Valley Stream Herald 02-04-2021 by Richner Communications, Inc

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Sentencing for South hoops star

South grads win in photo contest

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State aid crunch hits CHSD faced with $1.1M loss in state funding amid pandemic 2016 would make up the loss in state aid elsewhere, Loper said, “that’s still $1.1 million less than The cuts were coming. we had expected to receive.” Facing a $15 billion budget Full budget details are not yet deficit, New York state has allo- available, but Loper said the cated $27.1 million in spending plan would state aid to the Valinclude some addiley Stream Central tions to student High School District counseling services under Gov. Andrew and improvements C u o m o ’s 2 0 2 1 - 2 2 to remote learning. executive budget Otherwise, he said, proposal. Excluding parents and students building aid, the diswould see no materitrict is set to receive al change to pro$1.1 million, or neargrams and services. ly 4 percent, less in “We knew we had state funding over a tight budget comthe current year. ing because we’ve The executive budbeen living in this get was released coronavirus world Jan. 19. for quite a long time A shortfall was now,” Loper said. anticipated, accord“We’re very cognitoDD ing to Acting zant of the impact Schools Superinten- KAmiNSKY the pandemic has d e n t D r. Way n e State senator had on the resiLoper, with the ecodents.” nomic fallout of the At $129 million, coronavirus continuing to rav- high school district spending is age state finances. The district set to increase around $3 million will propose a status-quo spend- over the current-year plan of ing plan of $129 million to the $126 million. public in the coming weeks. District 30 was the only other While building aid for con- Valley Stream school district to struction related to a $41 million bond that the district issued in Continued on page 4

By PEtER BElFioRE pbelfiore@liherald.com

Peter Belfiore/Herald

Someone’s in for a cold surprise Wielding a sizable snow boulder, Giada 11, prepared her attack on Tuesday at the Edward Cahill Memorial Park after the worst of a powerful nor’easter moved out of the area. With her was friend Landon, 12. Story, more photos, Page 11.

Helping Black mothers

North teen earns grant for premature-birth research By NiColE AlCiNDoR nalcindor@liherald.com

“I was a preter m baby because I was born one month earlier than expected, and now, 17 years later, I’m trying to find out through my research project if preterm birth is linked to certain stress factors in AfricanAmerican women,” Valley Stream North High senior Ahmya McMillan said. Taking that experience, three

years ago, McMillan, who is Black, decided to look into the phenomenon of preterm births among African-American mothers in the United States, and in January, her study, “The Association Between Father Presence and Support, Neighborhood Environment and Preterm Birth in African American Women,” was awarded a New York Institute of Technology mini-research grant of $300 to help continue the project.

McMillan said she was shocked and overjoyed at how well her research was received, particularly because of her personal investment in the subject matter. “It hits close to home,” she said. McMillan began planning her project during her sophomore year for her Authentic Science Research Program class. The elective is a three-year course Continued on page 15

ight now our budget situation is in really poor shape. We’re hoping Washington does the right thing.

February 4, 2021 — VALLEY STREAM HERALD

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What’s neWs in and out of the classroom

Central HigH SCHool’S Stephanie Parkinson was selected for the NYSSMA All-State Conference concert series.

Central HigH SCHool’S Crystina Windham was selected as an alternate for the NYSSMA All-State Conference concert series.

SoutH HigH SCHool’S Maya Wilkerson was selected for the NYSSMA AllState Conference concert series.

nortH HigH SCHool’S Alena Moreira was selected for the NYSSMA All-State Conference concert series.

nortH HigH SCHool’S Garrick Neuner was selected for the NAfME AllNational Mixed Chorus.

V.S. high schoolers earn music honors Several Valley Stream high school students have received high honors in music. With five students and one alternate being selected for this year’s New York State School Music Association All-State Conference concert series, another student was selected for the NAfME AllNational Mixed Chorus. The NYSSMA All-State honorees include South High School’s Angela Lee, Zhi Lin, and Maya

Wilkerson; Central High School’s Stephanie Parkinson; and North High School’s Alena Moreira. Central’s Crystina Windham was also selected as an alternate. The students’ selection is based on their NYSSMA All-State audition scores of A+ on a level 6 All-State solo at the local NYSSMA festival in 2019. The conference, normally held in Rochester, was canceled this year. Instead, the students are part of a virtual

All-State concert. Additionally, North’s Garrick Neuner has been selected for the NAfME All-National Mixed Chorus. The students’ NYSSMA assignments are as follows: South Angela Lee- violin- Symphony Orchestra Zhi Lin -flute – Wind Ensemble

Maya Wilkerson – cello - AllState String Orchestra Central Stephanie Parkinson, Soprano 2 (Mixed Chorus) Crystina Windham, Soprano 2 (Alternate) North Alena Moreira, viola (String Orchestra)

Central students revive school newspaper A group of students have been working this school year to revive the Central High School Newspaper, “The Crier,” under the guidance of f aculty adviser Diana Liguori. In response to the newswor thy events that 2020 brought with it, students were inspired to seek a platfo r m wh e re t h e y c o u l d share their voices on the issues f acing the world today. These student writers worked to produce the first virtual edition of the paper in December 2020 on Microsoft Sway through the district’s Office 365 platform. They have been highlighting high profile stories, such as the presidential election and the social justice movements, as well as feature pieces on Central’s Performing Arts program and student-produced creative writing.

Courtesy Central High School District

Central HigH SCHool students have been working to revive the school newspaper, “The Crier.”

VALLEY STREAM HERALD — February 4, 2021

Herald ScHoolS

Former Falcons Hoops star sentenced in fatal crash By Peter Belfiore pbelfiore@liherald.com

A Nassau County judge sentenced a Valley Stream man and former South High School basketball star to five to 12 years in prison on Jan. 27 for his role in a deadly, high-speed car chase last year. Prosecutors had alleged that on March 19, 2019 at around 11:30 p.m. Dana K i n g J r. , 2 4 , o f Va l l e y Stream had been waiting outside the Valley Stream home of his ex-girlfriend Isabel Rodriguez in a black 2009 Audi when 22-year-old Jim Hayes Jr. picked her up Dana in a lime green BMW. About a block away from t h e h o u s e, Ro d r i g u e z reportedly noticed that King Jr. was following them. Prosecutors said he chased the two at high speed, at times striking the BMW, to Hempstead, where the chase ended in a deadly crash. King Jr. reportedly rammed the BMW a final time on Baldwin Avenue, causing the car to become airbor ne and crash into a tree, killing Hayes Jr. and seriously injuring Rodgriguez. King Jr.’s car spun out of control and crashed into two parked cars nearby. King Jr. was charged with secondde g ree manslaughter and seconddegree assault. He pleaded guilty on Nov. 13 to both charges. Rodriguez reportedly suffered a broken back and

arm in the crash and was treated at the Nassau University Medical Center. “Dana King’s obsession with his exgirlfriend went from stalking to a maniacal high-speed car chase in a matter of minutes and ended in a crash that per manently injured the young woman and killed Jim Hayes – just because Hayes was driving a car with her in it,” District Attorney Madeline Singas said in a statement. “This is not a case of ‘love sickness.’ This is a case of a defendant’s need to criminally control another person’s life, and Dana King senselessly killed a 22-year King Jr. old father in the process.” King Jr. graduated from South in 2016, where he had been a star player for the Falcons, according to athletic records. He went on to play for Nassau Community College from 2016 to 2018. Speaking after his plea, King Jr.’s Ro ck v i l l e C e n t re - b a s e d at t o r n e y, Michael DerGarabedian said his client has been “remorseful” since the incident, and that “having the ability to accept responsibility truly defines a person.” “He was not a criminal, and neither w a s t h e v i c t i m , ” D e r G a r ab e d i a n added. “They were young kinds that acted a little crazy and unfortunately the victim paid with his life, and my client paid with his freedom.”

News brief V.S. Kiwanis Club virtual fundraiser The Valley Stream Kiwanis Club is holding a virtual fundraiser starting on March 15 at 8:45 p.m. Those interested can purchase Double Good gourmet popcorn through the Valley Stream Kiwan-

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is pop-up store at popup.doublegood. com/s/lq7h9n19 and 50 percent of the proceeds will go to the club. The fundraiser lasts four days, and ends on March 19 at 8:45 p.m.

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HERALD HOW TO REACH US

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MAIN PHONE: (516) 569-4000 ■ WEB SITE: www.liherald.com/valleystream ■ E-MAIl: Letters and other submissions: vseditor@liherald.com ■ EDITORIAl DEPARTMENT: Ext. 282 E-mail: vseditor@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

Christina Daly/Herald

the Central high School District is set to face a loss of $1.1 million in state aid next year as New York faces a $15 billion budget deficit.

