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Rockville Centre

HERALD School board adopts budget

MSSN preps for elective surgeries

RVC food pantries see more demand

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VOL. 31 NO. 20

MAY 14 - 20, 2020

High honor for local R.N. Maple Pointe program director is named Nurse of the Year “But even before the coronavirus struck, Kara’s enthusiasm was like a tangible force.” Kara Constantine has been Marshall described Constancaring for residents at Maple tine as a “tireless advocate” for Pointe Assisted Living in Rock- residents, especially when they ville Centre for the past two are ill or hospitalized. She gives years, but her job her cellphone numbecame distinctly ber to all care promore challenging viders and doctors, this spring. Despite and texts or calls the physical and them “at all hours,” mental exhaustion Marshall said, “for of dealing with the anything from a precoronavirus panscription refill to a demic, Constantine, medical emergency.” a registered nurse “Our providers and the center’s proall know her by gram director, has name,” Marshall continued to do her added, “and can job as she always count on her for useTAMMY has, and her efforts ful information for a have not gone unno- MARSHALL resident in need of t i c e d : S h e w a s Executive director, services.” named Nurse of the The NYSCAL Maple Pointe Year by the New Nurse of the Year York State Center for Assisted Living Award recognizes an Assisted Living, an adult-care or assistindustry group suped-living nurse who porting long-ter m-care and demonstrates outstanding comassisted-living facilities across passion, supervisory success, the state. innovation and expertise. “I feel “She has been a hands-on honored to receive this award,” champion during this pandemic, Constantine said. “However, I working extra hours while dis- think that all health care workplaying endless energy and kind- ers should be recognized during ness,” Tammy Marshall, Maple Pointe’s executive director, said. CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

By JILL NOSSA

jnossa@liherald.com

Courtesy Dr. Noreen Leahy

DAN LAMANNA, A tech. ed. teacher at South Side Middle School, is using the school’s 3D printers at home to make face shields for hospital workers.

Middle school staff creates, donates vital equipment By BRIANA BONFIGLIO bbonfiglio@liherald.com

Rockville Centre School District staff members are donating vital personal protective equipment to hospital workers battling the coronavirus pandemic. Teachers, administrators and school nurses have joined an effort to create face shields with the district’s 3D printers and send them to local hospitals. So far, they have donated 200, and another 200 are in

production. Their goal is to donate a total of 600. Dr. Noreen Leahy, the district’s assistant superintendent of pupil personnel services and special education, started the project in early April. On Facebook and in news stories, she saw that people were creating face shields with 3D printers, and thought the district could help out by putting its own printers to use. “At times like this, everyone has to come together and

reinvent themselves,” Leahy said. “Car manufacturers are now producing ventilators. People who retired went back to work at hospitals. We were really digging in and saying, ‘What can we do, what can we offer?’ There were idle 3D printers [in the schools], and we had the means to create [personal protective equipment] for this pandemic, so we put the pieces together.” After raising the idea with CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

he has been a hands-on champion during this pandemic.

WE WERE HERE FOR YOU BEFORE COVID AND WE’RE HERE FOR YOU NOW.

Don’t put off seeking help for medically necessary care in fear of COVID-19. Mount Sinai South Nassau has dedicated non-COVID patient care areas, including within our Emergency Department. All units have undergone a deep cleaning to ensure your safety. All incoming patients are tested for COVID-19 within two days prior to admission. Our frontline staff of physicians, nurses and support personnel are equipped with full Personal Protective Equipment to help halt the spread of infectious diseases. Your health shouldn’t be defined by COVID-19.

DON’T PUT YOUR HEALTH ON HOLD. COME WITH CONFIDENCE.

mountsinai.org/southnassau

Mount Sinai South Nassau is certified as an Antimicrobial Stewardship Center of Excellence (CoE) by the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA). Photo top left courtesy of Jeff Basinger, Newsday.

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May 14, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

RVC School Board adopts 2020-21 budget

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — May 14, 2020

By JILL NOSSA jnossa@liherald.com

The Rockville Centre Board of Education adopted the proposed $122.86 million budget for the 2020-21 school year on May 6, a budget that keeps all current programs. The budget vote and trustee election will be done by mail; ballots will be mailed to residents and must be returned to the district clerk by June 9. “I think it’s very important that the public understand that voting will be very different year than it has been in the past,” Superintendent Dr. William Johnson said, “and is going to rely exclusively on mail-in votes.” Additionally, voters will elect two candidates for the Board of Education. The terms of Board President Tara Hackett and Vice President Susan McNulty are expiring. Hackett is seeking reelection. The adopted budget reflects a 2.19 percent increase over the current year, and while the district was able to balance the budget, Assistant Superintendent for Business Robert Bartels cautioned that cuts to state aid could come down the line. “We have to operate under the assumption that school is going to be in place next year as it normally would,” Bartels said. “There could be changes…but, we have to plan for a regular school year.” He said the district’s tax levy is 2.01 percent, which is under the tax cap of 2.03 percent this year. A regular 50 percent majority is needed to pass the budget. “We have balanced our budget with state aid and other sources of revenue,” Bartels said. The biggest revenue increases come from nonresident tuitions for the CORE and RISE programs, which are attended by special education students from other districts. “We do have concerns about state aid,” Bartels said. He explained that the state’s proposal includes a pandemic adjustment of about $420,000 for the district — the amount the state plans to be able to provide the school after reimbursement from the federal government. “If that money is not refunded, that is how much we could lose in the general state aid formulas,” Bartels said. “We feel we could absorb that amount and are already making plans on what we could do within the budget to mitigate that going forward.”

THE RVC BOARD of Education adopted the proposed $122 million budget for the 2020-21 school year.

However, he said, the bigger issue faced by district is a potential cut of up to 20 percent in state aid, which the governor has warned could happen if the state does not receive federal aid. “That would mean we would have cuts of $2.6 million,” Bartels said, “and that is something that we wouldn’t be able to deal with too easily.” To prepare for this possibility, the district will delay certain purchases — such as for vehicles, conferences, new hires and some school supplies — until the second half of the year, “until we can be assured that our revenue streams will be whole,” Bartels said. In addition, he said, the district will increase its reserves going into next year. “With the shutdown of the schools, we’re going to be able to put quite a bit into our reserves,” Bartels said, noting that money from clubs and sports that was not spent can be put into the fund balance. “We’re hoping that will fully cover any shortfalls in revenue from the state for next year.” Bartels also discussed what would happen if the bud-

get does not pass. For one thing, he said, the district would go to a contingency budget, which means there would be no tax levy increase. “We would have to cut about $2 million from the budget, and that would cut into staff in some shape or facet,” Bartels said. “We really don’t want to have to do that.” A defeated budget also means that the district would not be able to purchase new equipment and outside community groups would not be allowed to use the facilities. A final budget hearing will be held on May 27. The district is not permitted to mail out any materials until after the hearing, which is less than two weeks before election day. “It’s very critical everyone gets their absentee ballots in,” Bartels said. On May 20, at 7 p.m., the board will host a virtual meet and greet with June Chang, who will take over as superintendent on July 1. Hackett said community members will have an opportunity to ask questions and more details will be available on the district’s web site.

Girl Scout Cookies for health care workers By JILL NOSSA jnossa@liherald.com

Most years, the demand for Girl Scout Cookies is high. In the middle of a pandemic, however, purchasing the cookies became more difficult, and was not a priority for most people. “The cookie season was cut short,” Mary Scarpelli, troop leader of Covert Junior Troop 878, said, “so, there was a surplus of Girl Scout cookies.” Thanks to Garrett Smetana, owner of Rockville Camera, hundreds of cookies have made it in to the hands of those on the front lines: he recently donated 220 boxes of Girl Scout cookies to health care workers at Mount Sinai South Nassau. Smetana said he learned that the Girl Scouts had a surplus of Girl Scout cookies because troops were unable to sell them, as social distancing measures prevented them from going door-to-door and setting up tables in front of grocery stores and other public places. He went online and bought some boxes for himself, and noticed a tab on the website asking for donations. “But then I thought, maybe I can do more,” he said. “I wanted to something local, and to know where the donations would actually end up.” He contacted Scarpelli, who he had met while giv-

ing the troop a lesson to earn a photography badge in his shop last year. She reached out to cookie managers through Facebook and helped coordinate with those who had extra boxes to sell. Troops who contributed in addition to Covert Junior Troop 878 include Watson Brownie Troop 849, Covert Brownie Troop 851, St. Agnes Daisy Troop 816, Watson Junior Troop 860 and Freeport Junior Troop 2453. Smetana also reached out to a contact on the board of Mount Sinai South Nassau to coordinate the cookie delivery. Within a couple of days, everything fell into place. “It was such a generous thing to do,” Scarpelli said. “Cookies cheer everyone up.” During the pandemic, Smetana has had to furlough his three employees and is spending his time tending to areas of the shop he has not been able to get to. “I’m just gearing up and getting ready for when I can get reopen,” he said. His business has been affected, but he said providing a donation to those on the front lines is the least he can do. “I wanted to do something nice for everyone out there working hard, and am also supporting the scouts,” he said. “And who doesn’t like Girl Scout cookies? They’re a great treat.”

Courtesy Garrett Smetana

GARRETT SMETANA, OWNER of Rockville Camera, recently donated 220 boxes of Girl Scout cookies to health care workers at Mount Sinai South Nassau.

