Rockville Centre
HERALD
COMMUNITY UPDATE Infections as of Dec. 14
848
Infections as of Dec. 7 760
Village opens pickleball court
Resident scores in baking contest
Local man turns 101
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Page 28
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$1.00
DECEMBER 17- 23, 2020
VOL. 31 NO. 51
Schools see Covid uptick District urges families to take precautions over winter break together that contains tips for recognizing symptoms of Covid19, reporting them and finding As the number of positive ways to stay mentally and physiCovid-19 cases continues to rise cally healthy. in the community, the Rockville He emphasized that even Centre School District is taking minor symptoms could be signs proactive measures to help keep of the virus. “I would ask people schools open to be mindful of throughout the winthose things, report ter. For two days them to our nurse, next week, before have a conversation the start of winter with us,” Chang break, schools will said. “We want to operate on a fully make sure that we’re remote schedule to keeping you safe, minimize the risk of and we’re also keepexposure, and dising the rest of the trict officials are student body as well urging students, as the staff safe.” staff and families to JUNE CHANG He noted that the take extra precau- Superintendent district had succeedtions while off camed in keeping buildpus. ings open thus far, “We’re asking everyone to be but, he added, “We want to be as responsible as possible, inside prepared for anything that could and outside the schools,” Super- potentially happen once we intendent June Chang said. “I’m return from the break.” asking everyone to take every “We want to keep our schools precaution necessary. We as a open,” Chang emphasized. “That school district want to remain is our ultimate goal.” open.” The number of positive cases At the Dec. 10 Board of Edu- at all of the schools has contincation meeting, Chang detailed a ued to rise each week, but none “winter survival guide” he put CONTINUED ON PAGE 13
BY JILL NOSSA
jnossa@liherald.com
Courtesy Village of Rockville Centre
Talk about holiday spirit The village came up with a creative way to celebrate the holidays this year in a festive, socially distanced way. Last Sunday, it held the first “RVC Holiday Lights Night,” a communitywide decorating contest. More than 80 homes participated, and more than 3,000 residents cast votes for their favorite displays in five categories: Most Popular, Martha Stewart, Clark Griswold, Party of Lights and Family Friendly. This house, at 19 Argyle Place, took the Family Friendly prize. Story, more photos, Page 3.
RVC resident brings joy as Santa Even amid a pandemic, he continues deliveries BY TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com
Not much in 2020 can qualify as normal or routine, but the Association of Children with Down Syndrome’s very own Santa Claus refused to let Covid19 disrupt his favorite time of the year. Longtime Rockville Centre resident Barry Shimkin has brought joy to hundreds of chil-
dren for the past 26 years by donning his red suit (he’s on suit No. 3), fluffy white beard and a bag full of presents to share with ACDS students with disabilities. This year, pandemic restrictions nearly put an end to visits from Santa. But Shimkin would not be deterred. Working in conjunction with the ACDS Parent Teacher Organization, last weekend he decided to hop in his sleigh — in this case, the custom
vehicle ACDS utilizes to bring students to its Early Intervention clinic — put on a festive protective mask and bring holiday cheer to kids all over Nassau County and parts of Suffolk County in lieu of their usual visits to ACDS headquarters in Plainview. “It’s been the best day of the year for me since I started playing Santa,” Shimkin said. “SeeCONTINUED ON PAGE 8
W
e want to keep our schools open. That is our ultimate goal.
December 17, 2020 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD
2
HERE FOR YOU IF YOU NEED US. HOLIDAY HOURS
Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve All locations open until 4:00pm
Because, unfortunately, injuries can happen during the holidays.
Christmas Day, New Year’s Day Merrick office open for walk-in patients 9:00am – 5:00pm 1728 Sunrise Highway, Merrick
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Happy Holidays and Stay Safe!
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Rockville Centre Lynbrook Merrick Garden City Massapequa Woodbury Bellmore Melville Bohemia Smithtown Port Jefferson Riverhead Southampton Port Jefferson Station Kew Gardens (Opening Soon)
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ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — December 17, 2020 Photos courtesy Village of Rockville Centre
THE MOST POPULAR house, voted on by residents, is at 195 Voorhis Avenue.
Lighting up for the holidays With current restrictions preventing the usual holiday celebrations from happening, the Village of Rockville Centre got creative and found a different way to foster holiday spirit this year. On Sunday, the village held its first “RVC Holiday Lights Night,” a community wide decorating contest. Homeowners were invited to dig out their lights and decorations to showcase their holiday spirit. More than 80 homes participated in the contest and were included in a community map that
was available to residents. More than 3,000 votes were cast for winners in five categories: Most Popular, Martha Stewart, Clark Griswold, Party of Lights and Family Friendly. Honorable mention went to homes at 29 Strathmore Lane, 148 Demott Avenue, 21 Hamilton Street and 6 Olive Court. Ballots were delivered to Village Hall, where Santa and his helpers met participants at their cars and gave the children candy canes.
RESIDENTS DROPPED OFF their ballots at Village Hall, where they were greeted by Santa and his helpers and were given candy canes as a thank-you for participating in the contest.
THE CLARK GRISWOLD award went to 174 Pine Street.
PARTY OF LIGHTS winner is the home at 15 Dogwood Lane.
4
Village offers non-resident commuter parking permit
INTRODUCING A NEW
A non-resident commuter parking permit is now available for parking areas within the Village of Rockville Centre. The six-month permit is available for a fee of $175 and commuters can utilize parking fields with “R” resident/commuter spots. To obtain a commuter parking permit, visit www.rvcny.gov to fill out an
Happy Chanukah from Our Family to Yours!
application. Applications, a copy of vehicle registration and payments can be returned to Village Hall located at One College Place, Rockville Centre, NY 11571. For further questions, please contact the Village Administration office at 516-678-9212.
CRIME WATCH
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on Lawrence Place reported a bicycle was stolen from his garage.
■ On Dec. 9, at 10:08 p.m., a motorist reported a phone charger was stolen from her vehicle while it was parked near Sunrise Highway.
Criminal Mischief
■ On Dec. 13, at 9:56 a.m., a homeowner
■ On Dec.12, at 6:33 a.m., a homeowner on Riverside Drive reported finding the tires on her vehicle slashed.
People named in Crime Watch items as having been arrested and charged with violations or crimes are only suspected of committing those acts of which they are accused. They are all presumed to be innocent of those charges until and unless found guilty in a court of law.
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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 ■ 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 1112903
December 17, 2020 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD
S C H A R F FA M I LY S E N I O R C O M M U N I T Y
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 © 2020 Richner Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.
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ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — December 17, 2020
Excellence is our STANDARD.
WE ARE HERE FOR YOU! Wishing all our Friends and Neighbors A Happy and Safe Holiday!
Here at RVC Auto we want to make sure that all of your automotive needs are met, but at the same time we want to make sure our community stays as safe and healthy as possible. We are taking extra precautions on our end to keep the vehicles we service as germ free as possible. We are using seat covers, steering wheel covers, gear shifter covers, and putting your keys in bags to prevent any unneeded contact. Auto Repair in an essential business and we will be here for you during these tough times. We have also increased staffing to help with pickup and delivery of your vehicle. We hope to get through this as timely and as safely as possible. Stay Well! Anything we can do to help feel free to call us at (516) 341-4674
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December 17, 2020 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD
6
EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
COMMUNITY UPDATE Thursday, Dec. 17
friends. At 50 S. Park Avenue, Rockville Centre, 1 p.m. Call (516) 766-1266 to make a reservation.
Board meeting The Village of Rockville Centre will hold a special meeting via Zoom video conferencing at 6 p.m. The link to the meeting will be posted on the village website, rvcny.gov.
Geek TV 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.
Current Affairs Discussion Join in a virtual discussion with James Coll, a professor who will discuss free speech and the Constitution. Through the Rockville Centre Public Library, 1 p.m. on Zoom. Registration required.
Wednesday, Dec. 23
Nutrition Discussion Guest speaker Lauren Perrone, a dietetic intern, will be at the Sandel Senior Center to discuss “Ways to use nutrition to manage chronic pain” at 1 p.m. Call (516) 766-1266 to reserve a spot.
Current Events discussion
Animal Crossing Meetup Tweens and teens, in grades five through nine, can show off their designs or learn new tricks by joining in the Animal Crossing: New Horizons meetup. Through the Rockville Centre Public Library, 7 p.m. on Zoom.
Friday, Dec. 18
Courtesy Sen. Todd Kaminsky
Lighting the Menorah On Saturday night, Central Synagogue-Beth Emeth and Congregation B’nai Sholom- Beth David joined together for a menorah lighting. In attendance were, from left, Legislator Debra Mule, Mayor Francis X. Murray, Senator John Brooks, Senator Todd Kaminsky, Rabbi Michael Cohen and Father Michael Duffy from St. Agnes Cathedral.
Tween Craft Children in grades 4 to 7 can create a craft at home. This week, children will learn how to make paper bag stars. Supplies can be picked up at the Rockville Centre Public Library, in the Children’s Room. Instructions can be found on the library’s YouTube channel.
Virtual Trip to Stockholm Sandel Senior Center members can take a trip to Stockholm at 1 p.m. from the comforts of home. Call (516) 7661266 to make a reservation.
Saturday, Dec. 19 Draw the Dinos Children ages 5 to 12 can attend a class at the Center for Science, Teaching and Learning to learn how paleontologiists draw dinosaurs and how to make them look scientifically accurate. From 2 to 3:30 p.m. Register at cstl.org.
Sunday, Dec. 20 Farmers Market
Family Bingo Families can participate in a virtual Bingo game through the Rockville Centre Library at 4 p.m. Visit bingobaker. com and choose “number bingo” to print out Bingo cards before the game. A link will be emailed to registrants 60 minutes prior to the start of the game.
l l l l l
The Long Island Growers Market continues in Rockville Centre through Dec. 20. At Long Beach Road and Sunrise Highway, Parking Lot Number 12, from 7 a.m. to noon. Vendors accept preorders. Social distancing and masks required. Visit longislandgrowersmarket.
com for more information.
Monday, Dec. 21 Creativity Workshop Write and draw live on Zoom, through the Rockville Centre Public Library. The workshop is best suited for grades three to five. Registrants will receive writing prompts. The link will be emailed one hour prior to the 4 p.m. start time.
Meditation with MaryClare MaryClare Chiofalo leads a meditation class through the Rockville Centre Public Library that is designed to help participants destress, relax and focus. Registration required. 7 p.m.
Power outages are scheduled in the village on Dec. 18. An RVC Lions Club exhibit is on display at the RVC Library On Saturdays, parking in the village is free Sandel TV airs daily at 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Email letters to Santa at santaclaus@nassaucountyny.gov
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.
Paper Snowflake Join in the holiday festivities at Sandel Senior Center and make a paper snowflake. At 50 S. Park Avenue, Rockville Centre, 1 p.m. Call (516) 766-1266 to make a reservation.
Ornament Painting Join in the holiday festivities at Sandel Senior Center and paint an ornament. At 50 S. Park Avenue, Rockville Centre, 1 p.m. Call (516) 766-1266 to make a reservation.
Tuesday, Dec. 22 Yoga with Joe Certified yoga instructor Joe Cilmi leads the class designed to accommodate the needs of people who may have difficulty with more traditional approaches. Registration required. At the Rockville Centre Library, 12:15 p.m.
Radio City Christmas Spectacular Join in the holiday festivities at Sandel Senior Center and watch the Radio City Christmas Spectacular movie with
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
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ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — December 17, 2020
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Despite pandemic, Santa still delivers joy CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE ing the look on the kids’ faces is a wonderful thing. It’s a pleasure beyond belief.” He and his wife, Jane, ACDS’s director of early intervention services, donated the funds this year to purchase gifts to ensure that children have something special as they experience the magic of the season. “Barry and Jane are a very special couple,” ACDS Executive Director Michael Smith said. “We can’t let outsiders into the building this year and it was their idea to bring gifts to kids’ homes. Barry always says it’s the one day on his calendar nobody can touch. All we had to do was provide some bottles of Diet Coke to keep him going.” Between noon and 4 p.m. last Saturday and Sunday, the Shimkins, along with ACDS music teacher Maureen Goff, made stops in Baldwin, Bethpage, Carle Place, Elmont, Farmingdale, Glen Cove, Hempstead, Hicksville, Island Park, Levittown, Locust Valley, Long Beach, Lynbrook, Massapequa, Merrick, New Hyde Park, Oceanside, Old Bethpage, Plainview, Port Washington, Seaford, Syosset, Valley Stream, Wantagh, Westbury and Woodmere. Two families in Oceanside, the Patissos and the Lucases, received visits from Santa last Saturday. “My daughter was completely surprised, and it was so beautiful,” said Leanna Patisso, mother of Ariana. “She was so excited to see Santa.”
MAEVE LUCAS OF Oceanside was awestruck to see Santa at her home on Saturday.
Photos courtesy ACDS
THE BIG MAN visited Oceanside’s Ariana Patisso and her parents, Leanna and Michael. Maeve Lucas, too, was awestruck to see him, her mother, Melissa said, and was busy all weekend playing with her gift — an interactive dress-up Santa with Velcro pieces. “It was very sweet,” Melissa said. “Barry and Jane and Maureen all volunteered their time on a Saturday to make kids happy.”
