Issuu

__________________ Merrick _________________

CoMMuNIty uPDAtE Infections as of March 22

7,216

Infections as of March 12 6,904

$1.00 $1.00

HERALD

Siblings help book vaccines

Middle-schooler wins contest

lidl opens in Merrick

Page 14

Page 13

Page 15

Vol. 24 No. 13

MARCH 25 - 31, 2021

Paving the way for women in wrestling by ANDREW GARCIA agarcia@liherald.com

Courtesy Robles family

tAlIA RoblES IS one of two girls to be the first females on the Wellington C. Mepham High School Pirates wrestling team. She is on the team along with her brother, Nicholas. Here, Talia was pictured at an off-season wrestling tournament.

A Wellington C. Mepham High School wrestler is paving the way for more women to join the sport. Talia Robles, a ninth-grader, is one of two young ladies currently on the team. They are the first girls ever to be Pirates wrestlers. One of their teammates is Talia’s brother, Nicholas Robles, a senior at Mepham. “It’s really fun being on the

team with [Nicholas], our friends and coaches,” Talia told the Herald. She has been wrestling for roughly four years now. She represents the changing face of a sport that has for decades been dominated by men. “I remember seeing Talia at tournaments [when Nick was younger], and I never put two and two together that Nick would be a senior and Talia would be a freshman,” Coach Continued on page 3

Restaurateurs look ahead to spring dining by ANDREW GARCIA agarcia@liherald.com

To say it has been a long year for Bellmore and Merrick’s restaurant owners would be an understatement. The industry, which faced forced closures to stop the spread of Covid-19 around this time last year, still faces hurdles: Long Island establishments must close by 11 p.m., but can now seat customers at 75 percent capacity. The loosened restriction on the maximum capacity for indoor dining began March 19, according to a news release from Gov. Andrew Cuomo. Beginning

April 5, the 11 p.m. curfew for casinos, movie theaters, bowling alleys, billiards halls, gyms and fitness centers will be lifted, but it will remain for food and beverage establishments. The 11 p.m. curfew will be evaluated in late April, according to a March 17 release. “We’re grateful, but there are a lot of onerous policies that are still affecting us, most namely the curfew,” said John Amaruso, owner of Bourbon & Brews in Merrick. “An 11 p.m. curfew seems a little arbitrary. If you’re serving people safely at 8 p.m., why can’t you serve them safely at 1 a.m.?

t feels like a bit of normalcy — and I think everyone is craving that.

MARIA CASSANo

Owner, American Beauty Bar & Grill It really makes no difference.” Despite the support that has kept Bourbon & Brews afloat, the spot took a hit under previous restrictions of 50 percent capacity and a

10 p.m. curfew. They rely on late-night crowds, but those guests must be “arbitrarily turned away” once the curfew hits, Amaruso said. American Beauty Bar & Grill in Bellmore was forced to close late last year and accept only private events because of declining revenue. Maria Cassano, who owns the business with her husband, Michael, and business partner, Skip Curth, said she hopes to fully reopen by April 1. “The 75 percent capacity certainly helps,” Cassano said. “Now with the increase, we’re able to do private events on top of regular business — and on top

of other events that we want to bring back, like Drag Queen Bingo and Hip-Hop Brunch. This will help immensely.” The Bellmore location of American Beauty is bigger than its sister counterpart, American Beauty Bistro in Massapequa, also owned by Cassano, making it the preferred spot for their usually popular events. “Everyone is just in a celebratory mood,” Cassano said of guests whom she has recently served. “There’s a lightness in the air — it feels like a bit of normalcy — and I think everyone is cravContinued on page 12

Learn lifelong calming skills through play AGES 6-12

EXPERIENCE 40% LESS OPPOSITIONAL BEHAVIOR “He still has emotions, of course. He has moments where he gets upset and wants his way, but he expresses himself appropriately.” - MOM OF 10 YEAR OLD BOY

Learn more at mightier.com/newyear

CLINICALLY TESTED & DEVELOPED AT BOSTON CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL & HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL

1120349

March 25, 2021 — MERRICK HERALD

MERRICK HERALD — March 25, 2021

Photos Courtesy Robles family

Talia Robles mixed it up with an opponent during a match at Mepham.

Talia and heR brother, Nicholas, are the first brother/sister tandem on the Mepham squad.

Pirates duo leads way for women in sport ConTinued fRom fRonT page

Kenneth Richards said. “So, when she came up, I kind of knew who she was already.” “Just the way the sport is moving, it’s going to be like boys’ basketball and girls’ basketball most likely in the next ten years,” Richards added. “There’s going to be a girls’ sport and a guys’ sport for wrestling.” Joining the team was natural for Talia and she was quickly accepted by her peers, Richards explained. Nick’s fellow seniors and friends began to look out for Talia as soon as she became a Pirate. “The culture of the team came together a little bit more knowing that not only were there other sibling duos on the team, but there was that brother and sister combo there,” Richards said. “Most wrestlers are the most respectful athletes,” Nick said, “because they know how much gusto it takes to step on that mat, put your foot in that line and go out there by yourself.” Talia had watched her brother wrestle competitively for years. She started wrestling in sixth grade while Nick was going into 10th grade. Once she entered Mepham, she knew she wanted to join the Pirates, she said. “It looked really fun to do,” Talia said, “and I’m really glad I did it. It’s a lot of exercise, I get to be on the team with Nick, and I meet a lot of friends along the way.” “I was always supportive of her from the get-go,” Nick said. During his freshman year, he saw a girl win a wrestling tournament first-hand, showing him that women were just as capable as the boys. “I’ve never had any problem with girls wrestling,” Nick explained. “It’s always been nice to see all the women stepping

sisTeR and bRoTheR stood victorious after two of their bouts. up and becoming a part of the sport — and it’s nice to see my sister as part of that movement,” Nick surmised that women have been absent from wrestling because of its male-dominated nature. Like football, he said, wrestling is traditionally for the boys. “Now it’s starting to shift the focus, because more and more women are getting interested and joining the sport,” Nick said. “It’s starting to actually become a movement.” “In the beginning, I was a little nervous because I saw a bunch of guys and I

was the only girl in the room at some point,” Talia said. “I was definitely a little scared to join the team at first.” During one of the first days of practice, Richards pledged to maintain clear communication with Talia. “If something’s not right for you, just let me know,” Richards said. “We’re working through this together — we’re learning together here. As much as she maybe learned from me, I was learning from her.” Nick was luckily able to enjoy his final season with Talia after Covid-19 restrictions were loosened in New York

State and wrestling could proceed. Next year, he will be off to college, and Talia will carry on the Robles legacy. “It was outstanding that Nick was able to have this one season with her, giving her a little boost into the program,” Richards said. “Then, once Nick goes off to college, it’ll just be Talia there, and we’re very excited to have another Robles for four years.” “Wrestling is for everybody — it doesn’t matter what gender you are,” Talia said.

4.15.21

March 25, 2021 — MERRICK HERALD

Passover message

! r e v E e l a ne Day S

O t s e t a e r G The

Alyssa Seidman/Herald

The Merrick Jewish Centre.

This Passover, celebrate the miracle of life

Attention Businesses: DRIVE BUYERS AND REVENUE WITH A TOTAL AUDIENCE REACH MESSAGE

1125362

For more information, contact: Rhonda Glickman at 516-569-4000 ext 250

Dear Friends,

HERALD

Editor Wanted

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.

I have spent almost four months studying each day the Talmud tractate of Pesachim, which delves deeply into every possible detail and tradition of Passover. So much about the Passover ritual has evolved over the millennia. The Passover offering gave way to brisket, some of the four questions were reformulated and, thankfully, matzah balls and gefilte fish came to supplement the foods on the Seder plate. What always remains the same is the ever-powerful story of the miraculous liberation of our people from slavery. Both the Torah narrative and the Haggadah are eternal reminders that in every age unforeseen miracles have turned darkness into light. Almost every page of the Haggadah underscores our people’s way of looking at life-teaching and telling us that Jews never despair of the possibility of the miraculous. Last Passover as Covid-19 became the modern-day incarnation of “The Angel of Death,” we began to feel ourselves virtually helpless in the face of this virus. But as we prepare for this Passover there are three vaccines available and each day over two million people are receiving the lifesaving vaccinations. That to me is

__________________

absolutely miraculous. Those shots going into arms is our crossing through the sea — our moment of salvation! Sadly, our joy is diminished knowing that so many never had the opportunity to experience this moment along with us. Some weeks ago, I came across a teaching in Pesachim which ties the miracles of Passover back to the time of creation. Our sages spoke of a litany of miracles created just before the first Shabbat. As God was putting the finishing touches on creation, He made certain to provide the possibility for the miraculous in every age. The world, they understood, could not endure without faith that a miracle was waiting to happen. How right they were! Passover awaits and once again we have experienced the absolutely miraculous. Our world is coming back to life — hope is being reborn and, slowly but surely, we are coming back together. So, open the door for Eliyahu, drink the wine of deliverance, sing songs of freedom and be grateful for the miracle of life renewed. Zissen Pesach, Rabbi Charles A. Klein Merrick Jewish Centre Continued on page 11

merrick _________________

HERALD HOW TO REACH US

Our offices are located at 2 Endo Blvd. Garden City, NY 11530 and are open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

MAIN PHONE: (516) 569-4000 ■ WEB SITE: www.liherald.com/merrick ■ E-MAIl: Letters and other submissions: merrickeditor@liherald.com

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

■ EDITORIAl DEPARTMENT: Ext. 207 E-mail: merrickeditor@liherald.com Fax: (516) 569-4942 ■ SUBSCRIPTIONS: Press ”7” E-mail: circ@liherald.com Fax: (516) 569-4942 ■ ClASSIFIED ADVERTISING: Ext. 286 E-mail: ereynolds@liherald.com Fax: (516) 622-7460

1126195

■ DISPlAY ADVERTISING: Ext. 249 E-mail: sales@liherald.com Fax: (516) 569-4643 The Merrick Herald life USPS 017651, is published every Thursday by Richner Communications, Inc., 2 Endo Blvd. Garden City, NY 11530. Periodicals postage paid at Garden City, NY 11530 and additional mailing offices. Postmaster send address changes to Merrick Herald, 2 Endo Blvd. Garden City, NY 11530. Newsstand Price: $1 Subscription rates: $50 for 1 year within Nassau County. Out of Nassau County: $60 for 1 year. Copyright © 2021 Richner Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.

R&U AUTO BODY

MERRICK HERALD — March 25, 2021

Quality, Service and Experience We outperform all our competitors in Merrick

TAKE $250 OFF

Valid only for Collision valued at $2000 or more when you mention ad.

R&U Auto Body Collision • 516-379-6581

WE ARE AN APPROVED BODY REPAIR FACILITY SERVICING ALL MAJOR INSURANCE COMPANIES FREE ESTIMATES • TOWING AVAILABLE • RENTALS AVAILABLE 24 HOURS COMPLETE AUTO REPAIR & MAINTENANCE TOO!

