, choose quiet listening environments. In a restaurant, request to be seated in a quiet area away from the door and the kitchen. Partitions and low ceilings may be helpful to reduce noise. Also carpet and upholstery may help to reduce echo, which may help you to understand speech more clearly. Good lighting may also be helpful so that you can see the speaker’s face and gestures. √ If you have a good ear, place yourself so that it is facing the speaker. √ Different environments pose unique challenges. Get creative and make each environment work to your strengths. √ When attending a meeting, get an agenda so that you know the topics that will be discussed. This will give you a few key words to work from when listening. √ In a lecture, record the speaker so that you can review the details later if you missed something. Investigate assistive listening devices. These devices often allow the listener to receive the sound directly from the source, thereby eliminating background noise. They are often available at many theaters, churches and other public venues and are free to use. You may also purchase personal assistive listening devices for use at home or elsewhere. These may include amplified telephones, smoke detectors and alarm clocks, as well as personal devices to listen to the TV. Your audiologist may be able to help you investigate these devices. You may need plenty of hands-on experience with these devices to become comfortable using them outside of home, but once you are comfortable with them, they offer dramatic results in terms of improved communication, increased selfesteem, and reduced negative feelings surrounding communication. Above photo: Better hearing requires more than just hearing aids. Hearing your best means having the right technology — fit specifically to your unique hearing needs — for the environments you find yourself in most often, and maximizing that technology with better communication strategies.

HEALTH HEALTHMEMOS MEMO

March 11, 2021 — MERRICK HERALD

Five reasons to make better hearing a priority

id you know? An estimated 466 million children and adults live with a disabling hearing impairment, according to the World Health Organization. As one of the top chronic public health challenges facing families and communities on a global scale, it’s much more common than people realize. Many also may not realize how far-reaching hearing loss can be, with its links to physical, mental, social, and even financial issues that could affect quality of life. Consider these five examples of problems associated with hearing loss, showing the importance of staying atop your hearing health. Cognitive Decline: A growing body of research connects hearing loss to reduced brain function. Older adults with hearing loss, for example, are up to five times more likely than their normal-hearing peers to develop dementia, per a study by Johns Hopkins and the National Institute on Aging. Another study finds that seniors with a hearing condition may experience faster-than-usual brain shrinkage. The good news? Proper use of hearing aids may slow down cognitive decline as much as 75 percent, per a study published in 2018. Social Isolation: Hearing plays a big role in everyday interactions with friends, family, neighbors, and colleagues, so it’s no wonder

that hearing loss can impact your sense of engagement. Those with untreated hearing loss are less likely to participate in social activities, per a study commissioned by the National Council on Aging. This can help lead to social isolation and other problems. Conversely, seniors treated for hearing loss report significant improvements in their social life, relationships, sense of independence, and more. Depression: Multiple studies support a connection between hearing loss and depression. Seniors with hearing loss, for example, may have a 57 percent greater risk of experiencing deep depression, according to a

Johns Hopkins and National Institute on Aging analysis of National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data. Researchers have also found, however, that the odds of depression may be lower with hearing aid use. Falls: Ears not only help with hearing but also contribute to your balancing ability. Research points to the increased likelihood of falls among middle-aged and older adults with hearing loss. Even mild hearing impairment can triple the risk of falling, and every 10-decibel increase in hearing impairment might mean a 1.4-fold increase in the odds of sustaining a fall. Mortality: Hearing loss goes hand in hand with higher mortality. One study published in the Journals of Gerontology Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences found a 20 percent greater risk of mortality among adults 70 years and older with hearing impairment. Other research has estimated the increased risk at an adjusted 21 percent or even an adjusted 39 percent, depending on the severity of hearing loss. As you can see, hearing loss isn’t an isolated concern. It affects your communication and, potentially, your overall health and well being. So don’t wait. Just as you would for your eyes and teeth, schedule regular checkups to help keep your ears and hearing health in optimal shape.

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

Dr. Esther Fogel Owner/Director

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

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

HEALTH MEMO

Protect eyes from sports-related injury

lose to 40,000 sports-related eye injuries occur each year, with approximately half requiring emergency room care. School-age competitors are particularly prone to eye injuries since their developmental skills of coordination, balance, reaction time; speed and strength are still being fine-tuned by your coaching efforts. As you know, when a student participates in aggressive sports, an opponent’s fingers, hands, and elbows suddenly become a threat to a student’s visual safety. Baseballs, racquets, hockey pucks, and especially soccer balls and the feet kicking them are a potential danger to the unprotected eye. The good news is that you can help prevent a young person from being sidelined because of a serious eye injury. You can make the decision to help protect their eyes by adding protective sport goggles to their equipment bag. Remember, while protective sports eyewear can provide significant protection; they cannot guarantee to be unbreakable or guard against all foreseeable impacts. However, a quality pair of RecSpecs equipped with 3mm thick polycarbonate lenses and transition lenses, which change from sunglasses to clear in minutes, can be sight savers since they help keep the eyes and surrounding ocular region protected. Accent on Eyes is your sports vision specialist, with a full line of RecSpecs Rx sports goggles to meet the needs of your up and coming superstars! Call for more information for all of your sportsrelated eyewear products. Accent on Eyes also carries a full line of prescription and non-prescription sunglasses, including Oakley, Ray Ban, Maui Jim, Nike, and more.

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

e’re now entering tax season. As you prepare your tax returns, you might be wondering how you could improve your taxrelated financial outcomes, now and in the future. One key opportunity is to connect your tax professional with your financial advisor. This collaboration can benefit you in several ways. For example, your tax advisor, working with your financial advisor, could help you determine if a Roth or traditional IRA makes more sense for you. Your financial advisor can then help you choose the right investments within the IRA. Also, your tax professional can identify how much you need to contribute to an IRA to possibly lower your taxable income. Your financial advisor can then plug this figure in to your projected retirement savings as part of your total financial picture. Your tax and financial advi-

sors can also work together to address issues such as capital gains taxes from sales of mutual fund shares. Your investment and tax pictures have many overlaps. And by ensuring your team of advisors is working together, you can boost your chances of getting the results you desire.

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

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

Eat right, help your sight

Eating healthy is good for your whole body — especially your eyes! There’s so much more to eye nutrition than just the carrots that mom always told you to eat. Everybody knows that eating right is the way to keep your heart healthy. The good news is that the same diet that helps your heart is probably also good for your eyes. A diet low in fat and rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can pay benefits not only to your heart but to your eyes. The connection isn’t surprising: your eyes rely on tiny arteries for oxygen and nutrients, just as the heart relies on much larger arteries. Include an abundance of these foods in your diet and help protect against sight-threatening diseases.

Fish Cold-water fish such as salmon, tuna, sardines and mackerel are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which may help protect against dry eyes, macular degeneration and even cataracts. If you don’t eat seafood, you can get a good supply of omega-3s by using fish oil supplements or taking vegetarian supplements that contain black currant seed oil or flaxseed oil.

Leafy Greens Spinach, kale and collard greens, to name just a few, are packed full of lutein and zeaxanthin, important plant pigments that can help stem the development of macular degeneration and cataracts. Broccoli, peas and avocados are also good sources of this powerful antioxidant duo.

index (GI) can help reduce your risk for agerelated macular degeneration. Swap refined carbohydrates for quinoa, brown rice, whole oats and whole-wheat breads and pasta. The vitamin E, zinc and niacin found in whole grains also help promote overall eye health.

strawberries, pumpkin, corn and cantaloupe are excellent sources of vitamins A and C. And carotenoids — the compounds that give these fruits and vegetables their yellow, orange and red pigments — are thought to help decrease the risk of many eye diseases.