May 14, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

MSSN officials:

Hospital’s safe for non-Covid patients By MIKE SMOLLINS msmollins@liherald.com

With the coronavirus causing many South Shore residents to be afraid to visit hospitals to address other medical issues, Mount Sinai South Nassau hospital in Oceanside has launched a campaign informing the community that it’s safe to come to the facility. Amid a 50 percent drop in patients visiting the hospital’s emergency department, physicians and administrators are urging residents not to risk their health out of fear. “We don’t want people to put their health on hold in fear of Covid,” said Joe Calderone, MSSN’s senior vice president of corporate communications and development, “and we’ve taken the steps needed to ensure their safety when they come here. Our overall message is simply that it is safe to come here.” As the spike in coronavirus patients has lessened, MSSN officials have launched a “Don’t Put Your Health on Hold” initiative in the hope to “return to normal.” In addition to a deep cleaning of the facilities where coronavirus patients were treated, the staff has taken many precautions to ensure the hospital is safe for the public. Chief Medical Officer Dr. Adhi Sharma said it could be dangerous for residents not to visit the hospital after experiencing a medical episode. He said if a person has chest pains that lead to a heart attack, doctors are usually able to open a heart vessel and treat the patient that same day, increasing the chances of a full recovery. If they decide to stay home out of fear, the heart muscle could weaken, causing long-term health issues stemming from a blockage in the vessel. He added that it could lead to a person becoming unable to enjoy hobbies like walking or jogging, or worse. “People are delaying care, and while it’s not necessarily always fatal, it’s going to impact lives,” Sharma said. “It can be very challenging for patients to feel safe, but we want them to know that we have taken every measure.” MSSN is still awaiting approval from the state’s Department of Health to return to providing elective surgeries, but Sharma noted that physicians perform eight to 12 procedures per day to treat patients. They

Courtesy MSSN

MOUNT SINAI SOUTH Nassau hospital officials have begun a “Don’t Put Your Health on Hold” campaign, urging anyone who is dealing with a medical issue, but is afraid to come to the hospital amid the coronavirus pandemic, not to risk safety by staying home. include gall stone attacks, spinal stenosis, enabling non-Covid patients to return to appendicitis or any other ailment that can- the areas. Sterilizing agents have also been not wait for treatment. On May 6, hospital used in the emergency department and intensive care unit. administrators Over the past two o p e n e d a d r ive weeks, the two large through coronavirus triage tents outside testing site in the the facility that hosWashington Avenue pital staff erected in parking lot. Patients late March to treat who are undergoing patients during the any procedure in the Have you been diagnosed with surge have not been hospital must be testCovid-19 and suffered its used. Calderone said ed at the tent within symptoms? Have you been administrators two days before their hospitalized because of the would likely keep operation. disease? If so, then the Herald them up into the Calderone said the summer and possibly hospital had about would potentially like to tell your through the fall in 100 Covid-positive or story. Contact Executive Editor the event of another Covid-suspected Scott Brinton by emailing surge. Sharma said patients as of May 7, sbrinton@liherald.com. that while a second which continued the strain of the virus is trend of decreasing likely, it’s up to the cases. At one point, 80 percent of the patients in the hospital community to keep its impact minimal. “If people are careful and wear their had tested positive for the coronavirus, but the number has consistently remained at masks when they’re in public, wash their roughly 40 percent in the last few weeks. hands and really minimize any unnecesWhile many units were transformed into sary meetings or gatherings, it’s that elefacilities to treat Covid-19 patients last ment that is going to help reduce that secmonth, Calderone noted, the decrease in ond surge,” he said. “It’s individual responcases has helped the hospital staff to slowly sibility and common sense. Those can help empty the units and sanitize them before us avoid a large second surge.”

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In addition to hospital staff wearing personal protective equipment, administrators have dedicated spaces in the hospital for non-Covid patients, and a no-visitors policy remains in effect. If any patients exhibit shortness of breath, a fever or any other symptom consistent with the virus, they are not placed in the non-Covid area, even if they are coming in for an ailment unrelated to the virus, such as a broken bone. Though the coronavirus has stressed frontline workers, Calderone said, there have been silver linings, such as the outpouring of support from the community in the form of food and other donations, and the strengthening of the staff by dealing with hundreds of critical care patients. Calderone added that the staff was thankful for everyone in the community who supported them, and that he also wants South Shore residents to know that it is safe to come to the hospital for non-coronavirus related issues. “We know the public has been hearing nothing but Covid news for the last two months,” he said, “but we’ve taken all necessary steps to ensure patient safety, and if you’re feeling a symptom of a potentially serious issue, it’s going to be much riskier to stay at home and ignore those symptoms than if you came here to the Emergency Department.”

Nassau honors its ‘health care heroes’ County executive comes to NUMC for National Nurses Week By Bridget downes bdownes@liherald.com

In honor of National Nurses Day, Nassau County Executive Laura Curran and other county officials paid tribute Wednesday to the health care professionals working on the frontlines of the pandemic. “These are our heroes,” Curran said at a news conference outside of the Nassau University Medical Center, joined by nurses and other medical staff. “They are the crucial part of our health care infrastructure . . . and oftentimes they take the place of the family. In people’s last days, they’re the ones there, providing care and holding the hands. It’s difficult work, it’s emotionally taxing, and it’s incredibly important.” Some health care professionals are sleeping in RVs, staying in their basements or even camping out in tents in their backyards, the county executive noted, to maintain self-isolation orders. Others go through meticulous self-decontamination measures, including changing

in the garage and showering before hugging family members. “You are our warriors and we want to thank you for what you’re doing each and every day,” Curran said. “As I say, this crisis has not created heroes, it has revealed the heroes already among us.” To date, the Nassau County Office of Emergency Management has distributed 2 million pieces of personal protective equipment to health care workers and first responders. Dr. Anthony Boutin, CEO of NUMC, thanked Curran for coming to the hospital to celebrate National Nurses Day. “I commend our hard-working nurses, all our valuable employees working hard here,” Boutin said. As of Wednesday, the hospital was housing 52 patients who tested positive for Covid-19, and 20 whose results were pending. “This is a significant achievement. We have a 74 percent decline at our peak here at NUMC,” Boutin said, “and I’m happy to report some good news. We are discharging our 565th patient today.”

nassau County exeCutive Laura Curran, left, came to Nassau University Medical Center in East Meadow last Wednesday to pay tribute to nurses in honor of National Nurses Week.

State, Northwell test in minority communities By sCott Brinton sbrinton@liherald

New York state and Northwell Health are partnering to increase Covid-19 testing in the minority communities hardest hit by the virus in downstate New York, Governor Cuomo said Saturday. Testing will take place at 24 churches. Two Nassau County houses of worship — the Union Baptist Church in Hempstead and the First Baptist Church in Westbury — will be among the 24. Results of the state’s diagnostic testing and antibody testing surveys found the highest rates of Covid-19 infection in low-income and minority communities, according to the governor. Additionally, a state survey of all newly hospitalized Covid-19 patients found communities of color are most impacted. Of the 21 zip codes with the most new Covid-19 hospitalizations, 20

t is a cruel fact that when you look at disasters and emergencies, the poorest and most disadvantaged people often pay the highest price. andrew CuoMo

New York state governor have greater than average black and/or Latino populations. “It is a cruel fact that when you look at disasters and emergencies, the poorest and most disadvantaged people often pay the highest price, and the Covid-19 pan-

demic is no different,” Cuomo said. “The fact is that low-income and minority communities are suffering the most. It is not right, and we have to address it.” Michael Dowling, Northwell Health’s president and CEO, said, “Given the prevalence of the coronavirus within communities of color, it’s imperative that we act quickly to prevent further spread of the virus. Among the ways we can protect our communities — beyond social distancing, wearing facemasks, avoiding group gatherings and basic hand hygiene — is through testing.” The governor also announced preliminary results of the state’s antibody testing survey of more than 1,300 transit workers in the New York City region. Roughly 14 percent, he said, had Covid-19 antibodies. By comparison, 16 percent, or 1 in 6 people on Long Island, tested positive for the antibodies, and 19 percent, or 1 in 5 people, were positive in New York City.

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — May 14, 2020

Photos courtesy Nassau County

County and nuMC officials demonstrated proper social distancing while honoring nurses.

May 14, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

Hempstead allocates $2M for food banks By Scott Brinton sbrinton@liherald.com

The Town of Hempstead has allotted $2 million of a $133 million federal aid package toward 14 food banks across the town to help ensure residents in need are fed during the Covid-19 pandemic, officials said Tuesday. Announcement of the allocation, made with the nonprofit Long Island Cares food bank, was the first act of the town’s newly created Economic Relief Advisory Committee, which will recommend how funds from the federal government’s economic stimulus package should be distributed. “Nobody in our town will go hungry because of the hardships they have experienced due to the Covid-19 pandemic,” Town Supervisor Donald Clavin Jr., a Republican from Garden City, said. “Between many of our residents losing their jobs and the grocery stores struggling to meet demand, this funding will keep our food banks stocked for the next couple of months so our residents can be reassured with quality meals.” Food distribution centers, run by Long Island Cares staff, will be located in Baldwin, Elmont, Lawrence, Roosevelt and other communities, and will be open two days a week for a total of eight hours. Times are subject to change depending on community need. For more information about where the food banks are located or how to schedule a pick-up or delivery, visit licares.org or call (631) 582-3663. Each family will receive a 20-pound box of food that can feed up to six people for a week. Each box will contain non-perishable, nutritious food, and staples such as milk and juice. Pet food will be provided if needed, and fresh produce will be available when possible. The federal funding will also support the Nassau Center for Collaborative Assistance, Long Island Cares’s satellite location in Freeport, and will go toward food distribution in Hempstead, Uniondale, Merrick, Bellmore and Oceanside. Clavin thanked U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer, a Democrat from New York City, and the Long Island congressional delegation for helping to secure the stimulus funding. He added, “We’re very fortunate to have Governor Cuomo’s historic leadership at this very desperate time in our state’s history. Our town government looks forward to working with the county and state governments to ensure these funds are used appropriately and efficiently to produce the greatest possible outcome for our

Courtesy Town of Hempstead

the town of Hempstead is devoting $2 million in federal stimulus funding to help feed the hungry across the town, Supervisor Donald Clavin said Tuesday. communities.” “The launch of the economic relief advisory committee is the first of many steps that will be taken over the next couple of months to regain economic stability for our town, its businesses and residents,” said Town Councilwoman Dorothy Goosby, a Democrat who represents the 1stCouncilmatic District, and who contracted the coronavirus and recovered. The town’s Economic Relief Advisory Committee comprises leaders from business, labor, education and the community, and includes: • Joe Belluck, Attorney and Founding Partner of Belluck & Fox, LLP: Before helping to found Belluck & Fox, a firm that specializes in mesothelioma cases, 18 years ago, Belluck took on large tobacco companies as the State of New York representative. • John Durso, President of the Long Island Federation of Labor: Durso represents workers in the supermarket, health care, pharmacy, delivery, dairy and retail food service industries. He is also international vice president of the United Food and Commercial Workers, and vice president of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store

Union. • Charles Fuschillo Jr., President and CEO of Alzheimer’s Foundation of America: Before joining the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America in 2013, Fuschillo served 16 years in the New York State Senate, drafting more than 200 laws. • Margarita Grasing, Executive Director of Hispanic Brotherhood: Grasing is also a former board member of the Rockville Centre Education Foundation, Nassau County HIV Commission and County Coalition of Youth Agencies. Kevin Law, President and CEO of the Long Island Association: Law is focused on fostering economic development and improving Long Island’s business climate. He is co-chair to the Long Island Regional Economic Development Council and was formerly a trustee of the Long Island Power Authority and chief deputy county executive in Suffolk County. • Mitchell Pally, Chief Executive Officer of the Long Island Builders Institute: As CEO of LIBI, Pally works to foster home ownership across Long Island. He was also chief counsel to the New York State Senate Committee on Transportation and the Legislative Commission on Critical Transportation Choices. • Geoffrey Prime, Mayor of Incorporated Village of South Floral Park: Aside from his mayoral duties, Prime is a criminal defense attorney and founding partner of Prime & O’Brien in Garden City. He is the past chairman of the Nassau Community College Board of Trustees. • Stuart Rabinowitz, President of Hofstra University: Before becoming Hofstra’s president in 2001, Rabinowitz was dean of its law school. As president, he founded the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine, Peter S. Kalikow School of Government and Fred DeMattheis School of Engineering and Applied Science, as well as the National Center for Suburban Studies and the Center for Entrepreneurship. • Cherice Vanderhall, Village Attorney of Hempstead Village: Vanderhall specializes in employment litigation and family law. She previously served as Hempstead Village deputy attorney. “The Covid-19 outbreak has affected us all,” Law said. “As part of the Economic Recovery Advisory Committee, I am committed to doing my part to get the Hempstead community back on its feet in the wake of this pandemic. The multiple perspectives and backgrounds this committee has to offer will ensure the maximum potential for this funding is realized for Hempstead residents.”

