Valley Stream Herald 09-03-2020

Valley Stream

HERALD

Village elections set for Sept. 15

longtime resident dies at 95

Masjid Hamza opens food pantry

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Vol. 31 No. 36

SEPTEMBER 3 - 9, 2020

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Fall sports to get 2021 start School officials float possible condensed winter, spring seasons “It’s just not time to allow kids to play sports,” he continued. “And my first and foremost tbellissimo@liherald.com concern is the safety of our stuNassau County high school dent-athletes.” student athletes will On Aug. 27, Cenhave to wait until tral High School Dis2021 to compete in trict Athletic Direcsports. tor Scott Stueber At an Aug. 26 announced the news emergency meeting, in a letter to parents a committee of and students. Regisschool superintentration for all sports, dents voted to posthe said, will be pone sports in the closed until a start county — otherwise date is set for the known as the New next season.

York State Public Central High High School Athletic School cross-country Association’s Secand track runner tion VIII — until Andrew Peña, 16, a Jan. 4. Section VIII junior, described the became the first of whiplash the news the state’s 11 secbrought, from feeltions to postpone its HAlEIgH CHAN ings of excitement fall season.

Central High School as he trained for the “I believe other upcoming season to cross-country sections will follow sadness and cauand pull the plug, runner tious optimism that but I can’t speak for there were still plans anyone else,” said Section VIII’s to hold a season, but at a differexecutive director of athletics, ent time.

Pat Pizzarelli. “We felt strongly He was getting back into enough to make this decision shape after a foot injury, and now,” he said. “We took the cau- although he would not longer be tious route, but we believe it’s in competing this fall, “I’m going to everyone’s best interests. There are too many unknowns.

Continued on page 22

By ToNY BEllISSIMo and PETER BElfIoRE

I

Courtesy Central High School District

A first look at school transformed Memorial Junior High School held its seventh-grade orientation Aug. 25 to 27, giving students there the first taste of in-person schooling altered by the coronavirus pandemic. Story, more photos, Page 14.

Lawmakers lobby state, county for parkway Exit 13 changes

By PETER BElfIoRE pbelfiore@Liherald.com

For years, Valley Streamer Munahil Sultana, 18, needed to cross the intersection where North Central Avenue meets the Southern State Parkway on her way to and from Elmont Memorial High School.

The messy, six-way convergence of roads, including one entrance and two exit ramps for the parkway, is widely regarded

as dangerous, and even for a veteran like Sultana, who crossed from her home on Arkansas Drive and headed north on Central, she recalled, “It was confusing, to say the least.” She is now a freshman in college in Pennsylvania.

Wearing headphones was out of the question, she said, “because the cars can come out of nowhere,” and she noted that the section where North Central Avenue passes below the park-

way often flooded, forcing her to call a taxi.

Sultana is not alone. In 2014, 14-year-old Mohamed Tarek was walking home from a basketball game at EMHS when he was struck by a car while crossing the intersection, leaving him in a coma — and prompting the New York State Department of Transportation to consider studying the area around the parkway’s Continued on page 24

was looking forward to starting my junior year of sports. I was looking to establish my name as a high school athlete.

At the Northwell Orzac Center for Rehabilitation, you’re more than a patient—you’re family.

A modern “home away from home” in Valley Stream, we provide people recovering from surgery, illness or injury with multidisciplinary care that’s truly exceptional—and always safe.

In fact, we earned a five out of five-star rating for overall quality by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, placing in the top 10 percent of nursing facilities in the country— so you know you’re in the very best hands on your journey to recovery and healing.

Northwell.edu/Orzac

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September 3, 2020 — VALLEY STREAM HERALD

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Village trustee elections set for Sept. 15 pbelfiore@liherald.com

Village elections are scheduled for Sept.

15 this year. Originally, voting was scheduled to take place on March 18, but was postponed as the coronavirus pandemic worsened. In 2020 two trustee seats are up for grabs. Challenger Anthony Bonelli, who ran for mayor in 2019, is vying against incumbents John Tufarelli and Deputy Mayor Sean Wright. Additionally Michael Morin is running as a write-in candidate.

The race is at large, meaning the top vote getters will win the seats available.

Originally, voting was set to take place at the village’s standard polling sites, butwith uncertainty over the availability of school facilities, in early March those polling sites were moved to village facilities such as the Hendrickson Park pool complex and its various firehouses, reducing their number to six. With the rescheduled date, however, the number of polling sites have been further reduced to two: the pool complex and the Monica Village senior apartments.

In limiting the number of locations to vote, Bonelli accused the village board at its Aug. 17 meeting of voter suppression.

Mayor Ed Fare responded that he was encouraging residents to vote via mail-in ballots.

As part of its coverage, the Herald asked questions focusing on issues vital to the village to see where the candidates stand on the issues.

the challengers Herald: What are aspects and areas of

Valley Stream as far as the village government is concerned that you most appreciate and/or are proud of, and where is there room for improvement?

Anthony Bonelli and Michael Morin:

The village has a wonderful staff of employees. During my door-to-door travels, I repeatedly hear and agree with the wonderful compliments about our village employees, particularly the sanitation workers, and our very own courageous and dedicated volunteer firefighters. Otherwise, the room for improvement in Village Hall is practically limitless. The New York state comptroller rates our Village’s fiscal stress as the second worse of 551 villages in the state. Moody’s municipal bond analysts have consistently downgraded this administration’s credit rating since they took office nearly 10 years ago.

The success stories the United Community Party celebrates are entirely modest and like those of any other village, except those village governments manage to achieve them without crashing their communities into junk-bond status.

Meanwhile, our roads are in a desperate state of disrepair, and now the financial straits the United Community Party has brought about make it even more difficult to fund repairs for this glaring deficiency. I’m a lifelong Democrat but would be the most fiscally conservative member of the village board. I would be the most responsible steward of the taxpayers’ dollars in Village Hall. I would ensure your tax dollars are treated with the respect

Anthony Bonelli

John tufarelli

Sean Wright

Mike Morin

Challenger

Incumbent

Incumbent

Challenger

they deserve but have not received.

Herald: Last February Moody’s Investors Services downgraded the village’s bond rating to Ba1, citing years of operating deficits and placing it in the junk category. What do you think went wrong, and what are the ways in which the village could improve its financial standing?

Bonelli and Morin: Moody’s themselves cited several factors, such as years of structurally unbalanced budgets, in which actual expenses exceeded revenues, causing the village to spend reserve funds and/ or raise taxes to cover shortfalls, draining the impressive reserve funds the previous Cahill administration had left us. There were, however, more fundamental issues that Moody’s did not address. In renovating the completely unnecessary second courthouse, we were told an additional $1 million would complete the job. In the end, it actually took an additional $4 million.

Likewise, we were told an additional $1 million would complete the waste transfer station. In the end, it took nearly an additional $8 million. The current administration thinks it can close some of this debt by importing garbage from outside municipalities to process at the waste transfer station. I do not believe the residents of this village want fleets of garbage trucks navigating their streets to drop off out-oftown waste here.

I will fight for balanced budgeting by the village board, and insist upon solid research before embarking on capital projects like the courthouse and waste transfer station. We have to end the days of stumbling into capital projects half-cocked, only then to discover massive cost overruns that will have to be paid off by the taxpayers.

Herald: Development in the village has been a hot topic of discussion in recent years. What do you think is the appropriate kind of development for the neighborhood, and how would you attract that development?

Bonelli and Morin: Any development

that is built within the village zoning code is appropriate development. That is the zoning code’s stated purpose: Ensuring appropriate development while preserving Valley Stream’s suburban character.

Unfortunately, what we have been seeing in recent years is over-development requiring massive zoning variances gifted to developers and campaign contributors.

I have watched numerous times as the vil-

lage board and board of zoning appeals (appointed by the Village Board) ignore impassioned pleas by surrounding homeowners against proposed over-development (i.e., apartment complexes, storage facilities), only to see all of those pleas casually dismissed with a wave of the hand. Appropriate development does not steamroll the unanimous will of the community. Appropriate development does not treat homeowners as inconvenient impediments to the agenda of real estate developers. Appropriate developments are welcomed by the community. We can revitalize our downtown by expanding available parking for patrons, ending predatory parking enforcement, and easing up on the village’s burdensome business regulations. Put simply, Village Hall needs to be business-friendly to all businesses.

the incumbents Herald: What are aspects and areas of Valley Stream as far as the village government is concerned that you most appreciate and/or are proud of, and where is there room for improvement?

Sean Wright: I am very proud of the job we have done maintaining services for our residents in Valley Stream. Our library, parks, pools, workforce, the brave members our Fire Department, auxiliary police, the Valley Stream Historical Society and all the community-minded people that come together to make Valley Stream the beautiful place it is, make me proud that I represent this village in my capacity as trustee. As one example, in the last nine years, we have paved over 30 miles of roads at a cost of about $1 million a mile. This is the kind of planning that results in steady, stable improvements to our Village overall.

Herald: Last February Moody’s Investors Services downgraded the village’s bond rating to Ba1, citing years of operating deficits and placing it in the junk category. What do you think went wrong, and what are ways in which the village can improve its financial standing?

Wright: Standard and Poor’s rates Valley Stream just one notch below its top score. This year we have reduced our debt, built a surplus, improved our comptroller’s “stress levels” and remained within the state’s tax cap without reducing services. Our fiscal health outlook is good. We also never stopped investing in our infrastructure where it matters most.

When you own a home, you repair the

roof to prevent more expensive damage later on. That’s what we have done with our equipment and facilities. Purchasing major items like new fire trucks and ambulances puts people first. The purchase of the courthouse at 195 Rockaway Ave. is an example of an investment in our village, and also sends a strong message that we are committed to the strength and vibrancy of our downtown business district. We greatly improved a blighted building and invested in our downtown’s growth and prosperity.

Herald: Development in the village has been a hot topic of discussion in recent years. What do you think is the appropriate kind of development for the neighborhood, and how would you attract that development?

Wright: Valley Stream has fewer rental units than our neighboring villages, at about 18 percent compared to Rockville Centre’s 32 percent and Lynbrook’s 28 percent. People want and need a vibrant downtown, walkability to transportation, restaurants and a thriving business community. We as a community should have honest discussions about this issue, learn from our neighboring communities and work together to achieve a good mix of development that is needed and wanted by our residents.

Herald: What are aspects and areas of Valley Stream as far as the village government is concerned that you most appreciate and/or are proud of, and where is there room for improvement?

John tufarelli: I take tremendous pride in the workers within our village government, not only because they work hard and do a great job, but especially because of the way they interact with the people.

They are the face of the village, and they represent us so well. We have put a lot of time and energy into our parks, our pools, and our cultural and recreational programs. Valley Stream is clean and inviting, and there is truly something for everyone.

Herald: Last February Moody’s Investors Services downgraded the village’s bond rating to Ba1, citing years of operating deficits and placing it in the junk category. What do you think went wrong, and what are ways in which the village can improve its financial standing? tufarelli: The Moody’s downgrade was unfortunate in that it did not reflect the vast amount of infrastructure improveContinued on page 11

VALLEY STREAM HERALD — September 3, 2020

By Peter Belfiore

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Agnes Marie Dowsett, longtime resident, at 95 Agnes Marie Dowsett a 56-year resident of Valley Stream, died on Aug. 7 at her daughter’s home in Bethesda, Md. She was 95.

Born on Aug. 25, 1924 in Manhattan, Marie Dowsett was the daughter of Frank and Anna Koudelka. She is predeceased by her husband Harry Dowsett, whom she married on Aug. 19, 1944, while he was serving in the U.S. Navy.

Marie Dowsett was known to love Valley Stream, where she had lived with her husband on North Corona Avenue in the home she and her husband purchased in 1948 and renovated themselves. Together they raised four children, and Marie Dowsett worked as a dental assistant for Dr. Frank Korowitz, through which she accumulated a broad network of friends from both Valley Stream and the surrounding neighborhoods.

In 2004 she moved into the Monica Village Senior Housing apartments, where she played bingo and took part in community activities with friends there while maintaining a voracious reading habit. Marie Dowsett was an active member of the Blessed Sacrament Church parish community and attended St. Mary’s in more recent years.

She was known to be a loving person with a memorable sense of humor and

pragmatic spirit in the face of challenge, touching everyone she met over the years and during her travels, according to family members. Marie Dowsett was also known to keep in touch by phone and email with her children, nieces, nephews, cousins, grandchildren and great-grandchildren spread across the United State and in Switzerland. A trip to visit her meant stopping by Mitchell’s Restaurant or Itgen’s ice cream parlor on Rockaway Avenue for a treat.

In addition to her husband, Marie Dowsett is predeceased by daughters Althea Kentsa and Lorraine Antonucci.

She is survived by her daughter Donna Marie Dowsett-Coirolo and Harry James Dowsett; 13 grand children and eight great-grandchildren. She was buried at Calverton National Cemetery, and leaves war m and lasting memories in the hearts of family and the loved ones she touched through her lifetime.

Compiled by Peter Belfiore

agneS marie DowSett, a 56-year resident of Valley Stream, died on Aug. 7.

She was 95.

Courtesy Jennifer Sims

V.S.F.D. extinguishes recycling plant fire The Valley Stream Fire Department responded to a fire at a recycling plant on the evening of Aug. 26, according to the department’s Facebook page. There were no reported injuries.

Firefighters had reportedly responded to a nearby home where the homeowner said they were smelling smoke.

Shortly after, the department received a call of a fire at the Gershow Recyling Facility on East Hawthorne Avenue, which was ultimately identified as the source of the smoke.

Fire Chief Eugene O’Brien notified neighboring departments for assistance, and the fire was extinguished within a half hour.

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.

Valley Stream firefighterS extinguished a fire at a local recycling facility on Aug. 26.