CHSD planning status-quo 2021-2022 budget tion is how much federal money will we see a loss in state aid for the upcoming get.” Timing, Kaminsky said, will be critiyear, with a reduction of nearly $150,000 cal. With an April 1 deadline to submit a from its allotment of $12.2 million for the final state spending plan, any federal aid current year. Districts 13 and promised would need to come 24 are set to see an increase of before then. $570,000, or nearly 2.8 percent, “We’re not sure how fast and roughly $276,000, or 2.6 Washington will get to it,” he percent, respectively. said. “Right now our budget State Sen. Todd Kaminsky, situation is in really poor a Democrat from Long Beach, shape. We’re hoping Washingsaid the executive budget ton does the right thing.” assumes New York would With federal unemployreceive only $6 billion in fedment benefits set to expire in eral aid from the Cares Act, mid March, however, Kaminwhich U.S. lawmakers passed sky said he anticipated a deal last March, to make up the Dr. Wayne loper before then. Still, he said, state budget deficit. with state budgets typically Whether schools receive additional funding when state lawmakers negotiated through January, February pass their final budget will depend on and March, “that’s a very tight turn around.” Washington’s next moves, he said. At that point, he said, “It’s important “We know we have a $15 billion deficit, and if we get $15 billion funding in the for the new Senate majority to make sure next Covid relief bill, the school funding Long Island gets its fair share, and we’re will be restored,” he said. “The first ques- going to fight for it.” continued from front page

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■ DISPlAY ADVERTISING: Ext. 249 E-mail: sales@liherald.com Fax: (516) 569-4643 The Valley Stream Herald USPS 005868, 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 Valley Stream Herald, 2 Endo Blvd. Garden City, NY 11530. Newsstand Price: $1 Subscription rates: $50 for 1 year within Nassau County. Out of Nassau County: $60 for 1 year. Copyright © 2021 Richner Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.

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February 4, 2021 — VALLEY STREAM HERALD

Neighbors iN the News

Garden City Antiques and Fine Arts Limited

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Photos courtesy Central High School District

South graduate Sheyla Torres won nationally in the category of Color Photography in the Photographic Society of America’s Youth Showcase Competition.

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alexander Quinn, alSo a south grad, placed Third in Monochrome Photography

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South grads win photo award and Alexander Quinn both placed third in the nation for the categories of Color Photography and Monoc h r o m e P h o t o g r a p h y, respectively. The district is proud of t h i s a c h i e ve m e n t a n d applauds both alumni on their dedication to their craft.

We Specialize in Mid Century Modern Furniture and Asian Antiques Sheyla torres

News brief Valentine’s Day zoom event Street Rootz Entertainment is holding a Valentine’s Day Zoom event on Feb. 12 at 8:30 p.m. Attendees can dance, play games and win prizes and giveaways. The event features music by DJ Fugi Slim, DJ

E-Vibez, DJ Tree, DJ Butta L, DJ UniverSoul, DJ SideHawk, The Butter Love, the Lovers Rock and the Love Jones. Those interested can join through the Zoom event link: bit.ly/lovejonesevent

516-524-6000 www.gardencityantiques.com

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Two recent graduates of South High School placed in the top three in the nation for the Photographic Society of America’s Youth Showcase Photo Competition. Due to delays as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the results for the 2020 competition were recently revealed. Graduates Sheyla Torres

• Licensed, Bonded & Insured Dealer • Member of the American Society of Appraisers • AAA Rated Member of the Better Business Bureau

VALLEY STREAM HERALD — February 4, 2021

rs 35 Yeagrity e Of Int

February 4, 2021 — VALLEY STREAM HERALD

events and activities

community update Wednesday, Feb. 3

Tuesday, Feb. 23

Valley Stream District 30 SEPTA General Meeting

Valley Stream District 13 BOE Meeting

The meeting will take place at 7 p.m. Additional information concerning meeting dates and times can be obtained by contacting Ms. Janet Carson, Clerk of the Board, at (516) 4343600, Ext. 5222.

The meeting will take place at 8 p.m. live streamed on their website. Email the district clerk at: mrosamilia@valleystream13.com to find out the location of the meeting.

Tuesday, March. 2

Thursday, Feb. 4

Village of Valley Stream’s Board of Zoning & Appeals

Alphabet soup - J is for jacket At the Henry Waldinger Memorial Library, at 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., children ages three to five with a caregiver will join together over Zoom for stories and a craft. Participants should bring something to storytime that starts with the letter J. Craft materials will be provided by the library and available for contactless curbside pick-up. Register here: https://forms.gle/Fj2QZB4i4PW5YEti7.

Friday, Feb. 5 Teen book club At the Henry Waldinger Memorial Library, at 4 to 4:45 p.m., teens will participate in book club over Zoom to discuss the book; “PEAK,” by Rolland Smith. Send an email to VSteens@nassaulibrary.org to receive Zoom information. Copies of the book will be provided for participants to pick up at the library prior to the program. Contact: young adult Librarian; Faith Kenney at VSteens@nassaulibrary.org.

Saturday, Feb. 6

The meeting will take place at 7:30 p.m. at Valley Stream Village Hall in the auditorium located at 123 South Central Avenue in Valley Stream. For questions contact Jennifer Piazza at (516) 592-5142 Monday through Friday at 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Valley Stream Central High School District BOE Meeting Courtesy Pixabay.com

Craft-Along: Valentine’s Craft The Henry Waldinger Memorial Library will have children in kindergarten to sixth grade join together over Zoom for Valentine’s Day stories and a craft on Saturday, Feb. 6 at 11 a.m. Craft-Along: Valentine’s Craft At the Henry Waldinger Memorial Library, at 11 to 11:50 a.m., children in grades kindergarten to sixth grade will join together over Zoom for Valentine’s Day stories and a Valentine’s Day craft. To receive Zoom information register here: https://forms.gle/AyriNSs8KkMY6sfY9. Program materials will be provided by the library and available for contactless pickup.

Take your child to the library day Parents and children cannot come into the Henry Waldinger Memorial library. However, the library would like to know why parents and children normally come to visit them. Fill out the Library’s poll and enter the Library’s raffle. Results will be posted on the library website and on Facebook. Contact: Jaclyn Kunz, children’s librarian; (516) 825-6422 or at kidsroomvs@nassaulibrary.org.

l l l l l

Girls who code At the Elmont Public Library, at noon to 1:30 p.m., teens in grades seven to twelve only will join together for an orientation session to prepare to learn beginner programming skills. Contact: teen services; (516) 354-5280 or at; elmontteens@elmontlibrary.org.

Monday, Feb. 8

Wednesday, Feb. 10

Valley Stream village board of trustees meeting

Valley Stream District 24 BOE Work Session

This regular meeting will take place at 7 p.m. in the Village Hall auditorium located at 123 South Central Avenue in Valley Stream. For further information, see the village board of trustees meeting schedule on the village website.

At 7:30 to 9:15 p.m., the school board meeting will take place live streamed on Facebook. Contact the district clerk, Jennifer Biscardi at (516) 434-2825 for more information about location.

Ms. K’s Read-Aloud

Thursday, Feb. 11

At the Henry Waldinger Memorial Library, at 4 to 4:45 p.m., children in kindergarten to sixth grade will join together over Zoom with children’s librarian; Ms. K, as she reads chapters from a book selected by the children. send an e-mail to kidsroomvs@nassaulibrary.org or Message the Library on Facebook for Zoom information.

Valley Stream Kiwanis Club meeting Come join the Valley Stream Kiwanis Club for its monthly scheduled meeting at 6:30 p.m. The Zoom meeting ID is: 779 5687 8356 and the password is hncgB7

At 8 p.m., watch the school board meeting over Zoom, unless otherwise stated on the district webiste. For Zoom information, refer to the district website under announcements. For more information contact the District Clerk at (516) 872-5628.

HAVinG An EVEnT? Items on the Community Update pages are listed free of charge. The Herald welcomes listings of upcoming events, community meetings and items of public interest. All submissions should include date, time and location of the event, cost, and a contact name and phone number. Submissions can be emailed to pbelfiore@liherald.com

Incorporated Village of Valley Stream’s Facebook announced COVID testing is suspended in the village. North High School senior, Ahmya McMillan received N.Y. Institute of Tech. mini-research grant award. Celebrate the Village’s physicians on Wednesday, Feb. 3--which is National Women Physician’s Day. On Thursday, Feb. 4 thank the village’s mail carriers for the National Holiday, Thank a Mail Carrier Day. On the week of February 1 to 5 the village will be collecting plastic, metal and glass.

VALLEY STREAM HERALD — February 4, 2021

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February 4, 2021 — VALLEY STREAM HERALD

Bringing local sports home every week

Herald sports High-risk sports resume with conditions By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com

Less than a week after high-risk high school sports in New York state such as basketball, football, wrestling, volleyball and competitive cheer were given the OK to proceed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, Nassau County Executive Laura Curran relayed the necessary guidance put in place by the state and approved by local health officials. At a Jan. 27 news conference at Bay Pa rk i n E a s t Ro ck aw ay, C u r r a n announced the high-risk sports guidelines that, once met, will clear the way for public and parochial schools to begin practicing for basketball, wrestling and cheer on Feb. 1, and holding games and matches as soon as Feb. 8. “I’m excited to get our kids back on the fields, courts and the rinks they love so much and to bring a little normal back into their lives,” Curran said. Some of the mandatory guidelines put in place countywide by Suffolk aren’t being mirrored by Nassau. Instead, those decisions were left to individual school districts in Nassau. These include weekly Covid-19 testing for participating athletes, coaches and others in daily contact with the teams, temperature monitoring before practices and games, and no more than two spectators per athlete for home teams. Masks must be worn at all times, unless players are unable to tolerate such a covering for the physical activity, and a minimum of 6 feet in distance between individuals must be followed at all times, with the exception of participating athletes. No sharing of equipment or drinks will be permitted, and facilities must provide sanitizer for all in attendance and be limited to 50 percent of the maximum occupancy of a particular area, inclusive of employees, patrons, players and spectators. Curran said the Nassau County Department of Health would conduct spot compliance checks at random schools to ensure safety guidelines are being followed. On Jan. 26, Nassau’s athletic directors held a meeting with Section VIII, the governing body for high school athletics in the county, to discuss a return to play for basketball, wrestling and cheer. Section VIII also conducted a conference call with school superintendents that same morning. Section VIII Executive Director Pat Pizzarelli said with athlete participation the primary goal this winter, there would be no playoffs for basketball and no postseason for wrestling. Basketball teams will play an eight-game season, while wrestling will conduct dual meets only. “We want the largest number of kids playing in the most number of games, and this was the way to do it,” Pizzarelli

