Sea Cliff/Glen Head Herald 02-25-2021

___________

1,094

infections as of Feb. 14 1,046

HERALD

call to get a qu ote

AUTO • HOME • LIF

Man arrested in G.H. for assault

Vegan pizzeria hits North Shore

Page 4

Page 14

$1.00

E

We are open regular hours during this tim e.

Personal service for all your insurance needs.

Celeste Gullo 516-466-2111 18/21 itc FG

60 Glen Head Rd Glen Head Cgullo@allstate.com

Demi Condensed Page xx

FEBRUARY 25 - MARCH 3, 2021

1118668

infections as of Feb. 21

__________

Photo by Laure n Galle ry Photo graph y

CoMMUNitY UPDAtE

SEA CLIFF/GLEN HEAD

Vol. 30 No. 9

Residents support public water study public utility. The two most likely means of doing so would be the establishment of an indepenNorth Shore residents spoke dent North Shore Water Authoriforcefully at Tuesday’s public ty or joining an existing entity, hearing to review the state’s such as the neighboring Jericho upcoming study examining a Water District. potential public takeover of New Ratepayers in the district now Yo rk A m e r i c a n pay more for water Wa t e r ’s p r iv a t e than any other resinfrastructure on idents of Long Long Island, makIsland. ing it clear they The PSC is also want public water. determining whethG o v. A n d r e w er NYAW should be Cuomo announced permitted to sell its legislation to begin Long Island infrathe study Feb. 3. structure to Liberty Tuesday night’s Utilities for $608 hearing allowed million, a tentative residents to share deal that was their thoughts with reached in NovemRory Lancman, spe- BRUCE kENNEDY ber 2019. cial counsel for Sea Cliff Village Several of the ratepayer protec- administrator North Shore’s state tion who will overand local elected see the study, and officials, Republicommissioners Diane Burman cans and Democrats, were the and Tracey Edwards of the New first to speak at Tuesday’s hearYork State Public Service Com- ing, and all said they favored a mission. public water takeover. Then it The meeting came roughly a was the public’s turn. month after a study by Walden Bruce Kennedy, Sea Cliff ’s vilEnvironmental Engineering lage administrator and the presidetermined that ratepayers in dent of the public water advocathe Sea Cliff Water District cy group North Shore Conwould save $430 and $492 per year if water were provided by a Continued on page 3

By MikE CoNN

mconn@liherald.com

o

Courtesy Jordan Loftus

Coming to a hill near you McKenzie Loftus, far left, 10, Sophie Leigh, 11, Bronson Leigh, 10, Ben Loftus, 8, and Penny the German shepherd looked as if they were straight out of a movie as they searched Sea Cliff for a spot to ride sleds and a snow tube. Story, page 13.

Glen Head resident is first with South African Covid-19 strain

By MikE CoNN mconn@liherald.com

According to Nassau County health officials, a Glen Head resident has been diagnosed with the South African variant of Covid-19. Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on Sunday that this was the first case of the South African strain detected in New York.

According to Cuomo’s news release, sequencing of the strain was conducted at Opentrons Labworks Inc.’s Pandemic Response Lab in Manhattan, and was verified at the Wadsworth Center in Albany.

“We continue to see a reduction in positivity and hospitalizations throughout the state, which is good news, and this progress is allowing us to reopen

the valve on our economy even further,” Cuomo said. “But with the discovery of a case of the South African variant in the state, it’s more important than ever for New Yorkers to stay vigilant, wear masks, wash hands and stay socially distanced. We are in a race right now — between our ability to vaccinate and these variants which are Continued on page 4

ur community has remained united for years to rid ourselves of private water.

February 25, 2021 — HERALD

2

LO N G I S LAN D LI VI N G LI KE N E V E R B E FO RE

Elegant apartments, exquisite dining venues, exceptional amenities and impeccable service all set the new standard for senior living on Long Island.

Live a life well-deserved at Encore Luxury Living.

A SE N I O R R E N T A L C O M M U N I T Y

LIVE YEAR-ROUND, OR TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR SHORT-TERM STAY OPTIONS. FULLY FURNISHED TURNKEY APARTMENTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR BOTH.

516.271.4488 encoreluxuryliving.com 300 Jericho Turnpike, Jericho, NY 11753

Equal Housing Opportunity 1121263

AN ENGEL BURMAN COMMUNITY

CALL FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO SCHEDULE A VISIT

3

SEA CLIFF/GLEN HEAD HERALD — February 25, 2021 Courtesy Joe Lopes

Many north Shore residents said they hoped the quest for public water would come to a successful end after Governor Cuomo’s state study.

Residents: N. Shore wants public water ASAP continued from front page cerned Citizens, said that all evidence suggests that a municipal takeover of NYAW’s North Shore territory would be less expensive for residents in the long run. He also noted that the share price of American Water Works has increased more than 400 percent since NYAW took over the district in 2012. This shows that ratepayers are being used to finance corporate profits at their own expense, Kennedy said, which would likely continue under Liberty.

“As we all know, water is a basic requirement of our health and existence,” Kennedy said. “Therefore, Long Island’s drinking water supplies must be considered a public trust, and not [be] entrusted to private companies whose priority is their stockholders and corporate interests.”

The establishment of the North Shore Water Authority, Kennedy said, would be the quickest way to bring municipal water to the area, and thus it was the preferred method. But, he said joining a neighboring district would be acceptable as well, if need be.

“Our community has remained united for years to rid ourselves of private water,” Kennedy said. “We will accept nothing less than municipal water for our community.”

Lloyd Nadel, of Glen Head, said that roughly 90 percent of households in Nassau County receive water service at a reasonable cost with superior customer service, which, he said, is not the case for North Shore residents. He said that he and he wife, Agatha, NSCC’s director, compared their 2018 water bill with that of their neighbors down the block who receive municipal water from Jericho.

Although their plots are nearly identical, and the Nadels had fewer people living in their house year-round, their bill exceeded their neighbors’ by roughly

elected officials express their support “We have to end this. We need public water, and that’s why I’m fully supportive of these efforts to do the study.” —State Sen. Jim Gaughran “Water is such an incredibly essential component of life. Should it be bought and sold, and should there be a profit associated with that enterprise?” —Assemblyman Charles Lavine “I think the path forward for this area is a public entity.” —Assemblyman Edward Ra “I strongly believe that clean, plentiful and especially affordable water should be a right, and to be paying these outrageous numbers has gone on way too long. So it makes sense to move toward a municipal takeover of New York American Water, and the town board and I stand with our residents in calling for that takeover.”

—Joseph Saladino, Town of Oyster Bay supervisor “For the first time in many years, I have a glimmer of hope.” —County Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton “However we finish this endeavor, I don’t care really what lane we’re in, as long as we get to the finish line for having public water.” —Sea Cliff Mayor Edward Lieberman “The feasibility study submitted to the Public Service Commission demonstrates that not only is the municipal water system feasible, but it would be the best possible solution for all of the residents of Sea Cliff.” —Dina Epstein, village trustee $2,000.

The treatment of water contamination is also an issue when it comes to private water, Nadel said. Last year, NYAW’s Glen Head well was one of dozens of Long Island wells found to contain emerging contaminants, with Glen Head containing unhealthy amounts of the chemical perfluorooctanesulfonic acid, or PFOS. While the well was not unique in its contamination, ratepayers are unique in their responsibility for paying for treatment, which is projected to cost up to $3.4 million. Municipal water dis-

tricts receive state grants to treat their water. Since NYAW is a private company, however, those grants do not apply to its territory.

“In short, there is no logical reason to authorize the petitioner’s application in this proceeding, unless you’re a shareholder in one of these monopoly companies,” Nadel said of NYAW’s sale to Liberty. “It is certainly not in the best interest of the public to continue being hosed by a private water provider, regardless of the name.”

His wife spoke next, and urged Lancman and the PSC to listen to the public

and not those who might be paid by corporations to counter their efforts. She also noted several other instances in the U.S. in which districts have succesfully transitioned from private to public water. Not only were ratepayers better off, she said, but most of the private utilities’ employees were retained when a district went public, limiting job losses. In NYAW’s case, upper-level executives who were not retained could be transferred.

“This is a fact: Obtaining affordable public water is not a difficult problem to solve,” Agatha Nadel said. “We are giving you the outline. Please, please, let’s get this done and over the finish line.”

Joe Lopes, of Glen Head, a NSCC codirector, said he has worked as an energy consultant for utility companies for roughly 40 years. Water, he said, is a basic requirement of life that should not be entrusted to private companies that prioritize corporate interests over the communities they serve. NYAW has regularly betrayed the trust of its ratepayers, Lopes said, as shown by inflated costs, poor customer service and issues with water quality.

This has all been allowed by the PSC in the past, Lopes said, so he urged state officials to facilitate bringing municipal water to NYAW’s Long Island districts.

The problem would not be solved, he said, if the infrastructure were to be sold to Liberty.

Lopes noted that similar feasibility studies were conducted in NYAW territory in the Town of Hempstead and Massapequa, both of which showed that public water would be less expensive for ratepayers there as well. He also said that bills are making their way through the State Senate and Assembly to establish the public North Shore Water Authority, making the likelihood of a transition to public water even greater.

Glen Head resident has South African strain continued from front page actively trying to proliferate — and we will only win that race if we stay smart and disciplined.”

Dr. David Hirschwerk, an infectious disease specialist with the Northwell Health system, said the South African strain is one of several variants that have emerged from the original Covid-19 strain. It has a set of mutations that make it different from the original strain, he said, and the result is that it is less able to be neutralized by currently available vaccines. The vaccines, however, still have value when defending against the strain, and would still help limit the virus’s most severe effects.

Although roughly 60,000 Americans test positive for Covid-19 every day, Hirschwerk said that doctors are only able to conduct genetic sequencing on about 1 percent of the cases. This means that more people may have the South African strain than health officials know. The Glen Head patient had not traveled to South Africa, he said.

“Really what it speaks to is that there is community spread of this strain,” Hirschwerk said. “When you start to see people have it that have no travel to South Africa and we know that that’s where it started, it is almost certainly reflective of community spread that is already out there.”

Treatment of the South African variant is no different than that of the stan-

Emerging Covid-19 variants There are a number of coronavirus variants that are circulating globally, several of which emerged last fall.