Courtesy Thomas Colgan

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Valley Stream childcare center Academic Munchkins celebrated its 25th anniversary in the neighborhood last week. The center provides a variety of services for children and their parents including afterschool programs for chil-

dren ages 2 to 12 and daycare for infants to preschoolers. Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages honored its owner Vivian Stein with a State Assembly proclamation for her business passing the milestone.

Courtesy Ron Healey

BsA Troop 109 scouts Isaiah Coombs, left, and Nicholas Cavaliere.

V.S. Troop 109 holds food drive House of Hope volunteers safe a designated drop-off time was set, and the result was a full food pantry at the charity ministry, according to Troop 109 Scoutmaster Ronald Healey, and the effort, he said, was in keeping with the scouting mission.

“In the true spirit of scouting, it is part of the Scout Oath to serve other people at all times,” he said.

Courtesy Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages

AcAdemic munchkins owner Vivian Stein with Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages.

The daycare recently celebrated its 25th anniversary.

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Members of Valley Stream BSA Troop 109 held a food drive benefitting the food pantry at Valley Stream’s House of Hope.

To ensure the food collection was carried out safely, the scouts distributed flyers and donation bags to their neighbors with instructions, and a designated stoop pickup time.

Additionally, to keep the scouts and

VALLEY STREAM HERALD — September 3, 2020

Neighbors iN the News Academic Munchkins daycare turns 25

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September 3, 2020 — VALLEY STREAM HERALD

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Rice proposes bill to combat impaired driving If signed into law, bill would establish annual $5M federal grant program U.S. Reps. Kathleen Rice, a Democrat from Garden City, and T roy Balderson, a Republican from Ohio, i n t ro d u c e d t h e b i p a r t i s a n D r u g Impaired Driving Education Act of 2020, which would establish an annual $5 million federal grant program for states to educate the public on the dangers of drug-impaired driving.

The latest available data from 2018 indicates that impaired driving was a factor in roughly 11,000 traffic deaths nationwide, all of which were preventable, the Congress members said.

Rice, who has fought drunken driving since her days as Nassau County’s district attor ney, introduced three pieces of legislation in 2019 to help end impaired driving.

“Despite common misconceptions, drug-impaired driving is just as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol, and that’s why this bill to expand public education and awareness is so important,” Rice said. “I’ve been working on these issues for my entire career, and I have seen the immense pain and tragedy that they can cause far too many times. I thank Re presentative Balderson and the many advocacy groups who are supporting this legislation. We must keep working together until we can end i m p a i re d a n d d i s t r a c t e d d r iv i n g once and for all.”

“When someone under the influence of drugs or alcohol gets behind the wheel of a motor vehicle, entire communities are put at risk,” Balderson said. “Sadly, this is a fact we know

“Too many Americans do not realall too well in the state of Ohio, where the opioid epidemic runs rampant. ize that driving under the influence of cannabis or prescripThis legislation takes critition medication impairs cal ste ps to educate our their ability to operate a communities about the vehicle safely, so efforts to risks associated with drugbolster information, educaimpaired driving, includtion and enforcement is ing those driving under the something we can all celeinfluence of opioids and brate,” said Michelle Kormarijuana.” smo, president and CEO of The Drug-Impaired Wine and Spirits WholesalDriving Education Act has ers of America. “WSWA been endorsed by Responremains steadfast in fightsibility.org, Wine & Spirits ing impaired driving in all Wholesalers of America, forms and commends Reps. the National Safety CounR i c e a n d B a l d e r s o n fo r cil, the National Organizatheir leadership and comtion for the Reform of Marmitment to the public on i j u a n a L aw s a n d t h e the health and safety of all National District AttorAmericans.” neys Association.

“Impairment is a persisD a r r i n G ro n d e l , v i c e tent roadway safety issue, president of traffic safety and we know drugand government relations impaired driving is a growfor Responsibility.org, said, ing concer n,” said Lor“In Washington state, 44 raine Mar tin, president percent of drivers involved and CEO of the National in fatal crashes between Safety Council. “We need 2008 to 2016 tested positive public awareness and outfor two or more substancrage to move the needle to es, with alcohol and tetralives, and this bill hyd ro c a n n ab i n o l ( T H C ) KathLeen RiCe save [ wo u l d p r ov i d e ] i n i t i a l being the most common funding to this end. We combination. This legisla- U.S. representative appreciate Congresswomtion is a giant step forward an Rice’s ongoing leaderin helping the public to u n d e r s t a n d t h e d a n g e r s d r u g - ship and relentless commitment to impaired driving and multi-substance this important issue.”

“Keeping our communities safe and impaired driving pose on our roadreducing fatalities on our nation’s ways.”

D

espite common misconceptions, drug-impaired driving is just as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol.

Nassau sees lowest infection rate since March Thursday, Aug. 27, marked the highest number of Covid-19 tests conducted in Nassau County since the beginning of the pandemic, with 9,814 test results reported by the New York State Department of Health, and 0.5 percent of tests were positive for the coronavirus.

“Robust testing is key to successfully navigating the challenges we are set to face this fall,” County Executive Laura Curran said. “Nassau is still waiting for the federal Lauran government to provide the emergency aid required to prevent further economic catastrophe and gutting of essential services – including continued robust Covid-19 testing. I want to thank Governor Cuomo for

his leadership, including making sure New York continues to ramp up Covid-19 testing instead of slowing it down. We need more testing with quicker results – not less testing altogether.

Nassau has the line on the coronavirus, with a 1 percent positivity rate, throughout the summer. “But,” Curran said, “September will be a new challenge. None of this is easy, but we have no choice bu t t o re m a i n v i g i l a n t against a virus that has Curran claimed the lives of 2,197 residents and now more than 180,000 fellow Americans. Let’s keep doing what has saved countless lives and allowed Long Island to reopen safely: wearing a mask and social distancing.”

roads remains a top priority for prosecutors throughout the country,” said Nancy Parr, NDAA president and the commonwealth’s attorney for the City of Chesapeake, VA. “NDAA supports and endorses the Drug-Impaired Driving Education Act of 2020, which [would] provide vital federal funding to state and local governments, nonprofits, and law enforcement agencies to educate the public on the dangers of impaired driving and protect our citizens across the nation.”

“With the majority of U.S. states now regulating marijuana sales for either medical purposes or for adult use, it’s important that traffic safety laws and practices comport with this new reality,” said Paul Ar mentano, NORML deputy director. “Both lawmakers and the general public can benefit from evidence-based messaging and strate gies reinforcing and strengthening responsible behavior.”

Congress previously funded efforts to train authorities to better detect and deter dr ug-impaired driving, but there remains a need for public education and awareness of this g rowing problem, according to Rice. The new federal grant program established by the Drug-Impaired Driving Education Act would provide funding to states to address this specific need.

The legislation is yet to be voted on by the House of Representatives, and must be approved by both the House and Senate and signed by the president to become law.

Town teams with Northwell on testing The Town of Hempstead and Northwell Health are launching three Covid19 mobile testing locations. The initiative, town and Northwell officials said, will provide increased testing to highrisk and minority communities within the town, which have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic.

Each week, three to four testing sites will be available, free of charge, at different locations throughout the town.

The testing facilities will be open Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. To find the nearest testing location, residents are asked to call (516) 821-2500.

Town Supervisor Donald Clavin thanked U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer for helping to secure the federal funding needed for the testing sites. “This collaboration with Northwell Health is

one that the town is extremely proud of and will continue our region’s ability to keep driving the numbers of Covid19 cases down to the lowest we’ve seen since the start of the pandemic,” Clavin said.

“We’re proud to partner with the Town of Hempstead to provide antibody and diagnostic Covid-19 testing and share prevention information at 16 sites within Hempstead town,” said Dr. Debbie Salas-Lopez, senior vice president of community and population health at Northwell Health. “Education and testing are the keys to fostering healthy communities and limiting the spread of Covid-19.”

Walk-ins are accepted, but appointments are encouraged by calling 8212500. For more information, visit hempsteadny.gov/.

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Councilman represents at GOP convention were there.”

President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence spoke with the delegates on the mornTown of Hempstead Councilman Bruce Blake- ing of Aug. 24. “Vice President Pence came to thank man, a Republican covering the 3rd District, got to us for our vote and thank us for coming down,” be a part of what he described as the most unusual Blakeman said. “Around 11 a.m., President Trump convention he has ever attended. came down to speak in an informal disHe was one of six New York state delcussion on his accomplishments and his egates at the 2020 Republican National vision for the next four years. EveryConvention, which took place in Charbody was energized by that, and the fact lotte, N.C., and the White House from that he detoured his plans to thank the Aug. 24 to 27. Originally there were to be delegates in Charlotte was a very nice 94 state delegates, but the number was thing.” pared down to six because of the coroThe convention moved to Washingnavirus pandemic. ton, D.C. on Aug. 27 as Trump concluded “There are two types of ways to the festivities with a speech on the become a delegate: You can run for it in White House’s South Lawn, which your congressional district, and then Blakeman attended. “The crowd was there are a number of delegates the energized and excited and were moved state chairman can appoint,” Blakeman by the stories we heard from some of said. “I was one of the elected delegates the speakers,” Blakeman said. “I from the state’s 4th Congressional Disthought the president was really good in trict. When it was restricted from 94 to his speech, and he touched on everysix, I lobbied to [Nassau County Repubthing he needed to.” lican Chairman] Joe Cairo that I wanted Coming out of the convention, Blaketo go, and the squeaky wheel wound up man said he is “cautiously optimistic” BRucE getting the oil.” about the presidential election. “I feel New York GOP Chairman Nick Lang- BlAkEMAn that a successful candidate always has worthy said he was pleased to have run as if they were 10 points behind Town of Hempstead to Blakeman as a state delegate. “Although so we can’t take anything for granted,” I wish we could’ve been celebrating the councilman he said. “There has been movement in president’s nomination with all of our the past two weeks for the president in 94 delegates, I was proud to have Counswing states, and I feel good about the cilman Blakeman as one of the six state delegates,” numbers moving in the right direction for him.”

Langworthy said.

When looking back on the convention, Blakeman The process for the delegates to enter the conven- said he would remember the relationships he tion began a week before the pandemic, when Blake- formed with fellow delegates from across the counman said he was sent daily health questionnaires try. “We spent our time talking about what life was and a Covid-19 test. “I got to Charlotte on Sunday like in our own communities and the election,” he night, [Aug. 23], and it was pretty closed down,” he said. “The convention was very different but great. said. “Everything was consolidated around the con- The fact that it was historic because it was so vention center, as the Westin Hotel was like an restricted made it special for me to be one of about armed camp since the president and vice president 350 delegates there.”

By MATTHEW FERREMI mferremi@liherald.com

T

he fact that it was historic because it was so restricted made it special for me to be one of about 350 delegates there.

Courtesy Bruce Blakeman

ToWn oF HEMpsTEAd Councilman Bruce Blakeman was one of six New York state delegates at the 2020 Republican National Convention.

County executive serves as DNC delegate

By BRIdgET doWnEs bdownes@liherald.com

Over four days, elected officials and delegates from around the country attended the Democratic National Convention — including Nassau County Executive Laura Curran — but this time, virtually.

Many people streamed footage of the convention, which took place Aug. 17 through 20. Joe Biden accepted the Democratic Party’s nomination for president, and Kamala Harris, for vice president.

“I think it would’ve been a lot more fun to do it the oldfashioned way, in a convention center with balloons and the crazy hats and everything,” Curran, of Baldwin, said. “It would’ve been a good experience; however, like everything else these days, we’re doing things a bit differently, so we did it over Zoom, virtually.”

It was the county executive’s first time attending the convention as a delegate. She had attended in 1992, before she was involved in politics and government, when Bill Clinton accepted the party’s nomination for president.

Curran said she attended some Zoom meetings throughout the four days in addition to delegate meetings, and watched parts of the convention via YouTube like other viewers.

“There were some meetings that I would go to, organized by the State Democratic Committee,” she explained, adding that she and other delegates voted by filling out a form and e-mailing it in. “So it was easy in

that I didn’t have to go anywhere or really take time off.

That was one plus.”

It’s a strange election this year, Curran said, between Covid-19 changing the rules and the uncertainties around voting.

“I would just encourage anyone who’s listening that no matter who you’re voting for — I’m not going to tell you who to vote for — just make sure that you don’t get turned off by the differences in this election and get out and vote, whether it’s absentee ballot or however you’re doing it,” she said, adding that it’s “so important for everyone to make their voices heard.”

“Being able to participate in the convention, even remotely, really reminded me of that,” Curran continued, “how important it is to vote, because that’s the thing that keeps our democracy alive. It’s the thing that keeps elected officials accountable to the people.”

She also urged voters to cast their votes in local races as well.

“It’s so important that we participate in this democracy because in the course of human history, it is a rare and beautiful thing, and we should not take it for granted,” Curran said, noting that voting helps hold policymakers accountable. “The best and easiest way to do that is to vote.”

“Whatever is going on in the world, whether we can be there in person or not, democracy is still happening,” she said. “It’s just happening in a new way. Democracy persists.”

Courtesy Alex Hanel DNCC

dEMocRATIc nATIonAl coMMITTEE Chair Tom Perez spoke at the Democratic National Convention — streamed to viewers remotely — on Aug. 19.

9

VALLEY STREAM HERALD — September 3, 2020

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What’s up next door and around the corner

Herald neigHbors

Photos by Christina Daly/Herald

the first iCNA Relief food pantry on Long Island, located at Masjid Hamza in Valley Stream, was made possible by the efforts of Shumaila Siddiqui, from left, Ruhee Kapadia and Noshi Ahmed.

Masjid Hamza opens local food pantry

By Peter Belfiore pbelfiore@liherald.com

PresideNt of MAsjid Hamza Sarfraz Ahmed, above, his wife Noshi Ahmed and Arshad Jamal of ICNA Relief on Aug. 21. jAMAl, ABove right spoke to local lawmakers aboutt his organization and the pantry.

AsseMBlywoMAN MiChAelle solAges thanked Ahmed for helping facilitate the food pantry, noting that one in five people in the area it serves are food insecure.