About ACDS
With headquarters in Plainview, ACDS is dedicated to providing lifetime resources to those with Down syndrome, autism and other developmental disabilities. Since 1966 the agency has been helping them develop to their fullest potential. On
Long Island, it works with people from birth through adulthood and offers programs for entire families. ACDS currently serves more than 1,000 people through home-based and clinical early intervention; preschool special education; respite and recreation programs for children, teens, and adults; Brokerage/Self Direction and Fiscal Intermediary Services; day habilitation; and eight supervised group homes. For more information, go to www.acds.org or call (516) 933-4700.
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December 17, 2020 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD
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Northwell hosts 2nd Gun Violence Prevention Forum By Scott Brinton
Former U.S. Rep. Gabrielle “Gabby” Giffords stood outside the Safeway supermarket northwest of Tuscon, Ariz., on Jan. 8, 2011, chatting with constituents about Medicare reimbursements, when a 22-year-old gunman opened fire, killing six and injuring 11, including Giffords, who was the target of the attack. A bullet sliced through the left side of Giffords’s head, and she was placed in a medically induced coma to ease swelling on her brain. When she awoke, she could not speak. She needed two months of speech therapy to mouth the words, “Twinkle, twinkle, little star,” according to USA Today. Nearly 10 years later, her speech is still labored. “Words once came easily, but today I struggle,” she told the audience at Northwell Health’s second Gun Violence Prevention Forum last Thursday, broadcast over the internet. Some 1,200 people from throughout the country registered for the event, which was intended, in part, to reframe the debate over gun control from a battle over the Second Amendment right to bear arms to one of public safety. The two-hour event featured a long line of speakers from the government, the medical community and private industry, including former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, long an outspoken proponent of gun control, and U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy, a Democrat of Connecticut. Nearly 40,000 Americans die of gun
Former U.S. rep. Gabrielle Giffords, who was nearly killed in a 2011 shooting, was among the featured speakers during Northwell Health’s two-hour virtual Gun Violence Prevention Forum last Thursday. Joining her was U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, a Republican of Pennsylvania. violence annually — more than a hundred a day — two-thirds by suicide, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Michael Dowling, president and CEO of Northwell Health, said Americans must recognize that the country is — and has been for a long time — in the middle of a “pandemic of gun violence.” At Northwell’s first Gun Violence Prevention Forum, held last December in Manhattan, the health system pledged $1 million to fund gun violence research and prevention, and Dowling called on other major health systems across the country to join in the effort and provide funding as well.
Last December, Northwell established the Center for Gun Violence Prevention, headed by Dr. Chethan Sathya, a pediatric surgeon and associate trauma medical director at Cohen Children’s Medical Center on the Queens-Nassau border. “We have to get behind the root causes” of gun violence, Sathya said at the Dec. 10 forum. To that end, Northwell is undertaking a major research study at three of its hospitals, asking patients questions about the firearms they might have in their homes to help determine their risk of injury by gun. The study is funded by a $1.4 million grant from the National Institutes of Health.
“Progress has been made, but there is so much more to do,” Dowling said, emphasizing that the intent is not to deny anyone the Second Amendment right to a firearm, but rather to determine what concrete measures can be taken to reduce gun violence nationally, including which ones must be enacted through federal legislation. High on the priority list, according to a number of forum speakers, is enacting a federal law to require a universal background check for anyone who purchases a firearm, without loopholes. Among the speakers supporting a universal background check was U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, a Republican from Langhorne, Pa., who appeared with Giffords. On gun safety, Fitzpatrick, a former FBI special agent, said Democrats and Republicans “can come together on areas that we agree,” including background checks, estimating that 70 to 80 percent of Americans support them. Other speakers, however, spoke of political paralysis in Congress, where special interest groups like the National Rifle Association, which opposes universal background checks, hold sway. That is why, Giffords said, Americans must remain politically engaged and apply pressure to lawmakers to act. After she was shot, she said, “I found one word, and I found another.” People can make their voices heard, she said, at the ballot box. “We can let this continue,” Giffords said, “or we can act. We can vote. We can be on the right side of history. Vote, vote, vote.”
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ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — December 17, 2020
sbrinton@liherald.com
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Pickleball in action at Rec Center in RVC BY TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com
Photos by Tony Bellissimo/Herald
RVC MAYOR FRANCIS X. Murray, front left, joined Rec Center Acting Superintendent Karen Polito, right, and pickleball ambassador Frank Milillo for a ribbon cutting last Friday. pickleball ambassador, Frank Milillo who organized the entire league.” The sport is played on a badminton sized court (20x44 feet) with solid paddles made of wood or composite material and
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a polymer ball, much like a wiffle ball. The height of the net is a few inches lower than a tennis net, which is 42 inches at the ends and 36 inches in the middle. Games are 11 points, however, the win-
ning margin must be at least 2 points. “It’s not as taxing on the body as tennis and a lot of people, including myself, find the social part of playing is just as imporCONTINUED ON PAGE 11
Wishing you a holiday season filled with joy and hope Your Friends at:
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Frank Milillo is thriving in his voluntary position as a pickleball ambassador for Rockville Centre. An avid tennis player for 27 years, he’s developed a passion for what’s become the fastest-growing sport in the country after giving it a try about a year ago. And though he’s currently sidelined with a shoulder injury, that didn’t stop him from growing the sport locally. In a matter of weeks following meetings with Rockville Centre Mayor Francis X. Murray and RVC Recreation Center Acting Superintendent Karen Polito, a pickleball league became a reality. “I never thought it would come together so quickly, but I’m glad it did and everyone is excited,” Milillo said. “The spots filled up so fast and I expect the same for the next session. The Rec Center has been great to work with and I think this can be an incredible thing for the long term.” Pickleball, invented in 1965 and featuring elements similar to tennis, badminton and racquetball, made its debut at the John A. Anderson Recreation Center on Dec. 2. It found ample room for two portable courts upstairs and one downstairs. “We had a successful first full week of pickleball,” Polito said. “The Rec Center is so excited to offer this new activity for adults. We are fortunate to have the space to accommodate it and to work with our
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December 17, 2020 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD
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Pickleball court opens at RVC Rec Center
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ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — December 17, 2020
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10 tant as the physical aspect,” Milillo said. “We created leagues for beginners and competitive players, and we’re also looking to hold some clinics soon.” Murray met with Milillo in November and they discussed potential sites for pickleball courts. They visited the basketball and handball courts at Hickey Field on Sunrise Highway in addition to the Rec Center before heading over to Hempstead Lake State Park, where Murray experienced playing the sport for the first time. “It’s really taken off,” the mayor said. “Hopefully there will be more time and more space for the sport to grow in Rockville Centre.” Eileen Garry of Rockville Centre said she was scrolling through Facebook when she came across the newly established RVC Pickelball page. “I saw it was open to beginners and wanted to give it a try,” she said. “I’ve played tennis for a long time. The biggest differences are both players on the same doubles team serve after each other, and also the scoring.” The league fee is $200 and covers 20 hours of play over a 10-week period. For the first winter session (in progress), there were two-hour time slots to choose from Wednesday to Sunday. Milillo expects the next winter session to start in early March and offer the same two hours of court time. Information can be found
PATTY COLLINS OF East Meadow went for the volley. on the RVC Pickleball Facebook page, which has over 150 followers already. “It’s a lot of fun,” Garry added. “I got my good friend [Jeannie King] to join and am trying to get my husband to fit it into
his schedule for the next session.” A starter set of two paddles and four balls can be purchased for a little as $24.99 at www.pickleballcentral.com.
EILEEN GARRY OF RVC prepared to serve.
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December 17, 2020 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD
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BRINGING LOCAL SPORTS HOME EVERY WEEK
HERALD SPORTS Nassau H.S. football approves 6 games By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com
Nassau County high school football, slated to begin practice March 1 of 2021, announced it will play six regular-season games, down from the standard eight, and also eliminate scrimmages and one round of playoffs. In addition, no Long Island championships will be played against Suffolk County, which will conduct only five regularseason games. “We’re preparing for the season as if it’s going to happen and will have some things to address such as transportation and spectators as we get closer to March,” said Nassau football coordinator Matt McLees, who noted the decision to pass on the LICs was made with all 50 programs in mind. “We like the model we’re using,” he added. “It was most important to play six meaningful regular-season games above all else. With the power rankings we use, at least six games are necessary.” Playing six games, as opposed to five, also gives each team three home games and three road games, instead of an unbalanced schedule, McLees explained. “The football committee deserves a lot of credit for the effort they put in,” he said. “In the end, all the decisions will benefit hundreds and hundreds of kids.” The season is scheduled to kick off Saturday, March 13, though McLees said some games could be played on the 12th if teams wanted to give up a day of practice. Freeport (Conference I), Garden City (II), Plainedge (III) and Seaford (IV) are the defending county champions. Freeport, which has captured back-to-back Long Island Class I titles, is the only one of the four not seeded No. 1 after losing some key contributors who transferred out of state to play this fall. Oceanside is the top seed in Conference I and will open on the road against Farmingdale. “I think the six games is good,” Oceanside head coach Rob Blount said. “It appeals to the majority of schools, rather than catering to the top of each conference with more playoff games. I hope we can get the season in. A small percentage of kids will continue to play in college, but most will play their last games. It’s something they will cherish for the rest of their lives.” Garden City, which has won four straight county crowns, opens at Carey. MacArthur, the 2019 runners-up in Conference II, is seeded second and will take on South Side in the opener. Other local matchups in Week 1 include Calhoun at Mepham, Valley Stream Central at Long Beach, and Kennedy at Elmont. “It’s always fun lining up against one of the other teams in our district,” Mepham head coach Anthony Cracco said. “We didn’t have the opportunity to play either of the Bellmore-Merrick teams last year so our seniors are really looking forward to it.”
Anthony Hughes/Herald
MEPHAM AND CAREY will renew their Nassau Conference II football rivalry on April 10. Plainedge, which nipped Freeport in the 2019 Rutgers Cup voting, kicks off at Lynbrook. Seaford opens at North Shore. The regular season is scheduled to conclude Saturday, April 17. The number of playoff teams in each of Nassau’s four conferences has been cut in half, from eight to four. The semifinals are scheduled for April 24, followed by the county championship games May 1-2.
Eight teams switched conferences Of the eight programs taking on new conference rivals for the upcoming season, half were part of Conference III a year ago. Runner-up South Side jumps to Conference II, while perennial powers Wantagh and Lawrence, along with North
Shore, bounced to Conference IV. New to Conference III are Manhasset and Valley Stream South. East Meadow and Herricks are back in familiar stomping grounds in Conference I after competing in Conference II in 2019.
JV remains on Saturday mornings The majority of Nassau’s junior varsity football games in 2018 kicked off Monday afternoons, but last year the action returned to traditional Saturday mornings at the opposite location of that day’s varsity game. It’ll remain that way in 2021. Should any freshmen, sophomores or juniors not step on the JV field on a particular Saturday morning, they would be eligible to play in the varsity game.
10 Games To Watch ■
March 13: Garden City at Carey
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March 13: Plainedge at Lynbrook
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March 13: MacArthur at South Side
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March 20: Lawrence at Seaford
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March 27: Freeport at Oceanside
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March 27: Elmont at V.S. Central
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March 27: West Hemp. at Clarke
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April 10: Mepham at Carey
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April 10: Freeport at Baldwin
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April 17: Wantagh at Seaford
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ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — December 17, 2020
Christina Daly/Herald
DISTRICT SCHOOLS WILL operate remotely ahead of the winter break to minimize the risk of exposure to the coronavirus.
District goes remote THAT’S A WRAP! Season 1 of Herald Inside LI ahead of break has had to close. To date, the district has reported 53 cases since the beginning of the school year, and there are 22 active cases. Chang said that the number of students at the high school who had switched to remote learning had increased over the previous week, which contributed to the decision to operate remotely on Dec. 21 and 22. “There are many advantages to doing this. One is that we can prepare and adjust accordingly,” Chang said, explaining that two days of remote work would give teachers and students a chance to familiarize themselves with the technology and schedules, in case the schools are forced to shut down at a later date. “We also don’t want to interrupt families during the holidays.” He said that, as people reported positive cases over the Thanksgiving break, nurses made calls to families who were already out of town. Having students at home will minimize the risk and reduce the potential need for contact tracing over the holidays. The schools will send out case updates on Jan. 3, and the district requests that anyone who tests positive over the break inform the school nurse. The district’s Covid-19 dashboard, on the home page of the district website, will continue to be updated throughout the break. “I think it’s a great way for principals to have a practice run for anything that may come in the future, and I think it will help our contact tracing for the holiday week,” said Board of Education President Tara Hackett. At last week’s board meeting, Chang also gave an overview of the state micro-cluster strategy, which designates regions reporting increases in Covid-19 cases as yellow, orange or red zones. The strategy requires testing a percentage
of students and staff in order for schools to remain open if a district becomes a designated zone. In yellow zones, schools can remain open if they test 20 percent of in-person staff and students within two weeks of the designation. Chang said that would mean testing roughly 800 people. The testing would be voluntary and randomized, and would be done at no cost to the district, billed to the insurance companies of those being tested. He noted that, according to a brief survey completed by the district, 73 percent of families and 83 percent of staff said they would take part in the testing. “We are making every effort to partner with an outside organization, for clinicians to come in who could give tests strictly to our group of 800 who need to be tested,” Chang said. “We want to make sure we have accessibility to this, so if we were to be in any one of these zones, particularly in yellow, we can offer this voluntary option to come in and be tested so we can meet the quota.” Board Vice President Kelly Barry asked for specifics on how the testing would work, and whether it would start with students or staff. “In order for us to hit that number, we need a good mix of both,” Chang said — about 700 students and 160 staff members. Board Secretary Christine Ferazani asked if parents could be present during the testing, and Chang said that testing organizations had told him that would be possible. Barry also asked if there was a way to get feedback from teachers and parents on their experience with going fully remote, and Trustee John O’Shea echoed that sentiment. “I think it would be important to create a tool to get some feedback,” O’Shea said. “I think this is a good opportunity to give it a try.”