Little Leaguers parade in Point Lookout By Darwin YaneS dyanes@liherald.com

Little Leaguers took part in a car parade at Town Park in Point Lookout on Friday as a way to pay homage to a season lost because of the Covid-19 pandemic. The parade was put together by Town of Hempstead officials and fire departments from Merrick and Island Park. Hempstead Supervisor Don Clavin and members of the Town Board were on hand to cheer paradegoers. “This gives the local Little Leagues a chance to come down here, in a little bit of open space, and get cheered on,” Councilman Anthony D’Esposito said. “We just tried to bring some smiles to the kids’ faces and let them know they’re not forgotten. As soon as this gets past us, we will do anything we can to get them back to whatever sea-

son we can.” Merrick resident Al Belbol and his son Joseph, 12, took part in the parade. Belbol, who coaches his son’s Little League team, said Joseph practices every day in the hope there will be a season this year. He added that the parade gives players a sense of hope. “It means a lot to him to just be able to get his uniform on, feel pride in playing for the Merrick-Bellmore Little League,” Belbol said. “These kids are dying to play baseball.” Some Little Leagues represented in the parade were Merrick and Bellmore, Long Beach, Point Lookout, Island Park and Garden City South. New York Mets Legend Ed Kranepool, who was on the 1969 World Series team, was a special guest for the event. “Over the years, I’ve been to many Little League functions, and this is one of the greatest you can be part of,” Kranepool said. “Everybody be safe.”

Darwin Yanes/Herald

the BelBol familY from Merrick took part in the parade on May 8.

RVC school staffers print 3D face shields her fellow administrators, Leahy asked the district’s technology education teachers, Dan LaManna and Lynn Voltaggio, if they could set up the printing equipment in their homes and make the shields. “Our teachers have a lot of talents to share,” Leahy said, “and it was incredible how quickly the tech teachers said, ‘Yes, this is something we want to do.’” The Rockville Centre Education Foundation donated $1,000 for the project supplies. “They made the project possible,” Leahy noted. What ensued was something of a socially distant assembly line. School custodians Jackie Deluca and Ralph Magliaro loaded the seven printers from South Side middle and high schools onto trucks. Then Leahy and Mike Anderson, the district’s director of technology, delivered them to the teachers’ homes, and LaManna and Voltaggio have been print-

ing the filament-based, plastic shield frames ever since. “We brought the printers to them, and they run them 24 hours a day now,” Leahy said with gratitude. Once the frames are complete, Leahy picks them up and delivers them to the schools, where nurses Sarah Brakstad, Tara Algerio-Vento, Ann DeGregoris, Jeanette Piedrahita-Cuartas, Laura Lanning, Mary Walsh, Kristine Keating, Eileen Kelly and Mary Kate McMahon assemble the units by attaching the plastic shields and elastic straps, which were purchased with education foundation funds. The finished shields have gone to Northwell Health-LIJ in Valley Stream, Mount Sinai South Nassau in Oceanside and three New York City hospitals. “I’m grateful to be a part of a district so willing to give of themselves,” Leahy said, “to give up their time and talent to make this happen.”

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — May 14, 2020

CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE

EILEEN KELLY, A school nurse, helped assemble the face shields.

Photos courtesy Dr. Noreen Leahy

NURSE MARY KATE McMahon with a finished shield. LYNN VOLTAGGIO, A district tech. ed. teacher, is making the frames with the schools’ 3D printers.

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Former trustee Catherine Pucciarelli dies By BRIANA BONFIGLIO bbonfiglio@liherald.com

Photos courtesy Clare Cassara

PUCCIARELLI, CENTER, WAS sworn in with her fellow trustees. she met Joe, who also worked for the company. She and Joe were married on November, 15, 1958. Puciarelli was first elected to the village board in 1975. She was the first woman to become a trustee in village history. She served for four years and then, was deputy mayor from 1981 to 1985. During her tenure on the board, she helped develop the Sandel Senior Center. Later on, she created a humanities program for the center, in conjunction with the National Council on Aging, and was a featured speaker at the National Convention on Aging. Pucciarelli served ten years on the village planning board, was a member of the Bi-Centennial Committee, and volunteered with the Hispanic Brotherhood of Rockville Centre. Pucciarelli was also president and board member of the Rosa Lee Young Childhood Center, all the while working full time for the Nassau BOCES Department of Special Education, where she served for more than 23 years as an information specialist. Upon retirement from Nassau BOCES, Pucciarelli became an adjunct professor

at Molloy College, teaching “Women in Politics.” She also became chairperson for the Nassau BOCES Educational Foundation. She is responsible for raising more than a quarter million dollars to enhance educational opportunities for all students in Nassau BOCES schools, services and programs.

Pucciarelli is survived by her four children, Clare Cassara, Ann Dillon, Peter Pucciarelli and John Pucciarelli, and grandchildren, Catherine, Morgan and Thomas Dillon, Matthew and Ashley DeAngelis, and Lynn, Julia and Joseph Pucciarelli. Services will be held at a later date.

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Catherine Pucciarelli, a former trustee and deputy mayor for the Village of Rockville Centre, died on March 27 at age 85. Elected to the Village Board of Trustees in 1975, she was the village’s first woman trustee. Pucciarelli “had boundless energy,” said her daughter, Clare Cassara. Since moving to the village in 1965 with her husband, the late Joe Pucciarelli, she r e m a i n e d involved with the community. She started out as a member of the Riverside Elementary School PTA, and worked her way up to become Catherine Pucciarelli Of ficer of the Council of PTAs. Pucciarelli joined the Economic Opportunity Council, of which she eventually became chairperson. She was also a member of the Rockville Centre chapter of the Poor People’s Campaign, an organization that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., helped to create. Along with other members, she helped get King to speak at South Side Junior High School on March 26, 1968, just nine days before his assassination in Memphis. While she was a stay-at-home mother, her children said she was actually “nothing of the sort” due to all her volunteer work. Yet still, “she was constantly there for us all the time,” Cassara said. “We all sit there and say, ‘I don’t know how she did all this as a mother,’” she added. “She just did it, and her family always came first.” Pucciarelli was born on December 2, 1934 in Yonkers. She received a bachelor’s degree from the College of New Rochelle in 1956 and a master’s degree from Fordham University in 1962. She then began a career in advertising with B. Altman in Manhattan, writing and overseeing live commercials for The Today Show. There,

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KARA CONSTANTINE, BEFORE the pandemic and dressed in protective equipment.

Our hearts go out to anyone who’s been impacted by the virus, either directly or indirectly. Our thoughts are especially with those who are sick, to whom we extend our heartfelt wishes for a full, speedy recovery. We are truly inspired by the selfless healthcare workers here on Long Island and around the world who are on the front lines working tirelessly to care for the people in need.

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May 14, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE this time for their commitment, dedication and hard work. I share this award with all of them.” Amy Kennedy, NYSCAL’s executive director, said nurses are nominated for the award and the recipient is chosen by a committee that reviews nominees’ applications and nomination letters. At its annual conference, the center also recognizes an administrator of the year and a noble caregiver in assisted living. The conference includes a dinner and award ceremony that was originally scheduled for May 18-21 in upstate Verona and has been rescheduled for August. Of the 15 or so applicants this year, Constantine was the one the committee felt was most deserving, Kennedy said, noting that the nomination letter for her from Maple Pointe “really stood out.” It highlighted her abilities as a leader and a mentor to other staff members who helps them become better caregivers, as well as her tendency to stay in touch with discharged residents, particularly those who do not have family nearby. After a particularly difficult day earlier this year, Marshall recalled, Constantine gave up her own evening plans in favor of taking staff members out for dinner. “This selfless display of loyalty and support is typical,” Marshall said. “She is a true team player who helps with fundraising and marketing and takes a stake in overall improvements in our community. Her sincerity is evident in the relationships she has built in the two years she’s been with us.” Constantine, 50, who lives in Bayport, said that nursing is her second career, but her “first passion.” She was a pre-med student at New York University when she fell in love and switched career tracks. She transferred to Hofstra University, where she earned a degree in business administration, got married and had two children. Then, as her daughters, now 23

and 20, grew older, she decided to go back to school and follow her original path. “I always wanted a career in medicine,” Constantine said. “It was really my path from the beginning, it was just deterred for a little bit.” She earned an associate’s degree in nursing at Suffolk Community College in 2013, and then worked for five years as an RN at an adult day-care facility before coming to Maple Pointe. Her oldest daughter is also a nurse, and according to Constantine, her daughter said she was inspired to choose that path because of her mother. “She saw how much I love it,” she said. Constantine said she enjoys working with the elderly population and helping them overcome ailments. “When a sick resident makes a full recovery, there is no better feeling in the world knowing that I was part of that process,” she said. “I also like spending quality time with a resident, listening to them speak about their life, whether it be about their past job, their children or grandchildren, just to watch them light up with happiness.” The pandemic, she said, has made her job more challenging, both physically and mentally. “I’m working more hours, and the needs of the residents have increased,” she said. “Mentally it has changed, because I’ve seen the most death in the shortest amount of time since I entered this field. This has caused some frustration, because I question if there was something different that could have been done. That has been the hardest thing for me to accept. “On a personal level, the pandemic has taught me to appreciate time,” Constantine said. “The time I spend with the people I love is what’s most important to me now. I no longer think, ‘I’ll see her tomorrow or over the weekend.’ Rather, I take every opportunity I have to spend time with my loved ones. I’ve learned to slow down to cherish time.”

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — May 14, 2020

We Salute our Ever yday Heroes… Thank You

Here at RVC Auto we want to make sure that all of your

automotive needs are met, but at the same time we want to make sure our community stays as safe and healthy as possible. We are taking extra precautions on our end to keep the vehicles we service as germ free as possible. We are using seat covers, steering wheel covers, gear shifter covers, and putting your keys in bags to prevent any unneeded contact.