Citrus Fruits and Berries Oranges, grapefruits, lemons and berries are high in vitamin C, which may reduce the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration.

Legumes Kidney beans, black-eyed peas and lentils are good sources of bioflavonoids and zinc — and can help protect the retina and lower the risk for developing macular degeneration and cataracts.

Eggs The vitamins and nutrients in eggs, including lutein and vitamin A (which may protect against night blindness and dry eyes), promote eye health and function.

Nuts Pistachios, walnuts, almonds — whichever type tickles your fancy — are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E that boost your eye health.

Whole Grains A diet containing foods with a low glycemic

Colorful Fruits and Vegetables Foods such as carrots, tomatoes, bell peppers,

Sunflower Seeds Help keep your eyes healthy and disease-free by snacking on sunflowers seeds, which are excellent sources of vitamin E and zinc.

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MERRICK HERALD — March 11, 2021

Good nutrition will keep those peepers in top-notch shape

March 11, 2021 — MERRICK HERALD

HEALTH MEMO

Twelve NSPC Brain & Spine Surgery physicians named to 2021 Castle Connolly list

welve of the 28 physicians associated with NSPC Brain & Spine Surgery have been named to the latest edition of Top Doctors: New York Metro Area, an annual reference guide published by Castle Connolly, a New York City research and information company. They are: Jeffrey A. Brown, M.D. (Neuropathic Facial Pain Surgery), Jonathan L. Brisman, M.D. (Neurovascular and Brain Surgery), Benjamin R. Cohen, M.D (Spine Surgery), Vladimir Y. Dadashev, M.D. (Spine Surgery), Zachariah M. George, M.D (Spine Surgery), John A. Grant, M.D. (Pediatric Neurosurgery), Sundeep Mangla, M.D. (Endovascular Neuroradiology), Stephen T. Onesti, M.D. (Spine Surgery), Sachin N. Shah, M.D. (Spine Surgery), John Pile-Spellman, M.D. (Endovascular Neuroradiology), Brian J. Snyder, M.D. (Pain and Parkinson’s Surgery), and Alexandros D. Zouzias, M.D (Spine Surgery). “It’s a pleasure to congratulate our colleagues and partners for receiving this honor,” said Michael H. Brisman, M.D., the chief executive officer of Rockville Centre-based NSPC. “Our practice has provided patients from Long Island, and elsewhere, with the most compassionate and comprehensive brain, back, and neck care available for over 60 years. The selection of these twelve physicians to the 2021 Top Doctors: New York Metro Area listing confirms a tradition of clinical, and patient-centered excellence, at NSPC.” For decades, Castle Connolly has been conducting a peerreview survey to select the region’s top doctors based on the

Connolly was acquired by the Everyday Health Group, a division of J2 Global Inc. The Top Doctors: New York Metro Area guide lists those whom Castle Connolly has determined to be in the top ten percent of the region’s physicians — approximately 6,000 in all.

theory that medical professionals are best qualified to assess the qualifications of other practitioners. Licensed physicians vote online for those doctors they consider outstanding. A Castle Connolly doctor-led research team then counts the nominations and vets the nominee pool with the aid of a number of screens, including confirming board certifications and investigating disciplinary histories. Last year, Castle

About NSPC Brain & Spine Surgery Founded in Freeport in 1958, NSPC Brain & Spine Surgery has grown to become one of the largest, private neurosurgical groups in the U.S. with seven conveniently located offices on Long Island, including offices in Lake Success, Rockville Centre, West Islip, Commack, Port Jefferson Station, and Riverhead. The practice’s experienced neurosurgeons and interventional neuroradiologists are experts in “Bloodless” brain and spine surgery, including laser spine surgery, endoscopic spine surgery, ultrasonic spine surgery, radiosurgery, and other advanced minimally invasive techniques which are used to treat brain tumors, brain aneurysms, trigeminal neuralgia, herniated disc, spinal stenosis, chronic back pain, and other conditions. Please visit www.nspc.com to learn more.

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

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Glaucoma is a leading cause of preventable blindness

HERALD — March 11, 2021

Don’t skip eyecare checkups

Blindness caused by glaucoma is insidious. In most cases, there is no pain, and the loss of vision occurs slowly from peripheral to central. Many people do not even realize it’s happening until they have lost a substantial amount of peripheral vision. But there is a way to prevent the devastating effects of glaucoma: Don’t skip your eyecare visits. Glaucoma is a disease of the eye characterized by three components: 1. Damage and loss of the retinal ganglions cells and optic nerve described as cupping 2. Loss of visual field 3. Usually increased eye pressure (the mean normal eye pressure is 15mmHG) People at risk for glaucoma include the elderly, Blacks, people with elevated eye pressure, primary relatives with glaucoma, persons with high myopia, high hyperopia, history of eye trauma and diabetes. The elevated intraocular pressure from glaucoma damages the optic nerve mechanically and creates decreased blood flow to the eye. The most identifiable cause of glaucoma is the enlarged lens or cataract in the eye. Early cataract surgery and trabecular bypass has become the best option to stop vision loss in patients with glaucoma. The current use of eye drops and laser help to lower intraocular pressure but do not address the causative mechanism of the glaucoma being the enlarged lens. Incisional cataract surgery and glaucoma surgery is often needed to truly stabilize glaucoma.

Screenings are essential All people should be screened regularly for glaucoma as part of a medical eye exam. Screening should consist of an eye examination consisting of gonioscopy (examination of the drainage angle), intraocular pressure measurement with Goldmann applanation tonometry and a dilated optic nerve examination. If there appears to be any damage to the optic nerve or abnormal pressure, then a visual field test should be performed, and optic nerve photos taken. Persons with thin corneas should be more aggressively monitored and treated for glaucoma as the disease tends to be worse in these patients. If you have eye pressure or glaucoma and feel that you may be losing vision, seek the care of a glaucoma specialist for a second opinion. People with conditions such as glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy that could lead to blindness if left unchecked need to stay particularly vigilant with their checkups. The pandemic shouldn’t keep you from visiting your doctor, but for patients over 60, you might want to begin with a telehealth visit, if you’re high-risk and remained concerned about venturing into medical offices. “Eyesight or human vision is one of the most important senses. As much as 80 percent of what we feel comes through our sense of sight. By protecting the eyes, people will reduce the chance of blindness and vision loss while also staying on top of any developing eye diseases, such as glaucoma and cataracts. “A healthy brain function requires a healthy

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New biz Climb N Vibe opens in Bellmore By AlyssA seidmAn aseidman@liherald.com