Valley Stream’s Islamic Center of South Shore, or Masjid Hamza, in conjunction with INCA Relief, celebrated the opening of the mosque’s food pantry on Aug. 21. It is the first food pantry the New Hyde Parkbased nonprofit has opened on Long Island.

Volunteers with INCA Relief, which strives to provide hunger relief, transitional housing, professional development opportunities, back to school support and disaster relief among many other services, helped stock the pantry. INCA Relief is part of the Islamic Circle of North America, and is a faith-based organization with thousands of trained volunteers nationwide working to build healthy communities, strengthen families and create opportunities for those in despair while advocating for their basic human needs.

Speakers at the food pantry opening highlighted the need for such services, especially as the coronavirus pandemic continues to bring severe financial hardship on local families.

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s ’ e T r he e H

VALLEY STREAM HERALD — September 3, 2020

O O P! C S

Our Valley Stream Herald issue of September 17th will be mailed to EVERY home & business in

Valley Stream with our

Christina Daly/Herald

THe Hendrickson Park pool complex will be one of two polling sites open for the 2020 village trustee election. Normally there are 11.

Valley Stream Community Guide Reach all of your potential customers by displaying your advertisement in this full circulation issue.

Valley Stream village elections set for Sept. 15

Herald: Development in the village has

been a hot topic of discussion in recent years. What do you think is the appropriate kind of development for the neighborhood, and how would you attract that development?

Tufarelli: No community should

embark on any development projects without plenty of thoughtful research, many conversations with the residents and attention to what people want in their community. I believe there is a need for certain types of development. As a parent of a “twenty-something” who was born and raised in Valley Stream, I don’t want to see him forced to move out of the village because he can’t afford to live here.

We can collaborate to create the right types of housing for young adults and empty nesters as well.

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ments that were made to the Village in recent years that tapped into our reserves.

In actuality the Village did what was right for the residents and put the surplus that we had into services, and much needed products, such as garbage trucks and plows. We made a long-term investment to the community without burdening our residents with huge tax increases. We are in it for the long run. Our transfer station alone will wind up saving the village hundreds of thousands, perhaps millions, of dollars over its years of use. Our parks and pools, our 105 acres of green space, give our residents pleasure and these are key reasons why Money Magazine identified Valley Stream as the Best Place to Live in New York State.

Deadline Friday, Sept. 11, 2020

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Covid-19

HoMeToWn Heroes

Carlos suarez I

lT. Yvonne arMsTrong

Franklin square Head CusTodian, WasHingTon sTreeT sCHool

E

didn’t get to see my wife that often during the pandemic because she was working double shifts as a CAT scan technician at the hospital. It was hard to see what was happening, and hard for our kids.

Meanwhile, the other custodians and I had to disinfect the entire Washington Street building every day for all the secretaries and administrators that were working in the building throughout the pandemic, and had to set up portable tents and tables to distribute food to all our families that receive free or reduced breakfasts and lunches. Eventually, we went down to three days a week giving out food, and we took turns opening up the building.

Now, we basically disinfect everything in the school every day, change the HVAC filters and put new wax on the floors. We’re also going to sanitize the building every day before the students come into school while they are here, and after they leave, with the night crews once again cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting the building.

I’ve been telling my staff to think about what they would like to see done if it were their kids in school, because I always cleaned according to that philosophy. Everyone’s got a life, and you don’t know what could happen if they get infected.

WesT HeMpsTead eConoMiCs proFessor, uniTed sTaTes naval aCadeMY

verything that was scheduled and that I was planning to hold in person such as clothing drives and food pantries has been canceled, but the need hasn’t stopped. The Town of Hempstead and other organizations are still doing that, but by and large, a lot of organizations have moved to accepting cash donations.

As a volunteer, I’ve been a public speaker and mentor for nonprofits such as the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps, the Navy League and the Girls Scouts of America. I’m at a point in my career where I’m able to give back, but this is a difficult time for nonprofit organizations. My advocacy and volunteerism haven’t stopped.

It’s certainly slowed down, and a lot of it has moved online, where we’ve held virtual fundraisers and events like tutorials and panels, but after a while, people are Zoomed to death.

Many volunteers such as myself thrive on having that person-to-person interaction. I don’t thrive on posting selfies, and I understand that there’s a fine line between attention-seeking and advocacy. But now that we’re in a virtual environment, I’m forced to produce virtual content to try to stay relevant and advocate for these organizations that I volunteer with. It hasn’t been easy, but it’s a transition many volunteers had to make during the past few months.

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VALLEY STREAM HERALD — September 3, 2020

Their fronT-line sTories in Their own words HOWaRD kOpEl DR. Bill HEiDENREicH laWRENcE MERRick SupERiNTENDENT, VallEy STREaM cENTRal HigH ScHOOl DiSTRicT

DEpuTy pRESiDiNg OfficER, NaSSau cOuNTy lEgiSlaTuRE

w

ithout a doubt, the loss of up-close personal contact with people has been the most difficult thing for me.

I am lucky in that I can do most of my jobs without sitting in an office with other people. Of course, there is a loss of some income, the same as most other people, but I can’t complain. I am managing, and we are in good health.

On the other hand, I have missed being able to kiss my children and grandchildren the way I could in normal times. My wife and I are blessed with four great children, their respective spouses and 12 grandchildren, and our greatest joy is getting together with everyone and enjoying each other.

On another level, my job as county legislator has given me the privilege of meeting and getting to know many new people that I would not have had the opportunity to know otherwise. I have also made many new friends. My life has been tremendously enriched by everyone I have gotten to know. The virus has resulted in the cancellation of most public meetings, so I don’t get to see my old and new friends. In Legislature meetings, we don’t get to hear much public comments.

As good as Zoom meetings are, they are no substitute for being in the same room, seeing people’s expressions and looking in their eyes. Interactions are just not the same.

When we finally see the other end of this plague, I will certainly have a new appreciation of the pleasures of being with people and re-establishing connections.

M

y job has changed a lot since the pandemic hit us.

Now there’s no beginning or end to my job. It’s a lot of responsibility. Aside from social distancing, wearing masks around other coworkers and following Centers for Disease Control [and Prevention] guidelines, I think the challenging aspect of working during the pandemic is physical and social distancing.

Schools are typically crowded by students and staff. It’s been difficult not connecting with students. I miss stopping by the classrooms, when I visit the schools and shaking hands with others.

I am working more now. It’s non-stop. I arrive at the office at 8 a.m., and I often have about a dozen emails to answer and more emails just keep coming throughout the day.

I haven’t had a day off since the pandemic started months ago. It’s the nature of the job, and I’m happy to do it. I’m hoping we can have a successful reopening. I hope in the distant future there will be a reopening of everything, and in the distant future there will be a vaccine and a return to normalcy. I can’t wait for everyone to come back.

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What’s neWs in and out of the classroom

RecRuiting a great sales team is Really simple.

Herald ScHoolS

We hire the smartest people who can solve the hardest marketing objectives with an arsenal of solutions and a smile through the journey.

Courtesy Central High School District

(We said it was simple. We didn’t say it was easy.)

BMeMorial Junior HigH’s orientation gave students a first taste of what in-person schooling might look like during the coronavirus pandemic.

Join our outside sales team, contact Rhonda glickman. send your resume today. rglickman@liherald.com, 516-569-4000 x250. salary, commission, bonuses and benefits. must have own vehicle and valid driver’s license.

Memorial preps seventh graders for school

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Valley Stream Memorial Junior High School welcomed its incoming seventh graders and their families for the district’s annual seventh-grade orientation.

This year, however, it was quite a bit different. With safety measures in place to prevent spread of the coronavirus, the orientation was split into nine different groups, and ran from Aug. 25 to 27.

Students had their identification photos taken, were introduced to administrators and learned about the myriad new protocols through a presentation that was led by Assistant Principals John Squadrito and Garrhett Schneider.

Parents also participated in a question

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and answer session with Principal Bret Strauss.

Like all schools in Valley Stream, students at Memorial will be attending classes in a hybrid format, with half the student body alternating between days in the classroom and days in remote learning.

To facilitate that, each junior high school student was given their own laptops as a way to ensure that regardless of their family’s economic situation, they would be able to take part in uninterrupted studies. The laptops were handed out at the orientation.

Let us Know

ANY NEWNEW INSTALLATION ANY INSTALLATION WITH THISNEW AD INSTALLATION WHEN YOU WITH ANY WITH THIS AD MENTION THIS AD

SUFFOLK COUNTY LICENSE 1629-RP/3462-RE

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.

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September 3, 2020 — VALLEY STREAM HERALD

14

Stuart Richner Publisher srichner@liherald.com 1100740

FOCUS ON FAMILY WELLNESS

September 3, 2020

Adjusting to the ‘new normal’

VALLEY STREAM HERALD — September 3, 2020

your HEALTH body / mind / fitness

15

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

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 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.

To find a physician please call: 516-632-3936 or use our physician search tool at 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 o

, Newsday.

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September 3, 2020 — VALLEY STREAM HERALD

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VALLEY STREAM HERALD — September 3, 2020

Healthy habits make the grade

Is my child okay?

T

Be on the lookout for signs that your child is stressed about Covid-19

he Covid-19 health crisis has brought about many changes to daily life, and kids know that things are different. Like adults, kids and teens experience stress too. While small amounts of stress are a normal part of life, some young people may have worrisome responses to disrupted routines, social distancing, event cancellations, missed milestones, and especially the affect of the pandemic on schooling.

Reacting negatively to current events, school stress or other common stressors can lead to decreased academic performance, social isolation and even declines in mental health. Parents, family members and mentors are often the first to recognize signs of stress in children and help them learn coping skills to navigate challenging times.

Signs and symptoms Kids and teens may show physical, emotional and/ or behavioral signs of stress. These signs are relatively consistent throughout children of all ages; however, some indicators are less obvious than others. Pay special attention to any sudden shifts in behavior or unusual complaints your child brings up to you.

Physical indicators include: √ Headaches √ Upset stomach √ Chest pain √ Heart palpitations or increased heart rate √ Insomnia √ Nightmares √ Bedwetting √ Decreased appetite, comfort-eating, or bingeing √ Pretending to be sick to avoid activities Emotional indicators can include: √ Anxiety √ Mood swings √ Restlessness √ Clinginess √ New or recurring fears √ Increased crying, anger, stubbornness, or aggression √ Decreased concentration or motivation √ Emotional overreactions to minor incidents √ Regressing toward comforting behaviors from early childhood (i.e. thumb-sucking, nail-biting, sleeping with a stuffed animal) √ Social isolation, withdrawal, or unwillingness to participate in formerly enjoyed activities

What affects children and teens If you notice any of the physical, behavioral or emotional symptoms of stress, take a minute to consider what may be causing these reactions. Stress in children is commonly caused by significant life changes, both positive, like starting a new grade, and negative, like family turmoil or classroom bullying.

Remember that all kids are unique in what they find stressful. Younger children, preteens and teens react differently to triggers in their environment. So, an incident causing stress to an 8-year-old boy may not trouble his 15-year-old sister.

Potential stressors for kids of all ages: √ Conflict with friends, bullying, and peer pressure √ Changing schools √ Struggling in school (i.e. curriculum, grades, homework, socializing) √ Balancing responsibilities (i.e. school and extracurricular activities) √ Disappointing their parents √ Parental divorce or separation √ Financial difficulties within the family √ Unsafe or precarious living situation Potential stressors for children: √ New experiences and places √ Being away from home √ Performing in front of others (i.e. sports, speeches, recitals) √ Perceived dangers (i.e. kidnapping, fires, burglars, natural disasters, the dark) Potential stressors for preteens and teens: √ Going through puberty and bodily changes √ Poor self-esteem and negative thoughts about themselves √ Fear of the future (i.e. going off to college, getting a job) √ Cyberbullying √ Romantic relationships and dating √ Pressure to try drugs and alcohol with friends Strategies to alleviate childhood stress Ensure that your child feels safe. It’s important to Continued to Is my child ok?

Above photo: Kids, like adults, can struggle with emotional impact of the pandemic, especially now that they are headed back to school.

Now more than ever focus on health as your child heads off to class School is many things — a place where kids learn and grow cognitively, develop social skills, and become independent individuals. It can also be a place where they pick up germs and illnesses and bring them home. Especially, in our Covid-19 world, germs have taken on a new focus with terrifying intensity.

Now more than than ever, reinforcing essential health practices is imperative for a positive outcome — both at school and at home.

Teach your child proper hand washing We all know that hand washing is one of the most important ways we can prevent the spread of illness in the classroom and elsewhere — even prior to the coronavirus pandemic it mattered. Now it’s even more vital.

Remind your children that when they come in contact with germs, they can easily spread those germs — especially if they rub their eyes or scratch their nose. Then, it’s only a matter of time until the rest of the family is sick as well. But frequent hand washing can help slow this spread of germs.

By teaching your kids how to wash their hands properly — and to especially wash after blowing their nose, using the bathroom, and before eating — you can help them reduce the risk of getting sick, and keep them from infecting others if they catch an infection or illness.

Boost the immune system Clearly, keeping your child’s immune system strong is an important way to stay healthy and ward off illness during the school year. Getting enough sleep, maintaining a healthy diet, managing stress, exercising, making time to laugh, and the all-important hand washing can help reduce your child’s risk of getting colds, flu, and other infections._ But even with preventative measures, most kids will get between six and eight colds per year as their immune systems continues to develop. And with Covid-19, the need to prevent illnesses during the 2020–2021 school year is more important than ever.

Of course the most effective way to prevent disease is through vaccination.

But there is growing interest among parents in giving kids supplements like vitamin C and elderberry. However, you should always consult with your child’s doctor before giving them supplements.

In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend multivitamins for healthy children who eat a varied diet. It’s best that they get their vitamins from foods.

