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

HERALD Infections as of March 7

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Infections as of Feb. 26 2,216

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Student named award semifinalist Page 27

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MARCH 11 - 17, 2021

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SPRING FORWARD

ROCKVILLE CENTRE

Vol. 32 No. 11

Students return to South Side Ahead of staggered starts, school hosts forum on reopening might be able to get everybody in before spring break,” he said. The three main factors in the The community had a chance decision to bring seniors and to learn about the Rockville Cen- eighth-graders back full time on tre School District’s plan to bring Monday, Chang said, included a students back into classrooms decline in infection rates, the full time at a reopening forum delivery of desk barriers and a last week at South vaccination clinic Side High School. partnership with The school adminisMount Sinai South tration and Board Nassau for district of Education orgateachers. Chang nized the meeting said he discussed ahead of the stagthe plans with gered return of stuSouth Side High dents to the high Principal John Murschool and middle phy and South Side school, which began FRANk VAN ZANt Middle School Prinon Monday. cipal Shelagh “ W e w o r k e d President, McGinn, both of extremely hard to Rockville Centre whom gave an overget to this point,” Teachers’ Association view of the transisaid Superintendent tion at the March 3 June Chang, noting meeting. The plan is that conversations about bring- to have freshmen and sixth-grading students back began in July. ers return to the buildings full Elementary students began full- time on March 15, while seventhtime in-person instruction in 10th- and 11th-graders return on September, while secondary-level March 22. Students will still have students operated on a hybrid a fully remote option. schedule. Chang said that adminAt the high school, Murphy istrators kept an eye on Covid-19 said, the first step was to outfit infection rates, which increased each classroom with desks, with over the holidays and after the the assumption that all students December break. “As we looked would return. The next step was at what was happening over February break . . . we thought we Continued on page 8

By JIll NoSSA

jnossa@liherald.com

Melissa Koenig/Herald

GEoRGE BlAttI, A former doctor who was operating out of an abandoned Radio Shack in Franklin Square, was escorted into the Nassau County Courthouse in Mineola on March 4. He was charged in the deaths of five of his patients.

Doctor charged with murder Officials: Five patients overdosed on opioids By MElISSA koENIG mkoenig@liherald.com

Geraldine Sabatasso was a smoker with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who began seeing Franklin Square-based Dr. George Blatti in 2007 for acute pain she suffered as a result of a neck surgery. He started prescribing her opioids in 2010, and by February 2016, Nassau County prosecutors said, she started complaining of dizziness and shortness of breath, but still,

they allege, Blatti continued to prescribe Sabatasso, of Baldwin, opioids. She died on March 22, 2016, at age 50. Among the other four patients to die under Blatti’s watch were residents of Valley Stream, Hempstead and Floral Park, according to prosecutors. Blatti prescribed the drugs from a number of locat i o n s, a u t h o r i t i e s s a i d , including an old Radio Shack in Franklin Square and the parking lots of a hotel in Rockville Centre, where he

lived at the time, and a nearby fast-food restaurant. Now Blatti, 75, originally from Malverne, faces murder and reckless endangerment charges for overprescribing opioids to Sabatasso and the four other victims, who died between 2016 and 2018, Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas announced on March 4. Blatti was charged with five counts of second-degree murder and 11 counts of reckless endangerment, in Continued on page 4

e ask the community to maintain safe practices.

Judy Griffin named chair of government committee State Assemblywoman Judy Griffin, a democrat from Rockville Centre, has been appointed the chair of the Legislative Commission on Toxic Substances and Hazardous Waste. “Long Island is no stranger to the harmful impact that pollution and hazardous waste can have on public health and our environment,” Griffin said in a statement. “I’ve long been fighting to curb this dangerous problem and ensure every New Yorker has access to clean air and safe drinking water. As the new chair of this commission, I’ll bring our voices and experiences to Judy the table to help improve the quality of life for our families now and for future generations.” While serving as a member of the State Assembly’s Committee on Environmental Conservation, Griffin has passed pieces of legislation aimed at cleaning up Long Island. In 2019, she spearheaded a new law to eliminate the installation of mercury-containing gymnasium flooring in elementary and secondary schools after three Long Island school districts detected mercury vapor on school grounds. For years, Long Islanders have combat-

ed issues stemming from poor waste management and oversight, leading to the contamination of their groundwater and air. One noteworthy case, the current environmental crisis known as the “Grumman Plume,” is the result of decades of contamination to the region’s groundwater. Since the mid-1970s, the Grumman Aerospace Corporation in Bethpage knowingly leaked toxic chemicals into Long Island’s groundwater. This led to the formation of a toxic plume in the groundwater, which is the region’s sole source of drinking water. As chair of the commisGriffin sion, Griffin said in a news release that she plans to examine the prevention, control and disposal of toxic substances and hazardous wastes in communities statewide as well as study new ways to reduce or manage the disposal of hazardous waste. By providing this space to focus on the effects of hazardous substances, Griffin continued, the state government will have the tools it needs to take bold action on this serious issue and ensure all New York communities are clean, safe places to live.

Courtesy Rockville Centre Coalition for Youth

Coalition for Youth displays new billboard The Rockville Centre Coalition for Youth has displayed its new billboard nearby the Rockville Centre Recreation Center. The large sign features a message saying, “Can you tell which ones have marijuana in it? Neither can your children,” alongside images of gummy candies. Additionally, coalition representatives encouraged residents to participate in an online survey that aims to assist the group in educating the community and preventing the misuse of prescription opioids. To fill it out, visit https://research.zarca.com/r/e9id2k.

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March 11, 2021 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD

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What’s neWs in and out of the classroom

Photos courtesy Matthew Cobb/RVC Schools

PrinciPal Erik WaltEr stands with, from left, students Ruby, Connor and Briella.

Student writing on display at Riverside New bulletins were installed recently in the hallways at Riverside Elementary School as a way to display authentic student writing. Each bulletin board has a different theme, highlighting the various topics students are lear ning and writing about across the g rade levels. This months topics range from fifth-graders questioning whether Pluto is a planet to describing the details of polar animals.

connor is noW an expert on Arctic foxes. ruby studiEd Puffins as part of the polar animal studentwriting project. briElla is Proud of her work. thE fifth-gradE class studied Pluto.

ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — March 11, 2021

Herald ScHoolS

Doctor faces murder charges in opioid deaths er to avoid using the state’s secure elecaddition to the 22 counts of criminal sale tronic prescription system, which is genof prescriptions for a controlled sub- erally required under New York state law stance, six counts of second-degree forg- to provide greater oversight of the flow ery, two counts of first-degree reckless of drugs. “If his drug-addicted patient asked for endangerment, two counts of seconddegree reckless endangerment and 22 more drugs, he simply wrote them more counts of fourth-degree criminal diver- scripts,” Singas said at a news confersion of prescription medications that he ence, alleging that this practice led to the premature deaths of Sabatasso, Michael was previously Kinzer, Robert Mielich a r g e d w i t h i n nis, Sean Quigley November 2019. and Diane WoodHe pleaded not ring. guilty to the new “They’re our charges at the Nasneighbors, they’re sau County Courtour family, they’re house in Mineola our loved ones,” Sinlast Thursday. Offigas said of the five cials with the disvictims. “They were, trict attor ney’s for the most part, in office said they their 30s and 40s, believe this was the struggling with first time that a doctheir own personal tor was charged in demons and looking New York with murfor help.” der in the secondBlatti, she said, de g ree under the ignored documented theory of depraved indifference to Melissa Koenig/Herald overdoses and illicit drug use found in human life. NaSSau DiSTRicT aTToRNey his patients’ medical Singas said the Madeline Singas alleged that Blatti records; disregarded N a s s a u C o u n t y ignored three patients’ requests to a stack of letters he Police Department’s stop prescribing opioids. received from pharAsset Forfeiture and macies, insurance Intelligence Unit began investigating opioid overdoses in companies and Medicaid — which he August 2018, and found that several peo- had billed for the drugs — about his ple had obtained prescriptions from Blat- excessive prescribing habits; and refused ti, a general practitioner who had no spe- at least three patients’ pleas to stop prescribing him the medications. He also cialized training in pain management. He met with people at the former continued to prescribe the drugs, Singas Radio Shack in Franklin Square, which alleged, after he was interviewed by the officials said still had a sign for the store New York State Office of Professional and merchandise racks on the walls, Medical Conduct. “Basically he’s a serial killer, in our until 2019, when he lost access to that space, and began prescribing medica- opinion,” Singas said. “His prescription tions without a physical examination pad was as deadly as any lethal weapon.” He had prescribed his patients a “stagfrom the parking lots in Rockville Ceng e r i n g a m o u n t o f o p i o i d s, ” s h e tre. There, officials said, patients would explained, which “no amount of willpowask for drugs in specific quantities, er could overcome.” which Blatti would fill without examinThe district attorney’s office is now ing them or referring them to a specialist looking into the possibility that Blatti’s for their conditions. He used paper pre- overprescribing practice led to other scriptions pursuant to a waiver he was patients’ deaths. granted by the state health commissionHis attorney, Mineola-based Jeffrey continued from front page

nd! la Is g n o L , s o b b a h S d Goo

The alleged victims According to Nassau District Attorney Madeline Singas, the following patients died because of Dr. George Blatti’s overprescribing of opioid drugs: Geraldine Sabatasso, of Baldwin Sabatasso was a smoker with a history of COPD who began seeing Blatti in 2007 for acute pain. He allegedly started prescribing her opioids in 2017, and by February 2016, she was starting to feel dizzy and suffer from shortness of breath. She died on March 22, 2016, at the age of 50. ■ Total prescriptions filled — 35 ■ Total pills prescribed — 4,230 Michael Kinzer, of Valley Stream Kinzer was a smoker who suffered from back pain, asthma and COPD. During an Oct. 21, 2016, visit, Blatti allegedly prescribed 90 doses of morphine and 90 doses of clonazepam. He was then hospitalized for an overdose, and subsequently developed pneumonia, but Kinzer still allegedly prescribed him 20 doses of alprazolam and 15 doses of oxycontin on Nov. 15, 2016. Kinzer died two days later at the age of 44. ■ Total prescriptions filled — 13 ■ Total pills prescribed — 1,025 Robert Mielinis, of Hempstead Mielinis was a smoker with a history of breathing problems who had been a patient of Blatti for nearly eight years. He had lost 40 pounds in the last months of his life, and one of his relatives allegedly demanded that Blatti

Groder, declined to comment, but argued in court last Thursday that Blatti should not be immediately incarcerated because he has metastatic prostate cancer and had not yet received a Covid-19 vaccine.

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stop prescribing him opioids because he might be addicted. Blatti had also allegedly received notices from insurers that he was overprescribing opioids to Mielinis, to whom Blatti had prescribed nine times the recommended daily dose of opioid painkillers. He died on Jan. 21, 2017, at the age of 55. ■ Total prescriptions filled — 79 ■ Total pills prescribed — 10,620 Sean Quigley, of Floral Park Quigley was a volunteer firefighter from Floral Park who had struggled with opioid abuse dating back to at least 2008, which Blatti was allegedly aware of, but decided to prescribe him large doses of oxycodone. In 2017, Quigley started suffering from liver failure and had trouble retaining water. Blatti prescribed him a diuretic and potassium supplement for the liver failure on Nov. 21, 2017, as well as allegedly prescribed him 180 oxycodone pills. He died on Dec. 2, 2017, at the age of 31. ■ Total prescriptions filled — 79 ■ Total pills prescribed — 10,620 Diane Woodring Woodring died at the age of 53 of acute intoxication by the combined effects of oxycodone, alprazolam, mirtazapine and valproic acid — all of which were prescribed to her by Blatti — on Sept. 11, 2018. ■ Total prescriptions filled — 153 ■ Total pills prescribed — 18,060

Blatti had voluntarily surrendered his medical license to state authorities in June 2019. If convicted, he could face 25 years to life in prison.

rockville centre ____________

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March 11, 2021 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD

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ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — March 11, 2021

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March 11, 2021 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD

BRINGING LOCAL SPORTS HOME EVERY WEEK

HERALD SPORTS Kickoff time for Nassau County football By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com

Are you ready for some Nassau County high school football? A six-week regular season kicks off Friday night with three games, including Glen Cove at Hewlett, and 46 more teams will be in action this Saturday for the first time since the fall of 2019. Only the top four finishers in each of the four conferences will advance to the playoffs. Here’s a rundown of the 27 south shore teams in the Herald’s coverage area. For schedules, visit www.secviii.org.

Baldwin Bruins

Coached by Steve Carroll, the Bruins’ biggest weapon is senior All-Conference running back/linebacker Trey Parkins. Seniors Kenny Ojeikere (wideout/cornerback) and Keyon Wingate (running back/ linebacker) are also returning two-way starters. Baldwin is seeded No. 10 in Conference I and opens at Port Washington.

Calhoun Colts

The Colts, coached by Brian Moeller, attempt to rebound from a difficult 2019 behind MVP Ryan Baci, a senior captain and starting defensive end/receiver, senior running back/linebacker Timmy Mack, and senior running back/cornerback Markus Bautista. Calhoun, the No. 11 seed in Conference II, opens at rival Mepham.

Carey Seahawks

The Seahawks are perennial contenders hoping to dethrone four-time defending Conference II champion Garden City, which happens to be their first opponent. Leading the way for coach Mike Stanley is All-County senior linebacker/running back Anthony DeNicola, senior defensive end/tight end Joseph Todaro, and senior wideout/safety Nick Cowen.

Clarke Rams

Seeded sixth in Conference IV, the Rams and coach Tim O’Malley will lean on the senior leadership and work ethics of linebacker/fullback John Kern, lineman Kevin Henning and running back/linebacker Joe Dieppa to make a playoff push. They host East Rockaway in the opener.

East Meadow Jets

Back in Conference I as the No. 7 seed, the Jets, coached by Doug Bange, host Herricks in the opener. They feature twoway senior standout Chris Barry, who has 12 touchdowns in his past 12 games, senior running back/defensive end Marc Giraud and senior O-lineman/linebacker Alvaro Lopez-Salinas.

East Rockaway Rocks

The Rocks have their work cut out in Conference IV as the No. 10 seed but have experience at quarterback with senior Jordan Palmer and senior rushers Franklin Infante and Robert Welch. Junior line-

backer Jack Mistretta sparks coach Russ Pajer’s defense. They open at Clarke.

Elmont Spartans

Senior All-County lineman Jason Richardson is the heart and soul of the Spartans, the No. 8 seed in Conference II. They open against Kennedy and return senior Jonathan Maldonado at quarterback. Coach Jay Hegi is high on senior wideout Ted Phebe and junior running back/linebacker Tyler Myers.