Although David Schmitt has owned several businesses in his life, it was only recently that he pursued a venture in his hometown. Last Friday, Schmitt, an entrepreneur born and raised in Bellmore, opened Climb N Vibe in the hamlet to bring a high-end exercise experience to the average gym-goer. Schmitt said his vision was to combine the cutting-edge machinery of the VersaClimber — a vertical exercise machine — and the recovery technology of the Power Plate — a vibrational platform that contracts and relaxes muscles — into a quick, high calorie-burning workout never before seen in the fitness industry. “Nobody ever put them in a studio class, especially not together,” Schmitt said of the equipment. “This concept is the first of its kind.” VersaClimbers are commonly found in training facilities of major sports leagues, like the NBA, since they deliver highintensity workouts in a short period of time, Schmitt said. But because the machines are expensive, they’re not accessible to everybody — Climb N Vibe seeks to change that. In just one 35-minute visit to Climb N Vibe, guests can burn between 800 to 1,200 calories. The Power Plate is implemented during the first and last five minutes of the workout to promote circulation and improve muscle recovery. Then, using the VersaClimber, guests engage in a highenergy crawling motion for 25 minutes, resulting in a low-impact, full-body workout with no strain on the joints, according to Schmitt. “Everybody I surveyed talked about how the climbing motion really shreds you up,” he added. “The crawl is the very first exercise we learn, and this [machine] mimics that crawl. It’s doable for anybody

of any athletic ability.” The rhythm-based routines are conducted under the glow of laser lights, and stations are spaced more than six feet apart. A leaderboard at the front of the room displays each participants’ percentage of improvement over 60-second intervals, and guests can keep their belongings close by in a basket provided at each machine. The opening of Climb N Vibe comes almost a year after gyms statewide were ordered to temporarily close to slow the spread of Covid-19. The facilities have since reopened with precautionary measures in place, giving people a place to burn off their quarantine fatigue. In two weeks, the business sold more than 100 memberships. “With so much mental stress going on right now, people need the fitness industry,” Schmitt said. “It’s integral in improving people’s well-being.” Schmitt also stressed the familial aspect of Climb N Vibe, as many of his family members had a hand in bringing the business to life. His wife, Christy, picked out the belongings baskets; his nephews helped paint the studio; and his 72-year-old father, Buster, custom-built the front counter in the lobby. “Everything we do, we do as a family,” Schimtt said. This sentiment was evident at Climb N Vibe’s ribbon-cutting ceremony last Friday afternoon. More than 15 of Schmitt’s relatives attended and wore matching sweatshirts and face masks emblazoned with the businesses’ logo. Schmitt plans to open another two locations in Rockville Centre and Massapequa later this year. Climb N Vibe is at 2477 Merrick Road in Bellmore. For more information about rates, memberships or to sign up for a class, call (516) 804-5878 or visit climbnvibe.com.

MERRICK HERALD — March 11, 2021

Local fitness studio founded by Bellmore native is the ‘first of its kind’

Photos by Alyssa Seidman/Herald

ClimB n ViBe staff Delia DeSalvo, left, Anthony Riccardi, David Schmitt and Aaron Smiley flexed their muscles at the grand opening of the Bellmore-based fitness studio.

AdAm sChmitt, ABoVe, right, and Madison Minniti, tested out the VersaClimber machines inside Climb N Vibe. the sChmitt And Minniti families, left, wore matching face masks and sweatshirts to Climb N Vibe’s ribbon-cutting ceremony last Friday afternoon, hosted by the Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores.

March 11, 2021 — MERRICK HERALD

Bellmore orgs partner to feed hundreds By ANDREW GARCIA agarcia@liherald.com

Last Sunday, hundreds of hungry families went home with meals in hand after a quick pit stop at St. Francis Episcopal Church in North Bellmore. Five hundred of those meals fed families in need, for free. The event was the first collaboration between St. Francis clergy and congregants and the staff of Carroll’s Kitchen, a Suffolk-based nonprofit that opened a kitchen in Bellmore late last year. The two organizations are located less than a mile apart, giving Ryan Carroll, the nonprofit’s owner, a perfect opportunity to start coordinating events, he said. “They popped in, said, ‘We have a farm,’ and I said, ‘Awesome, let’s work together,’” Carroll said. “We gave them a tour of the church and immediately started dreaming of what we could collaborate on,” said Brother Chris McNabb. He noted that the

About Carroll’s Kitchen Carroll’s Kitchen is staff by chefs who are unemployed because of the pandemic. All chefs are volunteers, including those who prepare hundreds of meals for seniors in the area every week. The list of those in need of food assistance is growing fast, Carroll said. To volunteer or donate, visit www.carrollskitchenli.org.

Photos by Andrew Garcia/Herald

StuDENtS IN JohN F. Kennedy High School’s culinary program, including, from left, Cecilia Hayes, Sunita Samaroo, Anne Varveris and Daniel Delgado, volunteered at St. Francis’s charitable barbecue feast last Sunday. kitchen’s work to help those in need mirrors the church’s mission: “Feeding hungry bodies and hungry souls.” Carroll’s Kitchen volunteers, along with barbecue experts from the Massapequa Pitmasters Facebook group, spent the morning preparing dishes of baby back ribs, coleslaw, cornbread and mac ’n’ cheese. Meals were also sold for $20 to help support the initiative. Tables were lined up in the St. Francis parking lot to form a drive-through, and at 1 p.m., cars started rolling in. Guests could also pick up eggs and honey from the Garden at St. Francis, non-perishable

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goods, toys and pet food. This collaboration will not be the last between St. Francis and Carroll’s Kitchen. Carroll had been searching for a spot to support bigger events, he said, and dreams of hosting to-go giveaways or brunches and lunches inside the church in the future, once it’s safe to do so. “I’m just amazed at their creativeness — they’re giving us energy at the church,” McNabb said of the nonprofit’s volunteers. “We feel grateful to be using our resources as well — we have this big property, so let’s use it, and let’s use it to help people.”

Congregant Jennifer Henning regarded the partnership as a match made in heaven — pun intended. “We’re all in the same business of helping those that are food insecure,” she said. The Garden at St. Francis — a small plot of land behind the church that’s home to a chicken coop, two commercial beehives and rows of fresh produce — helps feed dozens of families in the area annually through the Bellmore-Merrick Community Cupboard. Their farmstand will open later this year. “Everybody’s helping each other — the way it’s supposed to be,” Henning said.

LMER1 0311

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: ANXIOUS MOODS, LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York, (SSNY) on 7/30/20. NY Office location: Nassau County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of the process to:1063 Little Whaleneck Road, Merrick, NY, 11566 Purpose: To engage in any lawful act or activity. 124636 LEGAL NOTICE Notice is hereby given that an Order granted by the Supreme Court, Nassau County, on the 18 day of February 2021 bearing the index number 000087-21, a copy of which may be examined at the Office of the Nassau County Clerk located at 240 Old Country Road, Mineola, New York, grants me the right to assume the name of Lindsay-Carmen Eileen

Jedlica. My present address is 1940 Park Avenue, Merrick, New York. The date of my birth is 3/9/2000. The place of birth is South Nassau Communities Hospital. The present name is Lindsay Eileen Jedlica. 124900

Search for notices online at: www.newyorkpublicnotices.com

LEGAL NOTICE Notice is hereby given that an order granted by the Supreme Court,Nassau County,on the 18th day of February 2021 bearing index number 000082-21, a copy of which may be examined at the office of the clerk, located at 240 Old Country Road, Mineola, New York grants me the right to assume the name of Mariana Christoforou. The city and state of my present address are Merrick,NY the month and the year of my birth are August, 2004; the place of my birth is Ukraine; my present name is Mariana Raichakovska 124885

LEGAL NOTICE BELLMORE-MERRICK CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT NOTICE TO BIDDERS VENDOR_____________ Sealed proposals will be received by the Board of Education, BellmoreMerrick Central High School District, Town of Hempstead, Nassau County, Merrick, New York, at the Business Office, 1260 Meadowbrook Road, North Merrick, New York ll566-1500, for the following categories up to the times on the dates indicated: BUILDING AND GROUNDS EQUIPMENT BID GROUNDS SUPPLIES ATHLETIC MIX BID VENETIAN BLINDS REPAIR & PURCHASE BID April 12, 2021 at 9:30 A.M. Bid Room and then at said office publicly opened and read aloud. All information for bidders, specifications and bid forms may be obtained at the above-

mentioned address. The Board of Education, Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District, reserves the right to waive any informalities in, or to reject any or all bids, or to accept that bid, or any part of that bid, which in its judgment is for the best interests of the School District. All bid awards are pending budget approval. The School District may receive bids for the above listed items periodically during the 2021-2022 school year, if necessary. These bids will not be readvertised for this purpose. The frequency of bid solicitations will be determined by operating requirements. By order: Board of Education Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District By:Jon Simpkins Director of School Facilities & Operations 124948

To place a notice here call us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com

DIANA CIoffI offERED eggs and honey from the Garden at St. Francis.

