2021 HAPPY NEW YEAR to all our readers
$1.00
Seaford
HERALD 2020
YEAR IN REVIEW
Citizen
DECEMBER 31, 2020 - JANuARY 6, 2021
What’s
Vol. 69 No. 1
Adding one child’s smile at a time
INSIDE
By J.D. FREDA jfreda@liherald.com
T Courtesy St. William the xx/Herald Abbot
Local residents refocus to maintain xx their faith via Facebook. Page 0
Page 3
Andrew Garcia/Herald-Citizen xx/Herald
Black xx Lives Matter protesters seek racial justice across the SouthPage Shore.0
Page 5
Bridget Downes/Herald xx/Herald
Police officers play ball to stop the xx stigma against seeking help.Page 0
he Herald-Citizen’s Person of the Year, Elise Ann HowellFehling, has had many titles over the years — waitress, administrative assistant, life skills coach — but none of them adequately sums her up. It seems more appropriate to define HowellFehling by what she does best and most often — help others. The Seaford native and lifelong resident learned many years ago the importance of helping those who need it, and in a year of nearly unfathomable loss, she provided a glimmer of light to her neighbors in the hamlet. From creating and delivering “smile bags” to local families to continuing her work with special-needs children in the school district’s Career Development/Life Skills Program, Howell-Fehling devoted herself to her community in 2020 — as she does every year. Howell-Fehling, 47, grew up in a house on Ocean Avenue in the Harbor section of Seaford. After it was damaged in Hurricane Sandy in 2012, she elevated the house on stilts, and she moved back in. Her father, Bruce Howell, was a general contractor before becoming an engineer. Her mother, Mary, was a homemaker, and was active in the Seaford PTA. Elise Ann, her brother, Roy, who is two years older, and her sister, Allison, who is two years younger, attended Seaford schools. She has adolescent memories of a close-knit community, where families “took care of each other” — a lesson reinforced by her father. “He brought us up to think of others first,” Howell-Fehling said.“He instilled that in us. If there was a snowstorm, when the first drop of snow hit, we would already be in full winter gear and outside, digging out our elderly neighbors.” Howell-Fehling’s inclination to help was boosted by a strong work ethic. At 13
Page 7
NEWS
EliSE xxAnn HowEll-FEHling
‘‘
x S
xxx
oon enough, I xx xx was delivering 600 smile bags a week.
Infections as of Dec. 31
For BrEAKING go to liherald.com
HERALD PERSON oF tHE YEAR
695
CoMMuNItY uPDAtE
Infections as of Dec. 24 638
she started busing tables at the White Whale restaurant, on Bayview Avenue near her home. Roy was a dishwasher, and Allison became a busgirl, too. When Elise Ann entered Seaford Middle School, she broadened her interests. She played field hockey, joined the kickline and cheerleading teams and developed into a talented artist. “I think I stood out within the art community when I got to high school,” she said. “It intrigued me.” She considered going to art school, but her father wasn’t keen on the idea. “He was very strict, and he didn’t think it could be a career,” she recalled. “Then, near the [end of high school], my art teacher came to my house. She told my father that it would be a grave injustice if I didn’t continue [my] art [career].” She attended the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, but came home a few years later, wanting to return to the restaurant industry. She worked as a waitress at local restaurants, including the now-shuttered Lovin’ Oven and Runyons. She enjoyed the service industry, she said, because she enjoyed cheering people up. “I love the thrill of having someone come in who might be unhappy and making them happy when they leave,” Howell-Fehling said. The desire to make people feel comfortable came naturally to her, and a few years after she came home from college, she was presented with an unexpected opportunity. “I was just asked to come help shred papers,” she said of her first encounter with the Coalition for Domestic Violence, which is now part of Safe Center LI in Bethpage. After just a day of volunteering, she was offered a job. She worked for the nonprofit for 15 years, as an administrative assistant, in the finance department and helping to organize fundraising events. Howell-Fehling Continued on page 4 Courtesy Elise Ann Howell-Fehling
Elise Ann Howell-Fehling, above right, with her late mother, Mary, spent the early part of the pandemic lifting the spirits of Seaford’s children by creating and distributing “smile bags.”
December 31, 2020 — SEAFORD HERALD CITIZEN
2
Seaford students’ holiday generosity The holiday season reminds many that family and friends are important. Having loved ones around you brings joy and comfort. The time of the year serves as a reminder of people who do not have that luxury and are struggling. In late December, 2019 students from the Seaford School District stepped up to lend a helping hand to various groups of people in the community. Starting with the eldest students, more than 60 members of the Seaford High School National Honor Society took part in the group’s holiday food drive. The students headed to Stop & Shop stores in Seaford and Massapequa, as well as King Kullen in Wantagh. In total, the students collected 1,764 pounds of food to donate to food bank Island Harvest.
Seaford Manor Elementary School added a charitable element to its annual holiday sale entitled “Snowflake Village.” Second-graders created handmade items that were sold, with proceeds from their sales going to a Heartprint Fund, a nonprofit run by Manor School nurse Julie Canale to help Seaford families in need. Seaford Harbor Elementary School held a donation for the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless. Students donated gloves, winter hats and scarves. The Harbor also had a “mitten tree” in its lobby that students hung mittens on like ornaments. COURTESY SEAFORD SCHOOLS
Seaford High School National Honor Society members collected food at supermarkets in Seaford, Wantagh and Massapequa earlier this year to benefit the Island Harvest food bank.
Seaford PTSA raised more than $8,000 at After-Grammy party On Thursday, Jan. 30, just four days after the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards, the Seaford PTSA welcomed over 70 patrons to the Massapequa American Legion Post 1066 for it’s post-Grammy themed fundraiser. The fundraiser offered food catered by Harbor School secretary Tricia Cella, and music courtesy of both DJ Chris Surace of Diamond Dreams – 14KT. Productions and a drag queen Cher impersonator that really excited the adults in the room. “The adults were waiting on line to take a picture with Cher like kids wait on a line at Disney World to take a picture with Mickey Mouse,” Garcia said with a chuckle. The total amount raised at the event, according to Garcia, was “definitely in the upper $8,000 range” — maybe
YEAR IN REVIEW JANUARY
YEAR IN REVIEW febRUARY
more than $9,000.” She explained that these funds are used to improve the district’s schools. She also said that the Seaford PTSA paid for a “Seaford Middle School” sign to be erected two years ago after the school’s previous sign was damaged. “It’s kind of a down time after the insanity and preparation for the holidays,” Garcia said in February.“The most important reason, though, is that we never want to interfere with the Harbor and Manor School PTA fundraisers toward the end of the school year.” Courtesy Seaford PTSA
Members of the Seaford community donated time and money to the Seaford PTSA at the AfterGrammy PTSA fundraiser at the Massapequa American Legion on Jan. 30.
