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DECEMBER 30, 2021 - JANuARY 5, 2022

VOl. 25 NO. 1

Healing others with music

By Stephanie Banat

newsroom@liherald.com

Courtesy Boy Scount Troop 186 xx/Herald

xx teens were the first girls in the Local nation to earn the Eagle Scout rank.0 Page

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Andrew Garcia/Herald xx/Herald

The Long Island International Film xx

Festival returned to BellmorePage Movies. 0

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Courtesy Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District xx/Herald

Sofia LaSpina made L.I. sports history xx with a touchdown catch.

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7-year-old Samantha Horowitz is teaching the world about the healing powers of music. A lifelong Merrick resident, Horowitz is a senior at Calhoun High School who for the past three years has been the sole vocalist in the production of a musical documentary,“Second Chance,” based on her mother, Tara Notrica’s, long battle with mast cell disease. “Some of the songs were written from my perspective, and some were written from my mom’s perspective,”Horowitz explained. “Music has given us the freedom to express things that we couldn’t put into words … and I truly believe it’s a huge part of the reason that my mom is here with us today.” In honor of her creative, healing effort, the Herald is proud to name Horowitz its 2021 Person of the Year. Since Notrica’s early 20s, she had suffered from a number of physical maladies of unknown causes, including episodes of anaphylactic shock, hair loss and other issues. It wasn’t until April 2011, after consultations with scores of specialists, that Notrica was finally diagnosed with mast cell activation syndrome, a rare disorder caused by abnormal or overly active mast cells that affects multiple organ systems, including the gastrointestinal, neurological, endocrine, cardiac and respiratory systems. “It took a huge toll on me and my family,” Horowitz said.“I was 5 at the time, and I didn’t understand what was going on. I just knew that my mom was sick, and that she couldn’t be the mom she wanted to be for my brother, Jared, and I.” In 2018, Notrica endured a stem cell transplant, which was unsuccessful. Next, that June, her doctors offered her the option of receiving a bone marrow transplant, which, they said, she had a 50-50 chance of surviving. Nonetheless, Notrica decided to go forward with the procedure.

HERALD PERSON OF THE YEAR

Samantha horowtiz

‘S

amantha . . . has always given her time and help to others who need it.‘

nicole hollingS Principal, Calhoun High School “At this time, the whole music process really started picking up,” her daughter said, “because there were now a lot more emotions we were experiencing to write

about … because there were some days that my mom woke up and really didn’t think she was going to make it.” Just two weeks before the bone marrow transplant, the family began filming a documentary, directed by Rochesterbased filmmakers Matthew White and Brian Gerlach. The film documents Notrica’s health journey, and focuses on the weeks leading up to the transplant. Its title, “Second Chance,” comes from one of its songs, which is about Notrica getting a second chance at life, and getting to experience everything she had missed out on because of her illness. Since 2017, Horowitz has written and recorded 11 original songs for the film. Her music career, however, started long before the documentary. “I’ve had a passion for singing since I was around 3 or 4 years old,” she said. “In elementary school I did musical theater, and then in middle school I began writing my own original songs.” In 2017, at age 13, she wrote her first song for the documentary, alongside her mother and her vocal coach, former “American Idol” contestant and Merrick native Robbie Rosen. The ballad, called “Brave the Storm,” was written to show Notrica that she wasn’t facing her illness alone, her daughter said. Another one of her favorite songs from the documentary, Horowitz said, is called “Carry On,” which she wrote from her mother’s perspective. “This song is basically my mom saying that if it came down to it and she didn’t make it, she wants my family to carry on without her,” Samantha said, “because she’d always be a part of us and would always be watching over us.” Now, nearly three years after the transplant, and after facing a multitude of complications from it, Notrica is still under Continued on page 4 Courtesy Samantha Horowitz

Samantha Horowtiz is a senior at Calhoun High who has explored the healing power of music.

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December 30, 2021 — MERRICK HERALD

Residents rolled up sleeves for Covid vaccine As the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna Covid-19 vaccines rolled out across the country, Bellmore and Merrick residents were among the thousands of New Yorkers received their first doses of the treatments. Merrick resident Fran Stevens has worked in the emergency department at Mount Sinai South Nassau in Oceanside for more than 30 years, but she had never seen the volume of critically ill and dying patients treated at the hospital that she saw at the height of the pandemic. She received an initial dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine just after Christmas, and is due

for her second shot on Jan. 20. “Since we’re getting inundated again, something has to be done — this is not going away with masking and social distancing,” Stevens said. “The vaccine is giving us hope that we can eradicate this [virus] and get it under control.”

YEAR IN REVIEW JANUARY

Courtesy Mount Sinai South Nassau

Fran Stevens, of Merrick, an assistant nurse manager in the emergency department at Mount Sinai South Nassau in Oceanside, received her first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine just after Christmas.

State conducted study on NYAW takeover Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on Feb. 3 that the state Department of Public Service will look into the feasibility of municipalizing New York American Water, the privately owned utility whose service and water bills have long been decried by Nassau County customers. State Sen. John Brooks, a Democrat from Seaford, said American Water’s acquisition of Aqua New York in 2012 cost less than $100 million, which stands in stark contrast to Liberty’s

bid. Aqua was the previous private water provider for an area that includes Wantagh, Seaford, Merrick, Bellmore and Massapequa Park. “Somebody has to explain where that valuation came from,” Brooks said.

YEAR IN REVIEW FEBRUARY

Alyssa Seidman/Herald

New York American Water’s corporate offices in Merrick.

The usually routine day in the United States Congress on Jan. 6, when senators and representatives met to certify the Electoral College results of the 2020 presidential election, turned historic when a virulent mob stormed the Capitol. Five people were left dead in the aftermath of the attempted insurrection, including one Capitol Police officer. The effects of the day were felt here on Long Island, where reactions streamed in. “The violence happening in Washington today is flatly unacceptable, regardless of who you supported

in the election,” Nassau County Legislator Steve Rhoads, a Republican from Bellmore, wrote to followers on social media the day of the riot.“This is America. It doesn’t matter what side of the aisle you fall on, when protest turns to violence, it is wrong, and what we are seeing today is against everything we stand for. Our prayers go out for all who work at the Capitol and for the members of law enforcement working hard to keep everyone safe.”

Courtesy Martin Falbisoner via Wikimedia Commons

The U.S. Capitol was attacked last Wednesday by a mob of angry Trump supporters.

Teens among the first female Eagle Scouts in the nation Boy Scout Troop 186 of Wantagh made history in Feb., when three of its 28 female members rose to the Eagle Scout rank, scouting’s highest honor, achieved by only 4 percent of scouts. They are among the very first female Eagle Scouts in the nation. Amritha Jacob, of Bellmore, Julia Kirpalani, of Merrick, and Lea Feiner, of Levittown, were officially awarded the rank at a special ceremony, known as a Court of Honor. The trio, along with

Scoutmaster Mike Sarlo, gathered at the Theodore Roosevelt Executive and Legislative Building on Feb. 11 to receive congratulatory certificates from County Executive Laura Curran.

Courtesy Boy Scout Troop 186

Troop 186 Eagle Scout Amritha Jacob, right, of Bellmore, planted new greenery along with other volunteers outside Bellmore Presbyterian Church.

MERRICK HERALD — December 30, 2021

Elected leaders decried violence at U.S. Capitol

Merokean has a mission to help others Continued from front page

medical care at home. “The biggest thing,” Horowitz said, “is throughout this whole process of my mom being sick, what’s always brought her a sense of comfort is music. Not just her favorite artists on the radio, but really the fact that I could sing to her and bring her joy and show her that there are things in life that are certainly worth fighting for … not just her family, but also things like music.” Aside from her music, Horowitz has earned academic accolades throughout her high school career, and is a member of Calhoun’s national, math, science, English, social studies and world language honor societies. She is also a peer tutor for other students. OF Rosen, who has gotten to know Horowitz well over the past four years, spoke about her dedication to the film and her ability to balance her various responsibilities despite the hardships she’s faced. “She’s been through so much since her childhood,” Rosen said, “so I think that her ability to keep it together, get the grades that she does, focus on music the way she does, and persevere through everything is a testament to who she is, her strength and her talent.” Calhoun Principal Nicole Hollings also noted Horowitz’s many strengths, and the reasons that she is an ideal role model for others.“Aside from being an outstanding student who has taken rigorous courses throughout high school,” Hollings said, “Samantha has been involved in many community service opportu-

nities, and has always given her time and help to others who need it. She is truly a role model to others, showing how to be strong, caring, and how to live life in the moment, making every moment count, no matter how difficult it might be to do that. Horowitz said that her mother’s health journey has inspired her to major in biology when she starts college next year, and that she plans to go into the medical field. “I’m really interested in studying the correlation between music and someone healing,” she said, “Although this journey has caused me a lot of suffering, it’s made me extremely passionate about what I want to do with my future, and honestly, it has made me into who I am today.” Aside from sharing the family’s ordeal, the documentary THE raises awareness of rare diseases, educates about bone marrow transplants, encourages people to become bone marrow donors — and promotes State Senate Bill S1377, which would require school districts to establish medical hardship waiver policies. But Horowitz said that her overall goal in creating the documentary is to help others who may be going through similar struggles. “The main purpose … isn’t just to share my mom’s story or to get our music out there,” she said, “but really, it’s for people who are going through similar situations to see that they aren’t alone … because it’s not easy for everyone to talk about their condition the way my mom does, and not everyone has a family member that can make songs about their journey to comfort them … but I believe this

HERALD PERSON YEAR

RecRuiting a great team is Really simple.

Photo credit

JARED AND SAMANTHA Horowitz, Tara Notrica and Barry Horowitz visited the Cinema Village at the Manhattan Film Festival in June.

film has the power to change people’s perspectives on life and to show them that music truly is a coping mechanism.” She added that she hoped the film would teach people not to take life for granted, and to make the best of every negative situation.

NOTRICA, ABOVE RIGHT, and Horowitz, her daughter, are the subjects of the documentary “Second Chance.” The album cover was created in 2020.