Employment

CLASSIFIED

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

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

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

RecRuiting a great sales team is Really simple.

Island Park, New York

Civil Service Positions

School Monitors * Full Time

Assist students with special needs in classroom Hours: 8:30am-3:30pm • Salary: $14.00/hr

Part Time & Subs

Assist students in the cafeteria and/or on bus Hours: 11:00am-2:00pm • Salary: $14.00/hr

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

*Must be approved by NC Civil Service & obtain fingerprint clearance from NYSED All school monitors have opportunity to join the NYS Employees’ Retirement System

Dr. Alison Offerman-Celantano Assistant Superintendent

FAX (516) 431-7550

(We said it was simple. We didn’t say it was easy.) 1124039

If interested, submit letter of interest and resume by March 25, 2021 to:

Equal Opportunity Employer A Service of Nassau BOCES

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

e is t... Tim ing Ou

HERALD Community Newspapers

sTaRTinG salaRies

Big Bus

Van

Non-Benefit Rate

$24.18/hr.

$21.41/hr.

Sign On Bonus $2,500.00 for CDL driver bus and van $500.00 for non CDL drivers. Will train qualified applicants *Some restrictions may apply.

eDucaTiOnal Bus TRanspORTaTiOn

516.454.2300

EMPLOYMENT Help Wanted $18.50 NYC, $17 L.I. up to $13.50 Upstate NY! If you need care from your relative, friend/ neighbor and you have Medicaid, they may be eligible to start taking care of you as personal assistant under NYS Medicaid CDPA Program. No Certificates needed. 347-713-3553

Administrative Assistant For Cedarhurst Law Office

Command Of English Language And Computer Skills Mandatory Salary Commensurate With Experience. Email Resume To Siberlaw@aol.com

BEHAVIOR ASSISTANT

Beach Terrace Care Center In Long Beach, New York Part-Time On All Shifts For Our Neuro-Behavior Unit. Must Have Experience In Hospitals Or Nursing Homes With Psych Units Or Related Field. $14.00 Per Hour Please Fax Resume To: 516-431-2105 Attn: Greg Pimentel Or Email GPimentel@beach-terrace.com CONSTRUCTION ASSISTANT/SUPERVISOR. Assist General Contractor. Drivers License. Knowledge Of Construction. Call Mike. 516-887-8877. PIZZA MAKER: F/T, Exper ienced Needed For Busy Syosset Pizzeria. Ask For Glen 516-802-0333

PRESS-ROOM/WAREHOUSE HELP Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME Pressroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for a motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com SALESPERSON F/T, P/T - Immediate Good Sense Of Style For Busy Mens Boutique. Cedarhurst.. 201-805-3168. SEAMSTRESS/ SEWER With Experience To Follow Basic Dress Pattern And Do Small Production. Call 917-797-2270 SEWING MACHINE OPERATOR And AWNING INSTALLER For Awning Manufacturing Business. Experience Necessary. 516-250-8094; tgawnings@aol.com TRUCK DRIVER NEEDED F/T, CDL Class A License And 1 Year NYC Driving Experience Req. Home Every Evening! RC Supply Corp. Freeport. 516-415-7733

Health Care/Opportunities CNA: MALE & FEMALE CAREGIVERS Will provide Proof of Negative COVID Test. Exp. w/Dementia, Alzheimer's & Parkinson Patients. Caring & Dependable. Driver References Available. Derrick@917-363-8924 One phone call, one order, one heck of a good price to run your ad in any state, or across the country. Call the

USA Classified Network today!

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INC

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1104975

DOn’T miss The Bus!

CUSTOMER SERVICE F/T

ARROW EXTERMINATING CO. NEEDS BRIGHT, MATURE PERSON • Heavy Phones • Diversified Office Duties • Computer Knowledge A Must • Phone Sales Experience A Plus

GOOD SALARY & BENEFITS Pleasant Lynbrook Office Call 516-593-7770 REAL ESTATE Open Houses HEWLETT BAY PARK BA, 70 Heron Dr, 6 BR, 4.55 Bth Contemporary with Open Layout on an Acre of Parklike Property. SD#14, REDUCED..$1,650,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman RE 516-238-4299

HEWLETT HARBOR BA, 236 Richards Lane 5 BR, 5.5 Bth Contemporary Home on an Acre Of Resortlike, IGP, Open Floor Plan. Full Fin Bsmt. Main Flr Master. SD14...$1,499,00 Ronnie 516 238-4299 Douglas Elliman

WOODSBURGH 185 BAY Dr, OPEN HOUSE BY Appt, 5/6 BR, 4.5 Bth Exp Ranch on Parklike 1/2 Acre Prop. Guest Q u a r t e r s , F u l l B s m t , 2 C a r G a r. SD#14...$1,450,00 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299

Homes Real estate

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

IN BRIEF Sharona Beck Realty Welcomes Sharon Lovy

After Sharon graduated from New York University with a Master’s degree in Industrial/ Organizational Psychology, she pursued a meaningful career in Human Resources Management. Upon buying a home in West Hempstead with her growing family, Sharon realized that something was missing from the real estate transaction: the human touch. Sharon joined Sharona Beck Realty in order to gain access to the most listings in the neighborhood. She specializes in residential and commercial sales in the West Hempstead/Franklin Square area. She is very active in many facets of the Hebrew Academy of Nassau County and she is co-chair of the Simcha Connection, a matchmaking group (she has set up 9 married couples so far!). Sharon can be reached at 516-652-1999 or by email at lovy96@optonline.net. Realtors are encouraged to send briefs and photographs to: Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd.., Garden City, NY 11530.

1122710

neW

1121837

Runn

to join our outside sales team, contact Rhonda glickman. send your resume today. rglickman@liherald.com, 516-569-4000 x250.

HERALD

SAY YES TO THIS HOUSE!

