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Arrest in $100,000 robbery, kidnapping

Virtual spirit week at District 13

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From Ukraine with love Peace Corps volunteer forced home after Covid-19 outbreak By PeteR BelFIoRe pbelfiore@liherald.com

Courtesy Victoria Tytone

NoRth hIGh SChool graduate Victoria Tytone, center, with a fifth-grade class she taught in Radomyshl, Ukraine, where she was stationed as a Peace Corps volunteer. All members of the Corps were recalled on March 16 because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The winters can be tough in Radomyshl, a city of nearly 15,000 people in norther n Ukraine. At a few points the heat broke down in the small house that Valley Stream North High School graduate and Peace Corps volunteer Victoria Tytone had rented out. But for nearly a year and a half she persevered, building a life there, albeit a temporary one, teaching English to primary- and secondary-school students at a school of roughly 350

kids, and helping to build relations between America and the populace within the large Eastern European country. She even adopted a dog — a cocker spaniel named Dima. All of that ended abruptly, however, on March 16, when all Peace Corps volunteers worldwide were recalled to the United States from their respective countries as the coronavirus pandemic tightened its grip on the world, forcing many nations to close their borders. “We got a call that we had 24 hours to pack up our stuff, Continued on page 5

V.S. counseling center offering 24/7 aid in time of need By PeteR BelFIoRe pbelfiore@liherald.com

As millions of people nationwide lose their jobs amid the coronavirus outbreak, and millions more shelter in place to avoid infection, anxieties are likely at an all-time high. But in Nassau County, there is help. New Horizon Counseling Center, a non-profit mental health organization with its local center in Valley Stream, is offering a gamut of 24/7 telephone and telehealth services for people suffering from anxiety, depression, addiction and grief from the death of a loved one. Additionally, the center offers food

delivery for seniors. No insurance is required. “We’re really here to support the community that we serve,” New Horizon Chief Executive Officer Herrick Lipton said. Anecdotally, he reported that with people stuck at home, the tensions that come with everyday life have become heightened during the pandemic, with families staying in close proximity for longer than under normal, and parents and children unable to leave to go to work and school. “The daily stressors are even more profound than usual,” Lipton said. Generally, he said, people who live alone are the most vulnera-

Need help? Call New Horizon at (516) 569-6600 ble at a time such as this. Founded in 1981, New Horizon covers people living in Nassau and Suffolk counties as well as New York City, with its Valley Stream location serving as its main facility in Nassau. Normally, the organization provides in-person counseling, but in light of the coronavirus crisis, Lipton said it has

switched to counseling by phone, and also offers telehealth services for people who might need face-to-face sessions. “Even though our facilities are closed, we are here to support everyone now more than ever,” Lipton said. Flora Bienstock, New Horizon’s chief clinical officer, who oversees its staff of social work-

ers, psychiatrists, art therapists and doctors, said they have been even more proactive during the outbreak in reaching out to the center’s most at-risk clientele, who due to feelings of isolation or stress may be struggling because of a history of addiction or suicidal thoughts. Additionally, they are not Continued on page 10

Herald offers $500K in grants for businesses Richner Communications Inc., publisher of Herald Community Newspapers and The Riverdale Press, this week announced a $500,000 grant program to support local businesses. Through the Herald Small Business Marketing Grant Program, each Long Island business is eligible to receive up to $15,000 of matching grant funds, which can be used for marketing services to promote the business’ products and services. The Herald Small Business Marketing Grant Program is being supported by: ■ Long Island Main Street Alliance ■ Cedarhurst BID ■ Gold Coast Business Association ■ Bellmore Chamber of Commerce ■ East Meadow Chamber of Commerce ■ Franklin Square Chamber of Commerce ■ Glen Cove Chamber of Commerce ■ Long Beach Chamber of Commerce ■ Lynbrook Chamber of Commerce ■ Malverne Chamber of Commerce ■ Oceanside Chamber of Commerce ■ Oyster Bay/East Norwich Chamber of Commerce ■ Rockville Centre Chamber of Commerce ■ Seaford Chamber of Commerce

■ Vally Stream Chamber of Commerce ■ Wantagh Chamber of Commerce ■ West Hempstead Chamber of Commerce Businesses can apply for grants at www.liherald.com/grants starting on Wednesday, April 8, 2020, and they will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. “Small businesses are the lifeblood of our communities,” said Stuart Richner, president of RCI and publisher of Herald Community Newspapers. “With Long Island quickly becoming the center of the Covid-19 crisis, we knew that we had to do whatever possible to support our small business community. “We are a small business ourselves, so we understand the pain that small business owners are going through right now,” Richner added. “But all studies show that businesses that continue to market during down times are those that fare the best long-term. We at the Herald want to do our part to make sure that members of our business community can continue to promote themselves during this trying period.” Eric Alexander, of the Long Island Main Street Alliance, applauded RCI for stepping up to help the Long Island small business community. “Half-a-million dollars will go a long way toward helping the local restaurant owners, downtown retailers and other business

The herald is kicking off a new $500,000 grant program to help small businesses market themselves during the Covid-19 pandemic. services,” Alexander said. “With so many small businesses changing how they offer their services, like dine-in only restaurants now offering takeout, promotion is critical during this crisis and even more important as we head toward recovery.” The Herald Small Business Marketing Grant Program will provide up to $500,000 in matching advertising dollars and can be used toward print or digital advertising in any Herald or other RCI property. Since the coronavirus crisis started in March, the Herald has seen its audience increase by 100 percent, meaning that advertisers now have the ability to reach even more people than

before. The program is open to all locally owned and operated businesses impacted by the coronavirus. Grants are available for between $300 and $15,000 of matching funds and can be used in April, May and June 2020. Every dollar that a grant recipient spends on advertising will be matched with a dollar of grant funding, up to the award amount, to be applied toward advertising costs. Applications must be submitted via the online form at www. liherald.com/grants. Businesses will be notified about the status of their application within two business days of submitting it.

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April 9, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

What’s neWs in and out of the classroom

V.S. students lift spirits in time of crisis Looking to raise spirits among its students and staff during this time of uncertainty, all four of Valley Stream District 13’s elementary schools hosted their own virtual spirit week. Each day featured a new theme, and students were encouraged to share photos on Twitter tagging their respective school’s handle or using the hashtag #VS13STRONG. “We’re happy we have such creative students, parents and staff to keep our school and community connected,” Schools Superintendent Dr. Constance Evelyn said. “We want to convey the message to our students that even though things can feel scary and overwhelming right now, we’re still a family that learns together and is here to support one another.” Parents were asked to send a picture of their child’s “spirit” to their teacher via the Remind app or email to be shared on twitter for parents, students and staff to enjoy. While all schools shared similar themed days like Pajama Day, Wacky Wednesday or Crazy Hat Day, each school had a few of their own unique spirit days, such as Wheeler Avenue Elementary School’s Rainbow Day, during which students displayed rainbows through shared drawings and apparel. Howell Road Elementary School had Tone It Up Tuesday when students were encouraged to exercise and play outdoors. Dever Elementary School had A Work of Heart day, during which students created blue and pink hearts to display in their windows to show their support for our first responders and healthcare workers. Dever students also participated in Fancy Friday, when students were encouraged to dress their best. Compiled by Peter Belfiore

Photos courtesy District 13

chloe Wang, a kindergarten student at Dever displayed the hearts she placed in her window in support of first responders and healthcare workers. Each school in District 13 had its own themed celebrations during its virtual “Spirit Week” intended to lift spirits during the coronavirus pandemic. Sixth-grader daniel Menjivar, left, played some basketball as part of Howell Road’s Tone It Up Tuesday. Second-grader Savannah coty, far left, showed off her Blue Jay pride for Wheeler Avenue’s Spirit Day.