■ In the United Kingdom, a new variant of SARS-CoV-2 (known as 20I/501Y.V1, VOC 202012/01, or B.1.1.7) emerged with a large number of mutations. This variant has since been detected in numerous countries around the world, including the U.S. In January, scientists from the U.K. reported evidence that suggests the B.1.1.7 variant may be associated with an increased risk of death compared with other variants. More studies are needed to confirm this finding. This variant was reported in the U.S. at the end of December.

■ In South Africa, another variant of SARS-CoV-2 (known as 20H/501Y.V2 or B.1.351) emerged independently of B.1.1.7. This variant shares some mutations with B.1.1.7.

Cases attributed to this variant have been detected in a number of countries other than South Africa. This variant was reported in the U.S. at the end of January.

■ In Brazil, a variant of SARS-CoV-2 (known as P.1) emerged that was first identified in four travelers from Brazil, who were tested during routine screening at Haneda airport outside Tokyo. This variant has 17 unique mutations, including three in the receptor binding domain of the spike protein. It was detected in the U.S. at the end of January.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

dard Covid-19 strain. But, Hirschwerk said, monoclonal antibody treatment, most often used in older Covid-19 patients or patients with underlying conditions, may not be as effective against this strain.

Join us…

PRESSROOM/WAREHOUSE HELP

Great Neck man arrested for assault in G.H.

LI Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME Pressroom/warehouse helper in Garden City.

EMAiL RESUMES OR cOntAct infO tO

careers@liherald.com ___________

Forklift a plus/heavy lifting required. Day and night shifts.

Although less is known about the treatment of the South African variant than the standard Covid-19 strain, he said, it is still vital that people get vaccinated.

U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi, a Democrat from

Glen Cove, said it is important to be prepared, not scared, when unexpected problems like this arise. When he called the Nassau County Health commissioner, Dr. Lawrence Eisenstein, Suozzi said, he was told that the diagnosis was made 10 to 14 days ago and that the patient was immediately quarantined.

“As we face these different strains — the UK strain, which could be more deadly, or the South African strain, which is more contagious — it’s more important than ever that we don’t let our guard [down] over the next couple of months regarding social distancing and mask wearing and getting out vaccines,” Suozzi said. “We just need to contain this before it spreads.”

He added that he had confidence in President Biden’s plan to handle the coronavirus, because Biden is stressing the basics of preventing its spread. “There’s light at the end of the tunnel if we do this the right way,” Suozzi said.

Nassau County Executive Laura Curran also said that following Covid-19 protocols is key when dealing with the new strain.

“Case numbers and positivity rates in Nassau County continue to drop, but we need to keep that progress going,” Curran said. “We don’t believe the South African variant is more deadly, but it may be more contagious.”

crime watch

1121534

sea cliff/glen head __________

HERALD HOW TO REACH US

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

MAIN PHONE: (516) 569-4000 ■ WEB SITES: seacliff.liherald.com • glenhead.liherald.com ■ E-MAIl: Letters and other submissions: seacliffeditor@liherald.com, glenheadeditor@liherald.com ■ EDITORIAl DEPARTMENT: Ext. 327 E-mails: seacliffeditor@liherald.com, glenheadeditor@liherald.com Fax: (516) 569-4942 ■ SUBSCRIPTIONS: Press ”7” E-mail: circ@liherald.com Fax: (516) 569-4942 ■ ClASSIFIED ADVERTISING: Ext. 286 E-mail: ereynolds@liherald.com Fax: (516) 622-7460

Great Neck resident Michael Molina, 30, was arrested in Glen Head on Feb. 17.

According to Nassau County Police Department detectives, 6th Precinct officers responded to a disturbance call at a Todd Drive home. Upon arrival, officers observed Molina banging on the front door and screaming obscenities, authorities said. He ignored multiple verbal commands to step away from the door and kept screaming. As the officers attempted to place him into custody, he began to flail his arms and refused to be handcuffed.

After a brief struggle, Molina was placed into custody. As officers were plac-

ing him in the rear seat of their police vehicle, Molina intentionally kicked an officer on his right side, causing substantial pain to the officer’s arm and shoulder.

The officer was transported to an area hospital for treatment of his injuries.

Molina was charged with seconddegree assault, resisting arrest, obstructing governmental administration and disorderly conduct. He was arraigned on Feb. 18 and is being represented by the Legal Aid Society of Nassau County.

Despite multiple phone calls, a lawyer representing Molina could not be reached for comment by press time Wednesday.

nd! la Is g n o L , s o b b a h S d Goo Friday Feb 26 Candle lighting 5:24 Torah reading: Tetzaveh

Shabbos ends 6:34

Read about the Torah portion every week in The Jewish Star… along with professionally curated news and opinion from Israel, across America and around the world. No fake news.

TheJewishStar.com

■ DISPlAY ADVERTISING: Ext. 249 E-mail: sales@liherald.com Fax: (516) 569-4643 Sea Cliff/Glen Head Herald is published weekly (every Thursday) by Richner Communications, Inc., 2 Endo Blvd. Garden City, NY 11530.

Periodicals postage paid at Garden City, NY 11530 and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Sea Cliff/Glen Head Herald, 2 Endo Blvd. Garden City, NY 11530. Subscriptions: $50 for 1 year within Nassau County, $60 for 1 year out of Nassau County or by qualified request in zip codes 11542, 11545, 11547, 11548 or 11579. © 2021 Richner Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.

LI’s BEST Jewish newspaper • KOSHER & FAT FREE

1118343

February 25, 2021 — SEA CLIFF/GLEN HEAD HERALD

4

5

SEA CLIFF/GLEN HEAD HERALD — February 25, 2021

BUILDING THE PERFECT

Cheese Board

No other cheddar makes cheeseboards so irresistibly delicious than Cabot farmers’ bold, award-winning best. Build showstopping pla ers, create luscious pairings, and so much more at cabotcheese.coop/cheese-culture

VARIETY A variety of Cabot cheeses means more dynamic flavors.

SWEETNESS Sweet honey and apricots deliciously complement savory notes.

ARRANGEMENT Evenly arrange cheeses, then tuck in other elements to create a visual feast.

TEXTURE Crunchy textures from walnuts and pickles make for exciting bites.

SPICE Creamy pears and briny olives add luscious depth and contrast.

In 2012, Cabot became the world's 1ST B Corp Ce ified dairy co-op.

Cabot's fiery Wickedly Habanero Cheddar adds a taste of the unexpected.

1120152

CONTRAST

February 25, 2021 — SEA CLIFF/GLEN HEAD HERALD

6

Alzheimer’s group funding NYU research The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, headed by former New York State Sen. Charles Fuschillo Jr., of Merrick, has awarded a $250,000 grant to NYU Langone Hospital in Mineola to expand and accelerate research that it is conducting to uncover the underlying causes of Alzheimer’s disease, with the goal of developing new treatments and slowing the progression of the disease. This AFA award follows a $100,000 grant in 2019 that began the cutting-edge research project.

The NYU Langone clinicians and scientists are seeking to approximate brain behavior by reprogramming human cells derived from Alzheimer’s patients. Based on genetic information collected through voluntary blood donations from many patients, the team can distinguish where Alzheimer’s neurons diverge from healthy neurons, and from there take corrective action. This allows the team to then non-invasively explore the potential development of new treatments.

The study is led by Dr. Allison Reiss, head of the Inflammation Laboratory at the Biomedical Research Institute at NYU Langone Hospital and associate professor of Medicine at NYU Long Island School of Medicine. Reiss is also a member of AFA’s Medical, Scientific and Memory Screening Advisory Board.

“This new funding allows us to quicken the pace of our work and include participants with only mild cognitive impairment, allowing us to study subtle changes in the composition and metabolism of neurons before advanced Alzheimer’s has taken hold,” Reiss said.

“The brain is the body’s most inaccessible and complex organ, making it extraordinarily challenging for scientists to develop new treatments and cures for Alzheimer’s,” Fuschillo said. “This grant enables the NYU Langone Health team to

Courtesy Alzheimer’s Foundation of America

The Alzheimer’s FoundATion of American recently awarded NYU Langone in Mineola a $250,000 grant to conduct research into the causes of and treatments for Alzheimer’s disease. Above, Dr. Allison Reiss, head of the Inflammation Laboratory at the Biomedical Research Institute at NYU Langone Hospital. expand the number of participants, perform additional cutting-edge work and accelerate the pace of this very promising research study. The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America is very pleased to make this investment in hope.”

“Having cared for a loved one with Alzheimer’s, I know the impact this disease has on families and how desperately new treatments are needed,” said AFA founder and Chairman Bert Brodsky.

“We’re hopeful that NYU Langone’s research can make a game-changing scientific breakthrough that will improve the lives of families affected by this terrible disease.”

Reiss and her team have been gathering blood samples from individuals liv-

ing with Alzheimer’s, as well as those without the disease. From each blood sample, the research team isolates exosomes that originated in the patient’s brain. Exosomes are small particles shed from every cell, including neurons in the brain. These extracellular pieces, or vesicles, derived from brain neurons carry key genetic information. Researchers are investigating the differences in this genetic information between healthy people and those with Alzheimer’s.

The aim is to use the information gained to reprogram Alzheimer’s neurons to behave more like those in healthy people. The research team is also testing a number of drugs for possible repurposing and use in Alzheimer’s disease, as

well as seeking new gene-editing approaches to treatments.

The new grant will allow the study to expand the participant pool to include those with mild cognitive impairment. By comparing this group to the original pool of participants who have already progressed to full-blown Alzheimer’s, the earliest deviations from normal can be captured. The study is also being expanded to include first-degree relatives of individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease. Additionally, the grant will allow the team to accelerate the project by using more complex tools to analyze the effectiveness of novel treatments to restore cellular and mitochondrial function.

Reiss is joined by Dr. Aaron Pinkhasov, chairman of psychiatry, and Dr. Irving Gomolin, chief of geriatrics, at NYU Langone on Long Island; Dr. Joshua De Leon, associate professor of clinical medicine at the NYU Long Island School of Medicine; and Dr. Lora Kasselman, assistant professor of foundations of medicine, and Dr. Thomas Wisniewski, the Gerald J. and Dorothy R. Friedman professor of the NYU Alzheimer’s Disease Center.