516-379-6581 10 Kees Place Merrick NY, 11566 • ruautobody.com CUSTOMER SATISFACTION IS OUR #1 PRIORITY

1126321

Live Operators Are Standing By

Bringing local sports home every week

Herald Football News MacArthur drops Mepham to 1-1 By Tony BeLLiSSimo tbellissimo@liherald.com

Inches away from reaching the end zone for a second consecutive week, MacArthur senior lineman Andrew Calderon still managed to make a pivotal play to lead the Generals to the win column. With his team holding a 12-point lead, Calderon made an acrobatic interception late in the second quarter and was a step away from a clear path to the end zone before he was tripped by Mepham senior quarterback Billy Kender inside the 20. The takeaway set up senior Ryan Isom’s 6-yard touchdown run as MacArthur cruised to a 33-14 Conference II home victory last Saturday. “We practiced defending their screens a lot this week,” said Calderon, who recovered a blocked field-goal attempt and raced 79 yards for a touchdown in a 27-6 season-opening win at South Side. “When I saw him roll out, I was expecting the throw to come my way,” he added. “I almost fumbled after I caught it. I was thinking touchdown but the quarterback got me by the ankles.” The interception was the second of three on the day for MacArthur’s defense, which held the Pirates (1-1) scoreless until the opening minute of the fourth quarter when Kender scrambled for a 5-yard touchdown. Juniors Matt Papach and Steve Weber also picked off passes, and junior Finn Duffy had a huge pass breakup in the end zone to foil a fourth-andgoal on the series before Calderon’s big play. “They had a couple of chances to make it a one-possession game

and our defense came through,” MacArthur head coach Bob Fehrenbach said. “Offensively, we popped some nice runs which was good to see. If you run it enough, you’re bound to crack a couple.” Junior James Napoli had a 12-yard touchdown run midway through the first quarter to open the scoring and busted a 38-yard score in the third quarter. Isom capped the opening drive of the second half with a 1-yard touchdown. Mepham was coming off a 41-7 win over Calhoun that saw senior Brandon Hsu and sophomore Ryan Thier each score a pair of touchdowns. Kender had passing and rushing scores. “We knew MacArthur was going to be a handful up front,” Mepham head coach Anthony Cracco said. “We shot ourselves in the foot a little bit and they executed well. I’m confident we’re a good team. Hopefully we’ll see them again down the road.” The Generals (2-0) are using a quarterback tandem of juniors Jack Butler and Ryan Muller. Butler had a 1-yard touchdown run to produce a 12-0 lead. Muller had passing and rushing scores in the victory over South Side. “They’re both great leaders and we’re rotating them,” Fehrenbach said. “We’re not calling one a starter and one a backup. They’re equals.” Next up for MacArthur is a rematch of the 2019 county title game when it travels to face fourtime defending champion Garden City this Saturday. Mepham heads to New Hyde Park for its second straight road game. Kickoff for both is 2 p.m.

Tony Bellissimo/Herald

Sophomore ryan Thier had a pair of touchdowns in Mepham’s season-opening victory over neighboring rival Calhoun.

– brougHt to you by –

FREE WEBINAR: THURSDAY•APRIL 8•7:00 PM

SPONSORED BY

Staying Local for College Tune in to hear from local colleges and universities about: • Admissions processes • Precautions taken on campus • Accommodating students during a pandemic • Student retention and expansion

1126299

March 25, 2021 — MERRICK HERALD

Herald Inside LI hosts virus and vaccine webinar nalcindor@liherald.com

On March 19, just over a year after the coronavirus reached Nassau County, some 400,000 people here had received at least one dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson Covid-19 vaccines. More than 600,000 Nassau residents remain to be vaccinated, however, and many still struggle to secure vaccination appointments. With no clear end in sight to the pandemic and many unanswered questions surrounding the virus and vaccines, Herald Inside LI held a free live webinar last Thursday titled, “The Virus and The Vaccine: One Year Later.” The panel discussion, which was sponsored by Cona Elder Law and Mount Sinai South Nassau, featured three guest speakers who discussed the past year and the near future of the virus and the vaccines on Long Island. Panelists also reviewed information about infection rates, the coronavirus variants, scheduling testing and vaccine appointments, and plans to keep local communities safe. “We will continue to grapple with people who are hesitant about getting the Covid-19 vaccine,” County Executive Laura Curran said, adding that she plans to receive her vaccine next week publicly, because she wants to show people that she trusts the efficacy of the Covid-19

Eisenstein also said there are many vaccinations. “We are working on doing outreach to let people know where the misconceptions about the vaccines and vaccine is available and how they can get scheduling vaccination appointments. an appointment, because we want to He said he has seen many patients who have been picky about which make sure everyone has a Covid-19 vaccine they want shot at getting a shot.” to receive, with many trying County Health Commisto request for a specific vacsioner Dr. Larry Eisenstein cine, while others have said he is optimistic about scheduled appointments at the progress that the county more than one vaccination is making in vaccinating site in the hope of receiving people. Even those who are their preferred vaccine. vaccinated, he said, should “We might not have the continue social distancing exact type of vaccine that and wearing masks to propeople want when they want tect those who have not yet it. Take what you can get. All been. three of them are great at “There is a sense of liberpreventing death. So take ation after someone is vacciwhat you can get,” Eisennated because people who stein said. “Make sure your take any of the vaccines second dose appointment is have a slim to none chance at the same place you got of ever getting the virus, and your first vaccination dose. the chance of dying of Covid dr. AAroN This is because people at is virtually zero,” Eisenstein another place won’t have said. “People who are vacci- GlAtt access to information about nated shouldn’t have the Mount Sinai what your first dose was, and same restrictions as people South Nassau they might not have the who are not, but they should same type of vaccine that still be careful, and precautious and wearing a mask should always you need for your second dose at their be treated like how people treat carrying location.” Hospitalizations have dropped in their cell phones. People will feel on edge without their phones, and they should recent weeks, as has the number of peofeel the same way about wearing a mask, ple in intensive care units, but it is unclear if those decreases are related to even after being vaccinated.”

ou shouldn’t think you are Superman once you get vaccinated, but if you get the vaccine, you are at diminished risk of getting the virus.

the vaccines, Eisenstein said. It is too early to tell. Other panelists agreed the vaccines are effective. “These are all phenomenal vaccines. There has not been one reported death after taking the vaccine, so people should jump to take the vaccine because they prevent death, not cause death,” said Dr. Aaron Glatt, chairman of the Mount Sinai South Nassau Department of Medicine. “You shouldn’t think you are Superman once you get vaccinated, but If you get the vaccine, you are at diminished risk of getting the virus. Jennifer Cona, a partner of Cona Elder Law, encouraged anyone who meets the vaccination criteria to be vaccinated; however, she said many seniors have been unable to secure appointments because of technology barriers. So, she said, Cona recently started a phone hotline that helps guide seniors through the appointment process. “So far we have helped 135 seniors make appointments to get a vaccine, and we hope to continue helping many others,” she said. “The past year has taught us that we are all vulnerable to a healthcare crisis. Be sure to take action to preserve and protect your loved ones.” For more information or to sponsor a webinar, contact Amy Amato at aamato@richnerlive.com or call (516) 569-4000, ext. 224.

Coup$ Craze is on!

s g n i v a S g n i z a m These A are on their way! WING ZONE BELLMORE

6 FREE WINGS OR FRIES ISLAND EMPANADA MERRICK

BUY 1 GET 1 FREE MIAMI CAR WASH EAST MEADOW

$4 OFF ARBY’S

EAST MEADOW

FREE SANDWICH FRANTONI’S EAST MEADOW

$5 OFF

GATOR’S

EAST MEADOW

FREE LUNCH 1331 MEDITERRANEAN GRILL BELLMORE

FREE DESSERT

Join t h Coup e Craze Lo o CALL n Book Co ok For Yo 516-5 ming ur Mo ney S 69-40 Soon T 0 o 0 Y EXT 2 our M aving See C oupo 86 ailbo ns fo x. rd etails .

1126165

HERALD — March 25, 2021

By Nicole AlciNdor

March 25, 2021 — HERALD

On a recent Thursday, Nassau County Police Academy recruits watched films of actual police field work. With their instructors, the recruits analyzed the tactics employed step by step.

Photos by Scott Brinton/Herald

Inside the Nassau County Police Academy A close-up look at the intense training needed to become a NCPD officer By ScOtt BrintOn sbrinton@liherald.com

Part one in a series of photo stories on the Nassau County Police Academy in North Massapequa. Recruits’ names were not given to protect their privacy. It’s 9 a.m. on a recent Thursday, and a contingent of Nassau County Police Department recruits is seated in the Police Academy’s auditorium, intently watching as drunk college students hurl beer bottles at a line of police officers. “Hey, they’ve thrown a beer bottle,” someone yells. “They’re chucking beer bottles. That is so freaky.” The soon-to-be police officers are reviewing film of a near-riotous college party, as police officers move in to break up the crowd. Much as football players analyze game films with their coaches, these recruits, all dressed in crisp, gray Continued on neXt page

aBOve: recruitS tOOk their Defense Tactics exam, demonstrating the proper methods to arrest suspects. Left phOtOS: recruitS heard a lecture by Marc Tosi, an academy instructor, on police ethics.

Photos by Scott Brinton/Herald

NCPD puts recruits through their paces continued from PreViouS Page button-down shirts, black ties and black slacks, are dissecting films of actual police approaches to worst-case scenarios that they may encounter at some point in their careers. Instructors go over the police tactics step by step, minute by minute. The recruits are learning about the necessity for self-control in the face of danger. Meanwhile, down the hall in the gym, officers are flipping and spinning each other with all manner of wrestling takedowns, their bodies thumping audibly against the gray-and-blue mats, a massive, circular NCPD insignia staring down at them from one wall. On this day, recruits are taking their Defense Tactics exam after three months of intense training, when they studied what to do — and what not to do — when arresting a suspect.

Instructors evaluate their every move, noting when a hand hold, for example, might be off by a few inches. And throughout the academy, recruits are spread out in classrooms, learning about the ethics of police work. Everyone is social distancing, and mask wearing is required, even during the Defense Tactics exam. The cadets study both in the classroom and through a series of simulations at various venues, which imitate policing on the streets, including car chases, said Master Trainer Chris Boccio, who grew up in Lynbrook. NCPD requires a significantly more rigorous training program than New York state mandates — Nassau puts cadets through 1,050 to 1,200 hours of training over seven months, compared to the minimum 639 hours that the state requires for basic police training.

At left, Officer Peter Lang, an instructor, front, reviewed weaponry found in a Bureau of Special Operations arsenal with recruits.

MERRICK HERALD — March 25, 2021

During the Defense Tactics exam, recruits how to demonstrate precisely how to arrest a suspect without incident or injury.

What’s neWs in and out of the classroom

March 25, 2021 — MERRICK HERALD

Herald ScHoolS

Photos courtesy North Bellmore School District

Park avenue eLementary School third graders Reagan Tyskowski, left, and Grace Atela brought their books outside on a gorgeous day for the districtwide “Whatcha Reading?” spirit day on March 12.

FiFth grader anna Schellberg loves realistic fiction books.

Park Avenue students get cozy with books

Second grader Jeremy Rolston, above, who enjoys books about snails, submitted his photo for the “Whatcha Reading?” bulletin board. “Pete the cat” was the choice for third grader Antoni Iadevaia, near right. third grader Liam Tyskowski, far right, enjoyed reading outside on a sunny day.

“Whatcha Reading?” was the theme of a district-wide spirit day on March 12 in the North Bellmore School District. Students were encouraged to submit photos of themselves reading in comfortable and cozy places at home, while also getting a little extra time to read during the school day. At Park Avenue Elementary School, many classes took advantage of the nice weather and went outside for independent reading time, where students could spread out on the lawn and blacktop with their books. Fifth grader Anna Schellberg said that she loves to read outside when the weather is nice, both at school and at home. She submitted a picture of herself reading in her backyard hammock swing. Her favorite books to read are realistic fiction. “I enjoy how reading takes me

to a different place,” she said. “You become the character that you are reading about. I always look forward to reading.” Second grader Jeremy Rolston is a big fan of nonfiction books and lately has been reading a lot about snails. In fact, he took the knowledge he learned from his snail books for a nonfiction writing assignment in school. For Park Avenue’s bulletin board display in the lobby, Rolston submitted a photo with one of his snail books in his favorite reading spot at home – his room. Remote students were invited to share their photos through Seesaw. Parents could also post photos of their children reading on Twitter and tag their school accounts. Courtesy North Bellmore School District.

Passover message

Rabbi Shimon Kramer Chabad Center for Jewish Life

A Taste of the Islands in Every Bite

1125902

Closed for Passover – We reopen Monday, April 5 2101 Merrick Road, Merrick, NY 11566 • (516) 442-3006

In a world full of chaos we yearn for

Warm greetings on Passover and Easter to all our customers and their families.

security and stability. Even in this most

May the spring bring a lot of hope for the future.

difficult of times, let us all find joy in the sweetness that imbues our life during

(Located in the Merrick Mall Shopping Center)

1125986

2142 Merrick Avenue, Merrick, NY 11566 (516) 608-2663

Passover and Easter greetings to all our customers and their families. May you enjoy an abundance of peace and happiness.

Passover and Easter. Hold onto the friendships, the love, the resilience, the kindness that surrounds us.