said. Baldwin has already decided to have all high-risk athletes and coaches tested weekly and will not be permitting spectators, Athletic Director Ed Ramirez said. The district is planning to livestream basketball games and wrestling matches. “I’m excited to see our winter student athletes, especially our seniors, back competing,” Ramirez said. “Although they will not get the full experience, they have an opportunity to represent their school one last time, be with their teammates and enjoy their passion.” The Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District does not plan to mandate testing, Athletic Director Eric Caballero said. It will allow two spectators per home athlete, with no fans from visiting teams permitted. The Sewanhaka Central High School District is following the same criteria for testing and spectators, said Athletic Director Matt McLees. The Valley Stream Central High School District will not allow fans for basketball and wrestling, but Athletic Director Scott Steuber said the topic will be revisited for sports set to begin March 1, such as football, soccer, volleyball and field hockey. “I’m thrilled that we’re going to be starting all of our sports,” Pizzarelli said. “We haven’t had any Covid spread with the sports that began Jan. 4. Now we’re starting basketball and wrestling. BaSkETBaLL, aLONg wITh other high-risk winter I’ll be honest, I’m concerned cheer, were cleared to begin practicing Feb. 1. about wrestling. I spoke to our athletic administrators. They need to stress to their coaches they need to be diligent in keeping the safety of our student-athletes as the No. 1 priority, which is what we always do in athletics.” Pizzarelli added each school district would make a determination whether to compete in the high-risk winter sports or not. He said only Uniondale, which is in full remote learning mode, has opted out so far. Lawrence flipped its decision on winter sports and will be competing. Traditional fall sports, including football, soccer, girls’ tennis, cross-country, volleyball, field hockey and girls’ swimming, are slated to begin practice March 1. Spring sports, such as lacrosse, baseball, softball, boys’ tennis, track and field, girls’ badminton and boys’ golf, are set to start April 22.

NaSSau COuNTY ExECuTIvE Laura Curran said individual school districts could decide on Covid-19 testing for athletes and coaches.

J. Heck/Herald

sports such as wrestling and competitive

Christina Daly/Herald

VALLEY STREAM HERALD — February 4, 2021

Fried Mac & Cheese Balls Only Cabot farmers’ best packs the bold flavor wo hy of a winning game day spread.

For the Macaroni and Cheese:

For the Fried Macaroni Balls:

2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni

2 eggs

3 Tbsp. Cabot Salted Bu er

1 cup garlic and herb breadcrumbs

1 Tbsp. garlic, minced 3 Tbsp. flour 1½ cups milk 16 oz. Cabot Seriously Sharp Cheddar, shredded (about 4 cups)

1½ qts. canola oil ¼ cup buffalo sauce Blue cheese or Ranch dressing for dipping

Salt and pepper to taste To make the Macaroni and Cheese: BOIL pasta until tender. Drain. MELT bu er in large pot and sauté garlic. Whisk in flour for 1 min until smooth. WHISK in milk & stir until smooth and thickened. Stir in cheese. Season with S&P. Add cooked noodles. Stir to coat. Transfer to a 7” x 11” casserole and cool. Cover and refrigerate 1-2 hrs. To make the Fried Macaroni Balls: HEAT oil in large pot or fryer to 375 F. WHISK eggs in a shallow bowl. Pour breadcrumbs in a separate shallow bowl. SCOOP 2 Tbsp cold mac & cheese and form into a tight ball with hands. Roll in eggs and then breadcrumbs until evenly coated. Repeat. Place on foil-lined baking sheet. FRY, up to 3 at a time, in hot oil until golden (1-2 min). Transfer to towel-lined plate. DRIZZLE with buffalo sauce & serve with blue cheese or ranch. Enjoy!

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February 4, 2021 — VALLEY STREAM HERALD

Herald Inside LI hosts cutting expenses webinar By Nicole AlciNdor nalcindor@liherald.com

The Covid-19 pandemic caused millions of Americans to lose their jobs in 2020, and as a result, many found that their worst financial fears became their reality. Even though many Americans never lost their jobs and some have found new ones, a growing number of people have been preoccupied by fear because they worry about being able to keep their jobs during the worst economic c a l a m i t y s i n c e t h e G re at Depression. For many, pulling money from their savings accounts is the only way to survive, while others wished they had saved more emergency money, or they don’t know where to begin to start cutting expenses. With many Long Islanders grappling with these financial concerns, Herald Inside LI held a free infor mational Zoom webinar on Jan. 28 to discuss reducing expenditures. The webinar, which was sponsored by Edward Jones, Emigrant Mortgage, EmPower VeroNicA Solar, Maidenbaum Property Ferrero Tax Reduction Group and Geico, featured a panel of Assistant Vice expert speakers, who discussed President, simple ways to save money. DisEmigrant Mortgage cussion topics ranged from paying off credit card debt and getting finances in order to information about how to refinance loans with lower rates, ways to save on electric bills and how to grieve property taxes.

n the same way that you would plan a Super Bowl dinner for friends and family, I recommend that people plan if they want to budget.

The importance of an emergency fund

“Last year, it was eye-opening to see how many people lost their jobs, and many people learned the hard way that having emergency funds set aside is so important,” said Marie Taylor, a 20-year financial adviser at Edward Jones. “People need to know that you’re never too young to start saving because people can go into foreclosure if they can’t make payments.” As someone who helps people manage people’s finances on a daily basis, Taylor said her usual approach when helping new clients to start a budget worksheet is to help them understand their savings, investments and income. The worksheet, she said, includes four key questions: ■ Where am I today? ■ Where do I need to go?

■ Can I get there? ■ What do I need to reach that goal? “I tell my clients that it’s important to look at where your money is coming from and to make sure they know the risks, recognize strategies and that they should understand what their goals and aspirations are,” Taylor said. “It’s also important that people make sure that they have a financial adviser that is focused on the people they serve. If a financial adviser is not explaining costs or checking on your investments, and they are telling you what they think you need while failing to find out your background information, you might want to get a different financial adviser.”

Making a plan

Another guest panelist, Veronica Ferrero, who is the assistant vice president and community lending

Courtesy Herald Inside LI

HerAld iNside li held a free Zoom webinar on how to reduce expenses amid the coronavirus pandemic last Thursday. coordinator at Emigrant Mortgage Company Inc., said her job involves helping people to create a plan that reviews their credit report to see if it is up to date and without errors. She also looks at credit cards to make sure the interest rate is the lowest possible. “Whenever someone closes or opens a savings account, it will affect their credit score,” she said. “A lot of people have credit cards that they don’t use, and they don’t realize that this will affect their credit score and that they should be diligent about paying their credit card payments when they are due.” Ferrero also said she spends time evaluating her clients’ mortgages to aid them in discovering new ways to save in various areas, such as in their utility, phone and car insurance bills. She also aids people in looking at their long-term goals and deciding if taking out a home equity mortgage or line of credit would be the most sensible decision, based on a case-by-case analysis. With the ongoing pandemic, she also said, interest rates are low, and now is an opportune time to refinance and renovate homes. “In the same way that you would plan a Super Bowl dinner for friends and family, I recommend that people plan if they want to budget, and through my job, I want to help people to realize through an analysis process, specifically where their money goes on a monthly basis,” she said. “This is a challenging process, but most people are glad when they do this, and they are better able to see where they can better save money.” Taylor and Ferrero both added that people should look for interest rates on their student loans to help budget better. “It’s important to do research on programs and to look for companies to help you to do this,” Ferrero stressed. “Speak to someone who will sit down and listen to you and be disciplined about this, and don’t get distracted,” Taylor said. Tara McDermott, director of customer experience and stakeholder relations at EmPower Solar, said her company serves about 3,000 clients. EmPower Solar aims to help consumers save on electric bills by help-

ing them install solar panels. “Now, more than ever, people are more conscious of an increase in electric bills because people are spending more time in their homes, and therefore they are using up more energy due to the pandemic,” she said. “The average home on Long Island pays $250 a month on their electric bill, and our goal is to get homeowners to save money through the installation of solar panels on their roof. About one in every 22 houses on Long Island have solar panels now.” Having solar panel consultation with EmPower Solar, McDermott said, is free. It will take place over Zoom to discuss how much solar panels will cost on a case-by-case basis and answer any other questions for those considering going solar. “We stress to our clients that having solar panels does not increase taxes, but third-party studies have shown that it does add about $20,000 to the value of the home,” she said. “Around 15 percent of clients have a battery backup system for their solar panels—which will allow them to power their house during a power outage for an unlimited amount of time. This is great because clients can be prepared for an emergency, similar to another Superstorm Sandy.”

Filing a grievance

As the Zoom meeting was ending, guest speaker Mark Miller, in-house counsel at Maidenbaum Property Tax Reduction Group, made a few remarks. “All residential homeowners should file a grievance, and anybody who has a renovation on their house should file and see if they qualify, but they should keep in mind that solar panels don’t count as a renovation in these instances,” he said. “Also, if you double your house size through renovation, you won’t get the home improvement exemption. You might be considered a whole new property at that point.” The recording for this cutting expenses webinar can be found at liherald.com/recordings. The next Herald Inside LI webinar will be Thursday, Feb. 4, at 10 a.m., and will look at estate and Medicaid planning.

