Rockville Centre Herald 08-19-2021

_____________ ROCKVILLE CENTRE ____________

HERALD

1-S

BACK - TO - SCHOOL 1 — Herald Community Newspapers

August 19, 2021

— August 19, 2021

Resetting Expectations

$1.00

BTS: Resetting Expectations

Live music from the front porch

Longtime RVC librarian retires

Pull-out

Page 3

Page 4

VOL. 32 NO. 34

AUGUST 19 - 25, 2021

RVC schools superintendent steps down

By MIKE SMOLLINS msmollins@liherald.com

Tom Carrozza/Herald

Happy to have a new home Backyard Players Co-founders Ryan Delaney, Cristina Daly and Ellen White in front of their new building, which will enable them to bring art and theater programs to special-education students. Story, more photos, Page 9.

Rockville Centre Superintend e n t Ju n e C h a n g announced his resignation on Tuesday, though he will not leave the position for nine months.

In a letter obtained by the Herald, Chang wrote that he reached the decision to tender his resignation to the June school board after “much reflection.”

“We have overcome many obstacles together during the most challenging of times,” he wrote, “and I will always be

grateful for the opportunity to have served the RVC schools community. However, after careful consideration with my family, I have decided to pursue other opportunities.” Chang did n o t s p e c i f y wh a t those opportunities were.

He added that district educators are passionate, students are committed to excellence and that it Chang was a “great pleasure” to serve as superintendent.

Calls to Chang were not immediately returned at press CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

Parents have plenty to say about school mask mandate

By MIKE SMOLLINS msmollins@liherald.com

Rockville Centre School District officials recently announced that all students will be required to wear masks indoors and on buses at the start of the school year — a decision that has been met with mixed reactions from parents.

In a letter to the community on Aug. 12, Superintendent June Chang wrote that administrators were awaiting updated reopening guidelines from the State Education Department before finalizing a return-to-school plan. However, Chang added, a reopening committee recently

met to discuss the best, and safest, ways for students to return to school amid the threat of the coronavirus’s Delta variant and rising Covid-19 numbers across the county.

The committee determined that all students must wear face coverings inside, but will not have to do so outdoors, citing the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

“The decision to require masks indoors and on buses for everyone is based on expert medical recommendations endorsed by the CDC and AAP,” Chang wrote. “Both organizations

strongly recommend universal mask wearing in schools regardless of vaccination status.”

Chang, who announced his resignation after the letter, did not return a request for comment, while Board of Education President John O’Shea said the mask mandate would remain a priority until more guidance is given from health experts.

In addition to the mask mandate, all activities and classes will be conducted in-person, and remote learning will no longer be offered, though special cases could lead to some home-schooling. Barriers will be removed from all buildings, and temperature checks and screenings will

not be conducted at school. Deep cleaning measures will continue, Chang wrote, while contact tracing and quarantining of students or staff will follow Nassau County Department of Health guidelines, and all positive Covid-19 cases will be reported to the Health Department.

Laura Vaccaro Seeger, who represents the Rockville Centre

Democratic Club, said she was among the parents who were in favor of the mask mandate, and believed it could be used as a teaching tool for children.

“I find it so disappointing that we’re missing a terrific opportunity to teach and show our children what it means to have empathy,” Vaccaro Seeger said, CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

KOC seeks funds to help Mercy Hospital The St. Agnes Knights of Columbus Council No. 2548 needs support to fund stateof-the-art newborn hearing screening equipment for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Mercy Hospital.

In New York, all newborn babies are required to have their hearing checked before going home. The purpose of the screening is to check a newborn’s ability to hear and to help identify babies who might require further testing. It is a much needed resource for Mercy, and would enable staff to assess each case more accurately and efficiently to help each baby reach the best quality of life possible.

To make a donation, Venmo @kofc2548 or mail a check payable to the St. Agnes Knights of Columbus to Phil Paoli, Grand Knight, 18 Buckingham Road, Rockville Centre, 11570.

For every $1 donated, St. Agnes will give $3 to the cause. For more information, call (516) 507-7793.

Compiled by Mike Smollins

Courtesy MMC

THE ST. AGNES Knights of Columbus Council No. 2548 is collecting donations to help fund hearing screening equipment at Mercy Hospital.

1140469

August 19, 2021 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD

2

Playing on the Porch to showcase local artists

ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — August 19, 2021

By MIKE SMOLLINS msmollins@liherald.com

The sound of live music will echo through the village next month as Playing on the Porch returns to Rockville Centre, when many local artists will perform a musical showcase on their porches, driveways and front lawns.

The free event is sponsored by the village’s Chamber of Commerce and scheduled for Sept. 18 from 3 to 6 p.m., with a rain date the next day at the same time.

Playing on the Porch is a village-wide, family-friendly event in which residents turn their homes into intimate performing stages.

The event launched in 2019 with two-dozen participants performing mini-concerts, giving residents and visitors the chance to enjoy home-grown talent and connect with neighbors. Though it was canceled in 2020 amid the peak of the coronavirus pandemic, the event returns this year to help provide entertainment to residents.

Aside from showcasing local talent, one major part of the event is helping to support local businesses.

Attendees are encouraged to visit one or more of the many local coffee shops, restaurants and bars along the route in between performances. Many establishments will offer special discounts tied to the event.

The deadline to register to participate in a performance in Sept. 1. In order to perform, participants must live in Rockville Centre and perform at a village location. All musical genres and instruments are welcome and solo artists are also eligible. Performers don’t get paid to participate and streets will remain open to cars,

Courtesy RVC Chamber of Commerce

AFTER BEING CANCELED due to the coronavirus pandemic last year, Playing on the Porch returns to Rockville Centre on Sept. 18. At the inaugural event in 2019, Tri State Alehouse performed on Pine Street. bikers and pedestrians.

Those who perform at their homes are encouraged to inform their neighbors beforehand, and to provide a few seats for those who need it while playing at a respectable sound level. Guests are encouraged to bring chairs and walk or bike along the route from home to

home.

Maps of participating homes will be available in September at local businesses and online at the chamber’s website. Musicians and singers are encouraged to participate. For more information, including registration details, visit rvcchamber.com.

Curran vetoes first responder measure

By CRISTINA ARROYO RODRIGUEZ carroyo@liherald.com

On Aug. 10, Nassau County Executive Laura Curran vetoed bill 187-21 that would increase protections for all first responders, including police officers, auxiliary police officers, corrections officers, paid and volunteer firefighters and emergency medical technicians, by imposing civil penalties of up to $50,000 per incident against anyone who assaults, menaces or harasses current and former members of this protected class.

Before her decision, Curran reached out to the Attorney General Letitia James’s office for guidance on whether the bill “strikes the proper legal balance between the government’s responsibility to protect its uniformed personnel and its duty not to interfere with the ability of the people to exercise their civil rights legally without fear of penalty.”

Curran first commended first responders, including police who supported the bill. “I’m proud of the dedicated first responders who’ve made Nassau the safest county in America,” she said, “and I continue to stand firmly with the brave men and women of law enforcement, and against any efforts to ‘defund the police.’“ In her statement, Curran cited the attorney general’s advice: “The guidance provided by the New York state attorney general raises issues about the constitutionality of the proposed law, which would inhibit residents’ rights to free speech and protest. The proposed bill is well-intentioned, but should not come at

3

the costs of the basic First Amendment freedoms that we all enjoy as Americans.”

The attorney general’s letter, drafted

by Rick Sawyer, special counsel for hate crimes, echoed County Legislator Siela Bynoe and Legislator Carrie Solages’s words when they voted against the bill on Aug. 3, saying the measure, if it were to become law, could be used to “chill protected speech.”

Nassau County Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association President James McDermott, who is to retire Sept. 1, issued a statement: “We are very disappointed in the actions of County Executive Curran vetoing a piece of legislation that was created in direct response to the increase in discrimination and violence toward our membership in the last few years.”

The County Legislature’s Republican majority echoed McDermott in its own statement, which read, “It’s unfortunate that the county executive has vetoed this bill that would help to deter the assault, menacing and harassment of police officers and other first responders.”

The county has not provided comprehensive data on the number of discriminatory or violent incidents that NCPD members have been subjected to. Both Curran and NCPD Commissioner Ryder had touted last year’s civil rights protests in the county as largely peaceful, with one officer injured.

Meanwhile, according to a June county police report, this year Black people were almost three times more likely to lodge formal complaints against the NCPD than whites, as was the case during an incident

Cristina Arroyo Rodriguez/Herald

MEMBERS OF LONG Advocates for Police Accountability sat on the floor of the legislative chambers on Aug.3 as speakers railed against the measure to add police protections. of forcible arrest of three men during a June 2020 protest in East Meadow, which was referred to James for review.

Civil rights groups and activists across Nassau have continued to send letters and protest the bill, as a supermajority of 13 in the Legislature could override Curran’s veto. The Aug. 3 vote in the Legislature was 12 to 6, with 11 Republican members voting for the bill, in addition to Democratic Legislator Delia DeRiggiWhitton. Republican Legislator William Gaylor was not present to vote.

The bill’s sponsor, Legislator Joshua Lafazan, an independent who caucuses with the Democrats, responded to the

veto, saying, “As a lawmaker, I, of course, respect the opinion of New York Attorney General Tish James. Therefore, I respect the county executive’s decision to veto this bill based on the AG’s guidance and will not vote to override County Executive Curran.”

Republican lawmakers said they would formally receive Curran’s veto at the Legislature’s next meeting Sept. 27. The majority would then have 30 days to schedule a vote, which would land about a week before the Nov. 2 election, when Curran and all 19 county legislative seats will be up for election.

GUEST COLUMN

NEIGHBORS IN THE NEWS

Opioid settlements and special fund to fight epidemic Recently, I joined my colleagues in the Nassau County Le gislature in approving more than $100 million in settlements with pharmaceutical companies that helped fuel the heroin and opioid epidemic.

The settlements are part of a class action lawsuit now underway in federal court in Central Islip that was initiated by Nassau and Suffolk counties and New York state during Nassau’s previous administration against manufacturers, distributors and pharmacies seeking to recover for the untold damage resulting from the opioid epidemic. ill Significantly, this money will be put into a special revenue fund created by the Legislative Majority to make sure every dollar received from these settlements will go toward prevention, treatment and education programs specifically targeting opioid abuse. Without the special fund, the settlement proceeds would be placed into the county’s general fund, where they could be spent for purposes wholly unrelated to the opioid crisis. I recall when the state promised that lottery proceeds would go toward education, only to have the state engage in a shell game where education received little to no benefit.

In recent years, we have made significant progress in the battle against opi-

B

G

oid abuse. The progress was due to the dedicated efforts of community leaders, law enforcement agencies, our Health Department, healthcare professionals and others. Unfortunately, during the pandemic, opioid abuse has increased, including, tragically, overdose deaths. Obtaining these settlements and ensuring that these funds are fully dedicated toward fighting the opioid epidemi c w i l l g o a l o n g w ay toward winning this battle.

While the recent settlement involves a number of opioid manufacturers and phar macies, four major defendants remain, and the aylor trial is continuing, so there may be some additional funds beyond the recent agreements. As the lawsuit moves forward in court, I will provide any further updates of significance. In the meantime, we are prepared to ensure that as soon as any settlement funds are received, they will go toward funding the key programs to help address the opioid challenges we face moving forward.

Gaylor is a county legislator for Legislative District 6, which comprises Malverne, Lynbrook, North Lynbrook, Valley Stream and portions of Rockville Centre, Hewlett, Franklin Square and Woodmere.

Courtesy Kaminsky Press

A career for the books Eileen Burke Bucaria was recognized for her retirement from the Rockville Centre Library board after more than 20 years of service on Aug. 13. Taking part were, from left, board President Michael Ludwig, Assemblywoman Judy Griffin, Burke Bucaria, State Sen. Todd Kaminsky and Library Director Cathy Overton.

NEWS BRIEF Syracuse University hoops star to host camp at Freidberg Jewish Community Center Syracuse University Basketball star Eric Devendorf is coming to the Freidberg JCC in Oceanside to host a basketball camp.

Fresh off the million-dollar win in The Basketball Tournament earlier this month on ESPN, Devendorf and friends will be conducting a one-week, half-day

camp for 8 to 14-year-olds on the fundamentals of basketball.

There are a few spots still open to join the camp, which runs from Aug. 23 to 27 from 9 a.m. to noon. Players can sign up for individual days or the full week.

For more information, call Jordan at (516) 322-4710.

Infections as of Aug. 12

2,495

COMMUNITY UPDATE _____________

rockville centre ____________

HERALD HOW TO REACH US

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

MAIN PHONE: (516) 569-4000 ■ WEB SITE: www.liherald.com/rockvillecentre ■ E-MAIl: Letters and other submissions: rvceditor@liherald.com ■ EDITORIAl DEPARTMENT: Ext. 205 E-mail: rvceditor@liherald.com Fax: (516) 569-4942

Infections as of Aug. 5 2,348

nd! la Is g n o L , s o b b a h S Good Friday, August 20 Candle lighting: 7:28

Torah reading: Ki’Seitze Shabbos ends at 8:35

Five Towns times from calendar of The White Shul in Far Rockaway

Count on The Jewish Star for real news about Israel … local Jewish news … and a carefully curated menu of opinion … in a compact format every week.