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — April 9, 2020

Herald ScHoolS

April 9, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

Crime watCh

Karina Giordano

Matthew Horan

Andrew Horan

Three arrested for robbery, kidnapping in Valley Stream Nassau County police arrested three people, two from Valley Stream, for kidnapping and robbery after a woman allegedly lured a 23-year-old man into her apartment, where she and two accomplices reportedly beat the man and stole nearly $100,000 in necklaces and watches. The trio’s plan unraveled, police said, after the victim escaped from his own moving vehicle while kidnapped, and ran to a nearby police precinct. According to detectives, on March 17 at around 10 p.m. Karina Giordano, 46, invited the victim up to her South Cottage Avenue apartment, where her roommate and his brother allegedly hit him over the head with a handgun, punched him and hit him with a rubber mallet after he refused to give over a Rolex watch. After he surrendered the watch and two necklaces worth around $87,000, his keys, cell phone, ID and all the money he was carrying, the three tied him up and taped his mouth shut. Giordano then allegedly walked outside to the victim’s vehicle and stole another Rolex watch worth around $14,500. The brothers then threw the victim inside his vehicle and followed Giordano, who was driving another vehicle, to the victim’s home to gain access to his personal safe. Despite being tied up, the vic-

tim managed to escape his own vehicle while it passed the Nassau County Fourth Precinct and ran inside to notify the officers there of what happened to him. After an investigation, all three were arrested. In addition to Giordano, who was charged with two counts of first-degree robbery, four counts of second-degree robbery, two counts of second-degree assault, second-degree kidnapping, fourth-degree conspiracy and seconddegree grand larceny, her roommate Matthew Horan, 31, was also arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree robbery, four counts of second-degree robbery, second-degree kidnapping, third-degree criminal possession of a weapons, second-degree grand larceny and second-degree assault. The third accomplice is believed to be Andrew Horan, 34, of Saddlebrook, N.J. He was charged with two counts of first-degree robbery, four counts of second-degree robbery, two counts of second-degree assault, second-degree kidnapping, second-degree grand larceny, fourth-degree conspiracy and second-degree criminal use of a firearm. Their attorneys could not be immediately reached for comment. All three were arraigned on March 30 at the First District Court in Hempstead.

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PAlM SuNdAy will be celebrated virtually this year, according to the Revs. Kymberley Clemons-Jones and Gertrude Nation. Courtesy Shutterstock.com

Houses of worship plan virtual holiday celebrations By Nicole AlciNdor nalcindor@liherald.com

With a ban on public gatherings amid the coronavirus epidemic, faith leaders in Valley Stream are looking for ways to celebrate the upcoming religious holidays of Ramadan, Easter and Passover as houses of worship shift to virtual services. Despite the limitations, many say they are forging ahead, as the spring and summer holidays are among the most significant within their respective calendars. “I think Easter will help people during this time because we focus on how Jesus died and was a resurrected Christ,” said Rev. Kymberley Clemons-Jones from Valley Stream Presbytarian Church. “Christians are resurrected people. No matter what hardship we face, we too will rise.” On a typical Palm Sunday, the Sunday before Easter, Presbytarian Church members would normally attend a special themed church service in which they receive palm leaves symbolic of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. On Easter Sunday itself, congregants would normally meet for a morning breakfast, followed by a church service and then more fellowship and food afterwards. None of that, however, is possible now, but the church services will still be held virtually on the Sundays of April 5 and 12. “We won’t have the same celebration for the holy days, but we are trying to figure out a way to give virtual palms,” Clemons-Jones said. “God is speaking to us in different ways and innovation is vital.” For Masjid Hamza in Valley Stream, Imam Kashif Aziz, said that the way in which the congregation celebrates Eid alFitr, the holiday celebrating the end of the holy month of Ramadan will depend on what the state guidelines are by the end of May.

According to the Islamic lunar calendar, Ramadan begins on April 23 this year and concludes on May 23. Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr, according to Aziz, can serve as positive observances during times of crisis because he said it reminds participants of the purpose of life and service to each other. “Ramadan helps in times of crisis to keep you intact and motivated which is important during those times,” Aziz said. “Fasting is a spiritual process for sympathy for others and to gain self control, to reconnect with the Lord, boost spirituality and it helps develop hope that we will come out of situations.” At the Grace United Methodist Church, Rev. Gertrude Nation said she will distributed copies of Palm Sunday sermos through email and will also send out the order of worship songs and scriptures for her congregants to read, albeit remotely. “I hope to encourage them to do worship at 10 a.m. and we will be reminded of Jesus’s life and entrance into Jerusalem,” she said. “We are encouraging people to read the Bible, meditate on scripture, pray, fast, journal and try something new on these holidays.” The Valley Stream Jewish Center will hold its Passover services via Zoom, according to In Rabbi Buchband. It’s a big departure from the typical traditions, in which Passover celebrants travel to spend time with large groups of friend and family. In light of the epidemic, however, Buchband said that it is more important right now to follow the top commandment of preserving life. “When there’s an option between taking care of one’s health and going to service, I advise my congregants to take care of their health first,” he said. “This is not the final word. This is a developing story. We are adapting to this crisis. We will consider anything that can stop the spread.”

Peace Corps volunteer’s service cut short throw away our food and pay our landlord,” Tytone, 23, said. “It was really scary.” Of chief concern, she said, was what would happen to Dima. Fortunately, she had recently finished his adoption paperwork, and he was able to come along with her to Kiev, the Ukrainian capital, where all Peace Corp volunteers stationed in the country were scheduled to fly out from. After a number of delays and canceled flights, five days after the initial recall order, Tytone, Dima and two pet cats were with other PC volunteers on a plane that the federal agency chartered to Washington, D.C., where Tytone’s family picked her up and brought her home to Franklin Square. “It’s not the homecoming she envisioned,” her mother, Laurette, said. There would be no in-person celebrations with friends and family, but she said, “She’s home.” Tytone graduated from North in 2014. She earned her bachelor’s from St. John’s University in 2018, and after, she was unsure of what to do or where to work, so she decided to volunteer. She let the Peace Corps choose her Photos courtesy Victoria Tytone destination, and that August she was in VicToria TyTone, far right, and Tamara Sachenko, far left, with a ninth-grade class as they planted a tree for Earth Day last year. Zhytomyr, a city roughly 83 miles west of Kiev, for a two-month orientation, which consisted of daily language and culture and now here’s a real American out of TyTone, far classes, preparing the volunteers for ser- the blue.” lefT, was Sachenko said the two worked well vice. paired with “It was really intense because of how together, and students and residents Sachenko, a alike enjoyed short the time local resident Tytone staying in frame was,” Tytone and English their neighborhood. recalled, “and teacher. The Peace Corps volUkrainian is not two developed unteers can work in exactly the easiest a close bond. one of three seclanguage to learn.” “We became tors: youth developFrom there, the ment, community volunteers headed like sisters,” development and to Kiev for their Sachenko said. English instr ucswearing-in before tion. As an English they were bused to teacher, Tytone was their assigned citresponsible for runies and towns. ning summer In Radomyshl, camps and afterTytone was paired school English with Tamara clubs, in addition to Sachenko, a 26-yearteaching classes old native and Engevery day. lish teacher at the She taught chilschool that she was dren in g rades assigned to, and the three through 11, two soon developed TyTone wiTh Dima, a cocker spaniel and as part of her a close bond. i n s t r u c t i o n s h e said she worried about her daughter, parSachenko said the two were forced to “Every volunteer she adopted while living in Ukraine, on introduced various ticularly when she met with adversity, say a tearful farewell over video chat gets a counterpart the plane back to the United States. aspects of Ameri- but she noted, “When she’s determined while Tytone was delayed in Kiev. who works with can culture to the to do something, she does it.” Tytone said the decision likely came them throughout their service, and my counterpart students. They celebrated holidays such Tytone was scheduled to stay in as borders closed, and the possibility became my best friend,” Tytone said. as Halloween, Valentine’s Day and Eas- Ukraine through October this year, but arose that volunteers could have become “Tamara was not only a work partner. ter. They even put on a play of “Cinderel- as coronavirus infections spread, Peace trapped if another, different catastrophe She helped me move into my house. She la” in English. Corps Director Jody Olsen ordered all struck. Dima was initially Sachenko’s dog, 7,300 volunteers and trainees, operating helped me every day of my service.” When she returned, she was plunged “She’s a really kind person,” Sachen- but Tytone decided to keep him after her in more than 60 countries, back home. into a world familiar but alien at the ko said of Tytone. “We became like sis- counterpart announced she could no lon- The logistics of the feat were staggering, same time. ger care for him, and in a country that Tytone said, noting, “It was a real scramters, like two halves.” “I haven’t been back in so long I defiAs a scholar of the English language, lacked a shelter system, many dogs in ble.” nitely have culture shock,” she said, “but Sachenko said she was excited to meet a Ukraine end up as strays. “I knew his But the hardest part, she said, was on top of that, seeing all of the nail fate if I let him stay there,” she said. “So being unable to say goodbye to her col- salons, bars and restaurants closed — so native speaker. “It was like a dream come true,” she I definitely wanted to bring him back.” leagues and students, even Sachenko. “It close to me but out of reach — I feel like Tytone kept in touch with friends and felt like almost a betrayal that their I’m not even back in America yet.” said. “I’m in love with the English language. I’m always watching the movies, family through FaceTime. Her mother teacher just got up and left,” she said.

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — April 9, 2020

continued from front page

April 9, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

On Saturday, COunty Executive Laura Curran said, “We’re in the heat of the battle,” as she spoke about the increasing number of coronavirus cases in Nassau. As of Monday morning, the state was reporting 15,600 cases here. At back was Nassau County Legislator Delia DeRiggiWhitton, who represents the 11th District on the North Shore.