Warm Passover & Easter Greetings to all our friends & neighbors

We wish you all happy holiday season. From the staff of

“Your Local Realtor”

Gus Lafkas

Associate Broker Douglas Elliman Real Estate 2300 Merrick Rd, Merrick (516) 445-0657

Stuart Richner 1126107

Publisher

Rhonda Glickman V.P. Sales

Scott Brinton Executive Editor

1125983

and despair. Now, we can face ourselves without the distractions, and open our souls to experience our true core identity: our innate connection with all humanity and with our Creator, with a life of meaning and an orderly path to follow. For a Jew, the Pesach “Seder” rituals keep a 3,000-yearold message alive, to be shared with all humanity: Every human being plays a unique part in our shared mission to unite humanity with our loving Creator, through study and practice of the Seven Universal Principles for all mankind, from the times of Adam and Noah in Genesis, to our society and for each of us today. May you and your families experience true freedom and peace of mind to explore your destiny and to appreciate the destiny you share with your loved ones and with all of us around the world, in good health, safety, prosperity and joy. For more information on the holiday of Passover or the Seven Universal Principles for all mankind, visit chabadjewishlife.org/Passover and chabadjewishlife. org/62221.

1126140

As the night stars appear this Saturday night — March 27th — Jews around the world will be celebrating the entrance of the holiday of Passover with a festive meal called the Seder. The Hebrew word “seder” means “order”, as in schedule. (The literal translation of the Israeli phrase “b’seder” is that everything is under control, though in practice a seasoned Israeli uses ”b’seder” to mean, “Life is chaotic - no problem.”) On Passover, we celebrate that there is an order to our world — a destiny, a purpose, a story that’s being played out and re-enacted over millennia. Since Passover last year, a world of bewildering chaos resulting from the Covid pandemic has forced us to ask some very probing questions of ourselves, of others, and our faith. The pleasurable distractions that seemed sufficient to create a facade of order from the hidden chaos in our psyche now have largely lost their luster. How do we celebrate freedom - when we know that we, or others, are confined to isolation? The truth is that in past years we had the freedom to be close physically, yet we were isolated emotionally and spiritually from others and ourselves — a matzah ball floating in a soup of worries, fear

MERRICK HERALD — March 25, 2021

A new outlook on life this Passover

Bellmore-Merrick eateries prep for more capacity Continued from front page ing that.” Anthony’s Kitchen and Cocktails enjoyed a grand opening amid the pandemic in August. Owner Anthony Brew said it’s a “good conversation piece” when he tends to diners. Brew sees the loosened restriction as a step in the right direction. He was able to place more seating around the establishment’s indoor bar, and a new outdoor patio with 20 extra seats is ready for the warmer weather. “It’s been a long year,” Brew said. “People are stuck at the house and not looking to rush home.” “In spite of everything, the support has been amazing,” Amaruso said. “We’re grateful for the business that we have, but we can always do better.” Andrew Garcia/Herald

ameriCan Beauty Bar & Grill owner Maria Cassano said she hoped to open the Bellmore spot by April 1. She owns the restaurant with her husband, Michael. John amaruso, left, owner of Bourbon & Brews in Merrick, said he was grateful for loosened maximum capacity restrictions, but called the remaining 11 p.m. curfew “arbitrary.”

! d n la Is g n o L r, e v o s s a Happy P Friday March 26 Candle lighting 6:55

Shabbos HaGadol, Parshat Tzav FIRST SEDER Saturday nite (candles 7:56) SECOND SEDER Sunday nite (candles 7:57) Havdalah Monday nite 8:07

LI’s BEST Jewish newspaper • KOSHER & FAT FREE

Courtesy Jake Gold Productions

NOMINATE

Temple Beth Am

MICHAEL BAUM, RABBI / DIR. OF EDUCATION • DANIEL ROSENFELD, CANTOR RONALD BROWN AND PAUL KUSHNER, RABBI EMERITI

Wishes all a Happy Passover Torah for Tots (ages 2 ½-4)

Festive Holiday events

Award winning Hebrew School with certified teachers

Adult Education Discounted rates for our Social Hall

Youth Groups for ages 10-18

Interfaith families welcome

Family Shabbat dinners and Services lead by our dynamic clergy

Special memberships for singles, seniors and families with pre-school age children

Call us to arrange for a personal tour (516) 378-3477 or email membership@templebethammerrick.org

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.

1123301

The Reform Jewish Congregation of Merrick & Bellmore 2377 Merrick Avenue, Merrick NY

1122448

TheJewishStar.com

1120931

March 25, 2021 — MERRICK HERALD

To nominate, go to LIHerald.com/NominateAHero today!

Matthew Kees, of North Bellmore, is among the nearly 1,400 cadets and students of The Citadel recognized for their academic achievements during the fall 2020 semester. The dean’s list is a recognition given to cadets and students who are registered for 12 or more semester hours and whose grade point average is 3.20 or higher, with no grade of incomplete and no grade below C for work in a semester. Due to a commitment to academic excellence, 63 percent of Citadel cadets and students graduate after four years and go on to earn an average salary of nearly $57,000 after learning how to be principled leaders in all walks of life. The Citadel, with its iconic campus located in Charleston, South Carolina, offers a classic military college education for young men and women focused on leadership excellence and academic distinction. The approximately 2,400 members of the S.C. Corps of Cadets are not required to serve in the military, but about one-third of each class earn commissions to become officers in every branch of U.S. military service. Citadel alumni have served the nation, their states and their communities as principled leaders since 1842. The Citadel Graduate College, founded more than 50 years

MERRICK HERALD — March 25, 2021

Neighbors iN the News Grand avenue North Bellmorite makes Middle School Assistant The Citadel dean’s list Principal James Mollica, Samira Ramoutar and Assistant Principal Christopher Riccardi.

Courtesy Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District Courtesy Denise Kees

Matthew Kees ago, offers dozens of graduate degree, graduate certificate and evening undergraduate programs in the evening or online. Consecutively named Best Public College in the South by U.S. News & World Report for ten years and No. 1 Best Public College for Veterans in the South for three years. Learn more about Our Mighty Citadel here. Courtesy The Citadel

Grand Avenue’s Samira Ramoutar wins No Place for Hate poster contest Samira Ramoutar is the winner of the No Place for Hate poster contest held at Grand Avenue Middle School in the Bellmore-Merrick Central School District. Ramoutar worked with the theme “Everyone is Welcome Here” to create a beautiful piece of work that will be celebrated throughout the building. “Her poster will be hanging up in all

classrooms as a visual for No Place for Hate,” explained Assistant Principal Christopher Riccardi. “We appreciate the several students who took the time to participate in this important event that helps make Grand Avenue such an inclusive building.” Courtesy Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District

Scan for more information

Caring for your health and wellness for more than 25 years.

With Top Providers

Choose from more than 80,000 primary care providers, specialists, health centers, and hospitals near you and across New York State.

In Your Community

With hundreds of local partners, we’re right by your side all year long.

Let’s Get Everyone Covered

More than 2.3 million New Yorkers count on Fidelis Care for quality, affordable coverage. If your health insurance is changing, or you need coverage for yourself or a family member, give us a call. We can help you enroll - right over the phone.

1-888-FIDELIS (1-888-343-3547); TTY: 711 fideliscare.org

1126007

We’re Here To Stay

Glen Cove Center 6 Medical Plaza, Glen Cove, New York 11542 www.glencoverehab.com 516.656.8000

Glen Cove Center is a short-term sub-acute Rehabilitation facility specializing in Cardiopulmonary Rehab. We host monthly Better Breathers Meetings designed to promote respiratory health and a better sense of well-being for those living with chronic lung disease.

Emerge 2 Medical Plaza, Glen Cove, NY 11542 www.emergenursingandrehab.com 516.740.9900

To find out more, or to obtain the Zoom meeting link, contact us today! Kathy Santucci: kathy@liaisonrehab.com 516-778-4345 Mary Suddell: msuddell@liaisonrehab.com 516-512-2004

1125327

Emerge is a short-term sub-acute Rehabilitation facility specializing in Neurological Rehab. We host a monthly Neuro Support Group which focuses on providing those living with brain injury and their caregivers an environment to exchange information, ideas and to receive support.

VaccineHelper.com screenshot

ON thE fRONt page of www.VaccineHelper.com is the number of appointments booked so far, consistent updates about the project and a Google form with basic questions required to book an appointment. RyAN AND DylAN Levinter, students in the BellmoreMerrick Central High School District, are helping their cousin book appointments for thousands of New York residents through VaccineHelper.

Courtesy Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District

Siblings book vaccine doses for those in need By ANDREW GARCIA agarcia@liherald.com

Provided as a community service by:

516-569-4000

1124421

March 25, 2021 — MERRICK HERALD

Ryan and Dylan Levinter can still be found with eyes focused and fingers fixed against their laptops long after their remote classes end. Their goal is simple but requires a few hurdles: find vaccine appointments for the hundreds of people that have asked them to. Ryan, a seventh grader at Merrick Avenue Middle School, and Dylan, a ninth grader at Sanford H. Calhoun High School, have pledged their support towards www.VaccineHelper.com, a website started by their cousin to help people find vaccine appointments. As of Tuesday, VaccineHelper has booked appointments for more than 3,000 people in the New York metropolitan area. The website bares no cost to people seeking an appointment. The Levinters’ cousin, Sam Keusch, started the website as a Bar Mitzvah project when he saw how difficult it was for some to find an appointment. Ryan and Dylan began to help when they saw how hard it was for their grandparents to find an appointment. “We were trying to find vaccine appointments for our grandparents, and we spent hours just trying to get two appointments for them — it was so hard,” Dylan said. “Our cousin realized that, if it was this hard for people like us to get appointments, how are other people, like older people, able to get them?” People can submit requests for VaccineHelper to book them an appointment. The Levinters sit at their computers and consistently refresh the webpages for vaccine appointments. Once they get a hit,

they reserve the spot with the information provided through a Google form, found on the front page of the website. The Google form asks for contact information and preferred vaccination sites, as well as other specifics. The team behind the website will try to hook people up with appointments at the site they prefer within a month from when the request comes in. Dylan and Ryan don’t keep count of the appointments they’ve booked — “We really don’t care about the numbers, we care that everyone is staying safe, and everybody can get the vaccines,” Dylan said. They could only estimate that they’ve booked “a lot,” Dylan said with a laugh. “We know it’s for a good cause, so it’s all worth it,” she added. “The hardest part is just getting the appointment,” Dylan said, “because once you get it, it’s just a few basic questions that you have to answer, but just sitting at the computer and waiting for it can be hard for some people.” “There’s a need to do it, and we’re both good with technology, so we’re both able to sit there all day and keep doing it,” Ryan said. “We don’t get tired of it.” The website is largely a “family affair,” Dylan said, akin to the community service the Levinter family often participates in. They volunteer at Robbie’s Run, an annual fundraiser in Merrick, the Polar Bear Plunge in Long Beach and at the Merrick Library. “Now that we have a cause to bond over, it really gave us a sense of community in the family,” Dylan said. To request an appointment, visit www.VaccineHelper.com.

Lidl Food Market opens in Merrick agarcia@liherald.com

German grocery chain Lidl strengthened its area presence at the grand opening of its thirteenth Long Island store in Merrick on March 17. Half an hour before the scheduled opening at 8 a.m., masked and socially distant customers were lining up outside of the new food market at 1686 Merrick Road in the Merrick Commons Shopping Center. The first 100 received a Lidl gift card of $5 to $100. Nick and Sandy Hunt, a couple from Rockville Centre, had shopped at Lidl in East Meadow and elsewhere. The couple noted that American name brands were not prominent at Lidl stores, but the Lidl brands – and prices – compared very well. Lori Berger, a board member of the Mer rick Chamber of Commerce, described the new store as “very bright and clean,” and noted the Covid-conscious packaging of products such as fresh bakery items: “Nothing is loose on the shelves.” At the grand opening, Long Island officials commended Lidl’s impact on community well-being. “We’re delighted that Lidl has come to South Merrick,” Hempstead Town Clerk Kate Murray said. “It really is what we need as we emerge from the pandemic.” “The store on a regular basis — all their stores, all thirteen of them right

Fun.

now — donate every week to support our neighbors in need who are food insecure,” Paule Pachter, CEO of Long Island Cares, Inc., and the Harry Chapin Food Bank, told the waiting shoppers. At the height of the pandemic, he said, more than 480,000 Long Islanders required food assistance, but the numbers are getting lower. “This could not have been possible without our corporate partners, and Lidl is at the top of the list.” Nassau County Legislator Steve Rhoads agreed and added that regarding Lidl, “we’re not talking about just building a brand or building a store. Lidl’s interested in helping to build a community.” “I also want to thank them for coming to the area because it brings local jobs,” Town of Hempstead Councilman Chris Carini said. “It brings help to the local economy.” “It is crucial that employers pay good starting wages, especially during these hard economic times,” State Sen. John E. Brooks wrote in a statement. “I commend Lidl for raising their starting wage to $16.50 as they continue to expand their services on Long Island, and I welcome them to Merrick.” The store manager cut the ceremonial ribbon. As customers entered, they were met by wide, clearly marked aisles and well-stocked shelves. Signs and floor markers, in Lidl’s yellow-and-blue theme colors, reminded everyone to maintain

Friendship.