HERALD

Covid-19 HOMETOWN HERO

VALLEY STREAM HERALD — February 4, 2021

SCOTT WILLIAMS

ELMONT Senior Pastor, Memorial Presbyterian Church, Roosevelt

O Photos by Peter Belfiore/Herald

Monday’s nor’easter produced blizzard-like conditions in the morning. siblings nick and Giada, 13 and 12, enjoyed their second snow day in a row on Tuesday after the worst of the storm subsided.

A massive nor’easter out of the west slammed Valley Stream on Monday, dumping roughly 20 inches of snow and producing blizzard-like. With strong winds, the storm had become so severe that Gov. Andrew Cuomo declared a state of emergency in 44 counties. The Long Island Railroad announced it would begin to suspend service at around 2:30 p.m. Trains resumed at 4 a.m. the next day as the storm let up. Valley Stream was among the communities hard hit by the storm, with near whiteout conditions in the morning on Monday. All four school districts announced their closure to both in-person and remote learning on Sunday afternoon. Schools remained closed on Tuesday. Village snow removal crews began salting the roads on Sunday evening and remained on plowing duty through

Tuesday. “We are watching all conditions for the duration of the storm,” he said, and asked that residents keep their cars off the streets and to blow snow onto their properties and not onto the streets. Residents said they had seen a number of snow plows come by throughout Sunday night, but the frequency had slowed by mid-day Monday. “Saw many plows earlier. None in the last couple of hours,” resident Roy Anderson said. “Too much to keep up with.” Fare said blowing winds and snow drifts have posed a challenge to crews. By Monday evening plows were out in force, salting and plowing side streets as well as main thoroughfares. Temperatures began to rise on Monday evening and continued to stay above freezing through Tuesday. Main thoroughfares were mostly clear by Tuesday around noon as plows continued to work on clearing side streets.

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vaccination event available at Belmont Park last week. We called everyone we could to let them know how they can sign up. We had an elderly couple that qualified for the vaccine, but they were having trouble making an appointment. So we helped guide them through the process, and they’ll be coming to get their first dose of the vaccine today. I’m a Covid-19 survivor. I got sick and was hospitalized in March. My own father-in-law passed away from this disease. We’ve had members of our congregation get sick, recover or who passed away from Covid. It means a lot to see people who look like me be able to receive the vaccine.

HERALD HOMETOWN HERO

Winter nor’easter wallops Valley Stream by peter belfiore

ur church services residents in Roosevelt, Hempstead, Baldwin, Freeport and Uniondale. This pandemic has disproportionately impacted our communities, communities of color. It’s ravaged and devastated us. The vaccine has been out for more than six weeks now, but Blacks and Latinos have had to go through hurdles to have access to it. Northwell Health reached out to us last year to open up a free testing facility, so I’m grateful that they came back to us now to ask if we could host a vaccination site for our residents. We reached out to our communities to let them know what was going on. There’s always been a communication breakdown with Black and Latino communities since the pandemic began. Our communities get overlooked. I live in Elmont, but didn’t even know they had a

HERALD Covid-19 HOMETOWN HEROES LISSA NELSON

DR. MARC SICLICK

VALLEY STREAM Employee Health Manager, LIJ Valley Stream

LAWRENCE Volunteer, Nassau County Medical Reserve Corps

art of my role here as an employee health nurse is really making sure our employees are in an optimal state of health, especially when it comes to being able to work and deliver care to our patients. Part of that is making sure that they’re vaccinated and protected, and certainly one of the biggest challenges we have this year is managing Covid. So it’s been a godsend that we have the vaccines now. We’re making sure we have the logistics together — we support that effort. We’re not the only players, but we certainly play a role. It’s an all-hands-on-deck effort from pharmacists, administration to our nursing staff and environmental staff; everybody is involved in getting this out. We have to set up the vaccination pods, we need support from other departments, and everyone is engaged

in making sure our employees are getting vaccinated. For me, with employee health, we’re engaged with every employee in the building. We’re also instrumental in getting the message out, encouraging folks to get the vaccine and dispelling any myths or rumors, and being available to support them. For example, some employees might have an allergic reaction. It doesn’t mean they can’t get the second dose of vaccine, but we’ll get them an appointment with an allergist, so that when they do get the second dose, they’ll have expert insight. The allergist will let us know whether the employee should be getting the second dose, give us important information and resources, and help us leverage those resources so our employees are safe.

HERALD HOMETOWN HERO LAURA CURRAN

NASSAU COUNTY EXECUTIVE

combination of factors brought me into the world of Covid. I have a background in immunology, and co-authored one of the earliest papers on what became pediatric AIDS. That gave me experience in both treating a new disease as it was unfolding, and in dealing with a growing epidemic. The second factor was that I had a son walk out of the World Trade Center, and this led to me accepting the position of liaison of the Village of Lawrence to the Nassau County Office of Emergency Management. And because of that, I also joined the Nassau County Medical Reserve Corps. With that background, last March, Lawrence Mayor Alex Edelman asked me to write an email to residents about this new disease, defining it as I saw it, and with my best

guesses for the future and my best advice for staying safe. My involvement grew from there. My goal is to have people fully understand what they need to do to protect themselves while trying to live as normal a life as possible, and to have them understand and be a partner in their health care should they be infected. And of course, to make sure that people know what their options are. This epidemic has changed me tremendously. It has made me appreciate stability in life. If Covid never came, I would not have appreciated its absence. I now fully understand that things can always be worse, and I’ve learned to be thankful that they're not, even if I don't know from what I have been spared.

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THEIR FRONT-LINE STORIES IN THEIR OWN WORDS FRANKLIN SQUARE Pharmacist, Rockville Centre/ West Hempstead Pharmacy

NEW ROCHELLE Asst. VP Clinical Operations, Catholic Health’s Mercy Hospital, Rockville Centre

VALLEY STREAM HERALD — February 4, 2021

MARY VUKADIN

CHRIS CELLS

oversee the entire vaccination process at Catholic Health’s Mercy Hospital. My team and I work 12 to 14 hours a day throughout the process. It’s been hard on everyone, but for me it’s rewarding to have the opportunity to do this for the employees and the community. Throughout this time, I’ve realized that the hospital is really a microcosm of society. The hospital isn't just in the community — we are the community. So, these very long days don’t feel like a chore or a drag, because getting the vaccine is so important. We feel, at the end of the day, we’ve achieved something that is well-meaning and good for everyone. I have a dichotomy of feelings about the pandemic. On one side, it’s very upsetting. At one point during the height of the pandemic, I would come home and cry every day. I lost

friends, and I haven’t been able to see my niece who was born last year, because we want to protect her from potential exposure. But then, on the other side, in April and May, local businesses, houses of worship and residents were showering our facility with meals, artwork, personal care items and other gifts. That level of thoughtfulness and generosity is something I never expected, and will never forget. We take care of the community, and for them to reciprocate like that and take care of us means a lot. As hard as it was, the positivity, compassion and love we were shown trumps all of that.

've been helping Howard Jacobson get our stores ready to get the vaccines delivered and to get set up with all the new requirements to be able to distribute this vaccine, because it’s definitely very different than any of the others we’ve done before. We plan to do it in all of our stores if we can, but we just started it out in Rockville Centre, just to kind of gauge how we’re going to be doing this going forward. We’re really happy that it’s actually going to be all the seniors that are going to be getting it from us, because they're the ones who are going to have the hardest time getting to the clinic and waiting in line at the medical center for hours. It’s been difficult for me, mostly because my parents aren’t able to help out with my

HERALD HOMETOWN HERO

daughter as much because I’m concerned with exposing them. I have a 7-year-old who’s in second grade, and she's in and out of school, and there are times where they close in-person, so just trying to coordinate all of that while making sure that I’m able to go to work, take care of my patients and make sure everybody is getting what they need has been challenging. I just want to do as much as possible to help others. None of this would've been possible without my wonderful team I work with at West Hempstead Pharmacy and Rockville Centre Pharmacy.

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February 4, 2021 — VALLEY STREAM HERALD

He’s moving up in the ranks

North High School graduate is promoted to Air Force chief master sergeant NortH HiGH sCHool graduate Thomas Carpino, right, was promoted to chief master sergeant last month. He received a proclamation from Lt. Col. Nathan Bump.

By Nakeem GraNt ngrant@liherald.com

When Malvernite Thomas Carpino joined the Air Force in August 2001, his parents, the Rev. Thomas and Kathy Carpino, recalled, he was as eager as any teenager to serve his country. A 2000 graduate of Valley Stream North High School, Tom attended Nassau Community College for a semester, but decided that he wasn’t a good fit for college. “He jumped right in and signed up for six years to serve,” his father said of Tom’s decision to volunteer for service. “He went in at a peaceful time, thinking that he’d be able to go in and experience the military life. As you can ima gine, tHe rev. everything tHomas changed.” CarpiNo After the Sept. 11 attacks, Malverne Tom was quickly deployed overseas to Iraq. His passion and eagerness, however, never wavered. “For us, as parents, we prayed him through a lot of those deployments,” his father said. “In all honesty, his character fit him well for the responsibility that he ended up having, especially the danger that he faced. His temperament and his personality went well with the challenges that he faced out there.” Carpino, 38, who is now stationed at Fort Dix in Trenton, N.J., was promoted to chief master sergeant last month. His parents said they were amazed at how fast he progressed up the ranks. “I think he moved up faster than most people because of the experience he had in ground-force specialist training,” his father said. “We were very proud of him to see him achieve that, but it was scary at the same time, because the danger was there.” When Carpino returned to Fort Dix from overseas in 2006, his leaders asked him to write up a training manual for military combat in a residential zone. He spent the following four years training troops at Fort Dix who had completed boot camp elsewhere, preparing them to fight in Iraq. “You’re talking about military combat in an urban zone,” his father said. “We’ve never had that before until this war, and that requires specialized training. That was hard for him, but he put his time in and he did the hard work.” Carpino went on to earn an associate’s degree as an instructor in technologies and military service at the Community College of the Air Force in 2008, a bachelor’s in workforce education and development at Southern Illi-

e put his time in and he did the hard work.