Freeport Red Devils

Coach Russ Cellan’s Red Devils haven’t lost a game since 2017. The two-time defending Nassau and Long Island champs lack experience but not talent. The Red Devils, who open against Massapequa, will lean on senior cornerback/ wideout Christian Quinn, senior two-way l i n e m a n Wi l dy B a e z a n d s e n i o r linebacker/O-lineman Tyrek Rawls.

Hempstead Tigers

The Tigers, coached by Sylas Pratt, are seeded No. 8 in Conference I. They’re led in the trenches by two-way starting lineman Kevin Garcia and feature a dynamic offensive weapon in senior Donovan Levenir. They hit the road for the opener at Hicksville.

Hewlett Bulldogs

Junior nose guard Jacob Maiorano will set the tone for the coach John Palladino’s Bulldogs, the No. 8 seed in Conference III. The offense will look to establish balance with senior wideout Manny Richards and junior signal-caller Mark Winkler. They host Glen Cove in the opener on Friday night.

Anthony Hughes/Herald

BALDWIN SENIOR KENNY Ojeikere is a weapon in the passing game.

Kennedy Cougars

Coach John McGuire’s defense will look to set the tone. The Cougars are the No. 12 seed in Conference II and open at Elmont. Senior safety Ryan Draude was their defensive MVP in 2019. Senior twoway lineman John Leone and senior running back/linebacker Zaid Kaileh also play vital roles.

Lawrence Golden Tornadoes

Part of Conference IV for the first time, coach Jason Supple’s squad is aiming for a playoff berth behind senior twoway starters Luke Kirchner (center/linebacker), Mikell Henry (wideout/safety) and Yuri Martinez (lineman.) The fifthseeded Golden Tornadoes open at home against Cold Spring Harbor.

Long Beach Marines

The Marines are rebuilding but coach Scott Martin returns senior safety Izzy Maldonado, who led them in tackles in 2019, as well as senior running back/safety Ryan Buonocore, and senior running back/linebacker Jahmeke Primer. The CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

Keith O’Reilly/Herald

CAREY’S ANTHONY DENICOLA earned All-County honors as a junior in 2019.

BRINGING LOCAL SPORTS HOME EVERY WEEK

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE No. 10 seed in Conference II opens against Valley Stream Central.

Lynbrook Owls

Senior tailback Ethan Hoyte totaled 834 yards and 9 touchdowns in four wins in 2019 and leads their Conference III playoff hopes. Coach Steve LoCicero is also counting on senior quarterback Dante Quilca and senior linebacker/O-lineman Jonathan Rivas. The Owls open against defending champion Plainedge.

MacArthur Generals

The Generals, who open at South Side, reached the Conference II title game and won 10 straight games in 2019. Senior Andrew Calderon is an All-County lineman, and senior Greg Milau is his partner in crime. Senior Ryan Isom gives coach Bob Fehrenbach a dynamic running back/linebacker.

Malverne Mules

The Mules, who visit Island Trees in their Conference IV opener, feature senior Michael Warren Jr., who had 9 touchdown receptions in 2019. Senior Gerardo Delligatti is a strong two-way lineman, and junior DeAndre Blagrove is a talented running back/linebacker for coach Kito Lockwood.

Mepham Pirates

The production of senior quarterback Billy Kender (13 touchdowns in 2019) will go a long way in determining the success of coach Anthony Cracco’s team. The fifth-seeded Pirates open against rival Calhoun. Additional keys are senior lineman Jack Savalli and senior wideout/cornerback William Molloy.

Oceanside Sailors

The Sailors are the favorites on paper in Conference I and kick off the campaign at Farmingdale. Coach Rob Blount boasts an exciting set of skill position talent led by junior quarterback Charlie McKee, senior tailback/slot receiver Thomas Flavin, and senior running back/linebacker Andres Duran.

Seaford Vikings

The defending Conference IV champs open at North Shore. They’re led by senior All-County linebacker Craig Ackerman, who had 97 tackles and 5 sacks in 2019. Coach Rob Perpall is also counting on senior tight end/defensive end Brendan O’Hagan and senior two-way lineman Nick Luciano.

Sewanhaka Indians

Defensive end/wide receiver Frantz Compere is a leader on and off the field for the Indians, the No. 7 seed in Conference II hosting New Hyde Park in the opener. Coach George Kasimatis has

ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — March 11, 2021

HERALD SPORTS Six-game season begins this weekend senior Holy Gaboton anchoring both lines and senior Brian Lowry at running back/ linebacker.

South Side Cyclones

The Cyclones are returning to Conference II after going 16-5 the past two seasons in III. They open against MacArthur. Coach Phil Onesto has emerging senior quarterback JohnJude Considine, who’ll work behind a line led by senior two-way starters Nick Tesar and Jack Temple.

Uniondale Knights

The Knights bring back their leading tackler, senior linebacker Isaiah Lee, and he’ll set the tone on defense along with senior safety/wideout Nathaniel Moorer. Coach Phil Coppola’s front lines will be led by junior Deomiee Scales-Melvin. Seeded ninth in Conference I, they open at Syosset.

V.S. Central Eagles

The Eagles, who open at Long Beach, come off a memorable 2019 season that saw them reach the Conference II semifinals. They’re seeded sixth. Coach Mike Rubino has seniors Dawin Fanor (cornerback), Reese Kaufman (lineman) and Wakeem Jackson (wideout/safety) to keep the momentum going.

V.S. North Spartans

New coach Mike Paolillo looks to get the sixth-seeded Spartans to the Conference III playoffs behind seniors Noah Etame (running back/linebacker) and Peter Mura (lineman), as well as junior wideout/cornerback Andrew Lusterino. North kicks off the campaign with a trip to Mineola.

Jeff Wilson/Herald

SENIOR THOMAS FLAVIN is part of a dangerous Oceanside offense.

V.S. South Falcons

The Falcons, who visit Bethpage in the opener, are rebuilding. Coach Joe Guastafeste has senior running back/cornerback Yasir Shabazz-Allah, who had 7 touchdowns in 2019, to spearhead the effort along with two-way senior lineman Tyler Van Etten and senior tight end/linebacker Malik Rowe.

Wantagh Warriors

Coach Keith Sachs’s team slides into Conference IV where its seeded No. 2 and opens at Locust Valley. The Warriors will try to overcome their inexperience behind the efforts of senior Joseph Fontana (tight end/defensive tackle) and junior linebackers Liam Casey (over 100 tackles in 2019) and Tyler Martini.

West Hempstead Rams

The Rams, coached by Dom Carre, are seeded No. 8 in Conference IV and open at Friends Academy They return starting quarterback Peter Theodoratos, who’ll lead an offense that includes two-way starters Zadrian Budhoo, a junior running back/safety, and senior Ak Kargbo, a linebacker/fullback.

Keith O’Reilly/Herald

LYNBROOK’S ETHAN HOYTE is among Nassau’s most talented rushers.