Maintain healthy habits Does your child know the importance of healthy habits to prevent colds, flu, and other infections? Try to keep our “new normal” from becoming even more complicated by taking preventative measures to avoid getting sick. Healthy habits include remembering not to touch eyes or to refrain from sharing cups and utensils with friends.

Kids may even need to learn not to share their face masks or to play with them while they are in school. Whether your school district will resume fully inperson or operate under a hybrid model, it’s still important that kids get a refresher on healthy habits like covering their cough and avoiding touching their face.

Some other things kids need to be reminded of is remembering to use a tissue instead of an arm sleeve, letting mom and dad know when they don’t feel well, and avoiding close contact with their friends at school.

Establish good sleep hygiene Making sure your children get enough sleep is a crucial part of keeping them healthy. In fact, studies show that missing sleep can impact kids in a number of ways. For instance, lack of sleep can lead to poor concentration, obesity, depression, suicide ideation, and injuries.

Not only is sleep an important part of a child’s physical and emotional health but it also can play a role role in how well they do in school, too. And to make matters worse, research suggests that kids Continued to Healthy habits Above photo: With the start of a new school year, take a proactive approach to your family’s well-being so everyone can learn and thrive without raising the risk of spreading Covid-19.

September 3, 2020 — VALLEY STREAM HERALD

18

Is my child okay?

1100077

To keep the community connected,Lynbrook Restorative offers Zoom classes featuring games, entertainment and exercise. For more information contact Community liaison Denise Walsh 516-316-2977

Continued from Is my child ok? reassure the child that you will keep them safe and loved, and then take the necessary steps to ensure you can uphold your promises.

Talk to your child. Communicate in an open, supportive manner. Ask your child directly how they’re feeling and really listen to their answers.

No matter what they tell you, remember to stay calm and avoid making them feel judged or selfconscious. Also, don’t get upset if your child can’t or won’t open up. Some kids need more time and encouragement than others.

Younger children typically don’t have the vocabulary necessary to say “I feel stressed,” so they will use other words like “scared,”“sad,”“confused,” or “mad.” Meanwhile, preteens and teens may say dismissive things about themselves like “I can’t do anything right,”“no one likes me,” or “I have no friends.” Gently prompt the child to keep talking and try to pinpoint the driving force behind these statements. Emotional check-ins can be fun and easy too.

Develop healthy coping methods. Kids often aren’t equipped with the tools needed to lower their stress levels. Teaching mindfulness techniques or breathing exercises can be very beneficial in promoting relaxation. Additionally, you can explain how physical exercise can help combat the feeling of stress. Promoting a healthy lifestyle with balanced meals, time outdoors, and limits on their screen usage, including TV, cellphone, and laptops, is also recommended — especially when distance learning places more demands on screen time.

Spend quality time together. If your child is going through stressful changes in their life, show them that you’ll always be their pillar of support. Try to reduce their anxiety by planning fun activities together and regularly offering

praise, hugs, and affection to boost their feelings of self-worth. Having family routines, like weekday dinners together or Sunday movie nights, can also bring stability and comfort to a child’s week.

Manage your own stress. Children often follow the emotional cues of the adults in their lives. If you’ve been going through a stressful time and you’re feeling the negative effects of stress, anxiety or depression, don’t forget to take care of yourself. Parents and caregivers need to prioritize their own happiness too, so they’re able to serve as loving, attentive presences in their children’s lives.

Finally, don’t pressure your child into immediately telling you what’s wrong. If they are feeling scared or anxious, they may take longer to confide in you. Remember to always be loving and patient, and allow your kid to talk openly when they’re ready.

With younger children, they may truly not know or understand why they’re feeling stressed.

In these cases, consider speaking to their teacher or after-school youth mentor if you’re unable to pinpoint a stressor in your child’s home life.

When to seek professional help Despite the best efforts of parents and loved ones, some children may still be unable to open up. If your child or teen won’t disclose the source of their stress or you observe their symptoms worsening, it’s time to seek out professional help.

Don’t hesitate to contact your family doctor or get in touch with a trained therapist who specializes in treating children and adolescents. A child in crisis deserves your immediate help and support so they can return to enjoying their childhood to the fullest.

Eye on wellness One test every child needs before going back to school

hether the classroom is in-person, virtual or a combination of both, however your child attends school this fall, eye exams remain essential for success with their academics.

While Covid-19 remains at the forefront of our health concerns, it’s still important to prioritize a visit to the eye doctor.

“An annual comprehensive eye exam is essential for optimal wellness, as well as ensuring your child reaches his or her full academic potential,” says opthalmolgist Dr. Jennifer Wademan.

The incidence of visual impairment in preschool children is expected to increase 26 percent over the next 45 years, affecting almost 220,000 children, according to a recent study by the USC Gayle and Edward Roski Eye Institute.

What’s more, kids have more demand on their eyes and vision than ever before due to the increased use of digital devices.

Not only will an eye exam help provide the clear vision necessary for a child to see the blackboard and work on digital devices without straining, but this essential visit can also detect a broad range of issues related to eye health and overall wellness.

Kids — and adults for that matter — don’t always know they are experiencing a vision problem. As a result, they may be compensating for vision issues by turning their head to the side, squinting or holding reading material up close or far away.

Get a comprehensive eye exam While 76 percent of parents said sight is the most important sense, only 50 percent take their kids for an annual eye exam, according to a recent survey conducted by YouGov and VSP Vision Care. It seems that many parents are under the incorrect impression that the vision screening conducted by the school nurse or at the pediatrician’s office is sufficient.

Although many schools offer abbreviated vision screenings throughout the year, they can miss up to 80 percent of vision problems, including serious conditions like amblyopia (lazy eye), which can lead to vision loss if not treated. An annual comprehensive eye exam is the best way to detect vision problems, as well as other conditions related to the eyes that can affect overall health and wellness.

“How a child’s brain processes visual information is complex, and a screening alone isn’t a substitute for a comprehensive exam, nor is it the most reliable way to track a child’s eye health,” says Dr. Wademan. “A comprehensive eye exam with an eye doctor however, evaluates multiple aspects of vision, including the closeup skills essential for reading, tracking and focusing.”

Don’t wait for complaints Among those parents who do not bring their children to the eye doctor annually, 72 percent of moms and 48 percent of dads said they would be motivated to do so if their child complains of discomfort or changes in vision.

Don’t wait for that first complaint! Certain changes to eyesight can happen gradually, and children may not realize that their vision is impaired.

Dr. Wademan points out that catching problems early is important.

“When a child’s visual system is not given a clear and focused image, and if his or her eyes are not working together, the child could fail to

VALLEY STREAM HERALD — September 3, 2020

W

19

ever achieve normal visual acuity,” she says.

“These patients end up struggling to see well in adulthood, even with contacts or glasses.”

Above photo: Vision and learning are directly connected, as approximately 80 percent of what a child learns is presented visually. For success in the classroom, the sports field and more, start the school year right with a comprehensive eye exam.

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HEALTH MEMO Covid-19 restrictions can’t stop Maple Pointe residents from looking fabulous!

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f all the restrictions put in place due to this global pandemic, the ladies of Maple Pointe are missing the hair salon the most! Maple Pointe has a beauty parlor on premises, but the state order for no outside visitors has prevented beauticians from coming in and dolling up the residents.

Lucky for Maple Pointe, one of their very own Home Health Aides, Erika Schillingford, has a background in cosmetology! Erika’s warm heart and desire to care for others led her to rise to the challenge and fulfill her resident’s beauty needs — free of charge! She even goes in to work on her days off to make sure that she can get to everyone. Schillingford says, “I do it because I love the see the residents smile, and they feel the best when they look good. It’s the least I can do!”

Erica is one of the many rock stars on the Maple Pointe team. Erica has been a Maple Pointe employ-

ee for 18 years, and counting. She was recently named Noble Caregiver of the Year in 2019 by the New York State Center for Assisted Living. Her kindness, smile and sense of humor bring joy to Maple Pointe residents daily. Other Maple Pointe rock stars include Kara Constantine who was named Assisted Living Nurse of Year for 2020. The annual ceremony that honors this remarkable title was unfortunately cancelled due to the pandemic, but Maple Pointe was sure to have their own in-house celebration!

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September 3, 2020 — VALLEY STREAM HERALD

20

260 Maple Ave., Rockville Centre • 516-764-4848 Health memos are supplied by advertisers and are not written by the Herald editorial staff.

HEALTH MEMO

S

taying active when you live with a chronic lung disease is both important and challenging. When it’s difficult to breathe, exercising, even in its gentle forms, can seem nearly impossible. However, staying active can increase exercise tolerance and improve lung capacity.

There are many benefits of Tai Chi for people with lung disease. Adam Schwartz, Director of the Pulmonary Program at Lynbrook Restorative Therapy and Nursing, teaches Tai Chi to patients who have pulmonary issues. “Tai Chi is an effective training program for patients who suffer from COPD. Tai Chi can be a dynamic or free flowing form of moving meditation which helps bring about calm and peace of mind enhancing the flow of vital energy within the body”.

For people with chronic lung problems, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pulmonary fibrosis, practicing Tai Chi has been shown to improve overall quality of life and decrease feelings of breathlessness.

Because Tai Chi is low impact and puts minimal stress on the body, it’s generally safe for people of all ages and fitness levels, including people with chronic conditions. This is good news for people with COPD because it gives them more fitness choices.

While Tai Chi was developed for self-defense, it has evolved into a gentle form of exercise,

Stay active with Tai Chi which promotes relaxation and calm through flowing movements. Tai Chi involves a series of movements performed in a slow, focused manner and is accompanied by deep breathing.

These meditative movements employ balance and weight shifting, breathing techniques, and cognitive tools such as visualization and focused internal awareness.

Numerous studies have shown that Tai Chi can improve balance, strength, relaxation, lower blood pressure and promote deeper breathing, among other benefits. That is why it is beneficial to patients at Lynbrook Restorative. Tai Chi encourages and promotes a quicker healing process for our patients who come to us for many different reasons.

If you are interested in trying Tai Chi, you can look for Adam’s Tai Chi video on the Lynbrook Restorative Therapy and Nursing Facebook page, under videos. Adam demonstrates both standing and sitting Tai Chi skits.

243 Atlantic Ave., Lynbrook • 516-316-2977

Health memos are supplied by advertisers and are not written by the Herald editorial staff.

21

VALLEY STREAM HERALD — September 3, 2020

WE’RE ALL IN!

THE EMPIRE PLAN NETWORK

1100087

NSPC is proud to announce that all of our world-class physicians are now in-network, participating providers with the New York State Health Insurance Program (NYSHIP).

We’re available for expert treatment of all brain and spine conditions.

September 3, 2020 — VALLEY STREAM HERALD

22

Nassau county delays fall sports to January continued from front page

“We’ll look to get started Jan. 4 with the traditional winter sports, including basketcontinue to run,” he said. “I want to do ball and wrestling,” Pizzarelli said. my best in the next season, regardless of Each sports season will be condensed, when it takes place.”

The decision came two days after Gov. running nine weeks. The fall sports will be Andrew Cuomo issued guidance permit- played in the second season, and spring ting lower-risk high school fall sports (soc- sports will be third, as usual.

Haleigh Chan, 16, also a Central crosscer, tennis, swimming, field hockey and country runner, said she believed the concross-country) to begin practice and play densed seasons might pose an additional on Sept. 21, while noting football and volchallenge to student athletes who play leyball could begin practice but not play. more than one sport.

However, the superintendents did not “Even in a regular school year with consider the current conditions safe minor gaps in between [seasons], it’s pretenough to conduct any fall sports. The sevty rough physically,” she said, adding that en-person committee voted unanimously it comes on top of keeping up with schoolto postpone. “It was never a consideration work. In addition to cross-country, Chan to try playing even the lower-risk sports,” fences in the winter and runs track in the Pizzarelli said. “Transportation is a big fall. issue. There are a lot of issues.”

She said that while news of the postCross-country runner Warren Pershad, poned season did not come as a surprise, 16, also at Central High School, said he she worries what it could mean for her athworried how the postponement might letic career and potential scholarships. “I affect the team’s makeup. was looking forward to starting my junior “It’s a little conyear of sports,” she cerning,” he said. said. “I was looking “Most of our team to establish my had just graduated, name as a high so this year was an school athlete.” important year conConsidering the sidering how many potential for lost new kids we would scholarships and get and how skilled academic opportunithey are. It’s a little ties, Valley Streamer nerve-racking not and youth football knowing what the coach Derek Page future might bring.” said he believes an Although he has exception should be run cross-country made for varsity since seventh grade, sports to find a way he wor ries that for them to play younger students their seasons. might decide not to “I believe the seagive the sport a try, son should be postand considering the poned or cancelled strain that crossas far as for the Courtesy Brian Balweg country can put on a younger kids,” Page, beginner’s body, Per- StudentS and parentS said they worwhose sons attend shad was also con- ried about the potential loss of athletic Kellenberg Memoricer ned freshman scholarships. al High School, and athletes might strugwho both play footgle to keep up their ball there as well as basketball and wrestraining in winter when it’s cold. tling respectively, said, but, “When it “I’ll be keeping up my running, keeping reaches the high school level, somehow in shape so that once the season starts I and some way they should try and get varcan continue,” he said. “Hopefully the sity sports played.” team also keeps it up so we can start run“There are quite a few kids who count ning at as good as or better performance.” on scholarships, or something to put on In an interview, Stueber said a major their transcript,” he added. “To take it concern was an overall lack of guidance away without giving them the opportunity, from the state on how to safely resume that stings a bit.” sports in time for the Sept. 21 date. Current Stueber said the Section VIII Senior guidelines for phys. ed., he said, dictate 12 High School Athletic Council would likely feet of social distancing during activities. meet within the first two weeks of the Athletic programs are an extension of said school year to hash out further details. phys.-ed. curriculum, raising questions “There are a lot of factors we have to whether the same restrictions apply. consider,” he said, including transporta“How do you justify restricting phys. ed tion, as well as facility and sporting official to 12 feet social distancing and then say availability. you can play a sport and may not need a Last year’s spring season was nixed mask,” he said, highlighting conflicting March 16, after one week of practice, state directives. “It’s a tough decision to because of the coronavirus pandemic. put upon school administrators.”