House For Sale HEWLETT BAY PARK 40 Heron Dr, NEW TO MARKET!! 10,000 Sq Ft Waterfront Proper ty on an Acre of Parklike Grounds Tucked away in Cul de Sac. 5 BR, 5.5 Bth Contemporary. Soaring Ceilings. IG Pool, Hot Tub. 285' Vinyl Bulkhead Raised & Redone, Dock. 3 Car Garage...$4,650,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman RE 516-238-4299 HEWLETT HARBOR 105 Lake Dr, NEW TO MARKET!! Spectaular Water & Golf Course Views. 4 BR, 4.5 Bth 4500 sq Ft Contemporary w/ Open Layout & Soaring Ceilings, 2 Car Gar, SD#14..$1,995,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman RE 516-238-4299

Apartments For Rent CEDARHURST NO FEE Pr ivate Entrance, Modern 1BR, 2BR, 3BR, CAC, W/D, Storage, Wall To Wall Carpeting, Indoor Parking Space. Starting At $1450 For O n e B e d r o o m W h e n Ava i l a bl e. (516)860-6889/ (516)852-5135/ (516)582-9978

This Lynbrook Village Home Offers 4 Bedrooms, 2 Full Baths, Living Room, Renovated Kitchen With All New Appliances, Dining Area. New Roof, Siding, Windows & Doors. Hardwood Floors, Finished Basement With Wet Bar, Separate Laundry Room, New W/D And New Hot Water Heater. Beautifully Landscaped on 50 x 100 Corner Property With In-ground Sprinkler System. Detached Garage. Excellent SD 20, Walk To LIRR. $548,000

Call Geri Lipsman, Lic. Broker Neponsit Realty 917-751-8476, geri@neponsitrealty.com

WWW.LIHERALD.COM

1124411

ISLAND PARK UFSD

MERRICK HERALD — March 11, 2021

HERALD

We don’t want our floor to expand

Homes

HERALD

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

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

Q. We read your column about flooring (“Our floor is expanding,” Feb. 25-March 3) and are concerned because our new floors were done last summer and show little rises at the edges. We chose the floor because we have allergies and felt it was easier to clean. The floors were coated with urethane, and we’ve been cleaning with a Swiffer and a Roomba, which uses water. Will this be a problem, since we don’t want to see the floor start swelling? Covid has us thinking we need to clean more often, so please let us know what you think.

Long Beach

HOME OF THE WEEK

Old Meets New…

A. As with most wood maintenance, follow two basic rules: 1) consult experts to confirm the best practice and 2) don’t do anything you have doubts about. Water causes wood to react by swelling, mainly because the nature of exposed wood is to draw in water. Remember, the flooring used to be the center of a tree, and is composed of onte eeper millions of straw-like fibers that drew water from the roots of the tree high up to the leaves in order for the tree to survive. Ask any tree, and it wood sway toward telling you it couldn’t imagine giving up its innards to be a floor, but it happens every day. Because the fibers have such a strong tendency to pull moisture in, any moisture beyond the stabilized room humidity level is going to make the planks swell. Coating the fiber of the wood is a good start, but I often see the edges begin to turn color because the seal coating urethane or other materials can develop gaps. For this reason, it’s best not to saturate the finished planks with water. If you’re able to use liquid cleaners that combine less water with other ingredients that increase evaporation, such as alcohol, and damp mop with furniture-grade cleaners more, it will help to avoid some of the swelling. I recently came to a conclusion, thinking about the current pandemic, about the last pandemic, the influenza of 100 years ago. It was around that time that the modern architecture movement began, and I realize that part of the influence was a reaction to the need to create healthier living environments in our homes and workplaces. Even though most of us remember all the knickknacks and tchotchkes our grandparents had on their shelves, window sills and mantels, not to mention the coveted corner glass cabinets containing show pieces of crystal and figurines, the stark departure to the modern architecture movement was slowly taking hold. It was based on the need to eliminate dust-catchers. The Persian rugs disappeared and tile, marble and wood floors became more common. The first home I remember living in had hard, granite-like terrazzo floors and a projecting flat roof held up at one corner by two angled columns forming a V. Now we’re returning to hard, washable surfaces, so we just need to understand where the materials come from and how to treat them. Good luck!

Ask The Architect

newly renovated throughout beachside gem! On the upper floor you will enjoy a sun drenched room with windows on all sides, a formal dining room with high ceilings and beautiful stained-glass windows. There is a large sunken double height living room also with stained-glass windows, wood-burning fireplace, brand new Chef’s kitchen with top grade appliances and wine cooler. In addition, you will find three bedrooms and a brand-new bathroom, master bedroom with new private spa-like bathroom. On the lower floor you will enjoy three bedrooms with new one and half bathrooms and all newly remodeled floors. There is plenty of parking along with a garage plus a four car driveway. This house is a must see. There are too many extras to list. This home is located one block from the ocean and a short distance to LIRR. $1,289,000

Agent:Mazal Amram, LAB Email: jamram123@aol.com Phone:(516) 782-6331 Licensed Real Estate Salesperson

HEWLETT BAY PARK 70 Heron Dr, BA, 6 BR, Contemporary with Open Layout on an Acre of Parklike Property. Move Right in! SD#14 ..................................................REDUCED $1,650,000 40 Heron Dr, BA, NEW TO MARKET!! 10,000 Sq Ft Waterfront Property on an Acre of Parklike Grounds Tucked away in Cul de Sac. 5 BR, 5.5 Bth Contemporary. Soaring Ceilings. IG Pool, Hot Tub. 285' Vinyl Bulkhead Raised & Redone Dock. 3 Car Garage ..................................$4,650,000 HEWLETT HARBOR 267 Channon Rd, NEW EXCLUSIVE! 7 BR, 4 Bth Exp Ranch w/ Full Fin Bsmt on Quiet St in SD#20. 2 Car Att Gar. Won’t Last! .......................................................................$1,198,000 105 Lake Dr, BA, NEW TO MARKET!! Spectaular Water & Golf Course Views. 4 BR, 4.5 Bth 4500 sq Ft Contemporary w/ Open Layout & Soaring Ceilings, 2 Car Gar, SD#14 .................................................................... $1,995,000 236 Richards Lane, BA, 5 BR, 5.5 Bth Contemporary Home on an Acre Of Resortlike Prop with IG Pool. Open Floor Plan. Full Fin Bsmt. Main Flr Master. SD14 ..REDUCED! $1,499,000 WOOdSBURGH 185 Bay Dr, BA, 5/6 BR, 4.5 Bth Exp Ranch on Parklike 1/2 Acre Prop. Guest Quarters, Full Bsmt, 2 Car Gar. SD#14 .................................................................... $1,450,000 EAST ROCKAWAY 1 Thompson Dr, BA, 4 BR, 2.5 Bth Exp Ranch w/Open Layout in Waverly Park Area. Updtd EIK. O/S Prop w/Deck. Att Gar. SD#20 ......................................................... $599,000 Vacation Rentals/Prop. Apartments For Rent

ROSEDALE: 3 BEDROOM, Newly renovated. Minutes away from LIRR. 516-805-4202

OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND. Best selection of full/partial week rentals. FREE Color Brochure. Holiday Real Estate, Inc: 1-800-638-2102 Online reser vations: www.holidayoc.com. $50 discount - new rentals. Code: "ToTheBeach2021" (Expires 2021-06-01)

Sherlock Homes Sherlock Homes E . RO CK AWAY OPE N HOU S E SATURDAY MARCH 13TH 1:00 - 3:00 SUNDAY MARCH 14TH 12:00 - 2:00

17 WEST BOULEVARD WATERFRONT

ALL NEW CONSTRUCTION 3 Bedrooms 3 Full Baths Decks from both Master Bedroom & Living Room with Gas Fireplace Open Dining Area & Eat-in Kitchen Hardwood Floors with Radiant Heat 2 Car Garage & All New Systems Price: $899,000

1124407

OPEN HOUSES BY APPOINTMENT SUNdAY, 3/14/21

Listing Agent: Lia Miele 516-382-7037 43 N. Park Ave. Rockville Centre • 516-764-2601

DO YOU KNOW HOW MUCH YOUR HOME IS WORTH?

Call for Your FREE Home Market evaluation now!

