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Valley Stream

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School board race coverage

Auto body shop burglarized

South holds drive-by parade

Page 7

Page 4

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Vol. 31 No. 23

JUNE 4 - 10, 2020

Owners react to Phase One of reopening reopening of her business on Monday, Elfante, who was used to selling $3,000 to $5,000 worth The Phase One reopening of of flowers a week, now orders a Long Island’s economy began quarter of that. She can no lonMay 27, and many non-essential ger pay her employees and laid businesses reopened them all off. She for the first time in runs her business about a dozen weeks alone. with curbside pick“I’ve owned my up and drop-off. business for 16 After months of a years, and to work so statewide closure, hard and then all of ow n e r s o f n o n a sudden it’s gone, is essential businesses tough,” she said. in Valley Stream “I’m counting on my said they had lost Valley Stream comcustomers, time and munity to support money, and that their local florist resuming their sershop and get my vices has been diffibusiness back to cult. nor mal with my “Reopening my employees. I’m hopbusiness has been ing and praying, unsettling,” said because this is my Lisa Elfante, the livelihood.” owner of Central Deo Singh, the F lorist in Valley liSA ElfANtE owner of D Singh Stream. “I lost a lot General Contractors Owner, of business since we Inc., does construcw e r e c l o s e d o n Central Florist tion work at schools Mother’s Day and in various commufor communions and nities. With the pandemic conother events.” tinuing, he does not take a job if Due to the closure, wholesal- there will be too many people at ers made little to no money, and a construction site. farmers were forced to throw out “It was exciting opening up many flower. Now, since the Continued on page 4

By NicolE AlciNdor nalcindor@liherald.com

Peter Belfiore/Herald

HUNdrEdS of pEoplE in Valley Stream and Elmont hit the streets on Monday to protest the police killing of George Floyd and police violence against black people in America.

Hundreds in V.S., Elmont protest George Floyd’s death By pEtEr BElfiorE pbelfiore@liherald.com

Their names were on the protesters’ minds and lips for most of the evening Monday: ■ Breyonna Taylor, shot eight times in March in her home when police entered without warning. ■ Ahmaud Arbery, shot while on a jog in February after two white men pursued him in a pickup truck.

■ Eric Garner, who died after groaning that he could not breathe as police arrested him. ■ Sean Bell, killed in a hail of gunfire in 2006 by plainclothes NYPD officers. ■ George Floyd, who died on Memorial Day after Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin pressed his knee to Floyd’s neck for more than eight minutes as Floyd pleaded for his life.

In Valley Stream and Elmont, hundreds marched in their memories, exactly a week after Floyd’s death. It took place against a backdrop of national outcry over police violence against black people, and while some of the protests had become violent, Monday’s remained peaceful. “We felt it was only right to organize something like this,” said Elmont resident Goldie Harrison, 26, noting that in Continued on page 3

’m counting on my Valley Stream community to support their local florist shop and get my business back to normal with my employees.

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continued from front page recent years, Valley Stream and Elmont had yet to become involved in the Black Lives Matter movement. “A lot of these people, it’s their first time protesting, and we need to bring awareness to the black lives who have been lost to police violence, but also give people an opportunity to protest and see what that’s like.” Valley Streamer Christine Rivera, also 26, said she and Harrison had discovered a knack for organizing while the two attended SUNY New Paltz together, and were confident they could draw a crowd. “We know our reputation in the neighborhood,” she said. At around 4 p.m., groups of protesters streamed to the corner of Dutch Broadway and Elmont Road and started making signs. Elmont resident Emily Peralta, 17, and Valley Streamer Ramon Regan, 18, wrote “Hands up don’t shoot” on a small piece of white poster board, and drew a pair of blood-stained hands in marker. “I think it’s disgusting,” Peralta said of the moment in American history. “I don’t think we should be reliving this, and the fact that nobody’s doing anything about it isn’t making it better, so we’re going to have to take it into our own hands.” Regan said he was drawn to protest because he believed that even if reforms came out of high-profile police killings such as Floyd, they would not be enough for people of color to escape dehumanizing treatment. “If the white man doesn’t need laws to be equal in society, then neither does the colored man,” he said. “... We have to make the world a better place by showing that we’re human too.” As more gathered, many waived signs at the cars that sped by on Elmont Road. Most honked their horns in solidarity, while some slowed, with their occupants thrusting raised fists from lowered windows. There were a handful of speeches. Harrison and Rivera addressed the crowd.

while monday’s Protest addressed racial injustice in America, it was sparked by the killing of George Floyd while in police custody in Minneapolis.

Photos by Peter Belfiore/Herald

Protesters marched down Dutch Broadway, shouting the names of black people who have been killed by police. Rivera asked how attendees had been affected by police violence, and dozens of hands went up. Others read aloud poetry, one played music, and many expressed feelings of outrage, fear and exhaustion. By around 6 p.m. nearly 300 people, mostly young, had gathered on the corner and marched east on Dutch Broadway with Nassau County police escort and passing the 5th Precinct, where officers formed a perimeter outside. They chanted the names of Taylor and Floyd, among others, along with the slogans “no justice, no peace,” “black lives matter” and “I can’t breathe,” a reference to Garner’s death. The march ended at Valley Stream State Park with a moment of silence as participants kneeled. There, as the sun set, the speeches continued, but this time messages of anguish -- one described living as black as experiencing a form of post-traumatic stress disorder -- were mixed with ones of hope. Business owners and artists encouraged others to start their own businesses and promote their work. Other speakers expressed pride at the day’s show of strength from the Valley Stream and Elmont community. They urged the crowd to stick together, to continue protesting, to continue the conversations about racial inequality and police violence and to push for reforms. Older participants noted the need to vote in both local and national elections, and said younger generations should advocate for long-overdue changes. “Young folks, I’m proud of you,” Elmont Cardinals President Jon Johnson said. “We’re passing the mantle to you; the baton goes to you. We want you to carry this. We want you to become one, and let me tell you something, you can do this.” By around 8:30 p.m., the crowd began to disburse, and most walked home with their signs in hand.

Police guarded the Nassau County 5th Precinct as the protest moved past. elmont and Valley Stream’s protest came amid a national backdrop of turmoil over Floyd’s death.

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — June 4, 2020

Marching in George Floyd’s memory

June 4, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

V.S. businesses gear up for reopening continued from front page

tinct phases hereafter:

again, but we did have to cut staff,” Singh said. “I’m afraid of the virus, so we wear masks and gloves and stay six feet apart on the job, and I also don’t go to every job call if it goes against Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] guidelines.” On Monday, the Wheeler Deli Hot and Cold Catering in Valley Stream also reopened with options for customers to get food to go, and it offers delivery, including Uber Eats, DoorDash and Grubhub. “Everyone who enters the store has to wear a mask, and only four people can be in the store at a time,” said Christine Higgins, the deli manager. “It feels good to reopen again after a long time, but it was hard on the business because we had to spend a lot of money starting over by restocking the entire store with items.” Reopening has been hard for Higgins because she said she thinks people are still afraid to leave their houses, reducing her customer base. She, however, said she hopes that will change soon. “I’m hoping to get back on our feet,” she said. “I hope that more people will come, because that’s what we are relying on to stay afloat.” The reopening of the Long Island economy will play out by region in three dis-

Phase Two: Professional services, finance and insurance, retail, administrative support, and real estate, rental and leasing. Phase Three: Restaurants and food services, beyond takeout and delivery. Phase Four: Arts, entertainment and recreation, and education. If the number of deaths, hospitalizations and new Covid-19 cases remains stable or declines for two weeks, a region can move on to the next phase of reopening. Governor Cuomo has emphasized that personal behavior will determine the success — or failure — of the reopening process. “The trajectory,” he said last week, “is decided by people.” He repeated that people should: ■ Wear masks in public spaces. ■ Wash hands frequently. ■ Maintain social distance. “We want [the] economy to come roaring back,” he said. Scott Brinton contributed to this story.

Courtesy Lisa Elfante

On June 1, Lisa Elfante, the owner of Central Florist in Valley Stream, reopened her business for Phase One.

Crime watCh

Cedarhurst man arrested for burglary in Valley Stream A Cedarhurst man was arrested for allegedly burglarizing a Valley Stream auto body shop early on Sunday, police said. At around 1 a.m., the owner of Touch of Class Collision on East Hawthorne Avenue reported that the alarm at his shop had gone off and called 911, police said, providing them with a description of the suspect. Officers then reportedly found 21-yearold Jorge Santizo-Lanuza of Cedarhurst

nearby and arrested him. Police charged him with third-degree buglary, thirddegree grand larceny, fourth-degree grand larceny, third-degree unauthorized use of a vehicle and fifth-degree possession of stolen property. He was arraigned on Monday at the Mineola courthouse.

A CedArhurst mAn was arrested for allegedly burglarizing an autobody shop on East Hawthorne Avenue early Sunday.

