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Rockville Centre

HERALD 2020

YEAR IN REVIEW

DECEMBER 31, 2020 - JANUARY 6, 2021

What’s

VOL. 32 NO. 1

Going ‘above and beyond’

INSIDE

By Jill Nossa jnossa@liherald.com

Courtesy Molloy College Nursing Association xx/Herald

The Molloy Nursing Association gave xx back to the community. Page 0

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Jill Nossa/Herald xx/Herald

South Side High held a socially disxx tant graduation at Nassau Coliseum. Page 0

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Christina Daly/Herald xx/Herald

Congregation B’nai Sholom-Beth xx David welcomed a new rabbi. Page 0

s businesses in Rockville Centre shut down in March, Michelle James Wettstein took action. On March 18, days into the lockdown ordered by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, Wettstein formed a Facebook group called “Support for Local Businesses & Frontline Workers,” and had more than 700 members within the first five days. The group grew to more than 1,500 over the next few months, and provided support to struggling businesses as well as workers on the front lines of the battle against the coronavirus who were stretched thin. Using Facebook, Wettstein used monetary donations from the community to buy meals from local restaurants, which were then delivered to essential workers. Though the group has since been renamed “Support for Local Everything,” it is still going strong, and because of her efforts, the Herald is proud to name Wettstein its 2020 Person of the Year. “During the outbreak of Covid and during its peak, Michelle orchestrated an incredible effort to care for our community’s front-line and essential workers,” Katie Preston, who became familiar with Wettstein through the Facebook group, said.“Her effort provided thousands of meals to our hospital workers, police, emergency services, grocery store staff and pharmacists. By organizing countless efforts, Michelle helped us, the RVC community, care for our essential workers during the most challenging days.” “So many people wanted to help support our first responders and medical workers, but we didn’t know how,” Preston added.“She was the one who enabled a lot of us to support those people. She went above and beyond.” At the beginning, Wettstein said, she thought the effort would last a week or two, and she never expected the group

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NEWS

MICHELLE JAMES WETTSTEIN

‘

he doesn’t stand still.’

MICHELLE ZANGARI

1,097

COMMUNITY UPDATE

Rockville Centre

to attract so much support. A 44-year-old mother of three, she coordinated the food orders, payments and deliveries to staff at local essential businesses, making sure ev-

Infections as of Dec. 28

FOR BREAKING go to liherald.com

HERALD PERSON OF THE YEAR

Infections as of Dec. 21 940

ery shift of hospital workers was covered and honoring requests for deliveries to specific units. She implemented a rule to limit exposure to the virus: Someone with access to the hospital had to pick up the food from her house. She took the deliveries from restaurants, spruced them up by adding gift baskets and thank-you notes, and left them on her front porch for pickup. By including gift cards with the deliveries, she supported nonessential businesses as well. Wettstein’s face painting and entertainment business, the ArtFull Experience, was among the many that were forced to shut down, so she took her effort further by helping to keep the magic of holidays alive for those who didn’t have the time, or resources, to do it themselves. She assembled Easter baskets for the children of front-line workers, and organized flower deliveries for Mother’s Day. She decorated the yards of essential workers whose children were having birthdays. She created another Facebook group,“Frontline Celebrations,” in May, offering free services to families of front-line workers. The group is now known as “Sneaky Signs and Celebrations.” In early December, Wettstein changed the name of her original group to “Support For Local Everything,” writing in the description,“After months and months of the pandemic continuing, we are still continuing to help by supporting local businesses and families in need due to the pandemic or life changing illnesses.” Rockville Centre resident Michelle Zangari has known Wettstein for 16 years. They have children the same ages, and have crossed paths at various events in Continued on page 2 Courtesy Michelle James Wettstein

Michelle James Wettstein has worked tirelessly to support others this year.

Despite pandemic setbacks, she ‘doesn’t stop’ Continued from front page

the community. “When I think of Michelle, I think of the definition of resiliency,” Zangari said. “She’s had numerous setbacks over the years, medically and professionally, and that has never stopped her from moving forward and making a better life for herself and for her children.” When the pandemic hit, Wettstein had recently taken a job as a night-shift worker with Delta, and was soon furloughed. With the lack of birthday parties during the busiest season, she suffered a double blow to her income. “Instead of sitting at home and feeling sorry for herself, she turned OF THE outward to help other people,” Zangari said. “She doesn’t stand still. She’s always trying to do more, and that includes trying to do what’s best for others.” Throughout the fall, Wettstein continued to help others by keeping spirits up, particularly children. For Halloween, “Sneaky Signs and Celebrations” set up surprise lawn displays that included treat bags, and she donated a portion of the donations to local children’s charities. In December, she organized a Light Fight in South Hempstead, a holiday decorating contest for residents. For Christmas, she found a way to combine fun with charity, organizing a Sneaky Elf Scavenger Hunt to benefit a support effort for children called Pandemic Won’t Stop Santa, in which participants purchased elves to place on their lawns, and residents could find them using a special map. The proceeds funded Christmas gifts for about 30 children in need. Wettstein said that about 230 elves were sold, generating about $700 for those gifts. “She’s incredible, and she just doesn’t stop,” said Cindy Mata Gross, who has known Wettstein for three years and is administrator of the “Support for Local Everything” Facebook group. “She’s been affected so enormously by this

HERALD PERSON YEAR

Christina Daly/Herald

pandemic, and she does all of this out of the goodness of her heart. We’re so lucky to have her as a resident of our town. She’s someone who gives back so much and doesn’t want any accolades for what she does.”

In July, the Support for Local Everything Facebook group teamed up with Hue art studio to put together a rainbow mural, above, that now hangs in the cafeteria at Mercy Hospital. From left were Kristen Conaty, Laura Montaruli, Michele James Wettstein and Alida Almonte. Last spring, Gina Caggiano of North Village Tavern, near right, and Wettstein picked up donations to be delivered to essential workers.

Courtesy Michelle James Wettstein

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December 31, 2020 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD

Celebrating a civil rights icon Dozens gathered at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center in Rockville Centre to celebrate the birthday of the center’s namesake, a man who dedicated his life to advocating for equality. The program included song and dance performances by local residents — including children enrolled in the afterschool program — interspersed with video footage of King’s speeches. “Hopefully, you came inspired and will leave motivated. Our goal today,”

For the 16th year, the Taste of Rockville Centre brought the community together for an evening of local food and live music while raising money for charity. Organized by the Rockville Centre St. Patrick’s Day Committee and held at the St. Agnes Parish Center on Jan. 24, the annual event provides an opportunity for guests to sample food, microbrews and wine from more than 20 local vendors. Ann Travers has chaired the event for the past four years, and said it is a great way to bring businesses and residents together. “This is a wonderful local event that has evolved from a point where restaurants were making charitable

YEAR IN REVIEW JANUARY

Patrick Morris executive director of the MLK Center told the audience, “is to entertain, but mostly educate our young people that the freedom and liberty that they enjoy came from struggles and sacrifice. Hopefully this will lead to networking, communication and future endeavors so we can plan to keep Dr. King’s dream alive.” Sue Grieco/Herald

Elyse Rodriguez performed an interpretive dance.

donations of food, served by a team of volunteers, to now, quite literally, having the business owners themselves standing behind the food they’ve prepared on the night of the event,” Travers said.“And they love it. The vendors get to truly connect with over 500 potential customers from all over Nassau, and even parts of Suffolk.” Throughout the evening, guests wandered from table to table, sampling a variety of cuisine from pasta to barbecue, as well as baked goods, coffee, beer and wine. Jerry & the Newcomers provided live music for the event, which got people on the dance floor. Sue Grieco/Herald

John Sheehan shared a laugh with the crew from Kookaburra.

RVC welcomes June Chang Northwell opens mental health center in RVC On Jan. 31, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held for Northwell Health’s Behavioral Health Center at 100 Merrick Road, a collaboration between Cohen Children’s Medical Center and the Rockville Centre, Oceanside, East Rockaway, Freeport and HewlettWoodmere school districts. The facility allows immediate access to care for any student in crisis. In addition to addressing suicide

YEAR IN REVIEW FEBRUARY

the outpatient facility treat s children dealing with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, anxiety and depression. It is equipped with a licensed mental health counselor and a child psychiatrist who can provide day-of assessments. Jill Nossa/Herald

South Side High School junior Madison Gamberg, right, with Superintendent Dr. William Johnson,.

Dozens of residents crowded the South Side High School auditorium on Feb. 6 to welcome the next Rockville Centre superintendent of schools. After a long, intensive search, the Board of Education chose June Chang, the superintendent of Summit Public Schools in New Jersey, to lead the district starting July 1. Chang’s introduction to the community was interspersed with praise for retiring superintendent Dr. William Johnson. “As this was going to be an unprecedented process,”board Vice President Susan McNulty said, “the board spent an appreciable amount of time thinking about all of the aspects of this important responsibility, especially

involving the community in this generational change.” Chang said he felt “lucky” to join a district where strong leadership had been in place for so long. “Dr. Johnson has laid a great foundation and has provided many traditions,” Chang said. “A lot of those traditions I hope I will be able to embrace, and they will be able to embrace me as well.” Chang said he is committed to the success and well-being of students. “That’s my number one priority, and I hope to be able to bring that to fruition by working with the board, administration, principals and teaching staff,” Chang said. Courtesy Odette Peralta/RVC Schools

District residents attended a Board of Education meeting to meet June Chang in February.

ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — December 31, 2020

Annual fundraiser draws 500 hungry guests

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Breast Cancer Coalition hosts fashion show About 300 women came together in support of local breast cancer survivors at the Rockville Centre Breast Cancer Coalition’s third annual fashion show. on March 1. The event shined a spotlight on 13 women who have battled the disease and five junior models connected with the organization. It also raised funds for the coalition’s outreach

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efforts and financial contributions to breast cancer research. “The entire event was unbelievably inspirational and so much fun,” said Erin O’Sullivan, the coalition’s copresident. “It touched you in your heart because it was so personal.” Sue Grieco/Herald

Evelyn Vaughn was one of the 18 models who walked the runway at the fashion show.

YEAR IN REVIEW MARCH

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December 31, 2020 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD

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Blue team wins South Side’s 104th battle of the colors Blue team members screamed with joy after learning of their win over the Red team in South Side High School’s 104th Red and Blue competition on March 7. In a close three-day battle between the teams, Blue came out on top, by a score of 52-47. Over the three nights of dancing, skits, songs, relays and other athletic events, about 400 girls engaged in friendly competition,. Hundreds of people flocked to the high school to watch the events, which kicked off on March 5, when the themes were revealed: Eyewitness Blues and RedTime Stories. The serious competition began on Friday and continued on Saturday, providing a showcase for the girls to reveal the

work they had done over the previous five weeks. Under the direction of South Side teachers Megan O’Brien and Margaret Kelly, the girls, freshmen through seniors, spent hours daily creating and practicing their routines. “Every year, what stands out most among both teams is the amount of work the girls are able to get accomplished in such a short period of time,” O’Brien said. “The dances, skit, songs and props all require specific attention. We are always impressed by how well students are able to balance the many responsibilities in addition to their academic commitments.” Maureen Lennon/Herald

The Blue Team celebrated its win in the 104th Red and Blue competition at South Side High School.

ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD â€” December 31, 2020

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Signs, banners show gratitude for ‘heroes’ Volunteers put sewing skills to use to help protect nurses In early March, two groups of moms were busy sewing costumes for their daughters’ Red and Blue competition at South Side High School. In April, these women joined forces to create fabric masks for local health care professionals. In about a week, 60 women in Rockville Centre had sewn more than 500 masks. Not long after the annual competition that has been a Rockville Centre tradition for more than 100 years, the

women kept their contacts and momentum going, shifting their focus from sewing decorative sequins to making practical protective gear. “After seeing more and more news reports about the lack of personal protective equipment for nurses, we wondered how we could help,” MaryLou Laurie said. Courtesy MaryLou Laurie

MaryLou Laurie of Rockville Centre made masks and coordinated delivery to hospital staff.

In mid-April, banners and lawn signs sprouted up around Rockville Centre, expressing gratitude for those on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic. The gesture is yet another way village residents showed their appreciation for their friends and neighbors who are working to keep others safe. In an effort spearheaded by Deputy Mayor Kathy Baxley, 10 banners, each 8 feet by 4 feet, were created and hung around the village, and residents have purchased hundreds of lawn signs to display in their yards. The “Thank You” signs acknowledge first responders, health care “heroes” and essential workers. The idea stemmed from a conversation Carol Ruchalski had with her

daughters while cutting fabric for face masks. “We were helping to make the masks for hospital workers after learning they didn’t have any protection,” said Ruchalski,“and we started thinking about what else we could do for them.” Her daughter, Lyndsey, 23, suggested making a thank-you sign. Baxley enlisted the help of James McDonald, owner of Lost Dog Art & Frame Company, who helped design and create banners and signs. The banners were hung on fences at the schools, as well as at the Rockville Centre Fire Department, Molloy College, Mercy Medical Center and Mount Sinai South Nassau. Courtesy Kathy Baxley

John O’Shea and Carol Ruchalski hung one of the 10 “Thank You” banners displayed around RVC.

YEAR IN REVIEW APRIL

Mercy Medical Center gets car, fire truck parade Sounds of sirens, car horns and cheers did not let up as the community came out in droves — in their vehicles — to show their appreciation for Mercy Medical Center workers on April 13. Friends of Mercy, a fundraising nonprofit organization, led the “Morale Booster Day” car parade. More than 300 cars and 30 trucks from seven fire departments showed up, including the Rockville Centre, Lakeview, South Hempstead, Lynbrook and East Rockaway fire departments, as well as the Rockville Centre Police Department. Hospital workers knew fire trucks would be coming by that morning, but were overwhelmed by the amount of residents that rode by in

cars, waving signs, cheering and honking their horns. “I can’t even explain how awesome it was,” said Barbara Gibbons, Chief Nursing Officer at Mercy.“Without the support of each other and community, I don’t think we’d be able to get through this.” “Sometimes it’s difficult, I think, for the staff to come to work,” Gibbons added. “When they see the signs and an event like today, it reminds everybody what they’re doing this for — it’s for the community, the county, the town and our kids.”

Christina Daly/Herald

Emergency Room nurse Alyssa Cain enjoyed the parade.

Molloy College nursing students give back to RVC community Members of the Molloy Nursing Student Association worked tirelessly for others during the coronavirus pandemic, said Geraldine Moore, a Molloy College nursing professor and one of the club’s faculty advisers. From writing letters to seniors at a local nursing home to sending food to health care workers in hospitals, the student-run organization has taken on a number of projects intended to lift the spirits of vulnerable people as well as those working on the front lines of the ongoing emergency. In a normal school year, the club provides support to the college’s 1,400 nursing students, offering mentorships and organizing fundraisers and other volunteer efforts, which are not only service opportunities but

also bonding experiences for the future nurses. When the coronavirus became a public health crisis in New York, MNSA’s 12-member board and several other nursing students took part in pandemic-related outreach. The group began by writing letters to senior citizens living at Oceanside Care Center, a nursing home, hoping to allay some of their loneliness.Then MNSA bought food from local delis and had it delivered to 21 hospital units across Long Island. Courtesy Molloy Nursing Student Association

Molloy College alumni battling the coronavirus pandemic received thank-you letters from the Molloy Nursing Student Association, which has been working on several community projects since the outbreak began.

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December 31, 2020 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD

Virtual send-off for Molloy grads, Dr. Drew Bogner

Middle school staff creates vital equipment Rockville Centre School District staff members donated vital personal protective equipment to hospital workers battling the coronavirus pandemic. Teachers, administrators and school nurses joined an effort to create face shields with the district’s 3D printers and send them to local hospitals. Dr. Noreen Leahy, the district’s assistant superintendent of pupil personnel services and special education, started the project in early April. On Facebook and in news stories, she saw that people were creating face shields with 3D printers, and thought the district could help out by putting its own printers to use. “At times like this, everyone has to

come together and reinvent themselves,” Leahy said. After raising the idea with her fellow administrators, Leahy asked the district’s technology education teachers, Dan LaManna and Lynn Voltaggio, if they could set up the printing equipment in their homes and make the shields. What ensued was something of a socially distant assembly line. The finished shields went to Mount Sinai South Nassau in Oceanside, Northwell Health LIJ in Valley Stream and three New York City hospitals.

YEAR IN REVIEW MAY

Courtesy Dr. Noreen Leahy

Dan LaManna, a tech ed teacher at SSMS, used the school’s 3D printers to make face shields.

Protesters in RVC demand racial justice Hundreds of protesters marched through Rockville Centre on June 7, demanding racial justice in the wake of George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis. A group of South Side High School students and graduates organized the demonstration, including 18-year-old Kerryn Cleary, who said she had taken part in protests in Manhattan the previous week. She and her fellow organizers felt that because racial segregation is still evident on Long Island, and in the village, there needed to be a local protest. “It’s 2020,” Cleary said. “It’s time to stop murdering black people for the color of their skin and to stop segregating.” The marchers gathered in municipal parking lot No. 12, on the corner of

Molloy College celebrated its class of 2020 with a virtual commencement ceremony via YouTube live-stream on May 11. Graduation speakers sent in pre-recorded video messages, which were compiled, linked with music and streamed online. More than 1,500 households viewed the video in real time, and some left comments congratulating the graduates in the chat section. The virtual ceremony was Molloy President Dr. Drew Bogner’s final commencement after 20 years of serving the institution. “I assure you that being in this digital space and not in person is an experience I never wanted,” Bogner said. “I miss the excitement that fills the arena, the

Courtesy YouTube

Dr. Drew Bogner, outgoing Molloy College president, gave his final commencement address.

Congregants say goodbye to retiring rabbis in Rockville Centre

Long Beach Road and Sunrise Highway, around 4 p.m., and got honks of approval from passing cars. The marchers made several stops, where there were speeches about racial inequality, including in front of Police Department headquarters on Maple Avenue. There they knelt for nearly nine minutes, as long as former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin had his knee on Floyd’s neck as he died.

YEAR IN REVIEW JUNE

Courtesy Briana Bonfiglio

Bob Brenner held signs at the protest.

buzz of 10,000 voices, the joyful gathering of parents, spouses, children, relatives and friends. “I miss the pomp, the traditionladen procession, the personalized mortarboards,” he continued. “I miss the hoots and hollers, the shoutouts. I miss the selfies. I miss your well-practiced and spontaneous victory celebrations.” Valedictorian James Moore acknowledged the challenges. “Although this is not the graduation that we planned to commemorate this accomplishment,” Moore said, “it does not diminish the pride every graduate should have on this day.”