Lisa a. Fava CBR, sRs, aBR

LiCensed assoCiate BRokeR

50 Hempstead avenue Lynbrook, nY

1123083

Ronnie Gerber 516-238-4299

Topper Realty Corp. 84 East Park Avenue Long Beach , NY Direct: (516) 889-6677

516-815-2434

“Going Above & Beyond to find your Dream Home”

Rhonda Healy

M: (516) 236-7269

Real Estate Salesperson, abR, SRS E: Rhonda.Healy.VW@gmail.com Verdeschi & Walsh Realty 1025 W. Beech St. | Long Beach, NY

OneKey Multiple Listing Service ®

1120869

e s t. 1 9 1 1

1123087

March 11, 2021 — MERRICK HERALD

© 2021 Monte Leeper Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.

Market Place • •

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

HERALD — March 11, 2021

HERALD

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

CONTINENTAL TAX e PLANNERS thWanherae ytaoux ’rreetumrnor!!!! TAX AND ACCOUNTING SERVICES Personal Tax Filing • Small Business Specialists • Payroll Services • Stimulus Review • Open Year Round

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

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Dave marlOWe Plumbing, inC.

AOWA_GotClutter_BW_Bold Fresh CoAt For A Fresh stArt!

DBA BOB PHILLIPS PLUMBING

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

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Licensed & insured

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

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senior Citizen Discounts

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HOME • COMMERCIAL

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Email your Ad to the Herald and PrimeTime Classiﬁed Department at

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

(516) 379-2727

CALL FOR MORE INFO No service in Long Beach

Carpentry & Painting Specialist

Chimney King, Ent. Inc. Chimney Cleaning & Masonry Services Done By Firefighters That Care chimneykinginc.com

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

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HERALD

Stuff

To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5 MERCHANDISE MART Antiques/Collectibles We Buy Antiques, Fine Art & Jewelry Same Day Service, Free In-Home Evaluations, 40 Year Family Business. Licensed and Bonded, Immediate Cash Paid.. SYL-LEE ANTIQUES www.syl-leeantiques.com 516-671-6464

Miscellaneous For Sale COCA COLA MACHINE 1960's VENDO HA56C Square Cornered. Good Condition $175. 516-596-0465.

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

Home Improvement

Finds Under $100

GLOCKENSPICH VINTAGE 60'/ 70's Jenco 2 Octaves with carrying case, mallet and shoulder strap $95.00 516-705-4313

*MICHAEL LO BAIDO CONSTRUCTION*

BOYS CLOTHES: SIZE 3T & 4T. New w i t h Ta g s. Tex t fo r p i c s. $ 7 e a c h . 917-420-5814

SOCKET SET, 3/4 inch drive, heavy duty. hardly used. with case. .35.00 516-593-2249

FINDS UNDER $100

BRAND NEW FURLA Tote Bag from Italy Chocolate Brown Asking $99 call 516-509-2710 BRAND NEW STONE Mountain ARTESIA Bucket Bag Chocolate Brown Sug. Price $140 Asking $99.l 516-509-2710 CRAFTSMAN 4 CYCLE snow blower, used little. Easy Start, Light to medium duty $95.00 516-705*4313 GIRLS CLOTHES: SIZE 5. New with Tags. Jeans, hoodies. Text for pics. $8 each. 917-420-5814

SERVICES Cleaning Services M A R I N A ' S C L E A N I N G S E RV I C E S : Cleaning Homes, Apartments, Condos, Offices. Experienced. FREE Estimates. Serving Long Island. 516-670-7764

Electricians

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E-Z ELECTRIC SERVICES, INC. All Types Residential/Commercial Wiring, Generators, Telephone/Data, Home Entertainment, Service Upgrades, Pools, Spas. Services/Repairs. Violations Removed. Free Estimates Low Rates. 516-785-0646 Lic/Ins.

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

CRAZY? (PDLO \RXU $G WR WKH +HUDOG DQG 3ULPH7LPH &ODVVLÀ HG 'HSDUWPHQW DW VDOHV#OLKHUDOG FRP WR UXQ D )5(( )LQGV 8QGHU WR UXQ D )5(( )LQGV 8QGHU

Home Improvement

HANDY DANDY NO JOB TOO SMALL! *Kitchens/ Baths *Painting *Sheetrock *Taping/ Spackling *Installations Ceramic/ Vinyl Tile *Carpentry *Alterations *Repairs/ More. FREE ESTIMATES. Dan 516-342-0761

HErald

Crossword Puzzle

Cement Specialist, Brickwork, Interlock Bricks, Belgium Blocks, Stoops, Patios, Basement Entrances, Pavers, Waterproofing. Quality Work, Lic./ Ins. Owner Always Onsite Free Estimates 516-354-5578 THE GENERAC PWRcell, a solar plus battery storage system. SAVE money, reduce your reliance on the grid, prepare for power outages and power your home. Full installation services available. $0 Down Financing Option. Request a FREE, no obligation, quote today. Call 1-888-871-0194

Miscellaneous BEST SATELLITE TV with 2 Year Price Guarantee! $59.99/mo with 190 channels and 3 months free premium movie channels! Free next day installation! Call 888-508-5313 DISH TV $64.99 For 190 Channels + $14.95 High Speed Internet. Free Installation, Smart HD DVR Included, Free Voice Remote. Some restrictions apply. Promo Expires 7/21/21. 1-888-609-9405

Tree Services T&M GREENCARE TREE SERVICE *Tree Removal *Stump Grinding *Pruning *Roof Line Clearing. Residential and Commercial. "We Beat All Competitors' Rates." Lowest Rates. *Senior Discount. Free Estimates. *516-223-4525, 631-586-3800 www.tmgreencare.com

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OpINIONS

ow strange the past 12 months have been, for us all. Personally, I’ve been holed up for most of it at my desk in my bedroom, papers stacked up around me, my cellphone always at the ready, resting against my computer. I’m not complaining. I know how fortunate I am during this coronavirus pandemic to be able to work as a newspaper editor from home most of the time. My two adult children, both in college, Zoom in to their classes from their bedrooms one floor below. My wife, a teacher, SCOTT works at her school, but on occasion has BRINTON been called to teach virtually from home. I can’t help but feel cloistered, hemmed in by my bedroom walls. There’s a world outside, waiting for me, but I can’t venture far very often. So few of us can these days, our lives dictated by the ebbs and flows of an insidious viral invader. I leave my house in Merrick only for short, well-planned errands — no more browsing in stores — to teach three hours a week at Hofstra University, to take walks around the neighborhood or at a local park

with my family, or to report a story. I’ve realized that I’ve never before spent so much time by myself. I had grown accustomed to the nervous energy of a newsroom on deadline, the constant tapping of fingers on keyboards, the chatter of reporters speaking at breakneck pace with sources on the phone, the sound of footsteps moving hurriedly across a carpeted floor. Then, suddenly, seated at my home desk, there was only quiet whenever I stopped to listen. I could hear nothing but the faint sound of cars on the Meadowbrook Parkway nearby or, here and there, the howling wind. There was no movement, only stillness. At first, I felt alone. Then, as the months passed, a funny thing happened: I started to embrace the aloneness. My mind was less cluttered. I found I could think faster, write faster. I became a more efficient editor. As still more time passed, my mind started to wander during the precious moments of free time between editing and writing stories or teaching classes. Often it turned to the woods of my childhood in Yaphank, in Suffolk County — the hundreds of acres of oaks and pines behind my family’s home where I trekked off for hours, learning, by trial and error, to differentiate between poi-

son ivy and Virginia creeper or to navigate by paying close attention to unusual landmarks. It was the only other time when I was as alone as I am now. It was also when I was most at peace — when I could think freely. As a child, I spent more time than most in the woods. Not only did I grow up surrounded by forest, but also, as a Boy Scout, I ventured into many an upstate park, from the Catskills to the Adirondacks, always feeling a sense of oneness with the earth in the woods. That was, in part, why I spent four summers as a Fresh Air Fund counselor in Fishkill. I could do good for the world — the camp was for underprivileged children from the inner city — while living entirely outdoors. It was also why, the week I finished my master’s degree, I headed off to northern Maine to climb Mt. Katahdin — alone. The early days of the pandemic are a blur to me, a rapid-fire succession of hard-news stories that I had to write or edit. Over the summer, I marched alongside the Black Lives Matter protesters for miles to document that history-making movement, never stopping to think whether I might become infected with Covid-19 while walking among so many thousands of people. Then, during the fall, I began to settle into my lonesome routine, sending my mind