‘Don’t go in the backyard’ “My wife woke me up and told me we had another accident in the backyard,” recalled Calvin DuBois, 56, of Seaford in January. “I said. ‘Stop playing.’” DuBois, his wife, Marisol, his five children and his brother-in-law Steven Eckert, 44, and sister-in-law Michelle Eckert, 50, live in a comfy cul-de-sac on Westbrook Court in Seaford, owned by Michelle, that was festively decorated for the holidays last year. But beyond the sliding glass doors that led from the kitchen to the backyard was a much more grim scene. Just beyond the children-friendly backyard, which once contained a pool, a swing set, a basketball hoop and a trampoline, is the Seaford-Oyster Bay Expressway, and, more important, the ramp for Exit 2E to Sunrise Highway, on the border between Wantagh and Seaford. A guardrail begins halfway up
Nassau County’s South Shore doesn’t immediately spring to mind as a hotbed for mountain sports such as skiing and luge. It is, nonetheless, the home of one of Team USA’s rising stars, Sam Day, who lives with his parents on the border of Wantagh and Seaford. Day, 18, a luger, captured his first World Cup medal of the 2019-20 season in February, after moving up to the Youth A doubles team with partner and best friend Sam Eckert, of upstate Wilmington. Their second-place finish in Winterberg, Germany, just .09 seconds behind a duo from Poland, despite a foot injury sustained in cup competition in St. Moritz, Switzerland, in January, helped cement Day’s place as one of the U.S. team’s best hopes for both World Cup and Olympic competition in the coming years. “We only had one run in Winterberg, because it was pouring rain the whole time we were there,” Day said of a day
the ramp, but offered the Dubois-Eckert backyard virtually no protection. Parts of a 6-foot-tall chain-link fence erected by the state Department of Transportation border the DuBoisEckert property. The only natural barriers were trees. The ramp had a suggested speed of 15 mph, and vehicles leaving the expressway must brake before accelerating rapidly to merge onto eastbound Sunrise Highway, where the posted speed limit is 50. Visibility is limited, both from the ramp and from Sunrise. “There are several thousand dollars in damage to the backyard,” DuBois said. That damage wasn’t just from just one accident, though, but three. COURTESY CALVIN DUBOIS
A car exiting the Seaford-Oyster Bay Expressway at Exit 2E crashed into the pool deck of the DuBoisEckert home at 11:20 p.m. on Nov. 27.
Local athlete took silver in World Cup race on which the U.S. team also took silver in the women’s doubles and men’s singles. Day and Eckert have known each other for several years, but never raced together until last season. They have both aged out of the junior division this year, but will not continue racing as a team as they move up to the 18-to-20 age group. Day has always competed as the top man on a two-man sled, and Eckert is set to become the top man on a new team. It would be inaccurate to assume the top position is the more important Day explained. “The bottom does a lot to help steer and guide during a slide,” as luge runs are known, he said.“He can use his shoulders to help keep the line” as the sled hurtles down the mountain at speeds of up to 85 mph,. Timothy Denton/Herald-Citizen
A: Sam Day wearing the silver medal he won in World Cup competition in Winterberg, Germany, on Feb. 3.
3
“Peace be with you.” Usually, that declaration would be followed by a joyful response from the congregation, “And with your spirit.” The reply would be followed by turning to one another, shaking hands and wishing each other peace. However, Seaford’s St. William the Abbot had no live congregations at Mass in March. Peace is a commodity that has been harder and harder to come by, and forget about shaking hands this year. That might as well be a sin in and of itself. Father Joe Fitzgerald, St. William’s pastor, still officiates, but with this year’s coronavirus pandemic, it is a bit … different. St. William made the decision in March to record and broadcast its services across Facebook’s and Instagram’s live options. This means that socially distancing parishioners, who were barred from attending Mass physically, could still worship and pray without distancing themselves from their faith. “Everyone these days is either near or around a screen,” Fitzgerald said.“We are blessed to still be able to give that gift of communion and community. Some are entering into the Mass and
praying for 30 minutes or so. Some come in for a few minutes and comment on the Mass.” Fitzgerald said that Nassau County Legislator Steve Rhoads reached out to him in March and asked him if he could remind the parishioners during his livestreams how important it is to distance themselves from one another to prevent the further spread of the virus. The priests at St. William have been doing Rhoads one better. They have been practicing something Fitzgerald calls “radical hospitality.”
Five generations fete Seaford centenarian
YEAR IN REVIEW MARCH
Courtesy St. William the Abbot
Father Joe Fitzgerald of St. William the Abbot celebrated Mass in an empty church earlier this year as parishioners watched live from home.
the year women first voted in national elections and the year Prohibition went into effect. By the time Meinke and her husband Richard moved to Seaford in 1949, the 29-year-old mother had three small children in tow. Richard passed away in 2008. As her family expanded, Meinke’s youngest were only a few years older than her oldest grandchildren. She currently has 21 grandchildren; 16 greatgrandchildren; and 6 great-greatgrandchildren, with two more on the way. Timothy Denton/Herald-Citizen
Son Bob Meinke read some of the milestones from his mother Dorothy Meinke’s 100 years at a birthday celebration at the Seaford Fire Department.
Music program garners national recognition
New Seaford C of C president’s baptism of fire For the past six years, Nick Bilotta, 29, of East Rockaway has opened his business the same way every day. Come rain or sleet, Final Touch Auto Collision on Merrick Road in Seaford unlocks its doors and welcomes in customers, sometimes to the scent of biscotti but always to the aroma of coffee. Clients old and new could chat with Bilotta’s welcoming Italian-American family, including brother Raffaelle and father Pasquale. The weather was quite warm for March, but Final Touch still saw a major drop in the number of its patrons. Walking outside of the once-warm arena of water-cooler chatter and the same will show for the rest of Seaford’s locally owned businesses. They are struggling.
Watching Dorothy Meinke get up and dance with the five generations of her extended family in March, no one would guess that she was celebrating her 100th birthday. The old saw about “not looking a day over 70” was more than apt. “I’ve had a wonderful life,” Brooklyn-born Meinke, as she looked out over her progeny at her party in March, which contained a remarkable number of blonde, blue-eyed women and girls. “She was called the ‘queen of the blondes,’” grandson Eric Schneider said as he leafed through the yearbook of the 1939 St. Brendan’s High School graduate. The mother of eight was born Dorothy Luhr, on March 2, 1920. It was
This is new territory for Bilotta. He has done well since his opening in 2014. He has been a generous donor in the Seaford and Wantagh communities for more than five years, including support for the John Theissen Children’s Foundation, the Seaford-based Long Island Broncos youth football and cheerleading organization, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Seaford Lions Club and Seaford schools. This year, Bilotta’s input and say in the Seaford community holds a lot more weight.
The Seaford School District’s music program earned national recognition this year when the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation released the 2020 list of Best Communities for Music Education. This was the first time the district has earned this distinction. Music department chairman Anthony Romeo completed the extensive application and explained that he highlighted all the ways that students are involved in the community. He explained that students perform annually at the Seaford Wellness Council’s Hot Chocolate Run; fire department holiday tree lighting; Historical Society fall festival; 9/11 memorial service; Little League opening day; Memorial Day ceremony; and homecoming. Music students are also regularly inducted into the Tri-M Music Honor
YEAR IN REVIEW APRIL
Courtesy Christopher Carini Facebook
Nick Bilotta, center, was sworn in as the new Seaford Chamber of Commerce President on March 5.