■ SUBSCRIPTIONS: Press ”7” E-mail: circ@liherald.com Fax: (516) 569-4942 ■ ClASSIFIED ADVERTISING: Ext. 286 E-mail: ereynolds@liherald.com Fax: (516) 622-7460 ■ DISPlAY ADVERTISING: Ext. 249 E-mail: sales@liherald.com Fax: (516) 569-4643 The Rockville Centre Herald USPS 74660, is published every Thursday by Richner Communications, Inc., 2 Endo Blvd. Garden City, NY 11530. Periodicals postage paid at Garden City, NY 11530 and additional mailing offices. Postmaster send address changes to Rockville Centre Herald, 2 Endo Blvd. Garden City, NY 11530. Newsstand Price: $1 Subscription rates: $50 for 1 year within Nassau County. Out of Nassau County: $60 for 1 year. Copyright © 2021 Richner Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.

www.TheJewishStar.com

LI’s BEST Jewish newspaper • Kosher and Fat-Free

1141071

August 19, 2021 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD

4

Proud supporters of Zionism, the national liberation movement of the Jewish people.

Mask mandate stirs school controversy

5

be inoculated, and another daughter in “and to do something uncomfortable in elementary school who is not eligible, order to protect the children, teachers and and she believed that masking students was the correct decision. “As a parent of staff, as well as the community at large.”

Kristin Schwab, a physician with a an elementary-age child who is not yet old enough to be vaccinated, 6-year-old son who will start it gives me some comfort to first grade at William S. know that she will be protectCovert Elementary School ed,” Ferrari said. “I think next month, said she was people are making far too “100 percent in favor of much of an issue with wearmasks,” noting that there is a ing masks. I’d be more upset higher case positivity rate if my kid had to do virtual than there was at this time schooling again and couldn’t last year, and that the variant co-mingle with other kids on is more contagious. the playground.”

“Masks are a proven meaBut Brian Piccola had a sure to help mitigate the different opinion. He and his spread of Covid-19,” Schwab wife have lived in the village said. “My son has no problem for 20 years, and raised two wearing his mask to keep daughters who will attend himself and those around South Side High School this him safe.” fall, he said, and he was She added that she works “furious” about the mask with Covid-19 patients, that mandate. children are getting sicker “There is zero, literally because of the transmissibil- JUNE CHANG zero, science and data at this ity of the Delta variant, and Superintendent point to support this manthat proper precautions need date,” Piccola said. “. . . It to be taken until people of all was proven last year beyond any reasonages are eligible to receive vaccines.

“As a physician, I can tell you that able doubt that schools were not the being hospitalized and poked and prod- super spreaders all these ridiculous ded has far worse repercussions for chil- experts thought they were going to be. dren than wearing a mask,” Schwab said. Covid poses almost no risk to children Kathleen Ferrari said she has a daugh- and teenagers. Mask wearing should be ter in middle school who is scheduled to optional, plain and simple.”

District’s return-to-school guidelines

L

ong Island and Nassau County are currently at substantial infection rates, and the Covid-19 delta variant is highly contagious.

OIL ChangE

Mobil Clean 5w-30 Bulk Motor Oil • Up To 4 Quarts Mobil Oil • Plus 9 pt. Car Check • Replace Oil Filter • Foreign Add $5.00

9

$ 95

WITHOUT COUPON $24.95 Cartridge Filter, High End & Foreign Cars & Different Oil Grades Additional. Exp. 9/30/21

super synthetiC oiL Change

$

• Up To 4 Quarts • Replace Oil Filter • Lube Vehicle • Plus 9 pt. Car Check • Foreign Add $5.00

49

95 reg $86.95

Some Vehicles May Require Add’l Oil & Cartridge Filter At An Add’l Cost. High End Cars And Different Grades Additional.

With Coupon. Expires 9/30/21

the air you are breathing in when your aC is on

breathe CLeaN air

$

49 now

95

Filter Installation Included In Most Cars. Some Cars May Have An Additional Charge. With Coupon. Expires 9/30/21

$

63

95

Some vehicles may require add’l oil & cartridge filter at an add’l cost

High End Cars Additional. Foreign Add $5.

With Coupon. Exp. 9/30/21

MOTORCYCLE And TRAiLER inSPECTiOnS

need a refreshing treat? we now offer shakes & dip n dots

COMPLETE LINE OF AUTOMOTIVE REPAIRS FORGEIGN & DOMESTIC

ATM

Body Work • Detailing Paintless Dent Removal Window Tinting • Auto Glass Painted Pin Striping

(as served in ammusement parks)

temperature checks in schools or on buses. Temperature checks should be done at home.

■ Masks will be required indoors and on buses for everyone. (The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have issued a quarantine exception for kindergartners through high school seniors for close contacts. If students have wellfitting masks, they will not be subject to quarantine, and therefore will not have to miss days of school.)

■ Remote learning will not be provided; students will have access to work through the teacher if needed. As always, home-schooling is an option.

■ Masks will not be required outdoors.

■ Barriers will be removed from classrooms.

■ There will be no daily screenings or Anthony Pizziatolla offered a similar sentiment. He said his child was starting second grade, and he favored having a choice when it comes to facial coverings.

“Making masks optional would have been the right decision,” he said. “Those parents who want to mask their kids would have the option to do so, while allowing us who do not the option as well.”

In his letter, Chang wrote that infor-

■ • All school-related activities will be in-person.

■ Cleaning measures will continue.

■ Contact tracing and quarantines will follow Nassau County Department of Health protocols.

■ The district will report positive Covid19 cases to the Health Department.

mation is rapidly evolving, and that the administration would update the community as needed. “Please also note that Long Island and Nassau County are currently at substantial infection rates, and the Covid-19 delta variant is highly contagious,” he wrote. “In the current climate, it is vital to follow expert medical guidance to ensure the safety and well-being of our students and staff.”

3 part fueL inJeCtion serviCe originally $174.90 now

$

119

75

With Coupon. Expires 9/30/21

transmission system fLuid fLush

oiL Change • Up To 4 Quarts Mobil 1 Oil • Replace Oil Filter • Check All Fluids, Front End, Belts & Hoses

■ Schools will open with pre-pandemic schedules and procedures and will be fully in-person.

originally $149.95 now

we are proud to offer a 10% disCount to aLL of our front Line heroes and to aLL seniors. save $50 to get that new Car Look ook

INQUIRE ABOUT OUR MOTORCYCLE REPAIR CENTER

and feeL & be CompLeteLyy sanitized

fuLL Car detaiL inside & out STarTing aT

79 ANTON’S

$

95

Labor only. All OEM Fluid Additional Fluid Types and Quantities Vary. With Coupon. Expires 9/30/21

$

225

95

originally $275.95

heLp wanted Cashiers RETIREES WELCOME

With Coupon. Expires 9/30/21

C A R C A R E C E n T E R, LT d.

345 Sunrise Hwy. • Rockville Centre • 678-2064

1141039

Cabin air fiLter repLaCement speCiaL throughout this pandemiC this wiLL sanitize

®

ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — August 19, 2021

CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE

August 19, 2021 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD

6

EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

COMMUNITY UPDATE Thursday, Aug. 19

Wednesday, Aug. 25

RVC Heroes Day

Simply Stronger with Marilyn Bunger

The Rockville Centre Public Library hosts members of the police and fire department and their gear and vehicles. No registration required. Starts at 10 a.m.

Certified instructor Marilyn Bunger leads this exercise class to enhance strength and flexibility. Starts at 9:30 a.m.

Current Events discussion

Professor James Coll lectures on Interrogation: Understanding Miranda v. Arizona. Register for this virtual event on the RVC library website.

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

Thursday Yoga with Joe

RVC Trustees Special Meeting

Certified yoga instructor Joe Climi leads the class designed to accommodate the needs of people who may have difficulty with more traditional approaches. Event starts at 2:45 p.m.

The RVC Village Board of Trustees meet for a special meeting at Village Hall at 4 p.m.

The Constitution and Current Affairs

Distant Worlds: Sci-Fi and Fantasy Discussion Read and discuss Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro. Register online at the RVC library website. Starts at 7 p.m.

Live Author Event with Sarah Penner Join Sarah Penner, author of The Lost Apothecary, for a discussion of her debut novel. Register online at the RVC Library website for this virtual event.

Starts at 7 p.m.

Cook & Share (Live on Zoom) Make something at home and talk about it. Discuss ingredients, measuring, and how your family liked it. Register online at the RVC library website to register for this virtual event. Starts at 7 p.m.

Friday, August 20 Tricia’s Flicks: A League of Their Own The Rockville Centre library hosts a screening of A League of Their Own in the Helen Kraus Room. Masks are required and seating is limited.

Family Night in the Park The village hosts another Friday night at the Village Green at 6 p.m filled with concerts, performances, and food trucks.

Herald File Photo

Fourth Battalion parade

4th Battalion Parade The RVCFD hosts its Fourth Battalion Parade and Drill leading from Parking Lot 12 on Sunrise Highway to Fireman’s Field at South Side High School.

Parade will step off at 6 p.m.

Monday, August 23 Chef Rob: Facebook Live Join Chef Rob for a virtual guide for making peach and prosciutto flatbread.

Register at the link on the RVC library website. Event starts at 7 p.m.

Meditation with Maryclare MaryClare Chiofalo leads this meditation class designed to help you

l l l l l

RVC Junior Fire Dept. Car Wash

The RVCFD hosts its Fourth Battalion Parade on Saturday, Aug. 21 at 6 p.m. The parade starts at Parking Lot 12 along Sunrise Highway and goes to Firemen’s Field at South Side High School.

Saturday, Aug. 21

destress, relax, and focus. Register online at the RVC Library website.

Starts at 7 p.m.

Tuesday, August 24 Chi Gong with Marianna Farina Farina’s exercise class returns for a session of ten classes. Registration required through the RVC Library on Zoom. Starts 10:30 a.m.

Tuesday Yoga with Joe Mini-Session Certified yoga instructor Joe Cilmi leads the class designed to accommodate the needs of people who may have difficulty with more traditional approaches. Register online at the RVC library website. Event starts at 12:15 p.m.

Sunday, August 29

Lord of the Rings Role-Playing Game (Live on Zoom) Venture to Middle Earth, get immersed in the story, and emerge a hero. Register online at the RVC library website for this virtual event. Starts at 4 p.m.

What to Watch?

Join moderator Michael Matuszewski and library staff member Rob Siegel in a discussion about what everyone is currently watching on television, through the Rockville Centre Public Library. The discussion will take place over Zoom and registration is required.

The link will be emailed one hour prior to the 7:30 p.m. start time.

The Rockville Centre Junior Fire Department will be holding its car wash at 9:30 a.m. at 103 Maple Avenue.

HAVING AN EVENT? Items on the Community Update pages are listed free of charge. The Herald welcomes listings of upcoming events, community meetings and items of public interest.

All submissions should include date, time and location of the event, cost, and a contact name and phone number. Submissions can be emailed to rvceditor@liherald.com

The Rockville Links hosts the 2nd Annual Golf Outing Benefitting Camp Anchor on Aug. 23 at 9 a.m.

The RVC Library holds its virtual Take & Make pre-recorded arts and crafts session on Aug. 24.

The RVC Farmers Market opens each Sunday from 7 a.m. to noon in parking lot 12 on Sunrise Highway.

The RVC Library hosts a virtual Parent-Child book discussion on Aug. 26 at 7 p.m.

Video Game Meetup meets live on Zoom through the RVC library on Aug. 26 at 7 p.m.

7

ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — August 19, 2021

Curran gears up early for fall campaign

By James Bernstein jbernstein@liherald.com

Laura Curran has apparently decided not to wait until after Labor Day, the traditional beginning of fall political campaigns, to kick-start her drive for a second term as Nassau County executive.

Curran, 53, a Democrat, held a rally on a sweltering Saturday afternoon outside the Theodore Roosevelt Executive and Legislative Building in Mineola, where bottled water was handed out with blue campaign signs.

The county executive announced her intention to run for re-election in May. After her 20-minute speech to about 100 supporters Saturday, Curran acknowledged that it is early to campaign.

“The election is three months off,” she said. “But it’s important for people to know where we are going. We will be persistent to build back” after the pandemic.

Curran said her fall campaign would focus on “fully funding” law enforcement, expanding access to mental health, developing multi-year plans for a balanced budget, supporting small businesses and promoting job growth.

Her opponent in the fall campaign will be Hempstead Town Councilman Bruce Blakeman, 65, a Republican who lives in Atlantic Beach. Blakeman has run for several offices before, including for a seat in Congress.

Blakeman has said his campaign will be all about taxes.

Curran, who lives in Baldwin, worked as a reporter for The New York Daily News and New York Post and as an editor at Herald Community Newspapers and was a Baldwin Board of Education member before winning a seat in the County Legislature.

In 2017, she defeated Republican Jack Martins to become the first woman to be elected Nassau County exec-

Christina Daly/Herald

Laura Curran spoke to about 100 supporters outside county office building on a sweltering Saturday afternoon. utive.