Every life matters to us … Dear neighbor:

We live and work in this community. The lives of each and every one of you is important to us and we are here to tell your stories — from beginning to end. That includes the final chapter. At this difficult time, I want to remind you that obituaries in all Herald Community Newspapers are, and have always been, completely free. COVID-19 has taken far too many, far to soon. Let us help you commemorate the life of your loved one with a story and photo celebrating their life. Contact our Executive Editor Scott Brinton, sbrinton@liherald.com or call 516-569-4000, ext 203, if you would like to memorialize a loved one in the Herald, regardless of their cause of death. Stuart Richner Publisher srichner@liherald.com 1087105

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Valley Stream

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

MAIN PHONE: (516) 569-4000 ■ WEB SITE: www.liherald.com/valleystream ■ E-MAIl: Letters and other submissions: vseditor@liherald.com ■ EDITORIAl DEPARTMENT: Ext. 265 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 ■ 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: $36 for 1 year within Nassau County. Out of Nassau County: $58 for 1 year. Copyright © 2020 Richner Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.

P R O P O S E D

VOTE!

VOTE! VOTE! BY JUNE 9, 2020 ABSENTEE BALLOT ONLY NO IN-PERSON VOTING

Ballots mailed to all qualified voters in Hewlett-Woodmere with a postage-paid envelope to return the ballots.

Ballots MUST be received by 5:00 PM on June 9, 2020.

he proposed 2020–2021 school budget allows the District to maintain our existing programs and services while allocating the resources necessary to address the COVID-19 pandemic.

WHAT’S NEW? • Funding for personal protective equipment, professional •

development to address learning gaps, and facility alterations in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Continuation of Behavioral Health Center partnership with Northwell Health for all resident students. Increased extra-curricular opportunities at HHS.

• WHAT’S MAINTAINED? • Expansive course offerings at HHS. • Adult education, recreation, and summer programs. • Academic, art, music, and athletics programs.

S C H O O L

B U D G E T

PROPOSITION ONE

2020–2021 School Budget $126,882,632

•

PROPOSITION TWO

Will allow the expenditure of $2,000,000 from the Long Range Capital Reserve Fund to complete projects at all facilities.

•

PROPOSITION THREE

2020–2021 Library Budget More information can be found on the District Website at

www.hewlett-woodmere.net

BUDGET-TO-BUDGET INCREASE: 2.89% PROJECTED TAX LEVY INCREASE: 2.89%* * Complies with New York State limit. For 2020–2021, the District’s maximum allowable tax levy limit is 3.77%.

REMINDER: NO IN-PERSON VOTING! EMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATION FOR SUCCESS IN LIFE

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Inspire ★ Engage ★ Achieve

2 0 2 0 – 2 0 2 1

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — June 4, 2020

H W O E O W D L M E E T R T E PUBLIC SCHOOLS

June 4, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

Valley Stream schools gear up for budget vote By Peter Belfiore pbelfiore@liherald.com

Wi t h f i s c a l 2 0 2 0 - 2 0 2 1 b u d g e t s unveiled, residents living within the Valley Stream Central High School District are asked by June 9 to vote whether to approve spending plans for both the high school district and their respective elementary school district. Due to the coronavirus, voting will be done remotely, with most residents already in possession of mail-in absentee ballots.

Central High school District The proposed 2020 – 2021 budget of the Central High School District at $126 million increases spending by roughly $4.8 million and is largely status quo. $86.9 million will be collected in taxes from local property owners and represents a 2.65 percent increase in the tax levy. The main highlight, according to the district, will be the start of its 1-to-1 laptop initiative, providing computers to nearly every student in the district. It will start in the fall for students in seventh- and eighth-grade, and district officials said the program would gradually

Valley streamer Karen Dermer earned a medical residency at Stony Brook University in pediatrics.

expanded to cover students through 12th grade. In addition to approving the budget, residents are asked to approve the use of $3.5 million in capital reserve funding for the following projects: ■ Renovation and sodding of the athletic field on the south side of the Central High School building. ■ Elevator replacement, kitchen and serving line renovations and teacher’s entrance stoop reconstruction at Memorial Junior High School. ■ Tennis court renovations at North High School. ■ Gym lobby renovations at North and South high schools. ■ Replacement of perimeter fencing at South.

District 30

District 30’s expenses are projected at $38.3 million for the upcoming year, which is a $1.4 million increase over the current year. Taxes to be levied against property owners stand at $22.7 million, which is a $424,000 or 1.9 percent increase over the current year. Highlights, according to the district,

District 13

District 13 plans to increase its expenses by nearly $2.2 million, or 4.2 percent over the current year to at total of $55.3 million. Nearly $38.2 million in taxes will be levied against property owners, representing a nearly 2 percent increase over the current year. Highlights, according to the district, include the installation of Smart Boards in third- and fourth-grade classrooms, expanding curriculum for the district’s

new STEAM-oriented Innovation Labs, as well as the expansion of orchestra and math extra help services. District 13 is also gearing up for the Next Generation Learning Standards. Propositions on the ballot include approval to spend roughly $400,000 of capital reserves to renovate the libraries at Willow Road and Wheeler Avenue schools and approval to spend $160,000 in reserves for classroom redesigns and the purchase and installation of Smart Boards and air conditioning equipment at various district facilities.

District 24

Total expenses for District 24 in the upcoming school year are projected at nearly $31 million, and represent a roughly $1 million increase over the current year. Nearly $21.8 million of those expenses will be raised from property taxes, which is a roughly 1.7 percent or nearly $358,000 increase over the current year. The budget is largely status quo, continuing the district’s STEAM, after school, music, and social-emotional support programs, as well as enhanced security. There are no additional propositions specific to District 24.

Neighbors iN the News Student artist wins choice award

Courtesy New York Institute of Technology

Valley Streamer earns residency Valley Streamer and New York Institute of Technology medical student Karen Dermer earned a residency earlier this year with Stony Brook University in pediatrics. Residencies are a vital step in becoming a doctor, in which medical students are brought on to hospital staff and spend years gaining on-the-job experience. The selection process in where the students are placed for residency is typically treated with great fanfare, however, due to the coronavirus the reveal had to be per-

include a raft of IT infrastructure and classroom technology improvements such as increased cyber security, the installation of Smart Boards as well as an iPad and Chromebook refresh. Additionally, curriculum is being readied to comply with the state Next Generation Learning Standards. District 30 residents will also be asked to allow the district to create a new $8 million capital reserve fund for facility reconstruction and additional classrooms, as well as a slew of interior infrastructure renovations. Residents will also be asked to approve a $3.5 million expenditure from an already-established capital reserve fund to complete infrastructure improvements and renovations already underway.

formed remotely via a virtual ceremony. “What an exciting day and important milestone for all of you. Obviously, I wish we could all share this moment in person, but don’t let the distance or virtual nature take away anything from your achievement,” said Jerry Balentine, dean and vice president of health sciences and medical affairs at NYIT. “What better time to take this monumental step forward than now, when we are most needed?” Compiled by Peter Belfiore

More than 9,000 virtual visitors to the Heckscher Museum of Art voted in May to name Valley Steam Central High School senior Alana Moy a Virtual Visitors Choice Award winner. Moy had submitted her work, “Force Feeding,” to the Long Island’s Best: Young Artists at The Heckscher Museum competition. Hers was among 388 student submissions, after which visitors, who due to the coronavirus viewed the works virtually, voted to select a winner. The other winner was Micarlys Ramirez, a senior at Brentwood High School. In her artist statement about the work, Moy said the following. “I was inspired by two very different artists, Gabriela Gonzalez Dellosso and Mort Künstler. Dellosso’s paintings were captivating, especially Varo’s Moon. Künstler’s Courtesy Heckscher Museum of Art paintings were intriguing visually, and the concepts he presented Central senior alana Moy’s work “Force spoke to me. The way women were Feeding” was selected among 388 submissions perceived in his paintings were for the Heckscher Museum of Art’s Virtual Visitors stereotypical and limiting. The Choice Award. drawing I have created represents tations placed upon me. ‘Housewife,’ growing up today and still struggling to break through the constraints ‘Mother,’ ‘Naïve,’ ‘Emotional,’ ‘Weak,’ women had to bear in the 50s. The draw- ‘Perfect,’ and ‘Slut,’ — all words that ing presents a man feeding me alphabet have been used against women to subject soup that spells out the archetypes that them to a box they did not ask to be put have been used against women to limit in. Unlike the Moon that was caged in them through time. I am distressed, Dellosso’s piece, my captor is the cage, angry, and ready to break free of the limi- holding me hostage.”

SCHOOL BOARD ELECTION

Herald: One of the chief responsibilities of a school board trustee is setting the annual budget. With the coronavirus creating uncertainty over how much state aid might be coming to districts, what kinds of hard decisions are you willing to make regarding programs and taxes?

to support the maintenance and improvements to our schools. Our children deserve 21st. Century Learning Spaces that are welcoming and promote creativity and collaboration.