Auto Repair in an essential business and we will be here for you during these tough times. We have also increased staffing to help with pickup and delivery of your vehicle. We hope to get through this as timely and as safely as possible. Stay Well! Anything we can do to help feel free to call us at (516) 764-1700

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May 14, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

Covid-19

Local Hometown heroes

Dr. Nathan Rothman

Critical care chief at St. John’s Hospital

ing the virus to others. Holidays and birthdays are also celebrated virtually via Zoom. My daughter often makes dinner for me. I drive up to her house, pop the trunk, and one of my grandchildren puts the food in the trunk because they won’t interact with me personally out of caution.

Sharon Raiola

Mammography technician

Coming home at night was a treat, but I never wanted to bring anything into the house, so I would leave my shoes in the car while getting changed outside and trying to avoid getting chased by raccoons.

As the chief of pulmonary and critical care medicine at St. John’s Episcopal Hospital in Far Rockaway, I am managing an intensive care unit that went from a bed count of 16 to 50, which is an additional 34 beds. Recently, I have devoted most, if not all, of my working hours tending to Covid-19 patients, when in the past I would see patients with various illness. As a physician, the Covid-19 pandemic has altered my professional life as well as the way I interact with my family members. My wife and I moved to Woodmere in 1979 and raised our three children in the community. I also have 13 grandchildren living in the community. Why do I mention this? Because I have not been able to hug or kiss them since the start of the pandemic out of caution since I work with Covid-19 patients each day. One of the biggest concerns of health care workers is the risk of inadvertently spread-

Individually, and as a community and nation, we will pull through this crisis and come out stronger than ever.

HOMETOWN

HERO

Yma Arroyo

Owner, Village Juice Garden

Things have definitely slowed down here at the Village Juice Garden and we’re working at a much different pace than what we’re used to because of the pandemic. But I think we also provide something that gives people a sense of good health, positivity and good feelings. Things have definitely been slower, but we’re going to ride this out until we can’t. I’m going to do what I can to make sure that I can stay here. We’re just staying positive with it all. Fortunately, we’re in a great town and everybody’s supporting us, coming by and buying what they can. Any

contributions that businesses can get are helping to keep the lights on. With everything that nurses and doctors are going through, I went ahead and called by brother, Keith Perez, who works at Mount Sinai South Nassau in the dialysis department and I thought, ‘you know, I would really love to get you guys some lunch.’ I know I’m not in the best position, but I just dropped it off. All the nurses and all the doctors and everybody that I got to see . . . they were just so happy to see that people are doing this. It’s hard for them right now and things are really crazy for them. I just thought that I’m going to pay this forward. That’s really where my heart was at. What others have done for me makes me feel like I should do more as well.

HOMETOWN

HERO

horrible to watch. I would come home at midnight and not fall asleep until 4 a.m. I was up thinking, “Is that patient going to make it? Is that patient going to be here tomorrow?” This is so out of my comfort zone.

But, it’s gratifying to know you’re helping.

I used to work days at NYU Winthrop’s outpatient mammography office, but when NYU decided to limit the staff, I was given a choice to stay home and not make money or work at the hospital. I decided to join the hospital staff, and became a part of its Prone Team, turning patients in the Intensive Care Unit from their bellies onto their backs so they could breathe easier. Once I really saw what was going on, it’s a mess. You’re like, “How could I not be here? How could I not help?” It was

HOMETOWN

HERO

Mariana Peredo

Nurse at Mount Sinai South Nassau

Every day we go in not knowing what to expect or what we’re going to see that day, and it’s been mentally, physically taxing for most of us. Emotionally it’s draining every day. Nursing in particular is always draining. It’s a difficult job, but I don’t think any of us expected to experience anything like this. I’ve had to help families say goodbye to people before, but this became a whole new world where people were succumbing to the virus alone in a bed surrounded by people in masks, and gowns, and gloves and it’s just something that I never

thought I would see in my lifetime. The severity of it has definitely taken a toll. When you’re a nurse you’re used to having a certain amount of patients with different disease processes happening, but when you have a certain amount of patients and they all have Covid, and they’re all really sick all at the same time, every single day we have to pull whatever energy we have right out and do what we have to do for these people, because I know that if my family member was in the hospital alone I would want the nurses and doctors to do everything they could. I do want to emphasize it though that it has been an extreme team effort. We have janitorial staff, kitchen staff, doctors, nurses and respiratory therapists. It’s been a joint effort, and everybody’s been putting in 110 percent every single day, because I think we know that if we didn’t it would most certainly cost lives.

HOMETOWN

HERO

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — May 14, 2020

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Last month, local students created more than 200 thank-you cards for health care workers at Mercy Medical Center in Rockville Centre. The cards were delivered to the hospital’s staff by State Senator Todd Kaminsky on April 21, while sponsoring an ice cream break, with the help of the Vintage Ice Cream Guys, to provide a small thank you to the workers. As part of Project Gratitude, Kaminsky asked school children to write personalized thank you notes to doctors, nurses and health care staff thanking them for all they’re doing during the Covid-19 crisis. “I asked kids to create special messages

for our healthcare heroes on the front lines of this pandemic and the response was overwhelming,” Kaminsky said. “I know the frontline workers appreciated the messages and know the community supports them.” “We are so thankful to Senator Kaminsky and his team for their generosity and eagerness to support our front line workers during this difficult time,” said Catholic Health Services’ Mercy Medical Center President Peter Scaminaci. “Their outreach is a reminder to our staff that our community continues to rally behind them and that we are all in this fight together.”

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RVC food pantries serve more each week Hispanic BrotHerHood of Rockville Centre runs a food pantry for those in need, and there are more in need than the pantry has ever seen before due to the coronavirus pandemic.

By Briana Bonfiglio bbonfiglio@liherald.com

Margarita Grasing, executive director of Hispanic Brotherhood of Rockville Centre, “could be doing better,” she said with a tired chuckle. Amid the coronavirus pandemic, she’s been tending to the needs of the Hispanic community, as she’s done for decades now, but on overdrive. She’d just received a call from the Rockville Centre School District asking for assistance with getting Spanish-speaking families accustomed to athome learning. And, she’s trying to remind people to fill out the 2020 Census. But one of her top priorities has been keeping the food pantry stocked and running for those in need, the number of which has increased since the pandemic began. Last week the pantry had to shut for a few days after a staff member contracted Covid-19. After being disinfected, the pantry is open again, but it needs help with supplies. “This is the first time that the need has been this big,” Grasing said. “And it’s not only Hispanics — we don’t turn anybody back. The door is open to anyone who needs help.” The Hispanic Brotherhood’s pantry will feed roughly 50 seniors and 37 families tomorrow alone, and those in need can make arrangements to pick up food at their facility on Clinton Avenue or have someone deliver.

Christina Daly/Herald

Grasing explained that many seniors cannot get out of the house to get food, and families are suffering from job loss and still waiting on unemployment checks. “All we’re doing is a band-aid,” she said. “This is much bigger than any of us. We don’t know where we’re going with this virus, and it’s scary.” People can donate to the Hispanic Brotherhood’s food pantry at 59 Clinton

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May 14, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

Call Call 516.569.4000 ext. 250 or your sales ACCOUNT REPRESENT A A TIVE TIVE Call Call516.569.4000 516.569.4000 516.569.4000ext. ext. ext.250 250 250or or oryour your yoursales sales salesACCOUNT ACCOUNT ACCOUNTREPRESENT REPRESENT REPRESENT A A TIVE TIVE

■ Tomato Sauce

non-perishable items during this time. Longwood said any donations are appreciated. People can drop off food from Tuesday to Friday, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., or can contact her via email to up different time at julie@theexperiencevc.com. The pantry is especially seeking:

■ Corn

■ Canned food

■ Canned Veggies (any type)

■ Cereal

■ Oatmeal

■ Pasta

■ Parmalat milk

■ Soup

■ Pasta

■ Meat

■ Tuna/Sardines

■ Breakfast bars

■ Juices

■ Tuna fish

The Experience Pantry, at The Experience Vineyard Church in Rockville Centre, has also seen a spike in families in need. While it typically serves 90 families per week, that number has steadily increased week by week, and they are now providing for 180 households. Julie Longwood, the pantry director, attributes this both to unemployment during the pandemic and a number of food pantries having to close across Long Island. “There’s a lot of need around us all the time that we are typically not aware of,” she said. “There’s usually different places to go, but with so many pantries shut down, people don’t have as many options.” In addition, buying food for the pantry has become more difficult as supermarkets are often out of certain meats and

■ Peanut butter

Ave. between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. They are currently in need of: ■ Rice ■ Beans ■ Oil

■ Pasta sauce Rockville Centre’s Martin Luther King, Jr., Center is currently accepting donations as well. Since the pop-up food bank opened a little over a month ago, the need has tripled from 20 to 60 families per week. Volunteer Rena Riback posts a list of needed items each week on social media. These items can be dropped off at the MLK Center, at 150 N. Centre Ave, between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Fridays. The MLK Center cannot accept direct cash donations, so those interested in making a monetary donation toward poultry, meat and produce can email antiracismprojectli@gmail.com to find out how to donate. Food insecurity has not only grown in Rockville Centre, but across Long Island.