Society and selected to regional ensembles. This year, 41 students in grades 5–12 were named to Nassau Music Educators Association’s All-County music festival ensembles. The marching band has marched in the New York City St. Patrick’s Day parade for more than 30 years, and a community marching band brings together musicians from the high school and the Seaford community. “We do so much in the community,” he said.“At just about every single event, the Seaford music program is present.” Romeo also explained that parent involvement with the high school chorus, as well as with the high school band and elementary and middle school music programs is crucially important. Courtesy Seaford Schools
The Seaford High School marching band performing in last season’s homecoming parade, one of many ways in which Seaford student-musicians share their talents with the community.
SEAFORD HERALD CITIZEN — December 31, 2020
Finding God on Facebook
December 31, 2020 — SEAFORD HERALD CITIZEN
4
‘Smile bag’ creator helped brighten a dark year
Continued from front
to know the regulars by name. Many, she said, went on to work in various departments at thought she was the owner. In 2017, Howell-Fehling started hosting Northwell Health, mostly in information techevents for children in the community, at her nology but later with FollowMyHealth, which helps connect patients with their doctors and home and at the restaurant. She held painting parties, and taught them the nuances of art. organizes their medical records. Then, beginning nearly a decade ago, she She has hosted dance parties, ornament-decofaced a series of life-altering events. “I lost my ration events for the holidays, celebrated father when I was planning my wedding, and Halloween with them and even hosted some of their birthday parties. then Sandy hit, and then my She also holds her own birthmother was diagnosed with day parties, and invites the compancreatic cancer right after,” munity. She doesn’t accept gifts Howell-Fehling said. She felt — for her, at least. She does, howlost, and after her mother died ever, encourage people to in 2014, she stopped working OF THE donate to three charities that are for two years. important to her: Karen’s Hope, a Eventually, her husband, home for special-needs adults in Tommy Fehling, urged her to Seaford, the Lustgarten reconnect with the community Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research, again. In 2016, Howell-Fehling walked into and Safe Center LI. Last year, she began working as a life skills Bayview Tavern and asked owner Amy coach with special-needs students in the Breidenbach, whom she knew, for a job. She started working as a waitress, and soon Seaford School District, teaching them how to became a favorite of many of the eatery’s cus- complete everyday tasks. And this year, with tomers — especially their children. She large gatherings prohibited as the coronavirus brought in arts and crafts for them. She came pandemic spread, Howell-Fehling found
HERALD PERSON YEAR
another outlet for her charitable spirit. After schools closed in March, she felt sorry for the children, and wanted them to be happy and stay positive in a world where everything seemed quite the opposite. “I started just delivering a handful of ‘smile bags’ to local [Seaford] Harbor kids,” she said. “Soon enough, I was delivering 600 smile bags a week.”
The bags were filled with toys, arts and crafts projects, snacks and inspirational messages. She delivered them until the end of the school year. At the peak of demand, HowellFehling was depending on nine other drivers to help deliver the bags. She depleted her savings account, she said, to keep Seaford smiling. She is still working with special-needs children as well as young adults with autism, albeit remotely now. She does short Zoom meetings with them, but said she is desperately hoping to be reunited with them soon. “She is great, and all of the kids in the community absolutely love her,” 2019 HeraldCitizen Person of the Year Donna Jebaily said of Howell-Fehling.“She is so selfless.” “Some of my mother’s last words were, ‘Do what makes you happy,’’’ Howell-Fehling said as she fought back emotion. “It all makes me feel like I did some good, and that my parents are looking down happy and they’re proud of me.”
Seaford
HOW TO REACH US Our offices are located at 2 Endo Blvd. Garden City, NY 11530 and are open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
MAIN PHONE: (516) 569-4000 ■ WEB SITE: www.liherald.com/seaford ■ E-MAIl: Letters and other submissions: seafordeditor@liherald.com ■ EDITORIAl DEPARTMENT: Ext. 287 E-mail: seafordeditor@liherald.com Fax: (516) 569-4942 ■ SUBSCRIPTIONS: Press ”7” E-mail: circ@liherald.com Fax: (516) 569-4942 ■ ClASSIFIED ADVERTISING: Ext. 286 E-mail: ereynolds@liherald.com Fax: (516) 622-7460 ■ DISPlAY ADVERTISING: Ext. 249 E-mail: sales@liherald.com Fax: (516) 569-4643 The Seaford Herald USPS 665800, is published every Thursday by Richner Communications, Inc., 2 Endo Blvd. Garden City, NY 11530. Periodicals postage paid at Garden City, NY 11530 and additional mailing offices. Postmaster send address changes to Seaford Herald, 2 Endo Blvd. Garden City, NY 11530. Newsstand Price: $1 Subscription rates: $50 for 1 year within Nassau County. Out of Nassau County: $60 for 1 year. Copyright © 2020 Richner Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.
Courtesy Elise Ann Howell-Fehling
Smile bags, top, became so popular within the community that Howell-Fehling had to recruit a team to help her deliver them. She credits her late father, Bruce, with instilling a sense of selflessness in her. Families around Seaford, including the Usses, were delighted to have Howell-Fehling bring a bit of light into their children’s lives during the pandemic.
5
Just after the onset of the social distancing restrictions, widespread workfrom-home orders and the shutdown of local businesses, many Seaford residents banded together to give back to those who needed most. Under the direction of Seaford Chamber of Commerce Member and community leader Donna Jebaily, members of a Seaford residents’ Facebook group began to spitball ideas on who needed what most. May 1 marked exactly one month since Seafordites saw a cause and, as is typical of the small town’s urge to support one another, lent a helping hand. The group has donated full food spreads, groceries and gift cards from Seaford restaurants to stimulate local business. It all started with one catered dinner sent to a local hospital in April. Since then, the group has made 92 donations in total. The collections have been donated to frontline workers battling Covid-19, including medical workers and first responders, individual resi-
Teacher’s book explores grief from child’s view dents with essential occupations, food pantries, local businesses, churches, post office workers and other essential businesses. The group has ordered the food spreads from local restaurants, including multiple orders from Gusto Divino Trattoria. They have also recently used the CVS on Seamans Neck Road in Seaford to put together 30 care packages filled with self-care supplies and essentials to be delivered to South Nassau Hospital on April 25. Next week, the group plans on donating lunch for group homes, gift cards for affected families in the area and two more hospital deliveries.
YEAR IN REVIEW MAY
Courtesy Donna Jebaily Facebook
The Seaford community has donated 30 care packages filled with beauty supplies from CVS on Seamans Neck Road to nurses at South Nassau Hospital on April 25.