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December 30, 2021 — MERRICK HERALD

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MERRICK HERALD — December 30, 2021

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HERALD — December 30, 2021

December 30, 2021 — MERRICK HERALD

Mepham football reaches semis Mepham captures L.I. softball title A three-pronged pitching attack, deep lineup and a defense that never stopped improving carried Mepham’s softball program to its highest height this spring. The Pirates, who won their firstever Nassau County title two years ago and were locked and loaded for 2020 before the pandemic hit, are Long Island champions for the first time after defeating Miller Place, 1-0, June 19 in the Class A matchup. Senior Dominique DeLutri blasted a homer over the fence in center in the top of the sixth inning for the game’s only run. Her younger sister, freshman Giselle DeLutri, pitched the final four innings and allowed no hits after junior starter Gia Miccio gave up

Colts gallop to county title Before the season, Calhoun coach David Hendler and the boys’ crosscountry team set their goals for the fall as winning the division, the conference, the county championship and the state qualifier. They put boxes next to each one and would draw a check mark when it was accomplished. After the first week of November, there were four check marks. Logan Schaeffler and John Schwab finished fourth and fifth, respectively, at the New York State qualifier 5K race on Nov. 6 and helped the Colts capture the Nassau Class A team title at the Section 8 Championships at Bethpage State Park the previous week. Schaeffler was the top sophomore finisher with a time of 16 minutes, 21.93 seconds, almost four seconds faster than Schwab, a senior. Four more Colt runners, juniors William Hughes and Gavin Giordano, senior Alexander Rosario and junior Matthew Belmonte, finished in the top 22.

Eric Dunetz/Herald

John Schwab helped Calhoun capture the Nassau Class II county title.

just one single in three innings of work. “I knew it was gone immediately off the bat,” Dominique DeLutri said of her first-pitch long ball. “Rounding third base and seeing all my teammates waiting at home plate was an amazing feeling. Then Giselle closed it out. I’m so proud of her.” Giselle struck out seven of the 13 batters she faced.

The Mepham football team proved its spring struggles were just an aberration. The Pirates wrapped up a 6-win regular season Oct. 30 with a 43-21 win over rival Calhoun, the same team they beat in last spring’s opener before concluding the abbreviated campaign with four straight defeats. This season’s performance was more in line with the 2019 group that also won six games and advanced to the semifinals at Hofstra. Senior quarterback Nick Honerkamp rushed for 106 yards and four touchdowns and threw for 225 yards for Mepham, which finished third in Conference II and went on to beat Valley Stream Central in the playoff opener to reach the semifinals. “The kids rebounded nicely,” Mepham head coach Anthony Cracco said of the season. “It was a rough spring. They came in kind of upset with

YEAR IN REVIEW SPORTS

Brian Ballweg/Herald

Mepham defeated MacArthur to win the Nassau Class AA softball crown and then took down Miller Place for the Long Island title.

the way they played and it was the driving force behind guys buying in and having a great offseason.”

David Lepelstat/Herald

Mepham quarterback Nick Honerkamp had a monster season leading the offense as the Pirates reached the semifinals.

Calhoun’s historic run ends in finals Calhoun’s girls’ volleyball team raced into history this fall with a breakthrough season that fell just short of the program’s first county championship. Calhoun captured the fist set against Wantagh in the Nassau Class A finals Nov. 10 at LIU-Post and were up 5-0 in the second set before the defending county champion Warriors stormed back to reclaim the crown. While a historic postseason run as a six seed did not end with holding that championship trophy, Calhoun coach Christina Strezenec hopes the experience gained by her young team lays the foundation for consistently competing on the big stage. “The girls really wanted it and wanted to be here and whatever it took to get here this whole season they were doing it,” Strezenec said moments after her team’s four-set loss to Wantagh (2927, 15-25, 18-25, 18-25) in Calhoun’s first-ever county finals appearance. “They finished off the conference season strong and heading into the playoffs we just ran with it.” After capturing Calhoun’s first conference title in three decades with a 9-4 record in Conference A/C2, the Colts began their playoff journey with an upset of three-seed Mineola in straight sets led by 21 kills and 13 digs from Julia

Lawrence. Gianna Lucchi was also big with 29 assists and Ella Maldonado totaled 32 digs.

Karen Millindorf/Herald

Junior libero Ella Maldonado was a key part of the Colts’ breakthrough campaign.

MERRICK HERALD — December 30, 2021

Jewish War Veterans mark group’s 125th anniversary YEAR IN REVIEW MARCH

Paving the way for women wrestling

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 coach-

Andrew Garcia/Herald

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

es,” Robles 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. Courtesy Robles Family

Talia Robles is one of the first two female members of the Wellington C. Mepham High School wrestling team. One of her teammates is her brother, Nicholas. Above, she took part in off-season wrestling tournament.

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part of what drives Commander Gary Glick to lead Merrick’s post. “History repeats itself, and we’re afraid of that,” Glick said. “People really believed no Jews fought in the Civil War, when thousands upon thousands died.”

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This year, Jewish War Veterans Post 652 of Merrick, which has members from across Nassau County, will celebrate the 125th anniversary of the JWV organization. What started in 1896 as a group of veterans who wanted to disprove falsehoods that Jewish men did not serve in the Civil War is now the longest-functioning national veterans service organization in the country. Anti-Semitic remarks drove the JWV’s 63 founders to form what became a legacy — and those remarks, which are still prevalent today, are a large

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meeting the needs of our communities today and tomorrow although recent times have brought hurdles, we have also enjoyed many successes. Here are some of the highlights:

HELP SAVE A LIFE! You will Learn:

i The signs of an opioid overdose. i How to reverse an opioid overdose. i About treatment approaches.

Overdoses can happen to anyone. Everyday at least one Long Islander dies from an overdose related to heroin or prescrip on painkillers. We will give you a FREE Naloxone overdose reversal agent and teach you how to use it. Please Register in advance at: info@tempogroup.org or call 516-374-3671 WůĞĂƐĞ ŶŽƚĞ ƚŚĂƚ ^ŽĐŝĂů tŽƌŬ ĂŶĚ K ^ ^ ĐƌĞĚŝƚƐ ĂƌĞ ĂǀĂŝůĂďůĞ͘ dĞŵƉŽ 'ƌŽƵƉ ŝƐ ƌĞĐŽŐŶŝǌĞĚ ďǇ ƚŚĞ EĞǁ zŽƌŬ ^ƚĂƚĞ ĚƵĐĂƚŝŽŶ ĞƉĂƌƚŵĞŶƚ͛Ɛ ^ƚĂƚĞ ŽĂƌĚ ĂƐ ĂŶ ĂƉƉƌŽǀĞĚ ƉƌŽǀŝĚĞƌ ŽĨ ĐŽŶƚŝŶƵŝŶŐ ĞĚƵĐĂƚŝŽŶ ĨŽƌ ůŝĐĞŶƐĞĚ ƐŽĐŝĂů ǁŽƌŬĞƌƐ͘

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• tempo youth service learning Pod, a safe place for students to learn virtually • tempo youth service summer in person recreational Program • implementation of an interpreter platform to meet the needs of our non-english speaking clients. • move to offer both virtual and in-person services • reaching 100% staffing vaccination • increase access to medication assisted treatments • membership in community coalitions

While the unprecedented nature of the last 20 months continues to impact our communities and how we function day to day; Tempo Group and Tempo Youth Services, has and continues to remain dedicated to meeting the behavioral health needs of the communities we serve. As our over 50 year history dictates, we are unwavering in our commitment to assess, modify and implement services that will improve the lives of the individuals and families we serve. As we look towards 2022, The Tempo Family wishes you and your family a festive holiday season and a healthy & happy New Year!

• community narcan trainings • implementation of case management services • increasing Peer services • sunshine Grant award • screening brief intervention referral to treatment (sbirt) Grant • construction of medical offices to increase medication assisted treatments

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December 30, 2021 — MERRICK HERALD

MERRICK HERALD — December 30, 2021

Remembering the ‘mayor of Merrick’ Officials Association pairing official for more than 30 years and worked at local, state, regional and national U.S. Wrestling events. She found time to serve on both the NY-USA Wrestling sectional and the state boards of directors. Gould worked at high school wrestling events across Long Island and served as a crew member of Nassau’s New York State Public High School Athletic Association Sectional Wrestling Championship.

YEAR IN REVIEW APRIL

Photo courtesy Meri Tateo

Then Nassau County Sheriff Joseph Maher congratulated Marcia Gould, then 23, on becoming the first civil service employee in his office in March 1966.

Alumni start scholarship for late teacher For a group of six Wellington C. Mepham High School alumni, Jack Rice was much more than a teacher. Rice introduced his students to so much of the world, the friends said. Rice shared with them his appreciation for the arts, which included a deep understanding of films and music. He was a major influence on the close-knit friends’ lives, they said. In 2019, after a Christmas dinner

with Brogan, the group gave her a written proposal to form the Jack Rice Memorial Scholarship Fund, The scholarship is awarded to a senior who intends to major in journalism, education, theater or humanities. given out for the first time last year to graduating senior Casey Fahrer. Photos courtesy Jack Rice Memorial Scholarship Fund

Jack Rice, third from left, was more than a teacher to former students Mario Tesoriero, far left, Patrick Marzano, Nick Licata, Greg Penny, Mike Bianco and Ed Thompson.

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Marcia Gould was to Merrick what actor Kevin Bacon is to Hollywood. The longtime Merrick resident was such an integral part of the BellmoreMerrick community that Gould’s friends and family members believed that, in the same way that Bacon can be linked to virtually any actor through no more than six connections, Gould can be linked to nearly any local resident. “My mom just knew everyone, and everyone knew her,” Gould’s daughter, Meredith Tateo, said. Gould, who was involved in academics, state and county wrestling and community events, died March 29. She was 77. One of Gould’s greatest passions was wrestling. She was a U.S. Wrestling

December 30, 2021 — MERRICK HERALD

N. Bellmore Fire Department named first woman asst. chief For Kaitlyn Bazarewski, fighting fires — and gender norms — runs in her blood. In April, the North Bellmore native made history when she became the first woman 3rd Assistant Chief in the North Bellmore Volunteer Fire Department. Kaitlyn was sworn in on April 12 by her father, commissioner and ex-captain Robert Bazarewski. The North Bellmore department covers parts of North Merrick. For Kaitlyn, 28, family and firehouse are synonymous. She grew up inside the brick building, and remembers washing fire trucks on Sunday mornings with the volunteers whom she said she knows “like blood.”