A drive-by farewell took place at Central Synagogue-Beth Emeth in Rockville Centre so congregants could send their wishes in person — though at a distance — to Rabbi Marc Gruber and Rabbi Elliot Skiddell, both of whom are retiring this month. More than 60 families drove past the synagogue, holding signs, waving and honking as the rabbis sat in the shade, spaced apart. The rabbis have a long history with the temple and were instrumental in the consolidation of the two congregations. Gruber was hired in 2002 and is the second-longest serving rabbi of Central Synagogue. Skiddell joined Beth Emeth in 2006. For the past four

years, the two men have worked together to serve the united temple. The rabbis’ contracts expired on June 30. At that time, Gruber and Skiddell assumed emeritus status, which means they will still be considered valued members of the community. Gruber plans to move to Washington DC, while Skiddell will remain in the area. On July 1, Rabbi Michael C. Cohen, a chaplain in the U.S. Army, joined the congregation.

Christina Daly/Herald

A goodbye parade was held for Rabbi Marc Gruber and Rabbi Elliot Skiddell by Central Synagogue Beth Emeth congregants ahead of their June 30 retirement date.

ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — December 31, 2020

RVC mailman retires after more than 40 years

Families sat in their cars in the parking lot of the Nassau Coliseum, their radios tuned to the speeches, and watched seniors receive their diplomas on a large outdoor screen. It wasn’t the graduation ceremony the 290 seniors from South Side High School had planned on, but the socially distant event was still charged with excitement, bringing the class of 2020 together for a final time on June 26.

YEAR IN REVIEW JULY

Students lined up in groups of 40, wearing masks and keeping their distance from one another, before walking to the podium to receive their diplomas. “In these trying times, our sense of community has only strengthened,” Valedictorian Miguel Hulyalkar said. “We are the future of this nation.” Jill Nossa/Herald

Salutatorian Lucy Downing addressed her classmates.

“I’ve been to wakes, graduation parties and block parties. It’s a good route, with good, down-to-earth people.” Towns, 63, said that being friendly and outgoing helped him establishment relationships with the customers on his route, “smack in the center of Rockville Centre,” which encompasses Dartmouth and Princeton streets. While working, he said, he would often be invited to join any celebrations going on in the neighborhood. “He is such a staple in the community,” Bryan Madden said. “Just a great guy.” Christina Daly/Herald

After 40 years working for the post office, 31 of those on the same route in Rockville Centre, Bob Towns is ready for his retirement.

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Seniors say farewell to South Side High

After more than 40 years, one of Rockville Centre’s most favorite mail carriers is retiring. To mark the occasion, customers on Bob Towns’ route gave him a proper sendoff on July 1, near the end of his shift, to show how much they have appreciated his service. “I was in shock,” Towns said upon seeing the people waiting to celebrate with him. “A lot of these people have become personal friends at this point.” Towns, who lives in Elmont, began working for the United States Postal Service on Oct. 6, 1979, and took over his current route, consisting of 358 houses, in March of 1989. “I’ve seen kids grow up and some now have their own kids,” Towns said.

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December 31, 2020 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD

Engaging seniors with ‘Sandel at Home’ Tropical Storm Isaias hits Rockville Centre Thousands of Rockville Centre residents were left without power when Tropical Storm Isaias hit last week, leaving some in the dark for days. As the storm barreled across Long Island Aug. 4, it hit Rockville Centre particularly hard, causing the entire village to lose power by late afternoon. With heavy winds and gusts up to 78 miles per hour, the storm downed trees and power lines throughout the area, from Hempstead Lake State Park

to commercial and residential streets. By the next morning, 55 percent of the village had its power restored, according to Mayor Francis X. Murray, and about 75 percent was restored by the end of the day. However, some homes were left without power until Saturday evening, four days after the storm hit. Herald file photo

A tree fell from the backyard of a home on Andover Road onto a house on Arrandale Road.

While the Village of Rockville Centre’s Sandel Senior Center remained temporarily closed, its staff worked hard to keep senior residents connected while physically apart. “Sandel at Home”is a culmination of the senior center’s efforts to connect with seniors from a distance with virtual programming.“Studies shows that isolation is extremely bad for the health of older people,” O’Leary explained, “and our mission has always been to engage seniors.” Mainly, the six full-time staff members do this through a television program, Sandel TV, which launched in April. It airs daily on the village’s station — channel 18 on Optimum and 37 on Verizon Fios — at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and is posted to the village website

under “Senior Services.” The TV program incorporates normal Sandel activities in a digital format. The same fitness instructors that members used to see in person guide them in routines on the screen. Also, rather than lectures at the center, O’Leary conducts interviews with community leaders for the show. “We’re trying to reproduce a lot of programs they would have been getting here [in the TV show],” O’Leary said.“All their favorite instructors are on TV talking to them as if they’re in the room.” Sandel TV is broken up into two parts: Fitness and Lifestyle. Courtesy Sandel Senior Center

Chris O’Leary, left, interviewed Dr. Matthew Reifler, a sleep doctor at Northwell Health, for Sandel TV.

YEAR IN REVIEW AUGUST

After five-month pandemic shutdown, Maple Lanes reopens Children enjoy summer at the Rec Center A limited number of Rockville Centre children had a semblance of normalcy this summer by attending the village’s annual Summer Playground program at the John A. Anderson Recreation Center. The weekly day camp provides indoor and outdoor activities for kids, including sprinklers to cool off from the summer heat, outdoor snack time and games. The children are divided into different cohorts by grade level, and counselors are required to wear masks.

The program is ran at less than 30 percent of its normal capacity, but it was still deemed important to hold it, based on a survey sent out to past campers. “We’re trying to bring a little bit of normalcy to these kids’ lives,”said Karen Polito, supervisor of the Summer Playground program. Christina Daly/Herald

Third-graders built a cup tower around Sydney Putterman.

Monday, Aug. 17 was a day for celebration at Maple Lanes in Rockville Centre. After a five-month shutdown because of the coronavirus pandemic, the bowling alley reopened. Although procedures in the lanes are much different than in March, bowlers said they were happy to be back. Asked if they were excited about returning, members of the Senior Birds league responded with an emphatic “Yes!” “Going through bowling withdrawal is hard,” said George Fields, one of the members. Teresa McCarthy, a co-owner of Maple Lanes, said the business received calls from regular customers every day, asking when it would reopen. “It’s been a very long haul,”

she said. McCarthy owns Maple Family Centers, which includes the bowling alley, with her father, John LaSpina, and brother, Joe LaSpina. She noted that it was challenging being closed for so long without knowing when the restrictions would end. “We’re thrilled to see everyone having fun at the lanes again,” McCarthy said.“For our customers, this is their form of exercise, relaxation and recreation.”

Courtesy Briana Bonfiglio

Liz Bonney, left, and her 11-year-old son, Matt, returned to Maple Lanes on Aug. 17 for an afternoon of bowling.

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December 31, 2020 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD

RVC goes gold for Pediatric Cancer Month In September, the goal for several Rockville Centre residents was to see the village lit up with gold in honor of Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month, and several campaigns are taking place to get others involved in the effort. The second annual lighting of a gold tree took place on Sept. 1 at Village Hall, and efforts were under way to have the streets lit with luminarias later in the month, with proceeds going to the Mary Ruchalski Foundation. Village resident Mary Ruchalski, a seventh-grader at St. Agnes Cathedral School, died of cancer in March 2018, just two days before her 13th birthday. “The foundation is trying to step up its awareness campaign,” said her mother, Carol, the foundation’s direc-

New rabbi welcomed at B’nai Sholom-Beth David

tor. “We reached out to other villages and to several high schools, and provided them with gold lights if they promise to light them every year.” Last year, a tree in the village green was decorated with gold lights and a ceremony honored those affected by pediatric cancer. This year, gold trees will be lit in four other villages — East Williston, Mineola, Malverne and Williston Park — as well as at two area high schools, to bring awareness to the disease.

YEAR IN REVIEW SEPTEMBER

Christina Daly/Herald

Called the “champion who made this all happen” by Mayor Murray, Carol Ruchalski aimed to light as many towns gold as possible in September.

Tournament raises $60,000 for brain cancer research Tournament raises $60,000 for brain cancer research Two years ago, Fabiana and Nick Pellicani, of Rockville Centre, lost their 5-year-old daughter, Gabriella, to pediatric cancer. Since then, they have raised awareness of the disease and funding for research in her honor, amassing nearly $150,000 over the past two years. More than 100 people took part in the second annual Golfing for Gabi tournament at the Rockville Links Club on Sept. 24, in support of the Jimmy Fund, a fundraising arm for Boston’s Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. The event honored Gabi’s life and spirit. She died on Oct. 16, 2018, 10 months after being diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive and incurable

This summer has seen a turnover in leadership at Congregation B’nai Sholom-Beth David in Rockville Centre, with a new rabbi and cantor joining the temple in August. Rabbi David J. Lerner took the reins from Rabbi Howard Diamond, who retired in early August after 10 years.Alexandra Weiser started at the same time, becoming the congregation’s first female cantor. Lerner and his family moved to Rockville Centre in early August, just days before he took over as rabbi. Technically, the family moved from Toronto, though due to the pandemic, they spent the spring in his native city of Detroit, shifting between the homes of his parents and his in-laws. Lerner, 37,

was ordained this spring at the Jewish Theological Seminary, where he concentrated his studies in Talmud and Rabbinics, and received the prestigious Cyrus Adler Prize for academic excellence. Lerner said he is looking forward to getting to know his congregants, and that he and Weiser have been working well together in crafting the services. “I love people, both interacting with them one-on-one and from the pulpit,” Lerner said.“My goal is to meet as many people as I can, get to know them and learn what they’re seeking and how I can help them.” Christina Daly/Herald

Sisterhood Co-president Alyce Goodstein presented Rabbi David Lerner with a mezuzah made of Jerusalem stone.