“You feel terrible,” Stueber said of the The plan now, Pizzarelli said, is to fit all situation. “You don’t want kids to lose the three sports seasons in between January opportunity to participate with their teamand June, when, officials hope, the threat mates. A lot of these young men and of Covid-19 will have decreased. He said women spent their whole summer preparthat Section VIII would aim to limit season ing and hoping they’ll have an opportunity to return to a sense of normalcy.” overlaps to one week at the most.

Courtesy Anthony Hughs

School SuperintendentS in Nassau County voted to postpone high school sports until January because of potential dangers posed by the coronavirus.

Fall high School sports, including football and soccer, may be played in the winter with condensed seasons, according to tentative plans.

Courtesy J. Heck

23

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VALLEY STREAM HERALD — September 3, 2020

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Study of parkway’s Exit 13 is under way

September 3, 2020 — VALLEY STREAM HERALD

24

continued from front page

Christina Daly/Herald

State and county lawmakers are gearing up to lobby their respective governments for a major overhaul of the streets surrounding the Southern State Parkway’s Exit 13.

Public Notices

LVAL1 0903

LEGAL NOTICE Notice is hereby given that an Order granted by the Supreme Court, Nassau County, on the 13th day of August 2020 bearing the index number 20/ 000232, a copy of which may be examined at the Office of the Nassau County Clerk located at 240 Old Country Road, Mineola, New York, grants me the right to assume the name of Maite Dolores Guillen.

My present address is 75 North Strathmore Street, Valley Stream, N.Y. 11581. The date of my birth is March 16, 2000; the place of birth is Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic; the present name is Maite Dolores Guillen Dominguez a.k.a Maite Dolores Guillen Martinez a.k.a Maite Dolores Guillen 122954

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

LEGAL NOTICE VILLAGE OF VALLEY STREAM NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK T e l e p h o n e (516) 825-4200 / Fax (516) 825-8316 PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a General Village Election will be held in the Incorporated Village of Valley Stream, Nassau County, New York, on TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2020 for the purpose of filling the following Village Offices: OFFICE TERM TRUSTEE 4 Years TRUSTEE 4 Years The hours of such election shall be from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

That for the purpose of conducting such election, the Village of Valley Stream shall be divided into thirty (30) election districts, numbered sixtyone (61) through eightyseven (87), one hundred two (102), ninety (90), and one hundred ten (110) - and are hereby established by the Nassau County Board of Elections and the Village of Valley Stream for general elections.

For election districts (AD22 ED61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87,102, AD20 ED90, AD21 ED110) for the General Village Election to be held on Tuesday, September 15, 2020 the polling place location will be the Arthur J. Hendrickson Park Pool Complex, 123 West Merrick Road, Valley Stream, New York.

For election district 73 for the General Village Election to be held on Tuesday, September 15, 2020 the polling place location will be Monica Senior Village, Payan Avenue, Valley Stream, New York.

The following are the names and addresses of all those persons who have been duly nominated for Village office in accordance with the provisions of the New York State Election Law by certificate or petition of nomination duly filed with the Village Clerk and the office and term of such for which they have been so nominated: UNITED COMMUNITY PARTY John L. Tufarelli, 90 N. Grove Street, Valley Stream, N.Y. 11580

Trustee (4 Years) Sean Wright, 113 Edgeworth Street, Valley Stream, N.Y. 11581 Trustee (4 Years) ACHIEVE PARTY Anthony Bonelli, 160 Albermarle Avenue, Valley Stream, NY 11580 Trustee (4 Years) Dated:Valley Stream, New York September 3, 2020 ROBERT V. FUMAGALLI Village Clerk 122935

Place a notice by phone at 516-569-4000 x232 or email: legalnotices@liherald.com

LEGAL NOTICE VILLAGE OF VALLEY STREAM NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK T e l e p h o n e (516) 825-4200 / Fax (516) 825-8316 POR FAVOR DE TOMAR ATENCION que la Elección General de él Inc. Villaje de Valley Stream, Condado de Nassau, New York será el MARTES,15 de SEPTIEMBRE 2020 para llenar las siguientes oficinas que van a ser ocupadas en el Villaje: OFICINA TERMINO CONCEJAL 4 AÑOS CONCEJAL 4 AÑOS Las horas de la siguiente elección serán desde 6:00 a.m. hasta las 9:00 p.m.

Para el propósito de conducir esta elección el Villaje de Valley Stream se divide en treinta (30) distritos electorales, numerado sesenta y uno (61) hasta ochenta y siete (87), ciento dos (102), noventa (90), y ciento diez (110)- y fueron establecidos por el Condado de Nassau, Borde de Elecciones y el Villaje de Valley Stream para las elecciones.

Para todos los distritos (AD22 ED61,62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 102, AD20 ED90, AD21 ED110) para la Elección General del Villaje que será conducida el Martes 15 de Septiembre 2020 en el lugar de votación localizado en Arthur J. Hendrickson Park, Complejo de Piscina, 123 West Merrick Road, Valley Stream, New York.

Para el distrito 73 para la Elección General del Villaje que será conducida el Martes, 15, de Septiembre 2020 en el lugar de votación localizado en Monica Senior Village, Payan Avenue, Valley Stream, New York.

Los siguientes son los nombres y direcciones de todas las personas nominadas para la oficina del Villaje según las provisiones de la LEY de ELECCION por petición de nominación debidamente sometidas en la oficina del Oficinista de él Villaje de Valley Stream.

UNITED COMMUNITY PARTY John L. Tufarelli, 90 N. Grove Street, Valley Stream, N.Y. 11580 Concejal (4 AÑOS) Sean Wright, 113 Edgeworth Street, Valley Stream, N.Y. 11581 Concejal (4 AÑOS) ACHIEVE PARTY Anthony Bonelli, 160 Albermarle Avenue, Valley Stream, NY 11580 Concejal (4 AÑOS) Fecha: Villaje de Valley Stream Septiembre 3, 2020 ROBERT V. FUMAGALLI Oficinista del Villaje de Valley Stream 122936

Exit 13 ramps.

The study, however, languished until early 2019, when State Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages and State Sen. John Brooks submitted legislation directing the department to study all the parkway’s entrance and exit ramps, not just those around Exit 13.

With the results of that study pending, lawmakers say they are gearing up to lobby both state and Nassau County governments to include safety measures and reconstruction of the intersection in their respective capital plans.

Solages, a Democrat from Elmont, said she expects results from the study in December, and she is pushing to have a complete redesign of the intersection included in the state’s five-year Department of Transportation capital plan. A DOT spokesman, however, said a report of the study’s findings would be issued to state and local leaders in May 2021. The previous plan was adopted in April 2016.

Like many top-dollar projects, such a major infrastructure overhaul could be pushed off as the state faces an historic budget crunch because of the coronavirus pandemic, Solages said. The state currently projects a $30 billion budget deficit without federal aid.

Regardless, Solages said, “There shouldn’t be any excuses, because this is a matter of life or death.”

Because the surrounding streets are county-owned, the traffic study legislation calls for collaboration between the county and state governments in reconstruction efforts. “We need a complete redesign, and that requires a financial investment from the state,” Solages said, noting that the county has provided shortterm solutions such as the posting of a crossing guard before and after school.

Nassau Legislator Carrié Solages, a Democrat from Valley Stream, said that he has lobbied the county Department of Public Works and County Executive Laura Curran’s office to move forward with measures such as a left-turn signal on Stuart Avenue and a sidewalk on the southbound side of the Central Avenue underpass, and that budget line items were secured for such measures in the county’s capital plan.

Much like the state, however, the coronavirus has brought unprecedented financial stress to the county, and Curran has vowed to avoid borrowing through the Nassau Interim Finance Authority, which Solages said he worries will lead to a scaling back of county infrastructure projects.

Curran’s office did not respond to a request for comment.

“It’s very dangerous,” Solages said.

“I’ve sent numerous letters and took pictures. The county is fully aware of this . . .

For God’s sake, if someone died there . . .”

News brief Learn to reduce college costs Webinar hosted by Lockwood college Prep Do you worry about how you’ll pay for higher education for you or your children? Tuition prices can seem daunting, but solutions exist.

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Hosted by Lockwood College Prep and produced by RichnerLIVE, a Herald sister company, this webinar reveals how families can comfortably afford college, especially during tough economic times in the pandemic, even if they do not qualify for financial aid. You’ll discover strategies that can help you shave thousands off the cost of a quality education, including: ■ How Covid-19 affects college admissions and financial aid.

■ Methods to negotiate with top tier universities so they can cost less than a state school.

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■ Legal loopholes business owners can take to unlock cash buried in their businesses.

■ How one Huntington family negotiated an extra $38,000 per year from the University of Pennsylvania.

Lockwood will also answer your questions in real time. He is the co-owner and co-founder of Lockwood College Prep, an educational consultant company on Long Island, with his wife, Pearl Lockwood. He is also author of “How to Negotiate Your Crappy Financial Aid and Merit Aid Offer,” which has an updated edition on how coronavirus will impact your aid.

All who sign up and attend this webinar will receive a free copy of Lockwood’s book. Attendance is limited and no replay is planned. Register at liherald.com/virtualevents9-9.

For more information, call (516) 5694000, ext. 224.

25

Employment

CLASSIFIED

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

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

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

VALLEY STREAM UFSD #13 Substitute Cleaners 2020-2021 School Year The Valley Stream School District is Currently Seeking Hourly Substitute Cleaners.

1099003

Help Wanted

F/T and P/T Special Education Aides Substitute Teachers

Substitute LPN/RN Nurses P/T and Substitute Monitors Substitute Cleaners

Make A Difference with Elderly Person.

4 Hours, 5-7 Days A Week.

Driver a Plus Call AGENCY 516-328-7126

DAYCARE TEACHERS AND ASSISTANT TEACHERS F/T In 5 Towns, No Experience Necessary, Bilingual English/ Spanish A Must.

516-812-9000

1099098

Handyman/ Maintenance Full-Time Call 516-238-3611

CLEANER P/T NEEDED For The West Hempstead Public Library. Hours Include Some Daytime, Evenings, Saturdays And Sundays. Duties Include The Cleaning And Maintenance Of The Library. Must Be Nassau County Resident. Salary $18.17 Per Hour. Contact Dorothy 516-481-6591, ext. 25, 9:00am– 2:00pm

CDL Class A, B or C

jcentrella@franklinsquare.k12.ny.us COUNTER PERSON F/T-P/T. Answer Phones, Take/Pack Orders, Service Customers. Good Pay For Right Person.

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ELEMENTARY TEACHERS: Certified For Five Towns Yeshiva. After noon Hours. Competitive Pay. Send Resume To: atmdayw@yahoo.com

Candidates should address letter of interest and resume to: Deputy Superintendent Please apply online via OLAS

516-481-4100 ext. 3630

DRYWALL INSTALLATION PERSON: Experienced, Capable of Taping and Spackle, Painting, Neat and Professional, Drivers License, Part Time could lead to full time. Call 516-341-1622.

Permanent & Per Diem Appropriate NYS Certification Required

Beth L. Friedman

if interested, please contact our Personnel office at

HANDYMAN WANTED

Must have clean driver's license.

Must be able to do light plumbing and carpentry. 4-day work week. $700 per week. 100% Medical & Dental, 401K, Uniforms, Paid Vacations, Sick and Holidays. Apply in person: MondayFriday between 9am & 7pm At: CALL-A-HEAD CORP. 304 Crossbay Blvd., Queens, NY 11693 I N S U R A N C E S A L E S / C U S TO M E R SERVICE: Full Time Position/ Oceanside Office- Various Office Duties, Internal Sales, Answering Phones - Insurance licensed and Computer Skills Required. Call Jon at 516-766-4025 JOB OPPORTUNITY $18.50 P/H NYC $16 P/H LI Up to $13.50 P/H UPSTATE NY CDPAP Caregiver Hourly Pay Rate!

Under NYS CDPAP Medicaid program you can hire your family or friends for your care. Phone: 347-713-3553

1100451

1100711

8 Hour Day, As Needed

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

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Free CDLTraining For Class B Permit Holders Guardian Bus 516-723-3287 Ext. 4107 employment@guardianbus.com

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UNioN Free School DiStrict

COMPANION/PCA Immediate Hire

1098770

4 Hours/Day, 5 Days/Week

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Enhanced Referral Bonus

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Help Wanted

OFFICE ASSISTANT P/T

Small College Finance Office Seeking P/T Office Assistant For Answering Phones, Filing, Scanning, Data Entry, etc.

Quick Books Exp. Required NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE E mail Resume To:

reception@ wilsoncollegeconsulting.com

OUTSIDE SALES

Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Digital, Events, Sponsorships and Print Media Products.

Salary, Commission, Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off. Will Consider Part Time.

Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X286

PARKING ENFORCEMENT OFFICER: PT, Various Shifts, Retiree's Welcome.

Duties Include: Patrols Throughout The Village, Issuance Code Violations Citations.

Qualifications: HS Graduate Or Equivalent, Valid Driver's License With A Satisfactory Driving Record. Willing To Work Evenings, Weekends, Holidays & Inclement Weather.

Contact: Incorporated Village Of Atlantic Beach 516-371-4600

RECEPTIONIST P/T

Afternoons & Saturday Mornings Phones, Filing, Cashiering, And Data Entry. $13.00 Per Hour Gregoris Nissan Subaru Service Center In Valley Stream Call Robert 516-872-9755 Email gregmotor@optonline.net Fax Resume 516-872-2457 ROUTES AVAILABLE AT CALLAHEAD Corp.

NO CDL required, 4 DAY WORK WEEK, (enjoy 3 days off). Run your own route. Year round No lay offs!