HERE’S WHAT WE BROUGHT YOU THIS YEAR: AUGUST 12: K-12 Education: Back to School AUGUST 21: Higher Education: Back to School SEPTEMBER 3: LI Housing Market, Buy or Sell? SEPTEMBER 9: Lockwood College Prep Virtual Event SEPTEMBER 17: K-12 Education Update SEPTEMBER 23: A Fall Without Sports OCTOBER 8: Home Buying 101 OCTOBER 14: Health + Wealth Virtual Event OCTOBER 15: Pink Power: Breast Cancer Awareness OCTOBER 21: Next Steps in Nassau: An Update from Elected Officials OCTOBER 29: Economic Development NOVEMBER 10: Coping for Kids: Mental Health Awareness NOVEMBER 12: Not-for-Profit Summit NOVEMBER 19: Applying to College DECEMBER 3: Power of 5G Part I DECEMBER 10: Power of 5G Part II Missed an episode or want to re-watch? Subscribe to our YouTube channel to see all past episodes at LIHerald.com/Recordings. The first episode of Season 2 airs Thursday, January 7* at 10am to discuss the spike in prospective college students opting to stay local, rather than leave the area for their higher education. To sign up, go to LIHerald.com/StayingLocal.
Do you have an idea for a webinar? Email us at insideli@liherald.com
*subject to late-breaking news
To sponsor a webinar or for more information RICHNER contact Amy Amato at aamato@richnerlive.com or 516.569.4000 x 224 PRODUCED BY
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In August, Herald Community Newspapers launched a weekly webinar series called Herald Inside LI. Each episode of Herald Inside LI welcomed community leaders to discuss a range of topics and analyzed how industries and roles have changed during the pandemic. As we close out the year, we’d like to extend a THANK YOU to our sponsors, panelists and listeners.
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December 17, 2020 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD
After the SweAring-in, Police Benevolent Association President James McDermott, right, at lectern, offered words of advice for the recruits.
Photos by Scott Brinton/Herald
NCPD swears in one of its largest cadet classes By Scott Brinton sbrinton@liherald.com
Nassau County officials swore in 185 cadets at the Police Academy in Massapequa Park last Friday morning — one of the largest classes to enter the county’s tough, seven-month officer training program ever. It was a socially distant affair, with 49 of the masked cadets seated on aluminum folding chairs in the auditorium of the former Hawthorn Elementary School, which Nassau leases from the Massapequa School District. The remaining recruits were separated in groups of 15 or 16 and spread out among surrounding classrooms to watch the ceremony via livestream. The county police force now stands at 2,259, without the new recruits. The cadets will study both in the classroom and through a series of intense simulations at various venues, which will imitate policing on the streets, including car chases, said one of the trainers, Chris Boccio, who grew up in Lynbrook. He stood by fellow trainer Joe Monez, of Mineola, in a hall as cadets sat in their classrooms nearby after the swearing-in. The two noted that the NCPD requires a significantly more rigorous training program than New York state mandates — Nassau puts cadets through 1,050 to 1,200 hours of training, compared to the minimum 639 hours that the state requires for basic police training. County Executive Laura Curran greeted the cadets during the ceremony. “Welcome to our Nassau County family,” she said. “We will have your back,” adding, “Your success is our success.” The age of the Hawthorn building was apparent in the auditorium where Curran spoke, with its dim lighting, worn linoleum floor and exposed heating duct above, wrapped in silver insulation. A $54 million, 89,000-square-foot academy is now under construction on the campus of Nassau Community College in Garden City and is expected to be complete in May. The current class will be the last to train at the Massapequa Park facility and the first to graduate at the new Garden City center, said Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder, who grew up in Lynbrook
and now lives in Wantagh. He also noted it is the first to enter the academy amid a pandemic, and will be the first to graduate under new state policing reforms enacted after the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis on May 25, which stress the need for community policing that requires officers to understand and engage with people at the local level. At the same time, the reforms made the use of a chokehold a felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison if an officer injures or kills a person, and opened police misconduct records to the public, among other measures. It’s also expected that the cadets will wear body cameras when they patrol the streets after graduation, Ryder said. The county and Police Benevolent Association recently came to terms on the requirement. Officers are to be paid a $3,000 annual cash stipend to wear the cameras. The union membership, county Legislature and county fiscal control board must still sign off on the agreement. Ryder, now in his 38th year in policing, said he “embraced the culture here” during his time at the academy in 1986, after having spent four years in the New York
cAdet MichAel ShAnnon was among the 185 recruits who were sworn in to the NCPD’s academy on Friday. Police recruit chelSeA Penn was joined at the swearing-in by her brother, Derrick Penn, an officer with the NCPD’s 8th Precinct.
Police Department. The NCPD’s culture, he said, is one “of community service.” Cadet Chelsea Penn, 26, who was not permitted by academy rules to give her hometown, said, “I’m a little nervous but super-excited” about starting police training. She had been at the academy since
early that morning and had gone for a run before the swearing-in. She stood beside her brother, Derrick Penn, 28, an officer in the 8th Precinct in Bethpage, who has been with the department four years. “She’s a perfect asset to this department,” Derrick said, smiling.
TMOBILE_Carrier Freedom_10.25x12.75.pdf
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ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — December 17, 2020
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Covid-19 vaccine is on its way to Nassau By CAITLIN O’BRIEN AND SCOTT BRINTON sbrinton@liherald.com
Nassau County hospital officials and elected leaders are moving fast to prepare for distribution of the first doses of the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine after federal emergency-use authorization for it was approved last Friday. New York is slated to receive 170,000 doses in the first batch. The first dose in New York state — and perhaps the nation — was given at Northwell Health’s Long Island Jewish Medical Center in New Hyde Park, on the Nassau-Queens border, on Monday morning. It went to a 52-year-old critical-care nurse, Sandra Lindsay, of Port Washington. The pharmaceutical companies Pfizer, Moderna and AstraZeneca have each developed vaccines that are more than 90 percent effective in preventing Covid-19 infections. Experts say that a vaccine or vaccines might be widely available to the public by April or May. In the meantime, the first doses will go to essential workers, in particular hospital employees, long-term care facility workers and emergency medical technicians, as well as nursing home residents, as per State Health Department protocols. Dr. Dave Neubert, the Town of Hempstead’s emergency medical director and an attending emergecy physician at NYU Winthrop Hospital in Mineola, said the town would be using Facebook Live town halls to promote the coronavirus vaccine to residents so they would be ready and willing to take it when it becomes available. Neubert said the sessions would help explain how the vaccine is administered and assure people that they will not become ill when they take it. None of the vaccines use the live virus, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Courtesy Northwell Health
NORTHWELL HEALTH NURSE Sandra Lindsay, of Port Washington, became the first person in New York state to receive Pfizer’s Covid-19 vaccine on Monday. The vaccines, Neubert explained, give “your body the blueprint for making the antibodies without you having to be exposed to the infection itself.” Mercy Medical Center, in Rockville Centre, is expecting the vaccine to become available quickly for workers there. Dr. Jason Golbin, senior vice president and chief quality officer for Catholic Health Services, said, “Catholic Health employees will be selected to receive the vaccine based on risk of exposure to Covid-19. Top priority will be given to employees and physicians in our ICUs, emergency departments and dedicated Covid units, home care and hospice, as well as long-term care facility
workers who regularly interact with residents.” In a Truth in Medicine poll conducted by Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital in Oceanside in October, more than half of respondents said they would not take the vaccine or were unsure if they would, said Dr. Aaron Glatt, chairman of MSSN’s Department of Medicine and chief of infectious diseases. Recent national polls have indicated that the number willing to take it may be climbing, and is now closer to 60 percent. The vaccine, Glatt said, “is something that will be very important in stemming the terrible spread of this epidemic, and hopefully lead to the end of this epidemic.” David Nemiroff, president and CEO of Long Island Federally Qualified Health Centers, said there were already many people who were skeptical about vaccines before the pandemic, so it may be difficult to persuade everyone that this one is safe, but he believes public support will grow. Nemiroff said that his group of family health centers, with locations in Elmont, Freeport, Hempstead, Oceanside, Roosevelt and Westbury, has asked community leaders, including legislators and church pastors, to encourage people to get the vaccine. “There is a light at the end of the tunnel,” he said, “and people should feel pretty optimistic about that.” The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines must be stored at temperatures well below freezing, while the AstraZeneca vaccine must be chilled. Northwell Health has obtained medical-grade freezers to hold the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, according to Dr. Bruce Hirsch, an infectious disease physician at the health care system. Meanwhile, a smaller organization, like LIFQHC, will potentially have to partner with a hospital like Nassau University Medical Center, in East Meadow, for vaccine storage. Jill Nossa and Mike Smollins contributed to this story.
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December 17, 2020 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD
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ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — December 17, 2020
We are proud to announce t hat we succesfully listed and sold
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Brie Ellwood Real Estate Salesperson 516.678.1510 c.516.965.2663 brieellwood@danielgale.com
Each office is independently owned and operated.
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Congratula t i o n s
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Town to let residents transfer burial rights to families mkoenig@liherald.com
When Deborah Salant heard that victims of the coronavirus pandemic were being stored in refrigerated trucks in New York City, she knew she wanted to donate her family’s two burial plots at Greenfield Cemetery to those who could not afford to bury their loved ones during this pandemic. She was not going to use the plots, which can fit four graves, she said, as she has no children of her own, and she plans to be buried with her grandparents and parents at the Nassau Knolls Cemetery in Port Washington. “I’m sitting on this cemetery plot I’m not going to use,” said Salant, a 66-yearold Franklin Square resident, and she thought donating it to a family who lost a loved one to the coronavirus would ease the family’s trauma because they would not have to worry about what could happen to their relative’s body. But when she spoke to a representative from Greenfield about transferring the burial rights to a family in need, Salant was surprised to learn that she would need to spend more than $12,000 on the site her great-grandfather purchased more than a century ago, and would not be able to transfer her rights to the property to a non-relative, under the Town of Hempstead code. Feeling dejected, she then wrote to town officials who own and operate the Uniondale facility, asking them to change
Town of Hempstead/Facebook
AT A NEWS conference with elected officials on Dec. 10, Deborah Salant spoke about how she donated two cemetery plots to families of Covid victims. the law during the pandemic, and was ready to plead her case at the Dec. 8 board meeting when town officials announced that they had already unanimously passed a resolution to allow people to transfer their rights to families of Covid victims and suspend all costs associated with the transfer. Her family’s debts on the property were also expunged. “I was just speechless that they accept-
ed this,” Salant said. “Walking out, I feel like I was shaking.” “She broke down in tears,” Town Supervisor Donald X. Clavin recounted at a news conference about the new policy on Dec. 10, “but we gave her the applause she deserves.” The town is on track to double the number of funerals it held last year, he said, with state records showing that there have been more than 2,200 Covid-
related deaths in Nassau County since the pandemic began, and Clavin told Salant that her idea “is potentially going to help hundreds of people in this pandemic” by providing them with funerals at a townowned cemetery that are half the cost of funerals at private cemeteries. “You might say you’ll have an everlasting memory,” Clavin told Salant, adding that the town is “here to help people” and “here to do what’s right.”
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December 17, 2020 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD
BY MELISSA KOENIG
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ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — December 17, 2020
St. Francis Heart Center Care is Now at Mercy Medical Center.
When It Comes to Matters of the Heart, It Matters Where You Go.
For more information, visit CHSLI.org/PCI or call 516-62-MERCY.
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Led by world-class interventional cardiologists from St. Francis Heart Center, access to the lifesaving percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedure is now within easier reach at Mercy Medical Center. Within just 90 minutes, cardiac specialists will be able to open an artery, restore blood flow and save heart muscle. Because your heart should never have to wait for the best interventional care.