Nassau Coliseum to be Older students return Covid-19 vaccination site to in-person instruction The Coliseum vaccination site is scheduled to open later in March and will be located on the lower-level exhibiNassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum tion hall. will become a Covid-19 vaccination site, Earlier, Curran had released a stateC o u n t y E xe c u t ive L a u r a C u r r a n ment on the first anniversary of Nasannounced over the weekend. sau’s first confirmed Covid-19 case that “We’re focused on conread: “We remember the tinuing to ramp up our 2,935 precious lives lost [in capacity for vaccination as the county] and look forward more supply is anticipated to to the future with renewed arrive in the coming weeks,” hope. Nassau continues to Curran said in a statement. lead the way among major “All of our residents must New York counties in getting have access to the Covid-19 residents vaccinated, which vaccine, and this iconic site is a very positive signal for gives us the ability to deliver our recovery.” the vaccine rapidly. I would As of Sunday, 22 percent, like to thank the New York or a little more than oneIslanders for so graciously fifth, of Nassau residents sharing their home with the had received at least one dose community, as well as the LAurA currAn of the Covid-19 vaccine, management team at Nassau County executive according to Curran. Live for helping pave the way She noted, however, that to Nassau’s comeback.” N a s s a u re s i d e n t s m u s t The Coliseum will be the third major remain vigilant in the fight against the vaccination site opened by Nassau Coun- coronavirus and continue to wear masks ty. The county is already operating sites a n d m a i n t a i n s o c i a l d i s t a n c i n g . at Nassau Community College and the “Although we’ve seen a major decline in Yes We Can Community Center in West- cases and hospitalizations since our winbury, in addition to one-day pop-up sites ter peak,” she said, “we’re not out of the in communities of color that have been woods just yet.” most affected by the pandemic.

By Scott Brinton sbrinton@liherald.com

ll of our residents must have access to the Covid-19 vaccine.

continued from front page to retrofit the desks with barriers. He said that, weather permitting, students will be encouraged to head outdoors for phys. ed., performance groups and to eat lunch. For the re-entry period, Murphy said, lockers will remain unused in order to prevent student congregations, and there will be two-way traffic in the halls. The procedures will be revisited in mid-April, he said. McGinn said that d e s k s h ave b e e n returned to classrooms to accommodate more Christina Daly/Herald students, with barriers in place. In most rooms, on MondAy, SeniorS began returning to South Side High shelving and teachers’ School for full-time in-person instruction. d e s k s h ave b e e n removed to create more quarantine students. Then she discusses space. In the cafeteria, tables will have the “operational needs of the school” plastic dividers, which will allow stu- with administrators, and the team makes dents to look at one another while they a decision on whether a class needs to be eat. In warmer weather, McGinn said, quarantined or a building needs to be students will have the option to go out- closed. Algerio-Vento added that the side for lunch. names of those in quarantine are then Frank Van Zant, president of the submitted to the Health Department, Rockville Centre Teachers’ Association, which does its own contact tracing. spoke on behalf of the union and said Marleen Maccone thanked the board that teachers were preparing for the re- and administration for their reopening entry plan. “We ask the community to efforts, and said she believed that Algemaintain safe practices,” he said, rio-Vento was “already overtaxed, overencouraging people to reconsider any burdened in her role as medical director, plans for holding or attending large gath- head nurse at the high school, and as erings. “The pandemic is not over.” appointed pandemic response director.” A number of parents spoke as well, “While I don’t doubt that she is a capable asking for details on the district’s contact person,” Maccone said, “I’m at a loss as tracing procedures and for specifics on to how a single individual is expected to in-school transmission. Julie Canty carry out this monumental task.” asked for clarification on how a student She asked whether outside experts is deemed a close contact and required to have been consulted to ensure that the quarantine. district is taking the right approach. “We The district’s medical director, Tara have spoken with experts,” Chang said. Algerio-Vento, outlined the contact trac- “We use resources where we can, and we ing process. She said that she reviews have leaned heavily on Ingerman Smith” every case with the Nassau County — the district’s law firm— “for legal Department of Health, which provides advice. We have capable people who have guidance on how the district should been through this from the beginning.”

NOMINATE

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

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March 11, 2021 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD

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

A year into pandemic, village remains strong learning experience from the first day, until even now,” Murray said. “And I’m proud to say that I learn something almost every day.” Over the years, he said, he’s gained deeper knowledge about sewer and electric systems, become familiar with the logistics involved in tree trimming, and understands more clearly how the Department of Public Works operates. Murray goes to bed around 9 p.m. and said he starts his day around 3:30 a.m., checking and responding to emails. About three to four days a week, he said, he drives all over the village, and is a “stickler” when it comes to papers and cigaCourtesy Village of Rockville Centre rette butts on the streets and sidewalks. He said he has Mayor FraNcis X. Murray a work in Village Hall. DPW crews cleaning up the and he explains the job of a mayor and streets seven days a week. “I’m very visible,” he said, “and I’ve how the village works. Between the vaccine and the adherlearned a lot and have continued to grow.” Pre-pandemic, he was out at communi- ence to social distancing and safety guidety events five to six nights a week, and lines, he said he’s hopeful that things was also able to visit the elementary could get back to some kind of normalcy by June 1, and that he expects all summer schools and read to the students. “My favorite thing as mayor is inter- programs to be up and running. “We’re looking forward to being able to acting with the next generation,” Murray said, noting how every year, second-grad- interact on a more personal basis,” he ers from each school come to village hall, said.

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Running a village is not an easy task, and Mayor Francis X. Murray has faced his share of challenges leading the Village of Rockville Centre over the past decade. No year has been quite as taxing as the past year, of course, yet the village has still been able to make a number of infrastructure improvements and updates despite the ongoing pandemic. “It turned into a different job for a time,” Murray said. “It was very trying at times.” When the village, along with the rest of the country, shut down about a year ago, Murray, 69, worked overtime to assess the needs of residents and monitor the continuously changing situation. “As a leader of this village, I tried to get on TV as much as I could and was on weekly for about eight months, updating people, taking guidance from the federal government and the governor’s office,” Murray said, “and trying to calm people down.” Focusing on the health and safety of village residents was a priority, he said, yet the village, like businesses, has taken an economic hit. “The pandemic has affected our revenue,” Murray said. “Money just is not coming in and we have to sustain our village.” The revenue streams from the courts, parking lots and building construction dried up, and the village also had to provide refunds for programs like the summer basketball league. He said he is hopeful the village will get the subsidy from the latest stimulus package making its way through Congress this week, money that is a “necessity to keep functioning,” he said. “This stimulus package, if it comes it comes to fruition, will really help us keep taxes down.” The village is not just simply waiting for the funding, however. Throughout the year, Murray said, he has continued his lobbying efforts through the New York Conference of Mayors, of which he became 1st Vice President last September. In fact, he said, obtaining grant money has been one of his biggest accomplishments during his tenure. “I’ve been fighting and accomplishing

grants for the village since the day I got here,” Murray said, noting that he lobbies in Albany and in Washington, D.C. “We are probably, if not the most, one of the most successful villages in the entire state of New York for grant money. And it’s still coming.” Over the past nine years, the village has been replacing the water mains, which span 60 miles and are 80 to 100 years old. He said a total of 20 miles have already been replaced, and this year, several streets are already underway, with two more planned. “My relationships, my lobbying gives us opportunities to get these grants,” Murray said. Two items he has been trying to acquire through grants for the village include a bike path and a dog park, which he said he is confident will come through at some point. Back in 2009, Murray said, this job was not something he had ever considered. “I was in business my whole life and was very successful,” Murray said. “I never had any time and never thought about being mayor. But a friend came to me two years after my father retired, and asked me to ‘please help,’ so I listened.” He said he was convinced and put a team together that included Trustees Nancy Howard and Michael Sepe, who he didn’t know at the time. “We’ve done a lot for this village in the almost 10 years we’ve been here,” Murray said. “We’ve been rebuilding the village, from the water to the electric, from the ball fields to the downtown, from the road program to sanitation. “Running the village of Rockville Centre is a business, and I’m a very active mayor who has a huge input in how it works,” he added. “I’m very involved in many of the decisions that go on here.” Murray, a lifelong village resident whose father, Eugene Murray, was mayor for two decades, thought he knew the village well prior to taking office. He has been a volunteer with the Rockville Centre Fire Department since 1972 and served on a number of organizations, including as co-chair of the RVC Environmental and Beautification Committee, vice president of the RVC Conservancy and a member of Mercy Medical Center’s board of trustees. “When you sit in the mayor’s seat, it’s a

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ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — March 11, 2021

By Jill Nossa

March 11, 2021 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD

events and activities

community update Thursday, Mar. 11

crocheters! Come together via Zoom and bring your projects to share, work on, and talk about. Register through the Rockville Centre Library to get the link. 1 p.m.