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SALES F/T $ PHONE SALES REPS $

120 YR CO. F/T PD TRAIN/$45k+COMM-9/14 CLASS VP@MARQUISWW.COM 516-833-8440 ext. 4001 TRUCK DRIVERS NEEDED - F/T P/T 5 Yrs. Exp. Clean License. Delivering Office Furniture. 516-599-0633.

1080712

585 North Corona Avenue Valley Stream, New York 11580-2099

Sign-on Bonus up to $2500

Malverne Union Free School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

$18.50 P/H NYC • $16 P/H LI CDPAP Caregiver Hourly Pay Rate!

Under NYS CDPAP Medicaid The Franklin Square School District has the following positions available: program you can hire your family or ParT Time Cleaner friends for your care.

4 Hours/Day, 5 Days/Week Phone: 347-713-3553 SChool moniTorS 5th_floor • Clients • m-Clients • Malverne • 41756 Malverne Richner Communic

by September 24, 2020

Competitive Salary

Malverne UFSD Office of Human Resources 301 Wicks Lane, Malverne, NY 11565 or Call 516-887-6419

Part-Time *NYSED Fingerprint Clearance Required For All Positions

www.oLASjobs.org

BUS DRIVERS WANTED

Applications may be picked up at:

MONITORS & SUBS

Contact Human Resources at: 295-7036 and 295-7037 For Further Information.

School Monitors Part Time $13.00/Hour. 17 ½ to 25 Hours/Week.

Starting Immediately!

Part-Time (HS Diploma Required)

Interested Candidates Should Apply online to OLAS at

Help Wanted

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poSiTion REqUiRES nASSAU CoUnTY CiViL SERViCE CoMMiSSion AppRoVAL.

EMPLOYMENT

LAWRENCE PUBLIC SCHOOLS POSITIONS AVAILABLE Part-Time - 5.75 Hours Various Locations

Job REqUiRES boTh inDooR CLEAning AnD oUTDooR gRoUnDS KEEping.

We are n equal opportunity employer and will hire without regard to religion, creed, race, color, gender, martial status, national origin, sexual orientation, or disability.

Malverne UFSD Long Island, New York

VALLEY STREAM HERALD — September 3, 2020

HERALD

VETERINARY RECEPTIONIST FT Must Have Good Phone Skills And Love Working With Animals. Saturdays A Must. Willing To Train. One Weekday and Sundays Off. Weekdays 8:30am5pm, Saturday 8am- 3:30pm. Send Resume To: terryah@optonline.net

WAREHOUSE HELP

Dependable, Reliable Individuals Needed For Pick, Pack, And Ship. Duties Include: Organize Goods, Receive/ Count Inventory And Maintain Safe Clean Work Environment.

Start $15/Hr. Oceanside Location Email: info@srcomponents.com

Health Care/Opportunities

WE HAVE THE HELP YOU NEED!!!

HHA's, LPN's, Nurse's Aides Childcare. Housekeeping Day Workers No Fee To Employers

Evon's Svces: 516-505-5510 Eldercare Offered COMPANION-AIDE AVAILABLE FOR EMPLOYMENT. Experienced In Meal Prep., Light Housekeeping, Grocery Shopping/ Errands. Available Full-Time Or PartT i m e. C u r r e n t Ly n b r o o k R e fe r e n c e Available. Own Transportation. Call Althea 917-318-7558

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

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Homes

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HOME OF THE WEEK

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Hewlett Neck

French Chateau On The Water

T

his is a one of a kind custom built French Chateau nestled in Hewlett Neck. The mansion sits on over an acre of property and the back of the property is all waterfront with endless views of natural beauty. This custom built home was designed and built to the highest standards possible. The amount of thought and planning that went into its design is unrivaled by any other home.

The soaring ceilings greet you with a multi level entry and a custom designed Swarovski crystal chandelier. The marble flooring as you step into the home conveys an elegance long lost in today’s construction. From the inlaid gold in the powder room and the custom Italian iron railings to the free flowing stairway the list is truly endless. I can continue for hours describing the magnificence of this home, the pictures give you an idea but viewing the home in person will change your perspective on what makes a home spectacular.

Gil Shemtov Licensed Real Estate Salesperson Tripodi | Shemtov Team Douglas Elliman Real Estate 516.835.3333 Gil.Shemtov@Elliman.com

NYS Licensed Real Estate Salespersons

BestLiHomes.com • 516-418-3333

Contact one of our hardworking professionals today for all of your real estate needs!

1097214

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2119 Bedford Ave. John Lawlor, CBR, SFR Bellmore, NY 11710 Michele Librett-Lawlor, CBR, SFR

THINKING OF BUYING OR SELLING?

1101200

*If your property is currently listed with another brokerage, please disregard. It is not our intention to solicit the listings of other brokerages.

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“Going Above & Beyond to find your Dream Home”

JUAN JARA Licensed RE Broker Associate Cell: 516-318-0142 Juan@AllStarRealEstateBrokers.com

Rhonda Healy

CAMILLE GIARDINA Licensed RE Broker/Owner Cell: 516-318-1392 Camille@AllStarRealEstateBrokers.com

BELLMORE: SIMPLY AMAZING

Real Estate Salesperson, abR, SRS

Open Houses

Real Estate EAST ROCKAWAY 101 Emmet Ave, NEW WATERFRONT! Rebuilt in 2010, 4 BR 3.5 Bth Split w/ Pool, Outdoor Kit & Deck. Open Layout. Private Mstr Ste, 2 Car Gar, SD#20..$1,250,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-429

OneKey Multiple Listing Service

1099943

E: Rhonda@rhondahealy.com Verdeschi & Walsh Realty 1025 W. Beech St. | Long Beach, NY

BELLMORE: SIMPLY AMAZING! Multi-Generational, Customized, 3200 Sq-Ft, High-End, 1/4+ Acre, Park-Like Grounds. Chef's Kitchen, Master Ensuite, So Much More! $950,000 Martin Sorrentino, Signature Premier Properties 516-551-0082 EAST ROCKAWAY CHARMING Colonial 3 Bds, 2 Baths, Water Filtration System, 2 Car Garage. $505K. Call Persephone 516-809-1000 Coldwell Banker Real Estate

M: (516) 236-7269

We’re Keeping the American Dream Alive.

L U X U RY H O M E F O R S a l e S c r a n ton/Dunmore PA Dunmore Tax Based 1% Wage Tax Description and Pictures at: https://1520madison.wordpress.com Contact for details: 570-840-4000 1520madison@woodstaff.com

House For Sale

Multi-Generational, Customized, 3200 Sq-Ft, High-End, 1/4+ Acre, Park-Like Grounds. Chef's Kitchen, Master Ensuite, So Much More! $950,000 Martin Sorrentino, Signature Premier Properties 516-551-0082

We look forward to providing home buyers and sellers with the highest level of personalized service and support.

REAL ESTATE

OPEN HOUSES BY APPT SUNdAY, 9/5/2020 WOOdMERE 78 Burton Ave, BA, NEW TO MARKET! 5 BR, 4.5 Bth Col in Great Old Woodmere Location.

Large EIK, FDR, LR/Fpl, Den & Office. Full Bsmt, 2 Car Gar. Near All. SD#14........................................................................................................................ $939,000 960 Greenfield Rd, BA, 4 BR, 3 Bth CH Col in Academy Area. Spac LR w/ Fpl, FDR, EIK & Fam Rm. Main Flr Br w/ Bth. Mstr Ste/Bth/ Off. Walk up Full Attic for Poss Expansion. Fin Bsmt. 2 Car Gar. SD#14. Near All ............................................ HUGE REDUCTION! $889,000 HEWLETT HARBOR 236 Richards Lane, BA, 5 BR, 5.5 Bth Contemporary Home on an Acre Of Resortlike Prop with IG Pool. Open Floor Plan. Full Fin Bsmt. Main Flr Master.

SD14 .................................................................................................... REDUCED! $1,599,000 3 Payne Circle, BA, 5 BR, 3.5 Bth Spacious Split on Beautiful Street in Cul de Sac. State of the Art EIK, 2 Dens, Bsmt, & 2 Car Gar. SD#20 ................................................. $1,190,000 1290 Seawane Dr, BA, WATERFRONT PROPERTY on MACY CHANNEL! Build Your Dream Home on this 1.25 Acre Property in Prime Location .............................................$1,799,000 HEWLETT BAY PARK 159 Meadowview Ave, BA, Stately 5200 Sq Ft Colonial Featuring 6 BR, 6.55 Bths on Acre Of Resortlike Prop with IG Pool, Tennis Ct, & Outdoor Kit. Fin Bsmt, 2 Car Gar, Fabulous Location in SD#14.................................................................................................. $2,899,000 30 Heron Dr, BA, NEW! Magnificent 8500 Sq Ft Waterfront Home on 2 Acre Resortlike Prop w/ Pool, Tennis/Sport Ct, New Landscaping w/ Waterfall & 3 BR Guest House w/ Kit, LR, Den. 300 Ft New Bulkhead. 4 Car Htd Gar. SD#14 ......................REDUCED! $4,850,000 90 Anchorage Rd, BA, Over an Acre of PRIME WATERFRONT Prop on Macy Channel, 135' Bulkhead, Open Layout, Main Flr Mstr Ste, Potential for Expansion ....................$1,999,000 70 Heron Dr, BA, 6 BR Contemporary with Open Layout on an Acre of Parklike Prop! Move Right in! SD#14.................................................................... PRICE REDUCTION! $1,699,000 HEWLETT 397 Daub Ave, Spacious 6 BR, 4 Bth CH Colonial Built in 2004.Huge Gran/Wood EIK/St Steel Appl. 5 BR on Upper Level. Main Flr BR. Full Fin Bsmt. Att Gar. SD#14. Near LIRR & Houses of Worship .....................................................REDUCED & MOTIVATED!! $1,100,000 WOOdSBURGH 891 Keene Lane, BA, Magnificently Renovated While Retaining Charm, Stone Cottage. 3 BR, 2.5 Bth with Tremendous Potential for Expansion.Brand New Mstr Bth. Over 1/2 Acre Property! Near All ........................................................ REDUCED & MOTIVATED!! $999,000 EAST ROCKAWAY 1 Thompson Dr, BA, NEW! 4 BR, 2.5 Bth Exp Ranch w/Open Layout in Waverly Park Area.

Updtd EIK. O/S Prop w/Deck. Att Gar. SD#20 ......................................................... $599,000 62 Bulaire Rd, BA, NEW! Renovated 4 BR, 2.5 Bth Exp Ranch with Open Floor Plan on Oversized Prop. Gran/Wood EIK, LR/Fpl, FDR, Vaulted Ceiling in Den. SD#20 ........ $725,000 101 Emmet Ave, BA, WATERFRONT! Rebuilt in 2010, 4 BR 3.5 Bth Split w/ Pool, Outdoor Kit & Deck. Open Layout. Private Mstr Ste, 2 Car Gar, SD#20..............................$1,250,000

LATE APPLICATIONS NOT CONSIDERED PUBLIC LOTTERY BROADCAST WWW.CGMRCOMPLIANCE.COM SEPTEMBER 4, 2020 11AM

75 SEAMAN AVENUE, ROCKVILLE CENTRE o: 516.766.7900 | signaturepremier.com

2949 Long Beach Road, Suite 8 • Oceanside, NY, 11572 Phone 516.766.8200

Ronnie Gerber 516-238-4299

NEW AFFORDABLE RENTAL COMMUNITY STUDIO, 1 & 2 BEDROOMS RENTS $1,095 - $2,500 INCOME LIMITS & ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS APPLY MINIMUM INCOME $36,900 - $86,040 MAXIMUM INCOME $53,220 - $164,580 Subject to unit size, household size & set-aside requirements MAIL: Send a self-addressed stamped envelope to: CGMR Compliance Partners PO Box 440, Wading River, NY 11792 CALL: (631) 910-6200 EMAIL: info@cgmrcompliance.com WEBSITE: www.cgmrcompliance.com Duplicate applications may be disqualified

Where Dreams Come Home

www.AllStarRealEstateBrokers.com

1100565

HERALD

1099237

September 3, 2020 — VALLEY STREAM HERALD

26

Open Houses

Open Houses

WOODMERE BA, 960 GREENFIELD Rd, BA,4 BR,3 Bth CH Col in Academy Area. Spac LR w/ Fpl, FDR , EIK & Fam Rm. Main Flr Br w/ Bth.Mstr Ste/Bth/ Off. Walk up Full Attic for Poss Expansion. Fin Bsmt. 2 Car Gar. SD#14. Near All. .REDUCED $889,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman RE 516-238-4299

WOODSBURGH 891 KEENE Lane, BA, REDUCED & MOTIVATED!! Magnificently Renovated While Retaining Charm, Stone Cottage. 3 BR, 2.5 Bth with Tremendous Potential for Expansion.Brand New Mstr B t h . O ve r 1 / 2 A c r e P r o p e r t y ! N e a r All...999,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299

Apartments For Rent CEDARHURST NO FEE Pr ivate Entrance, Modern 1BR, 2BR, 3BR, CAC, W/D, Storage, Wall To Wall Carpeting, Indoor Parking Space. Starting At $1450 For O n e B e d r o o m W h e n Ava i l a bl e.

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Professional Space/Rent RO C K V I L L E C E N T R E 1 1 9 N O RT H PARK AVE. Professional Office Building.

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516-825-5155

Vacation Rentals/Prop.

OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND. Best selection of full/partial week rentals. Call for FREE color brochure. Holiday Real Estate, Inc: 1-800-638-2102. Online reservations: www.holidayoc.com. $50 discount - new rentals. Code: "WelcomeBack" (Expires 2020-09-01)

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Call the USA Classified Network today!