Hofstra selects first female president By BRIAN STIEGLITZ bstieglitz@liherald.com
After a yearlong search with 270 candidates, the Hofstra University Board of Trustees has unanimously selected Susan Poser as its ninth president — making her the first woman to fill the role. Stuart Rabinowitz, who has been the university’s president for the past 20 years, announced his retirement at the end of last January. In search for his successor, the university formed a committee of 13 members, including representatives from the Board of Trustees, university faculty and Student Government Association. “In Dr. Poser, we have found a higher education leader of exceptional experience, a collaborative and visionary person, and a scholar of great depth and intellect,” said Board Chair Donald Schaeffer, who made the announcement on Dec. 9. Poser, who will begin her tenure on Aug. 1, recently spoke to the Herald about her experience in education, goals in her first year as president and plans for a postpandemic Hofstra. “I was really amazed by what’s going on at Hofstra,” Poser said. “It’s also incredibly well-managed financially and in a really great place coming out of the pandemic.” Poser lauded the advancements Hofstra made during Stuart Rabinowitz tenure, including the university’s partnership with Northwell Health to create the Zucker School of Medicine and Hofstra Northwell School of Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies. Analogous in Poser’s leadership was UIC’s acquisition of the John Marshall Law School, which established the first and only public law school in Chicago. What also stands out to Poser about Hofstra is its commitment to liberal arts and the humanities. “Students need to be encouraged to pursue a liberal
Courtesy Hofstra University
SUSAN POSER WILL be Hofstra University’s ninth — and first female — president. arts education and also need to know that they could get a job with it,” she said, adding that Hofstra provides this to students through internship opportunities, five-year
graduate programs and experiential learning. Before her role at UIC, Poser was the dean of the University of Nebraska College of Law from 2010 to 2016 and the associate to the university’s chancellor for three years before that. Poser grew up in Manhattan and majored in classics at Swarthmore College, graduating with honors. She earned her law degree and doctorate from the University of California, Berkeley. Before starting her academic career, Poser clerked for the Honorable Dolores Sloviter, the chief judge of the U.S. Court Appeals for the Third Circuit in Philadelphia. She also served as the Zicklin Fellow in Ethics at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. “I have had the privilege to work with the Hofstra University community . . . for many years and know that under her leadership, Hofstra University will flourish for years to come,” Rabinowitz said. Asked about her immediate goals as president, Poser said, “I know it’s cliché, but the first thing I want to do is meet a whole lot of people and listen to them and get a real feel for what everyone thinks of the university, how things are going there and how things should go moving forward,” she said. One of Poser’s main priorities as an educator is to embrace diversity and foster “a culture of inclusion,” she said. This is evident in the actions she has taken during her tenure at UIC, where no race or ethnicity makes up 50 percent of the student population. “I think we’ve learned that we’re very adaptable and resilient,” Poser said when asked what teachers and students could take away from the pandemic. Educators were forced to learn how to teach online and, Poser said, could benefit by incorporating these new teaching methods and virtual programs into their courses after the pandemic.
The Cohen Children’s Medical Center Holiday Toy Drive. Help bring holiday cheer to the brave patients of Cohen Children’s Medical Center! All donations and proceeds benefit Cohen Children’s Medical Center.
HOW DO I MAKE A DONATION? Drop off a new toy unwrapped in its original packaging by Friday, December 18th between 10am-2pm at The Compass Garden City Office: 182 Seventh Street, Garden City NY 11530
QUESTIONS? I truly appreciate your support for these brave children and will be accepting donations until December 18th. Please contact me with any questions or for alternative donation options.
Kerry Flynn Licensed Real Estate Salesperson
kerry.flynn@compass.com | M: 914.772.6169 Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the realm of real estate brokerage.
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December 17, 2020 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD
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Hempstead Town’s IT’S FREE! Winter Movie Festival
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ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — December 17, 2020
Drive-in Theater COME T0
Fri
HEMPSTEAD TOWN’S WINTER MOVIE FESTIVAL
Sat
Sun
TOWN PARK POINT LOOKOUT
FREE WINTER DRIVE-IN MOVIES All movies will be shown at Town Park Point Lookout, 1300 Lido Blvd., Point Lookout
Almost Christmas Friday, December 18 5 p.m.
Donald X. Clavin, Jr. Supervisor
Frank Zangla Commissioner, Parks & Recreation
Saturday, December 19 5 p.m.
Frozen 2
Sunday, December 20 2 p.m. Council Members Dorothy L. Goosby Bruce A. Blakeman Anthony D’Esposito Dennis Dunne, Sr. Thomas E. Muscarella Christopher Carini
Kate Murray Town Clerk
Jeanine C. Driscoll Receiver of Taxes
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The Town of Hempstead is teaming up with Toys for Tots this holiday season. We are asking residents who attend one of these drive-in movies to bring an unwrapped gift to donate to Toys for Tots to help underprivileged children.
The Grinch
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Resident turns 101 Last week, Louis Bamundo, a resident of Maple Pointe Assisted Living in Rockville Centre, celebrated his 101st birthday. Though current pandemic restrictions did not allow for any outside visitors or large celebrations, the facility presented him with a special balloon and a cake to mark the occasion. Bamundo, born in Brooklyn on Dec. 11, 1919, served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was honorably discharged in 1945. He received an American Service Medal, a European-African Service Medal and the World War II Victory Medal.
Wishing you and Your family a Happy Holiday season And a healthy new year
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December 17, 2020 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD
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Susan Oldis LCSW Courtesy Mercy Medical Center
MRIDUL KUMAR, MD years of his life in Brooklyn for medical school, residency and then worked as an attending physician at Kings County Hospital. In 2012, Dr. Kumar moved to South Nassau Communities Hospital in Long Island for six years. In 2018, he joined the staff at St. John’s Episcopal Hospital in Far Rockaway, Queens. This was followed by Long Island Community Hospital in Brookhaven, Long Island and Mercy Hospital in Rockville Centre, where he works currently.
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Insurance Accepted: • Optum • Oscar • United Healthcare
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Oxford Health Plans UMR Harvard Pilgrim
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Dr. Mridul Kumar was recently selected as the unsung hero of the Mercy Medical Center emergency department. While every emergency department is staffed with diligent caring doctors, some individuals stand out as workhorses who take the tough shifts, steadfastly deal with issues as they arise, and continually provide excellent patient care even in difficult circumstances. According to Robert M. Bramante, MD FACEP, Chairman, Emergency Medicine, at Mercy Medical Center in Rockville Centre, Dr. Mridul Kumar is one of those individuals who practices emergency medicine working the night shift, identifying opportunities for improvement and providing excellent thoughtful patient care. His ability to manage complex issues with ease deal with complications in real time is unparalleled. The hallmark of an unsung hero is the performance of all this with modesty and steady calmness. Kumar has been practicing emergency medicine for the last 17 years. He is board certified in emergency medicine from the American Board of Emergency Medicine. He attended Mount St. Vincent in Riverdale, Bronx, where he completed his Bachelors of Science in biology. From the Bronx, he went on to receive his Medical Degree from SUNY Downstate in Brooklyn, New York. He spent the next thirteen
Who said that this is the most wonderful time of the year? For many it can be sad, disappointing and frustrating.
ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — December 17, 2020
Mercy Medical Center doc named ‘unsung hero’
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Wishing you a Happy, Healthy, Peaceful New Year!!! From
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December 17, 2020 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD
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NEIGHBORS IN THE NEWS
Last month, Assemblywoman Judy Griffin held a Thanksgiving Food Drive and donated items to various community organizations. South Side Middle School eighth-grader Samantha Fanuzzi helped collect items for the food drive as part of her community service project, and on Nov. 20, Samantha and her mother, Lori, met with Griffin to distribute turkeys and
ASSEMBLYWOMAN JUDY GRIFFIN; Margarita Grasing, director of the Hispanic Brotherhood, Inc; and Janice Burke, who donated $500 to the RVC Hispanic Brotherhood. ASSEMBLYWOMAN JUDY GRIFFIN with Olivia Cesario, an eighthgrader at South Side Middle School, who donated Thanksgiving items to the Thanksgiving Food Drive.
other items at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center in Rockville Centre. Olivia Cesario, also in eighth grade at the middle school, brought donations to the assemblywoman’s office. On Nov. 24, Griffin dropped off donations to the Hispanic Brotherhood of Rockville Centre. She was joined by Janice Burke, who generously donated $500 to the organization.
Merry Christmas HOLIDAY MENU 2020
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Food drive supports community organizations in Rockville Centre
ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — December 17, 2020
Photos courtesy Office of Judy Griffin
SAMANTHA FANUZZI, AN eighth-grader at South Side Middle School, delivered food to the MLK Center in RVC with Assemblywoman Judy Griffin last month.
St. Francis Heart Center opens at Mercy Medical Center Catholic Health Services is expanding its award-winning St. Francis Heart Center cardiovascular program with new interventional services at Mercy Medical Center in Rockville Centre. Led by a team of world-renowned interventional cardiologists from St. Francis Hospital, this center at Mercy gives residents along Nassau County’s south shore access to lifesaving procedures such as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). This procedure uses a catheter to place a stent to open the heart’s blood vessels that have been narrowed by plaque buildup. St. Francis Heart Center at Mercy hospital will also enhance the existing diagnostic catheterization program, offering immediate cardiac care to patients who present at the hospital with a heart attack or other significant cardiac issue. St. Francis Heart Center doctors will have the ability to perform an intervention to open the artery through stenting when disease is discovered during a diagnostic catheterization. The capability to restore blood flow and save the heart muscle for patients within 90 minutes is critical. “Launching St. Francis Heart Center at Mercy e x p a n d s a c c e s s t o o u r renowned cardiac care that consists of top-ranked physicians and medical teams,” said St. Francis Hospital President Charles L. Lucore, MD, MBA. “As the only hospital on Long Island to have
a 5-Star CMS rating and the only one to be designated in the New York Metro area as a Top General Hospital by The Leapfrog Group, expanding our nationally ranked cardiac programs further enhances our vision of providing exceptional patient care, in the communities we serve.” The St. Francis Heart Center at Mercy team will be backed by the St. Francis Hospital cardiothoracic surgeons, anesthesiologists, perfusionists and others who have expertise in all types of heart surgery. This includes coronary artery bypass surgery to the newest, minimally invasive valve procedures, including surgical techniques designed to treat cer tain cardiac a r r hy t h m i a s, o r i r re g u l a r h e a r t rhythms. “Timely diagnosis and treatment of patients experiencing heart problems is vital to successful outcomes,” said CHS and St. Francis Hospital Chairman of Cardiology Richard Shlofmitz, MD. “St. Francis Heart Center at Mercy puts the quality of St. Francis Hospital closer to home for a large number of residents who will now have quick and easy access to exceptional cardiac care that will save lives.” St. Francis Hospital is recognized as one of the top hospitals in the country by U.S. News & World Report (2020–21), currently ranked nationally in four adult specialties: Cardiology & Heart
Surgery, Gastroenterology & GI Surgery, Geriatrics and Pulmonology & Lung Surgery. The St. Francis nursing staff, who are leading the training and expansion of the program at Mercy, have earned the prestigious Magnet® designation for excellence in nursing care, an honor awarded three consecutive times. Only about 8 percent of hospitals in the U.S. meet the high standards of Magnet®, which is achieved through a rigorous evaluation that includes extensive interviews and review of nursing services, clinical outcomes, and patient care and satisfaction.
The expanded St. Francis Heart Center cardiac services at Mercy joins St. Francis Heart Center at Good Samaritan Hospital in West Islip. St. Francis Heart Center will be further expanded to offer cardiac services at St. Joseph Hospital in Bethpage in 2021, with the opening of a new cardiac catheterization lab. More information on the cardiology services offered at CHS may be obtained by visiting CHSLI.org/cardiac-care or call 888-HEART-NY. Courtesy Catholic Health Services; compiled by Jill Nossa
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December 17, 2020 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD
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Joseph Festa dies at 91 Joseph M. Festa, 91, of Atlantic Beach, passed away on Nov. 25, 2020, at St. John’s Episcopal Hospital in Far Rockaway, surrounded by his loving family. Joe was born in Rockaway Beach on June 1, 1929, to the late Rose and Michael Festa. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Kathleen, (nee Doherty) and children, Patrice Ar mstrong (George). Michael (Lori), Joseph (Pauline). He also leaves behind e i g h t g r a n d ch i l d re n wh o m h e adored: Douglas, Michael, Hayley, Noelle, Daniel, Caroline, Hanna and Mia. Joe graduated from Far Rockaway High School in 1947 and spent four years in the U.S. Navy stationed in San Jose, Calif. He worked for Con Edison for 41 years before retiring as supervisor. He was a member of The American Legion Post 272 in Rockaway Beach. Joe was an avid fan of the New York Yankees. He spent his retirement playing softball, bowling and fishing as well as spending many summers at Silver Point Beach Club with his family. A celebration of life took place at St. Ignatius Catholic Church in Long Beach on Monday, Nov. 30. Donations can be made in his honor to St. Mary of the Isle Food Bank, beachcatholic.com/outreach, or Wounded Warriors, support.woundedwarriorproject.org.