Christina Daly/Herald

The week that was: coronavirus in Nassau By SCOtt BrintOn sbrinton@liherald.com

The coronavirus outbreak took a sharp turn this past weekend, as cases soared on Long Island. Governor Cuomo said the epidemic appeared to be shifting east from New York City. That shift was straining Nassau’s hospitals, according to Cuomo and County Executive Laura Curran Meanwhile, the governor pushed back the May 19 school vote to June 1. Below is a day-by-day timeline of how it all played out.

Friday, april 3

School budget votes were delayed until at least June 1 because of the coronavirus outbreak, by order of Governor Cuomo. The votes were to have taken place May 19. The governor issued the executive order March 30. It states: “Any school board, library board, or village election scheduled to take place in April or May of 2020 is hereby postponed until at least June 1, 2020, and subject to further directive as to the timing, location or manner of voting for such elections.” Whether the school budget votes take place on June 1 remains to be seen. The coronavirus pandemic is fluid, and if new cases were to continue to arise, the vote could be delayed further, state officials said. “The state budget was difficult,” Cuomo said in his Friday news conference. Pushing back the vote will give state and local officials a clearer picture of New York’s finances after the Covid-19 virus forced tens of thousands of businesses to close and sales tax collections to plummet. The governor had earlier predicted a $10 billion to $15 billion gap in the state budget, which is unprecedented.

GOvernOr CuOmO Said over the weekend that the center of the Covid-19 epidemic appeared to be shifting away from New York City toward Long Island. Friday, april 3

Cuomo had warned in recent weeks that New York’s apex of Covid-19 cases was coming within seven to 21 days. Already, though, the state had surpassed 100,000 cases as of last Friday, he said, and Thursday into Friday was the deadliest 24-hour period during the coronavirus crisis to date, with 562 new deaths statewide. “We had more deaths,” Cuomo said, “we had more people going into the hospitals than any other night.” In all, 2,935 New Yorkers had died of the disease. In Nassau County, more than 12,000 people had tested positive for the coronavirus as of Friday.

The governor identified Nassau and Suffolk counties as emerging areas of concern. He also noted that a number of Nassau County hospitals were identified as hot spots because of the high volume of Covid-19 patients they were seeing, including St. Francis Hospital, North Shore University Hospital, NYU Winthrop Hospital, Long Island Jewish Medical Center and Good Samaritan Hospital.

Saturday, april 4

Nassau County had the third-highest number of coronavirus cases of any county in New York as of Saturday, surpassing Westchester, Bronx and New York counties. New York County includes all of Man-

hattan. That was according to the state Department of Health’s newly implemented Covid-19 tracker, found at covid19tracker. health.ny.gov. In his daily briefing Saturday, Cuomo described the virus as a “fire spreading” across Long Island. As of Saturday, Nassau had 13,346 coronavirus cases, compared to 13,081 in Westchester, where the Covid-19 outbreak began in New York a month ago. Meanwhile, the Bronx had 12,315 cases and Manhattan, 9,300. Queens and Brooklyn — both geographically on Long Island — had 20,114 and 17,504 cases, respectively. Suffolk County had 11,370 cases. Combined, Nassau and Suffolk represented 21.7 percent of the state’s 113,704 cases — up from 16 percent earlier. Cuomo described his concern for Long Island as the growing center of the coronavirus outbreak. “You see the Long Island number growing,” he said, “and it’s growing steadily. It’s growing more east than north.” He also noted, “We’ve been saying for the last few days watch Long Island.” Cuomo spoke of the increasing need for ventilators, breathing machines to keep the hardest-hit patients alive — Covid-19 is primarily a respiratory disease afflicting the lungs. The state had ordered 17,000 ventilators, but had received only a fraction of them by Saturday, the governor said.

Saturday, april 4

Speaking Saturday afternoon, Curran reported 11 new deaths overnight of the coronavirus, bringing the total number to 149. That number, she said, contradicted a Continued on next page

Coronavirus outbreak shifts to Long Island

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — April 9, 2020

continued from previous page state report that indicated 396 people had died in Nassau. The county Department of Health was working with local hospital officials to quantify the exact number, she said. County officials were also checking whether all of the people reported dead by the state actually lived in Nassau or a surrounding area. As of Saturday morning, the state Department of Health was reporting 13,346 people had tested positive for Covid-19 in Nassau. Many of those cases, the county executive said, had resolved, though she did not give an exact number. “We are in the heat of battle now,” Curran said. Some 355 patients were reportedly on ventilators to enable their breathing, Curran said. That figure was up 31 people from the day before, she said.

Sunday, April 5

Coronavirus cases in Nassau County continued to climb steadily overnight from Saturday into Sunday, nearly reaching 14,400, up from 13,346 the day before — an almost 8 percent increase, according to Cuomo. Statewide, 4,159 people had died of Covid-19 as of Sunday, he said. Speaking that day, Cuomo said, “There is a shift to Long Island … As Long Island grows, the percentage of cases in New York City has reduced.” The sharp rise in Nassau cases in recent days contrasted with data that showed an emerging “plateau” of cases statewide over the past three days, the governor said. It is too early to tell, he said, if New York was reaching the apex of cases, when the number of deaths will drop, but it appeared the high point could be reached sometime in the next week. Previously, he had said it could be seven to 21 days before the apex is reached. Data appeared to suggest the state was nearing a plateau or the apex, Cuomo said. Overnight from Saturday to Sunday, the state saw its highest number of hospital

Source: New York State Department of Health Illustration by Christina Daly/Herald

discharges — 1,709. The total number of people who had been treated for Covid-19 and released from the hospital stood at 12,187 as of Sunday. “Discharge is way up, and that is great news,” Cuomo said. The state also saw its smallest number of new hospitalizations overnight, at 574. That was a 52 percent

decrease from the day before, when there were 1,100 new hospitalizations. The day before that, there had been 1,400. The state had not seen such a low number of new hospitalizations for 16 days, according to state data. In all, 16,400 people were hospitalized as of April 5.

Urgent care centers debut rapid Covid-19 test By BRIAN STIEGLITZ bstieglitz@liherald.com

Three urgent care centers on Long Island are among the first in the nation to debut a rapid test to detect coronavirus, which gives patients results within minutes. The American Family Care health care providers in East Meadow, Farmingdale and West Islip began testing patients as part of a full examination on March 31, before launching regular tests the next day. The molecular, point-of-care tests reduce wait time from days to roughly five minutes for positive results and 13 minutes for negative results. Testing will only be available to those who are symptomatic, according to officials at the AFC Urgent Care centers. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized the use of such testing, developed by Abbott Laboratories, on March 27. The urgent care centers began regular testing the same day Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that Regeneron Pharmaceuticals would

donate 500,000 test kits to the state, in shipments of 25,000 per day. Corning Life Sciences also donated 100,000 tubes for testing and provided an additional 500,000 at a reduced cost. As of April 1, the state had given 220,880 tests and continued to provide roughly 15,000 tests each day. Of those tested, 83,712 were positive. “Rapid testing is the fastest way to return to normalcy and get the economy back up and running, and will also help end the anxiety that has become the most oppressive part of this situation,” Cuomo said. “In the meantime, New Yorkers must continue to comply with all social distancing protocols and stay home as much as possible to prevent spreading this virus to others.”

ThE AFC URGENT Care center on Hempstead Turnpike in East Meadow is one of three on Long Island to debut the nation’s first rapid coronavirus test.

Christina Daly/Herald

Comprehensive Audiology: ‘We’re still here for you’ By Briana Bonfiglio bbonfiglio@liherald.com

to-face with Fogel to discuss hearing health, history, symptoms and treatment options. For existing patients, Fogel can help troubleshoot hearing aids. Patients should have access to a computer, iPad or laptop with a camera, microphone, email and reliable internet access.

Hearing loss could cause anxiety for a person at any time, but even more so during this time of physical isolation, said Dr. Esther Fogel. That’s why, although her ■ Drop off/pick up — If a Lynbrook practice, Comprehearing aid is in need of an hensive Audiology, is curemergency repair, patients rently closed due to the corocan schedule a drop off and navirus, she is still taking pick up time. calls and emails to assist her patients however she can. ■ Shipping/mail — If a “During this time, many patient needs hearing aid of us are home alone or with supplies or batteries, they one family member, and that c a n c o n t a c t Fo g e l a n d impacts people with hearing arrange for it to be shipped dr. esther fogel loss,” she explained. “Those or mailed to the patient’s with hearing loss, of any home. severity, rely a lot on face-toIn addition, the federal government is face contact and visual cues.” now issuing free caption telephones, At the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fogel noted. Fogel has partnered with the American Academy of Audiology the company CaptionCall, and anyone and Gov. Andrew Cuomo, Fogel closed who needs one can contact her directly. She also stressed the importance of the Comprehensive Audiology office on March 23 and rescheduled all appoint- staying connected during this time and ments. However, there are several ways encouraged those with hearing loss to that she is maintaining contact with video call their loved ones so they can see visual cues. “We’re truly trying to be existing patients and treating new ones: in contact,” Fogel said, “and give ideas ■ Phone call — Call (516) 226-2141 with on how to communicate with family and questions, concerns or for a phone confriends.” sultation with Fogel. For more information, contact Fogel ■ Video appointment — Schedule a vir- at (516) 387-4000 or efogel@comprehentual, 30-minute consultation. Talk face- siveaudiology.com.