RVCFD honors those who lost their lives

form of brain cancer. Despite her disorder, she attended St. Mark’s Nursery School and kindergarten at Watson Elementary School. During the afternoon, 110 golfers competed in the tournament, which was followed by an outdoor reception attended by friends and family. The participants raised nearly $60,000 to support research focused on brain cancers at Dana-Farber, where Gabi underwent a clinical trial.

YEAR IN REVIEW OCTOBER

Christina Daly/Herald

Fabiana and Nick Pellicani hosted the Gofing for Gabi fundraiser at the Rockville Links Club on Sept. 24.

On Sunday, Oct. 18, the Rockville Centre Fire Department held its annual memorial service for members who have died over the past year. Mayor Francis Murray, Deputy Mayor Kathy Baxley, Trustee Nancy Howard, Trustee Emilio Grillo, Trustee Michael Sepe and residents joined Chief Eric Burel and the RVCFD at Firemans Memorial Park to pay respects to the individuals who put the needs of others before their own, instinctively ran into dangerous situations while others fled, and left their homes and families at all hours of the night to serve their neighbors. A total of five members have died since last October: Honorary Chief Harold Buck, Honorary Chief Charles F.

Kee, Honorary Chief John Easterman, honorary member Jack McKeon and Chief Charles W. Jaeger. Roses were given to families of the deceased, and prayers were said by local clergy members. “The Village of Rockville Centre thanks these brave individuals for their dedicated service,” Mayor Francis X. Murray said, “and keeping Rockville Centre safe.”

Courtesy Richard Law

Mayor Francis X. Murray, Rockville Centre Fire Chief Eric Burel, First Assistant Chief James Avondet and Second Assistant Chief Scott Mohr.

ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — December 31, 2020

RVC celebrates its veterans

The skyline and energy level was different but the goal was the same: Run 26.2 miles and raise money for charity. On Oct. 25, a small group of Rockville Centre residents ran the Virtual TCS New York City Marathon, but made some key changes. First, they titled their fundraiser Miles for Mary, with proceeds going to the Mary Ruchalski Foundation for pediatric cancer research. And second, they

YEAR IN REVIEW NOVEMBER

pounded the pavement on Long Island, finishing the last leg of the race in Rockville Centre and recognizing local children who have died from pediatric cancer. Rockville Centre resident Maggie Regan found a way to make the race more meaningful locally. Courtesy Village of Rockville Centre

Maggie Regan, who organized the fundraiser, finished the marathon first.

veterans. “I would like to thank all of the veterans here today,” Colon said, “and today is an important day to say thank-you to your family, friends and neighbors who have served and are serving.” Chaplain Mark Getman gave a benediction.“Bless our veterans, these men and women of courage and valor, with a deep understanding of our profound gratitude,” he said. “Protect them and their families from loneliness and want, grant them lives of joy and bounty. May the dedication and honor be remembered as a blessing from generation to generation.” The ceremony concluded with the playing of taps. Jill Nossa/Herald

Boy Scout Troop 214 attended the ceremony.

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Residents run virtual marathon to support cancer research

The American Legion Post 303 held its annual Veterans Day ceremony Wednesday in Veterans Memorial Park in Rockville Centre, with several dozen people in attendance, including members of the Rockville Centre Police Department, fire department, village officials and Boy Scouts. The short, socially distanced event paid tribute to those who have served in the military. “Veterans Day is for all who served,” Post Commander Frank Colon said. “There is no such thing as an insignificant military service. We understand it is not just that sacrifice and service that are important, but willingness to alter your life in defense of our nation sets veterans apart.” A big part of Veterans Day, Colon said, is offering words of gratitude to

December 31, 2020 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD

Conor Semple mourned by family, friends

Pharmacist dies of Covid-19 complications As the coronavirus spread across New York City and Long Island, Bill Mantell continued to commute from his East Meadow home to his pharmacy in Queens. Near the end of March, Mantell, formerly of Rockville Centre, developed a fever, which spiked and persisted for more than a week. He was admitted to Nassau University Medical Center in East Meadow, where he died two weeks later, on April 17, of complications of Covid-19 and pneumonia. He was 68. Mantell’s family could not visit him in the hospital, but his wife, Carole, and daughters Gail and Jenna called and texted him daily.“By the second week, he was really weak and not answering texts,” Carole said. Over two weeks, she said, there

were times when his condition seemed to improve. “It took us all by surprise,” she said of his death. “We didn’t think it was going in that direction.” She described her husband as hardworking, caring and generous, someone who made sure she and their daughters had what they needed, and never wanting for himself. Bill was born in Poland on Sept. 14, 1951, the youngest of three children, and lived in Israel before his family moved to New Jersey when he was a child. The family moved to Rockville Centre in 1998, where they lived until 2016. Courtesy Gail Mantell

Jenna, Gail, Carole and Bill Mantell on a family trip to California’s Big Sur in 2018.

Conor Semple was known among friends and family as someone who brought people together. A lover of sports and large gatherings, the 2011 South Side High School graduate regularly organized some kind of social event. Last month, those friends and family came together to celebrate the life of Semple, who died unexpectedly on July 19, at age 27. “One of Conor’s biggest strengths and passions was organizing events and gathering people together,” his brother, Ryan, 25, said.“Whether it was the Semple Football League, the town basketball tournament or the annual Christmas grab bag, he always looked forward to arranging the next event with his friends, family and loved ones.”

According to Ryan, who lived with his older brother in Manhattan for the past year, not only did Conor enjoy getting his friends together, but he also had a large group of people who cared about him deeply. “He loved to reach out and gather people together,” their father, Mike Semple, said of Conor. “His smile and laugh were infectious. “Conor had a heart of gold,” Mike added. “Unfortunately, it was a heart that stopped ticking way too soon.” “He had a beautiful heart and an infectious laugh,” said his mother, Mary Ellen Semple. “We were truly blessed to have him as a son.” Courtesy Mike Semple

Conor Semple loved to host parties and was well known within his circle for bringing people together.

YEAR IN REVIEW OBITUARIES

Thomas Toy remembered for giving back to the community Adam Lipton, lifelong resident of Rockville Centre, dies at 37 Adam Jason Lipton, 37, of Rockville Centre, passed away suddenly on Friday, April 17, 2020. Son of Karen and Wayne Lipton, and brother of Sarah Lipton Douglass (Michael) and Alex Lipton (Karen Jang), Adam lived under the care of his parents after suffering a traumatic brain injury at 10 years old. Adam attended the Riverside and Wilson Schools in Rockville Centre as a student with special needs until the fifth grade. His parents, teachers and

therapists worked hard to provide him with support and encouragement through his early education. As a child, Adam loved swimming, singing and going to the beach. Although Adam had a few setbacks over the years, he lived comfortably at home with his parents and had many dedicated caregivers over the years. Courtesy Wayne Lipton

Adam Lipton was struck by a car at age 10. He lived at home under his parents’ care until April.

Thomas Toy, a 30-plus year resident of Rockville Centre, spent most of his life giving back to his community. The retired maritime lawyer and father of four died on Oct. 14, 2020, at age 83, after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. Toy’s children described him as intelligent, caring and witty, a man who continued to read the newspaper until his final days and who could always be counted on to assist with homework. His son, Robert Toy, of Valley Stream, also described his father as “a fighter.” Perhaps his biggest contribution was starting the St. Agnes Council Knights of Columbus Blood Drive, which he began in 1993, after his daughter Betsy died of leukemia.

Toy is also survived by his wife Pam; son Tom Jr. and his wife Jill, of Oceanside; daughter Margaret and her husband Craig Goodwin of Oceanside;daughter-in-law Josephine of Valley Stream, grandchildren Casey, Christian, Brenna, Daniel, Rebecca and William; sister Bonnie Audrain and brother Peter, both of Georgia, and brother Chris Toy, of Manhattan. He is predeceased by his daughter Elizabeth (Betsy) and granddaughter Emma-Mèabh. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to St. Baldrick’s Foundation, Star Legacy Foundation or Juvenile Diabetes. Courtesy Margaret Goodwin

Thmas Toy started the St. Agnes Council Knights of Columbus Blood Drive in 1993.

ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — December 31, 2020

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December 31, 2020 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD

H.S. sports delayed until 2021

H.S. spring sports cancelled It was game over for public high school spring sports on Long Island for 2020. Any hopes for even a modified season were dashed April 21 when health and safety concerns led athletic administrators and school superintendents in Nassau and Suffolk counties to announced the cancelation of the spring sports season. Section VIII athletics conference governs Nassau County, and Section XI, Suffolk County. “For the safety for our student athletes, Section VIII has made the difficult decision to cancel spring sports for our high schools and middle schools.” Nassau County Executive Director Pat Pizzarelli said.“Long Island is one of the areas most affected by this terrible pandemic, so both section

VIII and Section XI have made this very difficult decision.” Nassau County’s Athletic Council, which includes superintendents, principals and officials, met Monday night April 20 and was unanimous in its decision. Athletic directors met the following morning and agreed. “It’s very sad for the seniors, but we are dealing with life and death,” Pizzarelli said. “We have to safeguard our students and communities. We waited as long as we possibly could to make this heartbreaking decision.”

At an emergency meeting held Aug. 26, Nassau school superintendents voted to postpone high school sports until Jan. 4, becoming the first of the state’s 11 sections to move its fall season. The following day, superintendents released a letter stating they may reassess the decision prior to Sept. 20. “I believe other sections will follow and pull the plug, but I can’t speak for anyone else,”Section VIII (Nassau) Executive Director of Athletics Pat Pizzarelli said Aug. 26. “We felt strong enough to make this decision now,” he added.“We took the cautious route, but we believe it’s in everyone’s best interests. There are too many unknowns.

YEAR IN REVIEW SPORTS

J. Heck/Herald

Nassau County spring sports never happened due to Covid-19.

Molloy College hosts virtual gala There was no sit-down dinner, no live entertainment and no opportunity for mingling or networking, yet Molloy College offered quality entertainment during its virtual annual gala last Saturday, raising three times more than anticipated for scholarship funding. The 2020 Galathon, “Celebrating Success in Action,” which streamed on Nov. 28, honored Molloy alumni and community leaders who have been on the front lines of the fight against the coronavirus, and raised nearly $1.5 million in cash and pledges. The gala typically raises around $325,000. The opening was a medley of pop songs sung by students — with reworked, Molloy-related lyrics — filmed in various locations around the Rockville Centre campus and highlighting the college’s four schools: Arts

& Sciences, Business, Education and Human Resources, and Nursing & Health Sciences. There were interviews with department chairs as well as musical performances throughout the event, and viewers had the opportunity to call in and pledge donations. The college also announced a $1 million gift from the family of Barbara H. Hagan, establishing the Barbara H. Hagan Endowed Scholarship, to be awarded to students pursuing nursing degrees. The Barbara H. Hagan School of Nursing and Health Sciences was established in 2016. Courtesy Mike DeVito

J. Heck/Herald

Nassau County postponed fall high school sports from September to January.

Village lights 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, Dec. 13, 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.

YEAR IN REVIEW DECEMBER

Dr. James Lentini with honorees Wayne and Karen Lipton.

“It’s just not time to allow kids to play sports,” he continued. “And my first and foremost concern is the safety of our student-athletes.” The decision came two days after Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo issued guidance permitting lower-risk high school fall sports (soccer, tennis, swimming, field hockey and cross-country) to begin practice and play on Sept. 21, while noting football and volleyball could begin practice but not play. However, Nassau’s superintendents did not consider the current conditions safe enough to conduct any fall sports.

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. On Dec. 19, Mayor Francis X. Murray, Deputy Mayor Kathy Baxley, and Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer traveled around Rockville Centre, visiting residents and giving out certificates to the winning home owners.

Courtesy Village of Rockville Centre

The most popular house, voted on by residents, is at 195 Voorhis Avenue.

Public Notices

LROC1 1231

More than eight years after Hurricane Sandy damaged areas of Rockville Centre, infrastructure improvement projects will finally get under way. The village, a recipient of more than $13 million in grant money for the Living with the Bay project, which aims to increase the resiliency of communities along the Mill River, awarded bids for several component projects on Monday night. “This is a huge accomplishment for

our village,” Mayor Francis X. Murray said. “We’re going to get parking lots out of this, improvements at Tighe Field, things to help us in mitigating flooding, like berms. This is wonderful for Rockville Centre.” The village board approved six proposals for improvements, totaling just over $13.13 million. Courtesy New York State Governor’s Office of Storm Recovery

The infrastructure projects will improve the parks along Mill River in Rockville Centre.

YEAR IN REVIEW DECEMBER

Veterans remember Pearl Harbor Veterans and community members gathered Monday morning in Rockville Centre’s Mill River Complex Park to commemorate the 79th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor and to remember those who died that day. The ceremony is organized each year by American Legion Post 303 and attended by village officials and members of the police and fire department. “We are here to remember the start of our country’s involvement in

World War II and the over 400,000 members of our military who died in that war,” Chaplain Joseph Scarola, a past commander of Post 303, said in his opening prayer. “We are here to remember the many sacrifices made for us. May this ceremony today be a worthy acknowledgement of those sacrifices.” Courtesy Richard Law

Mayor Francis X. Murray and Bill Marinaccio, of Lynbrook, tossed a wreath into Mill River.

LEGAL NOTICE Village of Rockville Centre Nassau County, New York Notice of Board of Zoning Appeals

HERALD Community Newspapers

Village awarded $13 million grant

LEGAL NOTICE Notice of Public Hearing Village of Rockville Centre Nassau County, New York Meeting Date: January 4, 2021 Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 330 Rockville Centre Village Code NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Exterior Design Review Board of the Village of Rockville Centre will have a Public Hearing via VIDEO CONFERENCING LEGAL NOTICE January 4th, 2021 at 7:00 PM Case No. 15-2020†††† †† Jessica & Michael Krasnovsky 62 Voorhis Avenue Rockville Centre, New York 11570† Description:†††† Construct a new single family dwelling with attached garage. Premises known as: 19 Killarney Lane *Please see Rockville Centre Village website, RVCNY.GOV, calendar for videoconferencing information* The Exterior Design Review Board OF THE VILLAGE OF ROCKVILLE CENTRE Eugene Murray Village Hall, Rockville Centre, New York George Bella, Chairperson of the consultants to The Exterior Design Review Board Thomas Domanico, Secretary to The Consultants Information and records for Exterior Design Review cases are available the Office of the Secretary, 110 Maple Avenue, RVC 124266

Hearing Date: January 6, 2021 Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 340 Rockville Centre Village Code NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Appeals of the Village of Rockville Centre will hold a Zoning Appeals Hearing via videoconferencing and will be recorded LEGAL NOTICE January 6th, 2021 at 7:00 PM Case # 29-2020 – George Conforti & Erin Finley – Continued from December 9th, 2020 To construct a pool pavilion building in the rear yard with a proposed lot coverage of 35.6% where 30% is the maximum allowable within a Residence A district. Premises known as 97 Brower Avenue Case # 30-2020 – Michael & Jamie Quinn To maintain a detached garage with a proposed side yard setback of 1.5 feet, a rear yard setback of 2.6 feet where 4.0 feet is minimum required for each, and a height of 24 feet where 15 feet is the maximum allowable within a Residence A district. Premises known as 23 Windermere Place Dated: December 23, 2020 BOARD OF APPEALS OF THE VILLAGE OF ROCKVILLE CENTRE, Rockville Centre, New York J. Robert Schenone, Chairman Patrick D. O’Brien, Secretary Information and records for appeals cases are available at the Office of the Secretary of the Board of Appeals, 110 Maple Avenue, RVC, NY 124265

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE TO BIDDERS MALVERNE UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT Notice is hereby given that SEALED PROPOSALS for: MALVERNE UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT BASEBALL SYNTHETIC TURF FIELD AT MALVERNE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL S E D # 28-02-12-03-0-001-024 Re-Bid CONTRACT L - FIELD WORK Will be received until 11:00 AM prevailing time on January 19, 2021 at the Administrative Office of MALVERNE UFSD, Attention: Dan Balzan,

Assistant Administrator for Business and Safety, located at 301 Wicks Lane, Malverne, NY 11565. Note, the bid opening will be streamed online in lieu of an in-person meeting. See meeting link, ID, and password below: Meeting Link: Malverneufsd.webex.com /meet/ccaputo Complete digital sets of plans, specifications, instructions for bidders, proposal and contract documents may be obtained online as a download for a nonrefundable fee of forty-nine dollars ($49.00) at the following website: w w w. r e v p l a n s . c o m beginning on or about January 5, 2021. Complete sets of hard copy plans, specifications, instructions for bidders, proposal and contract documents may be obtained from REV, 330 route 17a, Suite #2, Goshen, New York 10924 tel: 1-877-272-0216, upon depositing the sum of one hundred dollars ($100.00) for each paper set furnished. Make deposit check payable to the Malverne Union Free School District. Bidder’s deposit will be refunded if the set is returned in good condition within thirty (30) days following the award of the contract or the rejection of the bids covered by such plans and specifications. Non-bidders shall receive partial reimbursement, in an amount equal to the amount of the deposit, less the actual cost of reproduction of the documents if the set is returned in good condition within thirty (30) days following the award of the contract or the rejection of the bids covered by such plans and specifications. Any bidder requiring documents to be shipped shall make arrangements with the printer and pay for all packaging and shipping costs. All bid addenda will be transmitted to registered plan holders via email and will be available at www.revplans.com. Plan holders who have paid for hard copies of the bid documents will need to make the determination if hard copies of the addenda are required for their use and coordinate directly with REVplans for hardcopies of addenda to be issued. There will be no charge of registered plan holders to obtain hard copies of the bid