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

www.liherald.com

LEGAL NOTICE Public Notice to Bidders Sealed Bids will be received by the Village of Rockville Centre Purchasing Department for the matter stated below. Bids must be received at the Rockville Centre Police Department, 34 Maple Ave., Rockville Centre, New York 11570 until 11:00 am prevailing time on June 3, 2020. Bids will be opened that day and read aloud in the Village Court Room. In accordance with Executive Order of the Governor of New York, the bid opening will be recorded, and the recording will be available on the Village website on June 4, 2020. The contract will be awarded as soon thereafter as practicable for: Caustic Soda for the Village of Rockville Centre’s Water Department Bid No. 2005W1(979) The contract documents, specifications and plans can be examined on the Village’s website at www.rvcny.gov. Follow the link to the Purchasing Department. All questions should be directed to the Purchasing Department. Please contact Kathy McMahon via email only at kmcmahon@rvcny.us. All questions must be received by May 20, 2022. Award of Contract will be made in accordance with applicable provisions of the law. The Village reserves the right to split awards between multiple bidders or reject all bids, or make such determination as in the best interests of the Village, as provided by law. Purchasing Department Kathy McMahon Purchasing Agent 516-678-9213 121840 To Place A Notice Call 516-569-4000 x232

The contract documents, specifications and plans can be examined on the Village’s website at www.rvcny.gov. Follow the link to the Purchasing Department. All questions should be directed to the Purchasing Department. Please contact Kathy McMahon via email only at k m c m a h o n @ r v c n y. u s. Questions must be submitted no later than May 18. 2020 Award of Contract will be made in accordance with applicable provisions of the law. The Village reserves the right to split awards between multiple bidders or reject all bids, or make such determination as in the best interests of the Village, as provided by law. Purchasing Department Kathy McMahon Purchasing Agent 516-678-9213 121837

Place a notice by phone at 516-569-4000 x232 or email: legalnotices@liherald.com

LEGAL NOTICE Public Notice to Bidders Sealed Bids will be received by the Village of Rockville Centre Purchasing Department for the matter stated below. Bids must be received at the Rockville Centre Police Department, 34 Maple Ave., Rockville Centre, New York 11570 until 11:00 am prevailing time on June 3, 2020. Bids will be opened that day and read aloud in the Village Court Room. In accordance with Executive Order of the Governor of New York, the bid opening will be recorded, and the recording will be available on the Village website on June 4, 2020. The contract will be awarded as soon thereafter as practicable for: Sodium Hypochlorite Delivery Bid No. 2005W3(984) The contract documents, specifications and plans can be examined on the Village’s website at www.rvcny.gov. Follow the link to the Purchasing Department. All questions should be directed to the Purchasing Department. Please contact Kathy McMahon via email only at k m c m a h o n @ r v c n y. u s. Questions must be submitted no later than May 21, 2020. Award of Contract will be made in accordance with applicable provisions of the law. The Village reserves the right to split awards between multiple bidders or reject all bids, or make such determination as in the best interests of the Village, as provided by law. Purchasing Department Kathy McMahon Purchasing Agent 516-678-9213 121838

LEGAL NOTICE Public Notice to Bidders Sealed Bids will be received by the Village of Rockville Centre Purchasing Department for the matter stated below. Bids must be received at the Rockville Centre Police Department, 34 Maple Ave., Rockville Centre, New York 11570 until 11:00 am prevailing time on June 9, 2020. Bids will be opened that day and read aloud in the Village Court Room. In accordance with Executive Order of the Governor of New York, the bid opening will be recorded, and the recording will be available on the Village website on June 10, 2020. The contract will be awarded as soon thereafter as practicable for: Vehicle Collision Repair Bid No. 2005DPW1(978) The contract documents, specifications and plans can be examined on the Village’s website at www.rvcny.gov. Follow the link to the Purchasing Department. All questions should be directed to the Purchasing Department. Please contact Kathy McMahon via email only at k m c m a h o n @ r v c n y. u s. Questions must be submitted no later than June 1, 2020. Award of Contract will be made in accordance with applicable provisions of the law. The Village reserves the right to split awards between multiple bidders or reject all bids, or make such determination as in the best interests of the Village, as provided by law. Purchasing Department Kathy McMahon Purchasing Agent 516-678-9213 121839

LEGAL NOTICE Public Notice to Bidder Sealed Bids will be received by the Village of Rockville Centre Purchasing Department for the matter stated below. Bids must be received at the Rockville Centre Police Department, 34 Maple Ave., Rockville Centre, New York 11570 until 11:00 am prevailing time on June 30, 2020. Bids will be opened that day and read aloud in the Village Court Room. In accordance with Executive Order of the Governor of New York, the bid opening will be recorded, and the recording will be available on the Village website on July 1, 2020. The contract will be awarded as soon thereafter as practicable for: Substation 3 & 4 Construction & Commissioning Bid No. 2005E1(981)

The contract documents, specifications and plans will be provided via email after the execution of a Non-Disclosure Agreement between the Bidder and the Village. All Non-Disclosure Agreements must be submitted to the Village by May 26, 2020. Potential contractors are recommended to participate in a site walk through to be completed by June 12, 2020. Please contact Eileen Foglietta at efoglietta@rvcny.us to confirm the date and time of your walk-through. Do not submit bid questions to Eileen. All questions should be directed to the Purchasing Department. Please contact Kathy McMahon via email only at k m c m a h o n @ r v c n y. u s. Questions must be submitted no later than June 17, 2020. Award of Contract will be made in accordance with applicable provisions of the law. The Village reserves the right to split awards between multiple bidders, reject all bids, or make such determination as in the best interests of the Village, as provided by law. Purchasing Department Kathy McMahon Purchasing Agent 516-678-9213 121835

Search for notices online at: www.mypublicnotices.com

LEGAL NOTICE Public Notice to Bidders Sealed Bids will be received by the Village of Rockville Centre Purchasing Department for the matter stated below. Bids must be received at the Rockville Centre Police Department, 34 Maple Ave., Rockville Centre, New York 11570 until 11:00 am prevailing time on June 4, 2020. Bids will be opened that day and read aloud in the Village Court Room. In accordance with Executive Order of the Governor of New York, the bid opening will be recorded, and the recording will be available on the Village website on June 5, 2020. The contract will be awarded as soon thereafter as practicable for: Switchgear 1 & 2 Circuit B r e a k e r Replacement/Retrofit Bid No. 2005E2(983) The contract documents, specifications and plans can be examined on the Village’s website at www.rvcny.gov. Follow the link to the Purchasing Department. Potential bidders are recommended to participate in a site walkthrough to be completed by May 22, 2020. Please contact Eileen Foglietta at efoglietta@rvcny.us to confirm the date and time of your walk-through. Do not submit bid questions to Eileen.

of RVC dies at 80

John J. Tomaszewski, 80, passed holidays and birthdays. He also enjoyed away peacefully following a stroke on playing golf, travelling, spending time at Thursday, April 30, 2020, at his home the beach, listening to ‘50s music, telling surrounded by his wife, Joan and his silly jokes to his grandchildren and sipchildren Christine, John and Cathy. ping his favorite cocktail, a Manhattan. John was born in the Greenpoint Through it all, he documented precious neighborhood of Brooklyn, a beloved memories with his camera and routineson of Jose ph and Ann ly sent photos to those who Tomaszewski. He had many touched his life. To John, no fond memories of his years g athering was complete at PS 113 in Glendale and without a mandatory group Brooklyn Technical High photo. School. He earned a bachelor For 52 years, John was the of science degree from New devoted husband of Joan. He York University and a juris was the proud and loving d o c t o r d e g re e f ro m S t . father to his three children John’s University School of Christine, John (Laurie) and Law. Cathy (Simon) Burce, and John began his career as the adoring g randpa to a chemical engineer before John J. Tomaszewski Liam, Colin, Patrick, Juliantransitioning to patent law. na, Langston and Elena. He He retired from the law firm is also survived by his of Delio and Peterson in 2009. John and beloved younger brother Joseph (BobJoan have called Rockville Centre home bie), nephews Thomas (Trish) and for nearly 50 years and are faithful James (Ginger) and niece Tracy, and by members of the St. Agnes Cathedral many cousins and friends. He will be Parish community. He was proudly dearly missed by all of his family and engaged in the civic life of Rockville friends. Centre as the co-chairman of the RVC John’s family wishes to thank the Centennial Committee in 1993 and as a staff at Mercy Medical Center for their member of the Board of Commissioners kindness and care for John in his final for the RVC Housing Authority. days. A memorial mass and a celebraJohn cherished his family and tion of John’s life will be held at a later friends and enjoyed hosting parties on date.

Public Notices

All questions should be directed to the Purchasing Department. Please contact Kathy McMahon via email only at k m c m a h o n @ r v c n y. u s. Questions must be submitted no later than May 28, 2020. Award of Contract will be made in accordance with applicable provisions of the law. The Village reserves the right to split awards between multiple bidders or reject all bids, or make such determination as in the best interests of the Village, as provided by law. Purchasing Department Kathy McMahon Purchasing Agent 516-678-9213 121836 LEGAL NOTICE Village of Rockville Centre Nassau County, New York Notice of Board of Zoning Appeals Hearing Date: May 20, 2020 Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 340

Rockville Centre Village Code NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Appeals of the Village of Rockville Centre will hold a Zoning Appeals Hearing via videoconferencing and will be recorded LEGAL NOTICE May 20, 2020 at 7:00 PM Case # 05-2020 - Edward & Carolyn McGoldrick To construct a two story rear addition with interior alterations to a nonconforming two family residence with a proposed lot coverage of 32.9% where 30% is the maximum allowable, and impervious surface coverage of 52.52% where 45.0% is the maximum allowable within a Residence A district. Premises known as 75 Liberty Avenue Case # 06-2020 Matthew & Samantha Talibon To maintain a one story rear addition with proposed lot coverage of 33.9% where 30% is the maximum allowable, proposed impervious

surface coverage of 68.4% where 40.0% is the maximum allowable, and with a proposed side yard setback of 5.0 feet where 8.0 feet is the minimum required within a Residence A district. Premises known as 20 William Street Case # 07-2020 Margaret & George Pottanat To construct a one-story rear addition and interior alterations with proposed impervious surface coverage of 46.6% where 45% is the maximum allowable, and a side yard setback of 5.3 feet where 8.0 feet is the minimum required within a Residence A district. Premises known as 125 Lakeside Drive Case # 08-2020 - Jessica Serva & Russell Witten To construct a front vestibule with a proposed lot coverage of 30.50% where 30% is the maximum allowable, impervious surface coverage of 51.40% where 45% is the maximum allowable, and a front yard setback of

23.8 feet where 30.2 feet is the average on the block and 30.0 feet is the minimum required within a Residence A district. Premises known as 171 Harvard Avenue

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. BRODEUR COMMUNICATIONS, LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York, (SSNY) on 03/26/20. NY Office location: Nassau County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of the process to: 84 Brower Ave., Rockville Centre, NY 11570. Purpose: To engage in any lawful act or activity. 121588 PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES… Printed in this publication can be found online. To search by publication name, go to: www.mypublicnotices.com TO PLACE AND AD CALL 516-569-4000 x 232

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — May 14, 2020

Public Notices John J. Tomaszewski OBITUARY

LROC1 0514

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.

JOB OPPORTUNITY

EMPLOYMENT

Homes

HERALD

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

HOME OF THE WEEK

MECHANIC NEEDED

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

Malverne

Sunny And Quaint!

Auto Experience A Plus Will Train Right Person

MARINA YARD HELP F/T

Administrative Asst. F/T

South Nassau MFR Seeks Professional With Experience To Perform Administrative Tasks Including But Not Limited To Drafting Correspondence, Sending Emails, Data Entry, Filing, Entering Orders, Follow Ups, Scheduling, Communicating With Customers, And Other Tasks As Needed. Must Be Computer Literate. Nice Atmosphere. Benefits. Send Resume To

SubmitResume@bramsonhouse.com JOB OPPORTUNITY $18.50 P/H NYC $16 P/H LI Up to $13.50 P/H UPSTATE NY CDPAP Caregiver Hourly Pay Rate! Under NYS CDPAP Medicaid program you can hire your family or friends for your care. Phone: 347-713-3553

Year Round. Cleaning, Compounding & Wax, Bottom Paint. Must Be Handy With Tools, Have Valid Drivers License, Own Transportation.