Governor Cuomo orders shutdown to continue By Scott Brinton sbrinton@liherald.com

Neighbors iN the News

Curran also said the number of dead was larger than previously thought. The county had projected the number at roughly 150 as of Saturday. The state, however, was reporting a higher figure. Curran said she is now going with the state’s number, as she said it has a faster means of verifying Nassau residents who have died. The state puts the number of dead in Nassau at 381. “We mourn every loss,” Curran said. On a hopeful note, the county executive said, there were 197 discharges from Nassau’s 11 hospitals — 121 more than were admitted overnight. That could indicate the hospicuomo talization rate is dropping — and thus the county may see the peak of the crisis begin “to flatten.” It is too early to tell for certain, however, she noted. Curran also warned against flushing nitrile gloves and sanitary wipes down the toilet because they clog the sewer lines. The county has seen a 35 percent increase in clogs in recent days.

On Monday, Governor Cuomo ordered schools and non-essential businesses to remain closed until April 29 to help stop the spread of the coronavirus. Previously, they were to close until April 15. At the same time, the governor raised the fine for violating social-distancing rules from $500 to $1,000. “We havre to extend the New York Pause,” the governor said. “Public health demands that we do this. There’s a real danger in getting over-confident so quickgovernor ly.” Restaurants and bars have been forced to offer graband-go service or home deliveries. Most school children are receiving lessons by computer at home. The news came as Nassau saw another jump in the number of Covid-19 cases, County Executive Laura Curran said. Cases surpassed 15,600 here, with 2,100 hospitalized. On Sunday, there were 14,400 Jim Bernstein contributed to this story. cases.

Photos Courtesy School District 30

Shaw avenue fifth-graderS in Allison Hammond’s class created worry dolls in art class to send to students in Guatemala. Pictured with Craig Taylor Jr., center, founder of the Only Love Foundation.

Shaw avenue Sixth-graderS with the cards they designed to raise money for the Only Love Foundation.

Shaw Ave. students send love Shaw Avenue Elementary School art students last month participated in creative projects to support the Only Love Foundation. The Only Love Foundation is a Valley Stream-based non-profit organization that builds schools in underdeveloped countries and provides programs to help communities in impoverished areas around the world. The students were inspired to help after a visit with Craig Taylor Jr., founder of the Only Love Foundation. Taylor, a native Valley Stream resident and Valley Stream Central High School graduate, visited the school to speak about the work he facilitates across the world. This sparked the idea to raise money and provide gifts to students in need.

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April 9, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

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With the guidance of teachers, Shaw Avenue fifth-graders handcrafted worry dolls and wrote letters of encouragement to send as gifts to students in Guatemala, where the Only Love Foundation is currently serving. The school’s art teacher also worked with other classes to design greeting cards as part of a fundraiser and donated the money to the non-profit. The students drew, painted and used their iPads to create their own unique designs. Once completed, the designs were printed and boxed with envelopes. The cards were sold to families, friends and district staff members. Compiled by Peter Belfiore

Call our editors today 516-569-4000 or email pbelfiore@liherald.com

News briefs By Jill Nossa jnossa@liherald.com

Former State Sen. Dean Skelos, of Rockville Centre, sought early release from federal prison because he was worried about the c o r o n av i r u s p a n d e m i c , according to court papers. Skelos, 72, filed a motion in federal court in Manhattan last week, asking to spend the remainder of his 51-month sentence in home confinement to lessen the risk of contracting the virus. Skelos still has more than two years left on his sentence for political Dean corruption, which he began serving in January 2019 at Otisville Correctional Facility, in Orange County. The motion, filed under seal, was opposed by federal prosecutors in papers filed publicly, saying that an application

for release should first be filed with the U.S. Bureau of Prisons, which could better assess his health situation. The prosecutors noted that steps were being taken to stop the spread of the disease in federal prison, and said that, since Skelos lives in New York state, “the global epicenter of the coronavirus,” he has not provided any information to show that he would be better protected outside of prison. The judge, Kimba Wood, had decided as of press time. Skelos was convicted in July 2018 of using his political power to secure roughly skelos $300,000 in jobs and fees for his son Adam, also of Rockville Centre. They were each convicted on eight counts of conspiracy, extortion and bribery. Adam Skelos was sentenced to four years in prison.

Courtesy Debbie Greco Cohen

Nassau couNty is hiring a consulting firm to develop an “economic portrait” of the county after the coronavirus crisis has abated.

PeoPle have uNtil Aug. 14 to respond to the U.S. Census.

Be counted — the 2020 Census is under way By scott BriNtoN sbrinton@liherald.com

April 1 was Census Day, when the federal government counts every person across the United States and five of its territories. Population counts are used to allocate seats in the U.S. House of Representatives to states. The 435 seats in the House are divided up by the population of each state. The larger the population of a state, the more seats it receives. A state’s population is also used to allocate federal funding for a variety of programs. Federal officials are urging everyone to fill out the census online, by phone or mail. Census invitations were mailed earlier in March. You may respond after April 1. The census is mandated every 10 years by the U.S. Constitution. Who is counted? Here are directions from the 2020 Census website, 2020census. gov: “You should be counted where you are living and sleeping most of the time as of April 1, 2020. If you are responding for your home, count everyone who lives and sleeps there most of the time as of April 1, 2020. This includes young children, foster children, roommates, and any family members or friends who are living with

you, even temporarily. “Please note that if someone is staying with you temporarily on April 1 due to the COVID-19 situation, they should be counted where they usually live. This includes college students, who should still be counted at school, even if they are home early because of the COVID-19 situation. If they live in student housing, the college will count them. If they live off campus, they should respond for the offcampus address and include any roommates or other people living there.” Below is a timeline of upcoming dates: ■ April 29 – May 1: The Census Bureau will count homeless people over these three days. Census takers count people in shelters, at soup kitchens and mobile food vans, on the streets and at outdoor locations like tent encampments. ■ April 16 – June 19: Census takers will work with administrators at colleges, senior centers, prisons and other facilities that house large groups of people to ensure everyone is counted. ■ May 27 – Aug. 14: Census takers will interview homes that have not responded to the 2020 Census to help make sure everyone is counted. ■ December: The Census Bureau will deliver apportionment counts to the president and Congress as required by law.

County hires consultant to study the economy Hempstead Town waiving water fees By scott BriNtoN sbrinton@liherald.com

County Executive Laura Curran stood last Thursday at the Executive and Legislative Building in Mineola with the two heads of Nassau’s Coronavirus Economic Advisory Council — Industrial Development Agency Chairman Richard Kessel and Hofstra University President Stuart Rabinowitz —to announce results of a weeklong survey to assess the state of local business amid the coronavirus outbreak. The news were grim. The county received 1,431 responses to the survey, Curran said. Many businesses said they have or would need to lay off workers. Half predicted no profit for the year. And 80 percent said they would need loans to sustain their businesses.

“It’s pain now, and we know it’s going to be pain down the road,” the county executive said. Nassau, she said, has hired HR&A Advisors, a real estate and economic advisory firm based in New York City, to develop an “economic portrait” of the county before and after the crisis. From there, the firm can create models of the county’s potential economic state in order to prove future need for federal and state aid. Curran said she was “incredibly grateful for the help received by the state and federal government.” But, she noted, “we will need more.” She also said she would work closely with Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone on a regional plan for future economic development after the medical crisis has abated.