’ve grown used to the the quiet of my bedroom, in stark contrast to a newsroom.

in search of my past. I wondered why I thought so often about the woods. The answer, I believe, is simple: In the forest, I was without fear. We are all, I think, searching for some modicum of peace now. We must cling to some form of past happiness, because in it, we find hope, which we so desperately need to give us the inner strength to endure these final months of the pandemic before we reach herd immunity — we hope, sometime over the summer. In the future, I determined, I must return to the woods more often — to live, as Henry David Thoreau implored us, deliberately. In the woods, as Thoreau wrote, I can “front the essential facts of life.” I decided to buy a pair of Vasque Sundowner hiking boots — beautiful, brownleather, Italian-made hiking boots — the same pair that I purchased before I drove off to Maine, but somehow lost as a Peace Corps volunteer. I hope to climb Bear Mountain, Mount Marcy and Mount Katahdin again, and perhaps others as well. I hope. I hope. I hope. We must keep hope alive to remember why we should do all we can to survive these terrible and terrifying times. Scott Brinton is the Herald Community Newspapers’ executive editor and an adjunct professor at the Hofstra University Herbert School of Communication. Comments about this column? SBrinton@liherald.com.

Fighting the good fight against conspiracies (Part 2)

merica has been fertile ground for conspiracy theories. Some social scientists say that the conspiracy world began to flourish with the Kennedy assassination in 1963. A succession of violent events shocked a public that demanded an explanation. Before our eyes, our young president was shot down, and days later the shooter, Lee Harvey Oswald, was killed on live TV by Jack Ruby, a nightclub owner. Who was Oswald, the strange guy in the Texas Book Depository who took out JFK as he RANDI rode in a motorcade KREISS through Dallas? Dozens of books and movies fed the “real” stories. Enter the internet in the 1990s, and suddenly strange ideas, random sightings and pseudo explanations for phenomena of all kinds proliferated, striking roots in dark places, where they thrived. Who said men ever walked on the moon? How many humans have actually been snatched by aliens for visits to outer space? Elvis is really alive, and Paul McCartney is really dead. Apparently, the earth is flat. Or possibly

hollow. Or probably inhabited by beings who live in the netherworld below. You can’t even begin to count the vampires in the royal family, and some believe that a footman found human remains in the queen’s family freezer. Snack food? Most conspiracy propaganda is ridiculous and not particularly threatening, but what happens when a lunatic fringe goes more mainstream? What happens when a dangerous conspiracy theory gains traction with hundreds of thousands of people and more? What is the consequence of a conspiracy group getting one of theirs elected to the United States Congress? Well, here we are, folks, with Marjorie Taylor Greene, late of QAnon, in the House of Representatives. Early on, she allied herself with the group that believes that prominent elected officials and Hollywood celebrities are devil worshippers and child molesters. Greene expressed her support for threats of violence against House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. How do you counter a new, popular, destructive belief system? The solutions are neither quick nor easy. The only antidote to the proliferation of conspiracy theories and hate groups is universal, robust education. It’s no coincidence

that QAnon has surged during a pandemic when everyone is trapped inside with little to do but weave webs of deception online. Do you love America? Help make our education system the best in the world, not just in science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM, but also in civics. We have to teach constitutional democracy, and make it come alive for kids as a living, breathing way of life. Please read “America must embrace civics and history instruction for the sake of our democracy,” an editorial in the Washington Post on March 2. As adults, we have a lot to learn about how to support our freedoms and recognize authoritarianism when it emerges. We can all help our children become sharper, more critical thinkers instead of classroom sponges. As a former teacher, a parent and a grandparent, I have both experienced and witnessed the droning boredom of rote learning and “teaching to the test,” and lifetime jobs for teachers who long ago cashed in their chips. When we send our kids to school, we are entrusting their minds and futures to teachers who must inspire and sow creativity. A child who learns from their parents to be curious about the world, to ask questions,

niveral, robust education will help our children become critical thinkers.

to pursue proof in the face of dogma is someone who can resist conspiracy theories with intellect and moral courage. Actively curious children become intellectually healthy adults. We can all learn better to question assumptions, be aware of our own biases and evaluate evidence. According to the Foundation for Critical Thinking website, “Critical thinking is just deliberately and systematically processing information so that you can make better decisions and generally understand things better.” I don’t know how we get there from here, but I am absolutely sure that quality education blows the cobwebs out of the corners and engenders creative thinking and questioning in the face of false information and demagoguery. Did you know that Finland doesn’t exist? That Meghan Markle is a robot? That 5G causes Covid-19? That 9/11 was an inside job by the U.S. government? And so on. People believe this stuff, and generally their flights of fantasy do no harm. But today QAnon has emerged, raising a big tent for haters and fear-mongers from every corner of America. Many of our fellow Americans are buying what Q is selling. We must do better than this as a nation. Change begins with teaching our children how to learn. Copyright 2021 Randi Kreiss. Randi can be reached at randik3@aol.com.

MERRICK HERALD — March 11, 2021

Reflections on a pandemic year

HerAld editoriAls

Merrick

March 11, 2021 — MERRICK HERALD

HERALD and Merrick Herald News Established 1994

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year ago, the coronavirus pandemic arrived in New York, and fear and confusion ensued. People had no real idea what this terrible disease was — how deadly it could be or how, precisely, it spread. We needed a calming voice to talk us through the crisis. Gov. Andrew Cuomo was that voice. Day after day, week after week, he spoke directly to New Yorkers at daily televised news conferences, which quickly became popular not only here, but also across the country. He told us hard truths and offered credible solutions that brought calm — and results. By summer, New York’s Covid-19 infection rate, once the highest in the nation, had plummeted to 1 percent. That is, in part, why it has been so disturbing and disheartening to hear a series of accusations against the gover-

nor — first, that his administration may not only have under-reported nursing home deaths, but also altered the reports, and second, that he may have sexually harassed four women. If the growing number of accusations against Cuomo and his administration are proven true in the independent investigations now taking place, then he should resign, so as not to put the state through the long agony of an impeachment proceeding. U.S. Rep. Kathleen Rice, a Democrat from Garden City who represents the 4th Congressional District, has already called on Cuomo, a fellow Democrat, to step down. Rice made the announcement on Twitter March 1. Meanwhile, her House colleague Tom Suozzi, a Democrat from Glen Cove who represents the 3rd District, is taking more of a wait-and-see approach, allowing the investigations to