https://amzn.to/39qCuWd Linda Sapadin, Ph.D. www.PsychWisdom.com • 516 791-2780
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Thomas Bernard Moriarty, age 95, passed away peacefully on Dec. 4, 2020. Tom was born in Hempstead to John and Margaret Moriarty and was a lifelong resident of the West End of Long Beach. Tom married Josephine (Kelly) Moriarty on April 11, 1964. Tom was predeceased by his parents; his beloved wife Jo (who passed away six months previously to the day); his son, Tommy Moriarty; his sister, Margaret; and his brother-in-law, Rev. Msgr. James P. Kelly. Tom is survived by his brother, John; his adored children, Joanne (and her husband, Chris Aventuro), Jim (and his wife, Mary Kate Wynperle) and John (and his wife, Lori); his seven much loved grandchildren, Christopher, Matthew, William, Molly, Brendan, Daisy and Cal; his nephews, John and Martin Moriarty and Brian and Matthew Reccow; and, of course, his countless friends. He graduated from Long Beach High School during World War II. While still in high school, Tom enlisted in the Navy and then waited to graduate before proudly commencing his service for three years, primarily in the South Pacific. Upon his return after the war, Tom graduated with an accounting degree from Hofstra University on the GI Bill, for which he was forever grateful. Upon graduation Tom worked at Hearst Publishing Co. and later became an executive in the accounting department of the Olin Corporation. Tom and Jo were committed to their family and always shared their deep and enduring Catholic faith that was the true cornerstone of their family life together. They both were committed to service as devoted members of St. Ignatius Martyr Parish. Tom was a trustee, the president of the parish council and school board, a religious education instructor and was a Sunday lector for a half a century. Tom and Jo were recognized with numerous awards from St. Ignatius and the Diocese of Rockville Centre after their years of devoted service. With joy, Tom was always the first to admit (and volunteer) that he did not, however, possess an admirable singing voice. As a lector, after Tom once needed to lead the Church congregants in song after the organist was sadly absent, the priest told Tom with good humor: “Moriarty, you couldn’t carry a tune in a bucket.” Tom was forever a proud and passionate ballplayer to his core (who was always ready for a catch at just about any time and any place). Tom was a lifelong fan of Notre Dame football (a classic “subway alum”). He was a member of the Hofstra football team and first lacrosse team. His legendary Hofstra lacrosse coach, Howdy Myers, had famously remarked of Tom: “Moriarty, you did things out there I’ve never seen before. I should’ve known that you never give a stick to an Irishman.” Later, Tom
would bring the same enthusiasm to cheering for his children and grandchildren in playing sports and performing. One of the religious brothers at Chaminade High School had memorably remarked to Tom’s sons (who were playing football together there) that he loved sitting near Tom and Jo at the football games because they were the classic Irish Catholic couple: when one of the sons would be in on a tough play, Tom would cheer “knock his block off !”, while simultaneously Jo would pray “Jesus, Mary and Joseph, I hope he’s not hurt.” Tom was not particularly moved by his material possessions and he continually stumped his family whenever they inquired as what new gift he might enjoy for Christmas or his birthday. Upon any such inquiry he would always reflexively and sincerely answer with a smile that he wanted “a quarter and a chocolate cake”, which was his most prized gift for a birthday as a young boy when he was growing up in Long Beach during the Great Depression. Tom always had a twinkle in his eye, never shied away from sharing his strong views and adored telling the stories of his amazing adventures that were infused with both his quick wit and humility. His love will endure along with his signature words of departure, “God bless.”
ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — December 17, 2020
Thomas Moriarty
Give your favorite College Student a BOOK for OUR TIMES!
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December 17, 2020 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD
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Resident takes second place in baking contest BY JILL NOSSA jnossa@liherald.com
Cindy Catanzano of Rockville Centre has always loved to bake. Until recently, she never believed that love would develop into something she would be recognized for by those outside of her immediate circle. This fall, Catanzano took a chance and entered the Greatest Baker contest, and ended up taking second place in her group. While perusing Facebook one day in October, she said, she saw a posting for the baking contest and was intrigued. The winners could receive free supplies, with a top prize of $10,000. “I decided to throw my hat in the ring,” she said. The contest mainly required getting a large quantity of votes, so she send out email and social media blasts to friends, families, neighbors and coworkers. Over the course of a month or so, she wound up taking second place in her group of 24 contestants. Though she did not qualify for the semifinals, she said, she still believes it was a positive experience. “I’m very grateful for getting where I got to and it might give me a better understanding of what to do for next time,” Catanzano said, noting that many of her opponents were professional bakers. “It got my juices going and was good to see what I was up against.” She said she had a lot of support from the community. “It was heart-rendering to have that type of support, a real eye-opener for me,” she said. “It showed me how kind and sweet people are. The outpouring of support for me was truly overwhelming. I’ve always loved this town.” Catanzano’s experience with baking started in the home. When she was 10, her grandparents moved in with her family, and her grandmother would bake. One of her specialties was corn muffins, which they would enjoy with a cup of tea. “Over those years, I developed a love for baking and cherished that time together,” Catanzano said. “As I got older, I developed a general love for baking, and my grandmother sparked that interest.” As an adult, she began watching baking shows and challenged herself by copying some of the techniques and trying new recipes. She would post photos for
CATANZANO TAKES A lot of time perfecting the designs of her cakes. She bakes for all occasions, from birthdays to baby showers, graduation celebrations to new jobs. She is adept at recreating designs from photos, or creating her own unique decorations.
Photos courtesy Cindy Catanzano
CINDY CATANZANO HAS been making a name for herself as a baker. friends of her designs and soon started getting requests. Then, people started sending her photos of baked goods they wanted and asked her to make them. “I never said no,” she said. “Even if I didn’t know how to do it, I would watch videos on YouTube and learn. I’m completely self-taught.” Catanzano 60, works full time for ProHealth as a medical assistant and supervisor at Manhasset Primary Care. For the past decade or so, she began taking it more seriously and has been baking cakes, cupcakes, cookies and cakepops for local celebrations. Most of her customers are friends, or friends of friends, and she gets her business through word of mouth. Usually, she said, it comes in waves. Before the pandemic, she said, she would often have four to five jobs to complete within a two-week period, then she would have a lull for several weeks. “When the pandemic hit, I thought it would be big lull,” she said. “By May, I started getting one call after the other and it didn’t stop for two months.” She said she puts a lot of time into the decorating process, and she said that bak-
SHE RECENTLY MADE a fall-themed birthday cake, complete with a pumpkin smash cake. ing relaxes her, and also challenges her and brings out her creativity. “This has brought on a lot of good feelings, knowing that I am doing something and not wanting to get anything back in return,” she said. “When I make anything, the best feeling is seeing the client’s face when they are picking up their cake or I’m delivering it.” Rockville Centre resident Liz Sacco learned about Catanzano through the RVC Moms Facebook page while searching for an idea for her daughter’s third birthday. With a newborn baby in the
house, in the middle of the pandemic, Sacco said she did not have the time or ability to have to a party, but she wanted to do something to make it special. She contacted Catanzano, mentioning she would like rainbows to somehow be incorporated, yet didn’t have a clear idea of what she wanted. “Cindy made the most gorgeous cake, and it was so delicious, too,” Sacco said. “She was really great to work with, and I would definitely use her in the future.”
Public Notices
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LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: Sweet Bites Galore, LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York,
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$18.50 NYC, $16 L.I. & up to $13.50 Upstate NY! If you need care from your relative, friend / neighbor and you have Medicaid, they may be eligible to start taking care of you as a personal assistant under NYS Medicaid CDPA Program. No Certificates needed. Phone: 347-713-3553
BEHAVIOR ASSISTANT
Beach Terrace Care Center In Long Beach, New York Part-Time On All Shifts For Our Neuro-Behavior Unit. Must Have Experience In Hospitals Or Nursing Homes With Psych Units Or Related Field. Please Fax Resume To: 516-431-2105 Attn: Greg Pimentel Or Email GPimentel@beach-terrace.com CASHIER WANTED For Grocery Store West Hempstead. Experience Helpful. Email Resume: ianddglatt2@optonline.net Or Call 516-444-6010
CONSTRUCTION LABORERS
Lipsky Is Seeking Construction Laborers For The Mill River Construction Project Located In Oceanside, NY. Requirements as follows: Proof Of Section 3 Eligibility, OSHA 10 Card, Must Be Authorized To Work In The United States, Own Transportation. Please Send Your Resume And Qualifications To: Info@LipskyConstruction.com Subject:† Mill River Project Resume. Upon Approval Of Your Qualifications You Will Be Sent An Invitation To Interview For The Job Position.
Full Time and Part Time Positions Available! Busy Print Shop in Garden City is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers. Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience. Hours Vary, Night Availability is a Must. Please Email Resume to ehecker@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239
HANDYMAN WANTED
Must have clean driver's license. Must be able to do light plumbing and carpentry. 4-day work week. $700 per week. 100% Medical & Dental, 401K, Uniforms, Paid Vacations, Sick and Holidays. Apply in person: MondayFriday between 9am & 7pm At: CALL-A-HEAD CORP. 304 Crossbay Blvd., Queens, NY 11693
OFFICE HELP WANTED FULL TIME
For Order Taking, Phones, Light Data, Commission, Entry, Will Train! $800.00 Per Week, Medical, Dental, 401K, 2 Weeks Vacation, Holiday Pay. Please Apply In Person MondayFriday Bet: 9AM and 7PM At CALLAHEAD CORP. 304 Cross Bay Blvd. Queens NY 11693 PLUMBING MECHANIC FT/PT WANTED: 10 Years Experience. Must Have To o l s A n d C l e a n D r i ve r ' s L i c e n s e. 516-431-1569
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INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF MALVERNE LOOKING FOR:
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ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — December 17, 2020
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Lynbrook
Perfect House For Any Size Family
Real estate
T
his large Hi-Rance features 5 bedrooms and 2 full baths. The main level includes 2 bedrooms and a full bath, EIK and private side entrance. The 2nd level of the home includes a large extended kitchen with skylight, formal dining room which is perfect for large family gatherings and a formal living room with hardwood floors and vaulted ceilings and tons of natural light. The large master bedroom has huge double closets and a private balcony. There are also 2 additional bedrooms plus a1 Full Bath. This could easily be a Mother/ Daughter with proper permits. Asking $595,000
IN BRIEF Douglas Elliman of Rockville Centre is proud to announce that Alexandra Porter has joined their growing team
Alexandra Porter, Licensed Real Estate Salesperson formally with Laffey Fine Homes in Manhasset, is thrilled to be selected as one of the newest agents to join the new office of Douglas Elliman in Rockville Centre. Under the leadership of fellow Sacred Heart Academy alumni, Donna O'Reilly Einemann, Alexandra will be working as a dedicated full-time agent targeting new buyers and home sellers in Rockville Centre and surrounding communities. Alexandra is local expert! She is a Rockville Centre resident, was born and raised in Garden City, and attended Adelphi University where she graduated with a BFA in Acting. She most recently was pursuing a career in the performing arts in Manhattan before utilizing the downtime she had during quarantine to pursue a Real Estate career. She became a licensed Realtor in August. She believes her unique experiences will give her the advantage she needs to stand out as an agent. She plans on applying the skills she's learned and nurturing the relationships she's built over the last decade to excel as a real estate professional. Alexandra loves taking on challenging work so that the client does not have to. She wants to be a superstar in the eyes of those who know her and that means working harder than anyone else. We are thrilled to have Alexandra's passion, humor, work-ethic, and commitment on our Team. You can reach Alexandra at 516.238.3455 or at alexandra.porter@elliman.com.
Mathias Coni Real Estate Sales Person Cell: 516-587-3283 Offie: 516-223-2525 Century 21 American Homes 2911 Long Beach Rd. Oceanside, NY
LUXURY CONDOS and CO-OPS NYC Living In RVC
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!
OPEN HOUSES BY APPOINTMENT SUNdAY, 12/20/20 EAST ROCKAWAY
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CO
WOOdSBURGH
185 Bay Dr, BA, NEW! 5/6 BR, 4.5 Bth Exp Ranch on Parklike 1/2 Acre Prop. Guest Quarters, Full Bsmt, 2 Car Gar. SD#14 .................................... $1,450,000 891 Keene Lane, BA, Magnificently Renovated While Retaining Charm, Stone Cottage. 3 BR, 2.5 Bth with Tremendous Potential for Expansion. Brand New Mstr Bth. Over 1/2 Acre Property! Near All...................................................... REDUCED & MOTIVATED!! $999,000
HEWLETT HARBOR
3 Payne Circle, BA, 5 BR, 3.5 Bth Spacious Split on Beautiful Street in Cul de Sac. State of the Art EIK, 2 Dens, Bsmt, & 2 Car Gar. SD#20 ............$1,190,000 236 Richards Lane, BA, 5 BR, 5.5 Bth Contemporary Home on an Acre Of Resortlike Prop with IG Pool. Open Floor Plan. Full Fin Bsmt. Main Flr Master. SD14 .................................................................................REDUCED! $1,499,000
Realtors are encouraged to send briefs and photographs to: Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd.., Garden City, NY 11530.
1 Bedroom, 2nd Floor, updated Kitchen, Freshly painted, new Carpet pRICe: $259k
516-764-2601
1113513
Ronnie Gerber 516-238-4299
e s t. 1 9 1 1
REAL ESTATE
Open Houses
Open Houses
WOODSBURGH 185 BAY Dr, OPEN HOUSE BY Appt, 5/6 BR, 4.5 Bth Exp Ranch on Parklike 1/2 Acre Prop. Guest Q u a r t e r s , F u l l B s m t , 2 C a r G a r. SD#14...$1,450,00 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299
Buyers are enjoying lifetime low interest rates. Sellers are getting multiple offers at and above asking prices. Housing inventory is extremely low and buyer demand is strong.