The Town of Hempstead is waiving all late fees and penalties for three months for its water customers who do not pay their bills on time, according to a news release issued by the town Wednesday. The measure required legislation, which was supported unanimously by Town Supervisor Donald Clavin and the other six members of the town board. The town’s Department of Water serves 37,000 customers in the Bowling Green, Donald East Meadow, Levittown, Roosevelt Field, Lido Beach, Point Lookout and Uniondale water districts. “People are worried and concerned about COVID-19, and are contending

with major life changes, including business and job losses, reduced income and medical concerns,” Clavin said. “Our hope is that this bill will help give people one less thing to worry about during this uncertain period.” Customers are billed quarterly according to their metered consumption, and late payments are subject to penalties and interest. Under the new legislation, all penalties and interest charges for an individual that would norclavin mally accrue during the Water Department’s billing period – March 15 to June 15 this year – are waived. –Scott Brinton

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — April 9, 2020

Dean Skelos, citing coronavirus fears, wants out of prison now, not later

Local center offers 24/7 remote mental health help continued from front page only reaching out to clients but also their clients’ children, regardless of age, to ensure they too are safe and dealing with the stresses of the pandemic in a healthy manner. And although its facilities are mostly closed, New Horizon does offer in-person drug services by appointment for people who need medication to assist with their struggles. “We’re trying to take care of the whole person,” Bienstock said. Despite the switch to remote counseling, she said, the center has been busier than ever, and additional social workers and doctors have been hired to meet the increasing demand of people seeking help. “When people are socially isolated, Peter Belfiore/Herald things like depression or feeling suicidal tends to get magnified,” she New HorizoN CouNseliNg Center, whose said, and that many right now are Nassau facility is in Valley Stream, is offering struggling to feel “relevant” during a 24/7 mental health phone counseling. time of unprecedented disruption. everyone reach the other side of the panShe encouraged anyone feeling demic, happy, healthy and perhaps better depressed or anxious to call the center. “People should not have to feel alone or than before. “We will get through this,” he said. “As lonely, because there are people you can contact and speak to,” Bienstock said. New Yorkers and Americans, we’ve gone through so much in our history, and we “There is help out there for you.” The hope, Lipton said, is for New Hori- will make it through this as well.” zon to provide a support network to help

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Courtesy Nick Maggio

After His gym closed due to the coronavirus, Valley Stream resident Nick Maggio said he has found other ways to exercise.

Stuck at home, residents switch up their workouts By NiCole AlCiNdor nalcindor@liherald.com

Among the myriad disruptions the coronavirus epidemic has inflicted on everyday life, the statewide closure of gyms has dealt a stinging blow to the fitness-minded. Now, stuck at home following social distancing and self-isolation guidelines, Valley Streamers have been forced to adapt, and are developing new routines to stay in shape. Resident Nick Maggio said he has been going for frequent walks. “I try to keep a routine now,” he said, “but the weather affects if I walk outside or not.” Before the coronavirus hit, Maggio said he would meet on scheduled days after work with a personal trainer at the Planet Fitness in Carle Place. “The gym was a stress reducer for me because it helped me to focus on an activity and block out the outside world for a short time,” he said. “The gym also left me feeling better when I achieved goals.” After its closure, he started walking around the path in Hendrickson Park for exercise, but due to the crowds there Maggio later switched to walking the side streets. It’s not a complete replacement for his previous workout, he said, but he finds it relaxing. “I miss the gym, but I really enjoy walking around the neighborhood,” he said. “I enjoy spending time outside in the sun and fresh air, which is a peaceful and calming feeling.” Resident Tina Rodriguez-Correa used to go to the 24 Hour Fitness in the Green Acres Commons, which she said helped her with chronic pain due to fibromyalgia. The more active she was the less pain she felt, but two weeks after the gyms

closed, she said the symptoms returned. After initially trying a home workout routine, Rodriguez-Correa said she has shifted to more outdoor activities. Now she rides her bike, roller skates and goes for frequent walks. “I’m starting to feel my symptoms reduce again now that I’m once again moving,” she said. “I definitely miss the gym. I miss the pool, steam room and Jacuzzi, but I am enjoying the fresh air.” Other residents have also been participating in online gym classes or have turned to YouTube workout videos, which they have said has helped them cope with the stresses of being in a pandemic. Resident Qumyka Howell said she has been taking part in free live Zumba classes on FaceBook since the closure of her gym. A local Long Island Zumba instructor has been broadcasting the classes every night, she said. “This has been a big stress reliever for me because I work from home full time, and I have to manage homeschooling a teen and a tween,” she said. “Maggie the Zumba Lady is my life saver during this pandemic.” “I’ve been doing Leslie Sansone walking videos on YouTube, with or without hand weights, when I can’t walk around the neighborhood,” Resident Karen Perri Sarli said in response to a Herald social media inquiry. And at least one other resident has been running his own virtual workout classes in an effort to provide a bit of familiarity in a period of great uncertainty. “I’m teaching classes online so I get my workout,” Valley Streamer Darryl Granum said. “ I have also been able to help my regulars feel a sense of normalcy during this crazy time.”

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS â€” April 9, 2020

1085412

as we honor the brave men and women who have served i

Big Folks

Mayor Ed Fare and the Valley Stream Village Trustees

The Band Shell on The Villag

Opening Ceremony: 12PM

Followed by a solemn ceremony in honor of V

1st LT. Robert Scott Ma TRIVIA TEST Army United States

By Fifi Rodriguez 1. ADVERTISING SLOGANS: Which product was advertised as “the champagne of bottled beer”? 2. GEOGRAPHY: Which was the first designated national park in the United States? 3. BIBLE: From which book of the New Testament does the proverb “the blind leading the blind” originate? 4. U.S. PRESIDENTS: Which president established the Purple Heart award to military members injured or killed in battle? 5. LITERATURE: What is the title of a classic novel that its British author originally named “Strangers from Within”? 6. ANIMAL KINGDOM: Which animal’s home is called a lodge? 7. FOOD & DRINK: Which spice is described as “the Queen of Spices”? 8. MUSIC: Who wrote the libretto and music to the opera “The Flying Dutchman”? 9. HISTORY: Which country’s revolution was described in the book “Ten Days That Shook the World”? 10. ANATOMY: What is the most common blood type in humans?

In which his name will be permanently a Valley Stream’s Memorial Monume Valley Stream Boulevard & Hicks St And the answers are… 6. Beaver 7. Cardamom 8. Richard Wagner 9. Russia 10. O positive

April 9, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

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Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE ASSESSOR’S NOTICE OF COMPLETION OF THE FINAL ASSESSMENT ROLL THE ASSESSOR OF THE COUNTY OF NASSAU HEREBY GIVES NOTICE that he has completed the 2020/2021 final assessment roll, which will be used for the 2021 levy of Town and County Taxes in the Towns of Hempstead, North Hempstead and Oyster Bay, and the City of Glen Cove and the City of Long Beach, and for the 2020/2021 levy of school taxes in such Towns and in the City of Long Beach. A certified electronic copy of the roll was filed with the Department of Assessment on April 1, 2020. The electronic roll may be examined on public terminals located in the offices of: DEPARTMENT OF ASSESSMENT NASSAU COUNTY OFFICE BUILDING 240 OLD COUNTRY ROAD, FOURTH FLOOR MINEOLA, NY 11501 where the same will remain open for public inspection for fifteen days. Dated this 1st day of April, 2020. DAVID F. MOOG Nassau County Assessor 121537

LEGAL NOTICE Notice is hereby given that SEALED PROPOSALS for: VALLEY STREAM UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT 24 FIRE SPRINKLER & INSULATION UPGRADES AT BROOKLYN AVENUE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SED NO: 28-02-24-02-0-002-025 CONTRACT G1 - FIRE SPRINKLER UPGRADES CONTRACT G2 INSULATION UPGRADES will be received until 11:00am on May 4th, 2020 at the District Offices of the Valley Stream Union Free School District #24, located at 75 Horton Avenue, Valley Stream, New York 11581 at which time they will be publicly opened and read aloud via video conference or live stream. Prospective bidders or other members of the public can either dial in to the video conference or live stream to view the process simultaneously. In the event of a school closure, the proposals will be opened the next business day that school is in session.