Oceanside 516-764-2552 Fax Or E-mail Resume To: 516-678-9087 butchbpms@aol.com

sunny Colonial that is located on a desirable

distance from the heart of town and Long Island Railroad. This home boasts 3 bedrooms, 1/5

Purchasing Agent

baths, beautiful hardwood floors

CALLAHEAD Corp. is seeking a full time purchasing agent with experience. We offer full medical and dental 100% paid, 401k, 2 weeks paid vacation, holiday pay. Must have computer skills, ability to multi task, work in a fast paced environment and be extremely organized. Some duties include receiving and placing daily material orders, negotiating prices, overseeing deliveries, quote request, and checking inventory. Please apply in person Monday- Friday bet: 9am & 7pm at 304 Crossbay Blvd. Broad Channel Queens 11693

and spacious living areas. Some of the features you will also enjoy are a den/living room, an eat-in kitchen which overlooks the spacious yard, a formal dining room and powder room. All are found on the first floor. SD #12.

75 SEAMAN AVENUE, ROCKVILLE CENTRE o: 516.766.7900 | signaturepremier.com

Eileen O'Hara, ABR, GRI, SRES, SFR Associate Real Estate Broker 516.678.1510, c.516.512.4170 eileenohara@danielgale.com eileenohara.danielgale.com

THINKING OF BUYING OR SELLING? Contact one of our hardworking professionals today for all of your real estate needs!

RobertLewis Lewis Robert Real Estate Estate Broker Real

We look forward to providing home buyers and sellers with the highest level of personalized service and support.

The TheGandolfo GandolfoTeam Team

5.17.18

Phone: 516-551-0796 Phone: 516-551-0796 Email: BobLewisNY@gmail.com Email: BobLewisNY@gmail.com Instagram: Instagram:@BobLewisNY @BobLewisNY 2911 Long Beach Road, Oceanside, NY 11572

2911 Long Beach Road

*If your property is currently listed with another brokerage, please disregard. It is not our intention to solicit the listings of other brokerages.

NYworkers, 11572 Thank you to all ourOceanside, healthcare first responders, police officers, firefighters, grocery Interested in selling employees, military service members,your restaurant workers, delivery drivers, teachers, essential home, buying, or investing? service providers, and all those who are working Anto experienced Realtor, former Baldwin High keep our community safe. May all our School Business Educator, local resident for community members stay&safe and stay well.

1081833

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

MLS# 3213542. $575,000

Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty 36 South Park Avenue Rockville Centre, NY 11570 516.678.1510

Outstanding Oceanfront Condo

American AmericanHomes Homes

CENTURY 21 ® Global Rebrand

Panoramic Ocean Views in “The Ocean Club”. Live the Long Beach Lifestyle in this Luxurious Building on the Boardwalk with All The Amenities... Pool, Gym, Party Room, Bike Room, Parking Garage, 24 Hr. Security and Pet Friendly! The Only 3 Bed/2 Bath Unit Renovated And Ready To Go! Just Bring Your Toothbrush! Offered at $725,000 - $749,000

35+ years, I’m an expert in helping people buy,

Call the USA Classified Network today! 1086952

1-800-231-6152

ome and see this lovely

block in Malverne Village a short

© 2018 Century 21 Real Estate LLC. All rights reserved. CENTURY 21® and the CENTURY 21 Logo are registered service marks owned by Century 21 Real Estate LLC. Century 21 Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each office is independently owned and operated. It is your responsibility to ensure that the marketing materials you choose or create are compliant with real estate and other local laws in your area.

Help Wanted

As an experienced Realtor, former Baldwin High School Business sell, & invest in residential andI’m commercial real Educator, & local resident for 35+ years, an expert in helping estate on & Long and and in New York real City. people buy, sell, investIsland in residential commercial estate throughout Long Island Newconfidential York City. Contact me today for aand free,

At consultation this time, all realand estate transactions areappraisal. available virtually. a free market Contact me today for a free, confidential consultation today.

400 Garden City Plaza Suite 438 Garden City, NY 11530

J. Brittany DeVarso Real Estate Salesperson Cell: 516-967-4787 jbdevarso.kwrealty.com

WWW.LIHERALD.COM

1088842

$18.50 P/H NYC • $16 P/H LI CDPAP Caregiver Hourly Pay Rate! Under NYS CDPAP Medicaid program you can hire your family or friends for your care. Phone: 347-713-3553

1080712

May 14, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

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

Let Me Help You Find Your Dream Home Virtually

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SERVICES Appliance Srvc./Repair

APPLIANCE DOCTOR HOUSE CALLS!!

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

FRANKLIN SQUARE: Second Floor, 2 Rooms, Fbth, EIK, Suitable One. No Smoking/ Pets. $1100. Heat/ Water Included. 516-437-6830

LONG BEACH: RENOVATED LARGE 3BR, 2Fbth, EIK, LR, FDR, Upper-Level, Near LIRR/Beach, No Pets. 516-608-2669

ANNOUNCEMENTS

*Washers *Dr yers *Ovens *Ranges *Dishwashers. CFC CERTIFIED REFRIGERATION/ AIR CONDITIONING. INSURED. One Year Guarantee.. "Established 30 Years" Consumer Affairs LICENSE #HO21719000. **$10 OFF Repairs/ $12 Seniors** FREE Service Charge With Repairs. Call The Original Ronny 516-764-7011; 516-536-8664 theappliancedoctorrx.com EMERGENCY SERVICE TODAY...

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

947101

FREE ESTIMATES

Call The WeNKS! 516-889-3200

Father & Son Owned

CALL OR TEXT

LONG ISLAND BUILDING & MAINTENANCE CORP.

LicS/inS H2082290000

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wenkpipingandheating.com

TREE SERVICE fREE ESTIma ESTImaTE

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W eNK

PIPING & HEATING CORP.

10% OFF inc.

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First Responders & Armed Forces

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For New Customer Exp. 12/31/20

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

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

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*Power washing sPecialist*

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

Free estimates...Best Price For High Quality service

BRIAN CONNELLY

SEAmLESS GuTTERS & LEADERS • Installed • Repaired • Cleaned • Vinyl Siding • Roofing • Trim • Over 30 Years Exp. • Lics./Ins.

516-234-4388 / 516-623-8447

1082007

Chimney King, Ent. Inc.

OFF • Tree removal Jobs Under • land Clearing $1,000 $500 Minimum • STump grinding USE COUPON CODE HER2020 USE COUPON CODE HER2020 Cannot be combined with other coupon Cannot be combined with other coupon • pruning We Care More Than The ResT for Less

516-216-2617

OFF

Any Service Call

Jobs Under $1,000

Nass. Lic # H2904450000

1087801

If Your Plumbing STINKS

(516) 587-3971

Vet’s Seniors & All Mail Services

1085480

Office: 516-546-4971 Cell: 516-852-5415

OAFnF-UP 10% G cLE ERS

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* Weekly Lawn Maintenance * * Planting * Seeding * Sod * Trimming * Free Estimates

Specializing

Se Habla Espanol

Licensed & insured

the

BLACKTOP

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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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FINDS UNDER $100

& lANdSCApINg • Tree Removal • Stumps • Fertilization • Planting • Land Clearing • Topping

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Expert Clock Repair 1087771

Apartments For Rent

FRANCISCO’S TREE SERVICE

1076858

HEWLETT OFFICE SPACE 1200 West Broadway One and Two person fully furnished office suites, available within our beautiful offices. Use of Conference room .Full Kitchen & bathrooms. Across the street from the Hewlett LIRR station. Large free parking lot. Call Steven Greenberg at 516-295-0406 ext 204 or email sgreenberg@thegreenberggroup.com

www.garycap.com

LANDSCAPING SERVICES

1084810

Retail Space For Rent

O HOLY ST. Jude, apostle and martyr, great in virtue, rich in miracle, near kinsman to Jesus Christ, faithful intercessor of all who invoked your special patronage in time of need. To you I have recourse from the depth of my heart, and humbly beg great power to come to my assistance. Help me in my present and most urgent petition. (Make your request). In return, I promise to make your name known and cause your name to be invoked. St. Jude, pray for us and all who invoke thy aid. Amen (Pray this 9 times a day for 9 consecutive days. On the 8th day, your prayers will be answered, for this prayer has never been known to fail. Please don't forget St. Jude once your request is granted, as it was for me)

1081306

New homes priced from the low $100's available immediately in active adult 55+ landlease community in Smyrna Delaware. Close to DE Beaches and Dover Downs. Low taxes. 302-659-5800 or www.BonAyreHomes.com

917-642-4308

Novena

REAL ESTATE Real Estate

FOR AN ESTIMATE TEXT:

1078172

www.AllStarRealEstateBrokers.com

FREE

516-578-3590

CAMILLE GIARDINA Licensed RE Broker/Owner Cell: 516-318-1392 Camille@AllStarRealEstateBrokers.com

2949 Long Beach Road, Suite 8 • Oceanside, NY, 11572 Phone 516.766.8200

WATER WELLS INSTALLED FOR YOUR LAWN SPRINKLER

1088414

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JUAN JARA Licensed RE Broker Associate Cell: 516-318-0142 Juan@AllStarRealEstateBrokers.com

FREE WATER

2-4 YEAR PAYBACK FROM YOUR WATER BILL SAVINGS

We’re All In This Together. Stay Home, Stay Safe! Wishing you all well. 1087329

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

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — May 14, 2020

Place Homes HERALD Market •

HERALD

Renovate or tear down? Q. I just bought a house that needs a lot of attention. It has little if any insulation, a sagging first floor, cloth-covered wiring with only a few three-pronged outlets that I doubt are grounded, and water stains in the ceilings. I’m thinking it may be cheaper to tear down, so I want to look Ask The into making the new house totally state-of-the-art, Architect meaning energy-efficient and storm-resistant, with computerized, wireless controls for a new boiler, sound system, lighting and security. I just wonder if, after investing in all this, is it worth it? Am I overimproving and out-pricing the house so I’ll never get my money back? A. Home ownership

Monte Leeper

is a challenge in many ways. For some, a home is a place to shelter, sleep, cook and entertain. For others it’s a little more like a place to enjoy time by a fireplace and a haven to relax or turn into a laboratory of gadgets and gizmos. If you’re concerned about value versus overpricing, then, other than a basic home, more upgrades are relative to comparable homes in the area. Making your home more, I often tell homebuyers, is based on your level of expected benefit and how long you hope to live there to enjoy the rewards of your hard work. State-of-the-art is ever-changing. Decide why you need the upgrades and how long they will last. If the upgrades have a return on investment, like superior insulation that reduces energy bills, solar electric or water heating, reflective or wind-resistant roofing and siding or radiant heat, then reducing bills makes the value greater. Adding a superior sound system, built-in computer and voice-controlled appliances, or a swimming pool and outdoor kitchen, are luxury items that may either become outdated or increase maintenance and insurance costs, which can actually lower the attractiveness to some future buyers who are looking at affordability. The traditional home, built 100 years ago up to the present, has basically the same structural configuration, either using amateur or unsound guessing to be over- or under-built or, since around the 1950s, a more enforced, regulated engineered construction. It’s pretty costly to just throw a home away, so you have to be sure to compare the existing with a replacement. Good design starts with sight orientation, the sun, winds, sounds and adherence to municipal zoning requirements. Decide if the size and shape of the existing home are a benefit or not. Insulated windows that allow uniform daytime lighting save energy. Properly sized overhangs screen harsh summer sun rays and allow windows to be open during a rain for fresh air. Look at what you have, what needs are not being met and how costly the renovation will be before starting over. If the home has a lot of dry-rotted structure or a crumbing or sinking foundation, replacement makes sense. If not, consider what’s useful to keep, and start from there with a trained, licensed professional. Good luck! © 2020 Monte Leeper Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.