According to Reiss, in the last two decades, only a handful of medicines were approved to treat Alzheimer’s disease, while the vast majority of clinical trials were halted. Trials typically rely on research first conducted on mice or using spinal fluid, and those often fail to replicate the complex neurological activity in the human brain. That contrasts with research to find cures for cancers of the liver, lungs and other vital organs, where it is increasingly common for pieces of tissue to be extracted for biopsies—and for profiling of cancer cells—to develop with optimal treatment regimens.

To give to AFA, go to alzfdn.org/ donate.

Inside LI to host Black History Month webinar By nicole Alcindor nalcindor@liherald.com

In honor of Black History Month, Herald Inside LI will host a webinar featuring Black leaders on Long Island on Feb. 25 at 9:30 a.m.

S p e a ke r s w i l l i n cl u d e P h i l Andrews, president of the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce Inc.; Regina Armstrong, superintendent of the Hempstead School District; Frederick Brewington, owner, principal, civil rights lawyer and community activist at the Law Offices of Frederick K. Brewington; Margo Cargill, CEO of Titanium Linx Consulting Inc.; and Daniel Lloyd, vice president of the of Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce, and founder and president of Minority Millennials Inc. The speakers will by Zoom discuss their industries and the culture of

today’s workplaces. They will also discuss how communities have adapted to social justice and racial equity issues, as well as provide insight on how leaders can best harness their influence to impact Long Island.

To register to watch the webinar on the scheduled date or receive a recording of the event, go to LIHerald.com/BlackHistoryMonth.

To sponsor a webinar or for more information, contact Amy Amato at aamato@richnerlive.com or call (516) 569-4000, ext. 224.

herAld inside li will host a webinar featuring Black leaders on Long Island on Feb. 25 at 9:30 a.m.

Courtesy Herald Inside LI

New York American Water has kicked of its 2021 grant program for volunteer fire departments and emergency responders located in the company’s service area.

Every year, this grant funding assists volunteer firefighters and first responders in securing equipment and resources they need to continue to serve their local communities.

Grant funds can be used to cover the costs associated with purchasing personal protective gear, firefighting tools, water handling equipment, communications equipment, training and related activities and materials that will be used to support volunteer firefighter and emergency responder operations such as ambulance and first aid squads. The grant may also be used as reimbursement for specific fire training classes, including the cost of training manuals and student workbooks.

To qualify, organizations must submit an application, complete with the following information: ■ Contact information, including name and phone number.

■ Description of the organizations seeking support, including the company name, address of the company and the county in which the company is located.

■ Overview of the specific project to be funded.

■ Grant amount requested.

■ Problem/challenges that the project will address.

■ Timeframe for implementation of the project.

■ Summary of other sources being approached for support of the project.

■ In addition to the letter of application, a project budget should be included.’

The maximum grant amount awarded to any organization is $1,500 and the deadline to apply is March 17. Interested applicants can find more information and apply online at www.newyorkamericanwater.com.

Do not fall victim to phone scams Town of Oyster Bay Councilwoman Laura Maier is cautioning residents to be on alert of potential phone scams, particularly those soliciting any personal information or monetary contribution.

“Time and time again we hear about scammers trying to obtain sensitive information from unsuspecting residents, especially our senior citizens,” she said.

Scammers’ return phone numbers can also be falsified to appear as a familiar number. In addition to seniors, others

frequently targeted include students and first-generation Americans. Current common scams include offers of debt relief, car warranty extensions and credit repairs. Scammers have also been known to pose as family members allegedly in trouble and seeking money.

The Federal Trade Commission offers the following tips to residents who fall victim to scam phone calls: ■ Hang up the phone. Do not press numbers to speak to a live operator or take

your number off the list because this will confirm your phone number.

■ Consider asking your phone company whether they charge for blocking phone numbers.

■ Do not trust caller ID. Scammers use the internet to make calls all over the world.

■ Report your experience to the FTC online or by calling 1 (877) 382-4357. Visit www.ftc.gov/calls for more information.

7

SEA CLIFF/GLEN HEAD HERALD — February 25, 2021

NYAW announces emergency responder grant program

February 25, 2021 — SEA CLIFF/GLEN HEAD HERALD

8

events and activities

community update Thursday, Feb. 25

tor, will explore a 1941 letter written to John Baron from the U.S. Government about Sabina Ghitman’s visa application, providing insight into the bureaucratic hurdles that made it so difficult for Jewish people to leave Nazi Germany and enter the United States during the Holocaust. This is a free event. For more information, visit www.hmtcli.org or call (516) 571-8040.

Virtual play time Virtual play time for children ages 18 months to five years old from the Gold Coast Public Library at 10 a.m. Time For Kids will lead children and their parents or guardians though an educational experience that will help children gain school readiness and developmental growth skills. For more information, visit www.goldcoastlibrary.org or call (516) 759-8300.

‘Bookworms’ discussion group Virtual program for children from second to third grade from the Locust Valley Library at 7 p.m. Join Leslie Armstrong’s monthly book group on Zoom and enjoy books, meet friends and have a great time. To join, parents and guardians should email Armstrong at larmstrong@locustvalleylibrary.org. For more information, call (516) 671-1837.

Friday, Feb. 26 Healthy cooking demo Virtual demonstration from the Glen Cove Senior Center at noon. Healthy eating is vital in ensuring the body gets the nutrients it needs and maintaining a healthy weight to stay active and indpendent. This healthy cooking demo is being led by a chef from Cornell Cooperative Extension in partnership with the Nassau County Office of the Aging.

For more information, visit www.glencoveseniorcenter.com or call (516) 759-9610.

Virtual game night Virtual game night from The Life Enrichment Center at Oyster Bay at 7 p.m. Via Zoom, participants will play Scattergories Online. Cost is $20 per player and all money will benefit the LEC. Details will be emailed upon registration. To register, visit www.lifeenrichmentcenteroysterbay.org or call (516) 922-1770.

Thursday, March 4 Herald File Photo

‘Virtual Tai Chi with Linda Cafiero’ Virtual Tai Chi sessions from the Gold Coast Public Library with instructor Linda Cafiero begin via Zoom March 1 at 11 a.m. Tai Chi not only helps reduce stress and anxiety, but also helps increase flexibility and balance. All levels welcome. Register online at www.goldcoastlibrary.org or in person to receive access to program. Call (516) 759-8300 for more information. will take place on Saturdays through April 24. For more information, call (516) 318-5487.

Sunday, Feb. 28 Erev Purim performance

Saturday, Feb. 27 Indoor winter farmers market Village Square, 100 Village Square at Bridge Street from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Sea Cliff/Glen Cove Winter Market offers a selection of locally grown vegetables, eggs along with fresh baked bread and sweets, honey, maple syrup and other local goods. All products are grown or produced on Long Island or by Long Islanders. Market is operating safely under state guidelines. Market

l l l l l

Virtual program from Congregation Tifereth Israel at 4:30 p.m. Enjoy a performance and bring Hamantaschen to celebrate Purim. Register online at www. ctionline.org or for more information, call (516) 676-5080.

Monday, March 1 Make dog biscuits to donate Virtual program from the Gold Coast Public Library from 7 to 8 p.m. Pick up a kit of everything needed to make dog

biscuits, except for the eggs, from the Gold Coast Public Library. The kit, made by the Baking Coach, will include an instructional video. Drop off the biscuits by March 15 so the library can donate them to a local shelter. For more information, visit www.goldcoastlibrary.org or call (516) 759-8300.

Tuesday, March 2 Learn to make scallion pancakes Virtual cooking class from the Holocaust Memorial & Tolerance center of Nassau County from 7 to 8 p.m. Join Chef Jason Lee, owner of Long Island Pekin, to learn how to make scallion pancakes with a ginger soy dipping sauce. This is a free event. For more information, visit www.hmtcli.org or call

College application help Virtual workshop for high schoolers from the Glen Cove Public Library at 7 p.m. Debbie Gershow Lindell will present a 90-minute workshop about college application essays and the application process. To register, visit www. glencovelibrary.org or call (516) 676-2130.

(516) 571-8040.

‘Archaeology of Cats and Dogs’ Virtual class from the Bayville Free Library at 7 p.m. Archaeologist Patty Hamrick returns with the fascinating history of cats and dogs. They have been gods and guards, hunters, pack animals, sacrifices and more. Register at www.bayvillefreelibrary.org for the Zoom link. For more information, call (516) 628-2765.

Wednesday, March 3 Virtual ‘Curator’s Corner’ Virtual lecture from the Holocaust Memorial & Tolerance Center of Nassau County from noon to 1 p.m. In this “Curator’s Corner,” Dr. Thorin Tritter, HMTC museum and programming direc-

Nassau County taxes extended to March 12.

Co-ed fitness classes for people 18 and up now offered by the Town of Oyster Bay. O.B. recreational basketball, badminton and volleyball registration begins March 9.

Register for G.C. junior soccer at Village Square on Feb. 27 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Sea Cliff Board of Trustees meeting to be held March 8 at 6 p.m.

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

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

9

HERALD — February 25, 2021

WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED NSPC is proud to announce that all of our world-class physicians are now in-network, participating providers with the New York State Health Insurance Program (NYSHIP). We’re available for expert treatment of all brain and spine conditions.

Scan with your mobile device to schedule an appointment

In-Network with The Empire Plan (NYSHIP)

1120692

nspc.com | (844) NSPC-DOC

February 25, 2021 — SEA CLIFF/GLEN HEAD HERALD

10

LONG LIVE LONG ISL AND

™

Because it’s your rich and vibrant lives that breathe life into our island. So, at every Catholic Health hospital, practice, and care facility, we’re able to provide the highest quality, most innovative care for your body because our culture cherishes your humanity.

For more information, visit LongLiveLongIsland.org

1119384

When we see Long Island, before all else, we see you— every unique, astounding one of you.

Ask The Expert:

North Shore Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New York

Kristen Hertler MOLLYOcchiuto DEEGAN

The North Shore Coalition Against Substance Abuse will present a Zoom conference on March 2 featuring licensed social worker David Hymowitz as he provides for parents of teens ages 13 and up with vital information about teenage binge drinking.