On Saturday, Curran was endorsed by John Durso, president of the 250,000-member Long Island Federation of Labor.

“I’m proud to lend my support to someone who is one of us,” Durso told the crowd. He said the federation’s support for candidates has not always been unanimous. “But this time,” Durso said, “it’s Laura.”

Her friend and neighbor, Naala Royale, owner of a Rockville Centre restaurant, told the crowd that Curran “lives in a normal house, walks her dog and sometimes holds press conferences on her front lawn. For us, that’s

Laura.”

In her speech, Curran outlined a series of programs on which her campaign would be based. One program includes fighting crime. She noted that she, Nassau Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder and other officials recently broke ground on a new $54 million, 89,000-square-foot police academy on the Nassau Community College campus in Garden City.

She emphasized that Nassau was recently named the safest community in the United States by U.S. News and World Report. “That doesn’t happen by accident,” Curran said. It came about as the result of work by her administration, the police department and residents.

But her veto of a bill earlier this month to give first responders the right to sue under the county Human Rights Law when they face harassment disappointed police union leaders, including Nassau Police Benevolent Association President James McDermott. Curran cited a new opinion by the office of state Attorney General Letitia James questioning the constitutionality of the bill.

Under her administration, Curran said, the county had received its first positive bond rating from Wall Street in 15 years. Moody’s revised its outlook on the county to positive from stable while affirming its A2 rating, citing three straight years of improved financial results.

Curran also said the county had recently reached a critical milestone in the Bay Park Conveyance Project with the County Legislature’s unanimous approval of a design-build contract with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and Western Bays Constructors Joint Venture. The $439 million Bay Park Conveyance Project is designed to restore the ecosystem and water quality in the Western Bays by conveying treated effluent from the Bay Park Sewage Treatment Plant to the Cedar Creek Water Pollution Control Plant’s ocean outfall pipe through underground tunnels.

I’ve joined Compass Helping you find your place in the world.

Karen Elefante Licensed Real Estate Salesperson karen.elefante@compass.com M: 516.398.5055 O: 516.408.2231

Now open in Rockville Centre 100 Merrick Road, Suite 430W Rockville Centre, NY 11570

Karen Elefante is a real estate agent affiliated with Compass.

Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by equal housing opportunity laws.

1140332

August 19, 2021 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD

8

9

HERE WE GROW AGAIN!!

Backyard Players find new home in RVC

By TOM CARROZZA tcarrozza@liherald.com

Late last month, a new sign on Long Beach Road sparked curiosity among some Rockville Centre residents. In welcoming blue letters on a white backdrop, it reads, “The Backyard” with “An Inclusive Community” beneath it. Though it’s a new storefront, the group that will open it in early September is a community mainstay: the Backyard Players and Friends.

The nonprofit, arts-based group has been around for the last decade as an extension of South Side High School’s Centre Stage program, which works with students in the Special Education Department to stage an annual theatrical production. The Backyard Players have made a comeback during the coronavirus pandemic, which has led to the opening of the storefront.

The group has used facilities at Molloy College, the John A. Anderson Recreation Center, Sportset, the Knights of Columbus, St. Mark’s Church and Nursery School and the Rockville Centre Public Library in the past, though the pandemic paused all indoor activities. “We didn’t really have a place,” said Ellen White, a co-director of the Backyard Players. “So we were really at a great risk of losing our program.”

That could have had a major impact on the community, White said, noting that she and Co-directors Ryan Delaney and Cristina Daly have served those in need for many years. The drop-off in social activities for people with developmental disabilities after high school is so severe, White said, that it’s known as “falling off the cliff.”

The Backyard Players give participants a chance to socialize while learning about theater, yoga, photography, dance, writing and art. Classes have attracted almost 50 people, giving administrators another reason to open the new facility.

Kaitlin Christenson, a participant in the program for over three years, lauded the staff ’s work. “They’re like our second

family,” she said. “They’re the reason we’re here.”

Elena O’Donnell is a member of the group’s board of directors. Her son, Ryan, 21, graduated from South Side High School in June, and she noted that even though he is non-verbal, he has blossomed socially because of Centre Stage and the Backyard Players. “Our kids can’t really have play dates at their house,” O’Donnell said. “The program and the new building give them a place to all gather safely, be more independent and socialize.”

With locations harder to find and staff members to pay, the program was in dire straits until the co-directors applied for a small-business loan from Barstool Sports’ Barstool Fund. Daly’s son Owen suggested that she apply for the funding, and the Backyard Players were chosen earlier this year. Since then, the publicity has helped the group acquire several other grants, which in turn have helped it establish new programs.

“It was scary, but with support from everybody, we were able to get through it,” Daly said. “With the new space, we’re excited to show everyone what their money did.”

With Covid-19 vaccinations increasing and the Recreation Center returning to regular operations, White, Daly and Delaney started looking for a permanent home. One day last year, when White was in the Polka Dot Pound Cake store on Long Beach Road, its owner, Lisa Umansky, suggested the vacant storefront next door as a location.

Construction inside of the building started this week, and programs are expected to start in late September. The fall schedule will starts in the third week of the month, with events at the Recreation Center and the new building until it is complete.

White said that with the new facility, the group can control its own destiny, and the directors can more easily create a schedule of events. “I think it’s most exciting for our families to know we’re secure now,” she said.

and Totnastics,Too!

Beginner To Competitive

of Oceanside & Bellmore

Early Childhood Development Mommy & Me Classes

Birthday Parties

Is Coming Soon To Lynbrook This Fall 2021...

Call for Details

516-548-7474 Formerly Fun Zone!!

Visit Our Website at ICanGymnastics.com To View Our Other Facilities and What We Will Have To Offer Located at:

40 Rocklyn Ave • Lynbrook

516-548-7474

SEE THE LARGEST AND MOST EQUIPPED GYMNASIUM ON LONG ISLAND

1140993

Tom Carrozza/Herald

KAITIN CHRISTENSON TOOK part in one of the Backyard Players’ yoga classes at the Recreation Center.

ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — August 19, 2021

ALL AMERICAN GYMNASTICS

High school football camps kick off Aug. 23

By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com

Three months and three weeks after Massapequa, Garden City, Manhasset and Wantagh captured Nassau football championships, all 53 programs in the county will start preparing for a new season Aug. 23.

All scrimmages, two regular-season games, one round of playoffs and the Long Island championships were eliminated this past spring as the 2020 season was delayed six months. It’ll be back to the eight-game grind and eight playoff teams per conference this fall.

Conference IV, which has 13 teams, will begin the season one week before the rest of the county and all but three of its schools won’t have the benefit of a scrimmage. A handful of games, including West Hempstead at Malverne, are set for under the lights on Friday, Sept. 3. A full schedule will kick off the following weekend, with the majority of games taking place Saturday, Sept. 11.

Garden City, which has captured five straight Conference II titles, is the only defending county champion seeded No. 1 in its respective conference. Massapequa is No. 2 in Conference I behind Oceanside, Manhasset, the reigning Rutgers Cup champ, is ranked sixth in Conference III, while Wantagh is seeded second behind Plainedge. With Wantagh’s jump to III, North Shore earned the No. 1 seed in IV.

Cyclones were in Conference II last season.

10 Games To Watch Sept. 18 Sept. 24 Oct. 2 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 9 Oct. 23 Oct. 23 Oct. 23 Oct. 30

Notable coaching changes

MacArthur at V.S. Central Plainedge at South Side Carey at Elmont Massapequa at Oceanside South Side at Wantagh Clarke at Seaford Carey at Baldwin MacArthur at Garden City Wantagh at Plainedge Calhoun at Mepham

Garden City opens against an unfamiliar opponent. Baldwin, in Conference II for the first time, visits the Trojans on Sept. 11. Massapequa travels to East Meadow, Manhasset visits Bethpage, and Wantagh hosts Valley Stream North.

Five teams switch conferences

Of the five programs taking on new conference rivals this September, more than half joined Conference II: Baldwin, Herricks and Glen Cove are seeded No. 9, 10 and 13, respectively. It’s the first time Baldwin will not play in the top conference. Wantagh is back in its longtime stomping grounds of Conference III, which includes South Side again after the

For the first time since the late 1980s, someone other than Stephen Carroll is leading Baldwin as its head coach. Frank Chimienti, former head coach at Valley Stream Central and an assistant at Freeport for the past five seasons, has taken over the helm and is thrilled about the energy displayed by the Bruins during summer workouts.

“It’s not like I’m taking over a program in need of a rebuild,” Chimienti said. “Baldwin has such a great tradition and there’s a lot of talent around.”

Making their head coaching debuts in September will be Frank Baglivo at Clarke and Kevin O’Hagan at East Meadow.

A former assistant under Rob Perpall at Seaford, Michael Corcoran returns to lead the Vikings.

OcEaNSIdE quarTErBack charLIE McKee won the Thorp Award last season, given to the top player in Nassau County.

Christina Daly/Herald

MID SUMMER SPECIAL

100 00

$

IRRIGATION & LANDSCAPING LIGHTING SPECIALISTS

FOR A NEW INSTALL ATION

ANY NEW INSTALLATION WITH THIS AD

SERVING LONG ISLAND

FOR OVER 50 YEARS! We can install a custom designed sprinkler system for your home without any damage to your existing lawn and shrubs.

New Installations Revamping of Existing Systems Winterize & Summerize Rain Sensors Landscape Lighting Specialists Certified Backflow Testers

THE MOST RECOGNIZABLE SERVICE VAN IN THE SPRINKLER INDUSTRY...

AND WE HAVE 25 ON THE ROAD EACH DAY TO SERVE YOU!

w w w. L a w n S p r i n k l e r s . c o m

516-486-7500 // 333 Baldwin Road Hempstead, NY 11550 NASSAU COUNTY LICENSE HI815700000

SUFFOLK COUNTY LICENSE 1629-RP/3462-RE

1140956

• • • • • •

1141017

August 19, 2021 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD

10

11

ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — August 19, 2021

Arsenio Medical is now part of Northwell Health Physician Partners.

After many years of proudly serving our community, Arsenio Medical is now part of Northwell Health Physician Partners.

Northwell Health Physician Partners Medicine at Lawrence 215 Rockaway Turnpike Lawrence, NY 11559 Dominic Spera, MD Neil Smith, MD Matteo Spera, MD Sam Yee, MD Call (516) 374-5024 for an appointment.

Over 480 convenient locations.

Most insurance accepted.

Learn more at Northwell.edu/PhysicianPartners.

1138005

The board certified internal medicine, family medicine, and physical medicine & rehabilitation doctors of Northwell Health are dedicated to providing high quality compassionate care. Using the latest research and technology, we coordinate care plans personalized for each patient’s needs, with a focus on wellness.

August 19, 2021 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD

12

June Chang announces his resignation CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE time.

Board of Education President John O’Shea said he was “completely caught off guard” by Chang’s decision, but understood that he wanted to pursue other career paths.

Due to the nature of Chang’s contract, he must remain in the job until May 11, 2022, at the earliest, but because he decided to leave on his own and was not forced out, O’Shea said, the school board has no obligation to pay him beyond that date.

O’Shea said that Chang informed the board of his decision on Aug. 11, and that the trustees planned to grant his request at their next public meeting on Aug. 25. He added that school officials would start the search for a new superintendent right away, in order to find a suitable candidate by the time Chang’s contract expires.

Chang began his tenure last July 1, succeeding Dr. William Johnson, who worked for the district for 40 years, including 34 as superintendent. After Johnson announced that he would retire at the end of the 201920 school year, the board began interviewing search firms and chose Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates, which held focus groups and community forums and conducted an online survey before the board ultimately hired Chang after an exhaustive search.

“We’re very disappointed,” O’Shea said. “We spent a lot of time picking him out and recruiting him, and had high

Courtesy RVC Schools

ROCKVILLE CENTRE SUPERINTENDENT of Schools June Chang announced his resignation on Tuesday, a little over a year after taking the position. hopes for him to stay at least for the five years’ worth of his original contract. It’s disappointing to be put into a place where we have to start that search all over again.”

Chang took over amid the coronavirus pandemic, and has faced several controversies recently, including many parents’ railing against the administration’s deci-

sion to make masks mandatory this school year, and the school board’s vote not to rehire South Side High School girls’ varsity soccer coach Jennifer Abgarian and assistant coach Chris Aloisi. Chang and Carol Roseto, the district’s director of physical education, health and athletics, recommended bringing the coaches back, but ultimately the board voted 3-2 on July

21 not to rehire them, a decision that led to some community outcry and a rally in protest.

“I don’t think the mask issue had any bearing on it, because at this point, we kind of feel like half the people want masks and half the people don’t,” O’Shea said. “The soccer coaches were definitely something. [Chang] recommended them, and the board decided not to [rehire them], so I don’t know [how that would have factored] into his decision.”

“Covid was a hard year,” O’Shea added.

“I can’t imagine the difficulties he faced coming into such an odd year. I would imagine it had an effect on his decision, but we had no prior knowledge that it was going to happen.”