addenda. Bids must be made in the standard proposal form in the manner designated therein and as required by the Specifications that must be enclosed in sealed envelopes bearing the name of the job and name and address of the bidder on the outside, addressed to: MALVERNE UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT, clearly marked on the outside: Bid For: Baseball Synthetic Turf Field at Malverne Senior High School - Rebid. Each proposal submitted must be accompanied by a certified check or bid bond, made payable to the MALVERNE UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT, in an amount equal to five percent (5%) of the total amount of the bid, as a commitment by the bidder that, if its bid is accepted, it will enter into a contract to perform the work and will execute such further security as may be required for the faithful performance of the contract. Certification of bonding company is required for this bid; see Instructions for Bidders section Each bidder shall agree to hold his/her bid price for ninety (90) days after the formal bid opening. A pre-bid meeting and walk thru is scheduled for January 12, 2021 at 2:00 PM. Potential bidders are asked to gather at the Malverne Senior High School main entrance 80 Ocean Ave. Malverne, NY 11565, at which time they will be directed to the areas of work. This meeting is not mandatory; however it is highly recommended that all potential bidders attend. It is the Board’s intention to award the contracts to the lowest qualified bidder providing the required security who can meet the experience, technical and budget requirements. The Board reserves the right to reject any or all bids, waive any informality and to accept such bid which, in the opinion of the Board, is in the best interests of the School District. Malverne Union Free School District Board of Education 301 Wicks Lane Malverne, NY 11565 124251

PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES… Printed in this publication can be found online. Search by publication name at: www.newyorkpublicnotices.com

No Paper, No Justice

Weigh the advantages of legal advertising. For information of rates and coverage call 516-569-4000.

ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — December 31, 2020

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, (SSNY) on 07/23/20. NY Office location: Nassau County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of the process to: 122 Emery Street South Hempstead, NY 11550 Purpose: To engage in any lawful act or activity. 123939

HERALD

Employment

CLASSIFIED

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

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

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

HERALD

RecRuiting a great sales team is Really simple.

Homes

Ronnie Gerber 516-238-4299 HAPPY & HeAltHY new YeAr!! OPEN HOUSES BY APPOINTMENT SUNdAY, 1/3/21 e s t. 1 9 1 1

EAST ROCKAWAY

1 Thompson Dr, BA, 4 BR, 2.5 Bth Exp Ranch w/Open Layout in Waverly Park Area. Updtd EIK. O/S Prop w/Deck. Att Gar. SD#20.................................................................................. $599,000 101 Emmet Ave, BA, WATERFRONT! Rebuilt in 2010, 4 BR 3.5 Bth Split w/ Pool, Outdoor Kit & Deck. Open Layout. Private Mstr Ste, 2 Car Gar, SD#20..............................................................$1,250,000

January 7, 14, 21, 28, 2021 4 p.m.

February 4, 2021 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

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

WOOdSBURGH

HEWLETT HARBOR

$18.50 NYC, $16 L.I., up to $13.50 Upstate NY!

real local, real news

EMPLOYMENT Help Wanted $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

DRIVERS WANTED

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

ROUTES AVAILABLE AT CALLAHEAD Corp.

NO CDL required, 4 DAY WORK WEEK, (enjoy 3 days off). Run your own route. Year round No lay offs! 100% medical, dental, uniforms, 2 weeks paid vacation. 401K. Plus commission. Will train! 4am-2:30pm. . Route driver $800.00 per week, includes $100.00 weekly bonus program. Plus 10-12 hours overtime. Apply in person Monday- Friday 9am-7pm at 304 Crossbay Blvd, Queens NY 11693

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

Phone: 347-713-3552

HERALD

Homes

To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5 REAL ESTATE Open Houses EAST ROCKAWAY 101 Emmet Ave, NEW WATERFRONT! Rebuilt in 2010, 4 BR 3.5 Bth Split w/ Pool, Outdoor Kit & Deck. Open Layout. Private Mstr Ste, 2 Car Gar, SD#20..$1,250,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-429 HEWLETT HARBOR 3 Payne Circle, OPEN HOUSE BY APPT, 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 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman RE 516-238-4299 HEWLETT HARBOR ba, 236 Richards Lane 5 BR, 5.5 Bth Contemporary Home on an Acre Of Resortlike, IGP, Open Floor Plan. Full Fin Bsmt. Main Flr Master. SD14...$1,499,000 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

House For Sale

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

HEWLETT BAY PARK

NEW TO MARKET!! 10,000 Sq Ft Waterfront Property on an Acre of Parklike Grounds Tucked away in Cul de Sac. 5 BR, 5.5 Bth Contemporary. Soaring Ceilings. IG Pool, Hot Tub. 285' Vinyl Bulkhead Raised & Redone. Dock. 3 Car Garage............ $4,650,000 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

Now is the time to buy or sell a home. 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. Call me for a free professional consultation.

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 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

Apartments Wanted

Mature - Single

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.

1113840

INC

liherald.com

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.

1112179

HERALD Community Newspapers

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

WOOdMERE

946 Midwood Rd, BA, NEW! Renovated 4 BR, 2.5 Bth Colonial in Academy Area. Gran/Wood EIK, LR/Fpl, FDR & Den. Fin Bsmt. Gar ....................................................................................... $899,000 185 Bay Dr, BA, 5/6 BR, 4.5 Bth Exp Ranch on Parklike 1/2 Acre Prop. Guest Quarters, Full Bsmt, 2 Car Gar. SD#14 ........$1,450,000

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

RICHNER

1113447

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

1114158

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

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

1104975

December 31, 2020 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD

Melinda Beauchamp Licensed Real Estate Salesperson

Mobile: 516.721.7805

mbeauchamp@coachrealtors.com mbeauchamp.coachrealtors.com

Melinda & Thor

314 Sunrise Highway Rockville Centre NY 11570

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

Helping you find a HOME or sell a HOME … a place to call your own. 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!

Your Hometown Newspaper

To Place an Ad Call: 516-569-4000 • Press 5

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

HOME OF THE WEEK

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

Q. I wonder why I can’t seem to get a fire to burn properly in my chimney. All I get is smoke in the room. I’ve had the flue checked and know that the damper is working correctly, even if it is a little rusty. The worst part is that the house smells like smoke, even when we haven’t had a fire for months. Nobody can find anything wrong with it. What can I do?

Island Park

Island Bay Townhoue & Marina

his stunning 3 floor townhouse will captivate you with it’s breath taking water views. This home has 3 bedrooms (2 are masters and 1 is presently being used as den with fireplace and bar.) Every floor has views with either a patio or balcony to sit and enjoy. There are hardwood floors or tiles with radiant heat in the 1st floor bathroom. High ceilings in living and dining room, hardwood floors throughout and top of the line appliances. There is a secluded and romantic master on the 3rd floor with huge bathroom and walk in closet. It has a laundry room, an attached garage and l2 parking spots. There is also a boat slip included. Taxes are grieved (owner won an additional $1992 off taxes for 2021.) Asking $774,999

Ask The Architect

Lisa Camarda Owner/Broker RE/Max Reliance 3305 Jerusalem Ave Suite 211 Wantagh, NY 11793 516-755-7595 office 516-428-8861 cell

Sherlock Sherlock Homes Homes

BUSINESS FOR SALE Tazzetto Italian Coffee

263 Sunrise Hwy, Rockville Centre Possible Franchise Opportunity Turn-Key Established Coffee Shop High Traffic, Heavy Growth Area Completely Renovated 2019 Unique Grab & Go Concept Imported Gourmet Foods $350,000

516-459-5379

Contact one of our hardworking professionals today for all of your real estate needs!

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

Residential • Commercial • Business Brokerage

1106049

“Going Above & Beyond to find your Dream Home”

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

Rhonda Healy

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

M: (516) 236-7269

We’re Keeping the American Dream Alive. 1109112

www.AllStarRealEstateBrokers.com

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

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

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

OneKey Multiple Listing Service

1110798

Broker/Owner

THINKING OF BUYING OR SELLING?

1114046

Roger Hart

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

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

By Appointment Only

A. Set up an electric fireplace in front of the real one, or play the Yule log rerun on your TV. A client once complained of the same problem, and after much searching, I asked them to build a fire so I could observe their method. They started the fire too far forward, so the smoke climbed the walls onte eeper and smoked out the room, setting off the smoke detector. Rule No. 1: Make sure the fire is directly under the flue opening and centered in the fireplace. There are many reasons why a fireplace doesn’t function. Some are obvious; some aren’t. Here are some possible reasons why yours doesn’t work. 1) The chimney is too narrow compared with its height. 2) The opening is too wide and not high enough. 3) The opening is too high and not wide enough. 4) There’s no fresh-air intake near the fire to draw air upward. 5) The flue has cracks that haven’t been detected. 6) The chimney isn’t two feet taller than the closest part of the roof within a 10-foot area, so breezes aren’t carrying smoke away, but instead a vacuum builds and forces air down the chimney. Winds rolling over your chimney from the upside roof slope also blow smoke downward in your chimney. 7) The flue has an angle bend in it that’s too sharp. 8) The wood selected isn’t properly seasoned. 9) Your fire starter is too wet or too dense. 10) The chimney has an animal living in it and must be cleaned out and capped. 11) The chimney is wet on the inside, either from openings in the exterior surface or the mortared crown or because it has no cap. This isn’t a likely reason for the smoke problem, but there’s a remote possibility. Since a fire needs fuel, oxygen and heat to burn, these reasons are basic to why you haven’t had success. The formula for a great fire is the right type of starter (an easy-burning tinder) at the bottom, air space between everything of one-half to threequarters of an inch, and a dry, soft wood like pine above the tinder. Add oak or other hardwoods after the fire is going to create more brightness. Updraft is also essential. I’m certain that one of these reasons is causing your problem. Don’t use any treated or dressed lumber that can give off poisonous gases and creosote. Be safe and attentive. Good luck!