Herald: There has been much debate in recent years on how schools should best prepare students for the Dr. Frank Dr. Frank Chiachiere: The future. In your view, where budget we are proposing this does the balance lie Chiachiere year is conservative and between professional develresponsive to what is hapopment and creating wellpening in our country relative to Covid-19 rounded adults? and the economy. Our tax levy this year is Chiachiere: Professional development for 1.99 percent. In fact, we are in the bottom third of tax levy increases proposed by pub- teachers and preparing students for their futures are not mutually exclusive. In order lic school districts in Nassau County. It’s to ensure that teachers continue to develop true that year over year our budget is increasing 4.1 percent, however, that is due their professional knowledge to meet the changing needs of the academic and to the revenues generated by the state aid social-emotional skills that students will that we are guaranteed as a result of the need to fully participate in a knowledge two successfully completed phases of our economy, we have engaged teachers in current bond project. ongoing targeted professional development We have stayed under the allowable tax cap since its institution and we are commit- while building our curriculum in all four core academic areas. ted to this approach to budgeting. Our district currently has healthy reserves including a capital reserve which we use to continue

day of live training with all “broadcasts” archived for later viewing. I am completely shocked by how disconnected the current school board is with its proposal to raise spending by 4.1 percent. Due to Covid-19, over 40 million Americans lost their jobs and over 100,000 lost their lives, and the incumbent trustees want to increase spending?

Anthony Anthony Bonelli: School District 13 is comprised of Bonelli only elementary schools. All Herald: There has been core curriculum must remain much debate in recent years intact. Personnel actions, if required, must on how schools should best prepare stubegin within the administration. Focus must dents for the future. In your view, where be on “redundant services.” For example, if does the balance lie between professional we have staff employed to provide a service development and creating well-rounded yet rely on consultants as well, why are we adults? doing both? We need accountability and Bonelli: Each year the world becomes more transparency to the public of expenditures interconnected, more global, enabling that are ultimately paid by the taxpaying public. If we lost one of our four schools to employers to choose candidate employees from all over the world. Our children’s educafire, by law, the school district must have a business continuity plan. Covid-19 resulted tion must keep up with other advanced countries. The biggest difference between our in the closure of all four of our schools. educational system and those of countries Well, where is the BCP? Many of our chilwith more successful educational school dren are receiving less than five hours of systems is the number of school days and distance learning. That is unacceptable. I the number of hours of instruction. will provide at least three to five hours a

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HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — June 4, 2020

DISTRICT 13

June 4, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

SCHOOL BOARD ELECTION DISTRICT 13

rounded adults?

Herald: There has been much debate in recent years on how schools should best prepare students for the future. In your view, where does the balance lie between professional development and creating well-rounded adults?

Farrell: At the District 13 level, our primary mission is to ensure our students are well educated academically and well equipped socially to handle the challenges they face both in and out of school. We have done this with both excellent coursework, and fantastic extracurPatricia Patricia Farrell: We cannot ricular activities, such as make any cuts that harm our summer hockey program, art Farrell children’s education or put programs, and our music their physical or mental well programs. These extracurricbeing at risk. It is vital that the school ulars give students the opportunity to board confers with parents, teachers, develop valuable teamwork and social department heads, school counselors, skills. social workers, and other stakeholders in Herald: What do you think makes you best schools when making these decisions. suited to serve on your respective school These individuals will be essential in figurboard, and why did you decide to run? ing out how to best ensure our children’s education and safety. In addition, the goverFarrell: For the past six years, I have nor’s regulations will be important as well. worked incredibly hard as a board member Certain programs may not be allowed to to improve our children’s education. With occur for health and safety reasons, and while deeply unfortunate, the district will be such uncertain times ahead, the experience I have in solving educational issues in able to redistribute the money saved elseDistrict 13 is now more important than where for the benefit of the children. ever. The upcoming school year will be Herald: There has been much debate in filled with many challenges and our chilrecent years on how schools should best dren need experienced individuals guiding prepare students for the future. In your view, policy and decision making at the school where does the balance lie between profes- board level. I look forward to continue servsional development and creating welling the community.

Cavalieri: A quality education should prepare each Gerardo Gerardo Cavalieri: This queschild to meet real world chaltion cannot be answered lenges. To do so, academics Cavalieri without knowing where curshould not be the sole criterent inefficiencies may exist ria. Our students in Valley in the budget. Although services rendered Stream are growing up in an enriched culwould be my first place to concentrate. tural community and with a diverse populaI believe old policies tie us into paying tion that presents an opportunity in educatservices at a premium and prevent from ing our children. Teaching that is engaging, using a competitive market. Another priority relevant, multicultural while using a variety is the residency issue that plagues our of tools and learning styles will have a great School District. As Valley Stream population impact on all children regardless of stugrows, and enrollment numbers continue to dent’s racial, ethnic or economic backincrease, educational capacity needs to be ground. Clubs and organizations should not monitored. If our budget is sound and all be sectionalized but publicized so all stuinefficiencies have been removed, the condents experience and are exposed to the sideration of the need to pierce the tax-levy unknown. However, there is no single stratecap would be entertained. The benefit to do gy or approach that will work best with all so must outweigh the burden. Will it be for students. Our educators must be involved in capital or will the extra funds be for the education process and should not be expense? The goal is to continue the high institutionalized but personalized. We must standard of education, with the continued entrust our educators to provide their experisupport of enrichment programs that expand ence, knowledge and firsthand experience to our children’s development while being fisimplement and execute. cally responsible.

prepare students for the future. In your view, where does the balance lie between professional development and creating wellrounded adults?

Freda: Until a vaccine is developed and tested, Bill instruction will be done Bill Freda: The incumbent remotely, in order to keep Frieda Board of Education memteachers and students from bers are proposing a 4 percatching Covid. At the cent spending increase. This shows utter moment, parents are furious at the minimal contempt for the financial stress residents amount of actual “face-to-face” video are experiencing. Residents must vote no teaching that is happening. Some classes on their budget, to show them who is boss. only get one Zoom session a week. Most Covid has changed everything. People are teaching is like this: “Here’s your assignbeing furloughed, laid off, and given ment, email me if you have questions.” reduced hours. Young students need a structured teaching Parents are leaving jobs to care for environment. I’ll require all students to school-aged children. Stocks in IRA receive three hours of Zoom, face to face, accounts are dropping. Interest on bank each day. CD’s are down by two-thirds. Let’s be real: if income levels are plummeting, taxes must come down. The fairest solution is to peg taxes to the employment rate. For example, if the employment rate is only 80 percent, then taxes are set to 80 percent of the prior year’s tax. This is simple, proportional, unchallengeable. Teacher salaries would be temporarily adjusted, in light of this unprecedented financial meltdown.

Morin: Our children are going to be competing in an ever-increasing competitive job market that is of a global scale. The world has Mike Mike Morin: As a father of a changed. We need a school son who is attending Memoboard with a vision of how to Morin rial Junior High School, I operate in a post-Covid-19 have an inherent interest in world. State and federal aid ensuring School District 13’s Board of Trust- is going to be reduced. Not recognizing this ees are making the best research-based is folly. We must ensure our children receive policy decisions, both to realize excellence excellence in their education of the fundain education while being fiscally responsimentals while being fiscally responsible in ble. I am disappointed in the fact our chilother areas. dren are receiving only a minimum of hours Because of space constraints, certain answers of distance-learning each week, lest than 8 have been cut in length and questions omitted hours. I am really disturbed by the current altogether. For complete school board election trustees who want to increase spending by 4.1 percent and while approximately 1,000 coverage visit liherald.com/valleystream residents of School District 13 have lost their jobs. These incumbent trustees are oblivious of the severe hardships that this world-wide pandemic is having on its residents. If anything, there should be a reduction in spending but not at the cost of curtailing any core-educational offerings. Herald: There has been much debate in recent years on how schools should best

SCHOOL BOARD ELECTION Herald: One of the chief responsibilities of a school board trustee is setting the annual budget. With the coronavirus creating uncertainty over how much state aid might be coming to districts, what kinds of hard decisions are you willing to make regarding programs and taxes?

ameliorate the mental health impact of the pandemic. 3: We keep our faculty, staff, and administration well-paid with no cuts to benefits. In other words, we need to put our people first, then, when the smoke clears, we can start talking again about extracurriculars.

Herald: There has been Cristina Cristina Arroyo: Nobody much debate in recent years wants to cut programs, and on how schools should best Arroyo I’m sure most candidates will prepare students for the discuss creative ways to get future. In your view, where the money. However, the truth is that money does the balance lie between professional is a finite resource. It’s a real possibility that development and creating well-rounded we won’t get the funds to be able to sustain adults? all programs. Therefore, we need to be realArroyo: We all want our children to eventualistic and entertain best- and worst-case ly find gainful employment, however, this scenarios. The best-case scenario: We find shouldn’t be the top priority. Defining our aid through alternate channels and commucontribution to society solely by our paid nity outreach to not only sustain current work is limiting, patriarchal and neo-capitalprograms, but also cover the additional istic. We need to emphasize an education costs related to this pandemic (e.g., face that is not about test scores but about stumasks, hand sanitizers, cleaning, etc.). The dent curiosity; not about what you know, but worst-case scenario: we need to cut proabout how you learn; not about subject grams in order to not have to raise taxes for learning, but psychosocial development; the community. Hence, we need to prioritize and not about mass producing workers but safety, health, and access to education. We about developing life-long learners. With need to ensure that: Common Core, we have tilted too much 1: Our students and faculty come back to a towards the wrong end of the spectrum, and safe and clean environment. this has adversely affected our students and 2: We provide counseling services to all to teachers.

professional development and creating well-rounded adults?