Chang began his career as a teacher in Paterson and New Milford, N.J., and then became a district curriculum supervisor and Holocaust education program supervisor in the Jersey City Public Schools. He worked in Midland Park as an assistant principal and director of education and professional development, and was appointed superintendent of the Summit Public School District in 2015.

Chang earned a bachelor’s in English from Rutgers University, a master’s in education from St. Peter’s University and an MBA from Columbia Business School.

“Moving forward, I wish nothing but the best for the district,” he wrote, “and I am committed to assisting in a smooth transition.”

GRAND OPENING 3RD LOCATION GRAND OPENINGOF OF OUR OUR 3RD LOCATION WE AREN’T REINVENTING CHINESE FOOD...

WE AREN’T REINVENTING CHINESE FOOD...

WE’RE JUST DOING IT RIGHT! WE’RE JUST DOING IT RIGHT!

GRAND OPENING

10% OFF GRAND OPEN YOUR ORDER

ASK ABOUT OUR ZOODLE LO MEIN & PASTRAMI EGG ROLLS!

CATERING FOR ALL OCCASIONS

2798 Long Beach Rd. Oceanside, NY 516-992-0909

ONLINE & MOBILE ORDERING

10% O YOUR OR

Valid w/Coupon Only • Not Valid With Any Other Offer • Pick Up Only Not Valid on Delivery • One Coupon Per Order • Exp 9/30/21

We Accept:

1140415

394810HS081121

FIND US ON OUT OUR ZOODLE DANNYSCHINESEKITCHEN.COM 2798 Long Beach Rd. IN & PASTRAMI OUR GOAL IS TO WOW YOUR TASTE BUDS & WE DO THAT BY GETTING BACKNYTO BASICS...

Oceanside, 1. THE FRESHEST INGREDIENTS 2. AUTHENTIC FLAVORS 3. LOVING WHAT WE DO! 516-992-0909 GG ROLLS! Valid w/Coupon Only • Not Valid With Any Other Offer • BUSINESS HOURS Not Valid onMON-SAT Delivery • One Coupon Per Order • Exp 2798 Long Beach Rd., Oceanside, NY • 516-992-0909 11AM-9PM ONLINE &(Across MOBILE ORDERING SUNDAY 12PM-9PM From Nathan’s) FOR ALL OCCASIONS FIND US ON DANNYSCHINESEKITCHEN.COM

13

ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — August 19, 2021

DISCOVER THE FINEST IN SENIOR LIVING THE BRISTAL AT NORTH WOODMERE

The Bristal Assisted Living has been serving seniors and their families in the tri-state area since 2000, offering independent and assisted living, as well as state-of-the-art memory care programs. We are committed to helping residents remain independent, while providing peace of mind that expert care is available, if needed. On-site services and amenities include daily housekeeping, gourmet meals, a cinema, salon, plus so much more. Discover a vibrant community, countless social events with new friends, and a luxurious lifestyle that you will only find at The Bristal.

SCHEDULE YOUR VISIT TODAY! THE BRISTAL AT NORTH WOODMERE 477 Hungry Harbor Road | 516.246.6955

AN ENGEL BURMAN COMMUNITY

Licensed by the State Department of Health. Eligible for Most Long Term Care Policies. Equal Housing Opportunity.

1140562

For a list of all locations in the tri-state area, visit: THEBRISTAL.COM

MEET LONG ISLAND’S TEAM FOR BRAIN & SPINE CARE Nassau Neurosurgeons Michael H. Brisman, M.D. Trigeminal Neuralgia Brain Tumors

Suffolk Neurosurgeons William J. Sonstein, M.D. Spine Surgery

Ramin Rak, M.D. Spine Surgery Brain Tumors

Alan Mechanic, M.D.

Jeffrey A. Brown, M.D.

Artem Y. Vaynmen, M.D.

Neuropathic Facial Pain

Spine Surgery

General Neurosurgery Spine Surgery

Stephen T. Onesti, M.D.

Donald S. Krieff, D.O.

Spine Surgery

Spine Surgery

Sachin N. Shah, M.D.

Zachariah M. George, M.D.

Spine Surgery

Spine Surgery

Vladimir Y. Dadashev, M.D.

Alexandros D. Zouzias, M.D.

Spine Surgery

Spine Surgery

Benjamin R. Cohen, M.D.

Daniel M. Birk, M.D.

Spine Surgery

Spine Surgery

Xavier P.J. Gaudin, D.O.

Raymond Baule, M.D.

Spine Surgery

Spine Surgery

Jonathan L. Brisman, M.D. Neurovascular Neurosurgery Endovascular Neurosurgery Brain Tumors

Brian J. Snyder, M.D. Parkinson’s Surgery Epilepsy Surgery Pain Surgery

John A. Grant, M.D. Pediatric Neurosurgery Neurovascular Neurosurgery Brain Tumors

Paolo A. Bolognese, M.D. Chiari I Malformation Syringomyelia

Robert N. Holtzman, M.D. General Neurosurgery Spine Surgery

Neuropsychology

Yusef I. Mosley, M.D. Spine Surgery

Gad Klein, Ph.D.

Neuroendovascular Surgery

John Pile-Spellman, M.D.

Neuropsychology

Neuroendovascular Surgery

Neuro-Oncology

Sundeep Mangla, M.D. Neuroendovascular Surgery

Jai Grewal, M.D. Neuro-Oncology

(844) NSPC-DOC | nspc.com Scan here to request a consultation

In-Network with The Empire Plan (NYSHIP)

Jae Choi, M.D. Cerebrovascular Neurology 1139998

August 19, 2021 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD

14

MSSN to welcome a new president

Christina Daly/Herald

MOUNT SINAI SOUTH Nassau Hospital Chief Medial Officer Dr. Adhi Sharma, left, will succeed Richard Murphy as president on Sept. 1.

Sharma “has the confidence of the board, the health system and, most importantly, the front-line staff to lead us going forward. He showed his mettle during the pandemic every day, and we know he is the right leader for the job.”

Sharma said he was honored to be selected and will continue to help the hospital grow into a major regional medical center on the South Shore.

“It is with great humility and apprecia-

Public Notices

LROC1 0819

LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU INDEX NO. 611432/2019 D/O/F: August 20, 2019 SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS Plaintiffs Address: 3110 Riverside Drive Wantagh, NY 11793 BASIS OF VENUE: 531 Jefferson Avenue, Rockville Centre, NY 11570 JEFFREY BRITE, Plaintiff, -against99A SOMERS LLC; BRIAN CORRIETTE; if living, and if he be dead, grantees, mortgagees, lienors, heirs, devisees, distributees or successors in interest of such of them as may be dead, their husbands and wives, heirs, devisees, distributees and successors in interest, all of whom and whose names and places of residence are unknown to Plaintiff; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK;

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA “JOHN DOES” AND “JANES DOES”, AND “XYZ CORPORATION 1-10” said names being fictitious, parties intended being possible tenants or occupants of premises, and corporations, other entities or parsons who claim, or may claim, a lien against the premises, Defendants.

TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in this action, and to serve a copy of your Answer, or, if the Complaint is not served with this Summons, to serve a Notice of Appearance on the Plaintiff’s Attorneys within twenty (20) days after service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service, where service is made by delivery upon you personally within the State, or within thirty (30) days after completion of service where service is made in any other manner, and in case of

your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the complaint.

TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: The foregoing Summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an Order of the Hon. David P. Sullivan, a Justice of the Supreme Court, Nassau County, entered July 29, 2021 and filed with the complaint and other papers in the Nassau County Clerk’s Office.

THE OBJECT OF THE ACTION is to foreclose a mortgage recorded in said Clerk’s Office on January 26, 2018 in Instrument Number: 2018-8351, Book: M, Volume: 42644, Page 653, covering premises k/a 531 Jefferson Avenue, Rockville Centre, NY 11570 a/k/a Section 38, Block 106, Lots 216 and 217.

TO THE DEFENDANTS, except 99A SOMERS LLC, BRIAN CORRIETTE: The Plaintiff makes no

personal claim against you in this action.

TO THE DEFENDANTS: 99A SOMERS LLC, BRIAN CORRIETTE: If you have obtained an order of discharge from the Bankruptcy court, which includes this debt, and you have not reaffirmed your liability for this debt, this law firm is not alleging that you have any personal liability for this debt and does not seek a money judgment against you. Even if a discharge has been obtained, this lawsuit to foreclose the mortgage will continue and we will seek a judgment authorizing the sale of the mortgaged premises.

Dated: 7/29/21 Sandy J. Stolar, Esq. THE MARGOLIN & WEINREB LAW GROUP, LLP Attorneys for Plaintiff 165 Eileen Way, Suite 101 Syosset, New York 11791 516-921-3838 127054

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

tion for the dedicated clinical and support staff at the hospital that I have accepted the role as president for Mount Sinai South Nassau,” Sharma said. “The hospital is one of the leading facilities on Long Island, and its relationship with the Mount Sinai Health System has only enhanced its standing within the communities it serves. Together with the board and the clinical leadership, I look forward to setting a vision for the hospital that will carry it well into the 21st century.”

Mur phy, who led the hospital’s response after Superstorm Sandy and during the pandemic, helped launch a $400 million capital construction program to modernize the Oceanside hospital and helped guide the facility to an affiliation in 2019 with the world-renowned Mount Sinai Health System. Murphy praised the selection of Sharma and said he would work during the coming months to ensure a smooth transition.

“It has been my privilege to serve as CEO for Mount Sinai South Nassau,”

Murphy said. “I’m appreciative of the board of directors and medical staff leadership for the support they have given me through the many challenges we have faced, including most recently the hospital’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic.. . .

Dr. Sharma is an excellent choice to be my successor. He has the confidence of the medical staff and the entire hospital community, including the leadership of the Mount Sinai Health System.”

Murphy was praised for his work and dedication by Fennessy, Cancellieri, Kenneth Davis, the chief executive officer of the Mount Sinai Health System, and Arthur Klein, the president of the Mount Sinai Health Network.

Expansion projects on the hospital’s main campus in Oceanside include a new four-story patient wing that will expand the Emergency Department, add nine new operating rooms and 40 critical care beds, a three-story parking structure and a new central utility plant. Also planned is a $40 million Medical Arts Pavilion at the hospital’s Long Beach campus, and a multi-specialty health care center in Wantagh that will provide an array of specialty services in one location to South Shore residents in eastern Nassau County.

Sharma has been responsible for facilitating medical staff interactions with hospital administration and the governing board, and for ensuring the effective and efficient delivery of quality medical care consistent with the hospital’s mission. He also has been instrumental in identifying opportunities for service line development and expansion, as well as the recruitment and retention of specialist physicians.

Sharma is a graduate of New York Medical College in Valhalla, N.Y., and completed his residency in emergency medicine at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine at Jacobi/Montefiore Medical Centers. He completed a fellowship in Medical Toxicology at NYU/Bellevue. He is board certified in emergency medicine and medical toxicology. He also holds a master’s degree in health care administration from George Washington University in Washington, D.C. Courtesy Mount Sinai South Nassau; compiled by Mike Smollins.

OBITUARY RVC native Nora Finnegan dies at 82 Rockville Centre native Nora Finnegan died on Aug. 6. She was 82.

Born on Jan. 31, 1939, she went on to marry Michael Finnegan, and they had three children.

In addition to Michael, Finnegan is survived by her children, Veronica, Noreen Kempinski (Chester) and Sharon (Michael); her grandchildren,

Joseph, Chester, Cassandra, Finn and Lainey; and her brother, George, as well as many loving nieces and nephews.

The family received visitors on Aug. 9 at Macken Mortuary in Rockville Centre. Her funeral Mass was on Aug. 10 at St. Agnes Cathedral, followed by her burial at St. Charles Cemetery.

Nora Finnegan

ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — August 19, 2021

Dr. Adhi Sharma will become president of Mount Sinai South Nassau hospital in Oceanside on Sept. 1, the medical center’s board of directors announced Tuesday.

Sharma, an emergency medicine physician who helped steer MSSN’s Covid-19 response as its chief medical officer, will succeed Richard Murphy, who will retire at the end of the year. Murphy has served as president for nine years and has worked in leadership roles in the health care field for more than four decades.

Over the past 18 months, Sharma was the clinical “quarterback” of MSSN’s pandemic response, while also serving as the hospital’s executive vice president for clinical and professional affairs. Under his guidance, the hospital increased capacity to 500 beds as it cared for more than 4,890 Covid-19 patients during the pandemic.

Sharma also helped devise a strategy to meet daily unforeseen challenges, such as redeploying staff to meet the surge in Covid-19 patients, an equipment shortage and care for patients stricken by a disease for which there is no known cure.

“Dr. Sharma has proven he is the kind of leader we need to continue our expansion of leading-edge clinical program growth,” said Joseph Fennessy, of Wantagh, co-chair of the hospital’s board of directors, which conducted a months-long search for a new hospital president.

“Mount Sinai South Nassau is posed to expand services to the South Shore so our patients and their families don’t always have to travel into the city for the advanced care they need. Dr. Sharma shares the board’s vision to bring more top-quality care close to home.”