“As I grew older, I realized there were female EMTs, but I assumed firefighting was a male-driven role,” she said. That changed in 2013, when then 20-year-old Kaitlyn was champing at the bit to put out a blazing North Bellmore house fire. After telling her friends, including 1st Assistant Chief Arthur White III, of her ambitions, she found the motivation to join the firehouse.

When Carsyn Volpe answered a knock on his door on May 14, he never expected what was waiting for him on the other side: a roughly 7-foot-tall blue and orange dragon. Sparky the Dragon, the mascot of the New York Islanders, made a surprise visit to the 12-yearold’s home in North Bellmore with some gifts for the Islanders fan to keep. Sparky brought along Islanders owner Jon Ledecky to also meet Volpe, who received tickets to the Islanders playoff game against the

YEAR IN REVIEW MAY

Courtesy Kaitlyn Bazarewski

Ex-chief Robert Bazarewski and his daughter, Kaitlyn, on April 12 after she was sworn in as 3rd Assistant Fire Chief of the North Bellmore Volunteer Fire Department.

Penguins. It’ll be the first playoff game that Volpe attends. “I hope we destroy them,” Volpe said,“so I can go home happy.” Volpe also received a plethora of Islanders-themed goods, including a jersey with his name on it — a perfect match for the blue-and-orange socks he was already wearing — signed autographs from players and more.

Andrew Garcia/Herald

Bernadette and Carsyn Volpe, first and third from left, were visited by Islanders owner Jon Ledecky and Sparky the Dragon.

Finished at Hofstra, and he’s all of 18

From impossible to manager It was thought that Blake Chandler would never get to hit a baseball or score a run on a diamond alongside his peers, to the sound of thunderous cheers. Having Down syndrome and impaired motor skills had held him back. This season was different, however. At the first game of the Merrick Avenue Middle School’s season, Blake was able to play baseball like never before — and there was a huge surprise in his honor. It was Rams coach Anthony Rizzo, a special-education aide at MAMS, who set up the surprise for Blake, an eighthgrader. Rizzo works one on one with students he’s paired with, but had never been paired with Blake. Instead, it was Blake’s boisterous personality that attracted Rizzo to him. “I first met Blake last year, and I saw

Bellmorite got an Islanders surprise

that he was very social,” Rizzo said. “He’d say hi and give me fist bumps — and that’s how I am also.” “Seeing Blake every day at work made my job less of a job and more of a privilege,” Rizzo said.

YEAR IN REVIEW JUNE

Courtesy Anthony Rizzo

Merrick Avenue Middle School Rams baseball coach Anthony Rizzo set up a big surprise for special-education student Blake Chandler at the team’s first game of the season.

As students crossed the stage at Hofstra University’s graduation commencement in June, they marked the conclusion of their academic careers before taking the first steps into professional ones. At just 18, Jason Jackrel was the youngest student in the crowd to do so. Jackrel graduated with a computer engineering degree from Hofstra and will soon move to the opposite coast to work in Silicon Valley, his first major foray into a job. It’s not Jackrel’s first time busting the curve, though: He accelerated through elementary and high school, before attending Hofstra at 15. “When I was a kid, it was like I’d be handed a laptop and told,‘OK, go have fun!’” Jackrel said. “Sometimes I’d find some old stuff in the closet and ask, ‘What’s this thing?’ And it would be an old computer that I installed Windows

XP on — at 5, that’s the coolest thing ever. Now, that’s like every day.” He attended the School for the Gifted until seventh grade, when he moved to Wellington C. Mepham High School, where he was permitted to take Advanced Placement Chemistry early. He ended up skipping grades eight, 10 and 11, and finished high school in just two years. “I didn’t want to just be doing desk Excel work,” Jackrel said. “I want to do something; I want to make something. I want to work on a project I can see the end of and see something come out of it.”

Courtesy Jackrel Family

Jason Jackrel toured Hofstra’s campus before the graduation ceremony.

Jessica Kane, 17, an incoming senior at John F. Kennedy High School, was recently named the Greater NYC Teen of Impact by the American Heart Association. After raising more than $18,000 for women’s heart health in just eight weeks, Kane was awarded a $1,000 scholarship by the AHA. The Teen of Impact initiative, created by the organization just this year, is a national competition in which nominees form an “impact team,” set goals and explore fundraising opportunities in their local communities, all in the interest of improving women’s heart health. Kane, who was nominated for founding Heart of Wellness, a club that promotes physical and emotional well being, took part in the initiative in the greater New York City area.

Kane, who lives in Bellmore, keeps busy with numerous extracurricular activities at Kennedy. Besides her involvement in HOW, she is a captain of the cheer team, the social media manager for the Hope Club and president of the Yoga Club. The Teen of Impact competition started in late April, so Kane had to quickly assemble a team and begin fundraising. She was nominated Dr. Allison Boyle, school psychologist at Kennedy, because of her work with Heart of Wellness.

At Bellmore Movies, LIIFE returned to its home The Long Island International Film Expo is returned to its home, Bellmore Movies, this year. Now in its 24th year, LIIFE typically airs dozens of independent movies at the historic singlescreen theater, which has been in operation for over 100 years. Last year was a shakeup, however, as the coronavirus pandemic made the usual moviegoing experience all but impossible. In lieu of the week-plus of movie premieres, event organizers last year decided to show films during two drive-in dates at the Samanea Mall in Westbury. They also made the films available to watch online — an offering that will be repeated this year.

YEAR IN REVIEW JULY

Courtesy Jessica Kane

Jessica Kane, Kennedy student and winner of the Greater NYC Teen of Impact, far right, and her friends, from left, Laci Rothman, Madison Tell, Sophia Israel, Tess Loftin and Sophia Warren, who helped her raise funds for the American Heart Association.

MERRICK HERALD — December 30, 2021

JFK senior was a ‘teen of impact’

Back at Bellmore Movies, LIIFE will feature its usual red-carpet event, including a premiere night and a closing awards ceremony. Filmmakers from around the world usually gather at the event, giving them an opportunity to connect with fellow filmmakers and audiences alike. “We love hosting — it’s a lot of work, but it’s so rewarding,” said Henry Stampfel, co-owner of the Bellmore Movies and president of the Long Island Film/TV Foundation, which sponsors LIIFE.“We’re proud of this.” Andrew Garcia/Herald

Filmmakers flock to Bellmore Movies each year for the Long Island International Film Expo, which was held at a different drive-in venue last year due to the pandemic.

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December 30, 2021 — MERRICK HERALD

Local finished three films in retirement

JFK graduate appeared on the big screen If you’ve been to the movies this year, you may have caught the new trailer for the “Sopranos” spin-off, “The Many Saints of Newark,” which features an appearance by a young actor from Merrick. Chase Vacnin has been slowly working his way up the Hollywood ladder, and is about to make his bigscreen debut. It was an exciting and “surreal” moment when he first saw the preview, he said — it took three trips to the theater to catch it with friends, who gave him celebratory praise. And for the 19-year-old Vacnin, it’s only just the beginning, he hopes. “I’m a little greedy,” he said with a laugh. “I want more, and now I know

I’m capable. I just have to keep working harder and keep getting better.” Vacnin has even bigger hopes for the future. He follows a strict workout regimen in order to get himself in shape for a potential superhero-type role. At the end of this month, he will make the move from Merrick to Los Angeles to be closer to Hollywood. “I have big dreams,” he said.“I want to be at the top of the A-list.”

YEAR IN REVIEW AUGUST

Trailer screenshot

In his first appearance in the trailer for “The Many Saints of Newark,” Merokean Chase Vacnin can be seen antagonizing the lead, Michael Gandolfini.

she said. Markowitz co-founded the Long Island International Film Expo, an annual event at which filmmakers from around the world present their work at Bellmore Movies, the historic single-screen theater. Although retired, Markowitz is far from removed from the industry. PreCovid, she wrote and directed three films — “The Waiting Room,” “Confidant” and “Gem and the Photo Op” — which were set to be screened at the Chain Film Festival this week. “I love them all,” she said, “but ‘Waiting’ — it’s magical.” Courtesy Debra Markowitz

Debra Markowitz, second from left in second row, joined her cast and crew during the filming of “Couple of Guys.”

Mepham girl’s TD made L.I history

Sept. 11 documentary was screened at Merrick Cinemas Less than two weeks before the 20th anniversary of Sept. 11 — a day that has left unhealed wounds in the hearts of many in the Merricks — members of the Merrick Fire Department gathered for a special screening of the new documentary, “CIA vs. Bin Laden: First In.” Merrick firefighter Jon Loew, CEO of Big Media organized the screening, which took place on Aug. 31 at Merrick Cinemas. A majority of the MFD attended, among other special guests, including CIA Senior Paramilitary Officer Phil Reilly and Counter-Terrorism Operator Gary Harrington. Both men spent time in the Middle East fighting the war on terrorism, and Reilly was part of the first team to enter Afghanistan following the Sept. 11 attacks. “These American heroes traveled

John Marean, filmmaker Debra Markowitz’s husband, said she has lived a busier life since she retired. As evidenced by her offering of three films at the upcoming New York City Chain Film Festival, that might be true. Markowitz, a resident of Merrick, has deep roots in the local film community. She is the founder and former director of the Nassau County Film Office, which, in her words, was designed to attract the film and television industries to Long Island — a lucrative endeavor for the area and its many businesses. She oversaw the Film Office for 33 years before she stepped away last December. “It was difficult to leave,”

all the way here to be with us at a very difficult time,” Loew said before the screening. “They flew here to be with us, and agreed to participate in a Q & A — and I’ll tell you, they’re invited around the world to speak. They’re quiet professionals, and speaking is actually against their ethos. “We are all part of the same fabric that makes America what it is,” Loew added.“We needed each other on 9/11 — and we continue to need each other. My guess is our country is going to continue to need us more and more, to make it through the obvious challenges that lie ahead.”