Gus Allotti realtor ® 43 N. Park Ave
1099323
NYS Licensed Real Estate Salespersons
BestLiHomes.com • 516-418-3333
Call me for a free professional consultation.
Sherlock Sherlock Homes Homes
Melinda Beauchamp
Rockville Centre, NY 11570
Licensed Real Estate Salesperson
516-790-6633 516-764-2601
lirealtorgus@gmail.com www.Century21SherlockHomes.com Each office is independently owned and operated.
Mobile: 516.721.7805
mbeauchamp@coachrealtors.com mbeauchamp.coachrealtors.com 1113386
HEWLETT HARBOR ba, 236 Richards Lane 5 BR, 5.5 Bth Contemporary Home on an Acre Of Resortlike, IGP, Open Floor Plan. Full Fin Bsmt. Main Flr Master. SD14...$1,499,000
2119 Bedford Ave. John Lawlor, CBR, SFR Bellmore, NY 11710 Michele Librett-Lawlor, CBR, SFR
REAL ESTATE
Now is the time to buy or sell a home.
Where Dreams Come Home
HEWLETT BAY PARK
NEW TO MARKET!! 10,000 Sq Ft Waterfront Property on an Acre of Parklike Grounds. 5 BR, 5.5 Bth Contemporary. IG Pool ................................. $4,650,000 70 Heron Dr, BA, 6 BR, Contemporary with Open Layout on an Acre of Parklike Property. Move Right in! SD#14 .......................................... $1,699,000 159 Meadowview Ave, BA, Stately 5200 Sq Ft Colonial Featuring 6 BR, 6.55 Bths on Acre Of Resortlike Prop with IG Pool, Tennis Ct, & Outdoor Kit. Fin Bsmt, 2 Car Gar, Fabulous Location in SD#14............................................................................. REDUCED!! $2,699,000
REAL ESTATE
1113385
HOME OF THE WEEK
1112423
December 17, 2020 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD
30
314 Sunrise Highway Rockville Centre NY 11570
Melinda & Thor
HERALD
To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5
75 SEAMAN AVENUE, ROCKVILLE CENTRE o: 516.766.7900 | signaturepremier.com
Market Place To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5
THINKING OF BUYING OR SELLING? Contact one of our hardworking professionals today for all of your real estate needs!
516.431.0799
aboveallgutters.com
We look forward to providing home buyers and sellers with the highest level of personalized service and support.
1112911
Safe Roof and Exterior Cleaning, Gutter Cleaning, Repairs, Installations
947101
1106049 JUAN JARA Licensed RE Broker Associate Cell: 516-318-0142 Juan@AllStarRealEstateBrokers.com CAMILLE GIARDINA Licensed RE Broker/Owner Cell: 516-318-1392 Camille@AllStarRealEstateBrokers.com
1109112
We’re Keeping the American Dream Alive. www.AllStarRealEstateBrokers.com
“Going Above & Beyond to find your Dream Home”
Rhonda Healy
Mention this ad and get
EAST ROCKAWAY WATERVIEW! 3Bds, 2Bths, EIK, FDR, LR, Den, FBasement, Garage,,Large Yard. Zone X-no flood insurance. Too Much To List! 516-241-6075 MLS: 3271059/ Coldwell Banker
Mature - Single
FREEPORT 3 BDS, 2 Bath, Bright DR, LR, Finished Basement, Enclosed Yard, Detached Garage.. Credit Check, First /Last Months Rent $3100 Utilities Included 646-515-5131
HIRING?
Place Your Ad in the Herald Help Wanted Classifieds. Call 516-569-4000, press 5 to speak to an Account Executive.
Non-Smoking Woman Seeking 1-2 Bedroom Apartment with Long-Term lease. I Have a Steady Job at the Same Company for the past 20 years. I am Recently Separated and I am Looking for IMMEDIATE OCCUPANCY. I am Quiet, Responsible and Extremely Reliable. Please Contact me with any Opportunities at cassiesmom810@aol.com. I have Plenty of References that I would be happy to supply to you upon request.
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 EAST ROCKAWAY: 131 Main Street 2nd Floor Offices. 100-1500 sq.ft. 24/7 access. Utilities included. Starting $350/ month. Retail Space 1350 sq.ft. $3,000/ month. OWNER 516-637-2182
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
• Permits & Legalizations • Certified NYS Backflows • Licensed Master Plumber • Insured • FREE Estimates
OffiCe: 516-766-4583 Call/TeXT: 516-840-9432 A Fresh CoAt For A Fresh stArt!
1092109
Apartments Wanted
on labor only
CAll JD PAINtING & reMoDelING CorP
Specializing in: • Interior/Exterior Painting • Kitchens • Bathrooms • Basements • Wall Paper Removal • Power Washing
516-297-1885
1110755
House For Sale
Houses For Rent
10% Off
jairorzc58@gmail.com licensed and insured
FUTURE WINDOWS & SIDING 718-224-7079 917-945-7079 SPECIAL!
$189
Installed
FLAT ROOFS SHINGLE ROOFS
1109243
OneKey Multiple Listing Service
1110798
Verdeschi & Walsh Realty 1025 W. Beech St. | Long Beach, NY
HEWLETT BAY PARK NEW TO MARKET! 10,000 Sq Fet. Waterfront Property on an Acre Of Parklike Grounds. IGP, 5 bds, 5.5 Baths Comtemp., $4.650,000 Ronnie Gerber 516 -238-4299 Douglas Elliman
Dave marlOWe Plumbing, inC. DBA BOB PHILLIPS PLUMBING
Real Estate Salesperson, abR, SRS E: Rhonda.Healy.VW@gmail.com
A. You don’t need a towel to throw in or even clean up the mess; you just need to know that not all insulation is the same. Either the insulation was the wrong type or thickness, or it may have been installed incorrectly. In the past decade, the federal Department of Energy has issued more stringent guidelines on what thermal ratings must be onte eeper installed for floors, walls and roofs. Your state, following the DOE, sets codes based on regional requirements to save energy. If you look at the plans, there should be information about what R value was designed and approved. R stands for resistance, and is printed on each bale of fiberglass. If the insulation installed was a lower number or was jammed into a narrower cavity, that may be a reason to fail. Another common failure is using open-cell foam insulation when closed-cell, which has a higher resistance, and cost, was specified in the drawings. Another common error is when air gaps allow cold air to creep right through. I often see where fiberglass insulation is forced into the gaps around windows, and when fiberglass batting is compressed, it loses insulation value because the thermal resistance is in the air pockets, not the material. Due to the formulas and calculations we professionals have to provide “online” for each job, this is taken seriously, so if the installer ignored the required insulation, the inspector could not pass noncompliant work. I respect your inspector for trying to protect your interests. Fire stopping is an important safety factor in protecting occupants. All pipe and duct penetrations, by law, have to be sealed completely to prevent flames from drawing into cavities, seeking oxygen and rapidly consuming the building and trapping people inside. Anyone who builds must build legally, whether there’s a note on the plans or not. Although building officials like to see more and more informational notes to cover everyone in case of liability, site enforcement by inspectors is important. Your builder has an equal responsibility to follow all the laws. As a professional witness, I remember hearing a judge once state, “Ignorance of the law is no excuse.” Trying to say that “it wasn’t in the plans,” doesn’t relieve a party to the construction of responsibility for building to the letter of the law. So check for gaps, insulation type and markings to verify you’ve got the right stuff. Stay warm!
M
Over 100 Years Of familY Plumbing Oil to Gas • Toilets • Faucets • Repairs & Replacements Waste Piping • Water Piping
M: (516) 236-7269
Q. We’ve had construction on our home going for what seems like forever. We got stopped by the pandemic in April (after starting right before, in March), and didn’t really get going again until July. A building inspector told us the insulation didn’t pass, and there was no “fire stopping.” The contractor said he followed the plans. We looked at the plans and the permit, and it doesn’t say anything about fire stopping. First, why didn’t the insulation pass, and second, what is fire stopping? We’re about to throw in the towel. Help!
Ask The Architect
*If your property is currently listed with another brokerage, please disregard. It is not our intention to solicit the listings of other brokerages.
2949 Long Beach Road, Suite 8 • Oceanside, NY, 11572 Phone 516.766.8200
We failed on insulation and fire stopping
$999 VINYL SIDING Up to 1000 sq ft
L
© 2020 Monte Leeper Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.
ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — December 17, 2020
Homes
HERALD
31
HERALD
Market Place • •
To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5
To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5
To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5
Switch To Electrolyzed Restructured Water It's Healthier For You, Your Family, And Your Pets!
UNWAN
conSuMer reportS:
1107248
It may not always be as pure as you think, and your tap water may be cleaner than you realize. What you need to know.
CARS, TRUCKS AND UNWANTED UNWANTED CARS UNWANTED CARS VANS. CRASHED OR CAR
the Best for Less!
QUICK CASH CASH QUICK CASH QUICK CASH FOR ALL YOUR JUNK
FREE ESTIMATES
ALFREDO’S CONSTRUCTION Specializing
at Se Habla Espanol
in
Call For Fall Specials
516-889-3200
516-424-3598 516-807-3852
Free estimates
(516) 766-1666 FREE • Chimneys Repaired, Rebuilt & Tuckpointing ESTIMATES • Stainless Steel Liners Installed
631-255-8335
Expert Watch Repair 1108705
SEAmLESS GuTTERS & LEADERS
HEATING OIL
WeNK
• Installed • Repaired • Cleaned • Vinyl Siding • Roofing • Trim • Over 30 Years Exp. • Lics./Ins.
HOME • COMMERCIAL
RELIABLE • 24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE FAMILY OWNED FOR OVER 65 YEARS
PIPING & HEATING CORP.
516-234-4388 / 516-623-8447
Any Service Call For New Customer
1105410
(516) 379-2727
Carpentry & Painting Specialist
Residential and Commercial - All Phases
“Anthony & J Home Improvement, Inc.” Also specializes in ★ Kitchens ★ Bathrooms ★ Finished Basements ★ Flooring ★ Repairs ★ Woodwork/mouldings ★ Siding ★ Gutters
CALL FOR MORE INFO No service in Long Beach
1081114
CALL NOW FOR LOWEST PRICE
OFF
ALL CLEAR DRAIN & SEWER SERVICE
(516)409-9696 • (631)422-9696 Sinks • Tubs • Toilets • Sewer Lines
516-678-6641– Licensed & Insured 1066253
CLUTTER
1078401
Chimney King, Ent. Inc.
(516) 766-1666 FREE • Chimneys Repaired, Rebuilt & Tuckpointing ESTIMATES • Stainless Steel Liners Installed
Chimney Cleaning & Masonry Services Done By Firefighters That Care chimneykinginc.com
Fully licensed and insured Nassau • Suffolk • NYC
WWW.LIHERALD.COM
CRAZY? driving you
Sell your merchandise in no time! Email your Ad to the Herald and PrimeTime Classified Department at
sales@liherald.com to run a FREE "Finds Under $100"
1113433
wenkpipingandheating.com
1112267
Fully licensed and insured Nassau • Suffolk • NYC
FREE ESTIMATES • 4 HR EMERGENCY SERVICE
BRIAN CONNELLY
1112267
• Oil to Gas Conversions • Hot Water Heaters • Boilers All Plumbing & Heating Work For House Lifts • Licensed and Insured!
Free estImates...call anthony romeo
631-255-8335 CALL
Chimney Cleaning & Masonry Services Done By Firefighters That Care chimneykinginc.com
Father & Son Owned
Exp. 12/31/20
senior Citizen Discounts
Chimney King, Ent. Inc.
Call The WeNKS!
$25
BLACKTOP
BeSt priceS in town
• ConCrete • BriCk Patios • stooPs • stuCCo • Belgium BloCks • sidewalks • drainage ProBlems • Cellar entranCe • waterProofing • driveway sealing demolition • dumPster serviCe • Powerwashing • handyman rePairs
Licensed & insured
If Your Plumbing STINKS
the
1109793
RYAN 516-695-4527 917-697-3647
1110703
Kitchens • Bathrooms • Painting Roofing • Sheetrocking • Plumbing Electrical • Concrete • Powerwashing Carpentry • Basements • Baby-Proofing Ikea Furn. Assembly • Computer Repairs
RUNNING CARS •NO TITLE • NO KEYS • NO PROBLEM PROMPT PROMPT SERVICE, CALL SERVICE, CALL PROMPT SERVICE 631-255-8335 FOR ALL YOUR FOR ALL YOUR JUNK FOR ALL YOUR JUNK CARS, TRUCKS AND CARS, TRUCKS AND JUNK CARS, VANS. CRASHED CARS, TRUCKS ANDOR VANS. CRASHED ORCARS TRUCKS, AND VANS. RUNNING VANS. CRASHED OR •NO TITLEOR • NO KEYS RUNNING CARS CRASHED RUNNING CARS • NO PROBLEM •NO TITLE • NO KEYS RUNNING CARS PROMPT SERVICE, CALL •NO TITLE • NO KEYS •• NO PROBLEM • NO KEYS • NO NO TITLE PROBLEM 631-255-8335 PROMPT SERVICE, CALL • NO PROBLEM
1111085
Over 15 Years Experience Licensed • Insured
HANDYMAN SERVICE
516-668-3607
QUICK CASH Cell:
www.lucyluulivingwater.com FOR ALL YOUR JUNK
COMPLETE RENOVATIONS
Sunday, August 02,Too 2020Small!" 11:06:29 AM "No Job Get
lucy MenSAh
Email: gaby1234@optonline.net to own the Enagic Ionizer Machine. 1109488
OWA_Purge_BW_Bold
1.99 Per Gallon
$
1112012
AlkAline WAter Sold
Is Bottled Water Safer?