Anthony Cancellieri, of Rockville Centre, co-chair of the hospital’s board, said

15

HERALD

Employment

CLASSIFIED

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

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

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

LAWRENCE PUBLIC SCHOOLS

teacher aides & teacher aide suBs (HS Diploma Required)

nysed Fingerprint clearance required for all positions.

516-295-7036

SUBSTITUTE SECURITY AIDES Salary: $15.00 per hour District Wide Candidate must have continuing possession of NYS registration as a security guard issued by the NYS Department of State.

Security and/or law enforcement experience preferred.

SCHOOL HALL MONITORS

SCHOOL NURSE

1140210

FULL TIME

1140283

Monitor entry and exit into school building, hallways, lunchroom and playground. Distribute passes and perform other office work as needed. Control and enforce traffic procedures during school dismissal.

Police or Security experience preferred

AlterAtions seAMstresses

Qualifications: Appropriate New York State Registered Nurse License necessary. Must have diabetic insulin pump knowledge. Elementary school nursing experience preferred but not required.

Send cover letter & resume to: hr@merrick.k12.ny.us In the email subject line please include the job title for which you are interested in applying. EOE

1139834

School Monitors Part Time $15.00/Hour. 17 ½ to 25 Hours/Week.

Starting Immediately!

Applications may be picked up at:

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

IVERS BUS DR TED WAN NEW

DoN’T MISS The Bus!

STARTING SAlARIES Big Bus Van

$26.18/hr.

OHEL CHILDREN’S HOME AND FAMILY SERVICES F/T & P/T work with individuals with developmental disabilities

Non-Benefit Rate

$23.41/hr.

Non-Benefit Rate

Sign On Bonus $2,500.00 for CDL driver bus and van *Some restrictions may apply.

$500.00 for non CDL drivers. Will train qualified applicants

EDUcATIoNAl BUS TRANSpoRTATIoN

Medical Escort: 8am-1pm, 5th_floor • Clients • m-Clients • Malverne • 43053 Malverne Richner Communi 516.454.2300 3.125x 3" Richner Communications DSP: 3pm-11pm & Overnight DELI COUNTER HELP: Overnight PosiPg 1 School Monitors tion 10pm- 6am/ All Shifts. Experienced Community Habilitation & Respite Positions EMPLOYMENT P r e fe r r e d . O c e a n s i d e 2 4 H r. B a g e l

Wanted P/T, Experienced For Women’s Clothing And Gowns (Must Speak And Read English)

516-678-7070

$15-$18/hr. Excellent benefit package.

855-OHEL-JOB, www.ohelfamily.org/careers

Help Wanted 1139144

1141094

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

PARKING ATTENDANTS WANTED

If you need care from your relative, friend/ neighbor and you have Medicaid, they may be eligible to start taking care of you as a personal assistant under NYS Medicaid CDPA Program. No Certificates needed.

1-800-944-1424

Long Island’s largest and most established parking company wants you to join our team.

Looking for motivated responsible and trustworthy individuals.

Opportunities for Advancement PT and FT positions available $14-$20/hr + tips Apply by emailing jobs@parkingsystems.com

$18.50 NYC, $17 L.I. up to $13.50 Upstate NY! If you need care from your relative, friend/ neighbor and you have Medicaid, they may be eligible to start taking care of you as personal assistant under NYS Medicaid CDPA Program. No Certificates needed. 347-713-3553 A P P O I N T M E N T C O O R D I N AT O R WANTED for Franklin Square Dentist.

Must be Friendly Customer Focused, Organized. Dentrix Knowledge Preferred. Call 516-605-8934

COMPANION w/ Elderly

1139169

$18.50 NYC, $17 L.I., up to $13.50 Upstate NY!

Phone: 347-713-3552

516-295-7037

MERRICK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT

Candidates are to submit a letter of interest with resume and credentials to:

For Interview With References

or

Malverne UFSD Long Island, New York 1140429

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT HUMAN RESOURCES AT

CNA’s FULL TIME UNION POSITIONS ALL SHIFTS & PART TIME POSITIONS ALL SHIFTS

Come Join Our Caring Nursing Team!

We Offer An Excellent Salary & Benefits Package Great Working Environment Please Email Resume To alicem@beach-terrace.com

part-time cleaners & suBs (day and evening positions) NEED IMMEDIATELY

SUBSTITUTE MONITORS Salary: $14 per hour District Wide

LPN’s FULL TIME 7-3 & 3-11 SHIFTS, UNION POSITION

Long Term Care Experience & Knowledge Of EMR A Must

monitors & suB monitors

SUBSTITUTE CLEANERS Salary: $16.00 per hour District Wide – All Shifts

516-295-2062

RN SUPERVISORS WEEKENDS

school nurse positions (2) early childhood center & high school (September start date. Retirees welcome to apply.)

SUBSTITUTE TEACHER AIDES Salary: $15.00 per hour Two years college required

CAll/TExT

Has The Following Positions Available

POSITIONS AVAILABLE

TEACHER AIDES Salary in Accordance with the East Rockaway Teacher Aides Association Agreement Two years’ college required

Ms. Jacqueline A. Scrio Assistant Superintendent for Finance & Operations East Rockaway UFSD 443 Ocean Avenue East Rockaway, NY 11518 (516) 887-8300 Ext. 1-553

A Long Term Care Facility In Long Beach, NY

1140833

Seeking Candidates for the Following Positions:

BEACH TERRACE CARE CENTER

1139895

EAST ROCKAWAY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

1140773

August 19, 2021 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD

16

Double pay - Holidays Work close to Home P/T and F/T Hours Call AGENCY 516-328-7126

DELIVERY DRIVER: P/T, Short Hours.

Excellent Pay/Tips. Delivery Charge Goes To Driver. IMMEDIATE! 516-295-5421, Veronica/ Mark/ Glen Freelance Sportswriters Wanted!

Herald Community Newspapers is looking to bolster its award-winning sports coverage with additional freelance staff.

Weekly responsibilities include on-site high school spor ts game coverage and/or features. Please send resume and two spor ts writing samples to sports@liherald.com and sbrinton@liherald.com.

FRONT DESK RECEPTIONIST: Knowledgeable With Billing. Part Time. Cedarhurst Ofiice. Call 516-374-2605 MERRICK BEFORE/AFTER SCHOOL PEOGRAM seeking mature individuals to supervise elementary school aged children from 2:45 pm to 5:00 or 6:00 pm weekdays. Experience helpful. If interested email merr ickbasp@aol.com or call (516)379-4245

17

HERALD

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

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

Help Wanted

Help Wanted

OFFICE ASSISTANT PT Levittown Location. . EXPERIENCED,

Receiving, Shelf Restocking, Floor Sales And Checkout

TOW TRUCK DRIVERS: FT/PT. Days, Evenings, Weekends. Experienced Only Apply. Call Sacha or Mike 718-291-2992 VILLAGE OF ROCKVILLE CENTRE NEIGHBORHOOD AIDE. P/T 19.75 HRS PER WEEK $20 PER HOUR. Must pass background check and phyical. Valid NY Driver’s License required.

Application available at https://www.r vcny.gov/human-resources/files/ pre-employment-questionnaire Return application to RNugent@RVCNY.US

Eldercare Needed HOME HEALTH AIDE Needed- Rockville Centre. Monday -Saturday, 1pm-7pm, Assist Senior, Including Cooking Dinner.

CNA and HHA Required. Call Hyacinth 516-476-8954.

Open F/T & P/T Positions Experience Preferred Virtual Work Environment Make Money From Home Call For Confidential Interview 516-484-2999

John Lawlor, NYS Licensed RE Associate Broker, CBR, SFR Michele Librett-Lawlor, NYS Licensed RE Salesperson, CBR, SFR Coldwell Banker American Homes BestLiHomes.com Direct - 516-418-3333 Office - 516-809-1000 Fax - 516-221-0780 jlawlor@cbamhomes.com mlibrett-lawlor@cbamhomes.com

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

Call the USA Classified Network today!

1-800-231-6152

HERALD

Homes

Ronnie Gerber 516-238-4299 OPEN HOUSES SUNday, 8/22/21

1140899

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

Where Dreams Come Home

OPEN HOUSE

10 FOREST PLACE , ROCKVILLE CENTRE TONIGHT - Thursday augusT 19 th

984 Singleton Ave, BA, NEW EXCLUSIVE! Expanded 4 BR, 2.5 Bth Colonial on Oversized Lot in Old Woodmere. Bsmt & 2 Car Det Gar. Near All. SD#14 .................................................................................................. $899,000 4 Clubside Dr, BA, Renovated 3 BR, 3.5 Bth Townhouse in Cedar Glen. Updtd Gran/Wood EIK & Baths. HW Flrs. Fin Lower Level. Att Gar. Community Pool & Tennis. Near All. SD#14 ............................................... REDUCED! $699,000

HEWLETT HaRBOR

105 Lake Dr, BA, Spectaular Waterfront Prop With Golf Course Views. 4 BR, 4.5 Bth 4500 sq Ft Contemporary, Open Layout & Soaring Ceilings, 2 Car Gar, New Bulkhead, SD#14 .................................................. REDUCED! $1,725,000 267 Channon Rd, BA, 7 BR, 4 Bth Exp Ranch, Full FBsmt on Quiet St in SD#20. 2 Car Att Gar .................................................... REDUCED! $1,100,000

HEWLETT Bay PaRK

40 Heron Dr, BA, 10,000 Sq Ft Waterfront Property on an Acre of Parklike Grounds Tucked away in Cul de Sac. 5 BR, 5.5 Bth Contemporary. Soaring Ceilings. IG Pool, Hot Tub. 285' Vinyl Bulkhead Raised & Redone Dock. 3 Car Garage...........................................................................REDUCED! $3,699,000

HEWLETT

395 Serena Rd, NEW! 5 BR, 2 Bth Col on O/S Property. Updtd EIKs. 3 BR Main Level, 2 Upstairs with OSE. SD#14. Possible M/D with Proper Permits.

Near All ................................................................................................ $799,000 1610 Hilary Ct, BA, Beautifully Gut Renovated 4600 Sq Ft Colonial in Cul de Sac. 5 BR, 3.5 Bth with Full Fin Bsmt, 2 Car Att Gar. SD#20. Tax Grievance Filed ..............................................................................REDUCED! $1,279,999 1390 Broadway #102, BA, 2 BR, 2 Bth Coop in Luxurious Hewlett Townhouse.

LR/DR, Updtd Kit & Office/Den, Elevator, 24 Hr Drman, Valet Pkg, Pool. Priv Storage Area. Great Location Near Shops & Trans .........REDUCED! $349,000

EaST ROCKaWay

54 Rose Lane, BA, PROPERTY LOVERS DELIGHT! 3 BR, 2.5 Bth Split on Over 1/2 Acre Parklike Property in Waverly Park Area. Updtd EIK, Den/Fpl/Vaulted Ceiling, FDR & Mstr Ste/Updtd Bth & Sitting Rm. 2 Car Gar. SD#20 ..........REDUCED! $949,000

CEdaRHURST

WATERFRONT LAND for sale! Great Opportunity to Build Multiple Homes on One Acre Including 5 Lots. Permits & Bulkhead Required. SD#15 ... $599,000

OCEaNSIdE

2808 Willard Ave, BA, NEW TO MARKET! 3 BR, 2 Bth Split on 1/4 Acre in Cul De Sac. LR, FDR, EIK, Den & FBsmt. Att Gar. Low Taxes. Oceanside SD. Won’t Last............................................................................................ $629,000

NYS Licensed Real Estate Associate Broker

5:30pm-7:00pm

Four Bedroom 2 Bath Home on Cul-de-sac Great Location near Village & Transportation This Well Maintained Home has been lovingly taken care of. Family Room with Coal Burning Stove. 4 Zone Heating System. 4 Ductless Air Conditioners. Full Basement, Private Backyard, In-ground Sprinklers.

List Price: $649,900

WOOdMERE

Annemarie DeLuca Listing Agent Cell: 516 884-3662

43 N. Park Ave. Rockville Centre • 516-764-2601 “Going Above & Beyond to find your Dream Home”

Rhonda Healy

M: (516) 236-7269

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

OneKey Multiple Listing Service

ROCKVILLE CENTRE OFFICES FOR RENT

CALL US TOdAy!

516-405-3918

Michele Librett-Lawlor, CBR, SFR NYS Licensed Real Estate Salesperson

BestLiHomes.com • 516-418-3333 REAL ESTATE Real Estate Attention Sportsmen! NY-VT Border, Minutes to Bennington, VT. 30 acres, Only $99,900! Open and wooded, trails throughout property. Abundant wildlife, great views with southern exposure. Town road, power, telephone, Owner Financing 802-447-0779

Open Houses HEWLETT BA 395 Serena NEW EXCLUSIVE! 5 BR, 2 Bth Col on O/S Property.