Wilson: Programs that prepare students in science, technology, engineering and math are important to prepare our students for today’s global economy. However, I am a firm believer that a well-rounded curMarkus Markus Wilson: I believe we riculum is essential for stumust adjust our unanticidents to become wellWilson pated, immediate response rounded adults. That is, to the pandemic and transisubjects such as music, art, tion to development of a long-term plan to history and foreign languages in conjuncaccomplish and continue our district’s tion with STEM courses are critical to proeducational goals. Notwithstanding presducing students who can express thement and future budget constraints, our dis- selves and think critically. While these protrict must not lose sight of its primary grams are referred to as “extras” or “speobjective to continue providing children cials,” I believe they must be regarded as with a quality education, including expopart of a core curriculum that stimulates sure to the latest technology, the arts and creativity, imagination and innovation that languages, while maintaining small class we need to benefit our community, our sizes. I would recommend a budget that nation and our world. looks to save money by reducing or finding alternative means to providing programs rather than eliminating programs. I believe a budget that goes beyond the tax cap should be a last resort. Herald: There has been much debate in recent years on how schools should best prepare students for the future. In your view, where does the balance lie between

first before even considering other budget items. Herald: There has been much debate in recent years on how schools should best prepare students for the future. In your view, where does the balance lie between professional development and creating well-rounded adults?

Anthony Cruz: I am personAnthony Cruz: This question goes to ally dedicated to ensuring Cruz the heart of asking ourselves, that District 24’s programs “What is the purpose of edustay in place for all students. cation? What should its purpose be?” The We must take care of all students, and the present purpose of education reflects a high staff that helps deliver our programs. Most level of standardization and accountability, especially, our students with special needs, heavily testing students for their efficiency students from low socioeconomic backrather than their growth while scrutinizing grounds, students who require additional our hardworking teachers. I believe that, in academic assistance and students whose the words of foundational education philosfirst language is not English should be opher Horace Mann, “education is the great looked out for. If we receive serious cuts in equalizer.” Our schools should not only serve state and federal aid, I would be willing to to prepare students academically, but to consider all of our options — investment in empower them in becoming active citizens our children should never be forsaken due and innovators of creativity. Overall, we need to a lack of governmental cooperation in funding. That said, we must also be watchful less factorization of our children and more humanity, with programs propelling active of our district’s fiscal discipline, taking a engagement in and outside of the classhard look at all currently existing contracts room. To accomplish this, there are comand programs to determine how effective mendable efforts to emphasize more on they are at serving our students. If the dissocial-emotional learning, such as Yale’s trict is faced with a weakened economy, I RULER Program, which is currently implewould review non-essential, discretionary mented in District 24. spending and cut that as much as possible

inclusive approach that doesn’t favor one or the other but rather embraces that children require both a well balanced set of both soft skills and hard skills. As adults we measure our interactions based on a set of criteria. We must support our youth and promote the development of all skill sets from an early age.

Melissa Melissa Herrera: This is a very difficult question to Herald: What do you think Herrera answer considering there are makes you best suited to many moving parts and so serve on your respective much uncertainty regarding numbers at this school board, and why did you decide to time. Going forward I think we have to take run? a maintenance approach to our programs, Herrera: I respect our education system which would work hand-in-hand with proand our community. I have had the pleasure tecting the tax cap. Having been in the district for eight years now, I’ve bore witness to of working with various organizations such partnerships, that in moments of need have as the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts as well as being a serving member of the PTA. I been able to secure grants and funding for believe this has allowed me to have a holisour schools. These partnerships with out tic perspective at what makes our commulocal legislators would be my top priority. nity thrive along with areas of opportunity. Herald: There has been much debate in I’m passionate about being a part of the recent years on how schools should best process and the relationships that I have prepare students for the future. In your view, built along the way would only allow me to where does the balance lie between profes- be of further assistance. sional development and creating wellBecause of space constraints, certain answers rounded adults? Herrera: When we look at development we need to take a well-rounded approach — an

have been cut in length and questions omitted altogether. For complete school board election coverage visit liherald.com/valleystream

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — June 4, 2020

DISTRICT 24

District 24 BoE candidates discuss issues in online By Peter Belfiore pbelfiore@liherald.com

Courtesy Zoom

Anthony Cruz, CloCkwise from top left, Markus Wilson, Melissa Herrera and Cristina Arroyo are all vying for a seat on the District 24 Board of Education.

The four trustee candidates vying for an open seat this year on the Valley Stream Elementary School District 24 Board of Education discussed their stances on a variety of issues in a remote video forum held on May 28. WIth the June 9 election date rapidly approaching, and mail-in ballots already in the hands of most residents, the candidates were largely in agreement on a vari-

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June 4, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

ety of topics, with the occasional diverging viewpoint, during the expansive, twoand-a-half hour talk that touched on issues such as the coronavirus pandemic, how to best work with other individuals on the board and standardized testing among many others. Candidate Anthony Cruz organized the discussion through Zoom, fielding various questions from residents as each contender touted their qualifications, which they believed made them best suited for a seat on the board. Cruz, a recent Central High School graduate, highlighted his role as the first student liasan -- a position he helped create -- to the Central High School District Board of Education, noting it gave him first-hand knowledge of school-board operations. Cristina Arroyo emphasized her academic and professional background in leadership and policy consulting. Melissa Herrera spoke of her extensive involvement in the PTA and Markus Wilson noted his roughly 25-year career as an attorney during which he at one point worked for the New York City Education Department. All except Cruz have children attending district schools. Perhaps the lengthiest and most divergent discussion centered on the coronavirus, which has upended traditional teaching methods and created a $13 billion deficit in the New York state 2020-21 operating budget, threatening the state aid typically owed to school districts and creating a likely possibility of cuts to programs. Arroyo said that should cuts become necessary special priority should be made to ensure the safety of students and teachers, maintaining equal-access to instruction for students from a variety of socioeconomic backgrounds and preserving social-emotional counseling infrastructure, particularly in light of the stress the pandemic has caused. Herrera acknowledged that while it would be an unprecedented challenge, she ruled out the possibility of cuts, noting that programs, once they drop, are often difficult to bring back. Instead, she suggested leaning more on ties to community actors such as local lawmakers and groups such as the PTA, and seeking ways to find additional funding and cost savings through partnerships, grants and fundraising. Wilson said that while he was confident current board members had crafted a budget for the upcoming year that has at least partially accounted for shortfalls the coronavirus might create, he too acknowledged schools would likely have to get creative when it came to finding alternate revenue streams, and suggested that without cutting them altogether, some programs might have to be reduced. Cr uz sug g ested crowdsourcing resources and ideas from local entities such as the chamber of commerce and village, also noting that partnerships could help reduce costs. “All of these ideas don’t just stop at the Board of Education,” he said. With regards to remote learning, HerContinued on page 13

ON juNE 9

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — June 4, 2020

VOTE “YES” Th

The Valley Stream Teachers Association is proud to endorse the following candidates for School Board Trustee in their respective local Districts

District 13

District 24

District 30

Frank Chiachiere Melissa Herrera C. Sandra Okafor* *Write in candidate Patricia Farrell Gerardo Cavaliere

During this very difficult time it is imperative to support your schools Budget VALLEY STREAM STRONG

VOTE “YES” ON juNE 9 Please make sure to mail in your ballots before June, 9th

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5. Use a #hashtag from above to indicate the category you’re nominating them for 6. Add #LIHerald2020 as a hashtag, too If your nominee is chosen as a finalist, a Herald representative will reach out via Instagram direct message, email or phone by June 15th

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June 4, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

HERALD

D24 board candidates hold online Q&A

allots are due to the District 24 clerk’s office before 5 p.m. on June 9.

vaged, but that implementation needed to be rethought. “Much of the reasoning behind the tests is to make it consistent, but that shouldn’t have been the number one priority.” she said. “When you design for the average you’re not helping most students. Nobody’s average, really.” Other questions dealt with managing group dynamics while working on a seven-person board. Arroyo said her background in conflict management and consulting has provided her with collaboration skills, but also noted that dissent can be a healthy part of a functioning board.

Cruz said his time as a student liaison gave him a great deal of experience in bridging divergent interests, while Wilson said he was aware how important collaboration and compromise is while working on a board. Herrera again referenced her work with the PTA, noting that tensions can run high in the organization, but that often they come from a place of deep personal investment. Still, she said that she would be willing to compromise. “It’s important to realize that decisions made for the greater good don’t always come from you as an individual,” she said.

Valley Stream Teachers Association 738-B Franklin Avenue Franklin Square, NY 11010

Dear Community Members,

May, 2020

The Valley Stream Teachers Association hopes that you and your family are safe. We are very aware of the devastating impact that Covid-19 has had on the residents of Valley Stream. The Valley Stream Teachers Association stands with the community and sends its heartfelt support to those who have been affected during these trying times. Public education has long been the foundation of our democratic society. It has provided a pathway for achieving the American Dream. Valley Stream schools have celebrated diversity and enhanced the academic and social lives of our children. In these challenging times, it is ever more vital that we support public education–the backbone of our nation. This year, due to health and safety concerns, the process to vote on the school budgets and for Board of Education candidates is different. You will be receiving a ballot in the mail. This ballot must be received by the district clerks by June 9th. Please be sure to return your ballot and “VOTE YES!” to show your support for the Valley Stream school budgets. In addition, the Valley Stream Teachers Association supports the following candidates for the Board of Education.