HERALD

Stuff

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

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

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. WE ARE AN ESSENTIAL BUSINESS 516-785-0646 Lic/Ins.

Education

Home Improvement

Cleaned, Repaired & Replaced Also Specializing in Roofing & Siding No job too big or small Lic. #H2709920000. Ins. Free Est. 516-234-4388 or 516-623-8447

Miscellaneous DISH TV $59.99 For 190 Channels + $14.95 High Speed Internet. Free Installation, Smart HD DVR Included, Free Voice R e m o t e . S o m e r e s t r i c t i o n s a p p l y. 1-888-609-9405 GET DIRECTV! ONLY $35/month! 155 Channels & 1000s of Shows/Movies On Demand (w/SELECT All Included Package.) PLUS Stream on Up to FIVE Screens Simultaneously at No Additional Cost. Call DIRECTV 1-888-534-6918 SAVE ON YOUR NEXT PRESCRIPTION! World Health Link. Price Match Guarantee! Prescriptions Required. CIPA Certified. Over 1500 medications available. CALL To d a y F o r A F r e e P r i c e Q u o t e . 1-866-569-7986 Call Now!

Plumbing PLUMBER! PLUMBER! PLUMBER! FREE ESTIMATES! Heating, Repairs, Installations. $25 OFF New Customers. 24 Hour Emergency Response. 516-599-1011

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

Sprinkler Syst./Irrig.Wells

• Spring Turn-Ons

• Installations/Renovations Service • Repairs

Certified Backflow Tester Joe Barbato 516-826-7700

AUTOMOBILE & MARINE

Junk Cars Wanted

Autos For Sale

All Cars Bought, 24/7 FREE Pickup, Serving Nassau County 41 Years. No Title, No Keys=No Problem ID Required. CALL US LAST! Call us at 516-766-0000

MERCEDES BENZ E350, 2006: 4-Matic, 70K Miles, Excellent Condition. Must See! $12,000. 516-603-8697

Motorcycles For Sale VOLKSWAGEN, PASSAT, 2002. 1.8 Turbo, Leather, 95K Miles. Good Condition, Needs Engine Work. $1,300Neg. 917-446-0124

Answers

MOTORCYCLE: BMW R1200 MONTAUK, 2004. Pristine, Like New Condition, Low Mileage, Light Blue, $5,500. 516-313-3425

to todAy’s puzzle

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Health & Fitness

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HErald

Crossword Puzzle

OPINIONS

’m trying to find the right word. Is it “hate” or “jealousy”? I’m not sure what the right label is for us East Coast residents, but it seems that a substantial number of Republicans in the U.S. Senate and House have a built-in hostility toward us. This dislike goes back many years, and may even be tied to the Civil War. Every time an eastern state asks for help from certain Congress members, it is met with a mean rebuff and a tirade. One great example is the Sept. 11 first responders, many of whom have died JERRY from their expoKREMER sure to toxins at the World Trade Center site. Considering that 3,000 innocent people died in the terrorist attacks and thousands of first responders risked their lives trying to save them, Lower Manhattan should be considered hallowed ground. Nevertheless, it took years before the Long Island congressional delegation and other state officials persuaded Congress to approve a long-term extension of disability payments for those heroes. The fight against that effort was led by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Ken-

tucky. A number of Republicans from around the country who fought against the aid request backed him up. Republicans are now looking for ways to stick it to New York and other coastal states that are drowning in debt created by the coronavirus pandemic. The relief bills passed by Congress showed great favoritism to some Midwestern states at our expense. Businesses in Nebraska and North Dakota were treated better than suffering New Yorkers. More pandemic hospital gear went to Florida than to our health facilities, and most of it wasn’t needed. New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Massachusetts, which have large populations, are essentially being told that they’re not entitled to more financial assistance because they are “blue” states. Gov. Andrew Cuomo has told McConnell that we’re dealing with life and death, not party registration. McConnell has gone out of his way to single out New York, claiming that our deficit was due to high pension costs and that we had no legitimate need. Once he staked out his position, he was joined by senators from Iowa, Wisconsin and Arizona, who pledged that the Northeast would get nothing as long as they were in the Senate. Sen. Rick Scott of Florida, whose state is home to millions of trans-

planted Easterners, chimed in with his own diatribe against the northern states. What is fascinating about this meanspirited attack against New York is that these same senators aren’t reluctant to visit Wall Street to beg for campaign cash. A few years ago, when Florida Sen. Marco Rubio spoke out against directing money to the dying first responders, U.S. Rep. Peter King, who represents many of us, told Wall Street money people to withhold contributions to Rubio or any other member who opposed the 9/11 aid. New York state had more than 335,000 cases of Covid19 as of Monday morning, the most in the country. Our hospitals and their personnel have been under enormous strain keeping up with this terrible virus. We are paying a high premium for masks, gowns and other desperately needed items, and the federal government has been accused of intercepting and diverting medical supplies from several states. Police and firefighters are working long shifts in order to keep up with the emergency demands of sick people. There are sad stories about the death of first responders and thousands of other local people every day. Another obligation of the government, in the event of a future epidemic, should be to coordinate the food supply. It is a trag-

elief bills passed by Congress favored some Midwestern states at our expense.

edy to see farmers destroying millions of pounds of crops and dumping fresh milk while hungry people are lining up at food banks all over the country. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue knows a lot about the farm business, but he has been clueless about how to move products to those in need. And, of course, Republicans in the Senate oppose expansion of the food stamp program for people in need. As a former state legislator who crafted budgets for 12 years, I understand that state deficits are connected to the number of Medicaid patients and the high demand for human services. School districts have always been given a high priority in state spending plans, but this year they face dramatic cuts. That means higher school taxes, and guess who will pay the bill? New York state’s fiscal crisis is tied directly to the high cost of health care, education and other ways in which it meets people’s needs. The Republican claim that deficits are tied to pension costs is an outright lie. But, if I have to choose between jealousy or hate to describe what they feel toward us coastal states, I think both words apply. 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.

Will this plague lead to a new dark age?

ometimes a black hole opens in a culture and civility falls in. History teaches us that sometimes, good will and decency are trumped by avarice and authoritarianism. Read the stories of the Salem witch trials, the genocide of the Holocaust, the purges in Rwanda and the “ethnic cleansing” in the Balkans, and you begin to connect the dots. I think we are on the cusp of such a moment, and I fear for our future. The cracks in the foundation of our culture began with the election of Donald Trump to the presidency and his very first lies about the crowd size at his inauguRANDI ration, a seemingly KREISS small false note that presaged disaster. Over the ensuing years he systematically dismantled many well-functioning stanchions of government, fired legions of experienced government officials and replaced them with sycophants and hacks. The ground rumbled as he attacked the trusted agencies to which America has turned in times of trouble: the CIA and the

FBI. When the information coming from these bureaus reflected badly on him or his administration, Trump undermined their credibility, and by doing that, their efficacy. The crack widened with sick appeals to the racists and the know-nothings and the haters among us. Then, because sometimes we are caught in the confluence of a perfect storm, the coronavirus pandemic struck. It is the worst time to suffer through the worst epidemic in a generation, with the worst leader who has ever risen to power in the United States of America. Bad luck all around. We are living through a nightmare of unnecessary deaths caused not by disease alone, but by mismanagement and incompetence. From the beginning, Trump lied about the pandemic and what government was doing to stop its spread. He missed every single opportunity to make it better. Most disturbing, the lying and corruption at the top are trickling down. The crazies, the anti-vaxers and the hoax-mongers are having their moment. And they are being encouraged by the president, who ignores guidance from the best and brightest scientists and doctors we have in the

fight. Now, this week, I am seeing the black hole in our society opening wide. Who will fall in? The most vulnerable, of course. People will go back to work, not because anything at all has changed as far as the spread of Covid-19 is concerned, but because they need to support themselves. Because the president missed the opportunity to control the spread of disease, he tells the meat packers they have to show up. He knows they will go home to parents and grandparents and spread the disease. The cost of doing business. This is now the acceptable sacrifice: that tens of thousands, perhaps hundreds of thousands of working people and older people, especially those in nursing homes, will die so the economy can stumble forward. It did not have to be this way. There will be a virtual culling of old people in this country. To accept this calculated loss of life isn’t just un-American; it is depraved. Yet here we are. The way forward from this mismanaged crisis is difficult and complicated. We need reliable testing so we can know who is sick, we need contact tracing when someone

he crazies, the antivaxers and the hoax-mongers are having their moment.

falls ill, and we need the truth, most of all, on a daily basis, from a reliable source. Most people who need to work and have work will work. But it is the federal government’s responsibility to see that the tests and protections that can make that process safer are in place. Enough dissembling from the president. The fact that he has frequently deployed the “witch hunt” defense, from the Mueller investigation to the impeachment hearings to his handling of the pandemic, is exquisite irony. He is the witch hunter in chief, going after news outlets, reporters, political opponents and now even iconic scientists like Anthony Fauci, who are the only source of reliable information on the pandemic. As one of the characters said in “The Crucible,” the story of the Salem witch trials, “I’ll tell you what’s walking Salem — vengeance is walking Salem. We are what we always were in Salem, but now the little crazy children are jangling the keys of the kingdom, and common vengeance writes the law!” Their prey may be riding different imaginary broomsticks these days, but Trump’s witch hunters are still sowing havoc and reaping revenge. Copyright 2020 Randi Kreiss. Randi can be reached at randik3@aol.com.