Wellington C. Mepham High School football player Sofia LaSpina made Long Island history last Saturday, becoming the first female to score a touchdown. The Pirates went on to win the game against Roslyn 49-21, giving them a 2-0 start for the season. After the game, LaSpina, a 15-year-old junior wide receiver, said she didn’t initially realize her 4-yard reception for 6 points was such a momentous occasion. “I just wanted to make sure I caught the ball,” she told the Herald. Her teammates, she added,“were all so happy for me. They were all cheering me on and stuff.” “As soon as she caught it, our sideline went crazy,” said coach Anthony Cracco. “They were so excited for her, and I was as well . . . I was just thinking,

YEAR IN REVIEW SEPTEMBER

Jordan Vallone/Herald

CIA Senior Paramilitary Officer Phil Reilly and Counter-Terrorism Operator Gary Harrington, center, with members of the Merrick Fire Department.

from a Mepham perspective, how huge it was, and then it turned into a really big deal.” “She’s being modest about it,” Cracco said.“She ran a good route, got open, and the ball was kind of on her off [left] shoulder, so she had to adjust her whole body to make the catch. It wasn’t like the ball was laid up in her hands.”

Courtesy Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District

Wellington C. Mepham High School wide receiver Sofia LaSpina made Long Island history last Saturday as the first female football player to score a touchdown.

MERRICK HERALD — December 30, 2021

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YEAR IN REVIEW OCTOBER

BMCHSD’s Prep Academy students hit the waves “This is one of the things I’m most proud of as an educator,” said Eric Caballero, the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District athletic director. “It’s one of our prouder moments in education.” Students in the district’s Prep Academy hit the waves for the first time this fall in Long Beach, taking part in a special program designed to teach those with physical and intellectual disabilities how to surf. The Prep Academy is a special-education program that aims to give students up to age 21 educational, recreational and vocational experience. Cliff Skudin and his brother Will, a professional big-wave surfer, own and operate Skudin Surf in Long Beach. After trying for years to connect with a

local school district, they finally paired up with the Central District. Cliff Skudin, a phys. ed. teacher at Long Beach High School and president and cofounder of the nonprofit organization Surf for All, told the Herald that the organization specializes in teaching kids with physical or developmental limitations to surf. “It’s very specialized,” Skudin said. “We have a one-onone with groups — we use specialized equipment” such as adaptive equipment for those with disabilities.

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Jordan Vallone/Herald

Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District Prep Academy student Keith Mickity could barely contain his enthusiasm as he prepared to head into the water for a surfing lesson.

A celebration of life and faith at Congregation Ohav Shalom Following the completion of the It was a day of faith, family and community last Sunday, as Torah, the family and congregation Congregation Ohav Shalom, in paraded through the streets of Merrick, celebrated the arrival and Merrick behind a large float. The comcompletion of a new Sefer Torah. The pleted Torah was carried by various members of Adwar’s family, Torah — which took more than under a large canopy that a year to complete — was was walked behind the given to the synagogue float. by the family of Samuel “This event today Adwar, a longtime represents everyMerrick resident and IN thing that was imporcongregation memtant to my friend ber who died last Sammy Adwar,” Ebbin year at 85. said. “Family, the Torah, “The Torah scroll is the shul, Yemenite music one of the most sacred — Sammy loved everyobjects in Jewish ritual,” thing about being Jewish. He Rabbi Ira Ebbin explained. “It is written meticulously by a scribe loved the Jewish people — he had with a quill — the parchment is cow- such purity to him. hide. It has been this way for thousands of years. “It has to be written by an expert Jordan Vallone/Herald scribe,” Ebbin went on. “It takes nearly At Congregation Ohav Shalom on Sunday, Rabbi a year to complete. This particular Heshy Pincus, a renowned sofer — a traditional scroll was written in Israel, picked by Jewish scribe — completed the final 100 letters of a new Sefer Torah, in memory of Merrick resident the [Adwar family].” Samuel Adwar.

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Public Notices

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LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: Alexa Pittelli LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York, (SSNY) on 11/02/21. NY Office location: Nassau County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of the process to: 2954 Wynsum Ave, Merrick, NY 11566. Purpose: To engage in any lawful act or activity. 128579

LEGAL NOTICE THE REORGANIZATIONAL MEETING OF THE NORTH MERRICK FIRE DISTRICT WILL TAKE PLACE ON SUNDAY JANUARY 2, 2022 AT 10 AM. THE BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS OF THE NORTH MERRICK FIRE DISTRICT MEETINGS FOR THE YEAR 2022 SHALL BE HELD ON THE FIRST AND SECOND TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF JANUARY AND DECEMBER 2022. THE REGULAR MEETING IN THE MONTH OF JANUARY 2022 WILL TAKE PLACE ON TUESDAY JANUARY 4TH AT 7 PM, THE REGULAR MEETING IN THE MONTH OF DECEMBER 2022 WILL TAKE PLACE ON TUESDAY DECEMBER 6, 2022 AT 7 PM. THE ANNUAL PUBLIC BUDGET HEARING WILL BE HELD ON TUESDAY OCTOBER 18, 2022 AT 7PM. A SPECIAL MEETING WILL BE HELD ON TUESDAY OCTOBER 25, 2022 AT 7 PM. THE FIRE COMMISSIONER ELECTION SHALL TAKE PLACE ON TUESDAY DECEMBER 13, 2022, FROM 2PM TO 9PM. UNLESS OTHERWISE POSTED, MEETINGS WILL BEGIN AT 8 PM, AND WILL BE HELD ON THE SECOND FLOOR OF THE NORTH MERRICK FIRE DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS BUILDING LOCATED AT 2095 CAMP AVENUE, NORTH MERRICK, NEW YORK 11566. THE ACTUAL DATES FOR THE ABOVE MEETINGS/HEARINGS/ ELECTIONS FOR 2021 ARE AS FOLLOWS: 1/2, 1/4, 2/1, 2/8, 3/1, 3/8, 4/5, 4/12, 5/3, 5/10, 6/7, 6/14, 7/5, 7/12, 8/2, 8/9, 9/6, 9/13, 10/4, 10/11, 10/18, 10/25, 11/1, 11/8, 12/6, 12/13 BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS DAVID WARD DISTRICT CLERK NOVEMBER 9, 2021 129001 LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that a public hearing will be held by the Town Board of the Town of Hempstead on the 11th day of January

2022, at 10:30am o’clock in the forenoon of the day, in Town Meeting Pavilion, Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Village and Town of Hempstead, New York for the purpose of considering the recommendation of the Town of Hempstead Landmarks Preservation commission that the Merrick Gable Home, Sec,56 Block 190 Lot 137 62 Henry Street Merrick, New York on the Land and Tax map of Nassau County and be designated as an Historical Landmark. ALL PERSONS INTERESTED in the subject matter will be given an opportunity to be heard with reference thereto at the time and place above designated. BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD Donald X. Clavin,Jr. Supervisor Kate Murray Town Clerk Dated: December 7, 2021 Hempstead, N.Y. 129009

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that a public hearing will be held by the Town Board of the Town of Hempstead on the 11th day of January 2022, at 10:30am o’clock in the forenoon of the day, in Town Meeting Pavilion, Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Village and Town of Hempstead, New York for the purpose of considering the recommendation of the Town of Hempstead Landmarks Preservation commission that the Merrick Gable Home, Sec,56 Block 190 Lot 140 64 Henry Street Merrick, New York on the Land and Tax map of Nassau County and be designated as an Historical Landmark. ALL PERSONS INTERESTED in the subject matter will be given an opportunity to be heard with reference thereto at the time and place above designated. BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD Donald X. Clavin,Jr. Supervisor Kate Murray Town Clerk Dated: December 7, 2021 Hempstead, N.Y. 129010 LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that a public hearing will be held by the Town Board of the Town of Hempstead on the 11th day of January 2022, at 10:30am o’clock in the forenoon of the day, in Town Meeting Pavilion, Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Village and Town of Hempstead, New York for the purpose of

considering the recommendation of the Town of Hempstead Landmarks Preservation commission that the Merrick Gable Home, Sec,56 Block 194 Lot 758 119 Lincoln Boulevard Merrick, New York on the Land and Tax map of Nassau County and be designated as an Historical Landmark. ALL PERSONS INTERESTED in the subject matter will be given an opportunity to be heard with reference thereto at the time and place above designated. BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD Donald X. Clavin,Jr. Supervisor Kate Murray Town Clerk Dated: December 7, 2021 Hempstead, N.Y. 129011

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that a public hearing will be held by the Town Board of the Town of Hempstead on the 11th day of January 2022, at 10:30am o’clock in the forenoon of the day, in Town Meeting Pavilion, Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Village and Town of Hempstead, New York for the purpose of considering the recommendation of the Town of Hempstead Landmarks Preservation commission that the Merrick Gable Home, Sec,56 Block 190 Lot 131 58 Henry Street Merrick, New York on the Land and Tax map of Nassau County and be designated as an Historical Landmark. ALL PERSONS INTERESTED in the subject matter will be given an opportunity to be heard with reference thereto at the time and place above designated. BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD Donald X. Clavin,Jr. Supervisor Kate Murray Town Clerk Dated: December 7, 2021 Hempstead, N.Y. 129008 To Place A Notice Call 516-569-4000 x232

LEGAL NOTICE At a meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Hempstead, in the County of Nassau, New York, held at the Town Meeting Pavilion, Hempstead Town Hall, Town Hall Plaza, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, on the 7th day of December, 2021. PRESENT: HON., Donald X. Clavin, Jr., Supervisor Dorothy L. Goosby Bruce A. Blakeman Anthony P. D’Esposito Dennis Dunne, Sr. Thomas E. Muscarella Christopher Carini, Council Members ABSENT: -------------------------------X

The expo, which started as an idea about 10 years ago, according to art teacher Michael Goldberg, has since become a biannual event. “We decided that we needed something that Art projects and students crowded wasn’t just a visual presentation of the Stanford H. Calhoun High artwork that we have multiple School gym last Friday, as the times a year — where we put school community gathup a show, and maybe it ered for the highly seems a little distant to anticipated Bellmorestudents who don’t Merrick Calhoun Art take art,” Goldberg IN Exposition. said. “This is all about More than 150 interaction and students worked with hands-on [art], and six Calhoun art teachreally showing every ers for roughly three student here that they months on projects that are an artist in one way or are not only visually intriguanother.” ing, but interactive in some way, and teachers and administrators as Jordan Vallone/Herald well as students stopped by the gym Art students Brandon Richardson and Kyle Park throughout the day to check them showed off their art bot, a small robot they created for the Bellmore-Merrick Calhoun Art Exposition on out.