Seaford Middle School teacher Danielle Alveari, 38, of Babylon checked her email on April 11, just like every other day. Halfheartedly, she opted to check a secondary mailbox, one she hadn’t opened in more than a month. There, in her inbox, sat a confirmation message. It was dated March 6. The children’s book she had been trying to get published for two years, “Little Lucy May’s Loss,” had finally been published by Kindle Publishing, a division of Amazon.com. Shock overcame her. She was a published author. “I did start to doubt if it would ever get approved, that’s really why I stopped checking that separate email,” Alveari said. The first move she made was to call Samantha Saia [pronounced Sigh-ya], the illustrator of the book and a former student art teacher at Seaford Manor School, where the pair had met, to alert her to the good news. Her next
thought was of her children. “The initial point of writing this book was to have it for my children,” Alveari said. “It was also for other children that needed it.” Emotions were high for Alveari because the book gave her some semblance of closure, she said. The source material came from the teacher’s life experiences six years ago. “When my mother was sick a few years ago, I was going through the grieving process, and my 4-year-old was having a hard time with it,” Alveari said.“I reached out to the hospice grief center and worked a lot with them on how to deal with the grief.” Alveari based the premise of her first book not just on her own and her eldest daughter Eloise’s experience with the death of her mother, Maureen, but with Alveari’s own loss of her grandmother when she was just 19, which greatly affected her. Courtesy Seaford Schools
Seaford Middle School sixth-grade English and social studies teacher Danielle Alveari’s book, “Little Lucy May’s Loss,” was published by Amazon.
Wantagh and Seaford come through
Advocacy groups held protest outside Nassau Legislature People started to stream into the demonstration in front of the Nassau County Legislature and Executive Building in Mineola nearly an hour before the scheduled 5:30 p.m. start time in June. They had come to protest the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer. Shouting “I can’t breathe” and brandishing handmade signs, they arrived from all across the county and beyond. A coalition of Nassau advocacy groups planned the protest, “Justice for George Floyd.” The demonstration followed the Memorial Day death of Floyd, 46, a Black man who died after officer Derek Chauvin, 44, pressed his knee into Floyd’s neck for more than eight minutes before he stopped speaking or moving. According to authorities, police, responded to a
report of a man attempting to pass a counterfeit $20 at a shop. “What happened to George Floyd is very sad,” said Carlo Stanisci, owner of the Little Kitchen, in Wantagh. “He was already cuffed and on the ground. There is no reason to put your knee on his neck and not take it off while he can’t breathe.” Barbara Powell, an executive board member of the Hempstead NAACP, described Floyd’s death as a “modern-day lynching,” noting, “People are fed up and disgusted with how things are and how they keep repeating.”
YEAR IN REVIEW JUNE
Andrew Garcia/Herald-Citizen
Advocacy groups held a demonstration outside of the Nassau Legislature in remembrance of George Floyd.
When the coronavirus pandemic hit Nassau County in March, many worried about their families’ health. They worried about keeping their jobs. They were told to stay inside and avoid contact with their neighbors. But many Seaford and Wantagh community members refused to be held back from helping their neighbors. On March 30, community leader and Seaford Chamber of Commerce board member Donna Jebaily called on her community to donate to a cause. “It started as a way to give back to medical workers by delivering food to them,” Jebaily said.“The first one was to Nassau University Medical Center. From there, we started taking collections.” Jebaily asked her neighbors for $200 to feed a unit at NUMC. They raised around $1,000. She took that money to Cara Mia, in Seaford, one of many restaurants hit hard by the pandemic.“I brought it to Sergio at Cara Mia, and I said, ‘This is what we have, feed as many people as you can for this,’” Jebaily recounted.“It initially started as one meal, and then it hasn’t stopped since March.”
Nearly three months later, donations collected solely through community activism and neighborly generosity have amounted to a total of $11,500 worth of food and gift cards. The donations went to medical facilities, churches, group homes, supermarket workers and needy families. Jebaily said that the donors have mostly been Seaford and Wantagh residents. At the same time, Jebaily raised $1,450 for the John Theissen Children’s Foundation and $400 for Karen’s Hope, a nonprofit that provides housing, as well as educational and social programs, for those with disabilities. “As a Chamber of Commerce member, when we decided to do this, we wanted to try to take care of businesses in need,” Jebaily said. “The only ones really open were restaurants.“ Courtesy Donna Jebaily
Since March 30, community members have banded together to provide food and self-care donations for essential workers and those in need.
SEAFORD HERALD CITIZEN — December 31, 2020
Seaford community continued to give
Lucy amalgam daughte ter ‘Ellie May; Mo to me.”
December 31, 2020 — SEAFORD HERALD CITIZEN
6
Seaford Schools hired a new business chief The Seaford Schools’ Board of Education announced in July the appointment of a new assistant superintendent for business and operations. After nearly three decades aiding school districts across Long Island with their auditing needs, Rhonda Meserole accepted a position with the district to help internally. As a certified public accountant, Meserole was a partner in an accounting firm that specialized in governmental auditing. Throughout her lengthy accounting career, Meserole had worked with more than a dozen school systems on Long Island, including Seaford and other neighboring districts. She not only has experience working with school districts, but with villages, libraries, fire districts and water districts as well. Meserole worked alongside these entities as an internal and external auditor. Internal auditors analyze financial controls and perform risk assessments
in all operational areas, while an external auditor gives an opinion on an entity’s financial statements. Having worked in a family practice, Meserole said she was drawn to Seaford because it is a close-knit, family-oriented community. She said she was very excited to work with the board of education for the 2020-21 year, saying she is “dedicated” and “takes its fiscal oversight duties very seriously.” Meserole is a Long Island native. She graduated from the Half Hollow Hills School District and earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Hofstra University, as well as a master’s degree and advanced certificate in educational administration from C.W. Post (now LIU Post).
YEAR IN REVIEW JULY
Courtesy Seaford Schools
Rhonda Meserole has been hired as Seaford Schools’ new assistant superintendent for business and operations.
Seaford father of three dies at 54 On Wednesday, June 22, the Kuczynski and Giannino family were forced to mourn the unexpected loss of Edward Kuczynksi after succumbing to acute coronary failure. Kuczynski, 54, was a loving father to Trisha, 29 (Phillip), Alexandra, 25, and Eddie, 19. He was the devoted husband to Jackie, 52. His is also survived by his mother Mary, 80, and siblings Donna, 61, Mary Joe, 56 and Stan, 45. Kuczynksi and his wife Jackie celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary in late 2019. High school sweethearts, the pair got married when Eddie was 24 and Mary was 21. Eddie moved to Seaford from Ozone Park while he was in 12th grade. Jackie, a 10th grader at the time, lived in the hamlet her entire life. Once introduced to the new kid by a mutual friend, she
was immediately drawn to him. “It was the way he looked, the way he dressed, it was great,” Jackie said.“He dressed very well and was always neat looking. He ironed all of his clothes.” Soon after graduating from Seaford, Eddie went into heating and air conditioning. Two years later, Jackie followed high school by attending beauty school. They both stayed local, and their relationship grew. The pair first lived in a rented apartment in nearby Massapequa. “It was a bit scary at first, I’m not going to lie,” Jackie said. “We were kids. We had just started out. We relied on our families a lot and we were just regular kids working. I was pregnant seven months after we got married.” Eddie Kuczynski/Facebook
Seaford’s Eddie Kuczynski, 54, died on June 22 of heart failure.