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Market Place •

1100337

Q. My home has been under construction for a few years because we bought it as a flood-damaged property for a very low price. It’s our only chance at owning a home. It came with a permit from the previous owners, but we had the names changed and started work ourselves. There are two bathrooms, but the old plumbing permit is only for one of them, which is done except for painting. Can I do the rest of Ask The the plumbing myself, or do I Architect need to get a new plumbing permit, and do I need a plumber to do it? I know what needs to be done, and could save a lot by doing it myself. What do you think?

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

947101

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

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Residential and Commercial - All Surfaces Call Anthony Romeo “The Local Guy” “Anthony & J Home Improvement, Inc.” Also specializes in ★ Deck Renovation ★ Driveways ★ Siding ★ Masonry ★ Fences ★ Roofing ★ Interior/Exterior Painting.

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Sell your merchandise in no time! © 2020 Monte Leeper Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.

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projects, your home project is going slowly in order for you to afford it. onte eeper What I read into this situation is economics versus compassion — in other words, your need to be able to get this project to a livable, affordable home versus government regulations that may penalize you for taking too long or not using licensed professionals.

The current generation of homebuyers earns 20 percent less than their parents did, in comparative economic rates, and homes cost at least 100 to 400 percent more. Unfortunately, with all those very real statistics, the rules of local government generally work against you. As an architect, I find myself, daily, caught in the middle as a sounding board, like a therapist, for people who have nowhere to turn to figure out how to keep costs lower.

The truth is that your permit time allowance to complete the job has probably either already run out, or it will cost you more money to keep the permit active or start all over again. Jurisdictions want projects to run like clockwork and be finished in anywhere from six months to a year. That isn’t always possible if finances run out, or the workers stop showing up, or we have a pandemic, or worse.

You can understand that having a construction project going in the middle of a neighborhood can be a physical disruption to the surrounding neighbors and present an unsightly mess. You just want the job done without having to absorb the extra cost and penalties, and it’s frustrating when you’re told you have to shell out more.

You must speak to the building department that granted your permit, and ask if they have a process by which you can qualify to do your own plumbing.

In some jurisdictions you can qualify by taking a test and, of course, paying a fee. If the plumber who did the other bathroom will allow you to do the “grunt work” and review and test the job, that may save some money. It all comes down to asking the different parties what they will and won’t accept.

Your request isn’t unusual, and may yield affordable results. It’s always best to communicate. Good luck!

VALLEY STREAM HERALD — September 3, 2020

‘It’s our only chance at owning a home’ HERALD

27

September 3, 2020 — VALLEY STREAM HERALD

28

HERALD

Stuff

To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5 MERCHANDISE MART Antiques/Collectibles We Buy Antiques, Fine Art & Jewelry Same Day Service, Free In-Home Evaluations, 40 Year Family Business. Licensed and Bonded, Immediate Cash Paid.

SYL-LEE ANTIQUES www.syl-leeantiques.com 516-671-6464

Miscellaneous For Sale

Finds Under $100 TORO RAKE AND Vac with leaf bag.

Ve r y g o o d c o n d i t i o n $ 5 0 . 0 0 516-221-5374

SERVICES Air Cond. & Heating All Central Air Installs/ Repairs

Privacy Hedges -SPRING BLOWOUT SALE 5ft Green Giant Arborvitae only $59 each. FREE Installation/FREE delivery, While supplies last! www.lowcosttreefarm.com 518-536-1367

Ye a r l y M a i n t e n a n c e . F i n a n c i n g Available/ FREE Estimates For Installs.

10% Discount With This Ad. Wise Aire Mechanical Inc. Call Cell 516-244-9137

FINDS UNDER $100

Cable/TV/Wiring

Finds Under $100 2 MIRRORS: 24X36 - color 1) gray 1) silve r, p e r fe c t c o n d i t i o n , $ 1 5 . e a c h 516-297-2420 CRYSTAL WINE DECANTER with 6 glasses,brand new must see Paid $50.00 asking $25.00 (516)579-9089 ORIGINAL TIFFANY ASHTRAY with Certificate 4 1/2 " triangle shape, paid $100.00 asking $55.00 (516)579-9089 ROYAL DOULTON "OLD Country Roses" 5 piece place setting. 2/$70 516-546-7432 after 3pm SPINNING EARRING RACKS: perfect condition, $35 each, serious buyer only, 516-297-2420 S TA I R L I F T : G O O D C o n d i t i o n , $99.516-504- 8319

WIREMAN/ CABLEMAN: Flat TVs Mounted, Phone/ Cable TV & Computer Wiring Installed/ Serviced, Camera/ Stereo Systems Installed, HDTV Antennas, FREE Estimates. Lic.#54264-RE. Credit Cards Accepted. davewireman.com. Call Dave 516-433-9473(WIRE) 631-667-9473(WIRE) 516-353-1118(TEXT)

Electricians E-Z ELECTRIC SERVICES, INC. All Types Residential/Commercial Wiring, Generators, Telephone/Data, Home Entertainment, Service Upgrades, Pools, Spas.

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www.liHERAlD.com

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

Miscellaneous

MIKE THE HANDYMAN: Light JobsPlumbing, Electrical, Specializing Vinyl Tiles, Gardening, Powerwashing, Painting.

Interior And Exterior. Experienced. Reliable And Honest. Call Cell 516-225-8107; 516-837-3436

DISH TV $59.99 For 190 Channels + $14.95 High Speed Internet. Free Installation, Smart HD DVR Included, Free Voice R e m o t e . S o m e r e s t r i c t i o n s a p p l y.

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Cement Specialist, Brickwork, Interlock Bricks, Belgium Blocks, Stoops, Patios, Basement Entrances, Pavers, Waterproofing. Quality Work, Lic./ Ins. Owner Always Onsite Free Estimates 516-354-5578 Stay in your home longer with an American Standard Walk-In Bathtub. Receive up to $1,500 off, including a free toilet, and a lifetime warranty on the tub and installation!

Call us at 1-844-286-6771 or visit www.walkintubquote.com/newyork

Landscaping/Gardening LANDSCAPING SPECIALIST WEEKLY Lawn Maintenance, Planting, Seeding, S o d , Tr i m m i n g , F r e e E s t i m a t e s , 516-587-3971 LONG ISLAND BUILDING AND MAINTENANCE LIc/ Insured H2082290000

HErald

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Power Washing

ATTENTION BROOKHAVEN NATIONAL LAB (BNL) (1947-Present) FAMILIES AND WORKERS: Did you file a claim after you or a loved one developed an illness or condition after working at BNL? Was your claim denied? We may be able to obtain Lifetime Healthcare and up to $400,000 in Compensation for you. We assist with initial claims, dose reconstructions, appeals, impairment ratings, wage loss, health care and home care. For more information, call Attorney Hugh Stephens at (716) 208-3525. No CompensationNo Fee 2495 Main St., Suite 442, Buffalo, NY 14214

POWERWASHING ALL SURFACES: H o u s e s , Fe n c e s , C o n c r e t e / B r i ck , Decks/Sealing. . ANTHONY & J HOME IMPROVEMENT, INC. 516-678-6641

AUTOMOBILE & MARINE

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AND LANDSCAPING: Tree Removal, Stumps, Fertilization, Planting, Land Clearing, Topping. Free Estimates. Lic# H206773000. Office 516-546-4971, Cell 516-852-5415 T&M GREENCARE TREE SERVICE *Tree Removal *Stump Grinding *Pruning *Roof Line Clearing. Residential and Commercial. "We Beat All Competitors' Rates."

Lowest Rates. *Senior Discount. Free Estimates. *516-223-4525, 631-586-3800 www.tmgreencare.com

Wanted To Sell FREON WANTED: WE pay CA$H for cylinders and cans. R12 R500 R11 R113 R114. Convenient. Certified Professionals.

Call 312-361-0601 or visit RefrigerantFinders.com

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

MAZDA CX3 SPORT, 2019: AWD, 13K Miles, Excellent Condition, Asking $21,500. Call 516-592-2683 MERCEDES BENZ E350, 2006: 4-Matic, 70K Miles, Excellent Condition. Must See! $12,000. 516-603-8697 VOLKSWAGEN, PASSAT, 2002. 1.8 Turbo, Leather, 95K Miles. Good Condition, Needs Engine Work. $1,300Neg. 917-446-0124

Autos Wanted ***AAA*** AUTO BUYERS $Highe$t Ca$h Paid$ All Years/Conditions!

WE VISIT YOU! Or Donate, Tax Deduct + Ca$h. DMV ID#1303199 Call LUKE 516-VAN-CARS 516-297-2277 DRIVE OUT BREAST Cancer: Donate a car today! The benefits of donating your car or boat: Fast Free Pickup - 24hr Response Tax Deduction - Easy To Do! Call 24/7: 855-905-4755

Junk Cars Wanted

HIGHEST CA$H PAID All Cars Bought 24/7 FREE Pickup

Serving Nassau County 41 Years No Title, No Keys=No Problem ID Required. CALL US LAST!

Call us at 516-766-0000

Motorcycles For Sale MOTORCYCLE: BMW R1200 MONTAUK, 2004. Pristine, Like New Condition, Low Mileage, Light Blue, $5,500.

516-313-3425

To Place Your Ad in the Herald Classifieds.

Call 516-569-4000, press 5 to speak to an Account Executive.

Careers/Training TRAIN AT HOME TO DO MEDICAL BILLING! Become a Medical Office Professional online at CTI! Get Trained, Certified & ready to work in months! Call 855-543-6440. (M-F 8am-6pm ET)

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Now offering a $10,000 scholarship for qualified applicants. Call CTI for details!

(844) 947-0192 (M-F 8am-6pm ET)

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Legal Services BOY SCOUT COMPENSATION FUND Anyone that was inappropriately touched by a Scout leader deserves justice and financial compensation! Victims may be eligible for a significant cash settlement.

Time to file is limited. Call Now! 844-587-2494 RECENTLY DIAGNOSED W/LUNG Cancer or Mesothelioma? Exposed to Asbestos Pre-1980 at Work or Navy? You May Be Entitled to a Significant Cash Award!

Smoking History Okay! 888-912-3150

Music Lessons PIANO LESSONS: Adults And Children Beginner To Intermediate. First Lesson FREE 30-45 Minute Lesson. All Styles Of Music. Contact Sherry 516-491-6743 or Email: guzzocherubina@gmail.com

Tutoring EXPERIENCED ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEACHER Virtual or In Person Sessions. Immediate openings. References upon Request.

Afinkelstein519@gmail.com NEW YORK STATE Retired Certified Teacher, 32 Years Experience, Grades K- 6th. All Subjects. Available To Meet In Library or Remote Learning $50 Per/ Hour. 631-839-0070

NEED A CAR? Find it in the HERALD Classifieds.

Answers

to todAy’s puzzle

29

opinions

alf hidden by shrubs and tree branches, there’s a bench in my backyard’s southeast corner, short and stout, its thin pine planks grayed by the elements and mottled with mint-green lichen.

Weakened by age, it is a delicate little thing, which no one has sat on for years, but there it remains, my wife and I stubbornly refusing to part with it.

We love that bench, survivor that it is. Superstorm Sandy sloshed through our Merrick neighborhood in 2012, flooding our yard with saltwater, liftsCoTT ing all manner of BRinTon lawn furniture from people’s yards and depositing it who knew where. That little bench — just large enough to fit two preschoolers — never budged.

My wife bought it 15 years ago to give our daughter and son — then 5 and 3, respectively — a place to sit under the shade of an old flowering dogwood tree.

I was marching to and fro on a recent balmy Friday evening, mowing the backyard lawn, when I was suddenly struck by how special that bench is, what it represents to my wife and me — years of happy memories wrapped up in an inanimate object. I

W

stopped and stared at it as the remembrances coursed through my mind.

I’m feeling more emotional than usual these days. Covering the coronavirus pandemic for the Heralds has, at times over the past six months, shaken me to my core.

Covid-19 devastated New York state, particularly the greater metropolitan area.

Writing and editing stories about the deaths of so many good people takes its toll on your psyche.

At the same time, my son, Andrew, graduated from Kennedy High School in Bellmore in June, and three weeks he later turned 18, officially becoming an adult. He began his studies at Hofstra University last week. My daughter, Alexandra, 20, started her junior year at NYU this week. I am no longer the parent of children; I am the parent of two adults, capable of driving, voting and earning their keep.

It’s a strange thought that takes some getting used to.

That’s why, I believe, my thoughts have more often turned to those long summer days spent in the backyard, lost in play with the kids when they were young, their giddy chatter echoing through the neighborhood as they bounced through the sprinkler, bobbed in the inflatable pool, played hideand-seek or badminton, or kicked the soccer ball around until their legs gave out from

F

fatigue.

Always, the bench was there. I hadn’t noticed how it had aged until that recent Friday. Only the brown metal centerpiece across its backrest, depicting an African savanna with a lion, a monkey, a gazelle, an elephant and a giraffe, is seemingly untouched by time.

Around the time our kids were in preschool, my wife and I planted 10 peegee hydrangeas, three dwarf cherry trees and two apple trees around our backyard, and later added two white pines in oversized pots beside the patio. Each set of flora was imbued with meaning.

When we moved in 18 years ago, a line of forsythia bushes separated our yard from our neighbor behind us. Each spring it exploded in yellow for two weeks. Then the neighbor, who has since moved away, cut down the bushes, and there was no longer any vegetation, any color.

So we ordered 10 one-foot-tall hydrangea seedlings for $3.50 each from the Arbor Day Foundation. They came packaged in clear plastic tubes, their fragile roots wrapped in wet paper towels to preserve them. These specimens weren’t much to look at at first; you hardly knew they were there. Each year they grew, though, and now they tower eight feet above our backyard, forming a tunnellike canopy along our rear fence line, burst-

or my wife and me, years of happy memories wrapped up in an inanimate object.

ing with puffy white flowers in mid-August.

We planted the cherries in honor of my wife’s parents, who kept a cherry orchard in their home village of Rajdavitsa, in southwestern Bulgaria. The white pines we planted for my parents, who maintained a pine forest in the front and back yards of my childhood home in Yaphank, in Suffolk County. And the apples we planted for our kids, so we could watch the trees grow with them. They’re now 30 feet tall.