YEAR REVIEW DECEMBER

Dec. 3.

Public Notices

ORDER CALLING A PUBLIC HEARING - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - --X IN THE MATTER : - of - : THE INCREASE AND IMPROVEMENT OF THE MERRICK FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT : -----------------X

W H E R E A S, Friendship Engine & Hose Company, Inc., one of the companies providing fire protection to the Merrick Fire Protection District proposed the construction of a new firehouse pursuant to the Nassau County Civil Division Act Section 226.7 and requested the Town Board hold a public hearing regarding the increase and improvement of the Merrick Fire Protection District; and WHEREAS, Friendship Engine & Hose Company, Inc. submitted to the Town Board an estimate of cost relating to said increase and improvement of the Merrick Fire Protection District; and WHEREAS, the Town Board has determined, pursuant to Provisions of the State Environmental Quality Review Act and Article 8 Part 617.5(c)(1) the N.Y.C.R.R. that such increase and improvement is considered to be a “Type II Action” and does not have a significant effect on the environment and does not require an

environmental impact statement or any other determination under the State Environmental Quality Review Act; and WHEREAS, it is in the public interest that the Town Board of the Town of Hempstead consider the proposition herein set forth and to call a public hearing thereon; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDERED, that a public hearing be held by this Town Board on the day of January 11, 2022, at 10:30 o’clock in the forenoon of that day, at the Town Meeting Pavilion, Hempstead Town Hall, Town Hall Plaza, 1 Washington Street, Town of Hempstead, Nassau County, New York, on the increase and improvement of the Merrick Fire Protection District, consisting of the construction of a new firehouse. The estimated maximum cost of $12,000,000.00, to be financed by the issuance of obligations of the Town of Hempstead. ALL PERSONS desiring to be heard concerning the subject of the abovementioned hearing will be given an opportunity to be heard at the time and place aforesaid. Dated: Hempstead, New York December 7, 2021 ___________________ /S/Donald X. Clavin, Jr., Supervisor ___________________ /S/ Dorothy L. Goosby ___________________ /S/ Bruce A. Blakeman

___________________ /S/ Anthony P. D’Esposito ___________________ /S/ Dennis Dunne, Sr. ___________________ /S/ Thomas E. Muscarella ___________________ /S/ Christopher Carini Members of the Town Board of the Town of Hempstead 129005 LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that a public hearing will be held by the Town Board of the Town of Hempstead on the 11th day of January 2022, at 10:30am o’clock in the forenoon of the day, in Town Meeting Pavilion, Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Village and Town of Hempstead, New York for the purpose of considering the recommendation of the Town of Hempstead Landmarks Preservation commission that the Merrick Gable Home, Sec,56 Block 190 Lot 122 52 Henry Street Merrick, New York on the Land and Tax map of Nassau County and be designated as an Historical Landmark. ALL PERSONS INTERESTED in the subject matter will be given an opportunity to be heard with reference thereto at the time and place above designated. BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD Donald X. Clavin,Jr. Supervisor

Kate Murray Town Clerk Dated: December 7, 2021 Hempstead, N.Y. 129006 LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that a public hearing will be held by the Town Board of the Town of Hempstead on the 11th day of January 2022, at 10:30am o’clock in the forenoon of the day, in Town Meeting Pavilion, Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Village and Town of Hempstead, New York for the purpose of considering the recommendation of the Town of Hempstead Landmarks Preservation commission that the Merrick Gable Home, Sec,56 Block 190 Lot 427 56 Henry Street Merrick, New York on the Land and Tax map of Nassau County and be designated as an Historical Landmark. ALL PERSONS INTERESTED in the subject matter will be given an opportunity to be heard with reference thereto at the time and place above designated. BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD Donald X. Clavin,Jr. Supervisor Kate Murray Town Clerk Dated: December 7, 2021 Hempstead, N.Y. 129007

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MERRICK HERALD — December 30, 2021

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BY THE BOARD OF APPEALS Pursuant to New York State Town Law Article 16, New York State Public Officers Law Article 7, and the Town of Hempstead Building Zone Ordinance, NOTICE is hereby given that the BOARD OF APPEALS of the Town of Hempstead will hold a public hearing in the Town Meeting Pavilion, Town Hall Plaza, One Washington Street, Hempstead, New York on 1/5/22 at 9:30 A.M. and 2:00 P.M. to consider the following applications and appeals: --------------------------------THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 9:30 A.M. 6/22. MERRICK - Barry & Kathleen Hicks, Maintain 6’ high fence forward of dwelling which may substantially obstruct line of sight., N/s Willis Ave., 175’ E/o Schermerhorn St., a/k/a 1843 Willis Ave. N.C.P.C. Local determination. THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 2:00 P.M. 23/22. MERRICK - James & Nicole Conte, Variances, lot area occupied, side yards aggregate, maintain enclosed porch attached to dwelling., E/s Fox Blvd., 120’ S/o Richard St., a/k/a 133 Fox Blvd. N.C.P.C. Local determination. 35/22. MERRICK - Ronald & Sarah Leppert, Variance, front yard average setback, construct 2-story addition, 1-story addition & portico all attached to dwelling., S/s Oak St., 100’ W/o Sycamore Ave., a/k/a 50 Oak St. N.C.P.C. Local determination ALL PAPERS PERTAINING TO THE ABOVE HEARING ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THE BOARD OF APPEALS, TOWN HALL, 1 WASHINGTON STREET, HEMPSTEAD, NY 11550. This notice is only for new cases in Merrick within Town of Hempstead jurisdiction. There are additional cases in different hamlets, towns and villages on the Board of Appeals calendar. The full calendar is available a t https://hempsteadny.gov/ 854/Hearing---01052022 The internet address of the website streaming for this meeting is https://hempsteadny.gov/ 576/Live-Streaming-Video Interested parties may appear at the above time and place. At the call of the Chairman, the Board will consider decisions on the foregoing and those on the Reserve Decision calendar and such other matters as may properly come before it. 128976

Calhoun High School hosted art exhibition

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Malverne UFSD Long Island, New York

Security Guards

Paralegal: Garden City, NY, personal Injury law firm needs paralegal. Duties incl. assistance with all phases of case management & litigation, from pre-trial discovery, trial preparation, and trial/settlement of matters. Help w/arbitration & mediation. 1-year exp. as paralegal or legal assistant 5th_floor • Clients doing research, writing, client communication & using case management software, req. Spanish, bachelor’s degree in law or rel. field, req. Send res. to Chopra & Nocerino LLP, 100 Quentin Roosevelt Blvd, Unit 107, Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Alex Nocerino. PRESS-ROOM/WAREHOUSE HELP Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME Pressroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for a motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com

Sales Executives Outside Sales

$19.37/Hour.

Required: NYS Certification w/security photo ID

• m-Clients • Malverne • 42194 Malverne Applications may be picked up at:Richner Communica 3.125x 3" Richner Communications Pg 2 Cleaners Malverne UFSD

Office of Human Resources 301 Wicks Lane, Malverne, NY 11565 or Call 516-887-6419 Malverne Union Free School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

IVERS BUS DR TED WAN DoN’T MISS The Bus! NEW

STARTING SAlARIES Big Bus Van

$26.18/hr.

Non-Benefit Rate

$23.41/hr.

Non-Benefit Rate

Richner Communications has openings for Outside Sales Executives to Sell Sign On Bonus $2,500.00 for CDL driver bus and van $500.00 for non CDL drivers. Will train qualified applicants *Some restrictions may apply. Digital and Print advertising Service and sell both existing and developing new business. EDUcATIoNAl BUS TRANSpoRTATIoN 5th_floor Clients • m-Clients • Malverne • 43670 Malverne Richner Communica If you have the desire to succeed in•our fast paced business and are 3.125x 3"516.454.2300 Richner Communications motivated, dependable, have strong communication skills and can manage Positions Wanted Situations Wanted your own time, We would like to hear from you! Base salary with commission plan. Paid ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Looking STOCK WAREHOUSE WORK NEEDED sick/personal days, vacation and paid For A Job Part Time Starting Immediately. P/T. Immediate Experienced. Call Andrew holidays. Sales experience is a plus but Experienced. Rockville Centre. Jacqueline 516-238-5774 cel// 516-223-2722 home. we will train the right person to learn the 516-536-6994 industry. email resume to careers@liherald.com TAX PREPARER P/T Franklin Square Experience Needed. Retirees Welcome. C a l l 5 1 6 - 3 5 8 - 9 4 5 5 Fa x R e s u m e 516 358-9483. Email Resume: ed@loturco.com.

Health Care/Opportunities

WE HAVE THE HELP YOU NEED!!!

HHA's, LPN's, Nurse's Aides Childcare. Housekeeping Day Workers No Fee To Employers

Evon's Svces: 516-505-5510

1155410

ADMINISTRATIVE CLERK FT:

Email or mail copy of resume to:

Assistant Superintendent for Personnel & Administration

To join our team, please email your resume to careers@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 Ext #235

Established Envelope Company. Excellent Phone/ MS Office/ Email/ Internet Skills. Handle Mail/ Filing. Colleen 516-244-8444 Email Resume Bruce At bruced@themercurycompanies.com

Requirements: NYS Fingerprint Clearance

Response due by January 4, 2022 sent to: Mr. Cliff Odell

• Receptionist • Human Resource Director • Reporter/Editor • Sales • Multi Media Coordinator • Drivers • Pressman/Press Helper

Help Wanted

$16.00/Hour.