Photos courtesy Kathy Carpino

major awards and decorations ■ Defense Meritorious Service Medal ■ Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters

■ Air Force Organizational Excellence Award with five oak leaf clusters

■ Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster

■ 2009 USAF Expeditionary Center Safety Team of the Year, Fort Dix, N.J.

■ Air Force Achievement Medal

■ 2018 Air Force Outstanding Large Security Forces Unit Award, MacDill Air Force Base, Fla.

■ Meritorious Unit Award tHomas CarpiNo, 38, has served in the U.S. Air Force for nearly 20 years. nois University in 2014, and a master’s in organizational leadership at Colorado State University in 2017. He and his wife, Pamela, have a 5-year-old daughter, Lucy Anabelle. His mother said that watching him become a man so quickly was a remarkable experience. “I guess that for me, that’s been much more telescoped because of his leadership abilities,” she said. “He’s taken so many different classes and courses in leadership, and that has propelled him to where he is now at such a young age.”

with Valor Device

■ Air Force Outstanding Unit Award

His steady climb up the ranks ■ Airman basic, June 2001

■ Technical sergeant, 2009

■ Airman first class, July 2001

■ Master sergeant, 2012

■ Senior airman, 2003

■ Senior master sergeant, 2018

■ Staff sergeant, 2006

■ Chief master sergeant, 2020

North H.S. senior earns research grant that allows students, beginning in sophomore year, to pick a topic, develop a hypothesis and work closely with a mentor to research the subject. For her project, McMillan examined whether three environmental stress variables could be linked to an increase in preter m births among AfricanAmerican mothers, including:

1. If an African-American mother has had contact with her biological father. 2. If she has had contact with the father of her unborn baby. 3. If she lives in a neighborhood with high eviction rates.

If mothers lacked contact with both their own fathers and the fathers of their children, ahMya and lived in areas McMillan with high evicSenior, tion rates, McMillan hypothesized, North High School it might increase their chances of giving birth to their babies prematurely. “Researchers do predict that stress can cause preterm birth, so we picked African-American women because they tend to encounter these stresses more than their white counterparts,” McMillan said. “Even though I grew up in a household with both my parents who raised me, my mom grew up in a single-parent household, and I also have many Black friends that are growing up in single-parent households, so I know this affects my fellow Black community, and through my project I want to do everything in my power to help.” Roughly 64 percent of Black children in America lived in a single-parent household in 2019, according to the Annie E. Casey Foundation, a research non-profit that focuses on at-risk children across the country. This was compared to 42 percent of Hispanic or Latino children and 24 percent of white and non-Hispanic children living in single-parent households. For her research, McMillan worked with Dr. Shawnita Sealy-Jefferson, of the Social Epidemiology to Eliminate Disparities Lab at Ohio State University. Together, they used data collected from “The life Cohort Study,” which Sealy-Jefferson was a part of, for which researchers surveyed women across the country about stress levels and environmental factors. The two looked at the data to find commonalities among Black women in relation to the three stress variables in McMillan’s hypothesis.

Christina Daly/Herald

Courtesy Ahmya McMillan

Courtesy Dr. Shawnita Sealy-Jefferson

McMillan, who was born a month early, was inspired to look into the topic by her personal experience.

Dr. shawnita sealy-Jefferson, of Ohio State University, was McMillan’s mentor for the research.

“We expect to see that if all three variables play a role in an African-American mother’s life, they will be more likely to have a preterm baby,” McMillan said. “There’s always a chance that my expected results might not be the outcome, but it’s important that we still put the research out there because maybe one day someone else can take my research and evolve it and make it into something that can ultimately lead to helping AfricanAmerican women.” “This project is important because it focuses on a segment of our population that has been made vulnerable to multiple oppressions, and seeks to uncover new knowledge about risk and protective factors for a long-standing public health issue,” Sealy-Jefferson said, noting that the causes of the increased risk of preterm birth in Black women still have not been clearly identified. “This research project is timely and novel and could give us important insights into unique experiences that Black women have that lead to or protect against preterm birth.” McMillan also credited Authentic Science Research teacher Michael Frazer

with helping and guiding her to persevere while working on her project. Frazer said that, once her project is complete, McMillan will submit her findings at the Long Island Science and Engineering Fair, and she will present them at

a science symposium for North seniors at the end of the year. “Regardless of what university Ahmya ends up in after graduation, and whether she continues research in this field or not, her work ethic and positive attitude indicate to me that she will be very successful and she will make a positive impact in our society,” he said. McMillan said she hopes researchers pick up her study and expand on it, because the outcome could lead to more advanced mental, physical, psychological and gynecological health programs to help pregnant African-American women and decrease premature births among them. Although McMillan has yet to decide which college she will attend next fall, she has been accepted to nearly a dozen. She hopes to study law and eventually attend law school. She also hopes to continue conducting various research projects throughout her college years. “I have realized just how crucial and important research is,” she said. “I hope that in my future, I can help people who can’t help themselves by advocating for them.”

Public Notices

LVAL1 0204

LEGAL NOTICE Notice is hereby given that an order granted by the supreme court Nassau county, on the 5th day of January 2021 Bearing Index Number 614980/20 copy of which ay be examined at the office of the clerk located at 240 old country Road, Mineola, NY 11501. Grants me the right to assume the name Aysha Somra. The city and state of my present address is 134 Stuart Ave, Valley Stream,New York11580. the month and year of my

birthdate are December 13,1980 the place of my birth was town of Hyderabad, state of Sind, in the country of Pakistan, my present name is Aysha Faisal 124578

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT: NASSAU COUNTY. L&L ASSOCIATES HOLDING CORP., Pltf. vs. BARRY J. STITCH, et al, Defts. Index #17-001741. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale dated July 3, 2018, I will sell at public auction at the Calendar

Control Part (CCP) Courtroom of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Dr., Mineola, NY on March 4, 2021 at 2:30 p.m. prem. k/a School District 24, Section 42, Block 272 and Lot 7. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale and the right of the United States of America to redeem within 120 days from the date of sale as provided by law. Foreclosure auction will be held “rain or shine.” If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or

there are other health or safety concerns, then the court appointed referee will cancel the auction. JEFFREY HALBREICH, Referee. LEVY & LEVY, Attys. for Pltf., 12 Tulip Dr., Great Neck, NY. #98691 124186

PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES… Printed in this publication can be found online. To search by publication name, go to: www.newyorkpublicnotices.com TO PLACE AND AD CALL 516-569-4000 x 232

VALLEY STREAM HERALD — February 4, 2021

north high school senior Ahmya McMillan’s research into preterm births among AfricanAmerican women grew out of North’s Authentic Science Research Program.

continued from front page

esearchers do predict that stress can cause preterm birth, so we picked AfricanAmerican women because they tend to encounter these stresses more than their white counterparts.

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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 LOGISTICIAN, FAMILY SERVICES Program Analyst, Hempstead, NY. Bachelor Degree required+ 1 year experience. Email resume to: Henrysele@hotmail.com Iyaho Social Services, Inc. OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR / SALES SUPPORT. F/T, Must Know Microsoft Office Suite, Have Strong Verbal & Written Communication Skills And Be A Multi Tasker And Practical Problem Solver. Salary Commensurate With Experiemce. email resume to liz@sdmmetro.com.

OFFICE/ FULL CHARGE BOOKKEEPER F/T

Office Manager, Quickbooks, Email, Microsoft-word/ People Skills. Customer Service. Beach Club/ Atlantic Beach. Call: 516-239-2150 Or Email: catalinabeachclub1@gmail.com

OFFICE HELP WANTED: MANY POSITIONS AVAILABLE

$22.50 PER HOUR PLUS MEDICAL/DENTAL. Employment type: Full time /Overtime available Multiple Shifts Available LOOKING TO HIRE TODAY!!! No Lay offs! WILL TRAIN. CALLAHEAD OFFERS 2 WEEKS PAID VACATION, HOLIDAY S , 4 0 1 K , A N D H E A LT H A N D DENTAL BENEFITS. PLEASE APPLY IN PERSON MONDAY- FRIDAY AT 304 CROSS BAY BLVD, QUEENS NY 11693

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

Long Beach

Newly Listed Lido Towers

HOME OF THE WEEK

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

ery large on high floor 2 bedroom 2 full bath with tons of closets and open floor plan. Featuring balcony with NYC skyline views! You are situated on 13 acres with beach access for residents. This gated community has incredible amenities: Private beach, 24/7 concierge, outdoor in-ground heated pool, 3 new tennis courts, brand new BBQ area, beach and bike storage, gym, 2l laundry rooms on every floor, 1 parking spot plus plenty of guest parking! Come Live On The Ocean!