MERRICK HERALD — March 25, 2021

By Reine Bethany

Scott Brinton/Herald

SupeRmaRket chain LidL opened a new location in Merrick on Wednesday, March 17. social distancing and wear masks. Lidl Regional Human Resources Director Amanda Cartledge confirmed that Lidl planned to open ten more stores across Long Island. “We took over all of the Best Market stores,” she said, “so

we’re in the process of converting all the existing locations into Lidl.” The prior chain had operated 24 stores on Long Island and three in New Jersey. Lidl in Merrick will be open seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Her Big Future.

Girl Scouts has you covered! See what Girl Scouts do at our upcoming virtual information nights!

New Daisy Discovery

Register at gsnc.org/programs for an information session in your area. Once registered, you will have the opportunity to sign your daughter up for a “New Daisy Discovery” virtual program via Zoom! ELMONT Monday, 4/12/2021, 7:00pm

FLORAL PARK BAY (Oyster Bay and Wednesday, 4/07/2021, 7:00pm surrounding areas) Wednesday, 4/14/2021, 6:30pm FREEPORT Tuesday, 4/06/2021, 7:00pm BELLMORE Monday, 4/12/2021, 7:00pm GARDEN CITY Tuesday, 4/06/2021, 7:00pm CARLE PLACE/WESTBURY Thursday, 4/22/2021, 6:30pm GREAT NECK Thursday, 4/22/2021, 7:30pm CENTRAL PARK (Bethpage, Plainview, and Old Bethpage) Wednesday, 4/14/2021, 7:30pm HARDSCRABBLE (Farmingdale and N. Massapequa) EAST MEADOW Thursday, 4/15/2021, 7:00pm Monday, 4/12/2021, 7:00pm ELLM (East Rockaway, Lakeview, Lynbrook, and Malverne) Tuesday, 4/13/2021 7:00pm

and Long Beach) Monday, 4/26/2021, 7:00pm JERICHO/SYOSSET Thursday, 4/08/2021, 7:00pm MANHASSET Tuesday, 4/13/2021, 7:00pm MASSAPEQUA Thursday, 4/15/2021, 7:00pm MERRICK Tuesday, 4/27/2021, 7:00pm NORTH BELLMORE Monday, 4/12/2021, 7:00pm

WARM (Williston Park, Albertson, PLAINEDGE East Hills Estates, East Monday, 4/19/2021, 7:00pm Williston, Old Westbury, Roslyn, Roslyn Estates, PORT WASHINGTON Wednesday, 4/21/2021, 7:00pm Roslyn Harbor, Roslyn Heights, Mineola) ROCKVILLE CENTRE Tuesday, 4/20/2021, 7:00pm Wednesday, 4/21/2021, 7:00pm WEST HEMPSTEAD/ SEAFORD/WANTAGH FRANKLIN SQUARE Monday, 4/19/2021, 7:00pm Wednesday, 4/07/2021, 7:00pm Thursday, 4/08/2021, 7:00pm

SHORE (North Shore/Glen Cove and surrounding areas) Tuesday, 4/20/2021, 7:00pm

THE PLAINS OCEANSIDE Wednesday, 4/07/2021, 7:00pm (Island Trees and Levittown) Tuesday, 4/06/2021, 7:00pm HERRICKS PARK (New Hyde Park, Monday, 4/26/2021, 7:00pm Garden City Park, and parts VALLEY STREAM Tuesday, 4/13/2021, 7:00pm ISLAND BEACH (Island Park of Floral Park)

If you do not see your area listed, contact customercare@gsnc.org for more information.

1121675

BALDWIN Thursday, 4/08/2021, 7:00pm

March 25, 2021 — MERRICK HERALD

Where life begins and love never ends

When we’re all at home Parenting challenges during the pandemic

s we continue efforts to reduce the spread of coronavirus disease, many families are worn out with the seeminginly endless long-term challenges of increased family time at home. Long-established routines transformed overnight, leading to an increase in family conflict and child behavior problems. “While caretakers are under tremendous stress, kids are feeling the impact, too,” says Dr. Dylann Gold, PhD, clinical assistant professor in the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at NYU Langone and member of its Child Study Center. "Even young children with little or no grasp of current events are sensing the anxiety of those around them and adjusting to new routines.” “Kids cannot always articulate their feelings and are less developed in their ability to problem solve,” says Jacqueline Smith, PsyM, a psychology extern at the Child Study Center. “Their stress can therefore show up as disruptive behavior, noncompliance, and tantrums.”

Preventive strategies for parents Addressing your child’s disruptive behavior is not only about responding to conflict — it’s also about proactive strategies to decrease the likelihood of challenges. These tools can have a positive impact on your child’s behavior by minimizing triggers leading to tantrums and defiance: Eat, sleep, and move: The basics are more important than ever. Ensure that your child is maintaining good sleeping, eating, and exercise routines. Make time for quality time: When time and resources allow, try to join your child in play and leisure activities. This will not only help to maintain a positive relationship, but it will make setting limits easier down the road. Catch your child being good. By calling attention to your child when your child is being a good listener or coping appropriately, you increase the chance that your child will repeat those behaviors in the future. Try your best to provide structure: “Kids do best when routines are in place and expectations are clear,” Dr. Gold says. “Predictability, especially given the current circumstances, can help your child feel a sense of comfort and safety.” Ways to incorporate predictability can include creating a visual daily schedule that your child can reference throughout the day. When possible, get your child’s input on more flexible activities, such as asking “would you like to ride your bike or scooter today?” Breaking down tasks can also be helpful, Smith says. “Breaking down complex tasks into more manageable steps can reduce frustration and prevent meltdowns.” Use a timer or alarm to cue you and your child to the comple-

tion of an activity. Choices can also help instill a sense of control during this uncertain time: “When options are available, let your child choose,” Smith adds. “Which pajamas he wears or where he does his quiet reading are minor decisions that can enhance his sense of control. Be clear upfront about which expectations are and are not flexible.” Deescalating conflict “There is a lot for children to be stressed about right now,” Dr. Gold says.“If your child is upset but calm enough to engage in conversation, conflict can be defused by helping her identify her emotion and validating her experience.” Validation does not mean expressing approval of inappropriate behavior, Dr. Gold says. It means acknowledging the emotions that drive the behavior. Making your child feel heard can diffuse conflict — like dropping the rope in a game of tug-of-war. It is important to remember that your attention can be used as an effective behavior management tool. However, keep in mind that negative attention, such as scolding, can feed problem behavior. “If your child is engaging in minor misbehaviors like whining, try turning away and staying quiet. The moment he engages in an acceptable behavior, give a praise, such as ‘Thank you for asking in a nice voice! Yes, I will get you more juice.’” Dr. Gold says.“Remember that ignoring negative behavior works best when used with positive attention for OK behavior.” Though harder for parents to do, ignoring can also help with most tantrums. “Try to resist feeding the tantrum by leaning in,” Smith says.“Instead, selectively ignore the behavior and return attention when your child begins to calm down.” If your child is doing something you cannot ignore, like hitting siblings, you may want to create a positive reinforcement system. “As an example, for every activity she completes with ‘safe hands and feet,’ she can earn a sticker,” Smith says.“Five stickers at the end of the day amounts to a predetermined reward. For these systems to work, being specific and consistent is key. It is important to spell out the behavior you want so that everyone knows what it takes to get a reward.” ■ Above photo: For many families, the first six months of the Covid-19 pandemic were all about stopgap measures and short-term fixes. One day, it was business as usual, and the next, going to work and attending school or daycare in person were no longer safe. Survival strategies cobbled together last spring, have worn us down and may not be sustainable as the pandemic lingers on.

Sunshine, smiles and getting away from the screen “Spring ahead” is more welcome than usual after a year of restrictions Spring is right around the corner and not a moment too soon. This spring marks one year since the pandemic began, making everyone more restless to get outside and burn off some energy like never before. After slogging through what seemed like an endless winter, still dealing with the impact of Covd-19, everyone is ready for some semblance of “normalcy,” especially being cooped up for so long. Here are some family activities to do that are safe and fun this season. Of course, be sure to continue to follow guidelines on Covid-19 prevention and social distancing. Plant a garden. Do some research to discover what might grow best in your yard, identify a local shop to pick up some seeds or seedlings, grab a shovel, and dig in. Have a picnic. Outdoor picnics can be a fun way to share a family meal — breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Ride a bike. Find some new trails, visit a bike path, or explore someplace new. Do some birdwatching. Welcome the birds back with a homemade bird feeder! Stargaze. Set up a tent in the backyard or go outside on a clear night. Take a flashlight, look up and enjoy the wonders of the sky. Camp outside. It might be a little cool, but bundle up and enjoy the fresh smells and distinct sounds (like birds!) of spring. Beautify your neighborhood with sidewalk chalk. Draw pictures, write poems, or inspirational quotes — the sidewalk is your canvas. Enjoy it! Discover creative ways to celebrate the holidays. Spring is filled with reasons to celebrate! April Fool's Day is always fun. Earth Day is a great reason to get outside, as well as Mother's Day and Memorial Day. You can also use spring holidays such as Easter, Passover, Ramadan, and Cinco de Mayo to teach children about different cultures. Tend to your yard. Pick up fallen sticks and plant grass seed to fill in the bare spots on your lawn. It may also be the right time to trim trees, shrubs, and perennials of dead tree limbs or leaves. Organize some creative games. Create an obstacle course kids can walk, run, skip, or bike through. Coordinate with some neighbors and make it a neighborhood course! Or create a scavenger hunt. Hide clues outdoors and see who can find them all. Discover the best. Go on a hunt to find the best _____ within 10 miles (best pizza, ice cream, etc.). This activity might take you to different towns to explore. Start to plan a post-pandemic adventure. With hope in the form of vaccines, it might be possible to have a safe escape in the coming year. ■ Above photo: It’s been a long, dreary winter that’s seemed even longer as we continue to cope with the pandemic. Spring brings about a renewed sense of enthusiasm for more enjoyable days ahead.

Family Owned & Operated Since 1954 Celebrating Our 67th Year!

& Camp

Work With long islAnd toP Producers

RecoRd • mix • masteR – song package

EAsT MEAdOw older CAMPerS

• 1 hour recording • one hour mixing • 1 full song – rAdio reAdY

summer recorDing classes aVailaBle

YoUNGer CAMPerS

Pro tools® Music Production clAsses

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

our clAsses cover: studio structure; production, including tempo, midi, instruments, recording live, intro to pro tools, beatmaking, mapping, vocal editing, mixing; intro to music promotion & more!

“An essential class for all aspiring music artists.”

Levittown Lanes SPecial OPening HOur nOOn eacH day 1.5 Hours of Bowling, Shoes included-good till 5:00 PM each day $12.50 per person reserve on line, walk-ins welcome! ( first come, first serve)

Levittown Lanes is a safe, clean

environment for your kid’s next Birthday Party. we Are Taking Reservations Now! Parties start at $14.95 Reservations at this time must be made by phone or in person.

option, a huge hit with all kids!

516-781-3900

WWW.BIGCHIEFSCHOOLANDCAMP.COM

YOUR MONTHLY PET SPONSORSHIP WILL:

good for up to 5 people per lane

add a delicious, Freshly Made Pizza & Pitcher Of Soda For

$15.00

Help fund major operations and provide ongoing medical care.

Beginning May 1st, 2021 Good till 5:00 PM, thru Labor Day, School children to the age of 16 receive a FREE Game of Bowling and FREE Rental shoes each day.

Ensure that abused, neglected, or abandoned animals receive constant love and attention.

Parents receive a discounted game rate and children receive a discounted additional game rate.

FUN for All!

Make you an essential part of a grateful pet’s life!