According to CASA, North Shore High School sophomores and seniors are binge drinking at a rate double the national average. Hymowitz will tell parents about specific risks associated with binge drinking, talking to their teens about binge drinking, the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on teen substance use and current teen substance use trends.

The North Shore Community Food Drive Saturday, February 27th from 11:00am - 2:00pm

I am often asked, why get into real

Located at the Drive-Thru Front North Shore Middle School

estate? Why now? Like many people, I put off my aspirations of becoming a real estate agent for many years. There was always a reason why I couldn’t find time to take the exam. Then COVID hit, and our family, much like everyone else, was turned upside down.

I was pregnant with my second child while working from home and caring for my one-year-old.

505 Glen Cove Ave, Glen Head Covid-19 Safety Protocols Will Be Strictly Enforced!

Masks required for pick-up.

Trunks of cars should be in working condition & have space for food items.

If not driving, bring a wheeled cart.

■ Passcode: 108959

for questions or to make a donation.

Town announces new youth dek hockey league for the spring

1121338

Call (516) 521-8274

When I tell people that I grew up in Sea Cliff, I often get a puzzling look of “where is that?”. I love this response because it gives me license to elaborate on my hometown. My description usually involves Mini Mart, legendary trick-or-treating, the Sea Cliff House Tour, Tappen Pool, Sea Cliff Beach, little league baseball at Roslyn Park, Hippie Park, St. Boniface Carnival, Still Partners, K. C Gallagher’s, and back to Mini Mart.

If ever you have questions about real estate, or Sea Cliff and the surrounding areas, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at kristenhertler@branchreg.com.

I am excited for this new chapter and I look forward to the opportunity to connect with you.

■ Meeting ID: 813 8900 9417

Due to the high volume of cars expected, only one vehicle at a time will be permitted to pick-up.

Life during this period has been challenging, but it has also reminded me that life is short and there are so many things to be thankful for. The extra time at home allowed me to pursue an opportunity I may not have been able to otherwise. I now get to do what I love, combining my passion for real estate and making connections with people.

I remember a college friend coming to visit me once, and she couldn’t believe how many people were out and about, mingling with neighbors and friendly as could be. This is exactly what I love most about Sea Cliff. I am thrilled to begin my real estate journey and serve the people I’ve grown up with, while continuing to make memories in the neighborhood I love.

The meeting begins on Zoom at 7 p.m. and the following information is required to log in:

50 PLUS

HEALTH + WEALTH FREE VITURAL EVENT

FREE VIRTUAL EVENT SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES 2020

OCTOBER 14 @10am & 1pm (5 Industry Exclusivity Speakers in each session)

HEAR EXPERTS DISCUSS YOUR HEALTH & WEALTH DURING COVID-19

HIGHLIGHT YOUR SERVICE OR PRODUCT WITH ONE OF THE BELOW COMPREHENSIVE MARKETING PACKAGES DON’T MISS THIS PANEL DISCUSSION WITH LIVE Q&A THAT BEST SUITS YOUR BUDGET & NEEDS.

Sign up to hear experts discuss income and wealth, health and longevity, and how

PRESENTING SPONSOR

GOLD SPONSOR

everything has evolved during COVID-19. How to plan for your future and the future of your • Recognized as “Presenting Sponsor” with logo beneath 50 + • Speaking opportunity on panel families when our future is so uncertain. We’ll touch on Your Health, Estate Planning, Health + Wealth Virutal Event logo • Logo branding on all 50+ Health + Wealth Expo promotional print Asset Protection, Medicare & Medicaid, Hearing Aids, Breathing & Stretching Techniques • Keynote speaking opportunity ads (minimum 3 weeks), event signage and website • Logo branding on all 50+ Health + Wealth Expo promotional and more. print, digital and social media ads (minimum 3 weeks), event signage and website

• One 4-color Quarter page advertisement in the 50+ Health + Wealth Expo in the Herald Community Newspapers (over 85,000 mailed subscribers) (Value $4400)

• One 4-color half page advertisement in the 50+ Health + Wealth Expo Resource Guide in the Herald Community Newspapers

• Description with logo (up to 150 words, provided by Sponsor) included in the Senior Health & Beyond Expo Resource Guide

• 300 word story with photos (provided by Sponsor) prominently featured in the 50+ Health + Wealth Expo Resource Guide

• Database of attendees

THURSDAY

MARCH 25 • 2021 • 1OAM

• Digital banner ad on liherald.com for 2 months ALL ATTENDEES WILL BE ENTERED TO WIN PRIZES REGISTER FOR FREE AT YOUR INVESTMENT: $3995 Banner ad on the 50+ Health + Wealth Expo Resource Guide WWW.LIHERALD.COM/HEALTHEVENT cover SILVER SPONSOR

• Your logo on targeted email blast to homeowners over 50 •

• Database of attendees

YOUR INVESTMENT: $8995

print, digital and social media ads (minimum 3 weeks), event

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL signage and website 516.569.4000 EXT 347 • Database of attendees • Digital banner ad on liherald.com for 2 months

YOUR INVESTMENT: $1995

1121432

1118872

203 Glen Cove Avenue • Sea Cliff 516.671.4400 www.branchreg.com

• Speaking opportunity on panel Must have ZOOM platform to view event. A recording will be sent to all registered attendees • Digital banner ad on liherald.com for 2 months • Logo branding on all 50+ Health & Wealth Expo promotional

The Town of Oyster Bay will launch a new Youth Dek Hockey League open to boys and girls from 6 through 12 years old beginning on April 5. Children ages 5-8 will play at Ellsworth W. Allen Park in Farmingdale and those who are 9-12 years old will play at Syosset Woodbury Community Park.

Dek hockey is a variation of traditional ice hockey, where the games are played without skates on the “dek” of an ice rink after the ice has melted away for the season. There will be 10 games, weekly practices and an endof-season playoff competition.

Registration for the league will take place in the Allen Park Community Room, 45 Motor Ave., in Farmingdale, on Feb. 28 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and March 3 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Registration will also take place at Syosset-Woodbury Community Park on March 2 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. The program fee is $95 for residents and $110 for non-residents. Each child will need to provide their own equipment, a list of which will be supplied upon registration.

Families must provide proof of residency and a copy of their child’s birth certificate at registration. Only checks or money orders made payable to “Town of Oyster Bay” will be accepted. If a session is canceled due to inclement weather, there will be an attempt to provide a make-up day. For more information, call (516) 797-7945.

11

SEA CLIFF/GLEN HEAD HERALD — February 25, 2021

CASA presenting a talk on teenage binge drinking

ADVERTORIAL

Learn lifelong calming skills through play AGES 6-12

EXPERIENCE 40% LESS OPPOSITIONAL BEHAVIOR “He still has emotions, of course.

He has moments where he gets upset and wants his way, but he expresses himself appropriately.”

- MOM OF 10 YEAR OLD BOY

Learn more at mightier.com/newyear

CLINICALLY TESTED & DEVELOPED AT BOSTON CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL & HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL

1120349

February 25, 2021 — HERALD

12

13

What’s up next door and around the corner

SEA CLIFF/GLEN HEAD HERALD — February 25, 2021

Herald neigHbors

Courtesy Juliette Peckham Guddat

ChuCking snowballs proved to be a highlight of the day for Jackson, left, 4, and Miles Guddat, 6.

Snow covers the North Shore for the third time this month

s

now drifted down from the sky for the third time this month on Feb. 18, albeit with less severity than the nor’easter of Feb. 1 or the snowstorm on Super Bowl Sunday. While residents may have awakened to clear the snow off their cars, their children did not have to anticipate

Courtesy Heather Baynon

paTriCk baynon, 9, looked his patriotic best while enjoying the snow.

their schools closing because all North Shore Central School District students are on winter break. This gave children an ideal opportunity to enjoy yet another snow day, which may be the last of the winter as spring approaches.

Courtesy Jordan Loftus Courtesy Michelle Capobianco

The Third major snowfall of February could not stop a gaggle of geese from enjoying the waters off Sea Cliff Beach.

penny The german shepherd looked like a model while lounging in the snow.

14

3 Brothers Restaurant & Pizzeria opens in Glen Cove

February 25, 2021 — SEA CLIFF/GLEN HEAD HERALD

By Jennifer Corr jcorr@liherald.com

For a time, it was hard to find many vegan options in Glen Cove and its surrounding villages. But that has changed with the opening of vegan Italian restaurant 3 Brothers Restaurant and Pizzeria.

There is something for everyone at 3 Brothers, from non vegan-options such as a traditional pepperoni pizza or linguini in clam sauce, to completely vegan options like a vegan Hawaiian pizza or vegan penne alla vodka.

The base ingredients of the vegan cheeses are made from natural products, such as cashews for mozzarella or tofu for ricotta. And as a meat substitute, seitan, a versatile vegan product made by rinsing the starch from wheat dough, is often used.

Jaime Tech of Sea Cliff, who has a gluten-free, vegetarian diet, said she is excited that 3 Brothers has come to Glen Cove. “It allows for North Shore residents who either have an alternative diet or those who wish to explore plant-based options with an opportunity,” she said, “to experience traditional Italian dishes without having to compromise taste, needs and travel.”

There are currently five 3 Brothers locations on Long Island, including restaurants in Rockville Centre, Farmingdale, Copiague, an all vegan pizza café in Lynbrook, and the newest eatery in Glen Cove.

The original restaurant, 3 Brothers of Rockville Centre, opened in 2007 operating as an ordinary family-owned pizzeria owned by the Astafa family. But in 2009, the oldest of three brothers, Jay Astafa, created a vegan menu for the restaurant.

His brothers were then inspired, according to the 3 Brothers website, to do their part in the hospitality industry and the

Courtesy 3 Brothers Restaurant & Pizzeria

“Tank” has worked in the restaurant business since he was 13. vegan movement.

Tech said she used to drive 30 minutes to be able to have the gluten free and vegan baked ziti and pizza. She’s happy now to have the restaurant in her neck of the woods.

Glen Cove’s restaurant is operated by managers who go by the names “Tank” and “Capone.” They asked that their names remain private. The restaurant is currently open but has not had a live opening night yet.

So far, Tank said, the local community has been very welcoming. A lot of the staff at 3 Brothers are vegan and Tank is a vegetarian because he loves animals.