Chef Rob: Chicken Schnitzel Chef Rob demonstrates the steps in making chicken schnitzel with sour cream mushroom sauce through the Rockville Centre Library at 10 a.m. The recipe and link will be provided upon registration.

Thursday, Mar. 18 The Constitution and Current Affairs

Talking About Race African American workshop facilitator Nanette D. Massey will discuss how to begin a conversation about race in order to gain a better understanding of current events. Registration required. At the Rockville Centre Library, 2 p.m.

Professor James Coll lectures on What Happened to the Equal Rights Amendment? This program will take place via Zoom, through the Rockville Centre Library, 1 p.m.

Yoga with Joe Certified yoga instructor Joe Cilmi leads the class. Registration required. At the Rockville Centre Library at 3 p.m.

Chef Rob prepares Irish Stew with Vegetables & Herbs, through the Rockville Centre Library, 10 a.m. The recipe and link will be provided upon registration.

Friday, Mar. 12

Friday, Mar. 19

Chef Rob: Irish Lamb Stew

Film Fan Fridays: Orson Welles

Carmen with Tanish Mitchell Tania Mitchell performs an aria from Carmen, one of the most popular operas. The program takes place over Zoom through the Rockville Centre Library at 1 p.m. Registration required.

Saturday, Mar. 13 Chef Rob: A Taste of the Irish Includes Irish soda bread biscuits, mint chocolate chip brownies with Andes candies, corned beef and cabbage in a slow cooker, and St. Patrick’s Day pepperment ice cream shakes, through the Rockville Centre Library, 3 p.m. The Zoom link will be provided upon registration.

Monday, Mar. 15 Women March with the New York Historical Society Witness how women organized to shape the nation’s politics and secure their rights as citizens, from abolishionist petitions to indsutry-wide garment strikes to massive marches for an Equal

l l l l l

Sue Grieco/Herald

RVC Baseball and Softball on the Horizon Rockville Centre Little League is pre-registering players in preparation for its Spring 2021 season. Registration is online only on the league’s website. Pre-registration will continue through March 31. Rights Amendment, through the Rockville Centre Library. Registration required. 7 p.m.

Meditation with MaryClare MaryClare Chiofalo leads a meditation class through the Rockville Centre Public Library that is designed to help participants destress, relax and focus. Registration required. 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Mar. 16 Yoga with Joe Certified yoga instructor Joe Cilmi leads the class designed to accommodate the needs of people who may have difficulty with more traditional approaches. Registration required. At the Rockville Centre Library, 12:15 p.m.

A History of the Movie Musical From The Jazz Singer to A Star is Born, enjoy watching the evolution of the movie musical with Brian Rose through the Rockville Centre Public Library. The program will take place over Zoom. Registration required. 7 p.m.

What We’re Watching Join moderator Michael Matuszewski and library staff member Rob Siegel in a discussion about what everyone is currently watching on television, through the Rockville Centre Public Library. The discussion will take place over Zoom and registration is required. The link will be emailed one hour prior to the 7:30 p.m. start time.

Wednesday, Mar. 17 Simply Stronger Enhance strength and flexibility in this popular exercise led by highly motivational, certified instructor Marilyn Bunger through the Rockville Centre Library, 9:30 a.m.

Current Events Discussion Stay up-to-date with current affairs and discuss what’s on your mind with facilitator Richard Skolnik, through the Rockville Centre Public Library. The discussion will take place over Zoom and registration is required. The link will be emailed one hour prior to the 10:30 a.m. start time.

Craft Chat with Shelley Leibson Calling crafters...especially knitters and

Explore the life and films of Orson Welles (1915-1985), actor extraordinaire and visionary stage and screen director, with film historian Max Alvarez. This program will take place using Zoom through the Rockville Centre Library at 2 p.m.

HAVINg AN EVENT? Items on the Community Update pages are listed free of charge. The Herald welcomes listings of upcoming events, community meetings and items of public interest. All submissions should include date, time and location of the event, cost, and a contact name and phone number. Submissions can be emailed to rvceditor@liherald.com

The RVC Coalition for Youth asks community to members to fill out a survey at https://bit.ly/3qBHFcJ. The Village Board of Trustees will hold a special meeting at 6 p.m on March 18. Sandel TV airs daily at 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Channel 18 (Optimum) and Channel 37 (Fios) Village residents can get emergency alerts by signing up for Swift 911 through the village website. State Assemblywoman Judy Griffin is hosting a series of Coffee Chats. Call (516) 561-8216.

‘It’s about relief and hope’ By Mike SMollinS msmollins@liherald.com

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Frank luiSi, the adviser for NCAA college-bound student athletes at Oceanside High School, got vaccinated last Friday. need. Over the coming weeks, more students will be allowed back. This program will help us move forward and keep schools staffed so that we can safely move forward.” Johanna Appel, who teaches thirdthrough fifth-grade technology at Francis X. Hegarty Elementary School, was among the Island Park staff who received the vaccine. She said the past year has been “very hard,” and noted that communicating with colleagues and fostering a feeling of togetherness with students has been more difficult than usual with some learning remotely, others hybrid and others in-person full-time. The district has given all elementary students the option of returning to full-time in-person instruction and will soon phase in seventh- and eighth-graders at Lincoln Orens Middle School. Appel said she felt comfort receiving her first shot. “I definitely felt instant relief,” she said. “I feel a lot better and I’m excited to get back to normal, hopefully soon.” The return to normal inched even closer when a vaccine by Johnson & Johnson was recently approved. Sharma said only 3.9 million doses were distributed around the country, and it likely would not be readily available until April. Sharma added that MSSN plans to create a mobile vaccination bus, which will drive to churches, recreation centers and other places to administer vaccines to seniors and those with mobility issues who have difficulty getting around, or to anyone who has had trouble making an appointment. The bus, which the hospital was receiving from North Carolina through CARES Act funds that were secured with the help of Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin, was initially to be a testing bus, but hospital administrators decided it would be better suited for vaccinations. Sharma said the plan was to have the Johnson & Johnson vaccine on the bus because it is a one-shot vaccine. For school staff like Luisi, Friday was a big step toward normalcy, and he said he appreciated how hard teachers have worked to adapt to a new normal.