District 13

Frank Chiachiere Patricia Farrell Gerardo Cavaliere

District 24

Melissa Herrera

District 30

C. Sandra Okafor (please enter her name as a WRITE IN candidate) The Valley Stream Teachers Association wishes you the best of health, and looks forward to brighter days ahead. 1090514

rera said district staff had done and admirable job cobbling together remote teaching lessons within the time span they had, and had provided students the devices necessary to continue their studies.While she said she hoped school buildings would reopen in the fall, she again suggested the district would need to consult more with parents to better individualize the system should remote learning need to continue. Ar royo said that as a collegelevel teacher, she has realized that remote instruction requires a very dif ferent skill set than is traditional for school teachers, and sug g ested more specialized training to help them adapt. “Remote learning and teaching is a completely different monster,” she said, and suggested that the district prepare for a likely transition period in which some students would return to in-person instruction while others would remain home out of fear of infection. Wilson too praised district staff for doing what it could to continue instruction, but acknowledged that remote learning would likely have to continue through the fall, and that it has been suboptimal for many, particularly younger students. The priority, he said, would be a need to plan for a safe return to the classroom when the dangers of the virus subside. “We’ve gotta be prepared to work with the teachers, students and parents to provide a safe learning environment when this is all over,” he said. Cruz agreed with Arroyo that teachers would need additional training in remote teaching should it need to continue in the fall, but expressed worry about additional costs expanded digital learning might incur. Standardized testing, a hot-button topic on Long Island where test refusals remain high, was also a lengthy subject of discussion, as well as the concept of tying teacher evaluations to test results. Cruz said that as a recent test-taker and someone who is pursuing a degree in education, he found standardized testing was not a good determiner of teacher or student skill. Wilson said that while he has had his children take the state tests, he too did not agree with using them as teacher evaluations. Herrera, who said she refuses to have her children take the tests, emotionally recounted an instance in which a teacher had helped her daughter in socializing. Such skills, she said, could never be quantified in test results. Arroyo said she has also refused to have her children take the state tests, but noted that it was an issue of faulty methodology, adding that there should be ways to evaluate teacher performance, but that the format and use of scores did not properly serve that purpose. Teacher evaluations, however, have not been tied to state test results since a 2015

moratorium on the practice. The passage of a state law in 2019 made that moratorium permanent. But the testing discussion also moved past teacher evaluations and into ways they could be improved. Herrera and Cruz said they wondered how the tests could provide usable information when they are taken in the spring and the results come out in the summer, when the children are already moving onto the next grade. Herrera suggested moving to more dynamic tests such as the NWEA, and Cruz said educators should be more involved in coming up with the tests. Arroyo said the tests could be sal-

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — June 4, 2020

continued from page 10

Covid-19

Hometown Heroes

Annette rAmos mos

Kevin Aburto

frAnKlin squAre CritiCAl CAre nurse, mount sinAi soutH nAssAu oCeAnside

vAlley streAm sAnitAtion worKer, villAge of vAlley streAm

hen I first started doing this, I was going to people’s houses asking if people need anything … After that, we got a phone call from Monica Village, the senior center … We got our food in the door bringing water bottles, toilet paper, diapers, paper towels and nonperishable foods. I didn’t know these people. Some of them I barely knew at all. I literally just started walking down the block and knocking on doors asking if anyone needed anything. I asked people on Facebook, people were reaching out saying they needed food but didn’t want to g out. One woman had a son who had asthma and didn’t want to go out and bring it back to him. Then we expanded. We’re dropping stuff off at Holy Name of Mary … They were really low on food, they only had canned peaches. I started a GoFundMe page … We’ve raised over $1,400, and have been donating food to hospitals’ EMS stations. I haven’t gotten a phone call from people who have been laid off yet, but I’m planning on giving out gift cards for people who have been laid off. … It’s starting to take off. This is just something I’ve always done, we had the food drive at sanitation for the first year this year, and toy drive through the village; we’ve been doing that for the past four or five years … It’s just nice to get involved in the community. Every time I try to do something, it’s great how residents step up to the plate and help out however they can.

don’t consider myself a hero. I consider myself a professional who has a responsibility to her community. I am just one of the many front-line workers who feel equally dedicated to their duty. As a critical-care registered nurse and qualified Spanish interpreter at Mount Sinai South Nassau hospital in Oceanside, I have never experienced anything like the Covid-19 pandemic in my personal life or my entire 20-year professional career, 11 of which were spent in the Critical Care Unit. It began with one, then two critically ill suspected Covid-19 patients. Then, what felt like overnight, we converted multiple patient care units to critical care units to meet the specific and specialized care needed by the exponentially increasing number of critically ill patients admitted to the hospital. The surge of patients was so rapid and persistent that the entire hospital staff – doctors, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses, respiratory therapists, medical residents, patient care technicians, technicians, transporters, unit clerks, food and nutrition staff, phlebotomists, engineering, security, managers and administrators – banded together to provide the non-stop, 24/7 quality, compassionate care and helped our patients to overcome this stubborn and vicious virus Our institutional directors, managers and educators were ever present working with us at our side to inform, instruct and implement new treatment processes, plans and therapies as we learned more about the virus, its many pernicious traits and its deleterious impacts on patients with underlying conditions.

Hometown Hero

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June 4, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

Founder and Ceo, roCk & Wrap It up CedarhurSt

he pandemic has been hard on our family and charity. It is an important and difficult time for Rock and Wrap It Up! Our fundraiser honoring our great community friend, Independent Coach Corporation’s Nick Fabrizio, scheduled for June 11, which is our annual fundraiser, has had to be postponed. Without funds, our staff has gone on unemployment. We have decided to keep working 40 to 50 hours a week to feed all those who hunger in the Five Towns. In the past month we have helped open a six-day a week pantry at the Five Towns Community Center, Gammy’s Pantry, which is feeding over 200 families at risk daily. My wife, Diane, and I have forged a relationship with Trader Joe's of Hewlett and are receiving short-dated items each week for donation. We also receive daily donations from Costco in Lawrence, Wall’s in Hewlett and the Bagelry, Crawfords Coffee Bar & Cafe and Toddy’s Appetizers in Cedarhurst for distribution. We are also helping senior veterans in the community through these food donations to members of the American Legion Lawrence Cedarhurst Post 339. This week our daughter Emily gave birth to our granddaughter in Portland, Ore., and we will probably not see her until July at the earliest. We practice our faith by praying each evening through the Zoom minyan of Temple Beth El of Cedarhurst. We have seen amazing efforts to help those in need by Sasha Young and Sarah Hayes, who work tirelessly to help us in our mission of feeding those in need.

oWner, vISual Fuel deSIgn Malverne

was talking with Rabbi Susan Elkodsi from the Malverne Jewish Center about the delay of the Malverne Chamber of Commerce’s annual Art Walk due to Covid-19. That’s when we came up with the idea for the digital quilt project. Our goal was to express gratitude to our essential workers through art. We wanted to say thank you to all of the essential workers that are out there risking their lives for us. We thought this quilt could bring another dimension of hope, creativity, unity and joy to all in Malverne. It was Benny Montalbano, of Elite Painting, who suggested that the focus of the project should be on expressing gratitude to the village’s essential workers. For us, this project became such an amazing opportunity for the community to come together. It also provided an immediate, emotional support to the essential workers so that they can see right now — while they’re having their own challenges going to work — that we really appreciate them. Once we have all the art, we will digitally stick them together for a permanent record of this unique time in history. The quilt will debut in the Art Walk, but we’re hoping that this quilt could someday hang in Village Hall to really show a moment in time and how the community came together during a challenging crisis.

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HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — June 4, 2020

their Front-Line stories as toLd to our reporters Syd MandelbauM MandelbauM MarIa CaSInI n I CedarhurSt

June 4, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

South teachers say goodbye to seniors By Nicole AlciNdor nalcindor@liheral.com

Smiling faces and cheering could be seen and heard outside of South High School in Valley Stream on May 26 as dozens of its teachers, dressed in the school’s color red, stood in front of the building for a drive by parade honoring their senior students. Starting at 5 p.m., the teachers assembled to greet the graduating seniors, to pass on personalized graduation lawn signs to each student, who drove by in cars to collect them. The South PTSA and Parents Club organized the event. With the possibility that prom and graduation would be postponed or removed looming in the teacher’s minds, and knowing that end-of-the-year senior activities have already been cancelled, many of the teachers said they found the event to be an emotional roller coaster. “We’ve watched these kids grow up since seventh-grade, and we have such a bond with these kids,” history teacher Vonda Campbell-Dowe said. “It means a lot to me to show the students that we are thinking of them during these difficult times and to show them that there’s a light at the end of the tunnel.” “It’s always sad to say goodbye to so many great kids, but this graduation is especially sad because they might not have a graduation ceremony and their prom and it’s not our fault,” said Salvatore Marino, chairman of the Math Department. “I think this drive by event is giving the seniors closure because it’s making it more real for them that they are graduating.” “These are relationships that we’ve had with the students for six years and we will miss them,” science teacher David Wolfstein said. “It’s hard saying goodbye.” Although many of the teachers said the changes caused by the pandemic have been difficult on them and their students, the drive by event seemed to lift spirits. “This quarantine has made everything harder,” history teacher Jill Brady said.