While the restaurant does offer meat and dairy options so that there is something for everyone, its focus and that of the chain is primarily to provide a vegan menu.

The ingredients for 3 Brother’s appetizers, entrees, and pizzas and pastas are made on site from natural, fresh and

often organic products. Tank said he’s seen non-vegans try the plant-based options and enjoy it.

Tank has been working in the restaurant industry since he was 13. Born and raised in Brooklyn, he worked at an Italian restaurant where he was a dishwasher for two years, then a salad maker for another two. He was promoted to be a baker, a saucier and eventually a chef.

This allowed him to see how each part of the kitchen works.

“You know how that dishwasher is feeling if they get backed up and you don’t have the plates,” Tank said. “When I can feel compassion for the salad guy when he’s behind, I am working as a team. I can help him. I’ve been in his shoes.”

Another important aspect to 3 Brothers, Tank said, is the atmosphere. “I picked the building out specifically [that] looks like a house,” he said. “It’s warm, it’s welcoming even before you step in.”

Once someone does step in, he said, they will find a tightknit staff that works well together. The staff always acknowledges customers when they enter, Tank said, even before they order.

“We want the people to feel that they’re going in a living room,” he said.

“You’re coming home, you’re meeting your uncles, aunts, friends, loved ones.

You’re having a dining experience that you can feel at home.”

Glen Cove resident Lauren Goglia said her daughter is a vegetarian and was a fan of the vegan oyster mushroom calamari, the seitan cutlet roll and the vegan buffalo “chicken” pizza. They’ve ordered from the restaurant multiple times.

“I think their vegan menu sets them apart from the other pizzerias in the area,” Goglia said. “We are very happy they are here.”

Candlelight vigil for 500,000 victims of Covid held in D.C. U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi, a Democrat from Glen Cove, joined a bipartisan group of members of Congress in a candlelight moment of silence at the U.S. Capitol on Monday, to honor the 500,000 people in the United States who have died of Covid-19.

“Our nation reaches another tragic milestone; more than 500,000 Americans killed by the coronavirus in just one year,” Suozzi said. “To put the enormity of that number into perspective, if you counted one second for every person who has died from Covid in the U.S., you would count for almost six days.”

He added that people across the country have shown an incredible ability to work together to overcome the difficulties that have been caused by the virus. And then he offered some hope.

“As sure as spring follows winter, we will get through this,” Suozzi said. “We will smile again. We will celebrate life’s simple pleasures that we once took for granted. . . For now, let’s not become desensitized to the magnitude of the grief and devastation that the pandemic has caused. Wear your mask, stay socially distant, get vaccinated when it’s available and look out for each other.”

Courtesy Congressman Suozzi

U.s. rep. Tom Suozzi joined a bipartisan group of members of Congress and the Senate to honor the 500,000 people who have died of Covid in the U.S.

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

516-433-9473 ( WIRE ) 631-667-9473 ( WIRE ) 516-353-1 1 1 8 ( TEXT )

CUSTOM BUILDER & HOME IMPROVEMENTS!

15-YEAR RESIDENTIAL WARRANTY

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

1107857

516.676.8469 • iPaintFloors.com

516-759-5818 / 516-729-0001 rajohnsoninc@yahoo.com Established 1987

Financial Planner, Insurance Broker and Estate Attorney also on premises.

1120111

CONCRETE COATINGS

Virtual Tax Filing • Check our website www.contaxplan.com

R.A. JOHNSON, INC. - REID JOHNSON NASSAU. LIC.# H1891610000

1121400

TAX AND ACCOUNTING SERVICES

Personal Tax Filing • Small Business Specialists • Payroll Services • Stimulus Review • Open Year Round

ALL HOME IMPROVEMENTS! • 4X STRONGER THAN EPOXY • NO HOT TIRE PICK-UP • 1 DAY INSTALLATION • WON’T CHIP OR PEEL• EASY TO CLEAN

Lic 54264-RE All Work Guaranteed Credit Cards Accepted

CONTINENTAL TAX you’re more Where x return!!!!

PLANNERS than a ta

Roofing • Siding • Windows • Doors • Kitchens Baths • Dormers • Extensions • Estate Management

ONE DAY GARAGE FLOORS

1121145

Chimney Cleaning & (516) 766-1666 Masonry Services Done By Firefighters That Care FREE chimneykinginc.com ESTIMATES

516-671-3344 • www.contaxplan.com 167 Forest Avenue, Locust Valley

In the La Bella Building • Corner of South 5th St & Forest Ave

1119573

20 Cottage Row, Glen Cove 676-8477

• Flat TVs Mounted • All Wires Hidden • High Definition Television Antennas Installed • Camera & Stereo Systems Installed & Serviced • Telephone Jacks, Cable TV Extensions & Computer Wiring Installed & Serviced Veterans 10% Off • Surround Sound / Sound Bars • Commercial & Residential Repairs FREE CALL DAVE davewireman.com Estimates

1112332

auto works 982525

black forest

Brian E. Pickering

WIREMAN/CABLEMAN

Chimney King, Ent. Inc.

We Buy Antiques, Fine Art and Jewelry We can help with: jumping, destructive behavior, biting, running away, pulling on leash, separation anxiety, puppy behavior & more

FREE ESTIMATES

1027201

ALFREDO’S CONSTRUCTION

WATER FILTRATION FILTRATION WATER LONG ISLAND WATER FILTRATION FILTRATION LONG ISLAND WATER TAP WATER.

LONG ISLAND TAP WATER. IS ITLONG SAFE TO DRINK? ISLAND IS IT TAP SAFEWATER. TO DRINK? TAP WATER. CALL TODAY FOR A IS IT SAFE TO DRINK? CALL TODAY FOR A IS IT SAFE TO DRINK?

FREE FREE FREE FREE

CALL TODAY FOR A TEST CALLWATER TODAY FOR A WATER TEST & COMPLIMENTARY & COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION WATER TEST CONSULTATION WATER TEST & COMPLIMENTARY & COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION www.BetterWaterNY.com CONSULTATION www.BetterWaterNY.com FINANCING www.BetterWaterNY.com

61A Glen Head Rd., AVAILABLE

FINANCING

61A Glen Head Rd., Glen Head AVAILABLE 61A Glen Head Rd., Glen Head

1118560 1118560

516-801-0191 516-801-0191 AVAILABLE 516-801-0191 FINANCING 61A Glen Head Rd., Glen Head AVAILABLE 516-801-0191 FINANCING www.BetterWaterNY.com Glen Head

2 Pinetree Lane Old Westbury, NY 11568

718-887-4400 1046648

FREE ESTIMATES

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL Enjoy The

Purest and Enjoy The Healthiest Purest and Enjoy WaterThe Healthiest Purest and You Can Enjoy The Water Healthiest Get.Can Purest and You Water Healthiest Get. You Can Water Get.Can You Get.

Psychotherapist Individual, Couple and Family Therapy

$

3,900 3,900

$

3,900

$

MINI GOLDENDOODLES

MINI GOLDENDOODLES Adorable • Stunning Colors • Hypoallergenic Minimal Shedding • Family Raised and Loved Adorableby • Stunning Colors • Hypoallergenic Well Socialized Our 4 Children • Vet Checked/First Shots Minimal Shedding • Family Raised and Loved Microchip • 1 Year Health Guarantee • Parents DNA Approx grown Well Socialized by Our 420-30lbs Childrenfull • Vet Checked/First Shots Sure to win •your heart!

Ready for their• Parents forever home.

Microchip 1 Year Health Guarantee DNA $3,900Approx Includes Free Personal Delivery.

20-30lbs full grown Adorable • Stunning Colors • Hypoallergenic

MINI GOLDENDOODLES Sure to win your heart! •Ready their forever Minimal Shedding Familyfor Raised and Lovedhome.

Hoosick Falls NY4• Children Call 518-669-4521 $3,900 Includes Freeor Personal Delivery. Shots Well Socialized by Our •text Vet Checked/First Microchip • 1 Year Health Guarantee • Parents DNA Approx grown Hoosick Falls NY •20-30lbs Call orfull text 518-669-4521 Sure to win your heart! Ready for their forever home. $3,900 Includes Free Personal Delivery.

Hoosick Falls NY • Call or text 518-669-4521

1120980

1114115

516-424-3598

Immediate Cash Paid

www.syl-leeantiques.com 516-671-6464

1120133

ADVERTISING SALES PEOPLE WANTED!

Dr. Efrat Fridman, LCSW

BLACKTOP

at the BeSt priceS in town Call For Winter Specials • ConCrete • BriCk Patios • stooPs • stuCCo Senior Citizen • Belgium BloCks • sidewalks • drainage ProBlems Discounts • Cellar entranCe • waterProofing • driveway sealing • demolition • dumPster serviCe • Powerwashing • handyman rePairs Se Habla Espanol LICENSED & INSURED

1107939

516-538-1125

because your dog is worth it.

in

We Rip-Out & Remove Anything & Everything! We Clean Up & Take Away!

REsidEnTiAl & COmmERCiAl

backtobalancetraining.com

Specializing

Strong Arm ContraCting inC.

Same Day Service Free In-Home Evaluations 40 Year Family Business Licensed and Bonded

Email your resume to ereynolds@liherald.com

TO ADVERTISE ON THIS PAGE PLEASE CALL 516-569-4000 ext. 286 OR EMAIL ereynolds@liherald.com

SEA CLIFF/GLEN HEAD HERALD — February 25, 2021

TO PLACE AN AD CALL 516-569-4000 PRESS 5

15

February 25, 2021 — SEA CLIFF/GLEN HEAD HERALD

16

THE GREAT BOOK GuRu

D

Brownstone blues

John Thomas Feehan

ear Great Book Guru,

her inventor husband; and a bestselling British author struggling with a bad case of In the depths of winter my writer’s block and his high-power executive thoughts turn to summer, sunny wife who is about to lose her job. beach days and yes, a We follow these four cougood beach read. I’m thinking of ples and their children through a something quick, with colorful tumultuous year marked by characters, a familiar setting and arson, infidelities, cyber misfun to read. Any thoughts? chief and multiple romances all –A Devoted Beach Book Reader set against a Brooklyn brownDear Devoted Beach Book Reader, stone backdrop. The lives of all No need to wait for summer. these characters intersect in A good beach read is a treasure complicated and humorous any time of year and here’s one ANN ways. But in the end, we realize you might enjoy, “Cobble Hill,” the most endearing and enduring DIPIETRO

by Cecily von Ziegesar. Cobble character is the quirky, picturHill is a neighborhood in downesque neighborhood of Cobble town Brooklyn and home to the Hill. four families highlighted in this novel. They include a former rock star and his wife who Would you like to ask the Great Book Guru pretends to be gravely ill; a flirtatious school for a book suggestion? Contact her at nurse and her struggling musician hus- annmdipietro@gmail.com. band; a mysterious performance artist and

Public Notices

LSCG1 0225

LEGAL NOTICE PUBLIC NOTICE The time of the Board of Trustees Meeting scheduled for March 8, 2021 at 7pm has been changed to 6:00pm.