© 2020 Monte Leeper Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.

ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — December 31, 2020

Fireplace frustrations

Homes

HERALD

Market Place • •

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

Dave marlOWe Plumbing, inC. DBA BOB PHILLIPS PLUMBING

Over 100 Years Of familY Plumbing Oil to Gas • Toilets • Faucets • Repairs & Replacements Waste Piping • Water Piping

10% Off

If Your Plumbing STINKS

Call The WeNKS!

Sunday, August 02, 2020 11:27:28 AM

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Father & Son Owned

Specializing in: • Interior/Exterior Painting • Kitchens • Bathrooms • Basements • Wall Paper Removal • Power Washing

jairorzc58@gmail.com

For New Customer Exp. 12/31/20

1105410

Switch To Electrolyzed Restructured Water It's Healthier For You, Your Family, And Your Pets!

conSuMer reportS:

licensed and insured

1.99 Per Gallon

lucy MenSAh Cell:

516-668-3607

Email: gaby1234@optonline.net to own the Enagic Ionizer Machine.

www.lucyluulivingwater.com

"No Job Too Small!" Get the Best for Less!

Over 15 Years Experience Licensed • Insured

FREE ESTIMATES

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

HANDYMAN SERVICE

RYAN 516-695-4527 917-697-3647

Carpentry & Painting Specialist

Also specializes in ★ Kitchens ★ Bathrooms ★ Finished Basements ★ Flooring ★ Repairs ★ Woodwork/mouldings ★ Siding ★ Gutters

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

1066253

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

CLUTTER

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"

CRAZY?

ALL CLEAR DRAIN & SEWER SERVICE

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

1078401

HEATING OIL

Residential and Commercial - All Phases

“Anthony & J Home Improvement, Inc.”

1109488

COMPLETE RENOVATIONS

AlkAline WAter Sold

1112012

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.

1110755

516-297-1885

OFF

Any Service Call

1110703

WeNK

PIPING & HEATING CORP.

ALFREDO’S CONSTRUCTION Specializing

HOME • COMMERCIAL

RELIABLE • 24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE FAMILY OWNED FOR OVER 65 YEARS

CALL NOW FOR LOWEST PRICE

(516) 379-2727

CALL FOR MORE INFO No service in Long Beach

Se Habla Espanol

Licensed & insured

the

BLACKTOP

BeSt priceS in town

senior Citizen Discounts

Call For Winter Specials

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

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wenkpipingandheating.com

1103000

FREE ESTIMATES • 4 HR EMERGENCY SERVICE

1081114

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

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A Fresh CoAt For A Fresh stArt!

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on labor only

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

1112911

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

Mention this ad and get

1112267

December 31, 2020 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD

Free estimates

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

Stuff

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

FINDS UNDER $100 Finds Under $100

Adoption

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

) SLED-LIGHTNING GLIDER- Vintage Beautiful Patina 44" Long 13" wipe $35.00 516-705-4313

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.

MERCHANDISE MART

TV CABINET SOLID Oak: 4 Louver Doors. 42"Wx551/4"Hx24"Deep. Gorgeous. $99 516-292-0430

Handyman

Antiques/Collectibles

TV SONY 32" TUBE: Works Perfect. $25. 516-292-0430

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

VACUUM: SHARK ROTATOR Liftaway (corded) with six accessor ies. $95. 516-546- 7432

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

GLOCKENSPIEL, #A-440 2 Octaves with carrying case, shoulder strap and Mallets- Vintage $60/$70 516-705-4313

SERVICES

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

Check out our Service Directory for all your repair, decorating, party planning, cleaning or moving needs, and much more!

HErald

Crossword Puzzle

Home Improvement

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

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

NEED A CAR? Find it in the HERALD Classifieds.

Deals on Wheels

Miscellaneous DISH TV $59.99 For 190 Channels + $14.95 High Speed Internet. Free Installation, Smart HD DVR Included, Free Voice R e m o t e . S o m e r e s t r i c t i o n s a p p l y. 1-888-609-9405 GET DIRECTV! ONLY $35/month! 155 Channels & 1000s of Shows/Movies On Demand (w/SELECT All Included Package.) PLUS Stream on Up to FIVE Screens Simultaneously at No Additional Cost. Call DIRECTV 1-888-534-6918

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.

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

AUTOMOBILE & MARINE

Autos For Sale 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 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

Want to sell your car, motorcycle or boat? Have we got a deal for you! You can advertise your vehicle in the

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

516-569-4000 press 5, then 2

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ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — December 31, 2020

HERALD

For Advertising, call Rhonda Glickman,

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

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

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

20 HERALD

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

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Office Baldwin 2 Endo Boulevard Garden City, NY 11530

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Phone: (516) 569-4000 Established 1994 Fax: (516) 569-4942 Incorporating Web: www.liherald.com The South Shore Reporter E-mail: baldwineditor@liherald.com The Baldwin Citizen

HERALD office

COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS 2 Endo Boulevard Garden City, NY 11530 Robert Richner Edith Richner Phone: (516) 569-4000 Fax:1964-1987 (516) 569-4942 Publishers, Web: www.liherald.com ■ E-mail: baldwineditor@liherald.com STUARTCopyright RicHNeR © 2020 Publisher Richner Communications, Inc.

micHAel bOlOgNA Vice President - Operations

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS ■

Robert Richner ScOTT bRiNTON Edith Richner Executive Edtitor Publishers, 1964-1987 Jim HARmON ■

Copy Editor clifford richner cHRiSTiNA DAlY stuArt richner Publishers Photo Editor MichAel BolognA TONY belliSSimO Vice President Sports Editor - Operations ■ KAReN blOOm scott Brinton Calendar Editor Executive Edtitor ■ JiM hArMon

Editorial comment

For your information . . . Editorial page

November 26, 2020 — BALDWIN HERALD

December 31, 2020 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD

The masthead

RHONDA glicKmAN Copy Editor Vice President - Sales christinA dAlY Photo Editor elleN ReYNOlDS tonY BellissiMo Classified Manager Sports Editor lORi beRgeR KAren BlooM Digital Sales Manager Calendar Editor ■ ■ JeffReY NegRiN rhondA glicKMAn Creative ViceDirector President - Sales reYnolds cRAig ellen cARDONe Classified Manager Art Director lori Berger YOlANDA RiOS Digital Sales Manager JAcKie cOmiTiNO ■ PRiNcY JeffreY PANDiYAN negrin Production Artists Creative Director

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Giving thanks in 2020

n a year when so much has gone awry — so many lives lost, businesses battered, jobs vanished — it strains the imagination to think what we might be thankful for, particularly as the nation enters its second wave of the coronavirus pandemic. The coming months will likely be, as President-elect Joseph Biden has said, a “dark winter.” Thanksgiving is, however, all about the audacious nature of hope. The holiday, first celebrated in the fall of 1621, commemorates the struggle that the original Pilgrims faced and, against all odds, overcame in the New World — and the kinship they felt with the Native Americans who rescued them, helping to provide sustenance to a relatively small band of people who otherwise might have starved. The roughly 50 colonists at the original harvest celebration in Plymouth, Mass., were outnumbered by Native Americans two to one, according to History.com. The 100 Pilgrims who arrived on the Mayflower had seen much death between 1620 and 1621: Some 78 percent of the women died during the first winter. Yet they persevered, and survived. So shall the American people today — thanks in no small measure to our heroes

— the doctors, nurses, EMTS, firefighters, police officers, teachers, teachers’ aides, sanitation workers, railroad workers, subway and bus drivers, custodians, cooks, waiters and waitresses, supermarket employees and so many others — who have kept us safe, our education system up and running, and our economy moving. When many others were able to work from home, they put their lives on the line to do their jobs. As a society, we should take a moment and reflect on their sacrifices over the past nine months. We can also be thankful for our family and friends. We may not be able to shower them with hugs and kisses as we might want, but we can keep them in our thoughts and close to our hearts. And we can be thankful for the miracles of modern science. Only 100 years ago, the 1918 pandemic ran wild for two years, killing 50 million worldwide, including 675,000 in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Thanks to technology that allows many of us to work remotely and socially distance, to date we have seen a tenth of the 500 million cases that the world did in

1918-19, and because of modern medical technology, the death toll thus far is onefiftieth what it was then. So, while the number of infections and deaths today is unacceptably high, it is not close to the level of suffering experienced a hundred years ago — and let us hope and pray that it remains that way. Likely, it will. On Saturday, the innovative New York company Regeneron Pharmaceuticals received emergency-use authorization for its experimental antibody treatment for the coronavirus. President Trump received the treatment, and by all accounts it was highly effective. The drug is designed to prevent patients from becoming severely ill by imitating the body’s natural defense system. We can only say, wow! If all goes well, the Regeneron treatment should prevent many deaths, enabling health officials to safely roll out at least one of the vaccines now in the pipeline without undue political pressure. By April, we could indeed round the corner on this terrible pandemic, says Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Yes, there has been much despair this year, but there is much hope as well.