SALES P/T 2 Days Per Week For Window Covering Store In Oceanside. Computer Knowledge, Some Sales Experience Nec. mlcwc89@aol.com SEWING MACHINE OPERATOR For Awning Manufacturing Business. Experienced With Commercial Sewing Machines Necessary. 516-250-8094; tgawnings@aol.com TAX PREPARER P/T Franklin Square Experience Needed. Retirees Welcome. C a l l 5 1 6 - 3 5 8 - 9 4 5 5 Fa x R e s u m e 516 358-9483. Email Resume: ed@loturco.com.

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

Call the USA Classified Network today!

1-800-231-6152

Tom Tripodi 30A West Park Avenue, Long Beach • 516.902.3497

Sherlock Homes Sherlock Homes ROCKVILLE CENTRE PROPERTIES CL

D SE

126 RUTLAND AVE, RVC $640,000 - Listing Agent CL

D SE

2 HENDRICKSON AVE, RVC $655,000 - Listing Agent CL

House For Sale

Apartments Wanted

HEWLETT BAY PARK 40 Heron Dr, NEW TO MARKET!! 10,000 Sq Ft Waterfront Proper ty 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 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman RE 516-238-4299

Reliable, mature professional looking for a reasonably priced one or two bedroom apartment in a building or private home. Excellent credit. Excellent references. Same employer for 20 years. Would be willing to do upkeep for a frequent traveling homeowner. Please reply to HeraldApt1@gmail.com

HEWLETT HARBOR 105 Lake Dr, NEW TO MARKET!! Spectaular Water & Golf Course Views. 4 BR, 4.5 Bth 4500 sq Ft Contemporary w/ Open Layout & Soaring Ceilings, 2 Car Gar, SD#14..$1,995,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman RE 516-238-4299

CoOps & Condos/Sale

140 VERNON AVE, RVC $749,000 - Broker Agent

37 ANDOVER RD, RVC $1,150,000 - Broker Agent

1119678

Help Wanted

43 N. Park Ave. Rockville Centre • 516-764-2601

“Going Above & Beyond to find your Dream Home”

Rhonda Healy

M: (516) 236-7269

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

REAL ESTATE Open Houses EAST ROCKAWAY 1 Thompson Dr, OPEN HOUSE BY APPT, 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 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman RE 516-238-4299

OneKey Multiple Listing Service

1114108

EMPLOYMENT

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

Help Wanted

Open Houses 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

LAWRENCE PRESTINE CO-OP 2 Bds, 2 Baths, Completely Renovated Kicthen & Baths,Terrace, Garage, Near House Of Worship, Great Area. For Sale By Owner. 516-313-9694

APARTMENT WANTED

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

Space For Rent FREEPORT 2500 SQ. FT. Industrial Area Perfect For Car, Storage. Can Be Divided Bill. 516-641-6645.

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

VALLEY STREAM HERALD — February 4, 2021

Employment HERALDHomes

Replacing the front steps

Homes

Ronnie Gerber 516-238-4299 OPEN HOUSES BY APPOINTMENT SUNdAY, 2/7/21 e s t. 1 9 1 1

HEWLETT

154 Midgely Dr, BA, Updated 4 BR, 3 Bth Colonial on Quiet St in Old Woodmere area. SD#14. Full Bsmt.Near All ................. $659,000

HEWLETT BAY PARK

40 Heron Dr, BA, 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 ............................................................ REDUCED $1,650,000

HEWLETT HARBOR

NEW EXCLUSIVE! 7 BR, 4 Bth Exp Ranch w/ Full Fin Bsmt on Quiet St in SD#20. 2 Car Att Gar. Won’t Last ............................ $1,198,000 105 Lake Dr, BA, NEW TO MARKET!! Spectaular Water & Golf Course Views. 4 BR, 4.5 Bth 4500 sq Ft Contemporary w/ Open Layout & Soaring Ceilings, 2 Car Gar, SD#14 ..................$1,995,000 236 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

WOOdSBURGH

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

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

WOOdMERE

1 Meadow Dr #2B, BA, NEW TO MARKET! Updated 2 BR Coop in Elevator Bldg. Spacious Rms, Hi Ceiling. Prime location ... $289,000

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)

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

ApArtments For rent Freeport-Luxury 1BR, CAC, Walk to LIRR ........ $2300+ Freeport-NW 2 BR, Immediate Occupancy. $2100+ LyNbrook-MiNt 2 BR, Laundry ........................ $2400+

broker - 516-378-2884

1116846

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

DO YOU KNOW HOW MUCH YOUR HOME IS WORTH?

Call for Your FREE Home Market evaluation now!

Lisa a. Fava CBR, sRs, aBR

LiCensed assoCiate BRokeR

50 Hempstead avenue Lynbrook, nY

516-815-2434

1116815

HERALD

1119505

February 4, 2021 — VALLEY STREAM HERALD

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East Meadow $535,000 Gerose Court. Ranch. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Finished basement. Eat-in kitchen. L-shaped dining room. Den/family room. First floor master bedroom. Taxes: $14,038.09 Elmont $429,000 Oakley Avenue. Colonial. 3 bedrooms,1 bathroom. Finished basement. Eat-in kitchen. Formal dining room. Taxes: $12,578 Island Park $490,000 Brighton Road. Colonial. 4 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms. Updated kitchen. Large living room. Formal dining room. Two family rooms, one with vaulted ceiling and terrace. Close to LIRR and schools. Taxes: $9,402.04 Long Beach $650,000 Monroe Boulevard. Duplex. 6 bedrooms, 2.55 bathrooms. Eat-in kitchen. First floor master bedroom. Skylight. Many updates. Taxes: $17,196.96

Herald

Home Sales A sampling of recent sales in the area

Baldwin $465,000 Grand Terrace Avenue. Fieldstone/brick Cape. 3 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms. Partial finished basement. Updated eat-in kitchen with custom cabinets, granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. Formal dining room. Den/family room. Oak floor in living room. Open front porch and brick patio. Park-like backyard. Taxes: $11,674.67 Bellmore $575,000 Florin Court. Contemporary. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Eat-in kitchen with quartz countertops and stainless steel appliances. Open layout. Entry off kitchen to Trex deck. Master with full bathroom, walk-in closet and bonus room. Home office. Deeded dock rights. 2 car garage. Taxes: $9,307.31

Malverne $435,000 Nassau Avenue. Ranch. 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom. Eat-in kitchen. Large formal dining room. First floor master bedroom. Taxes: $12,145.77 Rockville Centre $950,000 Berkshire Road. Colonial. 4 bedrooms, 4.555 bathrooms. Finished basement. Eat-in kitchen. Formal dining room. Den/family room. First floor master bedroom. Skylight. Taxes: $35,391.23 Valley Stream $775,000 Kearny Drive. Split Level. 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms. Eatin kitchen. Formal dining room. Den/family room and home office. Near shopping and transportation. Taxes: $16,718 Woodmere $563,000 West Broadway. Colonial. 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms. Eatin kitchen. Taxes: $16,816.54 Source: The Multiple Listing Service of Long Island Inc,, a computerized network of real estate offices serving Nassau, Suffolk, Queens, and Brooklyn.

Q. Why do my replacement steps need to be lower than my house foundation? I live near the water, and we dug a hole to put in a new foundation for the front steps that will be bigger than the old ones. We found the groundwater came up at 30 inches, so we stopped digging, but the inspector said our plans showed 36 inches minimum. The house foundation is at 30 inches also, so why are we digging lower? They did it, but I can’t understand. A. This is a very uplifting topic. The deep question and answer are actually simple and not too deep after all. Science, if followed, can aid in survival against the forces of nature that perpetually exist. The reason your foundation needs to be lower is that water, when it freezes, expands as ice. So what does that have to onte eeper do with a big ol’ heavy chunk of concrete, you may ask? Well, the ground absorbs rain droplets, humidity and underground streams, all various forms of water just waiting to expand when the temperature drops below 32 degrees Fahrenheit or 0 degrees Celsius. Frost begins to form, first at the surface and then further and further down below ground level the longer the air temperature remains at or below freezing. In this part of the world, the average depth of freezing consistently reaches 3 feet, and only slowly thaws when the air temperature rises. The foundation should always have a wide base, or footing, that spreads out at the bottom, and needs to be below the 3-foot depth to resist the phenomenon of heaving. This is because, as the frost builds and expands, the moisture, in all its various forms (I just mentioned), begins to expand and crowd out the foundation of your home, or front steps, or anything else in its way. Think of it like a big zit being forced to the surface from all directions. When this happens, all the man-made structures in the ground begin to lift, sway, crack and separate in different directions. You have about as much chance of preventing it as you would of standing against a strong tidal wave on the beach, but since the heaving happens in slow motion, it seems to not be well recognized, because this problem comes up all the time on construction sites. Believe it or not, even large buildings, like skyscrapers and shopping malls, are vulnerable to uplift from soil expansion, so it’s not just your front steps or your comparatively smaller building. Workers who don’t understand the science can create some easily avoidable problems. The reason your house foundation is closer to the surface is probably because it’s tied to deep piers, called piles, that may go down 25 feet below the surface. The adjacent concrete foundation, anchored to the piles, should still have gone down to 36 inches, but at least the existing footings are held to something that may resist the uneven lifting.

Ask The Architect

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

Market Place • • To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5 If Your Plumbing STINKS

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VALLEY STREAM HERALD — February 4, 2021

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– Licensed & Insured Page 2 is 4C constructed in InDesign. This page estImates...call romeo 1066253 is a PDFFree exported from page 2 andanthony converted to grayscale. Use 600 dpi for exporting.