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Moments after rolling up his sleeve to receive the vaccine that he had awaited for months, not even the facemask he was wearing could hide the joy in Frank Luisi’s face. “Today is about two things — it’s about relief and hope,” he said, “and that’s what this is.” Luisi, the adviser for NCAA collegebound student athletes at Oceanside High School, was one of 300 employees of the Oceanside, Island Park, Long Beach and Rockville Centre school districts who were eligible to be inoculated on Friday. The event was the launch of a pilot program at Mount Sinai South Nassau hospital to vaccinate teachers and other school staff in Nassau County after a news conference at one of the hospital’s Covid-19 pods in Rockville Centre. Luisi said he was eligible to receive the vaccine sooner, but had difficulty making an appointment. He added that he was grateful to the hospital staff and the district for giving him the opportunity, and that his grandchildren eagerly anticipated his being inoculated. “Cecelia and Julian were so happy that I was going to be able to get it so that I’d be OK and I wouldn’t get sick,” he said. “They were like, ‘Grandpa, now you can come over again.’ I feel so grateful, so happy and so grateful. There’s a lot of people who don’t have it, and I feel very badly for them, but I’m grateful to get it.” Denise Corrigan, MSSN’s director of quality management, administered the vaccine to Luisi. “We say we’re changing the world one arm at a time,” she said after. The pilot program aims to vaccinate as many teachers and school staff members as possible to help facilitate a full return to school. It is a joint effort between MSSN and the Nassau County Department of Health. County Executive Laura Curran and the county’s health commissioner, Lawrence Eisenstein, signed off on setting aside specific doses of the vaccine for school staff members. The four school districts were then offered up to 75 appointments to designate to staff members. While the program is set to expand, individual teachers and staff cannot make appointments and must go through their school districts to register. “We realize that as soon as we can get our teachers vaccinated, that ensures inperson education of all students of Nassau County,” MSSN Chief Medical Officer Dr. Adhi Sharma said. “We have children at home that are either in the hybrid model, or some kids aren’t allowed to go to school at all. A lot of this is because of the difficulties of vaccinating people.” Among the attendees at Friday’s news conference and vaccination session was Island Park Public Schools Superintendent Vincent Randazzo, who reflected on the difficulties of the past year and expressed his appreciation for the pilot program. “Our district has come such a long way since last spring, and that’s thanks to our staff,” he said. “This vaccine gives our faculty and staff the reassurance that they

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ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — March 11, 2021

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March 11, 2021 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD

By C. William Gaylor lyneditor@liherald.com

Recently my colleagues and I in the Legislative Majority joined the growing number of public officials across New York state calling for the establishment of a vaccine pre-registration system to help ease the nightmarish sign-up conditions that hundreds of thousands of residents are currently experiencing. The creation of a new registry is particularly important for seniors who are among the most susceptible to the dangers posed by the deadly virus. It’s become increasingly clear that the state’s current registration system is failing and it’s time to make a change. I support a universal pre-registration program, similar to one that is being used in other states, such as New Jersey, Illinois, California and Florida, which allows eligible applicants to fill out the necessary paperwork in advance and then get notified when an appointment is available. However, I also believe such a program should go even further and collect enough information in the data base to identify and prioritize those most at risk, like seniors, so that they can get a speedy appointment as more doses arrive. To that end, I have been calling on Nassau County to create a dedicated phone number

that seniors can call to make vaccine appointments since many of them either don’t have computers or the necessary know-how to register online. Additional recommendations have been made to the administration as well that more sites be established in Nassau to treat our older population, including the creation of mobile units that can visit senior housing communities and administer vaccines on-site or open pop-up locations closer to where seniors reside or can easily travel to. While the numbers continue to improve, Long Island’s Covid-19 positivity rate remains among the highest in the state. Demographically, Nassau has a higher percentage of seniors than in most regions statewide and throughout the country as well. I have also created a petition calling on Gov. Andrew Cuomo to open a mass vaccination site at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, similar to the ones he has opened at Yankee Stadium, Citi Field and other New York City locations, which was recently approved. Gaylor is a county legislator for Legislative District 6, which comprises Malverne, Lynbrook, North Lynbrook, Valley Stream and portions of Rockville Centre, Hewlett, Franklin Square and Woodmere.

NICE Bus offering purchase option on app Nassau Inter-County Express Bus officials last week announced expanded mobile ticketing with the launch of the Transit app’s fare payment option. Riders can now purchase tickets using Transit app, which combines fare payment with trip planning, real-time tracking and multimodal connections. More than 40,000 NICE Bus riders use Transit app monthly to plan and track trips. These riders can now purchase their tickets directly in the app by using the “Buy Ticket” button at the bottom of their screens. Users can create a Transit app account and enter their credit card information to purchase a ticket. When boarding, riders display the activated pass to their driver for visual validation. The new feature was made in partnership with Masabi, developer of the NICE GoMobile payment app. In addition to the Transit app, payment options include NICE GoMobile, MTA MetroCard and cash. “By enabling riders to plan, track and pay for their trips in one place, NICE Bus is providing customers with reliable and intuitive service at every step of their journey,” said Jack Khzouz, NICE Bus CEO. “This new partnership with Transit will allow us to better connect with ridership while providing data on multimodal ridership demand.”

ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — March 11, 2021

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Listen up!

Lifelong hearing health starts with you

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

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

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

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

HEALTH HEALTHMEMOS MEMO

March 11, 2021 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD

Five reasons to make better hearing a priority

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

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

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

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

Dr. Esther Fogel Owner/Director

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

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

HEALTH MEMO

Protect eyes from sports-related injury

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

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

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

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

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

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

Eat right, help your sight

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Whole Grains A diet containing foods with a low glycemic

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

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

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March 11, 2021 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD

HEALTH MEMO

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Glaucoma is a leading cause of preventable blindness

ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — March 11, 2021

Don’t skip eyecare checkups

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

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

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ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — March 11, 2021

Some conversations make you feel terrific. Others, not so much. And it’s not always the topic that’s at fault. It could be how you, or the one you’re speaking to, responds. Conversation is like a game of catch. For it to go anywhere, you need to have someone catch the ball and throw it back to you. Similarly, discussion goes nowhere unless you have someone who listens to what you’re saying and responds in a way that keeps the conversation going. Yes, a good conversation needs a speaker and a listener each doing their part. And a great one has interesting, enriching content expressed in a respectful manner. You learn something. You teach something. You share something. You enjoy yourself. Your curiosity is piqued. You relish the time you spend together. The prototype for a great conversation is a couple in love. They make good eye contact. They listen well. They speak enthusiastically. They value what their partner is saying. They feel valued, by their partner. They take pleasure in each other’s company. They find humor in their conversation. When they disagree, they do it respectfully. The prototype for a poor conversation is what occurs in today’s politics. Pontificating, moralizing, mocking anyone with a different take on the matter. Nobody listens. Nobody learns. Nobody

March 11, 2021 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD

Courtesy Disability Opportunity Fundy

Charles hammermaN, CeNter, president and CEO of Rockville Centre-based Disability Opportunity Fund, rang the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange on the 10th anniversary of his nonprofit in 2017.