County does right by small businesses

e are pleased that Nassau County Executive Laura Curran is once again promoting small businesses ahead of the holiday season — which is vital this pandemic year. Last Friday, Curran and county Industrial Development Agency Chairman Richard Kessel came to Rockville Centre to promote an innovative contest, aptly titled the Shop Safe, Shop Local Scavenger Hunt, and we are encouraging readers to take part in it. The contest, which will be held for one week starting Saturday, will work like this: Complete four of eight tasks in your community, like buying breakfast at a local eat-

Lynbrook/East Rockaway Herald Malverne/West Hempstead Herald NassauMerrick HeraldHerald Life Oceanside/Island Park Herald Nassau Herald Oceanside/Island Rockaway Journal Park Herald

ery or making a purchase at a local shop, and take a photo of yourself — masked — at each location, along with the product you purchased and your receipt. Then email it to scavengerhunt@nassaucountyny.gov or share it on Facebook. The first person who finishes all four tasks and registers them on each day of the contest will receive a $100 gift card. All purchases must be made at small businesses in a single community on the day of the contest. Online and delivery orders are eligible. The complete set of

instructions can be found at www.nassaucountygov/shoplocal. As we noted in last week’s editorial, “Remember to shop locally this holiday season”: “Despite the crisis, we encourage you to consider patronizing our mom-and-pop shops, many of which now offer their goods online. Abandoning our local businesses would be devastating on so many levels.”

Merrick Herald Life

Rockville Centre Oyster BayHerald Herald Guardian Sea Cliff / Glen Head HeraldJournal Gazette Rockaway

Editorial cartoon

Rockville Centre Herald South Shore Record

SouthHerald Shore Record Valley Stream

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

Baldwin

Bellmore

Valley Stream Herald Wantagh Herald Citizen

Wantagh Herald Citizen

Seaford Herald SeafordCitizen Herald Citizen

membeR: MeMBer: Local Media Association Local Media Association New York Press Association New York Press Association Baldwin Chamber of Commerce Baldwin Chamber of Commerce

Published by Published by richner communications, inc. Richner2 Endo communications, inc. Blvd. Garden City, NY 11530 2 Endo Blvd. Garden NY 11530 (516)City, 569-4000 (516) 569-4000

East Meadow

letters More praise for doctor’s column To the Editor: As Bob Praver did in last week’s letters, I also applaud Dr. Eric Last’s column, “Surely we shouldn’t be fighting over wearing masks” (Nov. 12-18), on the urgency of wearing masks in fighting the coronavirus

Editor: Bridget downes

Long Beach

Franklin Square/ Elmont

HERALD HERALD HERALD HERALD Editor: Editor: Brian stieglitz Editor: Peter Belfiore alyssa seidman Life

pandemic. But while Last’s exhortation that we must “treat others as you’d want to be treated yourself ” was well-intentioned, I believe it would fall on deaf ears when directed not only at those who, at this late date, scoff at the wearing of masks and social distancing, but also those who deliberately promote and take part in large, illegal social gatherings with no consideration of taking measures to counter the spread

Editor: ronny reyes

Senior Editor: laura lane

HERALD Editor: Jim Bernstein

Lynbrook/ East Rockaway

HERALD

Senior Editor: miKe smollins

Malverne/ West Hempstead

HERALD Editor: naKeem grant

Editor:

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

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

Opinion pages 21

opinions

ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — December 31, 2020

opi

he coronavirus pandemic has created a variety of hardships that have left families and children in distress. Social isolation. A mounting death toll. An estimated 8 million Americans falling into poverty. We have entered uncharted territory, and uncertainty continues as cases continue to rise across the U.S. Grief is a normal reaction — grieving not just the loss of life, but also the loss of normalcy and freedom when a disaster occurs. So what happens when we add even more stress to families sharon and their children, skariah particularly when schools close? The trickledown effect of all this misfortune can dramatically weigh on kids, especially if they don’t have access to mental health resources at home. Typically, mental health symptoms are identified at school, by their teachers and peers, social workers and guidance counselors. Children need a routine and consistency. Remote learning and social isolation will continue to uproot them. Children

with autism also face challenges with irritability, anxiety and behavioral disturbances. And the erratic nature of schools’ opening and closing (albeit temporarily) can have a lasting effect. A recent study in JAMA Pediatrics showed that more than 22 percent of students in the Hubei province of China reported symptoms of depression, and more than 18 percent had anxiety symptoms, when schools closed for over a month. A second study, in the Journal of Pediatrics, determined that younger children (ages 3 to 6) were more inclined to show fear or clinginess, where older kids (6 to 18) were more likely to show inattention and persistent inquiry. Clinging, inattention and irritability were the severe psychological conditions demonstrated by children in all age groups. School closures — short or long — are unfortunately bound to happen until a safe and effective vaccine is available. Prepare to take care of your child now. First, children need outlets. In early childhood, play is important for development in the physical, verbal and emotional domains. Build that imaginary fort,

he trickledown effect of all this misfortune can dramatically weigh on kids.

LeTTers of the virus. The time for these selfish and greedy individuals to be reasoned with has long passed. These people should be penalized for their actions, which continue to put the rest of us at even greater risk of acquiring the disease, and severe penalties should also be meted out to participants in these gatherings, not just their greed-bound organizers. If anything, these miscreants should consider the 17th-century English poet John Donne’s poem, telling us not to ask “for whom the bell tolls, it tolls for thee.” They might also be reminded that, indeed, “no man is an island,” as Donne wrote. It appears, though, that they do not realize or accept this concept, even though we are all in this fight — together. ROBERT RUBALSkY East Rockaway

We must protect communities of color

Nassau

HERALD HERALD Life

Fourth — and most important — pay attention. Younger children can’t always express their distress, anxiety or fear. Their behavior may regress. Look for the signs, which include an increase in crying or neediness, more temper tantrums or somatic symptoms (headaches, stomach aches) than normal. Older children may also show increased anger and irritability. If you think your children or adolescents may need a mental health professional, don’t hesitate. They are acting that way because they need help. So watch out for them to verbalize any suicidal thoughts, ongoing sleep disturbances, a decline in overall functioning (hygiene, grooming), aggression or worsening substance use. If you see these signs, seek treatment. Following these steps may help keep children mentally fit during one of our harshest times. Nothing can replace life as we knew it pre-Covid, but you can manage this new normal and keep your kids safe, too.

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

Sharon Skariah, M.D., is the director of child and adolescent psychiatry for Zucker Hillside Hospital. She is also an assistant professor at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/ Northwell.

Framework Courtesy Roni M. Chastain

the United States, and amid big treatment strides, the disease continues to ravage African-American and other minority communities with a particular vengeance. Black, Asian, Native American and Hispanic patients still die far more frequently than white patients, even as death rates have plummeted for all races and age groups.” As Covid-19 continues to spread aggressively nationwide, it is crucial that government officials at all levels — federal, state and local — address the disproportionate impact of the pandemic on people of color. Immediate attention should be paid to issues such as the availability of testing facilities in communities of color, access to health care, inequitable treatment once access is provided and priorities for providing vaccines once they are available. The evidence is clear: Government owes it to all Americans to ensure fair and equal access to health care, regardless of race, in this pandemic — and always.

To the Editor: The Washington Post last Friday published a new analysis of the impact of Covid-19 on people of color. It reported, “Nearly nine months after the virus exploded in

Merrick

encourage storytelling, toast s’mores in your backyard. For adolescents, it’s important that they develop their own sense of identity but also explore peer relationships. Encourage this — in a socially distanced, safe way. Second, seek normalcy. The goal is to foster continued development, even if your children can’t attend school in person. They want to feel safe — an important tool for parents to use during the crisis. Make sure you provide protection and consistency in an otherwise uncertain time. Talk to them about their feelings. Ensure their safety by creating an atmosphere of stability. Third, adapt to the environment. Summer may be gone, but you can still enjoy the outdoors safely during the fall, and even on some nice winter days. When the extreme cold sets in, continue building on the elements of safety and fun you have already introduced. Have family game nights. Schedule a movie night. Cook and bake together as a family. Designate a reading hour. Although it may be colder, it’s important to get exercise, so go for a walk or a hike or a brisk bike ride. There are also online exercises for kids, like yoga and others.

BALDWIN HERALD — November 26, 2020

We need to pay attention to children’s mental health Give thanks the election is

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

ELAINE GROSS President, ERASE Racism

The season’s last splashes of color — Glen Cove

Oceanside/ Island Park

HERALD

Editor: alyssa seIdMan Senior Editor: Jeff Bessen Senior Editor: MIKe sMollIns Senior Editor: laura lane

Rockville Centre

HERALD Senior Editor: laura lane Editor: JIll nossa

Seaford

Wantagh

Valley Stream HERALD HERALD HERALD Interim Editor: J.d. freda Citizen

Interim Editor: J.d. freda Editor: peter BelfIore

Citizen

December 31, 2020 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD

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

CLEAN

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“We are offering FREE pickup and delivery of all vehicles serviced in order to limit the exposure and risk to our customers and our staff”

Visit our website www.rvcautorepair.com

(516) 341-4674