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — May 14, 2020

New York & company: the states Republicans love to hate

HERALD EDITORIAL

Rockville Centre

May 14, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

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Stay strong, Nassau

he weekend was cold and windy, which likely prevented many people from venturing outside to potentially crowded spaces like the Jones Beach Boardwalk. For now, that’s a good thing. The more people stay home, the better. The coronavirus breeds among those in close contact. We know, however, that people will grow increasingly eager to get outside and see one another as the weeks wear on. Nonessential workers have been at home for eight weeks, and Nassau County Executive Laura Curran warned last Friday that it could be another six weeks before the economy fully reopens downstate. Hospitalizations, Cuomo explained, are declining but remain persistently high, and the fear is that opening the economy will lead to a spike in the Covid-19 infection rate — and thus the hospitalization rate, which could, in turn, increase the death rate. Deaths have declined to a quarter of what they were at the virus’s peak on April 9, when a staggering 799 people died overnight. From May 10 to 11, by contrast, 161 died. We mustn’t focus solely on statistics, though. Each reported death is a grandmother or grandfather, mother or father, wife or husband, sister or brother. Someone like Mike Field, a Valley Stream emergency medical technician and 9/11 first responder. He died on April 8 at Mount Sinai South Nassau hospital, of complications of Covid-19. He caught it after transporting a patient. He was 59. Or Jim Adelis. He died April 4, at age 67. He organized Trees for Troops each year at Dees’ Nursery in Oceanside, sending Christmas trees to our troops overseas. And there are so many more. We must not forget them. Their memories should haunt us over the coming

Where to find help ■ The Long Island Crisis Center in Bellmore is a 24-hour suicide-prevention hotline. Its motto is, “Any problem. Any time. Anyone.” It can be reached at (516) 679-1111 24 hours a day, seven days a week. ■ The North Shore Child and Family Guidance Center is a nonprofit chilweeks. If they don’t, we may be tempted to let up on social distancing. We may forget to wash our hands and wear masks. But we simply can’t, or others will die. Make no mistake: We will be tempted to let up. Warmer weather is almost here, and we’ll all feel spring fever. We will desperately want to get out of the house and spend time with family members, friends and coworkers with whom we have interacted only via Zoom for weeks. We’ll want to return to our favorite restaurants and bars, shops and museums, ballparks and bowling alleys. We must be smart, however, and heed Cuomo’s warnings. We must understand that the coronavirus is an indiscriminate, remorseless killer. We may no longer want to hide, but until the government tells us it’s safe to return to life as normal, we must stay strong and abide by the rules. In the end, we will eradicate this disease, but doing so will require patience and diligence — and, yes, a vaccine. We understand the need to reopen the economy. People fear losing their livelihoods, and worry about paying their mortgages and putting food on the table. A second surge of the virus, however, could be deadlier than the first, and keeping hospitalization and death rates at the lowest

■

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LETTERS Ending racial disparities To the Editor: The coronavirus epidemic has shone a bright light on already existing racial disparities in health outcomes. Our African-American and Latino communities are experiencing a disproportionate impact from Covid-19. This is unacceptable, and I wanted to take a moment to share with you how Nassau County is working to close the gap: ■ We created a hotline, (516) 396-7500, where all symptomatic residents can make appointments for Covid-19 viral testing, regardless of insurance and immigration status, in partnership with our community clinics run by Long Island Federally Qualified Health Centers. In addition to increasing testing capacity in the Freeport, Hempstead, Elmont and Westbury centers, the county is covering the cost of staff, and provid-

dren’s mental health agency. It can be reached at (516) 997-2926. ■ The Nassau County Office of Mental Health, Chemical Dependency and Developmental Disabilities Services can be reached at (516) 227-7057.

possible levels is a bit like balancing a scale. If too many people fail to socially distance, then we will tip the scale in the virus’s favor. That could lead to a second, longer shutdown of the economy, and possibly a second Great Recession, or even a depression. The federal government has put in place a number of programs, amounting to billions of dollars, to aid desperate New Yorkers. It likely isn’t enough, and as we have written in recent weeks, more needs to be done — the government must help fund states’ annual budgets to guard against cutbacks to schools, hospitals, and fire and police departments. There is funding, though, providing at least temporary relief, helping Long Islanders survive the next month and a half. Accessing that money may require persistence and a load of paperwork, but at least Congress allocated the funds, which are only now starting to stream through our local economy. If you are feeling desperate, understand that you’re not alone. There are tried and true institutions here in Nassau County to aid people in need at times like these (see box).

OPINIONS

ew York state’s Division of Licensing Services has adopted new regulations to address widespread housing discrimination. They take effect on June 20, and represent an important step forward. Yet much more state action is needed. The regulations come in response to irrefutable evidence of housing discrimination on Long Island. That was the focus of a joint hearing held on Long Island in December by three State Senate committees, at which I testified on behalf of ERASE Racism. But the problem ELAINE isn’t limited to GROSS Long Island. It is statewide and systemic. That’s why more state action is needed. The Senate committees’ hearing was sparked by Newsday’s three-year investigation of real estate sales practices on Long Island. It exposed widespread evidence of civil rights violations, employing a research technique — involving paired testers (one white, the other “of color”) and the expertise of the Fair Housing Justice Center — that mirrored an earlier investigation by ERASE Racism that demonstrated racial discrimination in real estate rental practices.

The problem, however, is not limited to sales or rental markets, or even to real estate. Stark patterns of residential racial segregation are evident across New York and the United States. They are the result of intentional, coordinated actions of federal, state and local governments, the housing and banking industries, and other institutions over many decades. Those patterns have been sustained by those institutions, which all need to work aggressively to end them. The new Division of Licensing Services regulations require real estate brokers and their employees and agents to notify — and obtain signed disclosure forms from — prospective buyers, sellers, renters and landlords about antidiscrimination laws. They also require the prominent display of information about how customers can file complaints about the services provided with the licensing agency. The new regulations thereby send two clear messages to real estate agents. First, the state has underscored that they must abide by fair housing statutes, and that their license to practice is contingent on compliance. Second, the state has clarified that the Division of Licensing Services plays a vital role in fair housing enforcement.

This step should, however, be just the first of many by the state. At the joint hearing in December, ERASE Racism and the Fair Housing Justice Center proposed a five-point plan for New York, with the following core points:

e should support programs that expand access to housing in all neighborhoods.

■ Create a well-resourced, proactive, and better-coordinated fair housing enforcement strategy. Complaints of discrimination must be investigated in a timely and thorough manner, but significant resources must also be devoted to conducting proactive testing investigations, since victims of discrimination usually don’t know what properties they were not shown. ■ The real estate industry should take affirmative steps to ensure compliance with fair housing laws. The Long Island Board of Realtors has a special responsibility here, but industry-wide action is needed. That action should include the

LETTERS ing testing kits, personal protective equipment and other essential items. ■ We have funded food distribution sites that have already begun providing meals in our hardest-hit communities, including Hempstead, Uniondale, Freeport and Levittown. We are adding more locations throughout the county. ■ Last year, I hired Andrea Ault-Brutus to serve as our first coordinator of health care equity. This is already helping us increase access to health care and improve outcomes in our communities of color. ■ I have conducted Zoom discussions with African-American and Hispanic community leaders, clergy and the NAACP. The conversations have been critical in understanding and addressing concerns in the community. We will keep working to provide critical resources to every community, and we will keep fighting for better health care for all our residents — during and after this crisis. Stay strong. LAURA CURRAN Nassau County executive

Small businesses need relief To the Editor: The news outlets are bombarding us with

■ Fully utilize the licensing power of the state to better regulate real estate licensees. The new regulations respond to that recommendation. The Division of Licensing Services should also determine whether licensees have engaged in conduct that warrants disciplinary action, including possible suspension or revocation of licenses.

talk about Covid-19 statistics, the Small Business Administration snafu and more. Small businesses, however, are often overlooked in the media. As a Schedule C tax filer, I am eligible to collect Pandemic Unemployment Assistance under the CARES Act. The program enables me to collect benefits even though I am a sole proprietor. I applied for PUA on March 16. I have been certifying for benefits every week. Throughout this time my online account with the state Department of Labor says that my case is still pending. There has been no change to my status, and with the exception of a single payment of $600, I have seen nothing. I keep receiving assurances that the system is backlogged, and that eventually I will get everything that I am entitled to back to day one. Despite my best efforts, and the efforts of my state representatives, I cannot get a definitive answer as to when I will start seeing regular payments. Two months later, I am out of patience and money. Time and effort are being funneled into case tracking, SBA fixes and hospital preparedness. There is no discussion about greasing the process at the Department of Labor. Many self-employed friends of mine are in the same situation. We wait patiently for an answer that is never forthcoming. The system is broken and needs a rapid fix. The governor tells us that we have to continue to

hiring of more diverse sales forces.

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — May 14, 2020

More state action is needed for fair housing

’m “h ■ Affirmatively further fair housing in wh all housing and community development Co activities at the local, state and federal substan levels. New York’s Human Rights Law U.S. Se should be amended in two ways: 1) to tility to explicitly prohibit discriminatory action many y by local public agencies involved in hous- Civil W ing, land use and zoning, or community development to ensure that their efforts are not perpetuating segregation by making housing unavailable based on race or national origin, and 2) to require state agencies and departments, local jurisdictions, public housing authorities and other public entities receiving state or federal funds for housing and community development to “affirmatively further fair housing” and take no action materially inconsistent with that.

■ New York State should implement fair housing legislative initiatives, policy changes, and support for programs that expand access to housing opportunities in ering th all neighborhoods. Among other actions, terrori respon the state should enact an “equitable share” housing plan and establish a mini- them, L ered ha mum affordable housing goal for every Nev community. Long Is All five of these steps need to be imple- other s mented for New York to achieve fair hous- approv ing statewide. ty paym agains Elaine Gross is president of Long Island- Majori based ERASE Racism.

FRAMEWORK Courtesy Ryan McDonough

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A public space designed by the architect Antoni Gaudí — Park Guell, Barcelona

shelter in place and not reopen our businesses. If that is the case, then we need economic relief. I would have no problem remaining closed if I had the funding I so desperately need. Without it, I have two alternatives: file for bankruptcy or reopen my business. It is incumbent upon

the governor to ease the unemploy-ensuin tled ma ment bottleneck. govern STEPHEN WANGELgovern Lynbrookwith sy The Wangel owns the Kitchen Loft. trusted turned

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