Updtd EIKs. 3 BR Main Level, 2 Upstairs with OSE. SD#14. Possible M/D with Proper Permits.Near All..$799,000 R o n n i e G e r b e r, D o u g l a s E l l i m a n 516-238-429 HEWLETT HARBOR BA 105 Lake Dr, ,REDUCED & MOTIVATED! Spectaular Waterfront Prop With Golf Course Views. 4 BR, 4.5 Bth 4500 sq Ft Contemporary w/ Open Layout & Soaring Ceilings, 2 Car Gar, New Bulkhead, SD#14..$1,725,000 R o n n i e G e r b e r, D o u g l a s E l l i m a n 516-238-4299 OCEANSIDE BA 2808 Willard Ave, O NEW TO MARKET! 3 BR, 2 Bth Split on 1/4 Acre in Cul De Sac. LR,FDR,EIK, Den & Fin Bsmt. Att Gar. Low Taxes.Oceanside SD. Won't Last...$629,009 ROBNNIE GEEBER 516 238 4299 DOUGLAS ELLIMAN

PRIME LOCATION!!!

AMENITIES INCLUDE: • Shared Kitchen • Conference Room • Reception Area • Municipal Parking

55 Merrick Avenue, Merrick NY 11566

John Lawlor, CBR, SFR

WOODMERE BA 984 Singleton Ave, NEW To Market! Expanded 4 BR, 2.5 Bth Colonial on Oversized Lot in Old Woodmere. Bsmt & 2 Car Det Gar. Near All.SD#14...$899,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299

1140110

REAL ESTATE SALESPERSONS WANTED

Y

ou’ll find lots of natural light in this center hall colonial that features an elegant entryway with a 20’ high ceiling. French doors connect the formal living room to the cozy den, which has a fireplace, bay window and more French doors that take you to the backyard retreat. The eat-in kitchen has a bay window overlooking the inground pool. There’s a formal dining room and a bonus room off the kitchen.

Upstairs you’ll find the primary bedroom with en-suite bathroom and walk-in closet, plus 2 additional bedrooms and a spa bathroom.

This home also boasts a new gas boiler and a new roof! Don’t miss this one!

Call 516-766-0050 To Set Up An Interview Or Email Resume To: village156@yahoo.com

PRIVATE DRIVER NEEDED

Weekly Hours Vary. Occasional Overnight Stay. Use Of Company Car. Background Check And DMV Check.

Call For Details. Barbara 516-705-4804

Elegant Center Hall Colonial

1141013

PERSONAL AND BUSINESS ASSISTANT FULL TIME Requirements: Owns Car Computer Skills, Experience As An Assistant Or In Related Field Call 516-510-0302

East Meadow

1139054

OFFICE ASSISTANT P/T

Small, Busy College Finance Office Seeking P/T Office Assistant For Answering Phones, Filing, Scanning, Data Entry, Etc. E mail Resume To: reception@ wilsoncollegeconsulting.com

Needed For Liquor And Wine Store In Rockville Centre $14.00 To Start, Negotiable With Previous Experience Must Be Available For Evening And Day Shifts, Weekdays And Weekends. Must Have Good Math Skills, Neat Appearance And Be A Good Communicator

HOME OF THE WEEK

1140159

return to workforce preferred. MICROSOFT Proficient: Excel, Spreadsheets, Word. Email and Clerical skills. Self-starter.

Organized, Efficient, Motivated. Professional, Happy, Busy Environment!

Email: info@wbeproducts.com

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

House For Sale BETHPAGE: FOR SALE BY OWNER 3 Bedroom Solid Brick Ranch With Detached Garage In Desirable Hahn Estates.

Full Finished Basement, Wood Floors Throughout, Newer Roof, Boiler, A/C. 1.5 Baths, IGS, Low Taxes. $539,000. Shown

By Appointment Call Bob 631-987-6707, No Brokers Please

LONG BEACH: LEGAL 2. Old World Charm, 2 Over 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths, Attic, Unfinished Basement, Driveway, 1 Car Garage. $780,000. 516-710-3608, 516-710-3652

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

(516)860-6889/ (516)852-5135/ (516)582-9978

Commercial Prop./Rent HEWLETT: COMMERCIAL SPACE, 2 suites for rent, 2 baths, multi-room, private entrances, private parking, handicapped accessible, central AC, close to ALL, CALL FOR PRICING 516-569-7250

ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — August 19, 2021

Employment HERALDHomes

Market Place •

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

tree removal tree pruning stump grinding lot clearing

Malverne $630,000 Dolores Place. Expanded Ranch. 3 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms. Updated eat-in kitchen with granite countertops.

Family room with cathedral ceiling. Central air conditioning.

Taxes: $9,818.51

WATER

GARY CAPARELLI InC.

mention this ad and get $25 off 1136838

greenleaftreenY@gmail.com www.greenleaftreeremovalnY.com

fully licensed & insured

917-642-4308 www.garycap.com

If Your Plumbing STInkS

FRANCISCO’S TREE SERVICE

Call The WenkS! 516-889-3200 Father & Son Owned

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

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

FREE ESTIMATES • 4 HR EMERGENCY SERVICE wenkpipingandheating.com

Wenk

PIPING & HEATING CORP.

FREE ESTIMATES

25 OFF Any Service Call

1139628

$

For New Customers Exp. 9/30/21

Lic# H206773000

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

COMPLETE RENOVATIONS

“No Job Too Small!” Get the Best for Less!

Licensed • Insured

SERVICES:

FREE ESTIMATES

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

Kitchens • Bathrooms • Painting Roofing • Sheetrocking • Plumbing Electrical • Concrete • Powerwashing Carpentry • Basements • Baby-Proofing Ikea Furn. Assembly • Computer Repairs

HANDYMAN SERVICE

RYAN 516-695-4527 917-697-3647

When You Buy From Us, You Get

FREE 5 Year Guarantee!

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

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

FAST • RELIABLE • REASONABLE RATES www.CountyIrrigation.Com LICENSED & INSURED LIC. # H351118000

1140788

Valley Stream $490,000 Eton Street. Colonial. 3 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms. Eat-in kitchen. Formal dining room. Sun room. Near LIRR, shopping.

Taxes: $7,014

516-255-9595

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

516.431.0799

aboveallgutters.com *Power washing sPecialist*

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

(516) 766-1666 (631) 225-2600

FREE • Chimneys Repaired, Rebuilt & Tuckpointing ESTIMATES • Stainless Steel Liners Installed Fully licensed and insured Nassau • Suffolk • NYC

1139030

Over 15 Years Experience

Oceanside $770,000 E. Lexington Avenue. Split Level. 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms.

Updated kitchen. Open concept floor plan. Living room with fireplace. Large deck.

Taxes: $11,758.28

Source: The Multiple Listing Service of Long Island Inc,, a computerized network of real estate offices serving Nassau, Suffolk, Queens, and Brooklyn.

FOR AN ESTIMATE TEXT:

1112911

Long Beach $750,000 W. Walnut Street. Colonial. Westholme section. 3 bedroooms, 2.5 bathrooms. Partial finished basement. Eat-in kitchen with granite countertops. Formal dining room.

Spacious backyard entertaining space. Walk to beach and boardwalk, near schools, shopping, dining, LIRR. Taxes: $9,423.93

FREE

tel: 631-cut-tree 631-288-8733

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

1139090

Hewlett Harbor $1,090,000 Wateredge Place. Split Level. 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms.

Eat-in kitchen with granite countertops, Cathedral ceilings.

Formal dining room. Den/family room. Master bedroom suite with his and hers closets. Secluded property with water view. Security system.

Taxes: $27,426.80

2-3 YEAR PAYBACK FROM YOUR WATER BILL SAvINGS

ExPENSIvE WATER

1135642

East Rockaway $718,000 Grant Avenue. Colonial. 4 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms. Partial finished basement. Updated kitchen with granite countertops. Home office. Park-like backyard.

Taxes: $14,820.56 Elmont $680,000 Baylis Avenue. Split Ranch. 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms.

Finished basement. Eat-in kitchen. Formal dining room.

Master bedroom with Jacuzzi tub. Den/family room.

Enclosed sun room with large deck. Near shopping and transportation.

Taxes: $14,563.67

WATER WELLS INSTALLED FOR YOUR LAWN SPRINKLER

Nassau & suffolk

A sampling of recent sales in the area

Bellmore $470,000 Orange Street. Colonial. 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom. Updated kitchen with granite countertops. Home office. Semiinground pool with stone patio and firepit. Near LIRR, shopping, parks.

Taxes: $11,048

FREE WATER

1128087

Home Sales Baldwin $530,000 Wilson Street. Expanded Cape. 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms.

Partial finished basement. Updated kitchen with cathedral ceiling, skylight and granite countertops. Living room with fireplace. Formal dining room. Large family room extension with high hats. First floor master bedroom. Spacious fenced yard with patio.

Taxes: $10,730.32

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

call today for a free estimate

Herald

1134056

August 19, 2021 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD

HERALD

1136176

18

Free estimates...Best Price For High Quality service

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

Wanted dead or alive

tree service • free estimate SUMMER IS HERE AND IT’S SURE HEATING UP. CALL US FOR YOUR TREES TO BE CUT.

we Care More Than The REST For LESS

nass.

LIC. # H2904450000

Owner/Operated • residential/COmmerCial

516-216-2617

suff.

LIC.# 54512-H

1139755

1140399

Specializing in: • Tree removal • STump grinding • land Clearing • pruning • STorm prevenTion

A FRESH COAT FOR A FRESH START!

OWA_Purge_BW_Bold

Sunday, August 02, 2020 11:06:29 AM

CALL AURA PAINTING SPECIALIZING IN: • Interior/Exterior Painting • Kitchens Cabinets • Deck Renovations

• Bathrooms • Basements • Wall Paper Removal • Power Washing

FREE ESTIMATES

LICENSED AND INSURED

516-297-1885

FOLLOW US!

JOSPAINT1@GMAIL.COM AURAPAINTING.COM

1109488

Home Improvement Corp.

ALFREDO’S CONSTRUCTION Specializing

at Se Habla Español

the

in

BLACKTOP

BeSt priceS in town

Call For Summer SpecialS

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

516-424-3598 516-807-3852

Licensed & insured

Free estimates

To Place Your Card in the

Here’s My Card Directory Just call

516-569-4000 press 5, then 2

Free estImates • Licensed & Insured

senior Citizen Discounts

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

CALL FOR SUMMER SPECIALS

1139707

L

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

631-532-5617 • Cell: 516-996-3036

LIC: #42194-H

1136336

M

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

1140511

A. Living near a onte eeper shoreline, with dynamic high- and low-tide water movement, means taking greater precautions to make construction last longer and perform better. First, there’s the base, way below the floor slab, which must allow water to run through it to avoid collapse. The base is made of compacted stones that allow water to flow between so they don’t form an obstruction, working kind of like a filter.

I generally design such a base with landscape filter cloth beneath it, to keep individual stones from sinking when the natural underground current of tide water rises and withdraws, pulling the ground material with it as it flows in and out. I rarely, if ever, see this done, and can assure you that if I’m not standing over the work when it’s being carried out, workers will ignore this “crazy” design, hence a reason for failure.

Everyone is an expert, as I am sure you’ve come to know, but ignoring ground and soil dynamics makes it a gamble as to what you’re going to get. It isn’t reassuring when someone says they do this all the time, especially if they can’t give technical reasons for what they do. Floor slabs, just like beams, should be designed for the concentration of the loads they will carry, not just general practice, especially because the steel reinforcing is part of the formula. If the concrete or the reinforcing is undersized for the load, it will, in correct terminology, yield, or give way, not necessarily completely fail.

The coating and placement of steel is extremely important.

Except for major roadway and transit construction, I rarely see it done to legal standards. Most often, uncoated, rusted steel is placed randomly or tied in ways that defy the reason it was prescribed.

If uncoated steel is too close to a surface, it corrodes faster as salt water gets sucked like a sponge into the concrete, allowing steel to wet and dry in a cycle guaranteed to rust. You’re right to be concerned. Good luck!

Market Place •

1138522

Q. I’m wondering if our garage floor, which was completely removed and replaced with a new concrete floor, is strong enough for our cars and my pickup truck.

We did it to get rid of the old floor, which was cracked and had sunk. Our mason told us he does this all the time, but it just seems like the floor is too thin and could break.

Is there any way to know if it’s strong enough? It’s 4 inches thick, very flat and they put wires in, not thick Ask The rods, that crisscross in a grid.

Architect Also, the wires were rusted when they went in and I wonder how long they could last, especially because we live in a development along one of the canals on the South Shore, and after what happened in Surfside, Fla., we aren’t as confident.

HERALD

ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — August 19, 2021

How solid is our garage floor?

19

www.tikalhomeimprovement.com

LIC: #H3711000000

MR. HANDY LB Licenced and insured

631 639 6448 InterIor renovatIons Handyman Work Bathrooms, Paint, Plumbing, electrical, carpentry and more...

JOBS, MERCHANDISE, REAL ESTATE & MORE...

JOBS, MERCHANDISE, It’s inESTATE the Herald Classifieds...

REAL & MORE...

To Advertise Call 516-569-4000 JOBS, MERCHANDISE, REAL ESTATE & MORE...