A small Registration Fee is required.in person Friday & Saturday Night offer to 11 PM

DON’T WAIT - ACT NOW!

RoCk -N- GLow BowLING Friday & Saturday Nights TILL 11PM 2 Hours of Bowling only $18. pp plus Shoes

56 Tanners Lane • Levittown • 516•731•5700 (Directly Across From AMC Theater Sign on Hempstead Tpke)

See our Specials, Coupons and for Reservations visit online at www.levittownbowling.com

Choose a special pet to sponsor today! 1124854

Ask about our

“GLow BowL”

1 Hour $45.00 1.5 Hours $55.00 2 Hours $65.00 Shoes included!

SummeR BoNaNza pRogRam

BiRThDay paRTieS

Call for appointment

IT TAKES A SPECIAL PERSON TO SAVE A SPECIAL PET

FamiLy-FuN-pack

3/29, 3/30, 3/31

1.877.BE.MY.PAL (1.877.236.9725) sponsor @ animalleague.org animalleague.org/sponsorapet

1121701

No SchooL SpeciaL

March 29,30,31, April 1, 5- 9

CamP tOurS

1123203

@thesoundlabli

1125847

sound fAmous

(516) 804-2222

Basketball • Handball • Baseball Hockey • Lacrosse Rock Climbing Horseback Riding Dance • Surfing Science Theme Parties Swim Instruction Water Slide Hot Lunch • Ice Cream & A LOT MORE FUN, FUN!!

NOW HIRING FOR SUMMER STAFF

300B Bedford Ave., Bellmore recording - mAsTering sTudio

LOOking fOrward tO a great Summer

MERRICK HERALD — March 25, 2021

attention all singers • songwriters artists • musicians

Merrick kindergarten registration now open Registration for incoming kindergarten students in the Merrick School District is now open. Registration will be held online. Please contact your home school for the link to register your child. For Birch School, please contact (516) 992-7250, or jfeihel@merrick.k12. ny.us. For Chatterton School, please contact (516) 992-7270, or ddimino@merrick.k12.ny.us. For Lakeside School, please contact (516) 992-7231, or cgreco@merrick.k12. ny.us. To ensure you are prepared for registration, please make sure you have the following documents:

■ Original Birth Certificate or Baptismal Certificate ■ Immunization records from your child’s pediatrician ■

Deed or lease to your home

■ Three utility bill with your name on it (ex. PSEGLI, National Grid, cable/internet, heating oil, water company) The district looks forward to welcoming all new kindergarten students in September 2021. Courtesy Merrick School District

Public Notices

LMER1 0325

LEGAL NOTICE Notice is hereby given that a license Number (pending) for beer, cider, liquor and wine has been applied for by William Gerneglia to sell beer, wine, cider, and liquor at retail in a restaurant under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 153 Merrick Avenue, Merrick NY 11566 for on premise consumption. William Gerneglia RS Beanery 125111

LEGAL NOTICE Notice is hereby given that an order granted by the Supreme Court, Nassau County, on the 5th day of March, 2021, bearing index Number 000122/21, a copy of which may be examined at the office of the clerk, located at 240 Old Country Road, Mineola, NY grants me the right to assume the name Charles Joseph DiMaggio. The city and state of my present address are North Merrick, NY; the month and year of my birth are July, 1960; the place of my birth is New York City, New York; my present name is Calogero Di Maggio. 125061 LEGAL NOTICE BELLMORE-MERRICK CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT BELLMORE U.F.S.D. MERRICK U.F.S.D. NORTH BELLMORE U.F.S.D. NORTH MERRICK U.F.S.D. TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU NOTICE TO BIDDERS: In accordance with provision of Section 103 of the General Municipal Law, the Board of Education of the Bellmore-Merrick Transportation Consortium hereby invites the submission of sealed bids for: Bellmore-Merrick

Cooperative School Year Bid 2020-2021 Bids will be publicly opened and read at the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District Business Office, 1260 Meadowbrook Road, North Merrick, New York, on Wednesday, April 7, at 10:00 am. Specifications and Bid Forms may be obtained from the office of Tom Volpe, Director of Transportation, between the hours of 8:00 am and 4:00 pm. The Board of Education reserves the right to waive any informalities in or to reject in whole or in part all bids or to accept any bid which in its judgment is in the best interest of the school district. By order: Board of Education BELLMORE-MERRICK CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT BELLMORE U.F.S.D. MERRICK U.F.S.D. NORTH BELLMORE U.F.S.D. NORTH MERRICK U.F.S.D. 125100

To Place A Notice Call 516-569-4000 x232

LEGAL NOTICE BELLMORE-MERRICK CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT NORTH MERRICK, NEW YORK 11566 REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE BELLMORE-MERRICK CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT HEREBY INVITES THE SUBMISSION OF PROPOSALS FOR THE FOLLOWING: EXTERNAL AUDIT SERVICES CLAIMS AUDIT SERVICES Fiscal Year 2021-2022 RFP SPECIFICATIONS MAY BE OBTAINED AT THE BELLMORE-MERRICK CHSD BUSINESS OFFICE LOCATED AT 1260 MEADOWBROOK ROAD, NORTH MERRICK, NY 11566 OR BY E-MAILING

A REQUEST TO: MSTILES@BELLMOREMERRICK.K12.NY.US IN ALL CASES CONDITIONS AND SPECIFICATIONS OF THE BELLMORE-MERRICK CHSD SHALL APPLY. SEALED PROPOSALS MUST BE MARKED, “EXTERNAL AUDIT SERVICES RFP” AND/OR “CLAIMS AUDIT SERVICE RFP”, AND WILL BE RECEIVED UNTIL 11:00 A.M. ON APRIL 16, 2021, AT THE BELLMOREMERRICK CHSD BUSINESS OFFICE LOCATED AT 1260 MEADOWBROOK ROAD, NORTH MERRICK, NY. THE BOARD OF EDUCATION RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CONSIDER QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE, AND REPUTATION IN THE PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT AUDITING SERVICES FIELD, AS WELL AS THE SPECIFIC QUALIFICATIONS OF A PROPOSER SET OUT HEREIN, IN CONSIDERING PROPOSALS AND AWARDING THE CONTRACT. THE BOARD OF EDUCATION RESERVES ALL RIGHTS AND MAY REJECT ANY OR ALL PROPOSALS AS IT MAY DEEM APPROPRIATE TO DO SO. BY ORDER: BOARD OF EDUCATION BELLMORE-MERRICK CHSD BY:MELISA STILES PURCHASING AGENT DATED: MARCH 19, 2021 125099 LEGAL NOTICE BELLMORE-MERRICK CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT NORTH MERRICK, NEW YORK 11566 REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE BELLMORE-MERRICK CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT HEREBY INVITES THE SUBMISSION

OF PROPOSALS FOR THE FOLLOWING: ATHLETIC TRAINER SERVICES 2021-2022 RFP SPECIFICATIONS MAY BE OBTAINED AT THE BELLMORE-MERRICK CHSD BUSINESS OFFICE LOCATED AT 1260 MEADOWBROOK ROAD, NORTH MERRICK, NY 11566 OR BY E-MAILING A REQUEST TO: MSTILES@BELLMOREMERRICK.K12.NY.US IN ALL CASES CONDITIONS AND SPECIFICATIONS OF THE BELLMORE-MERRICK CHSD SHALL APPLY. SEALED PROPOSALS MUST BE MARKED, “ATHLETIC TRAINER SERVICES RFP”, AND WILL BE RECEIVED UNTIL 11:00 A.M. ON APRIL 16, 2021, AT THE BELLMOREMERRICK CHSD BUSINESS OFFICE LOCATED AT 1260 MEADOWBROOK ROAD, NORTH MERRICK, NY, 11566. THE BOARD OF EDUCATION RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CONSIDER QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE, AND REPUTATION IN THE PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT ATHLETIC TRAINER SERVICES FIELD, AS WELL AS THE SPECIFIC QUALIFICATIONS OF A PROPOSER SET OUT HEREIN, IN CONSIDERING PROPOSALS AND AWARDING THE CONTRACT. THE BOARD OF EDUCATION RESERVES ALL RIGHTS AND MAY REJECT ANY OR ALL PROPOSALS AS IT MAY DEEM APPROPRIATE TO DO SO. BY ORDER: BOARD OF EDUCATION BELLMORE-MERRICK CHSD BY:MELISA STILES PURCHASING AGENT DATED: MARCH 19, 2021 125098

Search for notices online at: www.newyorkpublicnotices.com

OBITUARIES

Edward Tutak, past Sewanhaka assistant super, dies at 96 Edward Tutak Jr., who served during Sewanhaka High School District and by both World War II and the Korean War, the time of his retirement in 1981 had and who worked as an assistant superin- been made assistant superintendent of tendent of business for the Sewanhaka business. Known to be a dedicated family man High School District, died in Montauk and lover of baseball, he Court Palm Coast, Fla. on March 9. He was 96. played for the championship Tutak was born on June Navy team during World War 21, 1925 in Wyoming Valley, II, and later in the “Sand Lot” Pa. to parents Edward Sr. and leagues of Brooklyn upon his Stella Tutak. During World return from the war. He loved War II he served at a yeoman playing bridge at the Palm 2nd class aboard the Landing Coast Bridge Club. Ship Tank 375 and as an Tutak is survived by his ensign during the Korean son and daughter-in-law, War at the Philadelphia Naval Edward and Grace Tutak of Yard. While in the Navy Palm Coast, Fla.; grandchilEdward Tutak Jr. Reserve he reached the rank dren, Hannah Tutak of New of lieutenant junior grade. Orleans, La. and Edward Tutak received both his bachelor’s and Zachariah Tutak and his wife Anna of St. master’s degree from New York Universi- Augustine, Fla.; great-grandchildren Raety, where he was also a member of the col- gan and Taylie Tutak of St. Augustine, lege’s baseball team. Later, he and his Fla. wife Rosalinde served in an educational Visitation was on Sunday, March 14 at diplomatic mission to Turkey from 1954 to the Clymer Funeral Home & Cremations. 1957, and there he was said to be instru- A Mass and Christian burial took place mental in developing the first Turkish on March 16 at at St. Elizabeth Ann language typewriter keyboard. Seton Catholic Church, Palm Coast, Fla. After returning, Tutak worked for the and a graveside March 16.

Former North Merrick Fire Dept. firefighter dies William G. Sullivan, of Nor th Mer rick, died on March 6, 2021. Sullivan was the loving husband of the late Mary W. Dear, father of William F. and his wife, Laurie, and Kathy Scarpato and her husband, Don. Beloved grandfather of Dr. William M. Sullivan, Ryan Sullivan, Dylan Scarpato and Matthew Scarpato. He is survived by his great grandchildren Mary Claire, Amelia,

William G. Sullivan

Hannah, William and Nora. Sullivan was a Korean War Army Veteran and a member of the North Merrick Fire Dept Engine #1. Visitation services were scheduled at N.F. Walker, Inc. Funeral Home 2039 Merrick Ave. Merrick. Mass was held at Sacred Heart R.C. Church in North Merrick on March 10. He was buried at Holy Rood Cemetery in Westbury.

Join us… PRESSROOM/WAREHOUSE HELP LI Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME Pressroom/warehouse helper in Garden City.

EMAiL RESUMES OR cOntAct infO tO

careers@liherald.com

Forklift a plus/heavy lifting required. Day and night shifts.

1121534

March 25, 2021 — MERRICK HERALD

Employment

CLASSIFIED

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

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.

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.

freeport public schools Nassau County Civil Service Eligibility required for all positions

CleriCal – aCCount Clerk

CNA, LPN, RN, DIETARY, HOUSEKEEPING, ESCORTS, RECREATION

regiStered nurSeS

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

10 month position. appropriate nYS registration. Send letter of interest and resumé to: Mr. Benjamin P. roberts assistant Superintendent of Personnel 235 n. ocean ave., Freeport, nY 11520 or email personneljobs@freeportschools.org

JOB FAIR

(We said it was simple. We didn’t say it was easy.) to join our outside sales team, contact Rhonda glickman. send your resume today. rglickman@liherald.com, 516-569-4000 x250.