Contractual Salary/Benefits

WE HIRE THE BEST

EMPLOYMENT

Part-Time Cleaner Various Shifts

Full Time, Day and Evening Shifts Available

1154357

A Growing Multi Media Company Based in Garden City Is Hiring:

Malverne UFSD Long Island, New York

1155312

RECRUITING A GREAT TEAM IS REALLY SIMPLE.

VALLEY STREAM CENTRAL SCHOOLS

1128595

December 30, 2021 — HERALD

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

Call the USA Classified Network today!

1-800-231-6152

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

HOME Of tHE WEEK

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

Q. I just rented a retail space, and I’m planning changes with my architect. The architect says I have to “upgrade” the restroom to handicapped-accessible, which will cost at least $8,000 and maybe more, depending on whether the old pipes can be reused where they are. I don’t understand why other stores around me have original restrooms but I have to change mine. We were only moving a couple of walls and installing a new ceiling. Can you tell me if the architect is right about the change?

Woodmere

Gorgeous and Unique

his beautiful Split Level style home has 2744 square feet of living space. It features a beautiful living room, formal dining room, and family room. The eat-in kitchen has stainless steel appliances and this home boasts 5 bedrooms and 4 full bathrooms. The two master bedrooms both have full bathrooms. There are hardwood floors throughout and a nice laundry room. You will enjoy a two-car garage and a huge backyard with updated deck and plenty of green space that is ideal for the entertaining. This home is minutes away from LIRR, major highways, and shopping centers. School District #14 Hewlett

A. You would think the answer is an easy one, that it would be either yes or no. Unfortunately, the answer is that the decision in these matters is discretionary, left to the plans examiner, who either strictly interprets the code and the federal and state laws based on the Americans with Disabilities Act (which was signed into law by onte eeper President George H.W. Bush in 1990), or determines that the physical upgrade of the restroom isn’t necessary. The law states that businesses with 15 or more employees must comply, but is overridden by the fact that establishments cannot discriminate against people with disabilities, patrons or employees. I once had a meeting at which the attorney for my client was challenging my advice to our mutual client that an upgrade — a renovation — would be necessary. The attorney appropriately pointed out exactly the same argument that you’re making, that nobody else has had to upgrade, and therefore you shouldn’t have to, either. My guess is that your neighbors may have been in that location for many years, and as long as nobody brings their location up to an official, we leave well enough alone, or that the official interpreted that the upgrade wouldn’t be necessary. I’m willing to bet that your neighbors, for the most part, moved in without anyone filing anything formally, with plans and permits, so the proprietors think they have no issue to deal with. You, on the other hand, operating honestly and legitimately, probably feel that even though you can’t discriminate against a person with a disability, you’re being unfairly discriminated against. Although I agree that you are being unfairly judged differently than your neighbors, your architect and any licensed professional, including the attorney, swore to uphold the laws of the state they practice in. If officials choose not to investigate every location, that is the governing bodies’ choice. Your architect is only trying to do what is right under the law. Coincidentally, that very morning, when the attorney was making the case that others were not in compliance, there was an incident in lower Manhattan in which an attorney had his heels slashed by a homeless man on a subway platform, and was instantly debilitated. I pointed out to the attorney that that poor guy was now disabled, and that we humans are all vulnerable, by age or accident, and need to be considered. He answered, “You should have been an attorney.”

Ask The Architect

Liliya Gavrilova Lic. RE Salesperson 646-963-5536 Eduard Niyazov Lic. RE Salesperson 917-478-7710

Ronnie Gerber 516-238-4299

Happy New Year

HAPPY AND HEALTHY NEW YEAR!! OPEN HOUSES SUNday, 1/2/22 1155506

Do you know what your home is worth in 2022?

516-764-2601

“Going Above & Beyond to find your Dream Home”

Rhonda Healy

M: (516) 236-7269

REAL ESTATE Open Houses EAST ROCKAWAY NEW EXCLUSIVE! 4 BR, 1.5 Bth Well Maintained Colonial in SD#20(Lynbrook). LR/Fpl, FDR, Den & Gran/Wood EIK. Fin Bsmt Att Garage.HW Flrs, CAC, Roof 5 Yrs. Must See!....$749,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299 HEWLETT 156 E Rockaway Rd, BA, Rental of a Renovated 2 Bedroom, 1.5 Bth Apt with Spacious Gourmet Kitchen Use of Patio & Outdoor Space...$3,850 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299 HEWLETT BA 1534 Broadway #103, BRAND NEW GUT RENOVATION! Spacious 2 BR, 2 Bth Condo in Luxurious Jonathan Hall. LR/DR Opens Into Large Gran/Wood EIK w/ Island & Stainless Steel Appl. Laundry Rm, & Pantry. Mstr Ste Boasts New Bath & Huge Walk in Closet. Terrace Facing into Courtyard. Doorman Bldg with Elevator. Indoor Garage Pkg & Storage...$850,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299

OneKey Multiple Listing Service

1154307

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

1155484

CB AMERICAN HOMES 516-223-2525 493 Atlantic Avenue Oceanside NY, 11572

Open Houses HEWLETT NEW EXCLUSIVE! MOVE Right Into This 5/6 BR, 4 Bth Exp Ranch on Resor tlike 3/4 acre Proper ty.Large Gran/Wood EIK, LR/Fpl, FDR & Skylit De. Spacious Master Ste Boasts Bath w/ Steam Shower, WIC & Fpl. Beautiful Street in SD#20...$1,299,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299 WOODMERE NEW EXCLUSIVE! Renovated 3/4 BR, 3.5 Bth Victorian Style with Porch in Old Woodmere. Huge Updtd Gran/Wood Kosher EIk, LR, DR & Den.All Updated Baths. O/S Yard with Pavered Patio. 2 Car Det Gar. SD#14...$1,100,000 R o n n i e G e r b e r, D o u g l a s E l l i m a n 516-238-4299

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

HEWLETT Bay PaRK

40 Heron Dr, BA, 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 ........................... REDUCED!! $3,499,000

HEWLETT

NEW EXCLUSIVE! BA, Move Right Into This 5/6 BR, 4 Bth Exp Ranch on Resortlike 3/4 acre Property. Large Gran/Wood EIK, LR/Fpl, FDR & Skylit Den. Spacious Master Ste Boasts Bath w/ Steam Shower, WIC & Fpl. Beautiful Street in SD#20 .......................................... $1,299,000 1534 Broadway #103, BA, BRAND NEW GUT RENOVATION! Spacious 2 BR, 2 Bth Condo in Luxurious Jonathan Hall. LR/DR Opens Into Large Gran/Wood EIK w/ Island & Stainless Steel Appl. Laundry Rm, & Pantry. Mstr Ste Boasts New Bath & Huge Walk in Closet. Terrace Facing into Courtyard. Doorman Bldg with Elevator. Indoor Garage Pkg & Storage.......................................................................... $850,000 156 E Rockaway Rd, BA, Rental of a Renovated 2 Bedroom, 1.5 Bth Apt with Spacious Gourmet Kitchen. Use of Patio & Outdoor Space ........................................................................................... $3,850

WOOdMERE

NEW EXCLUSIVE! BA, Renovated 3/4 BR, 3.5 Bth Victorian Style with Porch in Old Woodmere. Huge Updtd Gran/Wood Kosher EIk, LR, DR & Den. All Updated Baths. O/S Yard with Pavered Patio. 2 Car Det Gar. SD#14 ................................................................................... $1,100,000 NEW EXCLUSIVE! BA, 4 BR, 3 Bth Colonial with Fin Bsmt. LR/Fpl, FDR, Sun Room & EIK. Main Flr Bedroom. 2 Car Det Gar. Convenient to LIRR, Shops, Trans & Houses of Worship. SD#14............. $799,000

EaST ROCKaWay

NEW EXCLUSIVE! BA, 4 BR, 1.5 Bth Well Maintained Colonial in SD#20 (Lynbrook). LR/Fpl, FDR, Den & Gran/Wood EIK. Fin Bsmt Att Garage. HW Flrs, CAC, Roof 5 Yrs. Must See! .........................$749,000

CEdaRHURST

WATERFRONT LAND for sale! Great Opportunity to Build Dream Home. Permits Required. SD#15 ............................................ $399,000

Apartments For Rent WEST HEMPSTEAD: SPACIOUS Lower Level, All Included, Separate Entrance, Backyard, EIK, Fbth, Near All/ LIRR. $1900. 917-640-3028 WEST HEMPSTEAD: SUNNY 1/2 BR, HWF, Private Entrance, Walk All. No Smoking/ Pets. $1,395+Electr ic. Text:516-444-7385

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

© 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.

HERALD — December 30, 2021

Am I being singled out?

Homes

HERALD

MarketPlace • •

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

If Your Plumbing STInkS

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HERALD

OWA_Purge_BW_Bold

CALL AUrA PAINtING

Experts in Leak repair

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Dave marlOWe Plumbing, inC.

Chimney King, Ent. Inc.

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516-678-6641– Licensed & Insured FREE ESTImATES...call Anthony Romeo

Se Habla Español

www.tikalhomeimprovement.com

LIC: #H3711000000

No service in Long Beach

the

BLACKTOP

BeSt priceS in town

Call For Winter Specials

senior Citizen Discounts

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

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1155443

ALL CLEAR DRAIN & SEWER SERVICE

(516)409-9696 • (631)422-9696 Sinks • Tubs • Toilets • Sewer Lines

To Place Your Card in the

Here’s My Card Directory Just call

631-532-5617 • Cell: 516-996-3036

LIC: #42194-H

CALL FOR MORE INFO

ALFREDO’S CONSTRUCTION

Residential and Commercial - All Phases

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

Masonry • Steps • Driveways Water Proofing • Pointing • Siding Kitchen Remodeling • Roofing Basements • Windows • Sheetrock & More

HOME • COMMERCIAL

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Carpentry & Painting Specialist

on labor only

CALL FOR winter SPeCiALS

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

HEATING OIL

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licensed and insured

1155147

Bathrooms, Kitchens, Basement, carpentry, roofing, Painting, Sheetrocking, Plastering. Specializing in Brick, cement Stoops, Walkways, Driveways, Pavers, Waterproofing. mold certified.