JOBS, MERCHANDISE, REAL ESTATE & MORE... press 5

HERALD

Stuff

To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5 AUTOMOBILE & MARINE Junk Cars Wanted

MERCHANDISE MART Antiques/Collectibles

All Cars Bought 24/7 FREE Pickup

We Buy Antiques, Fine Art & Jewelry Same Day Service, Free In-Home Evaluations, 40 Year Family Business. Licensed and Bonded, Immediate Cash Paid.

SYL-LEE ANTIQUES www.syl-leeantiques.com 516-671-6464

Call us at 516-766-0000

FINDS UNDER $100

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Finds Under $100

Garage Sales

GOLF- MEN'S/ WOMEN new shoes 9-9.5 golf bags, drivers, 3-woods, fairway woods, irons, $10-$75 (516)-510-2761

HIGHEST CA$H PAID Serving Nassau County 41 Years No Title, No Keys=No Problem ID Required. CALL US LAST!

WANTAGH: SATURDAY 8/21; Sunday 8/22 9am-4pm. 3019 Post Avenue. Househ o l d I t e m s, B o o k s, R e c o r d s / C D ' s, Clothes,Tools

Fairs & Bazaars LONG BEACH HISTORICAL SOCIETY Long Beach Arts & Crafts Fair On The Boardwalk At Riverside Blvd. Sat. 8/21 & Sun. 8/22. 10am - 5pm. For More Info.

516-432-1192.

Announcements THANKS FOR your help in getting me to t h e h o s p i t a l a f t e r m y fa l l . M e g a n 516-536-6994

POPCORN MAKER MACHINE: Red With car t, and storage drawer $99 516-589-4317

SERVICES Electricians E-Z ELECTRIC SERVICES, INC. All Types Residential/Commercial Wiring, Generators, Telephone/Data, Home Entertainment, Service Upgrades, Pools, Spas.

Services/Repairs. Violations Removed.

Free Estimates Low Rates.

516-785-0646 Lic/Ins.

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

Home Improvement

Health & Fitness

HANDYMAN: All Kinds OF Interior Repairs. Baths, Kitchens, Tiles, Plumbing, Sheetrock, Painting, Carpentry. Licensed A n d I n s u r e d . E m e r g e n c y Wo r k .

516-810-0067 l handynyman.com

NEVER PAY FOR Covered Home Repairs Again! Complete Care Home Warranty COVERS ALL MAJOR SYSTEMS AND APPLIANCES. 30 DAY RISK FREE. $200.00 OFF + 2 FREE Months!

866-440-6501

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

THE GENERAC PWRcell, a solar plus battery storage system. SAVE money, reduce your reliance on the grid, prepare for power outages and power your home. Full installation services available. $0 Down Financing Option. Request a FREE, no obligation, quote today. Call 1-888-871-0194

STUDIO NOIR: Private/ Group/ Virtual Music Lessons, Recordings. Our West End Music Studio Or Your Home. All Ages. All Instruments. Live Performance Opportunities. studionoir.rocks 917-545-3833

HANDYMAN Repairs and Installations for the Household. Careful and Reliable and Vaccinated.

Licensed and Insured. 30-Year Nassau County Resident. Friendly Frank Phone/Text 516-238-2112 eMail-Frankcav@optonline.ne

Home Improvement ELIMINATE GUTTER CLEANING forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debrisblocking gutter protection. Schedule a FREE LeafFilter estimate today. 15% off and 0% financing for those who qualify.

PLUS Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-877-763-2379 HANDY DANDY HOME IMPROVEMENTS *Kitchens/ Baths *Painting *Sheetrock *Taping/ Spackling *Installations Ceramic/ Vinyl Tile *Carpentry *Alterations *Repairs/ More. FREE ESTIMATES. Dan 516-342-0761

*MICHAEL LO BAIDO CONSTRUCTION*

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

HErald

Crossword Puzzle

W I R E M A N / C A B L E M A N F L AT T V S mounted, Phone, TVs&Computer wiring installed & serviced, camera &stereos , HDTV – Antennas- FREE TV www.davewireman.com Call Dave 516-433-WIRE (9473) 631-667-WIRE (9473) or Text 516-353-1118

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

Music Lessons

Autos For Sale CADILLAC 2011 CTS, BLACK 4 Door.

Sedan, 53,000 miles, excellent condition, Asking $14,500 516-223-06306

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

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

Deals on Wheels

Get DIRECTV! ONLY $69.99/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

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

Want to sell your car, motorcycle or boat?

Have we got a deal for you! You can advertise your vehicle in the

• System Turn-Ons

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

Joe Barbato 516-826-7700

1140071

August 19, 2021 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD

20

Tree Services FRANCISCO'S TREE SERVICE

AND LANDSCAPING: Tree Removal, Stumps, Fertilization, Planting, Land Clearing, Topping. Free Estimates. Lic# H206773000. Office 516-546-4971, Cell 516-852-5415 T&M GREENCARE TREE SERVICE *Tree Removal *Stump Grinding *Pruning *Roof Line Clearing. Residential and Commercial. "We Beat All Competitors' Rates."

Lowest Rates. *Senior Discount. Free Estimates. *516-223-4525, 631-586-3800 www.tmgreencare.com

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

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

Education COMPUTER & IT TRAINING PROGRAM! Train ONLINE to get the skills to become a Computer & Help Desk Professional now!

Grants and Scholarships available for certain programs for qualified applicants. Call CTI for details! (844) 947-0192 (M-F 8am-6pm ET)

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

516-569-4000 press 5, then 2

Answers

to todAy’s puzzle

21

OPINIONS

n the early morning of April 28, I tiptoed into my dew-coated backyard in Merrick to watch as an orange sun slowly migrated upward, sending its rays streaming through the hundreds of flower-covered branches on the three cherry and two apple trees that my wife and I planted nearly 20 years ago when we first moved in.

It is a glorious moment that I await each year, when I can stand and breathe in the sheer beauty of those life-sustaining flowers, all white and pink.

Each is such a tiny, SCOTT seemingly insignificant thing. CollecBRINTON tively, however, these flowers constitute a powerful force.

This is the natural world reborn in what was once a virtually lifeless suburban backyard. When my wife and I moved in, our yard was all lawn except for a handful of hydrangea, holly and Japanese yew bushes, two scrawny dogwood trees and one ornamental cherry around the edges.

In the early years in our home, we ripped out about half of the lawn to make way for many more trees, bushes and flowers, a number of them native species. We wanted to recreate, in a sense, the back-

yards that we knew as children. I grew up in rural Yaphank, in Suffolk County, surrounded by a dense forest of white pine and oak trees. My wife was raised in Sofia, Bulgaria’s capital, but spent many days in her family’s village of Rajdavitsa, amid cherry orchards full of wildflowers.

We wanted trees through which squirrels and birds could scurry and construct their nests. We wanted a natural habitat.

Two decades later, I’m proud to say that we have one. The cherries that we planted are more than 20 feet tall, and the apples, over 30 feet. All were purchased as one-foot bare-root saplings for a couple dollars each from the Arbor Day Foundation. We also planted four arborvitae, three maples, two white pines, two dwarf Alberta spruces, a Japanese maple, many more hydrangeas and hollies, boxwoods, barberries, red osier dogwoods, butterfly, raspberry and blackberry bushes, forsythias, fountain and maiden grasses, euonymuses, lilies, lilacs, hostas, black-eyed Susans, peonies and purple cone flowers, among others.

Where once there was no wildlife, now we have bees and butterflies and birds — red cardinals, blue jays, European starlings, grackles, house sparrows, Baltimore orioles and my wife’s favorite, mockingbirds. We’ve even had birds build nests in

W

our trees, including a robin and a mourning dove. I love that. There are also squirrels, which eat our apples and, occasionally, our tomatoes, as well as raccoons and opossums here and there.

This year we certified our yard as a Wildlife Habitat with the National Wildlife Federation. We started the simple process by answering a few quick questions: Does your yard provide shelter and food for wildlife? Is there a water source from which wildlife can drink? Are you committed to natural yard maintenance, without the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers?

Then you pay a fee — certification is a fundraiser for this nonprofit environmental organization.

Finally, NWF sends you a beautiful green metal sign, which we staked in our front yard’s center bed for all our neighbors to see as they’re out walking their dogs or jogging by.

The sign sends a message that our yard is a safe place for wildlife.

Between 1982 and 2001, 34 million acres of open space, an area the size of Illinois, were lost to development — roughly four acres per minute, or 6,000 acres a day. More than 10 million of those acres were covered over to make way for houses, buildings, lawns and pavement between 1982 and 1997, according to the U.S. Forest Ser-

here once there was no wildlife, we now have all that we hoped for.

vice, which projects that America will lose another 26 million acres to development by 2030.

Each of us has a choice: We can leave our yards as lawn and pavement, or start planting to restore at least some of what has been lost. Collectively, we could reshape suburbia from a traditionally wildlife-averse landscape to a habitat that welcomes wild creatures of all shapes and sizes.

The family from which we purchased our home were the original owners of the house, which was constructed shortly after World War II. It was among the first homes built in the area. The couple, in their early 80s when we bought it from them, spoke of a time when farmland stretched from the block just north of us to Merrick Road.

That plot is now a shopping center. South of our home was covered by wetlands — what people in the mid-20th century thought of as swamp. It’s now all homes, the wetlands filled in to construct row upon row of split-level ranches, many double or triple their original size.

We cannot undo the past. We can, however, commit to a more sustainable future.

To learn more about how you can certify your yard with the National Wildlife Federation, go to nwf.org.

Scott Brinton is the Herald Community Newspapers’ executive editor and an adjunct professor at the Hofstra University Herbert School of Communication. Comments about this column? SBrinton@liherald.com.

All you can eat? Amid a tenacious virus, not so much.

I

f there’s one thing that is quintessentially American, it’s the all-you-caneat, stuff-yourself-till-you-die buffet.

Now, as the Delta variant spreads, shutting down buffet venues across the country, many folks are missing the opportunity for unrestrained gorging, which is a kind of sport coast to coast.

This is a small grievance, to be sure, considering the misery that Covid has wrought, but it’s one of the pandemic lifestyle changes that bite.

Like not being able to see your doctor in person or having RANDI to move your book KREISS group online or canceling your plans to see friends or family. With Covid unbound, we have to carefully consider whether to dine out, unless it is a well-spaced outdoor setting.

Dozens of buffet restaurants have gone belly up, and the rest are struggling to create safer dining opportunities. Not that buffets have ever been the healthy go-to choice for a meal. The basic idea is that you can abandon any reasonable eating habits you may have acquired and just shovel in as much food as you want to with-

out anyone saying “enough.” In fact, some folks have taken to competing at a few of the big buffet emporia to see if they can get kicked out for eating too much. No such thing. You. Cannot. Eat. Too. Much.

No one wants to be reminded that there has always been a direct path from the buffet line to the IV line in the E.R. We Americans want our super-sized meals, damn the glucose and cholesterol readings. If you dine out at a traditional restaurant, it gets awkward to order three desserts, but a buffet makes it not only possible but easy.

Now, with Covid, buffet restaurants are struggling to survive, except in the South, where Texas, Georgia, Louisiana and Tennessee vie for the best attendance award. There is guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: “Avoid offering any self-serve food or drink options, such as buffets, salad bars and drink stations. This limits the use of shared serving utensils, handles, buttons or touch screens and helps customers to stay seated and at least 6 feet apart from people who do not live in their household.”

Right.

In Florida, where masks are a sign of weak-minded liberalism, many buffets are

I

still in business. Oh sure, there may be a server behind the dessert bar, helping you to the pie, but you’re jammed in with a million other unmasked people.

Historically, Las Vegas has always offered the biggest, cheapest buffets. If you were willing to leave your life savings at the roulette table, the hotel was willing to feed you into a coma. The Bacchanal Buffet at Caesars Palace was the ultimate food experience for thousands of tourists. According to a review, it served more than 3,000 people a day across nine stations, featuring hundreds of items including nigiri sushi, dim sum, rotisserie chicken, 12-hour roasted American wagyu, paella, lobster bisque, snow crab legs, chicken and waffles, gnocchi, pizza, deviled eggs, pho, miso soup, Penang curry, cheeseburger sliders, soba noodles, poke, foie gras PB&J, oysters on the half-shell, shrimp and grits, pozole, tofu, General Tso’s chicken, avocado toast, peppercorn-crusted prime rib and more.

According to its website, Caesar’s has reopened its buffet after making renovations and (one would hope) installing safety measures to avoid serving up a superspreader for dessert.

n Florida, masks are a sign of weak-minded liberalism, and buffets survive.

I don’t want to come off as a buffet snob.

I’ve put in my time at the bacon station at many breakfast buffets. On the road, a cheap hotel buffet was an acceptable choice. You could always find something to eat.

Here on Long Island, private tennis, golf and social clubs drew new members to their opulent buffets. I loved being a guest at these places, which offered delicious food and the all-you-can-eat ethos, although with more savoir faire than a Golden Corral.

Buffets have been so abundant and ubiquitous that people learned to brainstorm the most effective methods of getting the best choices of expensive cuts of meat and seafood without wasting stomach space on the dinner rolls. My own son-inlaw nailed down the tactical approach to buffets years ago: Eat protein first. Don’t bulk up on salad. Go to the lobster and the shrimp and hold off on the carbs. No one ever made any profit on his buffet dinners.