1103000
December 17, 2020 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD
32
Stuff
To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5 ANNOUNCEMENTS
Finds Under $100
Adoption
CAMERA BUNDLE: KODAK Easyshare V550 Digital w/Memory Cards, Batteries, C h a r g e r s , C a r d R e a d e r, m o r e . $80 516-794-4712
Single woman looking to build her family by adoption. Any ethnicity welcome, expenses paid. Please call (347) 470-5228 or my attorney: (800) 582-3678 for information
CROCK POT HAMILTON Beach 6qt. Both brand new. $15. 516-297-2420
MERCHANDISE MART
CRYSTAL WINE DECANTER with 6 glasses brand new,must see Paid $50.00 asking $25.00 (516) 579-9089
Antiques/Collectibles
DESK- SOLID WOOD (not veneers) 6 large draws. Excellent condition. 46"wide 27"ht $50 516 314-6535
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
Wanted To Buy I BUY OLD AMERICAN MOTORCYCLES UP TO 1999. Please Call Dan 516-639-1027
FINDS UNDER $100
DISHES, IKEA BRAND New in box. Service of 6, Blue $35. 516-225-9191 DOLL HOUSE BEAUTIFUL, handmade, wood, 8 rooms plus bathroom, two story, all furnishings! $99 516-314-6536 DOLL HOUSE MINIATURES & ACCESSORIES. Accessories $2-$10. Furniture $10-$50. Call Joy Evenings, 917-743-7695 Leave Message GIRLS CLOTHES: SIZE 5, New with Tags. Jeans, hoodies, long-sleeve Tshirts Call/text 917-420-5814. $8
Finds Under $100
JEWELRY: BRACELETS, EARRINGS. Silver And Costume. $10-$30. Great For Gifts!! Call Joy Evenings, 917-743-7695 Leave Message
2 MIRRORS: 24X36 - color 1) gray 1) silve r, p e r fe c t c o n d i t i o n , $ 1 5 . e a c h 516-297-2420
LAPTOP CQ60- 215DX: Win-10 64X, 4gb Mem, 250gb HD w/case; $90 516-794-4712
B E N C H , B E AU T I F U L LY U P H O L STERED Solid wood. $85 516-225-9191
ORIGINAL TIFFANY ASHTRAY with certificate 4 1/2 " triangle shape, paid $100.00 asking $25.00 516-579-9089
BOYS CLOTHES: SIZES 3T-4, New with Tags. Gap, Old Navy, Macy's Call/text 917-420-5814. $7
PEA COATS: GAP Kids, Wool Boys, Medium, Navy Blue. Girls, Large, Red.. Each $25 516-825-0069
• To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5 • To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5 Finds Under $100
Home Improvement
AUTOMOBILE & MARINE
Autos Wanted
SHARK ROTATOR PROFESSIONAL corded liftaway Vacuum with accessories (3). $95 516-427-9021
BRIAN CONNELLY SEAMLESS GUTTERS
Autos For Sale
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
TV LG 32": Model 32LJ500B, Like New, Seldom Used. $60.00 516-221-5374 WIRELESS 5-IN-1 FAST charging station, multiple phone dock stand, charging pad, 4USB ports. $25 516-825-0069
CARPENTRY & PAINTING: Residential/ Commercial. All Phases. Licensed/ Insured. FREE ESTIMATES! Anthony & J Home Improvements 516-678-6641
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.
Handyman MIKE THE HANDYMAN: Light JobsPlumbing, Electrical, Specializing Vinyl Tiles, Gardening, Powerwashing, Painting. Interior And Exterior. Experienced. Reliable And Honest. Call Cell 516-225-8107; 516-837-3436
Helping you find a HOME or sell a HOME … a place to call your own.
Your Hometown Newspaper
To Place an Ad Call: 516-569-4000
HErald
HANDY DANDY NO JOB TOO SMALL! *Kitchens/ Baths *Painting *Sheetrock *Taping/ Spackling *Installations Ceramic/ Vinyl Tile *Carpentry *Alterations *Repairs/ More. FREE ESTIMATES. Dan 516-342-0761
*MICHAEL LO BAIDO CONSTRUCTION*
Cement Specialist, Brickwork, Interlock Bricks, Belgium Blocks, Stoops, Patios, Basement Entrances, Pavers, Waterproofing. Quality Work, Lic./ Ins. Owner Always Onsite Free Estimates 516-354-5578
Miscellaneous
Suburb or country, house, condo, townhouse or apartment, our Classifieds can help you find a HOME that fits your style, your budget and Real Estate needs... it’s a MUST SEE!
Call us today!
Cleaned, Repaired & Replaced Also Specializing in Roofing & Siding No job too big or small Lic. #H2709920000. Ins. Free Est. 516-234-4388 or 516-623-8447
•
Press 5
Crossword Puzzle
DISH TV $59.99 For 190 Channels + $14.95 High Speed Internet. Free Installation, Smart HD DVR Included, Free Voice R e m o t e . S o m e r e s t r i c t i o n s a p p l y. 1-888-609-9405 GET DIRECTV! ONLY $35/month! 155 Channels & 1000s of Shows/Movies On Demand (w/SELECT All Included Package.) PLUS Stream on Up to FIVE Screens Simultaneously at No Additional Cost. Call DIRECTV 1-888-534-6918
Plumbing PLUMBER! PLUMBER! PLUMBER! FREE ESTIMATES! Heating, Repairs, Installations. $25 OFF New Customers. 24 Hour Emergency Response. 516-599-1011 PLUMBING & HEATING ALL TYPES Boilers, Bathrooms. Small/Large Jobs. Licensed. Call Chris 516-697-8001 or Tony 347-843-9243.
Tree Services T&M GREENCARE TREE SERVICE *Tree Removal *Stump Grinding *Pruning *Roof Line Clearing. Residential and Commercial. "We Beat All Competitors' Rates." Lowest Rates. *Senior Discount. Free Estimates. *516-223-4525, 631-586-3800 www.tmgreencare.com
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)
Health & Fitness HEARING AIDS!! BUY one/get one FREE! High-quality rechargeable Nano hearing aids priced 90% less than competitors. Nearly invisible! 45-day money back guarantee! 833-448-0751. VIAGRA & CIALIS! 60 pills for $99. 100 pills for $150. FREE shipping. Money back guaranteed! 1-855-579-8907 WE HAVE THE HELP YOU NEED HHA, LPN, Nurse's Aide, Childcare, Housekeeping & Day Workers. No Fees to Employers. Call Evons Services 516-505-5510
BUICK ROADMASTER 1994: Leather Interior, Excellent Working Condition, Must See To Appreciate. $3750. 516-428-3915 MERCEDES BENZ E350, 2006: 4-Matic, 70K Miles, Excellent Condition. Must See! $12,000. 516-603-8697
Autos Wanted ***AAA*** AUTO BUYERS $Highe$t Ca$h Paid$ All Years/Conditions! WE VISIT YOU! Or Donate, Tax Deduct + Ca$h. DMV ID#1303199 Call LUKE 516-VAN-CARS 516-297-2277 CARS, TRUCKS, SUVS & VANS WANTED. I Buying All Years, Running or Not! NO TITLE, NO KEYS NO PROBLEM! Same Day Service!! CALL CASH CARS GUYS 631-417-5040 Call us last,We will Match or Beat any Legit Quote!
Junk Cars Wanted
HIGHEST CA$H PAID All Cars Bought 24/7 FREE Pickup
Serving Nassau County 41 Years No Title, No Keys=No Problem ID Required. CALL US LAST!
Call us at 516-766-0000
ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — December 17, 2020
HERALD
33
To Place Your Ad in the Herald Classifieds. Call 516-569-4000, press 5 to speak to an Account Executive.
JOBS, MERCHANDISE, REAL ESTATE & MORE... JOBS, MERCHANDISE, REAL ESTATE & MORE... JOBS, MERCHANDISE, REAL ESTATE & MORE... JOBS, MERCHANDISE, REAL ESTATE & MORE... JOBS, MERCHANDISE, It’s in the REAL ESTATE & MORE... Herald Classifieds ... JOBS, MERCHANDISE, To Advertise 516-569-4000 REALCall ESTATE & MORE... press 5 JOBS, MERCHANDISE, REAL ESTATE & MORE... JOBS, MERCHANDISE, REAL ESTATE & MORE... JOBS, MERCHANDISE, REAL ESTATE & MORE... JOBS, MERCHANDISE, REAL ESTATE &’sMORE... Answers to todAy puzzle JOBS, MERCHANDISE, REAL ESTATE & MORE... JOBS, MERCHANDISE, REAL ESTATE & MORE...
34
v
HERALD EDITORIAL
Rockville Centre
December 17, 2020 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD
HERALD
Established 1990 Incorporating The News & Owl of Rockville Centre 1928-2001 Jill Nossa Editor BRiaNa BoNFiGlio Reporter MaRTY GolDENBERG Advertising Account Executive oFFicE 2 Endo Boulevard Garden City, NY 11530 Phone: (516) 569-4000 Fax: (516) 569-4942 Web: www.liherald.com E-mail: 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
It’s time for America to come to its senses over guns
L
istening to Gabrielle “Gabby” Giffords speak, you’re quickly overcome by the urge to cry. The former congresswoman was once known for her incisive rhetoric, delivered with a magnetic smile. Then, at age 40, she was shot one sunny January day in 2011 outside Tucson, Ariz., while chatting with constituents in front of a Safeway supermarket. The 22-year-old gunman, angered by Giffords’s political views, had targeted her. Six died in the attack, and 10 others besides Giffords were injured. Giffords may have survived, but her speech did not. Her words once flowed easily, but now she measures each one, rehearsing phrases to string them together in coherent sentences before speaking in public. It is a miracle that she is able to utter a word. The bullet that struck her pierced the left side of her brain, leaving her unable to talk for two months. Through speech therapy, she regained the ability to speak, but only in short, labored bursts. That challenge was obvious during Northwell Health’s second Gun Violence Prevention Forum, a two-hour meeting of gun safety experts, medical practitioners, policy makers and elected leaders from around the country on Dec. 10. Giffords spoke alongside U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, a Pennsylvania Republican who supports a federal universal background check for firearm purchases, and whom Giffords, a Democrat, has endorsed for Congress. We applaud Northwell Health — in particular Michael Dowling, its presi-
dent and CEO — for taking a leading role in fostering dialogue about gun safety, while also funding gun violence research: Northwell put up $1 million last December to study America’s “pandemic of gun violence,” as Dowling calls it. We also applaud Giffords, who, despite the physical pain and mental anguish she endures, has been an outspoken proponent of common-sense gun laws that are intended not to take away anyone’s right to bear arms, but rather to enact safeguards — like background checks — to ensure that guns do not end up in the hands of criminals or those suffering from mental illness. No doubt, we need to understand the root causes of our nation’s crisis of gun violence, which kills an average of 110 people a day — two-thirds by suicide. With a $1.4 million grant from the National Institutes of Health, Northwell is conducting a major research study at three of its hospitals, asking emergency room patients about the presence of guns in their homes to assess their risk of injury or death by a firearm. Our nation desperately needs studies like this one. From 1996 to 2019, Congress, tied up in knots by the powerful gun lobby, refused to fund firearms research. Only recently, thanks to the monumental efforts of gun safety activists like Giffords, is Congress starting to parcel out research funds. In its 2020 budget, it earmarked $25 million for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health to study gun violence. Over the past two and a half decades,
LETTERS How did we almost re-elect Donald Trump? To the Editor: Thanks to Randi Kreiss for being brave enough to write about the man currently in the White House (“We’re on Trump time for seven more weeks,” Dec. 3-9). I doubt he will ever go to prison, although I agree that he should, with almost 300,000 people dead. What a shame that he was almost voted back into office had we not pulled out all the stops to educate and organize. Happy to hear that not everyone on this island is a Trump supporter! CAROLANN PEREZ Freeport
LIRR should rethink its plans To the Editor: In our new Covid-19 world, Amtrak, Long Island Rail Road, Metro-North Rail Road and New Jersey Transit must re-evaluate anticipated future ridership growth projections. The
roughly a million people have died by gun in this country, with about 170 mass shootings. After the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., in 2012 — in which 26 died, including 20 6- and 7-year-olds — Giffords and her husband, former astronaut Mark Kelly, who was recently elected in Arizona to the U.S. Senate, founded a nonprofit, simply called Giffords, to raise funds for gun violence research, lobby government to enact sensible gun legislation and educate the public about firearms safety. Writing recently on Giffords.org’s blog, Kelly Drane noted that gun sales have surged during the coronavirus pandemic. We see this at any time of potential unrest in our nation — fear drives firearms sales to ever higher levels. In November, some 2 million gun sales were recorded — a 48 percent increase over the same month last year. More guns, Drane rightly noted, do not make us safer. Quite the opposite. We know that economic calamities such as the Great Recession of 2007 to 2010 increase the likelihood of suicide, according to the medical journal The Lancet. We also know that people who die by suicide are significantly more likely to use a gun than any other means. At the same time, according to Harvard University School of Public Health, more guns bring more homicides. Therefore, stemming our nation’s all-too-easy access to firearms should — and likely would — reduce gun violence. The best way to effect change, Giffords noted last Thursday, is to “vote, vote, vote.”