The bench sits between the apples and the hydrangeas, their lush vegetation covering it in shade. The old dogwood died five years ago, and I cut off its branches then and chain-sawed its trunk down this summer.

These days, my backyard is quieter than it was — the giddy chatter is gone. Often I sit on a much larger bench on the opposite side of this space, between the hydrangeas and a massive holly bush. It’s a sturdy bench, made of teak, the kind that feels like it might last a century.

There I sit and find peace in the early morning or late evening, before or after a long day’s work, reflecting on all that was and all I hope will be.

My backyard has long been my sanctum to escape the sound and fury of the world beyond its borders.

Scott Brinton is the Herald Community Newspapers’ executive editor and an adjunct professor at the Hofstra University Herbert School of Communication. Comments about this column? SBrinton@liherald.com.

Our free press shines a light in dark times

hat if Sam Adams, John Hancock and the other colonists living in and around Lexington and Concord had thought that Paul Revere was spreading fake news on the 18th of April in ’75?

That was the night Revere rode through the countryside, shouting that the British were coming, as indeed, 700 British regulars advanced toward the rebels.

What happened next was different from the richly Randi imagined version kReiss of history in Longfellow’s poem, but Revere did spread the news. And the citizens of Massachusetts believed him. And they believed the coverage of subsequent battles in the Boston Gazette.

What if Americans, fixed to their radios, hadn’t believed FDR’s shocking announcement on Dec. 7, 1941, that the Japanese had attacked Pearl Harbor? He said, “It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many

days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time, the Japanese government has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.”

Roosevelt declared war, thereby telling Americans that they would soon be sending their sons and daughters overseas to fight and to support the war effort. A few days later, Nazi Germany declared war on the United States, and the great ship of state moved into battle mode.

People learned about FDR’s proclamations through the press and followed the progress of the war through our newspapers and the president’s radio addresses. What if a majority of Americans had suspected the news was unreliable? What if people had suspected that FDR might be leading the country into war for self-serving reasons, to get re-elected or to enrich himself and his family?

I think, too, of the immense sacrifice that was asked of the British people by Winston Churchill during the Blitz. He fixed their courage to a sticking point with the sheer power of his moral authority and his magnificent words. What if they hadn’t

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trusted or believed in him? What if a group within England had refused to abide by the draconian wartime rationing and restrictions because Churchill had been proven a liar or a fool? The citizens of London followed him through hell because they trusted him with their lives.

We are not similarly blessed. There are two parts to this problem of veracity and authenticity in the public arena. One is that our president is not worthy of our trust. He suggested from his first day in office that his version of the truth, although it might be verifiably false (like the number of spectators at his inauguration), was the truth. That makes it impossible for thinking people to follow his directives or believe in his leadership. The second part is that the president uses the term “fake news” to delegitimize reporters and news outlets that challenge him.

A society needs both a president who tells the truth and a free press that holds pubic officials to account.

We have a fair and free press that, from right to left and left to right, reports the news and expresses a broad spectrum of views. Viewers and readers can read and

hat if Americans had suspected the news about Pearl Harbor was unreliable?

tune in, inform themselves and process the different points of view. The blight that has infected journalism is the president’s accusation of “fake news” for any reporting that questions him or his policies. The idea that the reliable news outlets are disseminating “fake” information undermines the basic constitutional guarantee of a free press.

I know, because since Trump came into office, a fair number of readers have slung the “fake news” epithet my way when they don’t agree with something I write. Yet it is the press that has exposed the ongoing chaos in the Trump administration, the self-serving mishandling of the coronavirus pandemic and the continuing tragedy of a man ill fit and ill equipped to be president.

If Donald Trump shouted that the British were coming, if he asked us to endure a blitz, if he declared war on another country, there would be a crisis of faith in his leadership. At the end of the day, I suspect we would need our free press to help us decide how to move forward as a country.

And how would that go if millions of Americans had been encouraged by the president to perceive widely respected news sources as “fake”?

Copyright 2020 Randi Kreiss. Randi can be reached at randik3@aol.com.

VALLEY STREAM HERALD — September 3, 2020

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The little bench in my backyard

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Herald editorial

Valley Stream

September 3, 2020 — VALLEY STREAM HERALD

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

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The CDC’s Covid-19 back-to-school checklist

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undreds of thousands of students will start school across Long Island next week amid the worst disease outbreak in the United States since 1918. It is indeed a time of fear and anxiety for many parents, who worry about their children contracting an illness whose cause is only loosely understood, whose symptoms can range from mild to debilitating, even catastrophic, and whose cure is months, if not years, away.

In our annual back-to school editorial, we normally offer government guidance on topics from students’ study habits to bus safety. This time, we provide the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s best advice on keeping your kids safe amid the pandemic of 2020.

According to the CDC, parents should: ■ Check their children each morning for signs of illness. Any child with a fever of 100.4 degrees or higher, sore throat, cough, diarrhea, severe headache, vomiting or body aches should not attend school. Any child who has been in contact with someone with Covid-19 should stay home as well.

■ Identify their school point person(s) to contact if a child is ill.

■ Know local Covid-19 testing sites in case their children develop symptoms.

■ Make sure their children are up to date with all recommended vaccines, including for influenza. All school-aged children should get the flu vaccine every season, with rare exceptions.

■ Review and practice proper hand washing at home, especially before and after eating, sneezing, coughing and adjusting a mask or cloth face covering.

■ Be familiar with how their children’s schools will make water available during the day. Consider packing a water bottle.

■ Develop daily routines before and after school — for example, what to pack for school in the morning, like hand sanitizer and a backup mask, and what to do when children return home, like washing hands immediately, washing masks and changing clothes.

■ Talk to their children about precautions

How parents can help kids wear their masks According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, parents should: ■ Have multiple masks for their kids, so they can wash them daily and have backups ready.

■ Choose masks that: n Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face. n Completely cover the nose and mouth. n Are

secured with ties or ear loops.

n Have

multiple layers of fabric.

n Allow

for breathing without restriction.

n Can

be washed and machine-dried without damage or change of shape.

■ Label their children’s masks clearly, with a permanent marker, so they are not confused with those of other children.

■ Practice with their children putting on and taking off masks without touching the cloth. to take at school. Students may be advised to: n Wash and sanitize their hands more often. n Stay

students.

physically distance from other

n Wear a mask. n Avoid

sharing objects with other students, including water bottles, phones, tablets, pens, pencils and books.

n Use hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol. Make sure they are using a safe product. The Food and Drug Administration has recalled products that contain toxic methanol.

letters Bonelli, Morin are right choices To the Editor: The Valley Stream trustee election is on Sept 15. The incumbent trustees unconscionably raised village taxes during the Covid-19 financial crisis, in

spite of the cash crunch many families were facing. Services were reduced, but taxes were increased.

In contrast, challengers Anthony Bonelli and Mike Morin spent the spring fighting School Distric13’s proposed budget tax hike. They forced a revote and saved tapped-out taxpayers $880,000 in the process. Well done.

■ Explain the importance of wearing a mask and how it protects other people from becoming ill.

■ Consider talking to their children about other people who may be unable to wear masks because of medical conditions like asthma.

■ Model mask wearing, especially when physical distancing is difficult or impossible to maintain.

■ Praise their children for wearing masks correctly.

■ Put masks on stuffed animals.

■ Draw a mask on a favorite book character.

■ Show images of other children wearing masks.

■ Allow their children to choose their masks, as long as they meet the school’s dress requirements.

■ Provide their children with containers or resealable bags labeled with their names to store their masks when they’re not wearing them, such as when they are eating.

■ Develop a plan as a family to protect household members who are at increased risk of severe illness.

■ Make sure their children’s information is current at school, including emergency contacts and people who are authorized to pick them up from school. If that list includes anyone who is at increased risk for severe illness from Covid-19, consider an alternate.

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opinions

nyone who knows me knows that from the start, I have not been a fan of the current administration in Washington, D.C. I am likely to be in fundamental disagreement on almost every issue, from immigration to tax reform to health care. So I’m more than a little surprised to find myself agreeing with President Trump that we should do whatever we can to help our children return safely to their classrooms next month.

I’m not qualified to write about medical issues.

Those who are, like the president’s timotHY new Covid-19 Denton adviser, Dr. Scott Atlas, have left some significant caveats unaddressed in asserting that such a return is feasible. First, Atlas assumes children’s near total ability to resist the virus “where no comorbidity exists” — in other words, where there is no other underlying condition. Unfortunately, some children do have underlying conditions, and recent data shows as well that they are more susceptible to Covid infection than originally believed, as evidenced by the surge in pediatric cases in countries where children have already returned to school. Atlas also ignores the

sizable adult staff in any school that may be infected by asymptomatic children.

And students’ and teachers’ daily interactions outside school are not currently subject to systematic contact tracing.

I’m a former public school teacher.

From 1988 to 1996, I taught English as a second language. I began teaching while living in Europe, where my students ranged from adults needing the language for a variety of professional reasons to students at the University of Vienna.

After returning to the U.S., I taught adult basic literacy in the New York City schools. My students were from dozens of cultural and educational backgrounds — from the Estonian engineer who spoke six languages to the Honduran refugee whose schooling in her war-torn country stopped in second grade. I taught also taught ESL and communications at the La Guardia campus of the City University of New York. CUNY’s open enrollment policy presented similar challenges, although with fewer extreme educational differences.

My curriculum had to take such diversity into account.

During the 1993-94 school year, I took a seminar facilitated by mentors from the Barbara Taylor School in Harlem. Students at the school came from all over the

i

’m more than a little surprised to find myself agreeing with the president.

Letters Nineteen months ago, Moody’s gave Valley Stream a credit rating of “junk”. That should prevent sitting incumbents from running for re-election, right? Wrong. The Valley Stream Republican and Democratic bosses are supporting them, but I’m not.

I have had enough of high-density, overly tall, ugly, un-landscaped, urban architecture, IDA tax-shielded apartments that the incumbents have approved despite residents’ opposition. New Valley Streamers leave New York City to get away from precisely this.

And building a redundant second courthouse on Rockaway Avenue wasted millions of residents’ tax dollars on a pork-barrel project with no justification.

As of now, voting will be at the pool, but a legal challenge is pending. The incumbents are attempting to funnel 11 traditional voting sites into one, which is a ploy for overcrowding, not to mention being inconvenient and confusing.

Bonelli and Morin as a write-in candidate are the prudent choices for Valley Stream village board.

BILL FREDA Valley Stream

city, and many had been judged so incorrigible that they had been permanently expelled from public schools.

Teachers from the Taylor School disagreed with the assessment that such children were “unteachable,” and set about proving it. They adapted pedagogical techniques pioneered by the biologist Lev Vygotsky, who worked with a variety of special-needs children in the early days of the Soviet Union. Vygotsky taught children who, under the old czarist regime, had been almost entirely neglected.

What Vygotsky discovered — unsurprising to any experienced teacher — was that groups of students are much more than the sum of their individual abilities. Their achievements were measurably greater than that of students working alone, and the life experiences they brought to any learning situation provided raw material for a level of creativity not seen in individuals. Students learned from one another, even as teachers crafted lessons from their students’ real-life experiences.

Teachers in New York City schools treated so-called incorrigibles as isolated problems. The Taylor School created an environment that met them where they were and that enabled them to stimulate one another. In most cases, the result was

a transformation that had been thought impossible, with students equaling or outperforming “mainstream” students.

The weeks I spent with guides from the Taylor School completely changed my teaching. I learned to see my collection of individuals more as a collaborative whole.

For the remainder of my teaching career, what I learned in that course inspired me.

It still does.

Students don’t simply learn facts in preparation for a life of productive work.

They also learn to work collaboratively and to develop personal relationships — the social-emotional learning that is crucial to any child’s development, and that cannot be nurtured in isolation. They need to study together.

Since the start of the pandemic, the president has often seemed to be living in a world of magical solutions. Simply asserting that students and staff are safe does not make them so. But that doesn’t mean schools can’t find real, sciencebased solutions.

The safety of students and staff is paramount. But every professional educator I’ve spoken with agrees that collaborative learning in the classroom is superior to distance learning — if it can be done safely. We should make every effort to help them achieve this.

Timothy Denton is the senior editor of the Seaford and Wantagh Herald Gazettes.

Comments? Tdenton@liherald.com.

FrAmework by Jackie Comitino

Police need oversight To the Editor: Re “Recent laws endanger the police and public”: The lament by Brian Wells, the Long Beach PBA president, that recent changes in New York law endanger the police and public, continues the baseless campaign of fear by police unions.

The unions seem to believe that the uniform and badge should shield them from all oversight. The assertion that these reform measures are “antipolice” reveals the prevailing attitude that the police expect nothing less than total subservience.

The repeal of Civil Rights Law 50-a finally permits some measure of accountability for past misconduct.

Officers will now be subject to the same cross-examination rules as any other witness. It was absurd that officers who had engaged in prior bad acts, including falsifying reports, excessive force and yes, even lying under oath, could be shielded from having a jury consider these acts when judging testimonial credibility.

I daresay Officer Wells would not support shielding a criminal defense witness from being “discredited because of unrelated complaints or incidents.” Indeed, well before Eric

A summer evening at Morgan Memorial Park — Glen Cove

Garner and George Floyd, police departments were quick to release unrelated prior criminal records as a means of discrediting the victims of officers’ misconduct.

To argue that placing restrictions on the use of force, and eliminating unique and special protections, strips officers of their civil rights is absurd. There is no right to use

excessive force or to be protected from legitimate cross-examination.

Ultimately, what the police unions object to is that the State Legislature no longer panders to them, and has risen from its knees to protect the people of this state from continued abuse.

JAY K. GOLDBERG Woodmere

VALLEY STREAM HERALD — September 3, 2020

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A safe return to class should be the goal

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September 3, 2020 — VALLEY STREAM HERALD

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