Dated: February 22, 2021 Marianne Lennon Sea Cliff, NY Village Clerk 124786 LEGAL NOTICE PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a public hearing will be held as to the following matter: Agency:Board of Trustees, Village of Sea Cliff Date: March 8, 2021 Time:6:00 pm Place:The hearing will take place via Zoom videoconferencing.

The hearing will be recorded and a transcription will be provided at a later date.

The public will have an opportunity to see and hear the hearing live.

Subject:To solicit proposals for housing and community development projects that the Village should undertake during the 2021-2022 program year.

The Zoom login information will be posted on the Village website.

Any interested member of the public may provide comments to the Board regarding this Public Hearing as follows: (a) prior to the hearing by regular mail to Board of Trustees, Village of Sea Cliff, 300 Sea Cliff Avenue, Sea Cliff, New

York 11579, or by email to mlennon@seacliffny.gov, or (b) prior to or during the hearing, via Zoom, upon recognition by the Mayor or by use of the Chat feature. Please check the meeting Agenda posted on the Village website at www.seacliff-ny.gov for further instructions to access the virtual meeting and for updated information.

The Village complies with the Americans With Disabilities Act. Disabled persons with special needs should contact the Village Clerk’s office at 516-671-0080 at least three business days prior to the hearing, so that reasonable efforts may be made to accommodate such needs.

Dated: February 22, 2021

BY ORDER OF THE MAYOR AND TRUSTEES 124785

PUBLIC NOTICE Noticia publica NOMINATIONS TO THE E L E C T O R S NOMINACIONES A LOS E L E C T O R E S STATE OF NEW YORK ESTADO DE NUEVA YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU CONDADO DE NASSAU NOMINATIONS TO THE E L E C T O R S NOMINACIONES A LOS ELECTORES OF THE VILLAGE OF SEA CLIFF DEL PUEBLO DE MAR CLIFF PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the following is a true and correct list of all nominations

TENGA EN CUENTA QUE la siguiente es una lista verdadera y correcta de todas las nominaciones for the offices to be filled at the Village Election to be held at the Department of Public Works, Para que las oficinas se llenen en la eleccion de la aldea que se realizara en el Departamento de Obras Publicas, 66 Altamont Avenue, in the Village of Sea Cliff, Nassau County, New York, on Tuesday, 66 Altamont Avenue, en el pueblo de Sea Cliff, condado de Nassau, Nueva York, el martes, March 16, 2021, between the hours of Noon and 9:00 P.M., certified by me pursuant to the 16 de marzo de 2021, entre las horas del mediodia y las 9:00 p.m., certificado por mi de conformidad con el provisions of the Election Law: disposiciones de la Ley Electoral: Candidates nominated by the Civic Progress Committee: Candidatos nominados por el Comite de Progreso Civico: ELENA A. VILLAFANE, 128 Dubois Avenue, Sea Cliff, N. Y., for Village Mayor for a term of two years.

ELENA A. VILLAFANE, 128 Dubois Avenue, Sea Cliff, N. Y., para Village Alcalde por un periodo de dos anos.

OBiTuARiEs

DINA E. EPSTEIN, 209 Maple Avenue, Sea Cliff, N. Y., for Village Trustee for a term of two years.

DINA E. EPSTEIN, 209 Maple Avenue, Sea Cliff, N. Y., para Village Trustee por un periodo de dos anos.

JAMES J. MOZER, 33 Marden Avenue, Sea Cliff, N. Y., for Village Trustee for a term of two years.

JAMES J. MOZER, 33 Marden Avenue, Sea Cliff, N. Y., para Village Trustee por un periodo de dos anos.

Candidates nominated by Sea Cliff United: Candidato nominado por Sea Cliff United: JAMES W. VERSOCKI, 40 Lafayette Avenue, Sea Cliff, N. Y., for Village Trustee for a term of two years.

JAMES W. VERSOCKI, 40 Lafayette Avenue, Sea Cliff, N. Y., para Village Trustee por un period de dos anos.

Dated: February 22, 2021 Marianne Lennon Sea Cliff, NY Village Clerk 124783

PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES… Printed in this publication can be found online. To search by publication name, go to: www.newyorkpublicnotices.com TO PLACE AN AD CALL 516-569-4000 x 232 Place a notice by phone at 516-569-4000 x232 or email: legalnotices@liherald.com

John Thomas Feehan, 86, of Glen Head, died on Feb. 21. Loving husband of Mary Feehan; beloved father of Susan (Axel) Gidwill, John (Laureen), David (Colleen) and Peter (Paticia); dearest grandfather of Jesse, Tara, Sean, Lauren, Daniel, Kathryn, Micaela, Leah and Erin.

Interment Locust Valley Cemetery.

John Richard Hesse John Richard Hesse, 68, died on Feb. 19.

Loving husband of Carole Hesse (Cook); cherished father of Erica Jordan (Michael), Heather Hesse and John Hesse (Brittany); devoted grandfather to Jaxon, Grace and Aria; also survived by his brothers, Peter Hesse (Kathy), James Hesse (Susan), George Hesse (Betty) and sister Patty Smith (Steve) and many nieces and nephews. Hesse was a lifelong resident of Sea Cliff and parishioner of St. Boniface Martyr Church. He was a 45-year member of Sea Cliff Fire Department and a member of the Nassau County Fire Riders. Donations can be sent to the Sea Cliff Fire Department.

Gloria C. Oertle Gloria C. Oertle, 79, of St. Augustine, Fla., formerly of Glen Head, died on Feb. 17. Beloved mother of Richard Oertle and his wife, Patricia, as well as James Oertle and his wife, Regina; dearest grandmother of Kirsten E. Uveges and her, husband Eric T. Uveges, as well as Erika R. Oerte and her fiancé, Bradley R. Birkentall; cherished great-grandmother of Lucy R. Uveges and Theodore J. Uveges. Visiting on Feb. 26 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at Whitting Funeral Home. Service to held at Whitting on Feb. 27 at 9:30 a.m.

Interment will follow at Locust Valley Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Alzheimer’s Foundation of America at www.afa.org or to Community Hospice of North East Florida at www. communityhospice.com.

Rosemarie A. Massari Rosemarie A. Massari, 79, of Glen Head, died on Feb. 16. Beloved mother of Maria and James (Maryann); dearest grandmother of Christina, Giovanni, Joseph and Carina; cherished sister of Anthony Nigro and sister-in-law of Joseph Massari, Angela Massari and Lena Sawyer (Steve); treasured niece of Anna Tolentino. Interment Pinelawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and Hospice Care Network, 70 Pinelawn Rd, Melville, N.Y. 11747, or any other charitable organization.

Maria M. Izzo Maria M. Izzo, 86, of Glen Cove, died on Feb. 16. Beloved wife of the Late Michele; loving mother of Nunzio (Theresa), Maria Stanco (Michele), Valerie Izzo and Joe (Kitty); dear sister of Alvira and

Gerardo; proud grandmother of Michael, Angelo, Maria, Laura and Michael; cherished great-grandmother of Gabriella; also survived by nieces and nephews. Izzo loved to crochet, paint and was an avid Bingo player. Arrangements entrusted to Dodge-Thomas Funeral Home. Entombment at Holy Rood Cemetery.

Edward Agoglia Edward Agoglia, 93, of Glen Cove, died on Feb. 16. Beloved husband of the late Mary DiCarlo Agoglia (“Marie”); loving father of Janet (Christopher) and proud and adoring grandfather of Isabel and Charles. Agoglia was a World War II U.S. Army veteran and had a distinguished career as a civil engineer that spanned more than five decades and enabled him to work on impactful projects across the globe.

He was an avid and long-suffering Mets and Jets fan. Agoglia’s acerbic wit and ability to give practical advice will be missed. The family will receive visitors at Whitting Funeral Home in Glen Head on Saturday, Feb. 27 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., immediately followed by a funeral mass at the Church of St. Rocco in Glen Cove. In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to the American Heart Association, the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind Inc. or any other charity of choice in honor of Agoglia.

Patricia Kempton Patricia Kempton, 75, of Glen Cove, died on Feb. 8. Beloved wife of the late Jeremy; loving mother of Ahmed Altayev (Saiyeda), Cyril Nelson, Sharon Lewis and Joseph Nelson; proud grandmother of 11. Kempton was an active parishioner and member of the choir at St. Paul’s Church and a volunteer at St. Francis Hospital. Arrangements entrusted to Dodge-Thomas Funeral Home of Glen Cove. Interment at St. Paul’s Churchyard Cemetery. Donations may be made in her memory to St. Paul’s Church, 28 Highland Road, Glen Cove, NY 11542.

Walter J. Moretto Sr. Walter J. Moretto Sr., 98, of Glen Cove and East Hampton, died on Feb. 7.

Beloved husband of Ana and the late Joan; loving father of Lauree (William), Robert (Tammy), and the late Mark and Walter Jr. (Barbara); cherished grandfather of Walter III (Kate), Allison (Jim), Amanda (Ken), Kaitlin, Gabrielle and Nicholas; dearest great grandfather of six. Arrangements entrusted to Whitting Funeral Home.

Obituary Notices Obituary notices can be submitted by individuals as well as local funeral establishments. The name of the individual or funeral establishment submitting the obituary should be included. A contact phone number must be included. There is no charge for obituaries.