Now most buffets are the stuff of nostalgia. My most memorable one was a lunch for President Ronald Reagan when he and Nancy visited Temple Ohr Torah in North Woodmere. The centerpiece was a bust of the president, done in chopped liver.

Copyright 2021 Randi Kreiss. Randi can be reached at randik3@aol.com.

ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — August 19, 2021

I

Restoring a lost habitat in our backyard

22

HERALD EDITORIAL

Rockville centRe

August 19, 2021 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD

HERALD

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

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS Robert Richner Edith Richner Publishers, 1964-1987 ■ clifforD richner STUarT richner Publishers Michael bologna Vice President - Operations ■ ScoTT brinTon Executive Edtitor JiM harMon

Copy Editor chriSTina DalY Photo Editor TonY belliSSiMo Sports Editor Karen blooM Calendar Editor ■ rhonDa glicKMan Vice President - Sales ellen reYnolDS Classified Manager lori berger Digital Sales Manager ■

JeffreY negrin Creative Director craig WhiTe Production Coordinator craig carDone Art Director ■

Dianne raMDaSS Circulation Director ■

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

MeMber: Local Media Association New York Press Association Rockville Centre Chamber of Commerce

Published by richner communications, inc.

2 Endo Blvd. Garden City, NY 11530 (516) 569-4000

U.N.: Climate change is real, and it’s getting uglier

T

o the climate deniers, we say this: Wake up.

July was the hottest in the past 142 years, since humans started recording climate data, according to the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration. July had previously been the hottest month ever recorded in 2016, 2019 and 2020.

What we are seeing now is climate change play out in real time, as predicted by scientists dating back to the 1960s and the administration of President Lyndon Johnson. As a nation, we have largely ignored the crisis, pretending it wasn’t happening, hoping the scientists had got this one wrong. They didn’t. We can see that now.

We can see it in the massive wildfires that have consumed swaths of the American West and southern Europe. California and Colorado may be on fire, but so are Italy and Greece.

No fewer than nine wildfires are now ravaging California. Exacerbated by extreme drought, the Dixie Fire has burned since July 13 and scorched more than half a million acres in Plumas and Butte counties. Need we say more?

The climate crisis is particularly worrisome for Long Islanders. We, after all, live on an island surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and the Long Island Sound, which are predicted to rise because ice shelves in Greenland and Antarctica are melting into the seas, causing water levels to rise, inch by inch, foot by foot, over decades.

The 195-member United Nations International Panel on Climate Change recently released its sixth Assessment Report, offering the consensus findings and opinions of thousands of the world’s leading climatologists. The warnings are dire.

When the IPCC began its work 33 years ago, it built some small level of doubt into its reports that maybe, just maybe, humans weren’t the cause of the Earth’s rapidly rising temperatures. Not anymore. In its most recent report, issued only weeks ago, the IPCC stated, “It is unequivocal that human influence has warmed the atmosphere, ocean and land.” As a result, the report continues, “Widespread and rapid changes in the atmosphere, ocean, cryosphere and biosphere have occurred.”

Climate change works like this: We humans burn fossil fuels — coal, oil and natural gas — to generate electricity and heat our homes and businesses. We also burn gasoline — which is made from oil — to power our cars, buses and trucks.

That produces lots of carbon dioxide, the main driver of climate change, which traps infrared heat that is radiated into

How to reduce your carbon footprint ■■Vote■for■elected■officials■who■support■alternative■energy■and■policies■ intended■to■reduce■carbon■dioxide■ emissions.

■■Travel■less.■The■staycation■became■a■ thing■in■2020.■Let’s■hope■it■stays■that■ way■in■the■future.■No■one’s■saying■don’t■ travel■beyond■your■own■borders.■Just■ think■about■limiting■such■travel,■and■

space from the Earth’s surface, warming the entirety of the planet.

On average, human activities send 40 billion tons — tons — of carbon into the atmosphere each year. And here’s the thing: Despite our growing knowledge and awareness of the climate crisis, that volume of carbon continues to increase.

Between 2014 and 2016, amid negotiations over the Paris Climate Agreement, carbon emissions leveled off, giving us some hope that perhaps we might be headed in the right direction. But those emissions started to rise again in 2017, the year President Donald Trump pulled the U.S. out of the Paris Agreement, and they continued to increase in 2018 and 2019, before falling last year during the height of the coronavirus pandemic, when everyone stayed home, according to The World Counts, a website that

when■you■do■go■far,■purchase■carbon■ offsets.

■■Buy■green■energy■credits■from■your■ power■company■or■install■solar■panels.

■■Drive■smaller■vehicles,■particularly■ fully■electric■or■hybrid■models.

■■Eat■less■meat.■Consider■going■meatless■at■least■once■a■week.

tracks carbon emissions.

That we could, in fact, reduce our emissions dramatically during the pandemic should be cause for hope — not celebration, but hope. We are capable of limiting, even reducing our carbon output. We can seek and find alternatives to the old ways if we resolve to do so.

The continued warming of the Earth through the middle of the century is all but inevitable, according to the IPCC report. Ensuring that climate change does not continue past that point is, however, possible.

“Strong and sustained reductions in emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases would limit climate change,” the report states. Now, not later, is the time to commit to those reductions.

23

OPINIONS

he Smithtown School District will restrict the use of 34 BrainPop instructional videos in classrooms because they introduce topics like Black Lives Matter and human sexuality.

The restriction is in response to a couple who complained at the district’s July Board of Education meeting that the videos were biased against conservatives and “no more than a call for revolution, for our young people to protest,” according to Newsday.

A BrainPop spokesperson responded via ALAN email that “we created the video on SINGER the Black Lives Matter protests to provide parents and educators a resource for explaining the protests and movement in kid-friendly terms. The video, which features a cartoon robot named Moby, “doesn’t call for or encourage a revolution.”

BrainPop videos discuss over a thousand topics in math, science, social studies and English. They are used in almost three-quarters of U.S. school districts. Not coincidently, there were also complaints about BrainPop at a July school board

meeting in the Three Village School District. A speaker charged that the videos had “BLM all over it, along with Pride and videos that say if you’re white, you’re basically an oppressor.”

You can watch the nine-minute offending BrainPop Black Lives Matter video on You Tube.

In the 2020 presidential election, Donald Trump carried every election district in Smithtown, some by over 30 percentage points, earning Smithtown the nickname Trumptown, New York. Smithtown also returned Lee Zeldin to Congress. Zeldin, one of the most conservative Republicans in the House of Representatives, voted against establishing a commission to investigate what happened in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 6, supported Trump’s claims that the election was somehow stolen from him and asked the Supreme Court to overturn the result.

In May, Smithtown voters elected three conservative candidates affiliated with the pro-Trump group Long Island Loud Majority to the Board of Education.

While it’s unclear whether the group represents a majority of Long Islanders, it is definitely loud when disrupting school board meetings, at which members often

T

he campaign in Smithtown against diversity efforts first drew attention in January.

LETTERS Defending the RVC school board To the Editor: The emergency Rockville Centre Board of Education meeting on Aug. 2 in relation to the decision not to bring back South Side High School girls’ soccer coach Jennifer Abgarian and assistant coach Chris Aloisi was a disgrace.

It served no purpose other than to allow the bullies who have been personally attacking one board member on social media a chance to do it in public.

After watching this meeting, it is clear why the silent majority — who, coincidentally, voted the current board members into office — choose to remain anonymous. It takes a strong person to make an unpopular decision at the risk of such personal attacks. This town should be reminded that the majority of the board made the decision not to renew the coaches’ contracts, not one person.

The bullies who spoke at the meeting should also be reminded that when this controversy was brought to light in 2019, three families that raised the appearance of impropriety by the assistant soccer coach to the board, not one family.

How anyone could fail to recognize the impropriety of this situation is baffling.

Interestingly, it was that issue, and

attack staff and student speakers. They have also been accused of propagating anti-Semitic tropes. During the school board campaign, the group circulated a newsletter attempting to connect opposition school board candidates with George Soros, a progressive and a Jew who has been targeted by anti-Semitic forces in Europe.

The Smithtown campaign against Black Lives Matter and diversity efforts first drew public attention in January, when parents complained about the speaker at the district’s Family Literacy Night. Broadway actress Diamond Essence White read a children’s book called “Not Quite Snow White.” White, who is Black, is an outspoken supporter of Black Lives Matter. Smithtown Superintendent Mark Secaur apologized to protesting parents for the invitation to a “polarizing” personality.

After the Long Island Loud Majoritybacked candidates were elected to the school board, the district’s assistant superintendent for instruction and administration, who had guided its diversity and equity efforts as a member of the district’s Equity Team, resigned. She had been criticized by parents and LILM,

which argued that diversity and equity were really subterfuge to promote critical race theory.

The push to take over local school boards is part of a long-term strategy of the conservative group American Legislative Exchange Council to reshape American education and society by taking control of local governing bodies. Opposition to critical race theory has replaced opposition to the 1619 Project as the main mobilizing point for conservatives across the country.

In response to the assault on CRT and the 1619 Project, the Zinn Education Project is organizing teachers to pledge to “teach the truth” and participate in Days of Action. It also provides sample lessons.

In Smithtown and other Trump-supporting communities across the U.S., however, school boards and frightened administrators apparently don’t want teachers to “teach the truth.”

Dr. Alan Singer is a professor of teaching, learning and technology and the director of social studies education programs at Hofstra University. He is a former New York City high school social studies teacher and editor of Social Science Docket, a joint publication of the New York and New Jersey Councils for the Social Studies. Follow him on twitter at https://twitter.com/AlanJSinger1.

FRAMEWORK by Christina Daly

the board’s decision to look the other way at the time, that prompted many community members to urge Christine Ferazani to run for a seat on the school board, and resulted in the majority of the district voting for her to take that seat. Later, the same majority stood behind Erica Messier, who also made her opinions about the assistant coach’s conflict of interest very apparent at board meetings.

Clearly, the majority of district residents feel that the girls’ soccer program at South Side High has taken a wrong turn, putting trophies and bragging rights before fairness to all students. Yet one by one, each of the bullies who spoke at the meeting expressed shock at the decision of the new majority of the board and took the opportunity to unfairly, and very personally, blame Ferazani, “killing the messenger,” as one brave speaker pointed out.

This bullying of someone who is restricted from defending her position — or revealing the information that led to the votes of the majority of the board — was done in front of their own children.

Perhaps these parents should be more focused on the lessons they’re teaching their children than the skills the assistant soccer coach is teaching them on the field.

THERESA MURPHY Rockville Centre

At the annual clam-eating contest — Island Park

ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — August 19, 2021

T

L.I. school board tries to ban Black Lives Matter

24

August 19, 2021 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD

WE ARE THE BEST WE ARE THE BEST AUTO SERVICE

AUTO SERVICE & REPAIR FACILITY

ERALD HHERALD

Presented by

& REPAIR FACILITY ON LONG ISLAND...

ON LONG ISLAND...

EXCELLENCE IS OUR STANDARD! EXCELLENCEPlease IS OUR go STANDARD! to: lichoiceawards.com

2021

Founded on honesty, integrity and transparency Founded on honesty, integrity and transparency

EXCELLENCE AND SERVICE DRIVEN AT A FAIR EXCELLENCE AND PRICE SERVICE DRIVEN AT A FAIR PRICE We go the extra mile to please our clients We go the extra mile to please our clients Great customer reviews and referrals Great customer reviews and

PLEASE NOMINATE US Nominate: PLEASE NOMINATE US UNDER THE HEADING OF VEHICLES, lichoiceawards.com and

ROCKVILLE CENTRE AUTO REPAIR

The Best: UNDERDEALERS THE HEADING OF VEHICLES, & SERVICES: AUTO REPAIR - INDEPENDENT DEALERS &INDEPENDENT SERVICES: AUTO REPAIR Under the Category: AUTO REPAIR INDEPENDENT VEHICLES, DEALERS & SERVICES

referrals FRIENDLY ATMOSPHERE

FRIENDLY ATMOSPHERE Automotive services that you can rely on services that you Automotive

DEALER ALTERNATIVE We are committed to the fight against Heroin and to Opioid use in We are committed the fight our communities against Heroin and Opioid use in our communities VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR ALL THE WE PROVIDE VISITSERVICES OUR WEBSITE FOR ALL THE SERVICES WE PROVIDE

www.rvcautorepair.com www.rvcautorepair.com Email: nparkauto@gmail.com Email: nparkauto@gmail.com

Hours: : Mon.- Fri 7AMHour -6PM sSat. 7AM- 4PM Hours:

AM PM Mon.Fri 7 4 aM-6PMaMSat. 7AM aM Mon.- Fri 7 - 6 Sat. 7 -2pM

131 N. Park Avenue, Rockville Centre, NY

(516) 341-4674 (516) 341-4674 131 N. Park Avenue, Rockville Centre, NY

RVC AUTO REPAIR RVC AUTO REPAIR

1140920

can rely on WE ARE AN AUTOMOTIVE DEALER WE ARE ALTERNATIVE AN AUTOMOTIVE