Maintainer

serving refreshments

SeCuritY aideS – Per dieM

HERALD Community Newspapers

nYS Security guard license required - $15/hr. Security Background preferred. 10 Month employment on an as needed basis, hours will vary applications are available at: Freeport High School, 50 S. Brookside ave., Freeport, nY 11520 e-Mail Mr. anthony Felice at: afelice@freeportschools.org or email personneljobs@freeportschools.org

Cleaner and Food ServiCe SuBStituteS

contact: terrell ray

$14/hr applications are available in the Facilities office: administration Building, 235 n. ocean ave, Freeport, nY 11520 or email personneljobs@freeportschools.org

1125939

718-534-7400 ext 162 | azapora@fsnursing.com

RICHNER C O M M U N I C A T I O N S

real local, real news

OHEL CHILDREN’S HOME AND FAMILY SERVICES

IVERS BUS DR TED WAN NEW

F/T & P/T work with individuals with developmental disabilities

Medical Escort: 8am-1pm, DSP: 3pm-11pm & Overnight Community Habilitation & Respite Positions

DoN’T MISS The Bus!

STARTING SAlARIES Big Bus Van

$24.18/hr.

Non-Benefit Rate *Some restrictions may apply.

H.S. Diploma or equivalent, must drive, speak and write English.

$21.41/hr.

Non-Benefit Rate

Sign On Bonus $2,500.00 for CDL driver bus and van

$500.00 for non CDL drivers. Will train qualified applicants

EDUcATIoNAl BUS TRANSpoRTATIoN 516.454.2300 BEHAVIOR ASSISTANT

$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 1126347

INC

liherald.com

1125015

contact: angelika zapora

718-534-7400 ext 155 | terrell@fsnursing.com

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

1126330

bring your docs for immediate hire

knowledge of all trades incl. electric, general construction, plumbing, locksmith, masonry & HvaC. Send letter of interest and resumé to: administration Building, 235 n. ocean ave, Freeport, nY 11520 or email personneljobs@freeportschools.org

1104975

JOB FAIR

2 Provisional Appointments

the successful candidate must take and pass the nassau County Civil Service account Clerk exam when first offered. Must qualify for placement on our list of eligibles. Send letter of interest and resumé to: administration Building, 235 n. ocean ave, Freeport, nY 11520 or email personneljobs@freeportschools.org

For Cedarhurst Law Office

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

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. $15.00 Per Hour Please Fax Resume To: 516-431-2105 Attn: Greg Pimentel Or Email GPimentel@beach-terrace.com

$15-$18/hr. Excellent benefit package. 855-OHEL-JOB, www.ohelfamily.org/careers

1125693

HIRING ! CNA, LPN, RN, DIETARY, HOUSEKEEPING, ESCORTS, RECREATION

RecRuiting a great sales team is Really simple.

$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 a personal assistant under NYS Medicaid CDPA Program. No Certificates needed.

Phone: 347-713-3552

1125827

HIRING !

immediate openings

DRIVERS

BRANDS CYCLE

(WILL TRAIN) *MECHANICS *SALES *COUNTER *SHIPPING *OFFICE. 1966 Wantagh Ave, Wantagh 1-800-649-3739. info@brandscycle.com

Excellent Opportunity

Drivers with CDL wanted for High Volume Executive Transpor tation Company. Experience a must, clean record, professional demeanor and appearance required. Shifts available 7 days a week

Call 516-889-4242

KITCHEN STAFF

Dish, Prep, Cold/ Hot Stations. Apply In Person. BUOY BAR, Point Lookout. 516-432-3975

MERRICK HERALD — March 25, 2021

HERALD

Employment HERALD Market Place

HERALD

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

LPN & CNA'S F/T

Needed For Nursing Home In Long Beach, NY LPN: 7AM-3PM & 3PM-11PM Shifts, Union Position CNA'S: 7AM-3PM Shift Union Position Must Have Long Term Care Experience, Knowledge In EMR Preferred Competitive Salary & Benefits Package Great Work Environment Send Resume To: alicem@beach-terrace.com Or Fax To: 516-431-2105 RECEPTIONIST FT: Bilingual (Spanish) Helpful. OBGYN Office Rockville Centre. Medical Office Experience Preferred. Mary 516-764-1095

ROCKVILLE CENTRE SCHOOL CROSSING GUARD P/T position @ 10 hrs. a week. $25 per hour. Must pass background check and Nassau County Civil Service hearing test. https://www.rvcny.gov/human-resources/files/pre-employment-questionnaire. Return applicationTo RNugent@RVCNY.US

SUBSTITUTE MAINTENANCE PERSON ON-CALL.. Immediate. Island Park Public Library. Must Be Avail. Weekday Mornings. Saturday Availability A Plus. Must Be High School Graduate With A Valid Driver's License.Who Can Lift 40 lbs. Email Jessica Koenig jkoenig@islandparklibrary.org or CALL 432--0122 ext. 222.. VJX-RAY- LEADING MANUFACTURER of high performance, reliable & cost-effective X-Ray components - Is hiring OPERATORS & ASSEMBLERS in Bohemia, NY E-Mail Resume: jobopps@vjt.com

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

HOME OF THE WEEK

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

East Rockaway

Captivating Move-In Ready

charming raised FEMA compliant 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom Colonial. This home is totally renovated with all new construction. There is a large open living room along with a dining room that flows into a brand new eat in kitchen with stainless steel appliances and quartz counter tops. This house features all new hardwood floors, new electric, heating system and central air, new roof, siding and windows along with gas cooking and heating system. It also has a 2 car garage, storage, driveway, timber tech deck, sprinkler system and more. $599,000

REAL ESTATE Open Houses 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

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

THE GANDOLFO TEAM ASSOCIATED BROKERS John Gandolfo 516.779.8423 johngandolfosells@gmail.com Barbara Gandolfo 516.644.8097 realtorgandolfo@aol.com 516.223.2525 493 Atlantic Ave Oceanside, NY

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 LAWRENCE BY OWNER. Custom Beach Home, High End, Waterviews, 3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Bath- Possible 2 Extra Bedrooms+ Bath. Low Taxes, $999,000. 917-709-6480

HERALD

Homes

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

e s t. 1 9 1 1

Ronnie Gerber 516-238-4299

1125925

Help Wanted

OPEN HOUSES BY APPOINTMENT SUNdAY, 3/28/21 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

May Your PASSOVER be Filled with BLESSINGS & HAPPINESS

267 Channon Rd, BA, 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. SD#14............................................................................. REDUCED! $1,499,000

WOOdMERE 4 Clubside Dr, BA, NEW TO MARKET! Renovated 3 BR, 3.5 Bth Townhouse in Cedar Glen. Updtd Gran/Wood EIK & Bths. HW Flrs. Fin Lower Level. Att Gar. Community Pool & Tennis. Near All. SD#14 ........................................ $725,000

WOOdSBURGH

EAST ROCKAWAY

On-Site Brokers • Family Owned & Operated "Taking the Mystery Out of Real Estate Since 1983"

51 Murdock Rd, BA, Move Right Into This 4 BR, 2.5 Bth Colonial. Updtd EIK & Bths. Fin Bsmt. SD#20. Great Location. Won’t Last............................ $779,000

1126106

Sherlock Sherlock Homes Homes

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

“Going Above & Beyond to find your Dream Home”

CEdARHURST 223 Washington Ave, BA, GREAT INVESTMENT MULTI FAMILY PROPERTY! 4 BR, 1.5 Bth Colonial, Plus 2 BR Apt & 3 BR Apt. Deep Property with Parking. Near Shops, Trans & Houses of Worship ............................................. $879,000

DO YOU KNOW HOW MUCH YOUR HOME IS WORTH?

Call for Your FREE Home Market evaluation now!

Rhonda Healy

M: (516) 236-7269

House For Sale WOODMERE BA 4 Clubside Dr NEW TO MARKET!! Beautifully Renovated 3 BR,3.5 Bth Townhouse in Cedar Glen. Updtd Gran/Wood EIK & Bths.HW Flrs. Fin Lower Level. Att Gar .Community Pool, Tennis .Near All. Sd#14...$725,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299

Lisa a. Fava

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

1125948

Roger Hart Broker/Owner Cell 516-459-5379

CBR, sRs, aBR

LiCensed assoCiate BRokeR OneKey Multiple Listing Service ®

50 Hempstead avenue Lynbrook, nY

516-815-2434

1123083

Judy Hart Broker/Owner Cell 516-225-0961

891 Ivy Hill Rd, BA, Move Right Into This 6 BR, 4.5 Bth 4000 Sq Ft CH Colonial on Parklike 1/2 Acre Prop. All Spac Rooms. 5 BRs on 2nd Flr. Full Bsmt w/ Hi Ceiling. 2 Car Gar. SD#14 ............................................... $1,699,000 185 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

1120869

March 25, 2021 — MERRICK HERALD

WOODSBURGH BA, 891 Ivy Hill Rd, Move Right Into This 6 BR, 4.5 Bth 4000 Sq Ft CH Colonial on Parklike 1/2 Acre Prop. All Spac Rooms. 5 BRs on 2nd Flr. Full Bsmt w/ Hi Ceiling. 2 Car Gar. SD#14...$1,699,000

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

Vacation Rentals/Prop. 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)

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

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

1125615

1124744

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

HERALD — March 25, 2021

HERALD

1109488

Dave marlOWe Plumbing, inC.

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

OWA_Calm_7_27

Sunday, July 26, 2020 11:32:38 PM

DBA BOB PHILLIPS PLUMBING

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

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

Mention this ad and get

10% Off

Virtual Tax Filing

Check our website www.contaxplan.com

on labor only

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

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

WINDOW REPAIR

PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY Transfer your 8mm, Super 8mm, VHS Tapes & Slides to DVD or Flash Drive - Transfer DVDs to Flash Drive

lic.#H0806980000

BLACKTOP

BeSt priceS in town

senior Citizen Discounts

Call For Spring SpecialS

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

516-424-3598 516-807-3852

1125708

the

Window Palace

Sinks • Tubs • Toilets • Sewer Lines

1121852

JOBS, MERCHANDISE, REAL ESTATE & MORE... JOBS, MERCHANDISE, It’s inESTATE the Herald Classifieds... REAL & MORE... To Advertise Call 516-569-4000 JOBS, MERCHANDISE, REAL ESTATE & MORE... JOBS, MERCHANDISE, REAL ESTATE & MORE...

1125532

SAVE 10% OFF

Mark Shelley

MENTION THIS AD

Relocation Consultant

Free estimates

Quality Work At Reasonable Prices

LET MARK MOVE YOU!

ALL CLEAR DRAIN & SEWER SERVICE

(516)409-9696 • (631)422-9696

516-889-3726

NY DOT # 6929 • NJ DCA # PC 00537 US DOT # 125563 • ICC # MC-2934

Corporate Office 185 Price Parkway Farmingdale, NY 11735 Tel: 516-396-8600 • 800-645-2798 Cell: 516-650-9821 mshelley@molloybros.com

1121464

516-352-3188

info@nyphotovideogroup.com

Licensed & insured

1120940

305 Bedford Ave. Bellmore NY 11710

ALFREDO’S CONSTRUCTION

Se Habla Espanol

DO YOUR WINDOWS FALL DOWN • NEED CAULKING VINYL AND ALUMINUM ALSO NEW WINDOWS • MOBILE REPAIR SHOP SERVICE

press 5

1125966

1124911

Photography & Videography for All Occasions, Weddings, Sweet 16’s, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs $99 Communion Photo Session Special In our studio Includes 1 - 11x14, 2 - 8x10's

Specializing

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

1113171

1121949

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

1119591

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

HERALD

Market Place •

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

SERVICES:

INSTALLATIONS • REPAIRS/ SERVICES PROFESSIONAL DESIGN • SPRING START-UP & WINTER CLOSING SERVICE CONTRACTS • ATHLETICS FIELDS

When You Buy From Us, You Get

FREE 5 Year Guarantee!

Rain Sensor, Spring Start up, Fall Winterize, Valve Containment System, Dura Manifold System For Easy On/Off Service, Backflow Test, Extra Wiring For Future Use, Hose Bib.

ORDER NOW & WE WILL UPGRADE YOUR HEAD CONNECTION WITH BLAZING SADDLES & SWING JOINTS!

1121980

LICENSED & INSURED LIC. # H351118000

LOng iSLand BUiLding & MainTEnancE cORP.