Send to: llane@liherald.com or 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530

17

opINIoNS

was in Ryann’s Wines in East Meadow around the holidays, standing at the checkout, when a fellow customer, a man in his 70s, called out to a 20-something employee from across the store.

“Where’s yuh bittuhz?” the man inquired loudly. Befuddled, the young man asked for clarification.

“Excuse me?”

I immediately knew what the gentleman was looking for, and probably where he could find it. But rather than clear up the situation, I NICK stood silent. “Yuh bittuhz … bitBuglIoNe tuhz,” the older man exclaimed, growing a bit frustrated.

I should have told the kid what the guy was looking for, but I was enjoying the confusion. After another few moments, the light bulb finally went on in the clerk’s head. “Oh, bittERS,” he said, directing the man to the correct aisle.

I walked out of the store with a halfsmile, because that brief interaction highlighted a notion that has been turning around in my mind for some time: Younger Long Islanders don’t “tawk” like we

I

older folks anymore.

I don’t have anything beyond anecdotal evidence of this linguistic shift, but I’m positive it’s been happening for some time.

Ten years ago, I married Jill and became stepdad to Nicolas and Jake. At the time the boys were 6 and 4, respectively. I remember how much it frustrated me that they said the word “orange” wrong. They pronounced it “OR-enge.” It sounded like nails on a chalkboard to me, and I’d correct them over and over, “It’s not ‘OR-enge,’ it’s ‘ARE-inge,’” I’d tell them.

“Say it like ya from New Yawk.”

I wondered where they picked up this mispronunciation. Had they spent time in Florida before coming into my life? No, that wasn’t it. Their dad grew up just a few minutes east of me, and he “tawked” just like I do.

In a few years, Jill and I had Adriana and then Elia and, as soon as they were able to talk, they started saying stuff wrong. It was “wah-ter,” not “wah-tuh” and “hot dahg,” not “hot dawg.”

My friends noticed the same thing with their kids, and you might have, too.

If not, try this. Have your kids say talk, daughter, call and coffee, and see if you notice a difference.

A

My interest was piqued after the liquor store encounter, so I set out to find some answers. I contacted Hofstra University to see if they could hook me up with a linguistics professor who could shed some light on the subject. They put me in touch with Ilona Pierce, an associate professor in the Department of Drama and Dance.

It seemed like a curious choice, but Pierce seemed to know her stuff when it came to the “Lawn Guyland” accent.

It’s part of her job to teach budding Long Island actors how to ditch their accent for a more “neutral American” one. “I’m not a linguist, but I do spend most of my time listening to the speech of young actors — from Long Island, but also from all over the country and the world,” she said.

First off, Pierce set me straight on a point of contention. Despite what some locals claim, there is absolutely no difference between the Long Island and the New York City accent. Ours has its roots in New York City, Pierce explained, and it spread out as New Yawk— sorry, New Yorkers moved out to the suburbs.

Second, she confirmed that the Long Island accent is absolutely evolving. “I hear way fewer t-h sounds changed to t/d,” she said. “In the Long Island accent

s soon as our kids were able to talk, they started saying stuff wrong.

of the 20th century, you’d hear ‘wit’ for ‘with’ or ‘dis’ and ‘dat’ for ‘this’ and ‘that.’”

She also said kids aren’t dropping r’s for a’s anymore (turning “ever” into “eva,” for instance) and they have adopted a more “general American” pronunciation of words like “Harry, Gary and marry.” Case in point: my daughter Adriana is currently reading the classic “Hairy” Potter series.

So, what the heck is going on? Well, according to Pierce, accents just naturally evolve over time. Nowadays, people relocate more easily and frequently and, as they move, they bring their sounds with them, she said.

That made sense to me. The more I thought about it, I realized that I didn’t speak exactly like Grandma and Grandpa Buglione did. They came from Brooklyn and didn’t boil water, they “berled” it.

They used the “terlit,” not the toilet. And if they knew a guy named Earl, they probably would’ve called him “Oil.” But I never spoke that way.

It wasn’t all bad news, though. Pierce said she still hears kids calling dogs “dawgs,” and some of them still drink “cawfee.”

Maybe there’s hope for the Long Island accent after awl.

Nick Buglione is a teacher, freelance journalist and former editor of the East Meadow Herald.

A governor bruised by a pandemic mistake

admired Gov. Mario Cuomo so much that I actually bought an old CD of his speeches some years ago, and I actually listened to them. So I am educated in the successes and rhetorical and political skills of the Cuomo boys.

But what to say about Gov. Andrew Cuomo in light of recent headlines? As a longtime supporter who watched his rise through the razor wire of New York politics, I have to say, Governor, you let us down.

According to The New York Times, the Cuomo RANDI administration KReISS did not fully disclose the staggering numbers of Covid-19 nursing home deaths in New York City last spring. The allegation is that the horrific death toll — 15,000 and counting — was, in part, the result of the governor’s order to move Covid patients who had been hospitalized back to nursing homes and long-term care facilities.

The nursing homes weren’t equipped to handle pandemic disease, and they didn’t have sufficient protective gear for their staff. A cascading series of flawed policy

and thinking led to increased infections and deaths.

Remember: Last March 5, Cuomo announced that cases of Covid-19 had doubled overnight from 11 to 22 statewide. By April 1, there were 83,000 reported cases. By May 1, New York state was nearing 375,000 cases.

By late spring, Covid patients were swamping New York hospitals. Refrigerator trucks converted to mobile morgues stood outside some medical centers.

The search for more personal protective equipment and ventilators was desperate, and in that context, Cuomo made the decision to move Covid patients from hospitals back to nursing homes. There were many possible reasons for that decision, from suggested political advantage to the prospect of hospitals having to triage care for all the incoming patients, to conflicting advice from medical experts on how to move forward.

The result was that many thousands of nursing home residents died, almost always alone, almost always without saying goodbye to their loved ones whose grief is now compounded by anger. The people who took care of them, from the

C

nurses to the aides to the custodians who washed the floors, also died from the virus as it surged through the facilities.

In recent statements, Cuomo has said that the policy was a mistake, and that there should have been more transparency when reporting the nursing home fatalities. He said the total of deaths reported was “delayed,” but he didn’t say that was intentional or self-protective. He said there was a “void.”

There were many missteps in the early days of the pandemic. Supplies were scarce, and doctors and scientists who are usually in their comfort zone treating disease were shocked by the ferocity of the virus, even in the best hospitals in New York. There was no federal leadership. President Trump played the governors, had them begging for ventilators and masks that he dispensed grudgingly and for which he demanded obeisance.

Cuomo’s nursing home policy was among the many mistakes that were made in those months.

It follows that whenever Cuomo realized that the hospital-to-nursing-homepolicy was a mistake, he should have said so, fully and publicly. Waiting, delaying,

uomo rose to the occasion in those first months. He inspired us. He also let us down.

hiding the real numbers or whatever was done to avoid revealing the full truth was wrong. Attempting to cover up the tragedy, if that’s what was done, only compounded thousands of families’ pain.

Cuomo is also the leader who sat before the cameras and the press every single morning for months and talked us through the wrenching changes in our lives brought about by the pandemic. He was steady and confident and told us we could get through it. He reminded us that we were “New York tough,” and we believed him.

Governor, you rose to the occasion in those first months and provided steady leadership that helped us stay anchored in our lives. You did it while fighting a novel disease that was crushing the city, and you did it without significant support from the federal government. You inspired us, you kept the city going, you were a rock. I will never forget your 11 a.m. fireside chats.

You also let us down. No thinking citizen of this state or country expects simple, black-and-white solutions to problems or leaders who are perfect. But we do expect you to tell us the truth, even when it hurts us. Even when it hurts you.

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

SEA CLIFF/GLEN HEAD HERALD — February 25, 2021

I

How do you know I’m from Lawn Guyland?

18

HERALD

Herald ediTorial

Senior Editor

A year later, lessons learned from the pandemic

February 25, 2021 — SEA CLIFF/GLEN HEAD HERALD

Sea Cliff/Glen Head

Established 1991 Incorporating Gold Coast Gazette Laura Lane MICHaeL Conn Assistant Editor

■ JudItH rIvera angeLa CaLvo Advertising Account Executives offICe 2 Endo Boulevard Garden City, NY 11530 Phone: (516) 569-4000 Fax: (516) 569-4942 Web: seacliff.liherald.com glenhead.liherald.com E-mail: seacliffeditor@liherald.com glenheadeditor@liherald.com Twitter: @NSHeraldGazette Copyright © 2020 Richner Communications, Inc.

HERALD

COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS Robert Richner Edith Richner Publishers, 1964-1987 ■ CLIfford rICHner Stuart rICHner Publishers MICHaeL boLogna Vice President - Operations ■ SCott brInton Executive Edtitor JIM HarMon

Copy Editor CHrIStIna daLY Photo Editor tonY beLLISSIMo Sports Editor Karen bLooM Calendar Editor ■ rHonda gLICKMan Vice President - Sales eLLen reYnoLdS Classified Manager LorI berger Digital Sales Manager

■

JeffreY negrIn Creative Director CraIg WHIte Production Coordinator CraIg Cardone Art Director ■ dIanne raMdaSS Circulation Director ■

HeraLd CoMMunItY neWSPaPerS Baldwin Herald Bellmore Herald Life East Meadow Herald Franklin Square/Elmont Herald Freeport Leader Glen Cove Herald Gazette Long Beach Herald Lynbrook/East Rockaway Herald Malverne/West Hempstead Herald Merrick Herald Life Nassau Herald Oceanside/Island Park Herald Oyster Bay Herald Guardian Rockaway Journal Rockville Centre Herald South Shore Record Valley Stream Herald Wantagh Herald Citizen Sea Cliff/Glen Head Herald Gazette Seaford Herald Citizen MeMber: Local Media Association New York Press Association Published by richner Communications, Inc. 2 Endo Blvd. Garden City, NY 11530 (516) 569-4000

T

he coronavirus pandemic reached Long Island a year ago next week, at first bringing a handful of cases before it dug in and exploded, wreaking havoc. We failed to see it coming until it was too late. We failed to imagine its destructive power.

Nassau County’s first reported case was a 42-year-old Uniondale man who worked at Mercy Medical Center in Rockville Centre and was treated at NYU Winthrop Hospital in Mineola, now NYU Langone.