Photos by Nicole Alcindor/Herald

South high School seniors drove by in decorated cars for the event. “So, it’s nice to have them participate in something and it seemed to make them very happy.” “No one asked for the pandemic,” science teacher Effie Hatsios said. “The kids have had a difficult transition and they need to know we are there for them.” For many teachers, they said the drive by also helped uplift themselves because they had the opportunity to reunite as a faculty again. “It’s rare to see so many teachers together at the same time from different departments,” science teacher, Jeffrey Hsi, said. “This was great because I haven’t seen everyone in two months and it’s heartwarming that so many teachers showed up.” “This has been a really hard time and it’s so nice to see everyone,” Laura Santa Maria, who teaches math, said. “It’s easy to get low when you’re inside all day, so this has been a great pick me up.”

South hiStory teAcherS Jill Brady, left, and Vonda CampbellDowe, participated in the drive by event on May 26 in which they distributed personalized graduation signs to graduating seniors. the eveNt wAS part of a farewell to the high school’s seniors. ScieNce teAcherS, Mike Buonagario, left, Jeffrey Hsi and Effie Hatsios.

Advocacy groups hold George Floyd protest sbrinton@liherald.com; rreyes@liherald.com; dyanes@liherald.com

People started to stream into the demonstration in front of the Nassau County Legislature and Executive Building in Mineola nearly an hour before the scheduled 5:30 p.m. start time on Monday. They had come to protest the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer. Shouting “I can’t breathe” and brandishing handmade signs, they arrived from parts across the county and beyond. A coalition of Nassau advocacy groups planned the protest, “Justice for George Floyd.” The demonstration followed the Memorial Day death of Floyd, 46, an African-American man who died after officer Derek Chauvin, 44, pressed his knee into Floyd’s neck for more than eight minutes before he stopped speaking or moving. Police, according to authorities, responded to a report of a man attempting to pass a counterfeit $20 at a shop. Barbara Powell, an executive board member of the Hempstead NAACP, described Floyd’s death as a “modernday lynching,” noting, “People are fed up and disgusted with how things are and how they keep repeating.” Patrick Ryder, the Nassau police commissioner, attended the rally. “People are here to speak their minds and get their message across,” he said. “What happened in Minneapolis should never have happened. We have a good relationship with our communities. People are exercising their rights, and we hope to continue to do so peacefully.” Leslie Davis, president of the Westbury NAACP, said, “We want to come together peacefully to support our communities. People all over the world are standing up against this injustice. This is a peaceful movement.” Darleyne Mayers, of Freeport, branch secretary of the Freeport/Roosevelt NAACP, emphasized that Floyd’s death has been witnessed by all who have watched the video of it. “George Floyd’s

Andrew Garcia/Herald

murder was visible,” she said. “We saw all eight minutes of it. It was reprehensible. We have to send a message, but we have to do it peacefully.” Andrew Nelson, of Uniondale, spoke at length about what Floyd’s death means to him personally. “It’s meant a lot, right, because a lot of injustices are being done. It’s unspeakable feelings,” he said. “I’ve witnessed so many murders of so many different people that look like me, and it hurts on a different level.” Among the protest sponsors were the Young Progressives of Nassau County, Indivisible of Nassau County (formerly Indivisible of Rockville Centre), the Hempstead NAACP, Freeport/Roosevelt NAACP, Nassau County chapter of the National Action Network, Anti-Racism Project and Americans of Pakistani Heritage As of Monday mor ning, protests

Public Notices

LVAL1 0604

LEGAL NOTICE IINCORPORATED VILLAGE OF VALLEY STREAM OFFICE OF THE VILLAGE TREASURER 123 South Central Avenue Valley Stream New York 11580 (516) 825-4200 LEGAL NOTICE COLLECTION OF VILLAGE TAXES PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the tax roll and warrant have been delivered to the Village Treasurer for the collection of the taxes levied on such roll. Taxes are to be mailed to Village Hall postmarked on or before July 21, 2020.

Taxes can be paid on line. See the Village website www.vsvny.org home page for the link. Taxes will be collected at Village Hall by appointment only from June 1 to and including July 21, 2020. Pursuant to Governor Cuomo’s Executive Order 202.32 the interest free period for Village tax payments has been extended 21 days until July 21, 2020. Therefore pursuant to Real Property Tax Law §1432 the required interest to be added will be a 5% penalty after July 21, 2020 and 1% a month for every month late thereafter.

Dated: Valley Stream, New York June 4, 2020 MICHAEL FOX Village Treasurer The Village Hall is currently closed due to the COVID-19 Crisis and depending on Governor Cuomo’s lifting the New York Pause Executive Order, which will determine if Village Hall will be open during tax collection time. 121916

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: IBERE, LLC. ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION WERE FILED WITH THE SECRETARY OF STATE OF

NEW YORK, (SSNY) ON 9/21/2017 NY OFFICE LOCATION: NASSAU COUNTY. SSNY HAS BEEN DESIGNATED AS AGENT OF THE LLC UPON WHOM PROCESS AGAINST IT MAY BE SERVED. SSNY SHALL MAIL A COPY OF THE PROCESS TO: 70 EAST SUNRISE HIGHWAY SUITE 500 VALLEY STREAM NY 11581. PURPOSE: TO ENGAGE IN ANY LAWFUL ACT OF ACTIVITY. 121888

PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES… Printed in this publication can be found online. To search by publication name, go to: www.mypublicnotices.com

against police brutality had swept across the nation, in nearly 70 cities, including in New York City, according to The New York Times. At times, they turned violent, as was the case in the city Saturday night. On Saturday in Brentwood, in Suffolk County, there was a peaceful demonstration, attended by dozens of protesters who practiced social distancing. On Friday, Curran tweeted her statement on Floyd’s death. It read, “I was horrified after watching the video of the death of George Floyd and hearing his cries. I believe charges must be brought to ensure the accountability and justice all should expect in our nation.” Chauvin was charged with thirddegree murder and manslaughter, but as of press time Sunday, none of the other three officers at the scene had been charged. “This cruel act,” Curran continued, “does not represent the vast majority of police officers who, with professionalism and honor, serve and protect our communities. Nassau is committed to community policing because it works. Building trust works, and we always strive to do better.” Governor Cuomo spent much of his Sunday coronavirus briefing addressing the protests that had turned violent, including in New York City. Racism is the central issue at hand, he noted. “People are outraged, and I understand that. I’m outraged,” he said, speaking of Floyd’s death. He said, however, that “violence never works. “Burning down your own house never works,” he added. “It dishonors Mr. Floyd’s death. “The goal has to be effecting change,” Cuomo said. “Don’t tell me we can’t change ... Use this moment to demand real change.” According to the governor, people

must demand that federal and state legislation be enacted to: ■ Prohibit local investigations of officer-involved deaths. Any such investigation should be conducted by an impartial third party, he said. ■ Define one standard of excessive police force across the nation. ■ Require the release of of ficers’ records in cases such as Floyd’s death. “Be smart, be directed,” the governor said. “Help your community, don’t hurt your community. “George Floyd,” he said, “must not have died in vain.”

Darwin Yanes/Herald

Patrick ryDer, the Nassau County Police Commissioner, took a knee as a sign of respect at the protest.

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — June 4, 2020

DozenS of PeoPle came to the Nassau County Executive Building and Legislature on Monday evening to protest the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer on Memorial Day.

By Scott Brinton, ronny reyeS and Darwin yaneS

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HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — June 4, 2020

Place Homes HERALD Market •

HERALD

Who can we trust? Q. We met with three architects, three contractors

and an interior designer and also went to our building department because we just want everything to go smoothly, with no problems, since we’re doing a big job, adding a full second floor on our cape, a family room, garage and kitchen extension. The problem we’re now facing is that we got a lot of the same answers from everyone, but we also got a lot of conflicting information. One contractor and the interior designer told us that many things we were doing could be done by them, and the architect would just draw from their sketches. The building official told us basics, but Ask The said it’s best to speak to the Architect architect (we choose). Family members who have used the interior designer say they’re very knowledgeable and can handle everything, but some of the answers didn’t square with the building official. We’re very confused, so how do we sort out what advice each one is giving us before we start?

A. I know I’ve written

Monte Leeper

this many times, that when I sat in classes in architecture school, design studios, art classes, art history, physics and calculus, I never knew that what lay ahead for me was that others who have no background, no qualifications and only a smidgen of training would be the ones to wrongly steer the projects I would be developing. I thought I’d be able to freely create. Instead, I often find that I have to spend most of my time trying to straighten out messes, fill out paperwork and try to troubleshoot. Why this happens isn’t a mystery. Armed with computers and the internet, everyone who wants to believe they can design and solve building problems feels empowered. In any endeavor, there must be one responsible leader. The word responsible isn’t to be taken lightly, because it doesn’t mean the one most easily able to dump the blame on. That individual must be the most capable of solving every angle of the project, starting with the most restrictive issues, like the law, otherwise known as government regulations, and also the laws of nature, such as structural, mechanical and technical issues. Who would that person be? While the interior designer may be comfortable and confident at advising you about space planning and finish selections, can you trust them to engineer the building loads, snow and wind loads or even the project’s energy and ventilation calculations? And while the contractor is great at hands-on problem solving, putting every detail of the building together, will they be able to follow all the regulations and be called on to sign documents guaranteeing your safety? Government, at every level, has imposed a ton of restrictions on the building process, mostly as a reaction, over centuries, to building disasters. You must decide whether overly confident, under-qualified people will be there not only to be creative, but also to protect you. Good luck!