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February 4, 2021 — VALLEY STREAM HERALD

HERALD

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Home Improvement

Miscellaneous

SERVICES

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

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Cleaning Services

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Plumbing

MERCHANDISE MART

Finds Under $100

Antiques/Collectibles

WOMEN'S CLOTHES, CASUAL and business styles, good condition, sizes 16-1X $10.00 and less (516)579-9089

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FINDS UNDER $100 Finds Under $100

M A R I N A ' S C L E A N I N G S E RV I C E S : Cleaning Homes, Apartments, Condos, Offices. Experienced. FREE Estimates. Serving Long Island. 516-670-7764

BENCH: SOLID WOOD, rolled arms. Absolutely beautiful. $99 516-225-9191

Electricians

CRYSTAL WINE DECANTER with 6 glasses, brand new, beautiful, elegant etched design. Asking $25.00 (516)579-9089 DELL MONITOR 13" $5 (five dollars). t 516-509-2710 and leave a message. DELL OPTIPLEX 755 computer base, works, misplaced plug $5 (five dollars). 516-509-2710 GLASSWARE, HORCHOW, BOXED, made in Italy, 6 rock, 6 drinking, green grass design, $35, 516-678-0694 G O L F B AG : G R E AT s h a p e , $ 6 5 . 516-225-9191 ROCKING CHAIR, COLONIAL painted white wood, includes removable baby blue seat/back cushion, $40, 516-678-0694 TV CABINET $50. 32" Sony Tube TV FREE. CD Stand $10.00. 20.5" CD Stand $5.00. 516-292-0430

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

E-Z ELECTRIC SERVICES, INC. All Types Residential/Commercial Wiring, Generators, Telephone/Data, Home Entertainment, Service Upgrades, Pools, Spas. Services/Repairs. Violations Removed. Free Estimates Low Rates. 516-785-0646 Lic/Ins.

Handyman

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Home Improvement

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PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

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Education

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NEED A CAR? Find it in the HERALD Classifieds.

Answers

to todAy’s puzzle

opINIoNS

f you spend any portion of your day watching the news on television, you’re no doubt confused about what is taking place in Washington. In a moment of reflection, it dawned on me that we are living in two worlds. One world is the happenings in Congress, and the other is the real world. While President Biden is busy trying to launch his new government, the Senate will be tied up for weeks deciding whether to convict former President Trump JERRY for his conduct on Jan. 6, the day KREMER of the riot at the Capitol. The final result is totally predictable. Most of the Republican senators, who worry only about their careers, will not vote to convict him. By and large, Congress is detached from people on the street. Politicians like Senators Lindsey Graham, Marco Rubio, Ted Cruz, Rand Paul and Mitch McConnell are focused on protecting Trump, who has threated to promote

primary contests against anyone who displeases him. But at the impeachment trial, all those cowards who won’t vote to convict Trump will, along with the public, be forced to watch hours of video of the horrors of the Jan. 6 mob attack. And they will have to hear witnesses who will state, “President Trump told me to do it.” To paraphrase the late, great boxer Joe Louis, they can run but they can’t hide. So let’s turn to the real world. Thanks to the courage of Twitter and Facebook, Trump is without a platform to continue his lies about a stolen election. There has been no public uprising against the social media platforms. It’s really comforting to have a day without tweets from an out-of-control narcissist. And it feels good to have a president who is showing up for work each day. Unlike Trump, Biden isn’t hiding from the Covid pandemic. The federal government is taking over the responsibility of getting vaccines out to people. We are hearing what the govern-

ment is doing to tackle this plague, and not ignoring the dangers of a virus that has killed over 400,000 people. Biden will tell us the truth, which is a welcome change. It is clear that the 74 million people who voted for Trump aren’t just sitting around, mourning their loss. In the weeks after the Capitol uprising, 30,000 Republicans reportedly changed their party registration in disgust over Trump’s conduct. That may not seem like a big number, but many of them were residents of Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Arizona, key political states. Many of the same people who refused to wear masks, and made fun of Biden during the campaign when he appeared in one, are lining up to get their vaccinations, while anxiously awaiting new legislation that will provide stimulus money for struggling businesses and increased unemployment benefits. And in the near future, Biden will be offering a new health insurance proposal. Trump will likely escape any penalties for the Jan. 6 attack, but many of

hanks to the courage of social media, Trump is without a platform to continue his lies.

his people who broke into the Capitol will face the possibility of prison terms. Many Trump voters may have second thoughts about sticking with a man who encouraged an event that resulted in the deaths of five people. The talking heads on TV speak as if Trump voters are some sort of solid block, but most of them want the same things that Democratic voters want. The rural red states have plenty of areas badly in need of a little love. They are suffering with limited resources. They lack internet access and are saddled with poor schools, just like inner cities. Their local hospitals are overwhelmed and in danger of failing. Their need for a little TLC can be met by a caring president, and the dynamic will change. So I’m not going to let the immoral conduct of 45 senators distract me. I’m focused on the real world. Jerry Kremer was a state assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. He now heads Empire Government Strategies, a business development and legislative strategy firm. Comments about this column? JKremer@liherald.com.

Creating your pandemic time capsule

f time is really relative and there are time travelers out there from the future thinking about where to visit, do not, I repeat, do not go back to 2020. We just closed the door on that baby, and it was hard to get on with our lives. If you don’t believe me, just open the time capsules we leave behind. We’re preserving the artifacts of our lives so that people in the future can better understand who they are and what brought them to their moment. RANDI I’ve been thinkKREISS ing about what I will put into my pandemic time capsule, which is a big cardboard box in my bedroom closet. Into it goes anything that I think is evocative of living through the pandemic. Some of the things I put in the box are what you’d imagine: a roll of toilet paper, pictures of us and our friends in masks, a bottle of hand sanitizer, an envelope with several strands of hair, eight inches long and gray. I started keeping a pandemic diary over the summer, and I threw that into the cardboard

capsule in August, when I was depressed by the numbers and didn’t feel like writing daily entries anymore. I tossed into the box some of the newspaper front pages I saved: “CDC details first U.S. case of novel virus spreading in China.” “FDA grants historic authorization to a Covid-19 vaccine.” “Winter is coming: Why America’s window of opportunity to beat back Covid-19 is closing.” We cannot be reliable memory keepers if we don’t include politics. The ferocity of the pandemic was fueled by President Trump and his people. They hid the truth from the American people, fudged the alarming numbers, silenced the scientists and failed to do what was necessary to get ahead of the surges. So, I would put into my box another front page, from The New York Times: “Biden Beats Trump.” The world changed in a moment. I would also save my “screen use” statement from Verizon, indicating an average of 60 minutes a day pre-pandemic, and six hours a day as of last week. I asked some friends and family what they would put in a pandemic time cap-

sule. Photos of people in ICUs on ventilators, my sister said. My grandson suggested something with the Netflix logo, a friend suggested photos of her grandkids, with and without masks as the year progressed, and another friend suggested a can of tuna and a packet of yeast. Someone said she’d put an old paintbrush in the capsule, since it helped save her life. I’ll include the hard-copy calendar I keep with notations for Zoom meetings and virtual doctor’s appointments and copies of our living wills, executed as the pandemic surged. I will include photographs — real, printed photographs — of the loving friends who died this year, some of Covid-19, some of other diseases. I have the receipt from some enterprising death company welcoming me to a “virtual shiva.” I will toss in my appointment card for my second Pfizer vaccine shot, as soon as I get inoculated. When I surveyed some friends about what should go into the time capsule, one suggested Trump himself. Another said she would like to bury the anxiety and constant fear many felt as the former president bungled the response to

’ll put in pictures of us and our friends in masks, a bottle of hand sanitizer . . .

the pandemic, and we realized the unthinkable: that upward of a half-million Americans could die. One friend said he would put in Hershey’s Chocolate Nuggets, which he swears are better than Xanax. Food has loomed large for everyone — getting it, hoarding it, cooking it, donating it. What time capsule would be complete without takeout menus and a list ranging from GrubHub to UberEats? These were companies I never heard of before 2020. I would save the books I picked last year at random for my Zoom book group this winter. Somehow, they’re all relevant to living through a pandemic. I suppose that’s because all good literature distracts us and helps heal our fractures. For a few weeks, I kept a notepad at my bedside and wrote down the dreams I was having in the worst days. They were all the same: I walk into a room and no one is wearing masks, and I know, I absolutely know, that I will get sick. I couldn’t have had that dream in 2019. I’ll put the notepad in my time capsule. My best hope is that we can seal our capsules very soon and leave their memories and lessons to history. Copyright 2021 Randi Kreiss. Randi can be reached at randik3@aol.com.