HERALD Community Newspapers

April 9, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

LVAL1 0409

Hard copies and electronic bid documents will be available beginning on April 6th, 2020. Complete sets of Bidding Documents, Drawings and Specifications, may be obtained from Rev, 330 Route 17A, Suite #2, Goshen, New York 10924 Tel: 1-877-272-0216, upon depositing the sum of One Hundred Dollars and 00 cents ($100.00) for each combined set of documents. Checks or money orders shall be made payable to VALLEY STREAM UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT #24. Plan deposit is refundable in accordance with the terms in the Instructions to Bidders to all submitting bids. Any bidder requiring documents to be shipped shall make arrangements with the printer and pay for all packaging and shipping costs. Complete digital sets of Bidding Documents, Drawings and Specifications, may be obtained online as a download for Forty Nine Dollars and 00 cents ($49.00) at the following w e b s i t e : www.usinglesspaper.com under ‘public projects’. All bid addenda will be transmitted to registered bidders via email and will be available at www.usinglesspaper.com . Bidders who have paid for hard copies of the bid documents will need to make the determination if hard copies of the addenda are required for their use and coordinate directly with the printer for hard copies of addenda to be issued. There will be no charge for registered bidders to obtain hard copies of the bid addenda. Bids must be made on the standard proposal form in the manner designated therein and as required by the specifications that must be enclosed in sealed opaque envelopes bearing the name of the job and name and address of the bidder on the outside, addressed to: “VALLEY STREAM UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT #24”, clearly marked on the outside: Bid For: “CONTRACT G1 - FIRE SPRINKLER UPGRADES AT BROOKLYN AVENUE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL”, OR “CONTRACT G2 INSULATION UPGRADES AT BROOKLYN AVENUE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL”,. The School District is not responsible for bids opened prior to the bid

opening if contract number and opening date do not appear on the envelope. Bids opened prior to date and time indicated are invalid. The bidder assumes the risk of any delay in the mail, or in the handling of the mail by employees of the Valley Stream Union Free School District #24, as well as of improper hand delivery. Each proposal submitted must be accompanied by a certified check or bid bond, made payable to the “VALLEY STREAM UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT #24”, in an amount equal to ten percent (10%) of the total amount of the bid, as a commitment by the bidder that, if its bid is accepted, it will enter into a contract to perform the work and will execute such further security as may be required for the faithful performance of the contract. Certification of bonding company is required for this bid, see Instructions for Bidders. Each bidder shall agree to hold his/her bid price for ninety (90) days after the formal bid opening. A pre-bid meeting and walk thru will be conducted on an appointment basis on April 27th, 2020 at the project site. Potential bidders are asked to gather at the main entrance to the building. Although the pre-bid meeting and walk-thru are not mandatory, it is highly recommended that all potential bidders attend. It is the Board’s intention to award the contract to the lowest qualified bidder in compliance with the specifications providing the required security who can meet the experience, technical and budget requirements. The Board reserves the right to reject any or all bids, waive any informality and to accept such bid which, in the opinion of the Board, is in the best interests of the School District. By Order of the Board of Education Valley Stream Union Free School District #24 75 Horton Avenue Valley Stream, New York 11581 121553

LEGAL NOTICE INC. VILLAGE OF VALLEY STREAM 123 South Central Avenue Valley Stream, New York 11580

(516) 592-5105 NOTICE TO BIDDERS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that sealed bids will be accepted only by mail as the Village Hall is currently closed due to the COVID-19 Crisis. Bids are to be sent to the Village Clerk of the Incorporated Village of Valley Stream, 123 South Central Avenue, Valley Stream, New York 11580, and are due by 11:00 a.m. prevailing time on the 22nd day of April, 2020 at which time they will be opened and read, and the contract awarded as soon thereafter as practicable for the purchase of: SODIUM HYPOCHLORITE SOLUTION 12 Ω WEIGHT % NaOCL FOR THE INC. VILLAGE OF VALLEY STREAM A.J. HENDRICKSON PARK POOL COMPLEX The Bid Documents and Specifications are available to mail by calling the Office of the Village Clerk, in the Village Hall of said Village at 516-592-5106/5105 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. excluding weekends or email vsclrk2@vsvny.org. All bids shall be submitted by mail only upon the forms provided therefor by the Incorporated Village of Valley Stream and shall exclude all Federal, State and local taxes. No Bid Bond is required. Prices shall remain in effect for the 2020 pool season. The Board of Trustees of the Incorporated Village of Valley Stream reserves the right to reject any and all bids in the whole or in part and to waive any informality of bids and to accept the bid and award the Contract to the lowest, responsible, formal Bidder deemed most favorable to the interest of the Village of Valley Stream therefor, pursuant to Section 103 of the General Municipal Law. Dated: Valley Stream, New York April 9, 2020 ROBERT V. FUMAGALLI Village Clerk * Due to New York State Governor Cuomo’s Executive Order dated March 7, 2020 on the temporary suspension and modification of NYS Laws relating to the disaster emergency. 121558

To place a notice here call us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com

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News briefs

Courtesy State Sen. Todd Kaminsky

An emergency food drive to benefit people because of the Covid-19 health crisis is being held by State Sen. Todd Kaminsky.

Kaminsky hosts emergency food drive through Because of the Covid-19 health crisis, State Sen. Todd Kaminsky, a Democrat who represents Valley Stream, will hold an emergency food drive to benefit families within the 9th Senate District. Suggested donations include gift cards, fresh, canned or boxed food, toiletries/ personal items and cleaning supplies. “The Covid-19 health crisis is leaving too many families unable to make ends meet and lacking basic necessities,”

Kaminsky said. “If you are someone with a little extra willing to donate, please reach out to my office and we will get it into the hands of those who need it most.” To donate, call Kaminsky’s office at (516) 766-8383 or email Kaminsky@ nysenate.gov. –Jeffrey Bessen

Nassau County libraries offering digital library cards during pandemic Fifty local libraries are now offering digital library cards amid library closures due to the coronavirus pandemic. This new tool will allow residents of Nassau County who do not already have a card to utilize the digital resources of their library while facilities are closed. Having access to library resources can be essential for people at all stages of their lives, especially during times of crisis. Since public libraries across the county are currently closed, a digital library card would enable people to explore the full complement of online library services from the comfort of their homes.

Readers can download the Libby app to borrow ebooks and audiobooks. Some libraries provide access to streaming entertainment apps like Kanopy or Hoopla that can be installed on smart TVs. Other resources include live homework help from tutor.com, interactive language learning from Pronunciator and currentissue popular magazines from RB Digital. Residents with active library cards can visit their library’s website to discover the resources that are already available to them. Those who do not have a card can visit nassaulibrary.org/digital-card-application to get started.

Let us Know

News Brief items including awards, honors, promotions and other tidbits about local residents are welcome. Photographs may be emailed as well. Deadline for submissions is noon Thursday, week prior to publication. Send to pbelfiore@liherald.com

HN1 04/09

Employment

CLASSIFIED

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

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

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

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HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — April 9, 2020

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

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I was looking at my ceiling just the other day, since you mentioned it. It’s not the best ceiling in the world, but it’s definitely up there. In the early 1980s I must onte eeper have designed dozens of homes near the ocean that were covered in vertical tongue-and-groove interlocking siding. All cedar, it was coated with opaque stain that did a pretty good job of covering it and penetrating the wood. There were two problems I noticed. As often as possible, I tried to prevent potential rotting from the back side when I was either able to see the job or at least advise the owner to look for the method I specified for installation. The planks were to be installed over staggered horizontal wood strips that created a half-inch air space to allow inevitable moisture to drain downward, preventing mold and rot. The other item was to make sure the siding, and especially the joints, were fully stained to protect them. Over the years, when an installer defied our notes on the plans by placing the planks right against house-wrap paper, I would stop by and walk up to the walls, which must have looked pretty suspicious to neighbors who wondered who was peering at the house. What I observed wasn’t surprising. The boards with the airspace lasted much longer, even though they still required expensive re-staining, than the boards with no airspace, which all deteriorated from the back side outward. And you need not worry about the possibility of flame spread due to the chimney effect in the air space. Studies were done by several public and private agencies over the years, and they showed that flame consumes the oxygen in such a small airspace before it can replenish. It turns out that it takes at least an inch of airspace to support continuous combustion. The alternative that will still give you the nautical look is vertical cement board, which also comes prefinished in numerous colors, can’t rot or support mildew, can’t burn and won’t chip, peel or crack. Following the manufacturer’s instructions, you still need to provide a moisture barrier that has enough spacing to drain from behind the panels. The best choice for this is a drainage fabric that resembles the intertwined look of an air conditioning filter. The best part of this choice is that the cement board siding is wind-rated for hurricanes. Enjoy your home!

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Q. We live near the water and have vertical plank siding. I’m told it’s cedar. It’s been there many years, and we noticed that it’s rotted from the back side and ready to crumble. We like the look and even have it on our family room ceiling, which still looks new, but we’re concerned about how long it will last if we have new outside planks installed. Is there a better material to get the same look or a way to prevent the rotting?