LandScaPing SERVicES * Weekly Lawn Maintenance * Planting * Seeding * Sod * Trimming * Sprinkler Turn-Ons & Repairs * Free Estimates

If Your Plumbing STINKS

Call The WeNKS! 516-889-3200

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

FREE ESTIMATES 4 HR EMERGENCY SERVICE

W eNK

1124902

587-3971

caLL OR TEXT

PIPING & HEATING CORP.

$25

OFF

Any Service Call For New Customer Exp. 3/31/21

1120828

aboveallgutters.com

1112911

1125278

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

516.431.0799

Chimney King, Ent. Inc.

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

1122918

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

Fully licensed and insured Nassau • Suffolk • NYC

HEATING OIL HOME • COMMERCIAL

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

CALL NOW FOR LOWEST PRICE CALL FOR MORE INFO

1124078

(516) 379-2727

No service in Long Beach

Free estimates...Best Price For High Quality service

1125957

*Power washing sPecialist*

Residential and Commercial - All Surfaces Call Anthony Romeo “The Local Guy” “Anthony & J Home Improvement, Inc.” Also specializes in ★ Deck Renovation ★ Driveways ★ Siding ★ Masonry ★ Fences ★ Roofing ★ Interior/Exterior Painting. (516) 678-6641 - Licensed & Insured

Planning a second-floor deck Q. We’re planning a deck for our second floor so we have a better view of the water from our house. Part of the deck will be over our roof, and part will extend into our backyard and give shade to our patio. A contractor we called said we need plans first, and said he would make the deck attach to the back of the house with something he called a “ledger.” We looked it up, and were wondering if there was another way, since we’ll have to remove the gutters we just paid a lot of money to install. We wanted the deck to be above the gutter so we Ask The could use the gutter for our Architect roof to drain into; otherwise the water will just pour onto our patio from underneath. What do you suggest? A. You could save a lot of money with a screensaver picture of the ocean but since you want the deck, you have many onte eeper issues to consider, water being one of them. I commend your contractor for advising that you need a plan, since I get calls consistently from people who forged ahead without solving all of the issues before building. You have the design issues with water and movement prevention, considering wind, rain, sun and fire. You have zoning and building code issues to resolve, and you have the cost issue, which is tied to everything else. Imagine building the entire deck and then being told to remove it. Imagine finding out that the attachment has caused a leak that’s hard to get to without dismantling materials. A good design of anything, whether it’s a car, a paperweight or a deck, requires understanding the goals, the obstacles, the science and the engineering to get you nearest to the best solution. In your case, you want to keep the gutters running underneath, so that becomes a given in defining the scope of work. You want views, coverage for the patio, no damage to the roof — that’s where you start. I look at where attachments are essential, how to avoid water intrusion at the attachments, the strength of materials and the placement to accomplish the most with the least amount of damage, either during construction or in the performance of the materials. For example, wood looks great for the first season, and then begins to age by twisting, warping and splitting along the grain. Obstacle one is now identified, so you select synthetic decking that’s more stable and requires less maintenance. The deck needs support, so you want to understand all the factors of wind twisting, uplift and collapse resistance. Attachment and water flow are also important, so you need to know the various methods of preventing water from getting into even the smallest places, like around bolts, under shingles and across door or window openings. A ledger is the board attached to the house for the deck structure to connect to, and even that requires consideration . . . in my next column.

wenkpipingandheating.com

SPRinG cLEAninG

LicS/inS H2082290000

516-255-9595

Father & Son Owned

(516)

1125744

FAST • REALIABLE • REASONABLE RATES www.CountyIrrigation.Com

1126109

March 25, 2021 — 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.

Stuff

ANNOUNCEMENTS

MERCHANDISE MART

Antiques/Collectibles

Tag Sales

ESTATE/ TAG SALE MARCH 27 AND MARCH 28, 10am-4pm. 68 Lenox Avenue, Lynbrook. Multi-Generational!

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

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

GOLF BAG SUN Mountain good condition $25. 516-221-5374 NORMAN ROCKWELL PLATES with certificates, never used, different styles $15.00 for first $10.00 second 579-9089

Cleaning Services

WOMEN'S CASUAL AND business style clothes, good condition, sizes 16-1X, everything under $10.00 579-9089

SERVICES

Electricians

CRAZY? driving you

Sell your merchandise in no time! Email your Ad to the Herald and PrimeTime Classiﬁed Department at

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

HErald

Crossword Puzzle

Careers/Training TRAIN AT HOME TO DO MEDICAL BILLING! Become a Medical Office Professional online at CTI! Get Trained, Certified & ready to work in months! Call 855-543-6440. (M-F 8am-6pm ET)

Decks DECKS DECKS Our Only Business COMPOSITES/WOOD Excellent References & Many Photos Lic./Ins. Free Estimates C & S DECKS 516-729-5859

CLUTTER

PROFESSIONAL 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

Education

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.

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

*MICHAEL LO BAIDO CONSTRUCTION*

Cement Specialist, Brickwork, Interlock Bricks, Belgium Blocks, Stoops, Patios, Basement Entrances, Pavers, Waterproofing. Quality Work, Lic./ Ins. Owner Always Onsite Free Estimates 516-354-5578

COMPUTER & IT TRAINING PROGRAM! Train ONLINE to get the skills to become a Computer & Help Desk Professional now! Grants and Scholarships available for certain programs for qualified applicants. Call CTI for details! (844) 947-0192 (M-F 8am-6pm ET)

Health & Fitness VIAGRA & CIALIS! 60 pills for $99. 100 pills for $150. FREE shipping. Money back guaranteed! 1-855-579-8907

AUTOMOBILE & MARINE

Autos Wanted ***AAA*** AUTO BUYERS $Highest$ Ca$h Paid$. All Years/ Conditions! WE VISIT YOU! Or Donate, Tax Deduct + Ca$h. DMV ID#1303199. Call LUKE 516VAN-CARS. 516-297-2277

DRIVE OUT BREAST Cancer: Donate a car today! The benefits of donating your car or boat: Fast Free Pickup - 24hr Response Tax Deduction - Easy To Do! Call 24/7: 855-905-4755

Junk Cars Wanted

HIGHEST CA$H PAID All Cars Bought 24/7 FREE Pickup

Serving Nassau County 41 Years No Title, No Keys=No Problem ID Required. CALL US LAST!

Call us at 516-766-0000

Deals on Wheels

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

Power Washing POWERWASHING ALL SURFACES: H o u s e s , Fe n c e s , C o n c r e t e / B r i ck , Decks/Sealing. . ANTHONY & J HOME IMPROVEMENT, INC. 516-678-6641

Want to sell your car, motorcycle or boat? Have we got a deal for you! You can advertise your vehicle in the

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

516-569-4000 press 5, then 2

Sprinkler Syst./Irrig.Wells

Answers • System Turn-Ons

• Installations/Renovations Service • Repairs Certified Backflow Tester Free Estimates Licensed and Insured

Joe Barbato 516-826-7700

1124799

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

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

to todAy’s puzzle

MERRICK HERALD — March 25, 2021

HERALD

Herald editorials

Merrick

March 25, 2021 — MERRICK HERALD

HERALD and Merrick Herald News Established 1994

Incorporating Merrick Life Merrick Beacon 1950-2020

Andrew GArciA Associate Editor robert cumminGs Advertising Account Executive office 2 Endo Boulevard Garden City, NY 11530 Phone: (516) 569-4000 Fax: (516) 569-4942 Web: www.liherald.com E-mail: merrickeditor@liherald.com Copyright © 2021 Richner Communications, Inc.

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

Robert Richner Edith Richner Publishers, 1964-1987 ■ cLifford ricHner stuArt ricHner Publishers micHAeL boLoGnA Vice President - Operations ■ scott brinton Executive Edtitor Jim HArmon

Copy Editor cHristinA dALY Photo Editor tonY beLLissimo Sports Editor KAren bLoom Calendar Editor

mid all the clamor over Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s alleged sexual harassment and misreporting of nursing home deaths during the coronavirus crisis last spring, you would have thought nothing else was happening in Albany at the moment. You would be wrong. Last week, the State Senate passed a critical piece of legislation to encourage public participation in the rule-making in six key state departments — Education, Environmental Conservation, Health, Financial Services, Labor and Family Assistance. The measure, if passed by the Assembly and signed by Cuomo, would create a three-year pilot program that would require public hearings on an issue any time 125 or more residents petitioned the state government for them. Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris, a Democrat from Queens, sponsored the bill. The measure is vitally needed. Requiring hearings when the people ask for them would shift power into their hands. Until now, the state has controlled when — and if — are held. Six other states — Arizona, California,

■ rHondA GLicKmAn Vice President - Sales eLLen reYnoLds Classified Manager Lori berGer Digital Sales Manager

■

JeffreY neGrin Creative Director crAiG wHite Production Coordinator crAiG cArdone Art Director ■ diAnne rAmdAss Circulation Director ■

HerALd communitY newsPAPers Baldwin Herald Bellmore Herald Life East Meadow Herald Franklin Square/Elmont Herald Freeport Leader Long Beach Herald Lynbrook/East Rockaway Herald Malverne/West Hempstead Herald Merrick Herald Life Nassau Herald Oceanside/Island Park Herald Oyster Bay Herald Guardian Rockaway Journal Rockville Centre Herald South Shore Record Valley Stream Herald Wantagh Herald Citizen Seaford Herald Citizen

member: Local Media Association New York Press Association Chamber of Commerce of the Merricks

Published by richner communications, inc. 2 Endo Blvd. Garden City, NY 11530 (516) 569-4000

State needs public-hearings overhaul

Idaho, Illinois, New Hampshire and Utah — require hearings when a critical mass of people request them. New York should do the same. “The Covid-19 pandemic taught us the crucial importance of transparency in government,” Gianaris said. “We should live up to our progressive ideals and make our government truly accessible to the people it serves.” We couldn’t have said it better, Senator. If such a law had been in place last year, people who were angered and worried by the apparent undercount of nursing home deaths as the pandemic spread could have forced Health Department hearings that might have brought alleged under-reporting to light sooner. The scandal has tainted Cuomo’s otherwise sound performance in the early days of the pandemic, when many touted him as a national hero for his daily briefings, based largely on data. If he were smart, he would support Gianaris’s legislation to show that he does, in fact, support government transparency. Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, a Democrat from Queens, is sponsoring a companion bill in the Assembly. “Creating

a program through which members of the public can demand a hearing reminds rule-makers that they are ultimately accountable to the people,” Mamdani said. Agreed. The legislation would also require public hearings to be held on evenings and weekends, so more people could attend. It would mandate that hearings be broadcast, and that teleconferencing be available. Finally, it would require that time be set aside during the hearings for public questioning of department personnel. The Senate passed the measure during Sunshine Week, March 14 to 20, a celebration of the 1967 Freedom of Information Act, the landmark federal legislation requiring government officials to make their records available to the public. The American Society of News Editors created Sunshine Week in 2005 to remind people of the grave need for government transparency — even today, more than 50 years after FOIA was enacted. The message that the Senate was seeking to project was clear: New York state needs to do more to open its government to public participation. Of that there is little doubt.

Journalists should be vaccinated, too

t might seem self-serving that a newspaper would call on New York state to include journalists on the list of those eligible to receive a Covid-19 vaccine. To a degree, that might be true. More so, however, our concern is for the public good. Since the start of the pandemic, journalists have been on the front lines, reporting on myriad local and national stories that have shaped the past year, exposing themselves to potential harm at hospitals, marches and political rallies. They have risked their lives to inform an

anxious public, providing vital information to dispel fear and increase understanding. Since last March, journalists have been allowed to continue their work because the government deemed them essential workers. Yet they have been excluded from the lists of those eligible for a vaccine. Why? This isn’t solely about the journalists who have done their job admirably. It’s also about the public. One journalist might interact with dozens, if not hundreds, of people while covering a mass

letters Many thanks To the Editor: This past year, including the holiday season, has certainly been unlike any in past years. On behalf of the Merrick Chamber of Commerce, thank you to all the residents, businesses and the Merrick fire departments for their generous donations to help fund our Holiday Lights Program, which is normally funded from proceeds from our annual KidsFest and Fall Street Fair. As you may be aware, the chamber is a not-for-profit and relies on these events without any government funding or grants.

gathering of one kind or another, and if infected with the coronavirus, he or she could potentially expose many others to harm. From a public health standpoint, leaving journalists off the list thus makes no sense. The Press Club of Long Island, a chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists, is currently conducting a letter-writing campaign calling on Governor Cuomo to include journalists on the eligibility list. To join in that effort, go to bit. ly/30Xt1T4.

opinions

s difficult as the coronavirus pandemic has been on all of us, our children were the least equipped to handle the sudden disruption of their daily lives and routines. Ripped from in-school learning, sports and extracurricular activities and social interactions critical to their intellectual, physical and emotional development, they were thrust into a world of inactivity, isolation and remote learning. We should not continue to ignore the consequences. We have heard steve much about “following the scirhoads ence” and the data throughout the pandemic. We have all accepted limits on personal freedoms imposed on us through countless, often contradictory, executive orders issued by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, simply because in the face of the unknown, that appeared to be the safest course of action. In order to “stop the spread,” we sacrificed our liberty in pursuit of the general good of all.