His case was reported last March 3.

Three days later, Uniondale Schools Superintendent Dr. William Lloyd said in a statement, “The district has been in close contact with Nassau County and New York state health officials, and we have been told that at the current time, there is no reason to take any additional precautionary or preventive measures than those we already have in place.”

By mid-March, schools had shut down.

Nassau County Executive Laura Curran gave the order to close them for two weeks. Students didn’t return to their school buildings until September, learning, as best as they could, virtually, using new and unfamiliar online platforms like Zoom and Google Classroom.

Businesses shuttered, some never to return. Hospitals — and the brave women and men who staff them — were quickly overwhelmed by the coronavirus caseload. So were funeral homes. Death, it seemed, was everywhere.

And so here we are, a year later, battered and bruised, many of us filled with

anxiety because of a job loss, economic issues or simply the uncertainty that the coronavirus has brought to all of our lives.

“Whatever doesn’t kill you makes you stronger,” the saying goes. After a full year of coping with a relentless disease, watching too many family members and friends fall prey to it, we are tired, ready for this nightmare to be over. We need to feel normal again.

We are wiser, however.

Our children are learning, albeit at a slower pace than they did. We are more forgiving of students if they miss a homework assignment or fail an exam. We don’t require them, to the degree that we did, to take the seemingly unending battery of state tests they were subjected to for years.

Even the SAT is no longer sacrosanct, with a growing number of colleges becoming SAT-optional.

Maybe that’s how it should have been all along. Perhaps our expectations were unrealistic. Long before the pandemic, young people complained, like no generation before, of the anxiety they were feeling. Maybe we should have listened more closely, understood better.

If we come out of the pandemic with more realistic expectations of our children — and the desire to let them be kids at least part of the time — then some good will have come from this hell that we have collectively experienced. Maybe — just maybe — we will have learned that children’s feelings matter more in the end than their grades.

At the same time, the pandemic

leTTers O’Connell was ‘right on the mark’ To the Editor: John O’Connell’s column in the Feb. 4-10 issue, “Agree with me or shut up,” was right on the mark.

I have liberal relatives who still blame President Trump for all our woes, and it’s very difficult to have a reasonable conversation with them, on any subject, because they will always bring up the topic of politics.

Many thanks to O’Connell for speaking up for many of us.

PAT KING Merrick

It was worthy of framing To the Editor: Reading “Agree with me or shut up” was a profound breath of fresh air. Thank you, John O’Connell, for your thoughts. I’m going to frame this article as proof that there are still good people

exposed, like never before, the wide disparities in educational opportunities for children from different communities, based largely on race and socioeconomic forces beyond their control. We should commit, like never before, to closing these gaps so all children are given equal opportunity to learn.

When you’ve had so much taken from you, you start to reassess all that you are.

How much does owning the biggest house on the block or the shiniest car really matter? When you’re on a ventilator fighting for your life, not at all.

We also learned that we’re highly adaptable creatures. Countless businesses have carried on virtually, leaving their owners wondering why they hadn’t tried going remote earlier. It saves time and effort. It also saves gasoline and, thus, money. And, as we have learned, it might be a way of saving the planet — less travel by car means less greenhouse gases sent into our atmosphere, which could help slow the climate crisis, the biggest of the crises facing humanity.

We shouldn’t look back and beat ourselves up. We didn’t know better. We do now, though. The question is, when we are past the pandemic, who will we become?

Will we revert to our old ways or adopt our newfound practices?

We are likely to achieve herd immunity within the next year through a combination of inoculation and infection. Now is a good time to start planning for that day, and to decide how we will live in the years after these difficult days.

19

opinions

i

applaud the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recent guidance update recommending that people who are fully vaccinated not be confined to quarantine after exposure to a case of Covid-19. Becoming fully vaccinated provides many with a sense of liberation, but it also comes with a deep social responsibility.

According to published research, full vaccination — defined as two weeks after the second dose of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine — virtually eliminates a person’s Lawrence e. chance of dying the strains of eisenstein from the virus we are currently likely to encounter. The vaccines provide excellent protection for most people from even contracting it.

Nonetheless, a small percentage of vaccinated people will still come down with Covid-19. And researchers continue to study whether someone who has been vaccinated can transmit the virus to others.

While I think they will ultimately find at least some protection against transmission, we can’t yet quantify the risk. Until we have these answers, vaccinated people must assume the responsibility of ensur-

ing they don’t inadvertently spread the virus. Our knowledge of Covid-19 is expanding rapidly, and science should guide our policymaking.

The new CDC guidance is important not because it’s a get-out-of-jail-free card — it isn’t — but because of the accompanying explanation.

The agency didn’t just issue a blanket statement that vaccinated people don’t need to quarantine after exposure; rather, it gave an important medical explanation. It acknowledged that the risk/ benefit ratio, a cherished tenet in medical evaluation, shifts after people are vaccinated. They aren’t completely free of the possibility of contracting or transmitting disease, but the odds of doing so change.

We should acknowledge and even celebrate the fact that vaccinated people are highly unlikely to die of the current predominant strains of Covid-19. But we don’t yet know how long the post-vaccination protection lasts, so the CDC set the quarantine-free policy at 90 days — a period supported by science — as long as people have no symptoms following their exposure.

The other side of the equation is benefits. There are important psychological, economic, sociological and health-related benefits to keeping people active, produc-

k

tive and out of quarantine, and there are profound impacts of keeping them in quarantine. The CDC concluded that although there is some risk of vaccinated people contracting and spreading the virus, the risks of forcing them to quarantine outweigh the benefits. I fully support this analysis.

Quarantine, the taking away of someone’s freedom in the interest of protecting the public’s health, must be ordered responsibly. A careful evaluation of the risk/ benefit ratio is the correct way for public health policymakers to proceed. I believe the next step should be a lifting of the domestic travel quarantine for New Yorkers who are fully vaccinated. If we are no longer quarantining fully vaccinated people with a known exposure, why would we take away their freedom just because they’ve traveled — including those with no known exposures?

Using good science, we might find that some locations have more dangerous variants. In those cases, quarantine might become necessary, even for fully vaccinated travelers.

I get asked all the time when I think we will return to life as we knew it before the pandemic. We aren’t going to just flip a switch, and parts of our new normal might be here to stay. I for one will always

eep in mind that parts of our new normal — like masks — may be here to stay.

Letters that are willing to stand up and speak whole truths.

ANThONY ChrIsOsTOMO East Meadow

Doesn’t O’Connell care about facts?

To the Editor: My response to John O’Connell’s column is, wow! Just wow! O’Connell complains that “the individual’s right to freely express ideas . . . true or not . . . or [not] reliably sourced at all” should be allowed to flow freely. really? And he dares call himself a journalist?

The reason that “the percentage of those who don’t trust the media at all went up five points in one year” is because of the absolute outright lies the radical right has fomented on sites like Parler. Thank God big tech stopped that slander. The big lie that the election was “stolen” is exactly what led to the insurrection on Jan. 6.

O’Connell says “half the country is vexed by the prospect of a Biden-harris administration unchecked by the house and senate.” Well, more than half the country was obviously vexed by a Trump-Pence administration whose lies were retold on far-right extremist outlets and went unchecked by the house and senate. Thus,

wear a mask on a plane, because the benefit of not getting sick with Covid-19, influenza or any respiratory virus that could ruin my vacation far outweighs the tiny cost of wearing that mask.

To get back to life as we knew it will require a stepwise series of policy decisions based on benefit outweighing risk, each getting us closer to that light at the end of the tunnel. We don’t have all the answers regarding Covid-19 transmission or variants yet. Until we do, County Executive Laura Curran and I continue to remind residents that it is vital for fully vaccinated people to strike a balance between the activities that become relatively safer following vaccination (reflected in the CDC’s new policy) and the necessary social responsibility for vaccinated people to continue taking protective measures.

They should protect themselves and their communities by wearing masks, social distancing, and staying home and getting tested when they feel ill. Fully vaccinated people should be comforted, even liberated by the knowledge they will surely survive even if they catch Covid-19.

They can enjoy that luxury while protecting their neighbors and loved ones until everyone experiences the exuberance of immunity.

Dr. Lawrence E. Eisenstein is the Nassau County commissioner of health.

Framework by Christina Fraser

more than half the country voted for truth over lies, and sane governing over the anarchy brought on by the MAGA rioters and the radically dangerous right.

Elections do have consequences, and the people, individuals expressing their individualism, have spoken. so John, take your right-wing group think and weep into your pillow for the next four years as most of America has been forced to for the past four years.

LEE PAsTOrE Seaford

Newspapers aren’t the enemy To the Editor: Now that our nation’s truest “enemy of the people” — Donald J. Trump — is no longer president, I would like to contrast his labeling newspapers and other modern media the “enemy of the people” with what a better, wiser president — Thomas Jefferson — said in 1787 about the press of his era: “Were it left to me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers, or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter.” rIChArD sIEGELMAN Plainview

For a dog named Charlie, a playground coated in white — Bayville

HERALD — February 25, 2021

So now that you’re vaccinated . . .

WORLD-CLASS GASTROENTEROLOGY CARE IN GLEN COVE NYU Langone’s gastroenterology specialists offer treatments for a wide range of gastrointestinal (GI) concerns—from common symptoms such as heartburn and constipation to complex conditions like inflammatory bowel disease and liver disease. Our doctors have a deep understanding of the unique GI needs of both women and men, and take a special interest in GI nutrition planning and education.

Whether you need a routine colonoscopy or are living with a chronic condition, our team can help. Named one of the top 10 programs in the country for gastroenterology and GI surgery by U.S. News & World Report, NYU Langone has expert specialists right here in your neighborhood.

Carylann Hadjiyane, MD

Leah M. Lieber, MD

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Hadjiyane or Dr. Lieber, visit nyulangone.org/doctors

NYU Langone Gastroenterology Associates— Glen Cove & Lake Success 70 Glen Street, Suite 106 Glen Cove, NY 11542 Carylann Hadjiyane, MD: 516-365-4949 Leah M. Lieber, MD: 516-686-0500

NYU Langone named one of the top 10 hospitals in the country and nationally ranked in 15 specialties.

1121714

February 25, 2021 — SEA CLIFF/GLEN HEAD HERALD

20