VALLEY STREAM HERALD — February 4, 2021

Balancing the real world with the fake

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February 4, 2021 — VALLEY STREAM HERALD

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Recalling injustice during Black History Month

uring February, Black History Month, we celebrate the great African-American political and civil rights leaders, scientists, artists, poets, movie stars and athletes. But we must also pause to recall America’s dark past, stained by horrific acts against Black and brown people, at times perpetrated by our own government. As the Covid-19 pandemic rages on, it’s critical that we look back at the “Tuskegee Study of Untreated Syphilis in the Negro Male” to understand the distrust that many African-Americans feel toward our government and medical institutions. That distrust may be a contributing factor in the significantly higher Covid-19 infection rate and death toll seen among Black and brown people. The Tuskegee study was supposed to last six months. It carried on for 40 years, from 1932 to 1972, a collaboration between the U.S. Public Health Service and Tuskegee Institute, a historically Black college in Alabama. The study of 600 poor Black sharecroppers examined 399 with syphilis and 201 without the disease. Study participants were told they were being treated for “bad blood,” a colloquialism for syphilis, anemia and fatigue, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In truth, they weren’t being treated at all — even after 1945, when penicillin was accepted as “the treatment of choice for syphilis.” In fact, the study looked at what would happen if syphilis were to go untreated — but the participants never knew that. It wasn’t until 1972, when an Associated Press story disclosed the study, that it

ended. Is it any wonder that many AfricanAmericans might distrust the continual exhortations of our federal, state and local governments to be inoculated against the coronavirus as soon as they can? According to the CDC, nationally, there have been 1.4 times more Covid-19 cases among African-Americans than white people over the past 11 months. The hospitalization rate is 3.7 times greater among Black and brown people. And the death rate is 2.8 times greater. There are reasons for these dispiriting statistics beyond distrust of government and the medical system — systemic racism is chief among them, the CDC says. Lack of access to health care is another, and occupation is another: Many people of color work in the service industry, requiring them to show up in person rather than work from home via Zoom and email. Finally, there’s the question of housing. Many Black and brown people live in tighter quarters, in more densely populated areas, than white people. The coronavirus requires density to spread widely. In 2019, the Herald undertook a yearlong investigative series examining the many forms that systemic racism takes in Nassau County. We called it “The Racism Around Us.” Infant mortality is a leading indicator of a community’s well-being, according to the county Department of Health. When children are dying in high numbers at birth, there are probably myriad other health concerns in a community. In the majority of white communities

letters LIRR questions remain unanswered To the Editor: The Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s success is New York’s success, and a strong LIRR makes for a strong Long Island. Critical planning is needed for the year ahead to stamp out fraud and abuse, smartly rehabilitate the East River tunnels and get Elmont’s new train station up and running. Long Islanders depend on the MTA to provide an affordable, dependable and hassle-free commute, and the LIRR must live up to that obligation, especially as riders return to work in New York City. The MTA has its work cut out in 2021, and I will continue to hold agency officials to account. Our region’s future depends on it. I recently pressed MTA officials on the steps they’re taking to clamp down on fraud and waste, and urged MTA leadership to finish installing biometric clocks for employees to log hours in the coming year. Indeed, fraud has been a perennial problem for the MTA, and yet the agency has yet to adequate-

across Nassau, the infant mortality rate ranged from 0 to 3 in 1,000 births in 201416, according to the New York State Department of Health. In most communities of color, the infant mortality rate was three to nine times that. County officials identified nine communities of color as well as those with large minority populations — Elmont, Freeport, Glen Cove, Hempstead, Inwood, Long Beach, Roosevelt, Uniondale and Westbury — each with measurably greater health concerns than nearby white communities. They have been disproportionately impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, mirroring national statistics for infection and death rates. “Blacks are bearing a disproportionate burden of Covid-19 in Nassau County,” said Elaine Gross, president of the Syosset-based ERASE Racism, “and the county must address two related challenges. First, it must increase health care access and Covid-19 testing in Black communities. Second, it must combat the structural racism that fuels the disparities.” Sarika Kuman, Long Island regional organizer for the National Institute of Reproductive Health, put it this way: “One’s quality of life should not be determined by your zip code, but in Nassau County it is. From infant mortality to pandemic fatality rates, the common thread is Long Island’s structural inequities.” During Black History Month, we must never forget the racial injustices of our collective past so they are never repeated again, and so we might commit to rooting out the daily injustices — large and small — in our present society.

opinions

our hundred years ago, the Catholic Church — then the arbiter of what ideas could be expressed and promulgated — banned books by scientists who claimed the Earth revolved around the sun because that theory conflicted with the orthodoxy of the time, i.e., the Bible and the Magisterium, the teaching authority of the pope and bishops. Even if astronomers’ heliocentric theories were true, the powerful elite could not allow such disturbing words to be read — at least not in the JoHn vernacular — for such heresies o’ConneLL fear would confuse the masses and undermine the authority of those in charge. These days it isn’t the princes of Rome that rule on what ideas are true and what news is allowed to be heard, but rather a decidedly secular hierarchy: the doyens of Silicon Valley, the media masters in New York and California, and their agents in Congress and government offices in Washington. The current ideological conflict is often described as a battle between liberals and conservatives, but that’s last century’s war. Today’s cancel-culture college of cardinals shouldn’t be confused with liberals.

Real liberals aren’t hate-filled, intolerant, angry anarchists, no more than real conservatives are rich, white supremacist nativists. Genuine liberals are First Amendment absolutists ardently supportive of our liberties: a free press, freedom to practice our religions, freedom to peaceably assemble, the freedom to petition the government to better serve us, its sovereign, and to speak freely without fear of violent attack or suppression. Authentically liberal Americans wouldn’t tolerate censorship of disagreeing — even disagreeable — voices. They’d defend those voices. The indisputably liberal Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis wrote in 1927 that “If there be time to expose through discussion the falsehood and fallacies, to avert the evil by the processes of education, the remedy to be applied is more speech, not enforced silence.” A monopoly-busting, free-speech advocate, Brandeis would, I’m sure, see today’s corporate social media lords’ cancel-culture censorship as antithetical not only to the Constitution but to American civil liberties. Traditional liberalism fights for an individual’s right to freely express ideas, popular or unacceptable, commonly believed or held only by that individual, true or not, whose supporting “facts” are from presumably credible sources or

ruly liberal Americans wouldn’t tolerate censorship of disagreeing voices.

Letters ly abide by its inspector general’s recommendations to stamp out overtime abuse. In December, five MTA employees were arrested on fraud charges for having logged “almost physically impossible amounts of overtime,” according to federal prosecutors. According to state payroll records, overtime hours logged by MTA employees soared 46 percent between 2014 and 2019. I urged agency officials to focus on reining in overtime and restoring riders’ trust in 2021. I also inquired about plans to repair the East River tunnels this year. Hundreds of millions of gallons of water inundated the tubes during Superstorm Sandy and left them in disrepair. A report by the state comptroller found that the number of trains delayed or canceled because of problems with the tubes and their switches had increased 72 percent since Sandy, and accounted for a significant number of the LIRR’s on-time problems. Finally, I’ve been a strong proponent of the new Elmont train station’s development as an integral component of the Belmont Park Redevelopment Plan. In addition to providing a regular, full-time public-transit option to and from the new arena, hotel and retail village, the LIRR hub will also serve as an additional com-

aren’t reliably sourced at all. Some of President Biden’s inaugural speech was right out of a traditional liberal’s handbook. In his president-as-conciliator role, he said, “We can see each other not as adversaries but as neighbors. We can treat each other with dignity and respect. We can join forces, stop the shouting and lower the temperature.” Eschewing the inciteful far-left rhetoric of many of his party-mates in Congress, the press and Hollywood, the president warned: “[W]ithout unity, there is no peace, only bitterness and fury. No progress, only exhausting outrage. No nation, only a state of chaos. … Let us listen to one another. Hear one another. See one another. Show respect to one another. Politics need not be a raging fire destroying everything in its path. Every disagreement doesn’t have to be a cause for total war.” Left-wing extremists hope Biden’s words are just political speechifying. Unlike reasonable liberals — and conservatives, for that matter — who are committed to social justice, equal opportunity and free speech, the goal of the radical left is to redefine what’s just, to tilt the playing field based on group identity, to amplify the speech of loud leftists and to silence contrary voices. How fairly the national press reports on the Biden presidency will be important

to the future of the nation and to the survival of journalism itself. According to a Gallup survey five months ago, only 9 percent of Americans trust the media “a great deal.” Sixty percent trust them “not very much” or “none at all.” According to Gallup, the percentage of those who don’t trust the media at all went up five points in one year. News consumers have turned to social media for information. Some wanted to connect on the new social app Parler before Big Tech suppressed it. Yes, the same Big Tech, the new Magisterium, that decides what can be posted and who can post. I would have preferred that Biden had lost, but the election is over. That virus has left the lab. Disappointed, I must now only hope that he will serve America as a true liberal and reject many Democrats’ condescending intolerance. A sovereign people will oppose authoritarian politics that orders citizens to agree or shut up. Half the country is vexed by the prospect of a Biden-Harris administration unchecked by the House or the Senate. That situation can be changed in two or four years. But many Americans are even more troubled by the anarchy brought by Antifa and the radial left, which revels in “woke” group-think and seeks to crush the individualism that has made America great. John O’Connell is a former executive editor of the Herald Community Newspapers. Comments about this column? OConnell11001@yahoo.com.

Framework by Bob Arkow

muting option for area residents — which the community has needed for years. ToDD KAMINSKY State senator, 9th District

Executive orders are no help To the Editor: Last week, President Biden signed numerous executive orders that will end thousands of union jobs. one of them orders the closure of private federal prisons contracted by the U.S. Department of Justice. The idea of privately contracted federal prisons came from a previous Democratic administration. It was part of Vice President Al Gore’s so-called “reinventing of government” plan that instituted contracted federal prisons. It was Gore’s and President Bill Clinton’s idea that paying a contracted facility would reduce costs, cut the federal work force and save retirement money, because federal workers wouldn’t be employed at these facilities. With these closures, private prison guards will be on the unemployment lines, and joining them will be construction workers building the border

Just call them Team Snowblower — Long Beach

wall and Keystone pipeline employees. And it was reported that another signed executive order ending drilling on federal lands will result next year in still more lost union jobs. So much for helping hard-working

middle-class Americans. STEVE GRoGAN Lynbrook Grogan is a retired Department of Justice employee.

VALLEY STREAM HERALD — February 4, 2021

Agree with me or shut up

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February 4, 2021 — VALLEY STREAM HERALD