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HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — April 9, 2020

HERALD

HN3 04/09

Herald editorial

Valley Stream

April 9, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

HERALD Established 1990 Incorporating the Valley Stream Mailleader Peter Belfiore Editorr NiCole AlCiNDor Reporter ANGelA SHiriAN Advertising Account Executive mArtHA jACoviDeS Founding Editor offiCe 2 Endo Boulevard Garden City, NY 11530 Phone: (516) 569-4000 Fax: (516) 569-4942 Web: www.liherald.com E-mail: vseditor@liherald.com offiCiAl NeWSPAPer: Village of Valley Stream Valley Stream High School District Valley Stream Districts 13, 24 and 30

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS Robert Richner Edith Richner Publishers, 1964-1987 ■ ClifforD riCHNer StUArt riCHNer Publishers

Give what you can in these challenging days

t the Herald, we want to add our voices to the growing chorus of supporters thanking our frontline medical workers and first responders who are, as they say, doing God’s work. Each day, they put their lives on the line to save others. We can only admire their bravery, tenacity and sense of humanity. That being said, these good men and women could use more than our thanks. They could use our financial support. We don’t presume to speak for them, but they no doubt appreciate the cards, cheers and pizzas — keep ’em coming. Hospitals, however, have been stretched to their limits, not only in people power, but also in their finances. These are tough times financially. So many have lost their jobs or had their

miCHAel BoloGNA Vice President - Operations ■ SCott BriNtoN Executive Editor jim HArmoN

Copy Editor CHriStiNA DAlY Photo Editor toNY BelliSSimo Sports Editor KAreN Bloom Calendar Editor ■ rHoNDA GliCKmAN Vice President - Sales elleN reYNolDS Classified Manager lori BerGer Digital Sales Manager ■

jeffreY NeGriN Creative Director CrAiG WHite Production Coordinator CrAiG CArDoNe Art Director ■ DiANNe rAmDASS Circulation Director ■

HerAlD CommUNitY NeWSPAPerS Baldwin Herald Bellmore Herald Life East Meadow Herald Franklin Square/Elmont Herald Freeport Leader Long Beach Herald Lynbrook/East Rockaway Herald Malverne/West Hempstead Herald Merrick Herald Life Nassau Herald Oceanside/Island Park Herald Oyster Bay Herald Guardian Rockaway Journal Rockville Centre Herald South Shore Record Valley Stream Herald Wantagh Herald Citizen Seaford Herald Citizen

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

hours reduced. Many people are suddenly scraping by after having been solidly in the black only a matter of weeks ago. For those who can, however, please consider giving to our hospitals, which are nonprofits. We need them, and they need us. To give to Mount Sinai South Nassau, go to https://www.southnassau.org/sn/give. • To give to the Northwell Health Foundation, go to https://give.northwell.edu. • To give to Mercy Medical Center, go to https://mercymedicalcenter.chsli.org/ ways-give. • To give to NYU Winthrop, go to https:// nyuwinthrop.org/giving/. • To give to St. John’s Episcopal Hospital, go to https://ehs.org. You also might donate to your local volunteer fire department. Firefighters and

emergency medical technicians are putting themselves in harm’s way like never before. Covid-19 is a respiratory disease. Many firefighters’ lungs are damaged because of the smoke they have breathed in while responding to calls over the years, potentially making them more susceptible to this virus. You might also give to your local food pantries, which are running low on supplies because demand has risen exponentially in recent weeks. Finally, don’t forget to patronize your local businesses to the degree that you can. Few restaurants are making a profit. They remain open so they can keep as many jobs as they can for their loyal workers. They are so often there for us. Now they need us at this most precarious time.

Keep up the social distancing wo weeks ago, one South Shore school board member issued an urgent appeal to students in her district: Stop congregating. Stay

apart. That same day, an editor of this paper was riding his bicycle through his neighborhood and couldn’t help notice groups of people gathering on sidewalks. One older man was smoking a cigar in a circle of neighbors. A family was barbecuing in their driveway, welcoming folks from surrounding homes. These were the initial days after Gov. Andrew Cuomo issued a stay-at-home order, which too many people seemed to treat as a mini-vacation. They had no idea what was coming. In the days that followed, as the number of positive tests for Covid-19 climbed and

letters We still have to care for the environment To the Editor: I have mailed, faxed and emailed Governor Cuomo’s office about the specifics of “essential” landscapers and what they are allowed to do and not do. Specifically, I’m asking about the use of leaf blowers. With several landscaping companies using them at once, they are potentially blowing toxic air into our homes, cars and faces during this Covid-19 pandemic. I hope their use will be temporarily banned. I’m also disappointed that the state has postponed enforcement of the single-use plastic bag ban. Plastic bangs are polluting our waterways

the sobering death totals began streaming in, people got the message. No longer do they stand side by side or in tight lines in supermarkets. Gone are the barbecues and close clutches of socializing teenagers. The message was loud of clear: This pandemic is not a hoax. It is very real. Over this past weekend, however, we learned that Nassau County had the thirdhighest number of coronavirus cases of any county in the state, surpassing Westchester, where the outbreak began in New York, Manhattan and the Bronx. Only Queens and Brooklyn (a.k.a. Queens and Kings counties) had higher totals. Nassau’s and Suffolk’s fast-climbing numbers prompted the governor to warn that the outbreak was shifting from New York City to Long Island. As of Monday,

more than 15,600 people had tested positive in Nassau. That figure may very well reflect lax social distancing practices in the days after people were first told to stay home. We will be tempted to loosen our social distancing practices. It’s hard to remain regimented for weeks on end. We can’t give up, though. There’s simply too much at stake. Forgoing social distancing and sound hygiene practices now would only prolong the crisis. The pandemic will end. Statewide, we saw hopeful signs on Sunday. On the other hand, those hopeful signs could be illusory. Hospitalizations and deaths could very well climb again. Which is why we must — must — remain disciplined and continue to practice social distancing.

opinions

s another week has passed, and as we fight through this pandemic together, I continue to think about our Long Island Rail Road workforce, which continually rises to the challenge. They are on the front lines, playing a key role in the response to this emergency as the LIRR provides a vital service to Long Island and the region, currently the nation’s epicenter of a global health crisis. Our employees are heroes moving heroes. The workforce shows up each day to ensure phiLLip that we can safely enG transport fellow front-line workers — the nurses, doctors, police and other first responders, as well as the grocery store, pharmacy and transportation workers, and so many others who are helping us live. Together with our labor partners, we’re ensuring that employees and customers alike remain safe. Since this pandemic began hitting our state, the LIRR has seen a decline in ridership of about 90 percent. Adjusting to this

drop, while ensuring that we’re able to care for our employees and still provide critical service, we enacted the MTA Essential Service Plan, which began March 27. We are still running over 500 weekday trains, maintaining a 65 percent service level compared with a typical weekday. We also have crews and equipment on standby to supplement service if necessary. We’re constantly monitoring this new service, and staying engaged with our customers and local elected officials and community leaders, listening to their feedback and adjusting where we need to. We’ve added trains strategically where the need was greater to enable customers to maintain safe social distancing. We have eliminated cash transactions, closed all station waiting rooms and ticket windows, shut down our Lost & Found Office and the West End concourse of Penn Station. We continue to distribute masks and gloves to employees, and provide washing stations, hand sanitizers, disinfected work areas and other protections they need, and deserve, to stay healthy. Our courageous workforce is doing what public ser-

hey doing not just a job, but a true service to their fellow New Yorkers.

Letters and harming wildlife. I don’t understand why markets can’t use paper bags for the time being. Finally, I received a notice from the Town of Hempstead indicating that, as of Monday, there would no longer be recycling during the pandemic. The town wants us to hold on to all of our recyclables until further notice. I plan to call the town to inquire if there could at least be drop-off bins where conscientious people could deposit them. We’re not moving in the right direction on the environment. Three wrongs will not make anything right. MARCIA DITIERI North Merrick

Pets and the coronavirus To the Editor: Pet owners can rest easy that there is no reason to believe dogs or cats in the U.S. might be a source of infection for Covid-19 or cause its spread, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And so far, according to the CDC, there have been no reports of pets becoming sick with the coronavirus. It appears to be transmitted primarily from human to human. Pet owners may have heard of canine coronavirus, an intestinal infection in dogs, especially puppies, and feline coronavirus, which can cause feline infectious peritonitis, or

vants do. They aren’t just doing a job; they are doing a true service to their fellow New Yorkers. I simply can’t thank them enough. I ask my fellow Long Islanders to continue to practice good hygiene. Social distancing is key. We cannot stress enough the importance of flattening the curve and what it will mean to the recovery of New York, New Yorkers and the rest of the country. We know how trying these times are. But it is the efforts of our customers and LIRR employees that are an uplifting boost to us as management and labor leaders. They are the backbone of this pandemic response. LIRR management and local labor leaders are in contact daily. They’re sharing important feedback, too, and this open dialogue has enabled us to better support the LIRR workforce, as our employees and as union members. Thank you to those who have been providing us the feedback that helps us better protect you. Please know that this line of communication remains open, always, and we’re all better for your thoughts and suggestions. Even with all the precautions we’re

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — April 9, 2020

I’m proud of our LIRR workers

taking, it’s crucial that we continue to focus on reducing the spread of the coronavirus. This means that unless you’re an essential worker, stay home. Do not ride public transportation unless it’s absolute- can cle life tha ly necessary. Whether you’re at home or reporting my hea I ref to work, wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds, and use hand sanitizer if about t soap and water aren’t available. Cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve if you don’t have a tissue, and, most important, if you’re feeling sick, stay home. My heart goes out to all who are affected by this illness, especially those in our MTA family. To those who are currently being treated for Covid-19, please know that you are in our thoughts, and we wish you a speedy recovery. Take good care of yourselves. If there is a bright side to all of this, it’s that a large percentage of people, including many railroad employees, who have contracted the virus are recovering from it and returning to their daily lives. side ch Of the 378 LIRR employees who were on stresse I sti home quarantine as of last Thursday, 103 berated have returned to work. I look forward to the day our LIRR fam- evelt d ily is all back together, standing side by Brookl tell the side and marching forward, together. ers wa Phillip Eng is president of the Long Island asking vive? Rail Road.