Seaford flying flags high for unity A movement in Seaford started with just a few American flags hung on utility poles scattered around the hamlet. Seaford resident Eric Uss, 41, took his ladder out in mid-June and hung a few flags. He also started a Facebook group that he called,“Flags Fly High in Seaford.” As days passed, neighbors took notice. They started to put up flags of their own and join the group, which now has nearly 2,000 members. Uss, whose job was affected by Covid-19, found himself with more time throughout the day. He decided he wanted to hang a few American flags from the utility poles on his block, Clark Street. He took his son along with him. “One of the main reasons I started is I wanted my son to see it,” Uss said. “It’s been a big bonding experience. When I’m out with him, it’s great.” He has now put up more than 150 flags, and he says Seaford has responded by “covering the town” with them. “It’s unbelievable. It’s getting bigger than I anticipated,” Uss said. “Flags are now going up in Wantagh, Massapequa and I even saw on the page that they are in Las Vegas, too.” Uss said he is out four or five times a
week hanging up the flags. “Flags Fly High In Seaford is a neighborhood group dedicated to patriotism and Americanism. Volunteer members of this organization are purchasing American flags and attaching them to lamp posts up and down Seaford’s streets,” wrote Congressman Peter King on Facebook. “I think it’s fantastic,” said Charles Wroblewski, chaplain of the Seaford American Legion, showing his support. “We just put up flags. I think it shows unity and respect for other people. Maybe the best word is, it shows solidarity for what’s going on. This is an example of how we can show support even though we can’t be with each other.”
YEAR IN REVIEW AUGUST
Courtesy Eric Uss
Seaford resident Eric Uss started Flags Fly High in Seaford in mid-June.
Republicans unite behind Garbarino in 2nd C.D. State Assemblyman Andrew Garbarino, the Republican candidate for the seat in the 2nd Congressional District, has been a candidate in four elections, and never lost. His perfect record led him to believe he had a surefire game plan for representing the South Shore. But this year is different for the Sayville native. Unlike previous campaigns, Garbarino, 35, wasn’t able to go out and meet his potential constituents. He wasn’t able to shake their hands or walk the campaign trail to ask them to support his campaign. In the June primary, it didn’t matter. He corralled almost 64 percent of the vote, effectively crushing the upstart challenger Michael LiPetri. “We performed well everywhere,”
Garbarino said. “We didn’t lose a town. Whether it was Islip, Babylon, Hempstead, Oyster Bay, we didn’t lose one town. It was good to come out of primaries with big wins in those areas, but also to come away with the endorsement of LiPetri.” With that endorsement, Garbarino has secured the support of every Republican and Conservative in the district. But the most influential name on the list for Garbarino is the man he aimed to succeed, 14-term Seaford Republican Peter King, who he has stated has been an influence on him. Courtesy Office of Andrew Garbarino
Congressional candidate Andrew Garbarino, 35, of Bayport, gained the support of all Republican and Conservative elected officials in the 2nd District.
7
Running and writing are two passions for Seaford High School senior Sarah Keane, and by combining those interests, she earned national recognition in a contest hosted by one of her favorite athletes. Keane is a member of Seaford’s cross country and track teams. She has been named to several All-Conference and All-County squads. Keane is one of the last Vikings to participate in athletics for Seaford, having been part of the winter indoor track team that competed as late as February. She finished another successful track season last winter as a junior, finishing near or at the top in multiple events. At the Section VIII Conference 6 Championships held at St. Anthony’s High School on Jan. 29, Keane finished first with a time of 5:15:00 in the 1500meter race. The next fastest time was 5:23:05. Keane also finished in the top four in December 2019 at the Nassau County Coaches Invitational in two events: the 1000-meter and the 1500-meter race. She recorded times of 3:15:00 and 5:13:16 for the respective events. She also earned four top-five finishes in the 3000-meter races for her winter season
as well, including a first-place finish at the Conference 6 Championships in January, giving her double gold on the day. An avid runner, Keane is a big fan of American Olympic runner Brenda Martinez. Last summer, Martinez hosted an essay contest with no specific writing prompt other than asking participants to share who they are and what they stand for. Keane decided to write about the person who inspires her as a runner: her grandmother. Her grandmother grew up in Ireland during World War II. She took an interest in running. She won several races and used prize money to finance her emigration to the United States at 18 and started her family.
Seaford and Wantagh remember 9/11 attacks More than 200 people gathered in September to march from Seaford to Wantagh in an impromptu memorial to those who lost their lives in the Sept. 11 attacks 19 years ago. For many of those who took part, the attacks were highly personal, as the communities mourned the loss of family members killed that day as well as those who have died of illnesses contracted in its aftermath. Members of the Seaford and Wantagh fire departments were joined by contingents from East Meadow and Levittown, as well as a sizable representation from the Fire Department of the City of New York. The Nassau County Police Department’s Emerald Society Pipe and Drum Band, under the direc-
YEAR IN REVIEW SEPTEMBER
Courtesy Seaford Schools
Seaford High School senior Sarah Keane was one of five winners in an essay contest hosted by Olympic runner Brenda Martinez.
Second annual Strikeout Suicide game draws big crowd In September 2019, New York City Police Department Detective Chris Panetta, 42, and his wife Nassau County probation officer and college professor Michelle Panetta, 34, created Beyond the Badge NY, a nonprofit dedicated to eliminating the stigma associated with mental health struggles in the law enforcement community, and combating the rise of suicides in the ranks. That month, they hosted a charity softball game in Baldwin Park in honor of those who had died, their families and officers who felt as if life had dealt them an 0-2 count. The event last year drew a few dozen players and spectators combined, including two teams comprised of a mix of active police officers and law enforcement supporters. In October, Beyond the Badge NY returned to Baldwin Park for its second annual Strikeout Suicide charity softball
game, and this time there was a crowd of several hundred, with four teams drawn from the ranks of the Nassau and Suffolk County Police Departments, the NYPD and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey police, playing on adjacent fields — 60 officers in total. This year the event featured merchandise stands, a DJ and food. The opening ceremonies included the Nassau County Police Emerald Society Pipe Band and remarks from Michelle Panetta. “We realized that there needed to be a change, and change comes with us,” she said. Bridget Downes/Herald
Timothy Denton/Herald-Citizen
The Nassau County Police Department Emerald Society Pipe and Drum Corps led the march from the Seaford Firehouse.