Undocumented immigrants need relief, too

hey rip roofs off houses under repair, wash dishes in restaurants and pick fruit and vegetables, among countless other jobs, working 12- and 16-hour shifts for poverty-level wages with no benefits. They often live in tiny illegal basement apartments, or in multi-family houses that are stretched beyond capacity, or, in some cases, in the woods along our parkways. They are undocumented immigrants, existing in America’s shadows, afraid to speak up for themselves for fear that they might be deported to their home countries. Many pay taxes — the IRS estimates that 6 million undocumented immigrants file individual income tax returns — but they receive little in the way of services or

benefits. That has been the case even during the coronavirus pandemic that has devastated New York and the nation. Undocumented immigrant workers were excluded last year from the $2.2 trillion federal CARES Act, which provided aid to struggling businesses and most American workers. States could offer pandemic aid to these workers — and California did, setting aside $75 million for disaster relief aid for them. The California Department of Social Service selected 12 nonprofit groups to help undocumented immigrants apply for disaster funds, amounting to $500 per adult, or a total of $1,000 per household. New York, however, has not provided a

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play out. According to a Quinnipiac poll last week, 55 percent of New Yorkers said they believe Cuomo should not resign, though the results were released the day before revelations that his aides may have changed death reports to reflect more favorably on the governor, so we may see that number drop. At the same time, 59 percent of New Yorkers said they do not want to see him run again. Cuomo is a fighter who doesn’t back down, so we don’t expect him to resign, though the allegations against him are mounting daily, so he may have no choice. New York has been through hell over the past year, and we don’t expect the coming year to be much easier. We will recover, but it will take time. What we need now is a strong leader at the helm, not one so damaged by scandal as to become ineffectual.

letters Health care for all New Yorkers To the Editor: Re the Feb. 25-March 3 editorial, “A year later, lessons learned from the pandemic”: The question is asked, “When we are past the pandemic, who will we become?” We are all challenged to ponder this question. Upon examination, there is no way that we can look back on the last year and think that our health care system is not in dire need of change. Our current health insurance system doesn’t work. The tragic and preventable statistics and stories of people losing their life savings due to cancer, or families resorting to GoFundMe for medical bills, remind us that this system had already failed for too many before the coronavirus pandemic. Now the failures of this system are even clearer. We

similar aid package to undocumented immigrants. The statewide campaign #FundExcludedWorkers is calling on lawmakers in Albany to do just that. A measure now sits in the State Senate Labor Committee, but it has gone nowhere. We’re calling on New York lawmakers — in particular, our Long Island Democratic senators — to push for and pass this legislation as part of the state budget, due April 1. Providing aid to the people most in need, who so often labor in the jobs that put them most at risk for contracting Covid-19, would be the right thing to do. Our lawmakers should set politics aside and summon their better angels to ensure that this measure passes.

opinions

n case you haven’t noticed it, there are all kinds of battles going on between legislators and governors all over the country. As far south as Texas and as far north as Albany, elected officials are fighting over electrical power and political power. Unlike a boxing match, when the dust has settled and the fighters retreat to their corners, there will be no winners. The most horrible case of government malpractice has occurred in Texas. It’s hard to believe that the most energy-rich JerrY state in the nation can go into a deep kremer freeze impacting the lives of 28 million people. Wherever you travel in Texas, you’ll find oil rigs, natural gas facilities and ancient coal plants. With all those sources of power, a major cold wave hit the state in mid-February and froze much of the energy-generating equipment. When the temperature dropped, the state’s public utility corporation was totally unprepared to stop its generators from freezing. This is especially discon-

certing considering that in 2011, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the federal agency in charge of America’s energy resources, told Texas energy officials that they had to winterize their power facilities to prevent them from freezing over if hit by a major storm. Texas has always taken the position that its power plants shouldn’t be regulated by the federal government. They have gone as far as to decline to be tied into any power system in a neighboring state. New York, for example, is connected to a national grid, and when the state suffers a power loss, it can buy excess power from our surrounding states. During a typical summer heat wave, utilities such as Con Edison and PSE&G buy out-of-state power. When the cold descended on Texas, the first thing the Republican governor and lieutenant governor did was to blame the freeze on the wind and solar industry, claiming those energy sectors had caused the shutdown. They even attacked the so-called Green New Deal, which is a proposal and not a law. After a few days of ducking and weaving from Democratic assaults, Lt. Governor Dan

f it’s not electrical power, there’s always Covid restrictions to battle over.

Letters all feel the insecurity, as employment is more uncertain, health care is increasingly expensive and an unfortunate diagnosis can have dire consequences. The pandemic and the associated economic crisis exposed the inadequacy of employment-based, profitdriven insurance. Meanwhile, health insurance companies, and New York’s billionaire class, enjoyed a lucrative 2020, reaping profits while health care workers were overworked, working families were stretched further than ever, and Covid19 cases and deaths escalated. The New York Health Act, proposed in the State Senate and Assembly, would replace these costly and inefficient systems with one comprehensive health care plan for all New York residents and workers. This would leave more money in the pockets of 98 percent of people, save billions in administrative costs and provide relief for small businesses that struggle to afford health insurance for their employees. New York is a great state, and it should have a great health care system, and now we have a chance to lead the way for the rest of the country by passing this legislation. Ensuring that your family and community have health care is essential. What is not essential is for-profit health insurance, or protecting the tax

Patrick conceded that the state-owned system needed to be winterized. In the interim, some homeowners are getting energy bills in the thousands of dollars due to the breakdowns in the system. Back here in New York, there’s a fistfight going on between the Long Island Power Authority and PSE&G, which has a contract to run the power system. Their battle is focused on Tropical Storm Isaias last August, which left record numbers of homeowners without power for almost two weeks. LIPA is suing PSE&G, and the politicians are talking about creating a publicly owned power system. If I had a choice between PSE&G or Con Edison and a publicly run system, I’d stick with private enterprise. The other battle for power is going on between numerous governors and their state legislatures over Covid restrictions. It seems that a number of legislatures, including New York’s, are tired of their governors dictating to the states on mask wearing, business openings and a variety of other restrictions. It has gotten so bad in some states that Republican legislators are battling Republican governors,

calling them “dictators.” The New York legislative battle between Gov. Andrew Cuomo and the leaders of the Legislature has been temporarily resolved with an agreement that Cuomo’s executive powers will be suspended by the end of April and the Legislature will play a greater role. Much of what will happen is linked to the fate of Cuomo, who is under fire amid allegations of sexual harassment. There is more to this power struggle than just a tug of war for control. Individual legislators have claimed that Cuomo has threatened them personally, and they are looking to restrict his powers. It’s no secret in Albany that Cuomo has a reputation for being a tough boss, and he never hides his feelings, but new laws will not settle this brawl. I’m not an expert on health issues, but it seems that the Covid-19 has another side effect. It causes politicians to go into fits of rage and attack each other for weeks on end with little to show for it. Jerry Kremer was a state assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. He now heads Empire Government Strategies, a business development and legislative strategy firm. Comments about this column? JKremer@liherald.com.

Framework by Lisa Melillo

rates of New York’s hyper-wealthy. Our Long Island representatives need to hear the message from us all: Pass The New York Health Act. DR. DANIEL COLACURCIO Westbury

Cuomo should practice what he preaches To the Editor: Gov. Andrew Cuomo doesn’t always practice what he preaches. He is asking New Yorkers not to pass judgment on the accusations of sexual harassment against him until State Attorney General Letitia James completes her investigation. Remember the Senate confirmation hearings for Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh? Cuomo wasn’t so charitable in that case. As for sexual harassment training, employees receive a certificate upon completion. May we see a copy of Cuomo’s certificate? It would include who provided the training and the date he completed the session. He needs a refresher course. LARRY PENNER Great Neck

It seems like just last week — Bayville Creek Beach

MERRICK HERALD — March 11, 2021

The pandemic gives states one more thing to fight about

March 11, 2021 — MERRICK HERALD

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