• Bathrooms • Basements • Wall Paper Removal • Power Washing

1153044

Specializing in: • Interior/Exterior Painting • Kitchens Cabinets • Deck Renovations

cjm contracting inc.

1153924

December 30, 2021 — MERRICK HERALD

1152916

516-569-4000 press 5, then 2

JOBS, MERCHANDISE, REAL ESTATE & MORE... JOBS, MERCHANDISE, It’s in the Herald Classifieds... REAL ESTATE & MORE... Call 516-569-4000 JOBS,To Advertise MERCHANDISE, REAL ESTATE & MORE... JOBS, MERCHANDISE, REAL ESTATE & MORE... press 5

Stuff

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

FINDS UNDER $100 Finds Under $100 ANN KLEIN PATENT Leather pumps, Black, Size 7.5, 3.5 inch heels. $40. 516-537-3941 BLACK LEATHER EMBOSSED 3/4 jacket. Women's size 14-16. Paid $200, like new, asking $35. 887-5548 DOLLS, DOLL HOUSE MINIATURES & ACCESSORIES. Under $99.00. Call Joy Evenings, 917-743-7695 Leave Message SETH THOMAS METRONOME, 60's, mint condition, made usa, $59. call 516-798-2098. S I L K L A M P S H A D E : G O L D, n ew, wrapped 8" Top, 18" bottom, 13" from top to bottom, $40. 516-537-3941 TENNIS RACQUETS (3): Asking $25 each. 516-887-5548

SERVICES

Electricians 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.

Exterminating

STEVE'S WILDLIFE Humane Nuisance Animal Removal And Property Exclusion 646-604-4001 nycwildlifecontrol.com Handyman HANDYMAN Repairs and Installations for the Household. Careful and Reliable and Vaccinated. Licensed and Insured. 30-Year Nassau County Resident. Friendly Frank Phone/Text 516-238-2112 eMail-Frankcav@optonline.net

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

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

ELIMINATE GUTTER CLEANING forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debrisblocking gutter protection. Schedule a FREE LeafFilter estimate today. 15% off and 0% financing for those who qualify. PLUS Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-877-763-2379 HANDY DANDY HOME IMPROVEMENTS *Kitchens/ Baths *Painting *Sheetrock *Taping/ Spackling *Installations Ceramic/ Vinyl Tile *Carpentry *Alterations *Repairs/ More. FREE ESTIMATES. Dan 516-342-0761 NEVER PAY FOR Covered Home Repairs Again! Complete Care Home Warranty COVERS ALL MAJOR SYSTEMS AND APPLIANCES. 30 DAY RISK FREE. $200.00 OFF + 2 FREE Months! 866-440-6501 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 W I R E M A N / C A B L E M A N F L AT T V s mounted, Phone, TVs&Computer wiring installed & serviced, camera &stereos , HDTV – Antennas- FREE TV www.davewireman.com Call Dave 516-433-WIRE (9473) 631-667-WIRE (9473) or Text 516-353-1118

Miscellaneous

Autos Wanted

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 1/21/22. 1-888-609-9405

516CARCASH

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Plumbing

HErald

Crossword Puzzle

Oldest Car Buying Service in North America Buying new, used, junk, salvage, paying, paying, paying $$$ Sell, donate or trade

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Sprinkler Syst./Irrig.Wells

• Fall Drain Outs • Installations/Renovations • Service • Repairs

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 Boats & Accessories

***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

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Deals on Wheels

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Joe Barbato 516-826-7700

1143234

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

Tree Services FRANCISCO'S TREE SERVICE

AND LANDSCAPING: Tree Removal, Stumps, Fertilization, Planting, Land Clearing, Topping. Free Estimates. Lic# H206773000. Office 516-546-4971, Cell 516-852-5415

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

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. The Mission, Program Information and Tuition is located at CareerTechnical.edu/consumer-information. (M-F 8am-6pm ET)

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AUTOMOBILE & MARINE

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516-569-4000 press 5, then 2

Answers

to todAy’s puzzle

MERRICK HERALD — December 30, 2021

HErald

December 30, 2021 — MERRICK HERALD

The masthead The box at the far left side of the page is called the masthead. It contains the newspaper’s flag, or nameplate. The masthead offers important information about the paper, including the names of the staff members who are responsible for producing it each week. Publisher Stuart Richner guides the business and news operations of the 18 newspapers in the Herald Community Newspapers group, including the Nassau Herald, which serves the Five Towns, and Heralds for Baldwin, Bellmore, East Meadow, Franklin Square-Elmont, Freeport, Glen Cove, Long Beach, Lynbrook-East Rockaway, Malverne-West Hempstead, Merrick, Oceanside-Island Park, Oyster Bay, Rockville Centre, Sea Cliff-Glen Head, Valley Stream, Wantagh and Seaford. Each paper’s editor is responsible for the assignment, selection and placement of stories, most of which the editors and reporters write. The executive editor oversees news operations for all 18 papers in the group. The production department is responsible for the papers’ design. The advertising and art departments produce the large, often illustrated display advertisements that appear throughout the papers. The classified department produces the smaller advertisements at the back of the papers. The masthead also lists each paper’s age, the names of its founders, its address, email, and telephone and fax numbers, and provides notice that all contents of the paper are copyrighted.

vice president of sales, at (516) 569-4000, ext. 250.

For Subscriptions, call Dianne Ramdass, circulation manager, at ext. 231.

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS Robert Richner Edith Richner Publishers, 1964-1987 ■ CLifford riChner stuart riChner Publishers ■

sCott brinton Executive Edtitor Jim harmon

Copy Editor Christina daLy Photo Editor tony beLLissimo Sports Editor Calendar Editor ■

Editorials offer the opinions of the Herald. Editors write them. Editorials do not necessarily reflect the views of the individuals who write them; rather, they are the institutional voice of the news organization. That is why they are unsigned. Herald editorial department staff members meet weekly to plan the editorials. Independent reporting by our staff often helps inform our editorials. We might also speak with experts and advocates to gain their perspective before sitting down to write an editorial. We are proud to say that we have won many press association awards for our editorial writing over the years. Among our most important duties is publication of our annual endorsements in local elections. We take this responsibility seriously. Editorial staff members sit down with candidates to question them about their views on major issues before offering the paper’s opinions about which candidates would best represent our readers.

Editorial cartoon Each editorial cartoon provides a thoughtful and, we hope, humorous perspective on the major news of the week. Prize-winning cartoonists from across the country produce the cartoons, which do not necessarily represent the opinions of the Herald or its staff.

rhonda gLiCKman Vice President - Sales eLLen reynoLds Classified Manager Lori berger Digital Sales Manager ■

Jeffrey negrin Creative Director Craig White Art Director Craig Cardone Production Coordinator ■

BELLMorE

Editor:

Senior Reporter:

Jordan vaLLone

he Sept. 11 attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon and in Shanksville, Pa., set off a cascade of worldwide catastrophes over the subsequent two decades — the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq and many other terrorist attacks, in multiple countries. September 2001 seems like a lifetime ago, but for those old enough to remember that terrible year, it remains a haunting memory, a fever dream that we try to lock in the backs of our brains but is ever-present. For those of us in Nassau County that day, we could only watch in horror as grayblack smoke plumes spiraled out of the twisted, crumbled remains of the twin towers upward into an otherwise perfect azure sky. The plumes were visible from points across the county. Shortly after the attacks, people started to gather on the beach in Lido and at the Norman J. Levy Park and Preserve in Merrick — the highest point on the South Shore — to watch the billowing smoke, staring silently in stunned disbelief. The United States homeland was under attack for the first time since World War II, and at that moment, we had no idea who the invader was, or the future suffering in distant lands that the attacks would bring. It was all incomprehensibly terrifying. In a front-page story in the Heralds’ Sept. 13-19 issue, “Terror at the Towers,” reported by Scott Brinton, Carrie James, Laura Lane, Jeff Lipton, Larry Maier and Cindy Roth, this is how we described the scene: “A wave of fear and despair raced across [Nassau County] Tuesday morning

■

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’m really scared. It’s so scary if we have something of a World War III. I’m really, really scared. roLLen CaJoLes after terrorists slammed two hijacked jetliners into the World Trade Center, sending the Twin Towers crumbling into Lower Manhattan. “In the afternoon, surviving victims of the attack filtered into Nassau by Long Island Rail Road, like refugees from a war zone. Many, who were still shaking dusty, white debris from their clothes, were not from the area but had taken the first train they could out of the city and gotten off at the first possible stop.” We sent our reporters to the train stations to meet the survivors of the attacks. Sylvia Melendez, who worked in Lower Manhattan, described the chaos after the towers crashed to the ground. “The rush of clouds of debris forced everyone out into the streets,” she said. “Everyone was running away.” Here in Nassau, people were glued to their TVs and radios, watching and listening, hoping for the best but fearing the worst. “I’ve been listening all morning,” Luisa DeGirolamo, who worked at La Margherita Pastry Shop in Bellmore Village, said. “I’m devasted. I can’t get over it.” Rollen Cagoles, of East Meadow, said, “I’m really scared. It’s so scary if we have something of a World War III. I’m really,

really scared.” Many parents rushed to their children’s schools to pick them up and take them home, fearful of further attacks. “A lot of people came and pulled their kids out because they didn’t want them to be in a place with a large group of people,” said Pat Brace, PTA president of Bowling Green Elementary School in East Meadow. “They thought they would be a target.” Nassau police doubled patrols around municipal buildings, schools, houses of worship and transportation lines. Police also diverted westbound traffic away from New York City. Motorists who had to travel major throughfares were advised to stay home. The military closed down the airspace over Long Island, with unlighted F-16 fighter jets streaking overhead above John F. Kennedy International Airport into the night of Sept. 11 to 12. Nearly 500 Long Islanders died in the attacks at the World Trade Center or later succumbed to 9/11-related illnesses. Each one was a life extinguished too soon. We must remember all of them — their essential goodness, their essential humanity. In the coming days, there will be solemn ceremonies in remembrance of the dead. Consider attending one to show your support for the victims, or stop and pause for a moment at 8:46 and 9:04 a.m. on Saturday and reflect on or say a prayer for the victims. In this way, you will help to keep their memories alive for generations to come. “Never forget” should never become a trite slogan. It should be a motto by which we live.