RVC nonprofit aids people with disabilities By Jill Nossa jnossa@liherald.com

Getting an influx of cash from Google is not something that happens to companies very often, so when a Rockville Centre-based nonprofit received a $5 million loan, its president and CEO was thrilled. For the past 13 years, the Disability Opportunity Fund, has been supporting people with disabilities, and will now be able to better continue its mission, thanks to the generous loan from Google. The organization recently received a $5 million Grow with Google Small Business Fund loan from Opportunity Finance Network, which will be used to address the needs of people with abilities, with an emphasis on minority and women-owned businesses, and those hurt by the economic impact of Covid-19. “We are thankful of the support from OFN and Google as they launched this program in the height of Covid19,” Charles D. Hammerman, President and CEO of Disability Opportunity Fund, said. “While Covid-19 has upended the lives of all Americans, people with disabilities have been especially hard hit as crucial services have been cut off and resources dedicated to their support have dwindled. This loan will go a long way toward helping us fund innovative businesses and nonprofits that are doing life-saving work

stricted grants can support operations, in the disability community.” Hammer man explained that the loan capital, loan loss reserve, capacity organization is a community develop- building, or any other purpose. “Google investing $5 milment financial institution lion into a Long Island that acts as a bank, financCDFI is a big deal for us,” ing projects that focus on Hammer man said, noting assisting people with disthat his organization is one abilities. He said the nonof only a handful of comprofit does not solicit funds, munity development finanbut relies on loans from cial institutions on Long banks to complete its misIsland. sion on a national level. “Community develop Since its inception in 2007, ment financial institutions DOF has provided lending, are essential to ensuring investment services and that as we recover from the technical expertise to compandemic, financial panies, not-for-profit orgaresources are available to nizations and agencies all small businesses across working with people with the country,” said Angela disabilities to help them Pinsk y, Goo gle’s Senior achieve independence. Government Affairs ManThe Grow with Google ager for New York and New Small Business fund was Jersey. “Google couldn’t be launched in March 2020 and more proud to partner with delivers financing to comthe Disability Opportunity munity development finan- Charles D. Fund, which has a proven cial institutions that are hammermaN track record of lifting up supporting the short-term businesses that support the recovery and long-ter m President and most vulnerable members financing needs of Ameri- CEO of Disability of our society.” ca’s small businesses hard- Opportunity Fund The Disability Opportuest hit by the pandemic. At nity Fund’s local success the same time, Google.org made a $5 million grant to Opportunity stories include Karen’s Hope, a SeaFinance Network to enable CDFIs to ford-based foundation that supports improve access to capital for the most and empowers individuals with dismarginalized communities. The unre- abilities, providing them with resourc-

eople with disabilities have been especially hard hit as crucial services have been cut off and resources dedicated to their support have dwindled

es and housing so they can transition into living independent lives as adults. Hammerman said he helped with court proceedings and grant applications to get this foundation up and running. With the loan from Google, DOF used $500,000 to finance a New York City-based company called Hiki, a platform built by Jamil Karriem to combat the loneliness plaguing the autistic community – a problem that has gotten worse over the past year. “It can’t be overstated what this capital means to our community,” Karriem, Hiki’s founder and CEO, said. “Autistic adults deserve a remarkable product that is truly representative of their wants and needs.” According to Karriem, there have been more than 30,000 new relationships made on Hiki and 73 percent of the community reported feeling happier and more fulfilled in life after just two weeks on the platform. “This financing will enable us to build that unique product and continue to grow our community so that we can make a positive impact on more lives,” Karriem said. “We built Hiki because we believe that friendship, love and community are the essence of joy – and that everyone deserves to be happy.” For more information, visit www. thedof.org or contact Hammerman at info@thedof.org or call 516-399-3020.

Student named semifinalist for scholars award

ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — March 11, 2021

By Tom Carrozza tcarrozza@liherald.com

South Side High School senior Kristen Longworth has been recognized as a semifinalist for the Coca-Cola Scholars Award for her efforts to provide sporting equipment to under-served children. Longwor th’s org anization, “Let Them Play Every Day,” has also adapted to the pandemic by offering alternative methods of helping the communities she had set out to serve. Her road to the accolade started out with disappointment, when she did not make the Cyclones’ varsity team in her sophomore year after playing for the team as a freshman. “I decided, instead of being upset about it,” Longworth said, “I was going to make something good of it and help other kids who couldn’t play soccer or any other sports.” She contacted local agencies, including Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island and the Hispanic Brotherhood of Rockville Centre. Longworth’s sister had tutored at the latter, so she was aware of the organization’s need for sporting equipment. Then, she had the idea to set up collection bins at the Rockville Centre Sports Complex. When Covid-19 hit, it made gathering sports gear a lot more difficult since many agencies were not accepting used gear. Undeterred, Longworth improvised by selling some of her old clothes on websites like Poshmark and Curtsy and used the funds to buy new equipment for agencies to use. The Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship is awarded to graduating high school seniors who are recognized for their leadership, service and impact to their communities. Each of the 150 Coca-Cola Scholars that are selected each year are awarded a $20,000 scholarship. Longworth was one of 1,609 students selected from a pool of 99,403 applicants from all over the country to be named semifinalists. After the next round of reviews, Longworth hopes to be among the 250 students to call themselves regional finalists. The student was also one of the top runners-up in the 2021 Spirit of Community Awards and received a distin-

Courtesy Danise Longworth

LongworTh dediCaTed her time to helping under-served children. LongworTh was reCognized for her efforts. she CoLLeCTed sporTs equipment. sTudenT KrisTen LongworTh was named a semifinalist for the Coca-Cola Scholars Award. Matthew Cobb/Rockville Centre Schools

Courtesy Danise Longworth

guished finalist engraved Bronze Medallion. She has also qualified for the President’s Volunteer Service Award based on her current volunteer hours.

Public Notices

LROC1 0311

LEGAL NOTICE Notice of Public Hearing Village of Rockville Centre Nassau County, New York Meeting Date: March 18, 2021 Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 330 Rockville Centre Village Code NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Exterior Design Review Board of the Village of Rockville Centre will have a Public Hearing via VIDEO CONFERENCING LEGAL NOTICE

March 18, 2021 at 6:00 PM Case No. 02-2021 Keith & Nicole Vivona 24 Hawthorne Avenue Rockville Centre, New York 11570 Description: Construct additions and alterations to an existing single family dwelling. Premises known as: 24 Hawthorne Avenue Case No. 04-2021 Jon & Tara Moore 53 Lakeside Drive Rockville Centre, New York 11570 Description:

Construct additions and alterations to an existing single family dwelling. Premises known as: 9 Heyward Lane *Please see Rockville Centre Village website, RVCNY.GOV, calendar for videoconferencing information* The Exterior Design Review Board OF THE VILLAGE OF ROCKVILLE CENTRE Eugene Murray Village Hall, Rockville Centre, New York George Bella, Chairperson of the consultants to

The Exterior Design Review Board Thomas Domanico, Secretary to The Consultants Information and records for Exterior Design Review cases are available the Office of the Secretary, 110 Maple Avenue, RVC 124925

PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES… Printed in this publication can be found online. To search by publication name, go to: www.newyorkpublicnotices.com

Courtesy Danise Longworth

HERALD

Employment

CLASSIFIED

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

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

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

RecRuiting a great sales team is Really simple.

Island Park, New York

Civil Service Positions

School Monitors * Full Time

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

Part Time & Subs

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

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

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

Dr. Alison Offerman-Celantano Assistant Superintendent

FAX (516) 431-7550

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

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

Equal Opportunity Employer A Service of Nassau BOCES

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

e is t... Tim ing Ou

HERALD Community Newspapers

DOn’T miss The Bus!

sTaRTinG salaRies

Big Bus

Van

Non-Benefit Rate

$24.18/hr.