Anti-Semitic vandalism at Seamans Neck Park Town of Hempstead town official confirmed a number of instances of vandalism, including anti-Semitic symbols etched into playground equipment at Seamans Neck Park in early October. Swastikas were inscribed into the playground where children and family members congregate in the park. On Oct. 1, Town Supervisor Donald X. Clavin, the entire Town Board and Receiver of Taxes Jeanine Driscoll gathered in the park to examine and condemn what they saw. “There is zero tolerance for anti-Semitism in Hempstead Town, and there is no place for these symbols of hatred and intolerance,” Clavin said. “It is especially disturbing to discover such vitriol and hatred during the highest holidays on the Jewish calendar, and
YEAR IN REVIEW OCTOBER
Police officers from New York City, Nassau and Suffolk counties and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey stepped up to bat against police suicide at Baldwin Park.
tion of Pipe Sgt. Robert Farrell, lent additional solemnity to the occasion. “The high schools canceled their memorials,” event organizer Rosanna Morey said,“So I decided to put together something small we could do instead.” Morey was one of the organizers of the “Light the Nights” parades in the two hamlets last month, in which residents showed their support for first responders by illuminating their homes with blue lights. The blue lights and car parades are meant to signify respect and support for those who were called into action during the attacks.
in a space where children and families gather regularly. It’s critical that we band together to call for unity and take steps to prevent this from happening again.” Park staff closed off the area for further investigation. Councilman Christopher Carini, a Seaford resident and a former New York City and Port Authority police officer, created a task force of local town leaders to combat vandalism and graffiti in the 5th Councilmanic District this year , which encompasses Wantagh and Seaford, after graffiti was found outside Mandalay Elementary School on Bayview Avenue in Wantagh. Courtesy Town of Hempstead
Town of Hempstead officials publicly condemned acts of anti-Semitism after swastikas were found etched on a playground wall at Seamans Neck Park in Seaford.
SEAFORD HERALD CITIZEN — December 31, 2020
A grandmother’s inspiration on a winning essay
December 31, 2020 — SEAFORD HERALD CITIZEN
8
The life of Tim Denton The Herald reported the death of friend and colleague Timothy John Denton on Nov. 14, at age 67, in Manhasset. Co-workers from Herald Community Newspapers and Richner Communications offered words of remembrance of their friend Tim. Many noted his wisdom and quick wit. But Denton, a California transplant, was known among those closest to him as an animated, keenly talented and highly spiritual man. He was born on July 9, 1953, in Los Angeles, the third of Earl and Vita Denton’s four children. He and his brothers, William and Ross, and their sister, Laurel, spent their formative years in Whittier, 20 miles southeast of Los Angeles. In 1958, when Tim was 5, according to Laurel, the family moved to Arroyo Grande, a small town in central California. Earl Denton was a school district superintendent, born and raised in Los Angeles and a “city guy,” Laurel said. Vita was an English teacher. Their parents’ backgrounds in academia influenced her brother’s interest in learning, she said. “He was a reader from the time he’d just learned how,” Laurel recalled. “He started reading before anyone else, and he quickly
began reading a lot of books — and talking a b o u t music.” Coupled with Tim’s early craving for knowledge was an insatiable appetite for music — listening to, discussing and eventually learning how to play.“He was attracted to classical music, even as a child,” Laurel said. “That was the music that we had in the house, yes, but he was attracted to it on his own.” By the time he attended Arroyo Grande High School, she said, he had become a dedicated musician, as well as an unofficial follower of the hippie movement, which was at its height in California as Tim grew up. “He had long hair and wore his sandals to school,” his sister recounted. “These things were frowned upon at the time. Our father was very strait-laced, so you could say there was a rebellious side to Tim.”
Seaford High School beefed up weight room At a Seaford School District Board of Education Meeting in early 2020, faculty presented a powerpoint on what to do with extra capital from the budget. Updating technological infrastructure and updating outdoor campus amenities were discussed at length. Another focus was the Seaford High School weight room, typically frequently used by the athletic teams and general student body. The project was approved and, despite this year’s coronavirus pandemic, the school’s fitness and weight room underwent a full makeover. The district said it hopes the new digs will create “an inviting facility for students.” One of the main focuses at the aforementioned Board of Education proposal was laying down new matting
YEAR IN REVIEW NOVEMBER
on the floors. They said that the plan was to do extensive research into the most cost efficient but quality athletic mats ahead of the summer. The district accomplished that goal, as well as livening up the room with a new coat of Vikings green and white paint. Although the room may now look appealing to every student that passes by, use of the room, located across from the gymnasium, is currently restricted due to health and safety protocols during the Covid-19 pandemic. Kevin Witt, director of physical education, health and athletics, said that some of the older machines were replaced in mid-October. Courtesy Seaford Schools
Director of Physical Education, Health and Athletics Kevin Witt was joined by students, from left, Grace Cassarello, Jason Aviles and Joey Gallagher in Seaford High School’s renovated fitness and health room.
A need you need to know In December, the Seaford Kiwanis Club organized a holiday food drive. Instead of donating to Long Island Cares, as the club did in 2019, it decided to stock the food pantry at St. William the Abbot Roman Catholic Church, in Seaford. The club claimed there was an immediate need in the community that needed to be addressed. The church’s director of social ministry, Rosemary Graziano, has seen the need in Seaford, Wantagh and Massapequa grow over the past year. In fact, she has seen that need for nine years. She has continued to address the calls for help in those three South Shore hamlets. “I had worked before with the former pastor Robert Hayden,” said Graziano, 68, of Williston Park. “He was pleased with all that I had done, and there were new programs that he wanted to bring on that I could help with.” St. William the Abbot is on Jackson Avenue in Seaford, just south of Sunrise Highway. It has partnered with Wantagh’s St. Frances de Chantal on several projects. There is no lack of need, according to Graziano. “Most people outside this commu-
nity don’t understand that we have people right here in our neighborhood that are struggling,” she said. “Most in these communities may not be aware that their next-door neighbor is struggling.” Working in the area for nearly a decade, Graziano said she has seen the problems persist, and they are now compounded due to the coronavirus pandemic. Families are struggling financially due to unemployment or underemployment. Some single mothers and fathers are unable to afford child care, and there are senior citizens living on Social Security in homes with reverse mortgages. “These people reach out to us,” she said. For Thanksgiving this past year, St. William’s social ministry program gave out more than 80 family dinners.
Teens dedicated to fulfill dreams Matthew Sheintul and Emily Fagan, seniors at Seaford High School, decided in mid-October that they wanted to help their community. They saw an opportunity to give back, by helping the John Theissen Children’s Foundation with its annual Holiday Toy & Fund Drive. Community members who take part usually either donate a few toys to the charity or spend time in the foundation’s Wantagh headquarters, helping to unbox incoming gifts and organize them. Sheintul and Fagan took it one step further. They reached out to members of their neighborhood and school community, using social media, and created an Amazon “wish list” link featuring holiday toys and other items. Others have also added items since October. The goal was to collect as many gifts as possible
YEAR IN REVIEW DECEMBER
Courtesy St. William the Abbot
A: Rosemary Graziano, director of social ministry at St. William the Abbot, led the charity effort this holiday season.
for families that are struggling this winter, and the teens’ plan was to make the process as easy, accessible and userfriendly as possible, even for people who may not be as technologically savvy. “One of the main things that popped in my mind when thinking about doing this was that this year has been hard on a lot of people,” Sheintul said. “None of these things are fair, and anyone in the household losing a job can really take a toll on a family. We as a community need to bring some sort of hope back into the household.” When Sheintul was devising the plan, it had been only weeks since he had helped Theissen last, Courtesy Jodi Sheintul
Matthew Sheintul, right, and Emily Fagan created an easier way for community members to donate toys to the John Theissen Children’s Foundation this past holiday season.