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A letter to Governor Hochul To the Editor: Congratulations and good luck to Gov. Kathy Hochul. She has been thrust into a role that is critical to the 19.45 million people who live, work and play in the Empire State. Here on Long Island, we are especially hopeful for her good work. The challenges on Long Island are many. Our aging infrastructure needs serious attention. As the nation’s first suburb, we are living with an antiquated system that requires an upgrade. Our increasingly overburdened roadways, bridges and tunnels are dismal. The environmental infrastructure is failing. Drinking water has challenges, including the quality and quantity. Surface water contamination is rampant from nitrogen and other pollutants entering our creeks, bays, harbors and the Long Island Sound. Our air is polluted with toxins too small to see with the naked eye. We are vulnerable to sea level rise, climate change and the inevitable next big storm. The fact is, we aren’t ready. Our environment is too important for the noaction tendencies of the past to continue. Our

FrANkLIN squArE/ELMoNt

HERALD Senior Reporter:

robert traverso

FrEEport

gLEN covE

LoNg BEAch

HERALD HERALD HERALD Editor:

reine bethany

Editor:

JiLL nossa

Editor:

Jim bernstein

LyNBrook/EAst rockA Ay MALvErNE/

Est hEMpstEAD

HERALD

miKe smoLLins

robert traverso

Senior Editor:

Senior Reporter:

Opinion columns We publish three columns every week. Columns represent the views of the writers themselves, not of the Herald. Each writer works independently and chooses his or her own subjects. Among our regular contributors are the Heralds’ executive editor, Scott Brinton, and the Nassau Herald’s former executive editor, Randi Kreiss, both of whom have won numerous awards for their opinion writing. We also feature columns by prominent political figures, including former State Assemblyman Jerry Kremer, who is now a consultant. And we regularly invite guest columnists to offer their views.

Opinion pages opinions

In celebration of teachers

hen talking with my grandkids about returning to school this fall — to the building, with other kids, not the dining room table — I was reminded of a school day of my own years ago. “Bobby.” I heard my name called on the second-floor landing of A. B. Davis High School in Mount Vernon, N.Y. The caller was Mr. Leone, Joseph Leone, my biology teacher and college adviser. “Why haven’t you signed up for ALAn the SATs?” he asked. sinGer Neither of my parents had attended college, my mother had died eight years earlier, and my father, a vacuum cleaner salesman, had his hands full with two active kids. When I think about the controversies surrounding school openings this fall, I think, too, of the critical role of teachers in the lives of their students. That certainly was the case for me. Mr. Leone wasn’t alone in affecting my life for the better. I was going to drop out of college after my first year not only because of the cost, but also because I

questioned why I was there. I entered to be a minister, but had become disillusioned with organized religion. My college adviser, Mildred Martin, helped me sort through the financial and philosophical questions and urged me to appeal my financial aid award, and I continued as her student. Other teachers stand out as well. Miss Calabrese and Miss King, in elementary school, “Pop” Phillips in high school, Mark Ebersole in college, and Kay Moore and Robin Williams in graduate school. The past year of living and learning with Covid in our path and in our shadows revealed the inequalities of access to teachers like the ones I’ve known. When teachers are diverted from their main responsibilities, teaching and advising, they can’t fulfill their roles to the fullest. It is especially difficult for them to be effective when students lack access to broadband and Wi-Fi, a quiet place to study, and supportive adults to help them with difficult assignments. A distinguished psychologist once said that we human beings are the “teaching species.” All species must learn enough to leave the nest, but humans turned teaching into a “calling,” a vocation dedicated to preparing the next generation

was going to drop out of college after my first year. I questioned why I was there.

Letters looming issues need real solutions, not lip service. We need to address the Island’s solid-waste crisis, illegal dumping and the associated increases in disposal costs. Hochul hasn’t been handed the reins of the state at our finest hour. New Yorkers suffer with an unsustainable tax burden that’s accelerating the exodus of high-net-worth people, employers and job creators. The growing disparity in income and wealth, an increasing immigrant population and the associated educational and health care challenges are monumental. And our young workforce and empty-nesters are leaving because of a lack of affordable housing. Leaders in the past have forsaken us in favor of book deals, their own selfish agendas and their next election. Indeed, some are in prison for their bad behavior, but the reality is, the good people of New York have been sold out, and that’s why we require Hochul’s earnest leadership. We have hope in her vision, fortitude and ability to make the really tough decisions. We’re counting on her. Most important, please know that we are here for you, governor. Long Island and the state of New York have immense resources, none greater than their residents. There will be vocal naysayers who attempt to stop Hochul from addressing these vexing challenges. There are people who talk a lot, and there are people who get stuff done. To Hochul, I say this:

merrick

Senior Reporter:

Robert A. Scott, Ph.D., is president emeritus of Adelphi University; the author of, or contributor to, 18 books and monographs; and the author of hundreds of articles on higher education and social issues. His latest book is “How University Boards Work” (Johns Hopkins University Press, 2018; Eric Hoffer Prize awardee, 2019).

Special features The op-ed, or opposite the editorial, page features a weekly Framework photo, which is chosen by our photo editor. The Framework offers a creative, at times humorous outlet for our photography staff. In this spot, we also publish photos sent to us by readers featuring them on vacation, reading the Herald at various international landmarks. We call it Herald Around the World. At times, a correction might appear on the op-ed page. We strive each week for the highest standards of accuracy and accountability. When we make mistakes in our reporting, we believe we must own up to them and correct the record.

FrAmeWork by Christina Daly

Letters to the editor

WILL FLOWER Bayville

Cuomo should be impeached To the Editor: Re Robert Rosenberg’s column “History repeats itself in Albany — again and again” (Aug. 26-Sept. 1): I agree with Rosenberg’s opinions, and would add that former Gov. Andrew Cuomo would indeed get the last hurrah and make “the State Legislature and state government look like a ship of fools” if it gave him a free pass on the nursing home deaths scandal and his subsequent cooking of the books to make it appear less egregious than he would have had us believe. Interestingly, Gov. Kathy Hochul revealed immediately that these deaths were undercounted by some 12,000. By ordering nursing homes to accept Covid-19 patients, Cuomo, threatening owners with penalty if they did not comply, exposed many more confined elderly to the virus, potentially causing their deaths. With all due respect, I consider manslaughter to be an even more serious

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OceaNside/islaNd Park

Senior Editor:

Associate Editor:

Jeff Bessen

to the nation. They believed that education should be public; is critical to democracy because it prepares an informed citizenry, able to ask questions; is important because it prevents aristocracy and promotes meritocracy; should be free from religion and ideology; should be equal and equally available to all citizens; and is a public investment that is worth the cost. While the ideals of the Founders foundered on the compromises made to create a republic, they nevertheless created within the Constitution the mechanisms for correcting early mistakes and providing the means for continuing the pursuit of a “more perfect union,” which we have shown the ability to do. As we help our kids and grandkids, or relatives or neighbors’ kids, prepare for a new school year, let us acknowledge the noble profession of teaching, perhaps by remembering our own teachers, and do what we can to fulfill the Founders’ aspirations for true equality of education in America.

Please be the latter. Be bold. We heard you say you’d “fight like hell for New York,” and that’s exactly what Long Island needs.

HERALD HERALD Jordan Vallone

with knowledge, skills and values. As a result, teachers have a moral, social, civic and historical responsibility for not only educating each new generation but also, in this way, creating the future. We must remember the vocation, the calling, of teaching. As the historian Jacques Barzun said, “Teaching is not a lost art, but the regard for it is a lost tradition.” At the beginning of our nation, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson stated that public education was at the heart of democracy. “The whole people must take upon themselves the education of the whole people and be willing to bear the expenses of it,” Adams wrote. “There should not be a district of one mile square without a school in it, not founded by a charitable individual, but maintained at the public expense of the people themselves.” Jefferson expressed similar sentiments. It is unfortunate, therefore, that some local school boards see teachers simply as employees, instead of as those who inspire discovery and awaken students’ imaginations, as Mark Van Doren and Robert Frost said. But while the Founders argued that schooling was a local responsibility, they were adamant about the public benefits

HERALD Tom Carrozza

The Never Forget Concert — Jones Beach

crime than the sexual harassment charges that forced Cuomo’s resignation. Given the present state of affairs, it is now the State Legislature (and, ultimately, the State Senate) that is on trial, and it remains to be seen whether playing politics will take precedence over what must be done in the name of justice. How can

Oyster Bay

rOckville ceNtre

anyone trust Cuomo now? He contends that he will not seek future political office, but only impeachment would close the book on that possibility, definitively and conclusively.

We welcome readers’ letters to the editor and publish most that we receive. We believe these letters are critically important, because they reflect the shared voices of the communities that we cover. Letters should be 250 to 300 words in length. Each letter must include an address and phone number. Our editors call all letter writers to confirm the authenticity of letters before publication. We edit letters for length, grammar, spelling and foul language. We do not censor viewpoints. If we believe a letter requires major revisions, we will send it back to the writer and ask that he or she change it so that meaning and intent are not lost. Readers should send letters to the editors of their hometown newspapers. They can be sent by email (preferred), fax or mail. All contact information is listed on the masthead and on our website, liherald.com.

ROBERT RuBALSKY East Rockaway

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WaNtagh

HERALD HERALD HERALD HERALD HERALD HERALD Senior Editor:

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Editor:

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MERRICK HERALD — December 30, 2021

What are the editorial pages all about? Who writes editorials? How do letters and guest columns get published? This week’s pages offer some answers to our readers. We thank The Riverdale Press for the idea.

December 30, 2021 — MERRICK HERALD

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