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OPINIONS
ews about an FDA approval for the coronavirus vaccine is monumental, but we must not allow it to lull us into a false sense of complacency. This war isn’t over — in fact, there are still a few battles ahead. We are not immune to the nationwide Covid19 surge, and in the past month we have seen positivity and hospitalization numbers that are the highest they’ve been since we reopened in May. Our data is beginning to show a more even distribution of disease activity among all age groups across the county. This LAURA virus doesn’t disCURRAN criminate, and its reach is once again widespread across all our communities. I know that this has been a long and tiring battle, but now is not the time to let our guards down. We can’t allow Covid fatigue to get the better of us when we’re so close to the finish line. We have reached a clear point of community
spread that calls for increased vigilance from all of us. I continue to ask all residents to stick with the common-sense measures we know will keep us, and our loved ones, safe: Wear a mask, stay six feet apart and avoid unsafe gatherings. These simple measures can prevent us from going backward. Furthermore, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert, has said that Covid-19 will continue to disrupt lives until an “overwhelming majority” of people get the vaccine. Polls show, however, that as many as half of Americans have reservations about the shots. In response, Nassau County is launching the “We Can Do It, Nassau” campaign, a public-awareness campaign promoting confidence in the U.S. vaccine effort, emphasizing unity and patriotism and the importance of the vaccines to ensure that schools return to normal and we continue on the path toward a strong economic recovery in the county. The campaign is a tribute to Rosie the Riveter, the cultural icon representing women
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who worked in factories and shipyards during World War II. During the war, defense workers on Long Island turned out hundreds of military planes a month for Grumman, in Bethpage, and Republic Aviation, in Farmingdale. The county’s campaign seeks to remind the public of the extraordinary challenges that Americans — including Long Islanders — have overcome in the past and inspire residents to likewise step up for their country today. As county executive, I’ve made keeping schools and businesses open one of my highest priorities. As we manage the increase in cases because of the holidays and cold weather, the county will do everything in its power to keep education and commerce operating, but we need your help. Robust testing is key, and I am committed to continuing to assist schools in meeting testing requirements so we can keep our kids in school safely and keep our business community open through the winter. At the moment, hospital capacity isn’t a pressing threat in Nassau County, but
’ve made keeping schools and businesses open one of my highest priorities.
LETTERS same applies to any new proposed system capacity-expansion projects. Clearly, more people are going to telecommute from home on a permanent basis. Add the increasing crime and the declining quality of life in New York City, making working in Manhattan less desirable. Many Manhattan-based corporations, including some in the Wall Street area, are considering relocating some employees to satellite offices in the surrounding suburbs. The ridership growth for LIRR when the $11.8 billion East Side Access to Grand Central Terminal opens in December 2022 will be thousands less than anticipated. That start date assumes there are no more delays in the most recent project-recovery schedule. Our new commuting world calls into question the value of investing $8 billion or more in Governor Cuomo’s proposed Penn Station South project, comprising four new platforms and eight new tracks. LARRY PENNER Great Neck Penner is a transportation advocate, historian and writer who previously worked for the Federal Transit Administration Region 2 New York Office.
Stay strong, New York To the Editor: The federal Food and Drug Administration authorized Pfizer’s Covid-19 vaccine last Friday, and New York received its initial allocation of 170,000 doses over the weekend. As part of the distribution, the state is setting up 90 cold-storage sites as regional distribution centers that are capable of storage at the required temperature. This vaccine distribution will be a massive
the trend is in the wrong direction. To save lives and prevent further restrictions on restaurants and other businesses, we must do everything we can to hold the line. At the peak of the pandemic, we had almost 2,600 patients hospitalized with Covid-19, and 505 of them were on ventilators. As of Monday, we had 419 people hospitalized, with 36 on ventilators. We expect those numbers to go up, and the county is ready to increase capacity for hospital and ICU units as needed. I’ve been in constant conversation with hospital executives to ensure preparedness for a potential surge cases as well as the upcoming pivot to vaccine storage and distribution. I know that the holiday season brings unique challenges, but if we follow the guidance of our trusted public health professionals, we can save lives and keep our businesses and schools open while we eagerly await the distribution of the vaccine, our light at the end of the tunnel. We have worked so hard to contain this virus — let’s not lose our progress now. Lauran Curran is the Nassau County executive.
FRAMEWORK by Christina Daly
undertaking. At the same time, we will need to manage our hospital capacity and continue to stop the spread of the virus. The vaccine is the weapon that will win the war. We will get it produced, we will get it distributed and we will be successful. But it will take months for the entire vaccination process to be completed. Meanwhile, New Yorkers should continue to wear masks, social distance, and avoid small and large gatherings. On Dec. 10, I announced new metrics by which micro-cluster focus zones will be determined to help control Covid-19 spread and ensure hospital capacity. Red zone: A red zone will be implemented when a region, after the cancellation of elective procedures and a 50 percent increase in hospital capacity, is 21 days away from reaching 90 percent hospital capacity on the current seven-day growth rate. Orange zone: A geographic area will be designated an orange zone if it has a 4 percent positivity rate (seven-day average) over the previous 10 days, and it is located in a region that has reached 85 percent hospital capacity. Alternatively, a geographic area may also become an orange zone if the state Department of Health determines that the region’s rate of hospital admissions is unacceptably high and a zone designation is appropriate to control the rate of growth. Yellow zone: A geographic area will be designated a yellow zone if it has a 3 percent positivity rate (seven-day average) over the previous 10 days, is in the top 10 percent in the state in hospital admissions per capita over the previous week and is experiencing week-over-week growth in daily admissions. GOV. ANDREW CUOMO
Celebrating the holidays patriotically — Freeport
N. ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — December 17, 2020
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Let’s keep up the great work in Nassau County
December 17, 2020 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD
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OPINIONS
N.J. just legalized pot. N.Y. needs money. Well, then, why not?
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ew York state is facing a $9 billion budget deficit due to the coronavirus pandemic, with severe cutbacks and tax hikes likely on the way. Although there should be some relief coming at the federal level once President-elect Joe Biden takes office, New York definitely needs to develop some new revenue streams, and fast. Nearly two years ago, I argued in a Herald op-ed that the state should legalize the recreational use of marijuana, and that Nassau County leaders NICK and residents BUGLIONE shouldn’t be so quick to shoot the notion down, as they so frequently do. I also wrote that it was about time the state legalized sports gambling, an activity that so many people take part in illegally already. Not surprisingly, two years have passed and little has changed. The recreational use of marijuana is still illegal. And while the New York State
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Gaming Commission made sports gambling legal about six months after my first op-ed ran — you’re welcome — bets can only be placed at a handful of upstate casinos. Nobody is getting off their couch on a football Sunday to drive to the Catskills so they can bet that the Jets are going to lose again. Now, more than ever, we need to legalize marijuana and online sports gambling. Obviously, we desperately need the tax revenue. But more important, both are now legal in nearby New Jersey. Two years ago I pointed out that a friend of mine who lives in Jersey City was taking my bets all football season long. He still does. I send him cash through Venmo and text him my bets. He keeps a ledger, and at the end of the season we settle up. But two years ago, recreational marijuana use was illegal in New Jersey. Not anymore. In an Election Day referendum, New Jersey residents voted overwhelmingly to legalize pot. Now, before I propose this scenario,
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I would like to make clear that I don’t smoke marijuana. But if I wanted to, what would stop me from calling my friend and asking him to pick up some weed for me at his local dispensary? Maybe we could meet at Penn Station, have a bite to eat, catch up on our lives and make a quick transaction. And couldn’t any enterprising person who has a friend in New Jersey place an even larger marijuana order, pick it up and sell it on the streets of Nassau County at a markup? To be clear again, I’m not suggesting that anybody do this. I’m merely pointing out the obvious: Now that marijuana is legal in New Jersey, it is tantamount to being legal here. The stuff is going to pour in over the border anyway, so why don’t we join the party, so to speak? The same thing goes for online sports gambling. If people want to do it, they’re going to do it, regardless of what the law says. So let’s legalize it and cash in. I’m not alone in my thinking. I was heartened to hear Gov. Andrew Cuomo
he stuff is going to pour in over the border anyway, so why don’t we join the party, so to speak?
recently say he thought marijuana would be legalized soon. Meanwhile, State Sen. Joseph Addabbo, a Queens Democrat, likes his odds of getting State Senate Bill 17d passed, which would legalize online sports betting. Although neither measure would pull New York state completely out of its fiscal crisis, it’s safe to say that both would generate billions of dollars in revenue. Oh, but I can almost see the Nassau County curmudgeons seething as they read this. I sure felt their wrath two years ago, when I first weighed in. One Herald reader wrote in and all but called me a drug addict. I even got an email from Nassau County Executive Laura Curran, who wrote that, while she enjoyed reading my columns (I’m kind of a big deal), she respectfully disagreed with my opinion. Look, write your letters. Call me names. Say whatever you want to say. It isn’t going to change the fact that the recreational use of marijuana and online sports gambling are here to stay. So let’s legalize them. New York sure could use the cash. Nick Buglione is a teacher, freelance journalist and former editor of the East Meadow Herald.
Lost and found in the pandemic
think somewhere around the end of October, my husband and I ran out of things to say. Sitting across the dinner table from each other over plates of Costco soup and a homemade Greek salad with wimpy lettuce, our eyes met and … that was it. Our eyes met. At breakfast we had already covered news about the grandkids and news from the news. We have a rule about no TV during meals, so we ate in companRANDI ionable silence, KREISS which felt both OK and a little sad. When you’re out and about, seeing friends, going to an office, getting your hair cut or your car serviced or planning a weekend away or going to weddings and funerals, there is an ongoing narrative to your days. Normal life is grist for the conversation mill. But these days we’re not cutting our hair or mingling or going shopping. We walk our dog, but don’t stop to chat with the neighborhood dog friends out for a stroll. Conversation requires material, and our material is growing
thin: “Did you speak to the kids?” “Do you want pepperoni or mushrooms?” “Did you sign the health care proxy?” We have lost more, too. Underpinning our lives is the sense that things will work out OK. We have believed in ourselves, that we can work through problems and survive life’s challenges and even tragedies. But the pandemic has eroded some of that confidence in ourselves and in the future. We wobble a bit from time to time. After 52 years of marriage, after decades of living in one community and creating friendships that form the fabric of our lives, that fabric is fraying, as friends are lost. At our age, we expect that people will get sick and some will die, but during a pandemic there is no satisfying way to grieve as a community of friends. Three dearest friends died since we began isolating ourselves, and we didn’t get to see them within weeks or months of their passing. We said what we could in messages and emails and photos, but one hug would have obviated the need for words. My grandkids, ages 10 to 17, are spinning in their own galaxies of online school and virtual reality and friend
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bubbles and much too much downtime and isolation. No one can give them back this year, and while they have learned patience and resilience, I wouldn’t suggest global pandemics to teach character building. I miss them. I find I work hard to catch their attention with nottoo-annoying texts and offers with homework and pitches for group activities and games. They’re a tough sell, and nothing virtual compares to seeing them face to face. It is important, I think, to be honest with ourselves and authentic with our kids and grandkids, not just cheerleaders for pandemic silver linings. I will say, however, that much has been found during this time. Reference the same patience and resilience, which all of us have had to summon. “New York tough” resonates these days. I am more disciplined about getting out and exercising, between clouds and raindrops, whenever I find a patch of blue. Just about every day, I move, somehow and somewhere, just to change the scenery and push away unwelcome thoughts. I keep close with friends nearby and far away, giving more time to more
e’ve lost time with family and dear friends, but found the time to try new things.
expansive emails and the sharing of photos and memories. It helps. All these threads weave the fabric tighter. I have started crafting books. What an incredibly satisfying thing it is to begin by folding papers and adding photographs and snippets of poetry and passages from old letters and collaging together something meaningful in an original book. It absorbs my free time, of which I have a lot. I appreciate the luxury of time to do art. What I also place in the “found” column is the challenge of baking complex desserts, like the cranberry lemon bars I made from a New York Times recipe. Every part, from the fresh cranberry puree to the lemon curd to the crust, had to be prepared separately and then composed. Now I have 24 bars in the freezer. Since I eat them only occasionally, they should last me until we get the vaccine. If you’re reading this, and since I am writing it, we are still here, and still riding this crazy wave. As a new year approaches, even as we grieve for what has been lost, it feels exhilarating to watch the first people getting vaccinated, offering us all the promise of a healthy 2021. Copyright 2020 Randi Kreiss. Randi can be reached at randik3@aol.com.
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May the holiday spirit be with you and your family today and throughout the year. We are so grateful to have neighbors like you.
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