One year later, however, we are still ceding local control of education to a governor and a state Board of Education that continue to enforce policies that the science and the data simply do not support. Schools have safely resumed sports activities with very few, if any, Covid-19 cases and even fewer incidents of transmission. Yet while students are permitted to participate in wrestling matches, two trumpet players must remain 12 feet apart. In districts that permit in-person learning, there have been virtually no incidents of inschool transmission of the virus, yet students must quarantine if someone in their class contracts it, despite wearing masks and being surrounded on three sides by Plexiglas in classrooms. Many parents can’t watch their kids play for school teams — even outdoors. The data tell us that because of the outstanding work of our school districts, administrators, teachers, staff members and students, in conjunction with local departments of health, the in-school Covid transmission rate remains far below that of the surrounding communi-

ties. It is simply safer to have your kids in school — and it’s better for them. Area school districts have proven that they can act, and have done so efficiently, even when faced with the challenge of outdated and conflicting policies imposed by Albany. We have local boards of education because we believe as a state and a society that the best decisions for our students are made at the local level. The governor may have heard of the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District, the Seaford School District or any of our other area districts, but what does he know about local conditions in Wantagh’s Mandalay Elementary School, or Freeport High School? Probably very little, if anything. But local school boards and local administrators know. And, most important, parents — who are on the front lines of the struggles their children have faced during the pandemic — have a mechanism at a local level to take part in that decision-making process. It is time for the state and governor to stand down and allow local school boards and local officials, in conjunction with

e’re still ceding local control of education, a year after Covid-19 hit.

Letters relies on these events without any government funding or grants. We are hoping that restrictions will be lifted this year so that we can again plan for these events and hopefully improve on a brighter holiday lighting program for the 2021 holiday season!can’t do, blame.” JOE BAkER Board Member Merrick Chamber of Commerce

In minority communities, vaccine isn’t so simple To the Editor: I write to express my concern about Covid-19 vaccine access in communities of color on Long Island. As the coronavirus crisis lingers, the combination of two age-old realities — access and attitwudes — persists in limiting vaccinations among people of color. Most have heard about the infamous Tuskegee experiment, and the longstanding effects it has had on the Black community’s lack of trust in government and medical science. This distrust is deeply rooted and not easily overcome. Even as the most enlightened, well informed and educated among us conclude that it is in our best interest to get vaccinated against Covid-19, doubt and caution remain. In conversations, meetings, podcasts and dinner discussions, however, the rationale

Steve Rhoads is a Republican Nassau County legislator representing the 19th District.

Framework by Christina Daly

for vaccination is being widely shared and considered. Unfortunately, getting past the roadblock of distrust leads us directly to the lack-of-accessibility barricade. When I made the decision to get the vaccine, my employer, the Family and Children’s Association, in Hempstead, helped me navigate access. Nevertheless, there are many others in the Black and Brown communities less fortunate than I, who, even after overcoming initial doubt, encounter additional hurdles to vaccination, such as lack of transportation, an inability to navigate the online or phone scheduling “lottery,” and limited availability. Although there are educational initiatives in place designed to alter community sentiment toward Covid-19 vaccines, the most effective change will come from civic leaders and trusted community voices addressing concerns and providing vital information through town hall meetings and leading by example. Additionally, I believe that the restructuring of the vaccine distribution framework to include ongoing inoculation locations in communities of color, first-come-first-serve vaccination centers and expanded hours of service would greatly increase the number of vaccinations received by people of color in a relatively short time span. Time is of the essence, and the health of our community is at stake. THURSTON O’NEAL Director, Hempstead Prevention Coalition

local health departments and parents, to make decisions for themselves about how their schools should be run, what events and activities — such as graduation — should take place and how to best take care of our children. The science and the data no longer justify Albany’s one-sizefits-all approach, or the damage it is doing to the developmental, emotional and physical health of our students. To that end, I recently joined the other members of the Nassau Legislature’s Republican majority to write a letter to Cuomo, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie calling on New York state to allow school districts the full discretion to decide when to safely restore extracurricular activities and other school events, including graduation ceremonies. The remarkably good job Nassau County districts have done keeping students, teachers and staff safe in school has earned them the right to decide which events may be held and how those events will be conducted. I’m hopeful that our state leaders will heed this call and return that discretion to our districts.

A sand piper, undisturbed — Lido Beach

MERRICK HERALD — March 25, 2021

Let’s allow schools to decide on activities

March 25, 2021 — MERRICK HERALD

opINIoNS

The party of Lincoln becomes the party of George Wallace

he 2020 presidential election produced the highest voter turnout in American history. Both candidates received record numbers of votes. This was America at its best, but not for the Republican Party. So it’s no wonder that legislatures in dozens of states have proposed more than 200 laws, aimed mostly at Black voters, that would dramatically cut voter turnout. If many of the proposals were ever to become law, America would be turning back the clock to the dark Jim Crow JERRY era when states deliberately preKREMER vented Blacks from going to the polls. There is no secret behind the Republican effort to stop them from casting ballots. Thanks to massive turnouts in states like Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, Joe Biden was elected president. Biden often says, “Here’s the deal.” And here’s the deal: The Republican Party has morphed into a white man’s

party. It is slowly but surely being outvoted by minorities in the inner cities and the suburbs. If you can’t win fair and square, why not change the rules to stop large voter turnout? What’s the excuse for these draconian laws? According to the Republicans, the 2020 election was riddled with voter fraud. Over the past four months, 60 state and federal judges, many of them appointed by former President Donald Trump, have ruled that there was no fraud in any of the election counts. As late as this month, an Arizona judge fined the state Republican Party for bringing a “frivolous” lawsuit, claiming that there were “voter irregularities.” Had Biden won the election by a narrow margin, the voter-fraud argument might have had an impact, but he defeated Trump by seven million votes. Here’s a sampling of the kinds of bills that have been introduced by state legislators. In Alabama, the legislature is being asked to ban the distribution of water bottles to voters who are standing on line at the polls. In addition, it has

been proposed that voters pay a fee to vote, just like the historic poll taxes that were thrown out by the courts decades ago. In Alabama, legislators want to ban Sunday voting to prevent churches from encouraging “souls to the polls.” A number of states want to ban absentee ballots, just like the ones that Trump himself cast as late as the first week of March in Palm Beach County. Arizona legislators want to ban all forms of mail-in voting, and want voters to have absentee ballots notarized. Those proposals are aimed at Latino voters, who helped elect former astronaut Mark Kelly to the U.S. Senate as a Democrat. Most of us want to believe that many forms of subtle racism have been eradicated, and that we’re on the road to becoming a more inclusive nation. Sadly, almost all of the bills being considered in so many states are aimed at depressing black turnout. The same meanness that dominates at the state level is part of the rhetoric in Washington D.C. Sen. Ron Johnson, a lightweight from Wisconsin, recently stated that he wasn’t afraid of

he GOP assault on minority voting rights continues across the country.

the rioters who broke into the halls of Congress, but he would have been concerned if they were Black Lives Matter protesters. Sen. Lindsey Graham complained bitterly after the passage of the Covid-19 relief bill, that the aid to black farmers was like “reparations.” Other minorities aren’t doing much better during the process of filling cabinet positions for the Biden administration. U.S. Rep. Deb Haaland, of New Mexico, was confirmed as secretary of the interior with only four Republican votes in the Senate. She is the first Native American cabinet secretary in U.S. history, but failed to get the approval of Republicans senators who have large numbers of Native Americans in their states. Similar voting patterns have been recorded for other minority nominees. One has to wonder why the party of Lincoln seems to be gradually becoming the party of George Wallace. 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.

Springing into the future, very, very slowly

arch 2021: embracing the change. Covid-19 isn’t something that has just afflicted us; it changed us in ways that are irreversible. It set us on paths from which there is no return. And the change isn’t all bad. I think about going back to “normal,” and I realize that “normal” is elusive. We stepped into the river as the coronavirus surged, and we are stepping out now, in a different place. What is normal, anyway? Was spring 2019 norRANDI mal? We were deep KREISS into the presidency of a man who damn near brought our democracy crashing down around us. That four-year political rampage and the emergence of a deadly pandemic are inextricably tied together as historical events; there is little doubt that a more robust, organized federal response could have saved people. But it was the time of Trump and the time of Covid-19, and they met in a spiral of mayhem and grief. Were his lies about the virus and his failure to respect scientific guidance normal in any

way? Was it normal to ridicule the wearing of masks when that one simple, inexpensive precaution could have saved lives? Who would possibly want to reweave what some saw as the “normal” racist threads running through our culture before Black Lives Matter emerged, before Amanda Gorman spoke at the inauguration, before the issue of institutionalized racism came out of the shadows? We’ve been far from normal for quite some time. In this moment we have to figure out how to go forward, taking the lessons learned from our communal experience with politics chaos and a pandemic. For example, the isolation and social distancing of this year, the real aberrations, can’t be over too soon for me. That will never feel normal. But there are new, good things happening now: We are getting vaccinated, and the vaccines work remarkably well. Money from the $1.9 trillion Covid relief bill is starting to turn the wheels of the economy, getting people back to jobs and business owners back to feeding and servicing and creating product for our country.

Americans have learned that they are able to work from home better than they ever imagined. What we don’t know yet is how many businesses will go forward with the home-based model. We don’t know if the traditional workplace has reached its expiration date. (I doubt it.) A hybrid model may allow us to employ the best of both worlds, at home and at remote work locations. That could improve on the old normal. Perhaps the biggest good thing is that schools are starting to accommodate more in-classroom learning. From here in the cheap seats, it seems that closing schools was a mistake from the beginning; we should have vaccinated teachers first and at least tried to prioritize our kids’ education. Going to school is normal. I love that communities are coming together in ways they didn’t before the pandemic, to help keep food on the table and find vaccine appointments for one another and drive friends to vaccine centers. This has also been a great year for adopting dogs, or appreciating the pooches already in residence. For many, many weeks our Lillybee was the only living creature we saw or touched.

any questions persist in the new hybrid reality we find ourselves in.

The proliferation of artsy pastimes is notable, and that, too, may hang around as a creative outlet for people who love indulging old passions and interests and undeveloped talents. On the plus side as well, many of us weren’t daily exercisers, and now we are. There was only one awful-weather day this year when I didn’t get outside for at least a short walk. The pandemic has put more people in the kitchen, pouring energy and creativity into the food they prepare. My hunch is that will diminish in direct proportion to the opening of restaurants, but again, who can say? We learned to sublimate our need for excitement through imaginative meal planning and changing up our walks and connecting with people from our past. We have so many new skills. I can cut hair. I can fix the TV. I can replace the A/C filter. We truly are different people from the ones who stepped into the river last March. So, back to normal? Not necessarily. We have to figure out for ourselves, and as a society, what’s worth keeping from the pre-pandemic era and what we want to embrace from the time of Covid-19, going forward. Copyright 2021 Randi Kreiss. Randi can be reached at randik3@aol.com.

FREE LIVE WEBINAR MERRICK HERALD — March 25, 2021

Staying Local for College PANELISTS

MODERATOR

Skye Ostreicher, MPH, MA Herald Community Newspapers

Marguerite Lane

Christine Murphy

Assistant Vice President, Enrollment Management Molloy College

Vice President for Enrollment Management St. Joseph’s College

Assistant Vice President, Enrollment Management St. Francis College

Stephanie Espina

Joseph Posillico

Director of Undergraduate Admissions Adelphi University

Vice President for Enrollment Management New York Institute of Technology