FrAmework by Jack Healy

FIP. These viruses have been around for quite some time, and are not associated with the current outbreak. To protect yourself, your family and possibly even your pets from this new coronavirus, you should follow these precautions:

fo sam tak cal Instead demic, tors, of the Wh ency an

■ Frequently wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Use hand sanitizer with more than 60 percent alcohol if you can’t wash. ■ Maintain social distancing outside of your immediate family. ■ Cover your mouth or nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and then throw the tissue away and wash your hands. ■ Sanitize often-used surfaces in your home and office. The CDC recommends that you restrict contact with pets and other animals if you become sick, just as you would with people. Ask another member of your household to care for your pets while you’re ill. If you must do it yourself, wash your hands before and after you interact with your pets, and wear a facemask. The toughest part for pet lovers is that you must remember that you should not pet, snuggle or share kisses or food with your pet. THE STAFF OF THE NORTH SHORE ANIMAL LEAgUE AMERICA

He’s gonna need a bigger mask — Seaford

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April 9, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

oPinions

Longing for a comforting voice from a true leader

lease allow me to reminisce about the past. I’m no longer a young politician, but I’m very much an alert senior citizen who can clearly recall the experiences in my life that have left an indelible imprint on my heart and soul. I refer specifically to my recollections about the presidents of my past. I vividly recall my early childhood, when Franklin D. Roosevelt was president. My parents came of age during the Depression, and they worshipped Roosevelt for his soothing messages to AmerJeRRY ica during World kReMeR War II. I was a child, but I could see how his fireside chats helped my parents survive the stresses of the war. I still can feel the tremors that reverberated across the country the day Roosevelt died. The neighborhood churches in Brooklyn rang their bells incessantly to tell the world that one of its greatest leaders was gone. My mother and father kept asking, how would their America survive?

Along came a former haberdasher named Harry S. Truman, who assured America that all would be well. In the ensuing years, he helped end the war, and assured our country that he was in charge, and that “The buck stops here.” He assured us that our national agony was over. He did his job but never lost sight of his local roots. Truman was a great cheerleader for America. He was followed by former Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower, who had helped defeat the enemy armies in the war. He became a grandfatherly symbol to Americans, and made us feel that we no longer had to worry about foreign wars. Fast-forward to the days of President John F. Kennedy. Young and vibrant, he made the nation feel that our future would be bright and promising. He energized the White House, and made millions of young people eager to embark on careers in public service. When he died, almost everyone in our nation felt the pain. After the failures of Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan emerged as the strong father figure that was needed to soothe our new global fears. His experience in

Hollywood helped him eloquently express his concerns for America, and he won over many of his skeptics. The next trauma came during the tenure of Bill Clinton. On April 19, 1995, two American-born terrorists blew up a federal building in Oklahoma City, killing 168 people and injuring nearly 700 others, many of them children. Our nation went into shock after the tragedy, and President Clinton became the healerin-chief with his soothing words, assuring us that we were better than those two criminals. I recall President George W. Bush standing amid the rubble of the still-smoldering World Trade Center on Sept. 14, 2001, assuring America that we would catch the perpetrators of the attacks three days earlier. It was a shining moment not just for him, but for all of America. Fast-forward to 2015, when a gunman opened fire at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, S.C., killing nine people. Afterward, President Barack Obama offered words of compassion that captured the feelings of all Americans — and even led the singing of “Amazing Grace” at the funeral of one of the victims.

adly, there’s no FDR, no Reagan, no Bush, no Obama in this White House.

Now it is 2020. We are a nation living in fear of the unknown. Caught in the clutches of a pandemic, we must seek solace from our governors and our local leaders. We cling to the words of medical experts and our clergy, because we lack a powerful voice in the White House that could tell us that we are stronger than any virus. We survived World War II and Oklahoma City and Sept. 11 because, when challenged, we united and rose to the occasion. Facing a disease that keeps us awake at night and could wreck our economy, we’re in need of a voice from on high that would give us the strength to carry on, but sadly, there is no such voice in the Oval Office. All we hear is the echo chamber telling our president how great he is, not how great he could be. I pray that in your lifetimes we will again have a national leader who will remind us what Roosevelt, Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy, Reagan, Bush, Clinton and Obama sounded like in times of national need. 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.

Dear President Trump: This is killing us

f only Donald Trump had taken the same Hippocratic Oath our doctors take when they graduate from medical school: “First, do no harm.” Instead, as we live through this global pandemic, we are caught between trained doctors, offering us fact-based science, and the White House, offering political expediency and short-sighted policy that could actually lead to more loss of life. This is the worst, I thought as the virus spread over the past two weeks. But it wasn’t the worst. The medical fight against the disease has been handiRandi capped by a presikReiss dent who is ignoring scientific evidence and the best advice of medical professions. He has denied, lied and deceived the public about the very existence of the coronavirus. He misled his fellow Americans about the severity of the disease. Early on, when he could have blunted the effects of a fullblown epidemic, he refused to take action, which would have mitigated the loss of life we are seeing every day. What a week. As we move through this all-consuming emergency, ordinary peo-

ple, who want to keep themselves and their loved ones safe, are looking for advice based on sound medical practice. The Hippocratic Oath, which evolved from the work of Hippocrates of Kos, who lived in the 5th century B.C., codifies the ethics and standards doctors still embrace. Not every doctor actually takes the oath in modern times, but some still do, and doctors around the world adhere to the tenets of selflessness, service and care. In a bizarre turn of events, Trump has set himself up as qualified to tout experimental medicines that have been rushed through the approval process and administered to sick patients on a trial basis. He has pushed right past the obvious equivocation of the physicians standing with him during the nightly press conferences/ political rallies. Was it ever writ larger than this? Elections have consequences, and one of the unforeseen consequences of 2016 is our living through a once-in-acentury pandemic without qualified, stable or sensitive leadership. This is a human rights issue, a political issue and a medical issue. We are stumbling through this valley hobbled by leaders who have no regard for the health and

safety of millions of vulnerable Americans. As I wrote two weeks ago (during this siege my column may not appear every week), the heartening news is that this ship can sail without a captain. All hands are onboard. All of us in our everyday lives are listening to the experts and trying to limit the spread of Covid-19 by observing physical distance rules and absorbing the pain of isolation and loneliness. Hundreds of thousands of us are quarantining ourselves and staying indoors to help stop this modern plague. We’re doing our part. As always, there is inspiration and precedent to be found in literature. I’ve been reading “Citizens of London: The Americans Who Stood with Britain in Its Darkest, Finest Hour,” by Lynne Olson. What we’re living through has similarities to the Blitz, when Germany dropped some 30,000 incendiary bombs on London beginning in September 1940 and continuing for 57 consecutive nights. The bombing did not end for eight months. Britain had Winnie, of course. Winston Churchill helped the people of London survive the Blitz by telling them how hard it was going to be. He said it would cost

he heartening news is that this ship can sail without a captain.

them blood, sweat and tears. He spoke the truth in terrible times, asked much of his fellow Brits, and they, in turn, summoned the courage they needed. Hand in hand with the English people were the American journalists who lived through the bombing and reported the stories of stoicism and survival back to the American public. Those reports helped pull the United States into the war, and led ultimately to the defeat of Nazi Germany. The heroes of that era were the leaders who never faltered, the everyday citizens who crawled out of bombed apartments to go to work and the journalists who told the story. The heroes of this troubled time will be the doctors and other medical workers who turn up every day on the front lines of this epic battle, and the reporters and photographers who are telling the story, writing the first rough draft of history. We don’t have a Winston Churchill in the White House. Trump delayed enacting the Defense Production Act until last Friday, and thereby delayed the manufacture of desperately needed ventilators. He continues to mislead the nation about the availability of testing, and the hard news about how long we will live in crisis mode. In that, he is failing to protect and defend us. Copyright 2020 Randi Kreiss. Randi can be reached at randik3@aol.com.

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS â€” April 9, 2020

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