$21.41/hr.

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

eDucaTiOnal Bus TRanspORTaTiOn

516.454.2300

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

Administrative Assistant For Cedarhurst Law Office

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

BEHAVIOR ASSISTANT

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

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

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

USA Classified Network today!

1-800-231-6152

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

INC

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real local, real news

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CUSTOMER SERVICE F/T

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

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

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

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

Homes Real estate

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

IN BRIEF Sharona Beck Realty Welcomes Sharon Lovy

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

1122710

Runn

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

HERALD

SAY YES TO THIS HOUSE!

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

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

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

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

WWW.LIHERALD.COM

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ISLAND PARK UFSD

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March 11, 2021 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD

Homes

HERALD

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

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

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

Long Beach

HOME OF THE WEEK

Old Meets New…

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

Ask The Architect

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

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

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

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

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

17 WEST BOULEVARD WATERFRONT

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

1124407

OPEN HOUSES BY APPOINTMENT SUNdAY, 3/14/21

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

DO YOU KNOW HOW MUCH YOUR HOME IS WORTH?

Call for Your FREE Home Market evaluation now!

Lisa a. Fava CBR, sRs, aBR

LiCensed assoCiate BRokeR

50 Hempstead avenue Lynbrook, nY

1123083

Ronnie Gerber 516-238-4299

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

516-815-2434

“Going Above & Beyond to find your Dream Home”

Rhonda Healy

M: (516) 236-7269

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

OneKey Multiple Listing Service ®

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e s t. 1 9 1 1

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

© 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.

ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — March 11, 2021

We don’t want our floor to expand

HERALD

Market Place • •

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

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

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

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Dave marlOWe Plumbing, inC.

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

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• 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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Fully licensed and insured Nassau • Suffolk • NYC

Sinks • Tubs • Toilets • Sewer Lines

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

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

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

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March 11, 2021 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD

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“Anthony & J Home Improvement, Inc.” Also specializes in ★ Kitchens ★ Bathrooms ★ Finished Basements ★ Flooring ★ Repairs ★ Woodwork/mouldings ★ Siding ★ Gutters

516-678-6641– Licensed & Insured Free estImates...call anthony romeo

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

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

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

Home Improvement

Finds Under $100

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

*MICHAEL LO BAIDO CONSTRUCTION*

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

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

FINDS UNDER $100

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

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

Electricians

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

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

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

Home Improvement

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

HErald

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

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

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

SCHALMONT CSD SCHALMONT SURPLUS REALCSD ESTATE SCHALMONT CSD SURPLUS REAL ESTATE ONLINE ONLY AUCTION ONLINE ONLY AUCTION SCHALMONT CSD SURPLUS REAL ESTATE SCHALMONT CSD Property Address:

401 ONLINE Duanesburg Rd, Rotterdam, NY 12306 AUCTION SURPLUS REAL ESTATE 401 DuanesburgONLY Rd, Rotterdam, NY 12306 SURPLUS REAL ESTATE Property Address:

Approx. 104,000+ sq ft building | (4) Warehouse sections | Multiple Loading Docks Property Address: RailroadLoading Docks 4.88 acres miles| East of I-88 | Adjacent Approx. 104,000+ sq |ft1.8 building | Multiple (4) Warehouse sectionsto 4.88 acres | 1.8 miles East of I-88 | Adjacent to Railroad Property Address: Property Address: Approx. 104,000+ sq ft building | (4) Warehouse sections | Multiple Loading Docks Property Address: 4.88 acres | 1.8 miles East of I-88 | Adjacent to Railroad Approx. 104,000+ sq ft building Approx. 104,000+ sq ft building || (4) Multiple Loading Loading Docks Docks (4) Warehouse Warehouse sections sections || Multiple Approx. 104,000+ sq ft building Multiple Loading Docks | (4) Warehouse sections | Railroad 4.88 Adjacent to to Railroad 4.88 acres acres || 1.8 1.8 miles miles East East of of I-88 I-88 || Adjacent 4.88 acres | 1.8 miles East of I-88 | Adjacent to Railroad

ONLINE ONLY AUCTION 401ONLINE DuanesburgONLY Rd, Rotterdam, NY 12306 AUCTION 401 Duanesburg Rd, Rotterdam, NY 12306 401 Duanesburg Rd, Rotterdam, NY 12306 Online sale begins to close Fri., March 19th at 10AM Online sale begins to close Fri., March 19th at 10AM

**Speciﬁc Registration Requirements, Take action today!** **Speciﬁc Registration Requirements, Take action today!** Online sale begins to close Fri., March 19th at 10AM

Online auction conducted by: For complete sale details:Requirements, **Specific Registration Take action today!** Online auction conducted by: For complete salebegins details:to Online 401DuanesburgRd.com Online sale sale begins to close close Fri., Fri., March March 19th 19th at at 10AM 10AM 401DuanesburgRd.com OnlineRegistration sale begins toRequirements, close Fri., MarchTake 19thaction at 10AM (800) 536-1401 x110 **Specific today!** Online auction conducted by: **Specific Registration Take action today!** For complete sale details:Requirements, (800) 536-1401 x110 Broker: Russ J. Scherrer **Specific Registration Requirements, Take action today!** 401DuanesburgRd.com Broker: Russ J. Scherrer Have real estate you want sold? Contact us, we can help! Online auction conducted Online auction conducted by: by: For sale details: (800) 536-1401 x110 For complete complete sale details: Have real estate you want Contact us, we can help! Online auctions closing daily sold? | www.auctionsinternational.com Online auction conducted by: 401DuanesburgRd.com For complete sale details: Broker: Russ J. Scherrer 401DuanesburgRd.com Online auctions closing daily | www.auctionsinternational.com (800) x110 401DuanesburgRd.com (800) 536-1401 536-1401 x110 Have real estate you want sold? Contact us, we can help! (800) Broker: Russ J. Scherrer Broker: Russ J. Scherrer Online536-1401 auctionsx110 closing daily | www.auctionsinternational.com

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

Have can J. Scherrer Have real real estate estate you you want want sold? sold? Contact Contact us, us, we weBroker: canRusshelp! help! Online auctions daily || www.auctionsinternational.com Have estateclosing you want Contact us, we can help! Onlinereal auctions closing dailysold? www.auctionsinternational.com Online auctions closing daily | www.auctionsinternational.com

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ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — March 11, 2021

HERALD

HerAld editoriAls

Rockville centRe

March 11, 2021 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD

HERALD

Established 1990 Incorporating The News & Owl of Rockville Centre 1928-2001 Bridget downes Editor thomas Carrozza Reporter offiCe 2 Endo Boulevard Garden City, NY 11530 Phone: (516) 569-4000 Fax: (516) 569-4942 Web: www.liherald.com E-mail: rvceditor@liherald.com Copyright © 2020 Richner Communications, Inc.

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Cuomo’s days in office appear numbered

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

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

Undocumented immigrants need relief, too

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

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

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

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

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

opinions

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

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

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

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

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

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

Framework by Lisa Melillo

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

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

It seems like just last week — Bayville Creek Beach

ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — March 11, 2021

The pandemic gives states one more thing to fight about

March 11, 2021 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD

OpINIONS

Reflections on a pandemic year

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

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

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

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

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

Fighting the good fight against conspiracies (Part 2)

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

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

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

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

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

ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — March 11, 2021

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2020 Year 2020 in Review