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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.

Stuff

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June 4, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

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OpiniOns

ur country is suffering through the worst health crisis since the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic, and the worst economic crisis since the 1929 crash and subsequent Great Depression. Under a federal government emergency program dubbed Warp Speed, scientists are offering hope that promising vaccines will beat back the coronavirus over the next year. In the meantime, the economic damage America has suffered needs a similar major ongoing commitment from Washington. alfOnse Much has already been done d’amaTO to help keep the economy functioning during the past few months of lockdown. Congress has enacted over $3 trillion in support, including substantial help for both workers and businesses. The Payroll Protection Program provided major grants and loans to small businesses to keep them afloat and able to retain workers. Yet even with this help, 40 million Americans are out of work. The jobless are being helped with a $600-a-week federal supplement in addition to state unemployment benefits, but this program will expire in two months.

The economic situation shows no sign of getting better soon. White House economic advisers project that unemployment could top 20 percent before the economy begins to revive. And the chairman of the Federal Reserve has pointedly noted that even though the Fed has already pumped $2 trillion into the financial system, “It may well be that the Fed has to do more,” Jerome Powell told “60 Minutes.” “It may be that Congress has to do more … [to] help businesses avoid … insolvencies and … do the same for individuals — keep workers in their homes, keep them paying their bills. Keep families solvent.” That’s very important advice from the world’s most powerful banker. Congress and the White House should take it seriously and act on it. The key to achieving another round of federal stimulus relief will be a willingness of all parties to put aside political differences to deliver meaningful help to the country. That means the Democratic leadership of the House of Representatives should drop its insistence on loading up the next relief bill with every item on the liberal wish list. The rescue package should focus on continued funding of research to defeat the coronavirus and support for a strong economic recovery. President Trump and the Republican

leadership of the Senate have signaled their support for additional federal spending during this extraordinary crisis. Yes, the deficit and the national debt will climb, but failing to resuscitate our economy could have even more dire economic consequences. The economy right now is like a Covid-19 intensive care patient hanging on life support. This is no time to argue about how much more effort should be made to save the patient. Washington should not get sidelined by political arguments. Here’s a prescription for dealing with the crisis:

es, the deficit and the national debt will climb, but that’s not the big worry.

■ Authorize generous spending on speeding up the development of a vaccine and a way to deliver it to every American as soon as it’s ready. ■ Provide another round of direct $1,200 stimulus checks to individuals and their dependents to help families pay mortgages and rents and put food on their tables. Trump has indicated that he’s open to this proposal. It’s worth the extra cost. Cash in the hands of desperate families is key to saving many from destitution. ■ Renew and improve the Payroll Protection Program with additional funding and key reforms to its operation. Small businesses, especially, need more flexibility on

how the grants they receive can be used. Keeping employees on the payroll won’t protect their jobs in the long haul if businesses are forced to close because they can’t meet other operating costs. ■ Along with reforming the PPP, convert the current $600 additional federal unemployment insurance supplement into an employment supplement. Instead of paying employees to stay home from their jobs, let’s pay them a “job bonus” to get back to work. ■ Provide substantial assistance to states and localities to help with the extraordinary costs imposed by the pandemic and to help them cover their operating costs. State and local tax revenues have dropped drastically since the pandemic began in every state. Helping them to keep providing critical services is not only reasonable, it’s necessary. That doesn’t mean writing a blank check to every state. ■ Finally, finally come to agreement on a national infrastructure program, putting jobless people to work rebuilding America. These are extraordinary times, calling for extraordinary measures. Washington must step up to the challenge, now. Al D’Amato, a former U.S. senator from New York, is the founder of Park Strategies LLC, a public policy and business development firm. Comments about this column? ADAmato@liherald.com.

When, and how, do you recover a lost first kiss?

here is no Plan B for young love. Through this pandemic, we are all living some version of Plan B, but my heart aches for our teenagers, for whom Plan B doesn’t work so well. They have been locked down and shut out by the Coronavirus, and they have far fewer coping mechanisms than adults. Some parents are struggling with teens who are sleeping all day or refusing to pitch in with chores. Being a teenager in the best of times is hugely inconvenient, and acting out is normal. I think any human who just survives the years between 13 and 19 reasonRandi ably intact is doing kReiss a splendid job. I actually remember what it was like to be 13. Everyone has his or her own hell. Mine was being tiny. I was so small that my mother couldn’t find “teenage” clothes in my size, so, of course, I hated my mother. I threw my Mary Janes at her one day because she thought I would put them on my feet and actually

be seen in public, when everyone knew that you don’t wear Mary Janes when you’re 13. I was generally miserable from ages 13 to 16, when I discovered boys and the pimples subsided and I fell in love. How might that have played out if we had gone through a global pandemic between 1958 and 1964, when I was “becoming”? I would have been holed up in my house with my mother and father and younger sister. We weren’t the let’s-bring-out-theMonopoly-board kind of family. Our parents didn’t play with us. They loved us and fed us and told us what to do. Sequestering without 600 channels of TV, no Internet and no phones would have been a claustrophobic experience. Today, kids do have many more opportunities to launch Plan B. They just don’t want to. No school? Well, heavens, in the virtual world, kids with access to the internet can tour museums, wander the galaxy, practice new recipes and star in musicals. Every day, I send my grandkids links to magic shows and master classes for

kids and invitations to Facetime and books that tell the stories of teenagers who lived through adversity and came out stronger and bolder and happier. In other words, I send them stuff they ignore. And I understand the lassitude. I’m just doing the grandma thing, trying to engage, but part of me knows the kids are surviving as best they can. They’re suffering from the isolation, and they have no place to vent their anger and their fear because the cultural message is to push through and do your work and don’t complain when others have it worse. One of my grandkids is about to enter his senior year in high school, and I also remember what it was like to be 17, when passion ruled. Do you remember your first kiss? Take a moment. Remember. You were probably a teenager and I hope it was thrilling, and sweet. Now, teens are being told to social distance, a suggestion that is antithetical to their very existence. No kissing or fooling around for months, or a year? Being told that if you hang out with a friend or find love, you

eing told to social distance is antithetical to teenagers’ very existence.

might be endangering your family or killing your grandma? I have four grandkids in various stages of moving up in school. One is leaving elementary school for middle school. One is going from seventh to eighth grade, one is leaving middle school for high school and one is the rising senior. They have been “attending” school at home and passing the time as best they can, while parents weave in and out of their days and multiple screens shine an everlasting light on them. They are isolated from the only other human beings who know how they feel — other teenagers. I see them on Facetime and, really, they look slightly unfamiliar, a bit stunned, after days of little interaction with other people. I wish they would keep a diary or a photo journal. The gift they already possess is a great story to tell, but I understand the inertia of this moment. So, for now, kids, it’s enough just to get through, and you will Then, because you’re young and strong and smart, you will move on and make up for lost time. In the meantime, take notes. You are caught up in the drama of a lifetime. Copyright 2020 Randi Kreiss. Randi can be reached at randik3@aol.com.

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — June 4, 2020

Americans need more help from Washington, now!

Herald editorial

Valley Stream

June 4, 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 miCHAel BoloGNA Vice President - Operations ■ SCott BriNtoN Executive Editor

We must end systemic racism to find peace

wave of angry protests over the merciless alleged killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer sparked a wave of more than 70 angry protests in cities across the nation last week and into the weekend. The majority were peaceful, but others turned violent, with vandals looting and burning businesses. It was a sadly familiar scene, a nightmare that has been repeated time and again for decades. We must end this national shame. White police officers brutalizing and killing black men who are in their custody is criminal, period. Derek Chauvin and the three other officers who held Floyd down deserve to be sent to prison. As one African-American commentator rightly pointed out, what we witnessed in the cellphone video of the killing was the slow, painful lynching of a black man by a white officer in the light of day, surrounded by witnesses.

This was not Jim Crow America. This was Minneapolis, 2020. And what caused it all? A counterfeit $20 bill that Floyd was alleged to have tried to pass at a store. Yes, most police officers are good, honest and hardworking. Even one officer the likes of Chauvin, however, is one too many. Protests turned to riots over the weekend in cities across the country, including New York City. We must condemn the looting we witnessed. Rioting is wrong. It is illegal. It should never have happened. As a nation, however, we must pause a moment and reflect on why people in communities of color would, as Gov. Andrew Cuomo remarked, burn down their own house. We do not presume to speak for them, but we can imagine that the killing they witnessed turned long-simmering anger into rage, and the riotous behavior was a way to vent it.

It is a rage pent up not only because of a single killing, but also because of a long-time pattern of police killings. Taken together, they constitute what is called structural, or systemic, racism, the racism that is built into our very institutions — our police departments, our hospitals, our schools, our governments. Last year, the Herald undertook a nearly yearlong investigative series, “The Racism Around Us,” reporting on the structural racism in institutions here in Nassau County. The results were, in many ways, not surprising, but at the same time entirely shocking. The bottom line is that racism is to be found at all levels of our so ciety, including in the media. Until we solve the issue of structural racism, we will never find the peace that our nation seeks — the peace that the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. prayed for.