9
SEAFORD HERALD CITIZEN — December 31, 2020
Staying Local for College MODERATOR
With the risks of COVID in the middle of a second wave, should you send your child away to school? Is it worth being away at college without the socialization aspect?
MOLLOY IS THE Do the benefits of staying home outweigh the experience of going away to college?
RIGHT COLLEGE. Skye Ostreicher
Local colleges are accepting students on rolling admission to accommodate those making the last-minute decision to stay local for the Spring semester.
NOW. RIGHT
Hear What Students Have To Say Have questions?
One of the best values for your tuition dollar, Molloy is close to home but far from ordinary. With career-focused programs, real-world connections and personal guidance, we’re open and here for your student – in person or online – for today’s challenges and tomorrow’s opportunities.
Email insideli@liherald.com or ask them live during the webinar. MOLLOY COLLEGE. THE RIGHT CHOICE. RIGHT NOW. Apply Today: Molloy.edu/RightChoice
PRESENTED BY:
FREE LIVE WEBINAR
7
JAN
Herald Community Newspapers
7-8 PM
PM
REGISTER @ LIHerald.com/StayingLocal
PRODUCED BY
RICHNER
To sponsor a webinar or for more information contact Amy Amato at aamato@richnerlive.com or 516.569.4000 x 224
1114196
CAN’T MAKE THE LIVE WEBINAR? REGISTER AND YOU’LL RECEIVE THE RECORDING!
I have a confession.
December 31, 2020 — SEAFORD HERALD CITIZEN
10
Public or private, South Shore felt safe In recent months, the Herald has taken closer looks at local public school districts that serve Seaford and Wantagh, and how they have provided a safe environment amid a resurgence in Covid-19 cases. One of the keys to their successes has been stringent social distancing. South Shore parents whose children are enrolled in private schools were also pleased with the protective measures those institutions have been taking. “I have three children at Kellenberg Memorial High School,” Seaford resident Laura Barnjak said of her triplet freshman daughters, Paulina, Gabriella and Sophia. “At first I was very worried. The way I perceive it right now, as a parent, I think [Kellenberg] is doing an excellent job.” Kellenberg is a co-ed private Catholic high school in Uniondale. This has been the Barnjak triplets’ first experience in a private-school setting. They graduated from Seaford Middle School earlier in the year.
In my 40 years of practicing and living in the Merrick/Bellmore area, I could’ve tried harder to help people remember that the body is self healing. My mission is to find the interference or impediment to your expression of perfect health. You are already perfect, but perhaps you could be better. When the interference in your nervous system is removed, your body will have its optimal potential for health and well being, like un-kinking a garden hose, the information can now flow and… your body knows what to do to heal you. In the current Covid times, it’s important for you to know that we all have an immune system, it works over the nervous system and chiropractic allows that system to work at its optimum potential, with health as the inevitable result. Everyone knows chiropractic is good for neck pain, back pain, shoulder pain, hip pain, leg pain, arm pain, but most aren’t aware that TMJ, headaches, sleep issues, really any function that the body has may improve with chiropractic care. We see newborns - not because they have headaches or low back pain, they just sleep better, have less digestive problems, and are sick less often. We see patients from birth to seniors for any condition and will give you a natural answer, or will refer you to the proper professional.
These Vikings have navigated choppy waters
TreaT Yourself! $29 1 hour Massage & Chiropractic Consultation makes a great gift!
1298 Newbridge Road, N. Bellmore, NY 11710 516-379-8500 • drobbinchiropractic.com
1114040
516-379-8500 Drobbin Chiropractic 1298 Newbridge road N. Bellmore, NY 11710
Dr. Douglas Drobbin, Drobbin Chiropractic
Courtesy Kellenberg Memorial High School
Kellenberg Memorial High School quickly acclimated to dividing its student population into cohorts to prevent widespread transmission of Covid-19.
YEAR IN REVIEW DECEMBER
It has always been my honor and privilege to serve the community, now and in the future.
Only 1 per person. First time only – may buy 3 as gifts – must be used by same person, same visit – appointment required & subject to availability. 48 Hour cancellation required or forfeit promotion. If you can’t make it for any reason, just send someone else. FIRST TIME ONLY. 48 hour cancellation policy.
One of their mother’s concerns at the start of the academic year was how comfortable her children might have been attending in-person classes. She also wondered how the transition would go if they had made the decison to learn from home instead, even temporarily. Robert York, Kellenberg’s assistant principal for personnel and communications, laid out the school’s pandemic response, and how effective it has been up to this point. “We’ve not ever had to close down the entire school facility due to a positive Covid-19 test,” York said. “That is due to our cohort model, where our students are spending the majority of their day in their respective classrooms, while the teachers are really the transient ones, going from one classroom to another.”
In December 2019, members of the Seaford Parent Teacher Student Association were scrambling to gather school district changed dramatically all of the appropriate resources for their and in-person events were suspended. “Quickly, everyone became so disannual hallmark fundraising event, connected in March. You felt like things which this year was titled the AfterGrammy PTSA Fundraiser. It was held a were going wrong,” said Garcia, who’s few weeks later, on Jan. 30, at now the PTSA president. The group was forced to shift its Massapequa American Legion Post 1066, and featured more than 70 focus from one or two large, in-person events to midsized virtual fundraisers. patrons. “[Raising money] is different now,” After netting nearly $9,000 in one said Second Vice President Bridget night, the PTSA was set to slow its pace Ulzheimer, a member of the Seaford for the rest of the academic year. That was its usual method, after all: prepare PTA or PTSA for 14 years. “We would try throughout the fall for a large in-person to do that one big fundraiser a year charity event that would bring in the where we would go to local businesses majority of the money for the year, and and ask for donations, but we don’t then focus on smaller projects with want to do that this year. Even going to parents, we want to be delicate asking comparatively little overhead. In early February, Lisa Garcia, the them to donate. Everyone has been group’s event planning co-chairwoman affected.” at the time, reflected on the preparation Courtesy Lisa Garcia for the After-Grammy event referring to Despite the pandemic, the Seaford PTSA has it as “insanity.” One month later, meet- played a continuing role in lifting the spirits of the ings came to a halt, communication student body, including donating a balloon arch for between PTSA members and the a socially distanced Spirit Week.
11
SEAFORD HERALD CITIZEN — December 31, 2020
HERE FOR YOU IF YOU NEED US. HOLIDAY HOURS
Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve All locations open until 4:00pm
Because, unfortunately, injuries can happen during the holidays.
Christmas Day, New Year’s Day Merrick office open for walk-in patients 9:00am – 5:00pm 1728 Sunrise Highway, Merrick
That’s why Orlin & Cohen, Long Island’s premier orthopedic group, is open
516-536-2800
to treat them. All locations will be open until 4:00pm on Christmas Eve
Most insurance accepted.
and New Year’s Eve, and our Merrick location will be open from 9:00am to 5:00pm on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. As always, we employ strict safety protocols to ensure the well-being of our patients and staff.
Happy Holidays and Stay Safe!
orlincohen.com 1112643
Rockville Centre Lynbrook Merrick Garden City Massapequa Woodbury Bellmore Melville Bohemia Smithtown Port Jefferson Riverhead Southampton Port Jefferson Station Kew Gardens (Opening Soon)
OC811_Herald_Christmas_10.25x12.75_4C.indd 1
12/11/20 2:30 PM
December 31, 2020 — SEAFORD HERALD CITIZEN
12
H.S. sports delayed until 2021 Nassau County High School student-athletes will have to wait until 2021 to compete in sports. 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. “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.”
Three-peat for Seaford bowlers 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. Photo by J. Heck/Herald
Nassau County postponed fall high school sports from September to January.
YEAR IN REVIEW SPORTS
Seaford put an exclamation point on its third straight Nassau County Division II boys’ bowling championship Feb. 1 with a total pinfall of 985, its best of six games at Garden City Lanes. Junior Peter Weber erased an otherwise tough day with a team-leading 211 as the Vikings, in only their fourth season of existence, easily distanced themselves from runner-up Clarke, winning by a margin of 388 sticks. Juniors Joe Ledesky and Joe Gallagher both closed the tournament with a 204, while senior Andrew Leahy and sophomore Jason Donovan chipped in with games of 192 and 174, respectively. Seaford’s girls’ program, also in just its fourth season, also captured a third consecutive county championship. Junior Marissa Mele and senior
Paige Donovan led the way as they have all winter, averaging 192 and 189, respectively, over the six games. They held the top two averages in Nassau during the regular season. Seaford’s pin total of 4,970 was in another zip code compared to runner-up Clarke’s 4,127. Hailey Galison, Sofia Sanchez, Allie Maclean and Nicole Karaman also contributed to the title. Sue Grieco/Herald)
Junior Joe Gallagher averaged 204 during the regular season and helped the Vikings capture a third straight county title on Feb. 1.
MacArthur rallies for wrestling crown
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.” Photo by J. Heck/Herald
The MacArthur wrestling team seized the moment with its back against the wall to bring home the program’s first county dual meet title in over a decade. The Generals dropped the first three matches of the Nassau County Division I finals at Clarke High School to Massapequa before rallying for a 46-24 win Jan. 25 against the defending champions. The Massapequa comeback was preceded by a 28-27 semifinal win against Manhasset where MacArthur won eight of 10 bouts down the stretch after falling behind 18-9. “We have a gritty team that believes in themselves,” said 11th-year MacArthur head coach Rob Paletta. “The kids showed some perseverance.” MacArthur’s first county crown since 2009 earned the team a shot to compete in the state championships at SRC Arena in Syracuse. The Generals split two matches on the stage and fell just short of reaching the semifinals. Junior Matt Huggard and sophomore Killian Foy turned around MacArthur’s fortunes in the finals with back-to-back pins at 106 and 113 pounds, respectively. After Massapequa won the next two bouts, MacArthur
dominated the remainder of the match winning six of eight down the stretch. The dominating close including pins by Thomas Szilagyi (152) and John Hegner along with wins by Jake Schneider (132), Vincenzo Montefusco (138), (145) Joseph Apuzzo (145), Dylan Young (170) and Benjamin Velasquez (195). onovan Berthoud/Herald)
Seaford’s Tom Lynch took home the Nassau D2 138-pound title on Feb. 15 with a 16-9 decision over Clarke’s Aiden Yurdiga.
Buy 1, Gift 1 FREE!
13
SEAFORD HERALD CITIZEN — December 31, 2020
Renew or subscribe today and get a
FREE Gift Subscription
to give to a friend, family member or neighbor!
Four quarterly payments of only
BEST DEAL
$9.75
Auto-Pay. $39* per year *Outside Nassau County $15 per quarter
One-Time Payment
$50† per year
†Outside Nassau County $60.
All rates based on Auto Pay. One time payment by check or credit card is $50. Cannot be combined with any other offers. Gift subscription valid for one year and must be within Nassau County.
Order online at
www.liherald.com/subscribe or call 516-569-4000 press 7 use promo code: CHEER20
Support Local News
Stay connected with the community and support local journalism.
1111851
Please consider supporting this local newspaper by making a donation. An invaluable investment in one of your community’s most trusted institutions. www.liherald.com/local
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 — SEAFORD HERALD CITIZEN
14
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
T
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
M
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!
L
© 2020 Monte Leeper Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.
SEAFORD HERALD CITIZEN — December 31, 2020
Fireplace frustrations
Homes
HERALD
15
HERALD
Market Place • •
To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5
To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5
To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5
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
CAll JD PAINtING & reMoDelING CorP
516-889-3200
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
at
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
in
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
516-424-3598 516-807-3852
1113846
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!
Is Bottled Water Safer?
aboveallgutters.com
A Fresh CoAt For A Fresh stArt!
OWA_LessIsMore_BW_Bold
$25
516.431.0799
OffiCe: 516-766-4583 Call/TeXT: 516-840-9432
1113171
1114047
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 — SEAFORD HERALD CITIZEN
16
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
&/877(5 GULYLQJ \RX J\
CRAZY?
6HOO \RXU PHUFKDQGLVH LQ QR WLPH OO K GL L L (PDLO \RXU $G WR WKH +HUDOG DQG 3ULPH7LPH &ODVVLÀ HG 'HSDUWPHQW DW VDOHV#OLKHUDOG FRP WR UXQ D )5(( )LQGV 8QGHU WR UXQ D )5(( )LQGV 8QGHU
Answers
to todAy’s puzzle
SEAFORD HERALD CITIZEN — December 31, 2020
HERALD
17
18
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.
Herald editorialS
Office Baldwin 2 Endo Boulevard Garden City, NY 11530
HERALD
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
Bridget downes Copyright © 2017 Editor Inc. Richner Communications, Michelle AuclAir Advertising Account Executive
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 — SEAFORD HERALD CITIZEN
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
■crAig white Production Coordinator DiANNe RAmDASS crAig cArdone Circulation Art Director Director ■
■
diAnneNeWSPAPeRS rAMdAss HeRAlD cOmmUNiTY Circulation Baldwin Herald Director Bellmore Herald Life ■ East Meadow Herald
herAld coMMunitY newsPAPers
Franklin Square/Elmont Herald
Baldwin Herald
Freeport Herald Leader Bellmore Herald Life
Glen Cove Herald GazetteHerald East Meadow Long BeachSquare/Elmont Herald Franklin Herald
Freeport Leader Lynbrook/East Rockaway Herald
Long BeachHerald Herald Malverne/West Hempstead
Giving thanks in 2020
i
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
W
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
HE
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.
19
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
SEAFORD HERALD CITIZEN — December 31, 2020
opi
T
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,
T
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 — SEAFORD HERALD CITIZEN
20
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.
In-Network with The Empire Plan (NYSHIP)
1113318 1109042
nspc.com | (844) NSPC-DOC