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V.S. school budgets reasonable, but need trimming

he Valley Stream Central District 2020-2021 budget, at $126 million, represents a $4.8 million increase over the current year. Nearly $86.9 million in taxes are to be levied against property owners, which is a $2.2 million, or 2.65 percent, increase. The chief addition to the upcoming budget is the start to a one-to-one laptop program for the district’s junior high school students, with the program scheduled to expand to all of its students in the following years. With the continuing coronavirus pandemic, and the possible closure of schools in the fall, this seems like an important program to move ahead with. However, in light of the pandemic, maintaining an otherwise status-quo budget with typical annual propertytax increases seems like a potential misstep. The true economic devastation of the outbreak is yet to be known, but the pain will likely linger, and to continue as if the effects of the pandemic have subsided would be irresponsible. Still, Valley Stream’s high schools are well regarded, and in an unprecedented period of uncertainty, a bit of normalcy could go a long way. While the Herald wishes some cuts had been made, the spending plan is still rea-

sonable.

district 13

Elementary School District 13’s $55.3 million budget is a $2.2 million, or 4.2 percent, increase over the current year. The $38.2 million tax levy is set to increase about $800,000, or nearly 2 percent, over the current year. Chief highlights include the installation of Smart Boards in third- and fourth-grade classrooms, as well as the expansion of its Innovation Lab curriculum, orchestra and math extra help programs. While these are all laudable programs to pursue, the same concerns as with the Central High School District stand here. Many of these programs require in-person instruction, which may not happen in the fall. Again, holding off or making sacrifices would have been preferable, but the budget is still relatively conservative.

district 30

District 30’s expenses are projected at $38.3 million, which is a $1.4 million increase over the current year. The tax levy, at $22.7 million, is a $424,000, or 1.9 percent, increase over the current year. It is likely the IT infrastructure and security improvements this budget calls for are unavoidable, as well as the

iPad and Chromebook refresh. We’re unsure how much use these systems will get in the upcoming year due to the coronavirus, but maintaining some form of continuity is important. The budget vote also calls for the establishment of an $8 million capital reserve for renovations. Alone, each of these is well and good, but as with District 13 and the high schools, taken together it seems like a possibly troubling time for these expenditures. Overall, however, the budget seems reasonable.

district 24

With a projected budget of nearly $31 million — a roughly $1 million increase over the current year — and a levy slated to increase $358,000, or 1.7 percent, to $21.8 million, District 24 appears to have taken the most conservative approach to budgeting this year, and we applaud that. Important programs are being maintained, but like all of Valley Stream’s districts, most, such as interactive STEAM and digital learning, require students to be in the classrooms, which may not happen in the first half of the upcoming year. It would have been nice to see some at least temporary scaling back of these programs.

opinionS

omehow, in April, I missed observing National Siblings Day, and then the time rolled by and along came Memorial Day. So I’m taking this opportunity to talk about my brother, David Kremer, and salute the many other brothers and sisters who really shouldn’t need a special day. This first week of June will mark a year since Dave (he liked that better) died at age 89. I’m sure that every one of our readers who enjoy a special relationship with a sibling understands how significant a role they play in JERRY our lives. Those KREMER of you who are lucky enough to have a living sibling know how important they can be, provided you haven’t let some petty grievance get in the way. As a rule, most of us reach out to a sibling at almost any time of the day or week for a kind word or just reassurance that all is well. Two of my friends recently lost sib-

lings, and they described to me at length missed opportunities or a lifetime of strong bonds that are irreplaceable. All of their comments reminded me of my loss, and the fact that Dave is no longer a part of my life. A day doesn’t go by without a moment when I think about reaching out to him, just to exchange a few simple words. It took quite a few years for my brother to express his love, but getting older does that to people. Dave had a lot of unique qualities. He was the family historian, and had an encyclopedic memory of just about everything. He knew not only the day, but also the hour that I was born, and where he was as he anxiously waiting to greet his baby brother. He would regale me with facts about distant relatives and their family history. His knowledge of family trivia was bottomless. He had photos of relatives who I didn’t know existed. When I ran for public office, Dave was always there, pushing me to take care of all the minute details of success-

ful campaigning. When I would arrive at some campaign event, he was waiting outside the building, staring at his watch and reminding me that I was two minutes late. He would usher me into the building quickly, making sure that I didn’t linger too long with a faithful voter. I consider myself a devout Yankees fan. I check the baseball scores whenever the team is playing, even if it’s early in the season and the games don’t really mean that much. I would spot him at some dinner listening to the game with earphones, while everyone else was chatting away. On days when I called him to announce some Yankee mistake or achievement, he would tell me he’d heard about it hours earlier. I always thought I was up on all things Yankees, but he eclipsed me. Last year, we decided we should observe Dave’s birthday at a place he would really enjoy. So as a family, we bought a bunch of tickets to Yankee Stadium on the week of his 89th birthday.

eep special family members close, no matter how far away they may live.

LETTERS

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — June 4, 2020

A Tribute to All the Daves

The plan was to get his name on the scoreboard and salute him for another milestone in his life. As fate would have it, he didn’t make it to the game. But the whole family went, and shared a special the 192 moment when his name flashed on the Depres screen. The nieces and nephews cheered emerge the loudest for Uncle David. scienti I write this not as a sad remembrance, but rather as a reminder of the importance of siblings in our lives. Having a special brother or sister can be an enormous blessing. It’s an experience that can’t be replicated, so long as you stay close to those special family members and are willing to meet them halfway on life’s issues. Make those short phone calls just to say hello. Keep them close no matter how far away they may live. If you’re lucky to have the right relationship, then every day will be National Siblings Day.

Jerry Kremer was a state assemblyman few mo for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s enacte Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. ing sub He now heads Empire Government Strat- busine egies, a business development and legisThe lative strategy firm. Comments about vided m this column? JKremer@liherald.com. busine retain million jobless $600-ation to this pr

FRaMEwoRK by John O’Connell

Schools should address The state is fighting financial hardship pandemic-related fraud To the Editor:

To the Editor:

I don’t know how many Valley Stream households are having pandemic-related financial problems but I would guess many, mine included. We still have mouths to feed, and bills to pay while so many of us are out of work. The last thing we need now is another bill to pay, but this is what’s happening to many of our residents who are facing a school-tax increase. Why? Why now when so many of us are financially hurting? Could this be avoided with proper leadership? With schools not open, wasn’t money being saved in some way? If not, could it have? There are new voices out there running for the school boards in Valley Stream. I urge all of you to look closely at what these people want, not only for the children of our community, but for all of us who foot the bill. It’s always been my feeling that the children of today will be the leaders of tomorrow so not just an education but an outstanding education is a must. Are the children of Valley Stream getting that? Is it time for a school board change?

As Long Islanders suffer from the economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic, it is simply disgraceful that some unscrupulous people have swindled New Yorkers’ hard-earned money during this time of need. Recent press reports indicate that at the peak of the pandemic, our state was duped into paying nearly $86 million for life-saving ventilators that never showed up. Meanwhile, my of fice was inundated with reports of price gouging on everything from cleaning supplies to masks and hand sanitizer. Every taxpayer is disgusted to see this during a pandemic. As a former federal corruption prosecutor, I know this fraud and abuse needs to be curbed immediately — and these are the steps we can take to fight back: I recently cosponsored several pieces of legislation to combat profiteering amid the pandemic. One bill would ban price gouging for medical supplies — from masks to medications — imposing hefty penalties on those who jack up the price of these items in excess of 10 percent of what they cost prior to a public health emergency. Another measure would

EllEn IngbEr Valley Stream

ers, for They h by the fewer c Som who ar

A bundle of energy, still for a fleeting second — Bayville

bar companies caught and convicted of price gouging during a pandemic from receiving state contracts, economic relief funds and tax deductions. Most recently, I introduced legislation to incentivize whistleblowers to report the defrauding of state tax dollars by allowing judges to award them a substantial finan-

cial reward for information leading to the prosecution of wrongdoers during times of was lik need. Fraud in the midst of a pandemic. is own he unconscionable. Our state government small t stands ready to fight back. age” cl hated m TODD KAMINSKY at her State senator, 9th District would

WE WERE HERE FOR YOU BEFORE COVID AND WE’RE HERE FOR YOU NOW.

Don’t put off seeking medical care, including elective surgery, in fear of COVID-19. Mount Sinai South Nassau has dedicated non-COVID patient care areas, including within our Emergency Department. All units have undergone a deep cleaning to ensure your safety. All patients undergoing procedures are tested for COVID-19 within three days prior to admission. Our frontline staff of physicians, nurses and support personnel are equipped with full Personal Protective Equipment to help halt the spread of infectious diseases. Your health shouldn’t be defined by COVID-19.

DON’T PUT YOUR HEALTH ON HOLD. COME WITH CONFIDENCE.

mountsinai.org/southnassau

Mount Sinai South Nassau is certified as an Antimicrobial Stewardship Center of Excellence (CoE) by the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA). Photo top left courtesy of Jeff Basinger, Newsday.

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June 4, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS