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Local barber stars in ad with LeBron By StephaNie BaNat newsroom@liherald.com

Courtesy Jamie Lee Rodriguez

jaMie roDriGuez, oF Merrick, acted in her first commercial last October, cutting a man’s hair in the bathroom of a Los Angeles home. The Wantagh barber starred in the Ruffles “Own Your Ridges” campaign, which premiered on Christmas Day.

Barber Jamie Lee Rodriguez, of Merrick, landed a spot on national television on Christmas Day, starring in a new Ruffles potato chip commercial with NBA superstar LeBron James. The commercial is the first in a series called “Own Your Ridges,” a Ruffles campaign aimed at encouraging viewers to embrace their challenges — their “ridges” — by showcasing five people who overcame major obstacles in their lives. The spot is set to “DNA,” by

Kendrick Lamar. Rodriguez, 30, who often goes by Jay and works at Hair Magicians, in Wantagh, was discovered by the ad’s casting director, Anissa Williams, on Instagram, where Rodriguez showcases her hair styling skills as @jayleebladez. Williams was searching for a woman barber, and sent Rodriguez a direct message about the opportunity. At first, Rodriguez questioned the authenticity of the message and thought it might be spam, she recalled in an interview with the Herald. “I was scrolling through my Continued on page 4

Student-founded animal club benefits Last Hope shelter By Mallory WilSoN mwilson@liherald.com

Christmas came early for Last Hope Animal Rescue, in Wantagh, last month thanks to students from W.T. Clarke High School. Teens in the high school’s Dog Rescue Club collected supplies for Last Hope for two weeks before dropping them off on Dec. 15. Hundreds of dog toys, leashes, collars, blankets, beds, treats and cleaning supplies were delivered to the center, on Beltagh Avenue, by Clarke senior and club founder Ella Noonan, her twin sister, Brooke, and their mother Maura.

“It’s a great club,” Joanne Anderson, the shelter’s outreach coordinator, said. “We couldn’t be more thankful. It’s just so nice to see young people involved.” Noonan founded the club in February 2020, when she was a sophomore. “I started this club because I felt like we didn’t have an animal-based club for the community,” she said. “Most people here have dogs and like dogs, and I thought it would be a great thing to educate high school students about.” More than 50 students showed up for the club’s first meeting two years ago, and shared ideas about what the club should do and where they could help ani-

mals in need. Less than a month later, the high school shut down because of the coronavirus pandemic. These days, the club is booming, with more than 100 members. Some middle-school students have even expressed an interested in joining, Noonan said. Throughout the pandemic, members held virtual meetings on Zoom. Now there are in-person meetings once a month. Donation boxes were set up in Clarke’s traffic circle from Nov. 29 to Dec. 13. Within days they were overflowing with supplies. “The box had wrapping paper and bows on it,” Brooke Noonan

explained. “Teachers, students and parents of kids who weren’t in the high school dropped stuff off, too.” Anderson said that it took a long time to put away the supplies they received, simply because of the sheer volume of the donations. Ella Noonan said the organization was “in shock” over how many items the club

donated. “They were overwhelmed in a good way,” she said. When the sisters dropped off the supplies, they were given a tour of the center, and met some of the dogs. This wasn’t the first time that the club has worked with Last Hope. Last year, despite the panContinued on page 5

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January 6, 2022 — WANTAGH HERALD

What’s up next door and around the corner

All photos: Maria Cestero/Herald

Tyler SwenSon, 26, and Erika Swenson, 24, sported ugly Christmas sweaters with puns at the Mulcahy’s Pub and Concert Hall on Dec. 23.

Holiday ugly sweater party sparks smiles A crowd inside of Mulcahy’s Pub and Concert Hall cheered wildly for Wantagh resident Patrick Walsh on a stage. The Wantagh resident proudly displayed his vulgar snowman sweater. Walsh was the winner of the venue’s sixth annual Ugly Christmas Sweater Party, held on Dec 23. An excited Walsh celebrated his win on stage by triumphantly waving his prize – a brand new television – above his head to the cheering audience. Doors for the holiday event opened at 7 p.m., where attendees sported all varieties of Christmas sweaters. The 21-and-over party featured drink deals for attendees, including $4 Bud Light and $4 house drinks, according to the event website. Event host Mike Lynch, also known as DJ Savage, said before the pandemic hit, the event typically packed the venue. While this year’s party saw a limited crowd, the energy was still plenty merry. “[Covid-19] took away a year of my youth and it feels so liberating to come out,” said Sabrina Trovato, 23, of Massapequa. “It’s a good opportunity to finally socialize and meet new friends.” Plunge, a ’90s cover band from Oceanside, took the stage for a performance prior to the contest. They were accompanied by acous-

tic lead singer, Matt Wahl, of Plainedge. The group wrapped their set around 11:35 p.m. with covers of “Zombie” by The Cranberries and “What’s Up?” by 4 Non Blondes. As the set ended, Lynch – Mulcahy’s longest resident DJ – then took the stage. Contestants were separated into two groups on stage. The contest winner was selected based on audience applause. Those with insufficient crowd reactions stepped off the stage, eliminated. The winner was Walsh, 21, who sported a red-sleeved black sweater that featured a snowman with a protruding carrot and snowballs. “I love my sweater and the people around me,” Walsh stated after his win. “It was a group effort and I did it because of my supporters. I wouldn’t have done it without them.” Guests who did not compete in the contest, including event-goer John Leonardi, were more than happy to watch the show and cheer on their friends and other contestants. “I’m happy to encourage my friends,” Leonardi, 21, said. A Seaford native, Leonardi said he attended the event while on vacation from Tampa University. A close friend of Walsh, Leonardi had one message for passersby: “support local bars.”

Mulcahy’S pub proMoTer Ruby Staplehurst, left, worked behind the bar with her coworker, serving up holiday=themed cocktails in their festive sweaters. Marie pierre, 47, donned a festive Christmas outfit at the gala. She said she was “all about Christmas.”

WANTAGH HERALD — January 6, 2022

Herald neigHbors

Barber in Ruffles ad recounts difficulties because when I first started out doing Instag ram and noticed a message hair, I was cutting my friends’ hair in a request from a woman named Anissa bathroom in a basement.” The commersaying she was looking for a female bar- cial shifts from Rodriguez cutting hair in ber for a commercial. … Normally, spam the bathroom to her working in a barber shop, symbolizing how far she’s come. messages come in like this,” she said. The single mother of two daughters, But Rodriguez responded anyway, and ages 9 and 8, said that life hasn’t always Williams asked her to record an audition been easy, especially working in a maletape and send it to her. Harry Hernandominated industry. “When I first startdez, Hair Magicians’ owner, helped her ed, a lot of men denied me from cutting record it, shooting her from various their hair because they would say, ‘I don’t angles as she worked. After Rodriguez want a girl touching sent it, Williams set up my hair … they don’t a virtual meeting with know how to cut,’” she her. recalled. “It definitely “After I submitted put me down mentalit, I hopped on a Zoom ly.” call with the director When she be gan and they told me I got The commercial, which working as a barber, the part,” Rodriguez Rodriguez said, she premiered on Christmas said. “Everything just wasn’t making enough Day, spotlights people fell into place from money to support her there.” who have overcome family because she What shocked her obstacles and achieved didn’t have enough the most, she said, was customers. She success. The first of them learning that she was recounted worked two was barber Jamie Lee the only female barber or three jobs in one Rodriguez, of Merrick. auditioning for the day, and getting home commercial. She as late as 11 at night. “I expected to be competwas working three ing against others for jobs, seven days a the part. “I was really surprised to find week, for a very long time just to support out I was the only one they were looking my children and continue going after my at for the commercial,” Rodriguez said, goals,” she said. “There were times that “but the director explained that they my kids were sad that I didn’t see them came across my Instagram page and that much.” really liked my work and what I repreShe recalled being particularly oversented.” whelmed one day, but receiving comfort After finding out that she got the part, and support from Hernandez. “One time Rodriguez acted in two scenes for the I had a mental breakdown because I was commercial in Los Angeles last October. so drained,” Rodriguez said, “but I had a They were filmed in a barber shop and a great support system with people like house rented for the shoot. Harry. He would tell me, ‘You got this, The commercial opens with James you’re almost there, you’ve got to keep watching scenes from his childhood in going.’ Eventually I got to a point where I Akron, Ohio, as he reflects on the “ridg- was like, ‘You know what, I’m not going es” he faced growing up. He shares the to let these guys say that women can’t cut stories of his challenges with four oth- hair.” ers: a single father, a blind skateboarder, As she began proving her skills by a formerly incarcerated man and Rodri- cutting more men’s hair, she grew popuguez, each of whom found success lar by word of mouth, and eventually despite hardships they faced along the made enough moey to drop two of her way. three jobs. Now she rents a chair at Hair “In one of the scenes I shot, I was cut- Magicians for her clients, and runs her ting a man’s hair in the bathroom of the own business through her Instagram house,” Rodriguez said. “I related to this account, @jayleebladez. coNtiNued from froNt Page

the ‘owning Your Ridges’ campaign

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WANTAGH ________________

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Courtesy Jamie Lee Rodriguez

RodRiguez acted in a scene last October in a barbershop in Los Angeles. “Jay has a unique ability to move people,” said Hernandez, 39, of Islip Terrace. “She is very influential, in a sense that she can lead people in whatever direction she thinks they should go in.” Rodriguez was previously a dance instructor and personal trainer, and brings the same type of guidance to her chair in the shop, Hernandez said. “When someone is lost, she can explain to them how to best style their hair,” he said. “She also has her cosmetology license, so she understands facial structure and which hairstyles fit which facial features.” Another of Rodriguez’s coworkers, Breanna Cracchiolo, of Levittown, said Rodriguez has guided her to where she wants to be. “Jay is very inspiring to me,” Cracchiolo said. “When I first started working at the last hair salon I worked at, I was just an assistant, but Jay and Harry motivated me to become a

barber, too. Jay is constantly teaching me new things. I eventually want to rent my own chair like she does.” Rodriguez said she has finally reached a point in her life where she is content with her balance of family time and work time. “I definitely feel like I’m at a place now where I’m able to be a mother and I’m able to be successful,” she said, “and to hear my kids telling me they’re so proud of me … it made everything worth it at the end of the day.” Asked what advice she would give others who want to start their own business, she said, “Do what you love to do, and even if the world is against you, don’t give up. It gets worse before it gets better. It’s all about fighting through the bad, because that reward at the end is going to be worth it.” Rodriguez’s styling services can be booked at jayleebladez.booksy.com or on Instagram.

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main PHone: (516) 569-4000 ■ WeB Site: www.liherald.com/wantagh ■ e-mail: Letters and other submissions: wantagheditor@liherald.com ■ editoRial dePaRtment: Ext. 287 e-mail: wantagheditor@liherald.com ■ 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: rglickman@liherald.com Fax: (516) 569-4643 the Wantagh Herald USPS 16790, 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 Wantagh Herald, 2 Endo Blvd. Garden City, NY 11530. Newsstand Price: $1. Subscription rates: $60 for 1 year. annual Subscription Rates, $9.75 per quarter auto-pay or $50 one-time payment within Nassau County or $60 outside of Nassau County. copyright © 2022 Richner Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.

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January 6, 2022 — WANTAGH HERALD

Dog Rescue Club supplies Wantagh shelter demic, club officers delivered two bags full of supplies — as well as another bag to Levittown’s Second Chance Animal Rescue, and a bag of canned food to LI Helpers, a youth-led nonprofit that distributes food to local families in need, that was founded by Clarke alumna Misha Khan. Around Thanksgiving, the Dog Rescue Club partnered with the high school’s Key Club — a student service club that works with East Meadow Kiwanis — to create thank-you cards for Last Hope volunteers. Brooke Noonan is the president of Key Club, and Ella is vice president. “To have outside kids thank the volunteers for what they do and what they love to do is so nice,” Anderson said. “It’s like the icing on the cake.” The Key Club helped generate some members for the Dog Rescue Club. The thankyou card project was created by Brooke, but inspired by a similar Key Club project

that created cards for veterans and health care workers. Looking ahead, Ella said, she and Brooke have plenty of ideas for the club. They’d like to organize a dog-walk fundraiser, in which people and their pets walk laps on the high school track to raise money for local organizations like Last Hope. They would also like to bring therapy dogs to the school. Anderson said she would be open to working with the club to make that happen. “It would help the dogs with their training, because Joanne said that they haven’t been able to work in a while,” Brooke said. “But it would also be beneficial to students — especially if it was during A.P. exams and finals as a stress-reliever.” Even though the Noonans are now seniors, they have high hopes for the future of the Dog Rescue Club. Anderson said the g roup can continue to evolve. “If this club now has 100 members,” she said, “it should live on.”

WANTAGH HERALD — January 6, 2022

continued from front page

Courtesy Ella Noonan

Brooke, left, and Ella Noonan brought wrapped donations to Last Hope Animal Shelter on Dec. 15, after their animal rescue club collected supplies.

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January 6, 2022 — HERALD

HERALD — January 6, 2022

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January 6, 2022 — WANTAGH HERALD

events and activities

community update Thursday, Jan. 6

honey. The activity will be in the community room. To register visit http:// www.eventkeeper.com/mars/ xpages/W/WANTAGH/ekp. cfm?curOrg=WANTAGH.

Virtual creation station Join the Jones Beach Energy and Nature Center virtually for a creation station from 1:30 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. Children 6 to 12 can look at their favorite animals and plants for inspiration to come up with renewable energy inventions. Learn all about biomimicry, the science of creating technology inspired by nature. This is an RSVP only. All programs require an in-person payment of $4 per person prior to the start of the program. To RSVP visit https://www. jonesbeachenc.org/programs.

Virtual lecture on Tony Bennett During this presentation, the Seaford Public Library will have an opportunity to revel in Tony Bennett’s rendition of classic numbers such as “Rags to Riches,” and his signature song “I Left My Heart in San Francisco.” The meeting will be conducted via Zoom. Those interested can register online in advance.

Friday, Jan. 7

Wednesday, Jan. 12

Seal walk session

Yoga session

Families of all ages can join the ones Beach Energy and Nature Center at 150 Bay Pkwy., in Wantagh for a seal walk from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Families will learn about Jones Beach winter seal population. This is an RSVP only. All programs require an in-person payment of $4 per person prior to the start of the program. To RSVP visit https:// www.jonesbeachenc.org/programs.

The Warped Tour Band live Enjoy the Warped Tour Band at Mulcahy’s located at 3232 Railroad Ave., in Wantagh. with their tribute to emo/poppunk. The set starts at 9 p.m. For tickets visit https://muls.com/events.

Rockin 45’s live The band Rockin 45’s will be playing at Sunset Grill at 4068 Sunrise Hwy., in Seaford starting at 9 p.m.

Herald File Photo

art with amy at Seaford Public Library Kids in grades 1-5 can join the Seaford Public Library for art live session with Amy on Zoom. Kids will learn how to draw Snoopy step-by-step. Supplies needed include drawing paper, pencils, Sharpies, and a choice of colored pencils, watercolors or markers. Register on the library’s website. and supervised by behavior analysts at Sensory Beans at 3309 Merrick Rd., in Wantagh from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Children learn social skills, self management and problem solving skills in a fun way. Pre-registration is required. For further info contact admin@cornerstoneaba.com.

Penny Lane live

Saturday, Jan. 8 Mike Delguidice and Big Shot live Enjoy Mike Delguidice and Big Shot live at Mulcahy’s, located at 3232 Railroad Ave., in Wantagh. The set starts at 9 p.m.

Weekly social skills group Cornerstone Behavioral Services hosts a weekly socials skills group designed

l l l l l

The Beatles tribute band Penny Lane will be playing at Sunset Grill at 4068 Sunrise Hwy., in Seaford starting at 8:30 p.m.

Sunday, Jan. 9

Contact Erin Goldberg at egoldberg@ wantaghlibrary.org with any questions. Pick up supplies in the children’s room.

Discover the dunes meeting

Baby jam session

Families of all ages can join the ones Beach Energy and Nature Center at 150 Bay Pkwy., in Wantagh for a discover the dunes walk from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Get a taste of Jones Beach’s beauty. This is an RSVP only. All programs require an in-person payment of $4 per person prior to the start of the program. To RSVP visit https://www. jonesbeachenc.org/programs.

Southbar Saturday Mulcahy’s Pub and Concert Hall on Railroad Avenue will host a themed night this Saturday with special $3 drinks. D.J. Neil C mixes the music with a live performance from Big Shot.

Monday, Jan. 10 Take and make craft session Pick up materials at the Wantagh Public Library to make a simple moose craft.

Ages nine months to five years with a caregiver can attend baby jam with Andrea at the Wantagh Public Library from 1 to 1:45 p.m. To register visit http://www.eventkeeper.com/mars/ xpages/W/WANTAGH/ekp. cfm?curOrg=WANTAGH.

Tuesday, Jan. 11 Honey and lemon drop foot scrub creation Children in grades 6 through 12 can join the Wantagh Public Library from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. to make a soothing foot scrub with lemon essential oil and

Join Vicky at the Wantagh Public Library from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. for yoga in the community room of the library. Bring a yoga mat, 3 thick blankets, 2 yoga blocks and a yoga belt. Register in advance online.

Wantagh Camera Club meeting The Wantagh Camera Club will be meeting from 6 to 8 p.m. in the community room of the library. For any questions contact: Barbara Crane at (516) 2211200.

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

There will be an AARP tax prep workshop on Feb. 1 at the Wantagh Public Library. There will be a bingo night at The Church of St. Judes in Wantagh on Saturday, Jan. 22. There will be a baby jam class at Show Stompin Irish Dance in Wantagh on Jan. 16. Check out skating events at United Skates of America in Seaford online: https://www.unitedskates.com/. Sensory Beans in Seaford has events coming up. Check it out: https://www.sensorybeans.org/events-1.

WANTAGH HERALD — January 6, 2022

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Bringing local sports home every week

sPOtlight AthlEtE

Herald sports Talented MacArthur aims high

BRANDON gOlDstEiN

Kennedy Sophomore Wrestling ON DEC. 11, Goldstein helped the Cougars to a 4th-place finish (out of 13 teams) in the 45th annual Sprig Gardner Tournament hosted by the Bellmore-Merrick District. He captured the 285-pound title with a 6-4 overtime decision against Lawrence’s Andres Valle. Goldstein, who is ranked third in Nassau in the weight class, also had a big semifinal win over Mepham’s Miguel Rivera in the two-day event on the way to earning Kennedy’s George Munnich Most Outstanding Wrestler award.

Donovan Berthoud/Herald

PAul liChtER CAPtuRED the 145-pound title in MacArthur’s host tournament to start the season in style. By ANDREW COEN sports@liherald.com

gAmEs tO WAtCh Friday, Jan. 7

Wrestling: Lynbrook at V.S. North...........................4:30 p.m. Girls Basketball: Lynbrook at V.S. South ..................... 5 p.m. Wrestling: Baldwin at East Meadow ........................... 6 p.m. Boys Basketball: Syosset at Freeport ......................... 7 p.m. Boys Basketball: Farmingdale at Oceanside .............. 7 p.m. Boys Basketball: Clarke at Wantagh ........................... 7 p.m.

saturday, Jan. 8

Wrestling: Calhoun Tournament.............................9:30 a.m. Girls Basketball: Sewanhaka at Elmont....................... 10 a.m. Girls Basketball: Hewlett at South Side......................... 12 p.m. Girls Basketball: MacArthur at Mepham...................... 12 p.m. Boys Basketball: South Side at Hewlett ...................... 12 p.m. Boys Basketball: North Shore at Lawrence ................... 12 p.m. Boys Basketball: G.N. South at Long Beach ................. 12 p.m. Boys Basketball: Elmont at Sewanhaka ........................12 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Seaford at Carey ..........................12 p.m. Boys Basketball: Roosevelt at Kennedy ......................... 2 p.m.

monday, Jan. 10 Boys/Girls Bowling: Oceanside at Baldwin ..................... 4 p.m. Gymnastics: South Side at Long Beach .......................... 5 p.m. Girls Basketball: Hicksville at V.S. Central .................6:30 p.m. Girls Basketball: C.S. Harbor at West Hempstead.......... 7 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Carle Place at Malverne ................. 7 p.m.

The championship mindset is back on Old Jerusalem Road. Two years after capturing the team title at the Nassau County individual championships, the MacArthur wrestling team is fueled for an opportunity to once again vie for spots at the top of the podium following last winter’s truncated season. The Generals were limited to seven matches in the 2021 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic with no traditional county or state championships. “It’s night and day,” said 13th-year MacArthur head coach Rob Paletta of having championship events back on the schedule. “That is why coaches coach and the kids always want to compete for some type of title at the end.” Paletta returns a number of wrestlers who will be in the mix for either individual championships or earning All-County accolades by placing in the top six.

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Senior Killian Foy, who finished fourth in the state and second in the counties as a sophomore two years ago, will look to close his high school career with a title at 138 pounds. Foy is off to a strong start this season posting pins in matches against Kellenberg, Great Neck South along with a dominating 16-1 victory that ended by technical fall versus Mepham’s Devin Greene on Dec. 16. Twin brothers James Clarkson and Matt Clarkson will also look to reach the podium as All-County wrestlers at 215 and 285 pounds, respectively. Paletta said the two seniors were rising sophomores in 2020 and have worked hard in the offseason after missing out on a chance to compete in the counties last year. Junior Paul Lichter is also expected to be in the mix for All-County honors at 145 or 138. His younger brother, Matt Lichter shows promise at 110 and shows early potential for a top-six finish at counties. Paletta said junior Benjamin Velasquez is making strides at 215 and could also make a run at the county champion-

ships. He recorded a pin of Mepham’s Igneri in just 52 seconds as part of MacArthur’s commanding 62-8 dual meet win. “We have a solid team,” said Paletta, a former standout MacArthur wrestler who placed second in the 1991 county finals. “We have a couple of guys who didn’t get as much of a chance to compete last year and if we can develop them and get them going for the dual meet championship I think we should be in the mix.” MacArthur, which captured the 2020 dual meet championship, will be battletested in its quest for a repeat when it hosts title contender Long Beach on Jan. 11 at 7 p.m. The county dual meet championships are scheduled for Jan. 22 at Clarke High School and the New York State duals will take place on Jan. 29 at SRC Arena in Syracuse. The Nassau County individual championships will take place Feb. 12-13 at Nassau Community College. Those who qualify will compete at the individual New York State Championships at the TimesUnion Center in Albany from Feb. 25-26.

516.536.2800 | orlincohen.com

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January 6, 2022 — WANTAGH HERALD

12/22/21 4:22 PM

What’s neWs in and out of the classroom

Courtesy Wantagh School District

Wantagh high School’S cross-country team raised $630 for the Limb Kind Foundation to provide prosthetic limbs to children.

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Wantagh High School’s cross-country team recently exerted their fundraising muscles after hosting a charity event for the Oceanside-based Limb Kind Foundation, an Long Island-based organization which provides prosthetic limbs to children who need them. The cross-country team held a “pushup challenge” on Dec. 1, where students and other participants were asked to complete pushups. About 25 students and staff members participated in the event held after school. Cross-country coach Julie Magnuson said that team members wanted to help children have the same ability to compete as athletes. That’s why they chose the Limb Kind Foundation. Junior Ashlee Favata was one of the top finishers of the event after she completed 73 pushups. She said she enjoyed the rally because it promoted physical fitness, generated a lot of school spirit and, most importantly, was for a good cause. “We thought it was a great way to raise money for kids who need prosthetics,” added junior Katherine Killian, who completed about 50 pushups. The team raised $630 for the Limb Kind Foundation. According to the organization’s website, the foundation works to create prosthetics for children who cannot afford them. It was founded by Robert Schulman, a certified prosthetist, in 2019. For more information, go online to: https:// limbkind.org/.

WANTAGH HERALD — January 6, 2022

Herald ScHoolS Team raises over $600 for Limb Kind Foundation

Hempstead Town goes green with Mulchfest By Karina Kovac kkovac@liherald.com

Karina Kovac/Herald

residents can watch the loud spectacle of their Christmas trees being ground up for mulch at Baldwin Park. that she asked the workers to return over the summer so she could gift them some of her award-winning tomatoes. It was a wonderful “full-circle moment” for the workers, Murray said, noting they enjoyed the refreshing taste of the tomatoes in the heat working outside. Nutritionists agree that people who grow their own food at home can benefit in numerous ways. The food tends to be more nutritious and allows for a more diverse and healthier diet, as the food is

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packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Gardening is also a rewarding way to stay active and be exposed to vitamin D from time in the sun, especially if Covid concerns keep you at home. Applying the mulch, which is free for any Hempstead resident to pick up at Baldwin Park (follow the signs), can be a cost-saving way to beautify and prepare upcoming gardens for planting, said Murray, who is involved in tree plantings at Baldwin Park. “We have beautiful soil”

for growing on Long Island, he added, recalling the days, 60 and 70 years ago, when potato farms occupied much of Nassau County. Maloney agreed how “there is nothing better than putting back into the community” and how full-circle the “whole cycle” of planting and giving back can be. Last year, an estimated 130 trees were turned into mulch and returned to the public. So far this year, about 75 trees have been ground up, with one more day, Jan. 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., when town residents can trade in their trees for mulch. Maloney showed enthusiasm about putting the “as-natural-as-natural-gets” chips back into Baldwin Park for local residents to enjoy. “Last year’s success has inspired us to bring Mulchfest back to the Town of Hempstead for a fun and environmentally friendly way to repurpose Christmas trees . . . ” Supervisor Clavin said. “The Town of Hempstead proudly stands for greener and environmentally friendly programs.” In addition to Mulchfest, the Town of Hempstead hosts S.T.O.P. (Stop Throwing Out Pollutants) and E-Cycle (electronic recycling) events throughout the year to help promote the safe disposal of materials that could be hazardous to the environment and the waste stream. The full 2022 S.T.O.P. and E-Cycle schedule will be announced on the town website, hempsteadny.gov, soon.

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The second annual Town of Hempstead Mulchfest is allowing environmentalists, gardeners and other townsfolk to chip in and recycle their Christmas trees in exchange for bags of mulch at Baldwin Park on Grand Avenue. Started by Supervisor Don Clavin last year, the program is run by the town’s parks department and the sanitation department, which this year is collecting plastic and cardboard recyclables at two exchanges. At the first one recently, the loud whir of an industrial woodchipper could be heard every few minutes as residents pulled in with their seasonal trees on their car roofs for drop-off. Firs, spruces and pines were tossed efficiently by parks workers into the machine, which ground them up, giving off a fresh, sappy tree aroma. Parks Department Regional Supervisors Chris Maloney and Terence Murray reflected on their experience at Mulchfest last year by telling a story of one Levittown woman who called the town hotline after the event and requested mulch to plant her prize-winning tomatoes in the spring. “We brought over about 30 bags of recycled mulch [to her home], and she let it dry from January to the spring and sprinkled it throughout her garden,” Murray said. The woman was so thankful

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January 6, 2022 — WANTAGH HERALD

WANTAGH HERALD — January 6, 2022

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Courtesy Kevin Regan

Newly elected third Assistant Chief Bill Van Leer (second from right) receives his helmet from current Second Assistant Chief Leonard Mathewson (left), First Assistant Chief Tom Bloomfield, Chief of Department Ken Kelly and Third Assistant Chief Bill Stevens.

Chiefs, assistants appointed to Wantagh F.D. The Wantagh Fire Department held its annual officers election on Dec. 9. First Assistant Chief Thomas Bloomfield was elected as Chief of Department. Current Second Assistant Chief Leonard Mathewson was moved up to the First Assistant position, and William Stevens was promoted from Third Assistant Chief to Second Assistant Chief. Ex-Captain William T. Van Leer was elected Third Assistant Chief. Lieutenants and Captains were also elected to lead their individual units. The terms of office commenced on

January 1, 2022. Chief of Department Kenneth Kelly received recognition at the election ceremony for his eight years of dedicated service in the Chief ’s office. Engine 7 presented Kelly with a ring for his efforts. Kelly, who has served in the Chief ’s Office since 2013, was also presented with his Ex-Chief ’s helmet. Kelly then addressed the department and thanked attendees for their support, dedication and commitment to the community.

Neighbors iN the News Mommas House obtains recognition Wantagh-based organization Mommas House recently received an award for its commitment to the betterment of the Long Island community. L aw f i r m J a s p a n Schlesinger LLP, which has a location in Garden City, recently honored Mommas House as part of its Heart of the Community Award, which honored 75 nonprofit organizations that demonstrate a commitment to improving communities. It coincides with the 75th anniversary of the firm. Courtesy Matt Ferremi Pat Shea started Mommas House over 35 years SabiNa aNSelmo (left) and Simone Freeman (right), ago after she began taking both of Jaspan Schlesinger LLP, gave the community award in young homeless preg- to Mommas House Executive Director Pat Shea. nant and parenting women into her own a cornerstone of Jaspan Schlesinger’s home. firm culture,” Steve Schlesinger, co-manSabina Anselmo volunteers her time aging partner said in a press release. with Mommas House by taking photos at “With these awards, we hope to recognize the nonprofit’s fundraising events. the not-for-profit leaders from the New “Giving back, whether through volun- York metropolitan area and highlight the teerism or philanthropy, has always been worthy causes that they support.”

WANTAGH HERALD — January 6, 2022

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New Nassau CouNTy Executive Bruce Blakeman gave his first speech after his inauguration at the Cradle of Aviation Museum in Garden City on Monday.

Bruce Blakeman takes oath of office New county executive says he won’t follow statewide mask mandate By Tom Carrozza tcarrozza@liherald.com

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Hundreds packed into the lobby of the Cradle of Aviation Museum in Garden City on Monday as new County Executive Bruce Blakeman, County Comptroller Elaine Phillips and County Clerk Maureen O’Connell took their oaths of office. In his first remarks after taking leadership over one of the country’s most populated counties, Blakeman made it clear that he would not abide by Governor Hochul’s mask mandate, which was implemented in early December amid a new wave of cases caused by the highly contagious Omicron variant. “Starting today, Nassau is normal ag ain,” Blakeman told a largely unmasked crowd. “We have seen the ravages of the Covid-19 pandemic, but we can no longer be afraid. Yes, we still have challenges, but they are manageable.” According to The New York Times’ online tracker, Nassau’s hospitalization rate had increased by 47 percent in the previous 14 days, with 58 deaths in that same period. The seven-day positivity rate climbed to 24 percent, as well. Blakeman said the county would continue to encourage and support free vaccinations and testing for residents. He said

this approach would account for the economic, social, and mental health consequences of lockdowns and mandates. “Nassau County is not in crisis,” Blakeman continued. “Our hospital admissions are rising by a manageable and predictable rate. Reason and common sense must supplant hysteria.” Blakeman promised to lobby Albany to keep students in class without masks. Blakeman also took aim at the previous administration’s approach to the tax reassessment system, describing it as “unfair” and “secretive,” alluding to the algorithm used by Laura Curran’s office. Blakeman pledged to provide transparency by investigating the previous system with Comptroller Phillips. “There is no reason why millionaires should pay zero taxes, and then homes that are identical in the same communities pay vastly different tax rates,” Blakeman said. “It’s broken and we will fix it.” Reducing taxes to retain young people and keep older adults comfortable would be another major focus of the new administration, Blakeman said. Blakeman closed by saying he and new District Attorney Anne Connelly would demand the repeal of the state’s bail reform bill.

January 6, 2022 — WANTAGH HERALD

Photos courtesy Melissa Ehl

MeliSSa ehl waS a vendor at Champions Martial Arts’ Haunted Dojang event in October 2021. It was her first time working as a vendor for her own business.

Baker’s at-home business takes the cake By Stephanie Banat newsroom@liherald.com

Longtime Wantagh resident Melissa Ehl is self-made. Ehl, 24, is the founder of Mixed by Mel, a baking business that produces and delivers custom cakes, cupcakes and cookies. All sweet treats are crafted by the Wantagh High School graduate in the comfort of her own home on Jonathan Lane. The baking business was given a kickstart when the pandemic hit: “When Covid started,” Ehl explained, “I became my close friends’ and family’s trusted source for baked goods because people weren’t comfortable going out to stores and bakeries.” From that point on, the Instagram page that she created for her business grew in popularity. Before she knew it, she said, she was receiving orders from people throughout the state. She started baking in bulk. Now, Ehl has garnered about 1,100 followers on her Instagram and has delivered her baked goods across the area: from parties in New York City to a wedding in Montauk, she’s done it all. Some of Ehl’s most popular creations include her rainbow cookie cupcakes, peanut butter banana cake and her “boozy cupcakes.” These alcohol-infused cupcakes vary in flavors including: espresso martini, red velvet Bailey’s, caramel Bailey’s, white chocolate liqueur, sugar cookie martini and more. She recently sold holiday-themed cupcakes with flavors like eggnog, peppermint mocha, hot cocoa cupcakes and lindzer tart. Most of those recipes were completely original, she said: “I create my recipes simply by experimenting with different ingredients. About 90 percent of my recipes I came up with in my head, from scratch.” Ehl, who has been baking since she was a child, said she’s grateful for the enormous support she’s received from the Wantagh community. “I have people who order from me every week,” she said. She’s heard from customers that her business has been discovered through the community Facebook page, “Wantagh Mammas.” “They tell me, ‘You’re the talk of the town’,” Ehl said. “It makes all my hard work worthwhile.” During the pandemic, Ehl donated baked goods to healthcare workers at Long Island Jewish Medical Center of Northwell Health and Mount Sinai in Wantagh. One of Ehl’s faithful customers, Wantagh resident

ehl created “MonSter’S, Inc.” inspired cakes for a first birthday party in October 2021. in deceMBer, She completed a taco-themed birthday cake for a child’s second birthday. Melissa Albertina, began ordering baked goods from Ehl in 2018. She said she encourages Ehl to turn her baking business into a full-time job. Ehl currently works full-time at an accounting firm in New York City. “Melissa is incredible at what she does,” Albertina said. “For me, it’s not just the convenience of being able to custom-order things. It’s the fact that she’s always willing to work with the customer.” Albertina said she asked Ehl to complete her wedding cake. When Albertina had to postpone her wedding due the pandemic. Ehl was cooperative and understanding. “When I did have it, the way she worked with me, going back and forth to find the right decorations and the right flavors. … her dedication to the customer is just beyond.” The result was a personalized ombré design cake with rose gold glitter. Ehl’s business stands out compared to other bakeries, Albertina said: “She will work with you on the design, on the decoration… It is a niche, boutique kind of bakery.”

Ehl’s only part-time employee is her boyfriend, Wantagh resident, John Shea. He described Ehl as “a force of nature.” “She wakes up early to bake, she stays up late to bake, she is constantly running back and forth to stores,” he said. “When you see the amount of cakes and cupcakes that she churns out in her kitchen, you would think there are 10 people working in there. Her passion for baking really shows and it continues to amaze me.” When asked what advice she would give to others who are trying to start their own business, Ehl said she’d encourage them to create original ideas and not to be afraid to try new things. “My biggest advice is to be creative and think outside of the box,” Ehl said. “Think of what you can offer people that other businesses can’t. It’s also important to put yourself out there. Don’t be afraid to experiment with new ideas, because you never know what might work.” People interested in purchasing Ehl’s baked goods can place orders online by visiting: mixedbymel.com.

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The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau Malverne Union Free School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, enLockheed Martin Corp. seeks a Project ergetic and creative editor/reporter to Engineer to coordinate military navigation join our dynamic (and awesome) team! technical exchanges between the United This education and general assignment Richner Communications has openings Kingdom and United States. Develop reporting position offers a unique experifor Outside Sales Executives to Sell strategies for accomplishment and reportence to learn from some of the best in Digital and Print advertising ing on key studies, including authorized the business. Historically, reporters who Service and sell both existing data requirements for specific procurement have launched their careers with us and developing new business. projects. Identify, analyze and present have gone on to The New York Times, If you have the desire to succeed in our program risks and opportunities in connecNewsweek, Newsday, the New York fast paced business and are tion with the manufacturing and installation Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, motivated, dependable, have strong of electrical components for military use. NBC News and The Daily Mail, among communication skills and can manage Prepare and coordinate engineering plans many others. We look for excellent writyour own time, We would and schedules based upon business reers who are eager to learn, enhance like to hear from you! quirements and operational schedules. their skills, and become well-established Base salary with commission plan. Paid Formulate and recommend corrective acand respected journalists in our industry. sick/personal days, vacation and paid tion measures, such as schedule revisions, To apply: Send a brief summary in the holidays. Sales experience is a plus but manpower adjustments, allocations,• 43670 5th_floor • caClients • m-Clients • fund Malverne Malverne Richner Communications form of a cover letter describing your we will train the right person to learn the and work requirements. Coordinate cusreer goals and what strengths you can 3.125x 3" Richner Communications industry. tomer interface for successful project combring to our newsroom, along with a reemail resume to pletion. Interface daily with US DoD and sume and three writing samples to careers@liherald.com UK MoD customers and external program sbrinton@liherald.com stakeholders both within government and industry par tners. Position requires a TAX PREPARER P/T Franklin Square Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent in EngiExperience Needed. Retirees Welcome. neering, Mathematics, or a related STEM C a l l 5 1 6 - 3 5 8 - 9 4 5 5 Fa x R e s u m e field, and 5 years of experience with pro516 358-9483. 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Jacqueline testing; 5 years of experience with identify516-238-5774 cel// 516-223-2722 home. 516-536-6994 ing and developing solutions for planning HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR shortfalls involving navigation systems; 5 Richner Communications is looking for a years for experience with reviewing prohands-on Human Resources professional gram schedules and liaising with key to oversee all HR functions on a strategic stakeholders to eliminate potential conand tactical level. Exciting opportunity to flicts; 5 years of experience with determinjoin a dynamic and expanding Garden City, ing, monitoring, and reviewing costs, opLong Island media company. This position erational budgets, and schedules, and has a flexible schedule, part-time job share manpower requirements; and 1 year of exwould be considered. perience with sales agreement protocols Responsibilities: Talent acquisition: for sharing of sensitive technical informaSource, screen, and interview potential tion between the US and UK, as well as candidates and manage new employee oncorporate export control practices. Any boarding Benefits administration: Liaise suitable combination of education, training, with brokers, providers and facilitate enrollor experience is acceptable. Job Location: ment and updating of coverage. Manage Uniondale, NY. To apply, please visit annual open enrollment and employee www.lockheedmartinjobs.com and enter benefits review. Administration of 401(k) req id 579086BR when prompted. Alternaplan. Employee relations: Provide day- totively, please send your resume, cover letday support and problem resolution in reter, and a copy of the ad to M. 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All ciplinary actions Compliance: Maintain inqualified applicants will receive consideradepth knowledge of legal requirements retion for employment w/out regard to race, lated to day-to-day management of emcolor, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orployees, reducing legal risk and ensuring ientation, gender identity, national origin, regulatory compliance Payroll: Process biage, protected veteran status, or disability weekly payroll through payroll vendor for status. population of 150 employees Requirements: Bachelor's degree, preferably in business or HR, or equivalent experience Minimum 5 years HR generalist experience Knowledge of Federal, State & Local reguPRESS-ROOM/WAREHOUSE HELP lations governing employment Experience Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openwith payroll processing Self-motivated, ings for a FULL-TIME Pressroom/wareability to prioritize and work well under house helper in Garden City. 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WANTAGH HERALD — January 6, 2022

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Q. I’m confused about the whole process of doing work to my home. I want to add a room and deck at the back of my kitchen, plus a second floor at the front of my Cape Cod-style home. Do I interview contractors first, architects first, ask an interior designer, ask my building department? What should I do, in what order? A. The most important thing to understand when beginning the process is that each of the many people who will have input has a particular set of abilities, and approaches your project from his or her particular perspective. When you take the wrong advice from the wrong person, communication begins to fail, which is what you’re onte eeper trying to avoid. The contractor has a specific perspective, for example, which involves budgeting and getting the work constructed. Unfortunately, without training in codes that govern what can legally be done, they will still often advise the customers, and this can go awry, because they don’t have the responsibility to stand behind the advice they give. The same can be said for interior designers, whose perspective should be within their scope of expertise, which is interior selections and knowledge of finishes and furnishings. Where the interior designer oversteps is when they plan the shape and location of spaces without the knowledge and expertise to determine the multiple issues of engineering, whether it’s the structure or other types of building systems like electric, plumbing and mechanical (heating, ventilating or air conditioning). As an architect, I regularly struggle to work out problems when a contractor has altered something on a construction site or an interior designer has made a change that involves great cost to undo. Examples of this could fill a book, but here are a few common ones. As I write this, I am preparing a case to present to a zoning board because a contractor was told, quite specifically and in front of the owner, that a second-floor addition had to be a specific roof angle and the structure had to sit on top of the first-floor walls. The contractor altered the roof angle and raised the addition 10 inches above the top of the first-floor walls. He even told the owner that the inspector “would never notice.” He did. An interior designer advised a client that they could violate the laws of nature, building codes and zoning regulations when they recently took a copy of architectural plans and reconfigured them, telling the client that the architect didn’t have the artistic acumen or skill that the designer uniquely possessed. So a column ended up going in place of a sink, the roof structure had to be rebuilt, and there was no place to run the plumbing and air conditioning ductwork vertically. The cost for slender steel beams to accommodate the design decimated the budget as well. All of these people need to be consulted, as long as they stay in their lanes of expertise. Good luck!

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Answers

to todAy’s puzzle

opINIoNS

ith 2021 behind us, I’m trying hard to be optimistic about 2022. When you’ve lived past your 70s, you have the benefit of having seen multiple ups and downs in our country, and those experiences give you some insight into what might lie ahead. The coronavirus pandemic has taken a big toll on most of America. Our daily rhythms have been scrambled. We’ve been forced to work from home, and have patiently suffered through JERRY lockdowns and the loss of social KREMER interaction. But because we are such an innovative nation, by the end of 2022, it’s likely that we will have tamed this disease and possibly be better prepared for any new health challenge. Last year was a tough one for the business world. The lockdowns around the world and the constant flare-ups of Covid-19 caused shortages of critical products. Some manufacturers who have

ample inventory have taken advantage of the shortages and have raised their prices unnecessarily. Oil refineries with large inventories have joined the parade and jacked up the price of gasoline. Millions of small businesses have been forced to close, and in many cases they will never return. 2022 promises to be a better year for our long-suffering industries. Our strangled shipping ports are likely to catch up with the backlog of containers, and the uncontrolled buying of 2021 will slow down. By midyear, many members of the workforce who stayed home will finally find new job opportunities, or bargain their way into better-paying positions. I’m thinking optimistically about the challenges we face, except for one. Surveying the scene from Minnesota or Montauk, I am most pessimistic about the political world. I have served over 30 years in state and local government. I have seen bold new programs, and marveled at political stars in both the Democratic and Republican parties. For the most part, today’s crop of

elected officials is as different as night and day from my time in state government. Once upon a time, leaders in my political world were willing to sit down and discuss the needs of the people, and got things done with simple handshakes. The backroom meetings were about the next 10 years, not the next 10 minutes. Quite a few of today’s incumbents, especially those in Congress, are interested only in getting re-elected, and are willing to say and do whatever it takes to hold on to power. It doesn’t make you a socialist if you believe in child care tax credits, more day care, pre-K programs and relief for young people struggling with college debt. Pollsters will tell you how widely accepted these initiatives are. But a handful of entrenched politicians will tell you they aren’t worth the cost or are being abused. Those same ideologues will eagerly vote for tax cuts for the rich and the purchase of more military equipment, needed or not. The biggest threat of 2022 will be the ongoing attacks on our voting system. Republicans in more than a dozen states

’m thinking positively about the challenges we face this year, except for one.

have passed laws putting state legislatures in charge of their voting systems. Dedicated independent professional election workers are being supplanted by party hacks whose only job is to protect their political base. It’s possible that hundreds of actual winning Democratic candidates will be denied victories under these new systems. These machinations should be the target of a real 2022 Stop the Steal campaign. Do we have any political heroes left on the national stage? Some of the 10 Republican House members who voted to impeach former President Donald Trump have been willing to give up their seats in the name of protecting the nation. A few in that brave group are seeking re-election, and were willing to take the risk. These are just random thoughts about the new year from a mostly optimistic columnist. I am eternally hopeful that the better angels will prevail in 2022. Jerry Kremer was a state assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. He now heads Empire Government Strategies, a business development and legislative strategy firm. Comments about this column? JKremer@liherald.com.

Readers tell their Covid stories in 50 words, or more

n the Dec. 2-8 issue, I invited readers to say how they were getting through the coronavirus pandemic so far, noting that all eyes were on the Omicron variant, and that our stories would surely evolve. Thank you so much for sharing these snippets of your lives. * “Friendship got me through Covid. I would not have made it through this unexpected plot change in life without my peers. The sudden death of my dog put a wave of grief over me for months. My RANDI best friend KREISS brought light into my shadowy sadness.” — E.K. * “‘So far’ are the operative words. No crystal ball here but by late February [2020] you could see it coming. Was still shocked by the incompetent and misleading, politicized government response and the willing denial by so many that killed and threatened. Read ‘The Great Influenza,’ spent months on the terrace and stayed as isolated as we could. Got a puppy.” — T.G. * “During the early days, I would take long walks in the early morning to clear

my thoughts. As time went on, I would run into other walkers, with many of us stopping to say hello and ask if everything was OK. On Thanksgiving 2020, a group of us got together outside and set up our tables six feet apart. We couldn’t be with family, but were happy to have found new friends.” — Anonymous * “I was reminded of all the things I used to love about myself. I read more than I had in years. I had genuine conversations with my family, who, despite living in the same house for years, never were quite on the same page. Most important, I was aware of all I had taken for granted: I was finally satisfied with the life I had created for myself. I was reminded of the little girl who smiled and laughed and loved herself.” — R.G. * “I feel blessed just being here in Merrick with my mom, Rose, after losing my dad, Fred, to mantle cell lymphoma during the pandemic. As a resident of Australia, I had to secure a Travel Exemption from the Australian government to be allowed to board a flight to New York.” — L.H. * “I temporarily moved next door to my daughter and her family in July 2020.

‘

They were expecting a baby in August. I was there to help them out and they were there, providing precious moments at a time I would have been isolated and anxious.” — Anonymous * “We were three couples, close-by neighbors living in comfortable condos on the beach. We met every evening to talk, swim, have drinks and share extra supplies we were able to find. I painted every day. I have 42 completed paintings, three of which I sold. I let my hair grow out and am no longer a slave to my roots. My husband and I played board games.” — C.T. * “I not only ‘got through’ the pandemic, I rather enjoyed the peace and serenity afforded by the lockdown. My life revolved around a few people with whom I really love doing things. I enjoyed cooking, reading, card and game playing, long walks. I see a definite beauty in stepping off the world, albeit temporarily.” —A.C. * “At first I thought Covid would disappear quickly, but when I realized it was here to stay, I felt resentful. I’m 74, and I felt that a year and a half of my time was stolen from me while I locked myself inside. But I came to realize I was lucky. My family was healthy, and I didn’t have

read more than I had in years. I had genuine conversations with my family.’

to go off to work. I just had to stay alive!” — B.C. * “Minus side: masking, no city, travel, theater, movies, felt restriction of movement. Plus side: more quality time to spend with family and friends, read, needlepoint, dining al fresco, a slower pace and longer phone conversations, spending less but giving more.” — B.G. * “Morning: television and telephone to family, friends. Afternoon: taking walks with husband through Cedarhurst. Evening: paint and write in a journal. I have kept seven journals — and I have tossed out two with the most negative thoughts.” — L.M. * “Volunteering at the People Loving People Food Pantry in Oyster Bay was rewarding: It proved that during the most difficult times, people share with those less fortunate.” — K.G. * “Dealing with the pandemic is a slam dunk when you’re never alone. Lola and Mackenzie are my two small, hairy best friends. Never more than a few feet from wherever I am, they are great listeners. We rarely disagree, and they think I’m a brilliant conversationalist.” — Anonymous Copyright 2022 Randi Kreiss. Randi can be reached at randik3@aol.com.

WANTAGH HERALD — January 6, 2022

Some things to look forward to, and some to be scared of

Herald editorial

Wantagh

January 6, 2022 — WANTAGH HERALD

HERALD Established 1990 Incorporating Wantagh/Seaford Citizen Kate NalepiNsKi Editor

Mallory WilsoN Reporter rhoNda GlicKMaN Vice President - Sales

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Nassau should enforce state’s mask mandate

ruce Blakeman’s first public act as Nassau County executiveelect, in the second week of December, was one of rebellion. Gov. Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, had ordered mask use in indoor spaces where people gather to reduce the spread of the coronavirus. Blakeman, a Republican, said he would defy the order, refusing to enforce it once he took office Jan. 1. The governor had left enforcement to the counties. We understand Blakeman’s reluctance to reinstate a mask mandate. People have grown tired of obeying orders. Most of us just want our freedom back. We want our old pre-pandemic lives. We crave normalcy. Apologies for the blunt language, but the coronavirus doesn’t give a damn about our desire to return to the way things were before all hell broke loose. It is a virus. It has an innate need to replicate, and to replicate it requires host bodies. Nature has granted the virus a seemingly incalculable ability to mutate to avoid eradication. That is why we must do all in our power to eliminate the coronavirus — including wearing masks in public spaces. That is why the state mandate is necessary. Blakeman has said there is little scientific evidence to demonstrate that masking reduces transmission of the coronavirus. That is not true. He only need look to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Science Brief from Dec. 6, titled “Community Use of Masks to Control the Spread of SARS-CoV-2,” to find it.

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letters The gift of a kidney To the Editor: Re Randi Kreiss’s column “Kidney donor tells story of the gift she gave”: The donor sure augmented the meaning of giving of oneself. For her kidney she must have received a heart — not only one. This was a heartwarming story. She sure was courageous and generous. What a nice story for the season. May an extra-big star keep smiling on her. DIANA IHMANN Valley Stream

Recalling the great transit strike To the Editor: Jan. 1 was the 56th anniversary of the 1966

The CDC cites numerous studies, conducted over the past two years in a variety of settings, demonstrating that mask wearing, when carried out properly, can reduce the transmission of Covid-19. According to the CDC, at least 10 studies have “confirmed the benefit of universal masking in community level analyses.” The agency, considered one of the world’s leading authorities on infectious diseases, further states, “Each analysis demonstrated that, following directives from organizational and political leadership for universal masking, new infections fell significantly.” Data from 200 countries, including the U.S., demonstrated reductions in the death rate as well. Furthermore, the CDC concludes, “increasing universal masking by 15 percent could prevent the need for lockdowns and reduce associated losses of up to $1 trillion, or about 5 percent of the gross domestic product.” If Blakeman is sincerely concerned about protecting the interests of Nassau businesses, as we firmly believe he is, then he will enforce the mask mandate to ensure that they stay open. No one — no one — wants the type of lockdowns that we are increasingly seeing in other countries. At some point soon, however, they could become inevitable if patients were to overwhelm our hospitals once again. The Omicron variant, clearly far more transmissible than previous strains, has spread like wildfire across the U.S. over the past month. As of press time Monday, Long Island’s daily positivity rate stood at nearly 25 percent — the

highest in the state, despite our high vaccination rate. Preliminary data indicate that Omicron, which is fueling this most recent surge, may be less virulent and less deadly than previous strains. Given the exponential growth of this new form of the virus, however, we are seeing hospitalization rates rising fast, which, once again, is straining our health care workers, who are already worn out by nearly two years of battling a relentless foe. At least one president of a major Nassau hospital has asked the public to consider staying home for two weeks to minimize spread. When Hochul enacted the indoor mask mandate on Dec. 10, it was supposed to last until Jan. 15. She recently extended it to Feb. 1. We urge Blakeman to consider enforcing it. The county mustn’t fine businesses that are earnest in their efforts to carry out the mandate — as many have been. Without enforcement for egregious violators, however, there will be those who disregard the law entirely, and therein lies the problem. To defeat this terrible, highly transmittable disease once and for all, we need a far greater sense of unity and resolve than we have shown to date. As a nation, we have always managed to summon our better angels and come together for a cause greater than ourselves. Now we are faced with yet another crisis of epic proportions that requires us to think beyond ourselves and do what is best for the greater good. Mask up!

opinions

he 2019 documentary “Biking Borders,” chronicling the ninemonth, 9,320-mile cycling adventure of two college friends, Max Jabs and Nono Konopka, from Berlin to Beijing, opens with the pair struggling to stay upright as they pedal down a snowcovered road in eastern Turkey shortly after Christmas 2018. These guys are just nuts, I thought. Immediately, I was hooked. I had to watch this travelogue — twice. Following its opening scene, the sCoTT film, recently released on NetBrinTon flix, cuts to Germany and thereafter follows the pair’s journey chronologically, starting in the summer of 2018 at the Brandenburg Gate and ending at China’s Tiananmen Square in the spring of 2019. Viewers quickly learn that their trek was far more than a sightseeing tour of Europe, the Middle East and Asia. It was fundraiser to build a school in Guatemala, which has the highest illiteracy rate in Central America — roughly 25 percent. We also learn that the two, despite attending university in the biking capital of the world, the Netherlands, had barely

LeTTers

pedaled anywhere before their epic trek. Apparently, Jabs had ridden a little while in school, but Konopka not at all. In fact, the two undertook no special athletic training for their journey. According to a Forbes article on them, they figured they would get in shape on the way. As noted, these guys just seemed nuts — but in the best of ways. The two 20-somethings, both German, graduated together with degrees in international marketing from Fontys University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands in 2018, and set out on their journey only months later, headed to some of the most remote, inhospitable, potentially dangerous places on the planet. Yet they were all smiles, veritable fonts of infectious positivity. Chalk it up to irrational exuberance or youthful naiveté, but they just went for it — and succeeded — continually promoting their trek via social media along the way to bolster donations for their cause. If you watch anything on Netflix this winter, be sure to catch this film. For starters, it just makes you feel good. With so much pain in the world these days, it reminds us that there is hope for humanity, that we are not all irredeemably greedy, self-centered creatures. We can, through the power of belief and teamwork, do enormous good for the world.

f you watch anything on Netflix this winter, be sure to catch this quirky film.

Framework by Joe Abate

transit strike that shut down New York City for days. It was the first of many municipal crises to face incoming Mayor John Lindsay, who ran on the Liberal and Republican Party lines, winning more than 1.1 million votes, or 45 percent, defeating Democrat/Civil Service Abe Beame, who had 41 percent, and Conservative Party National Review Editor William F. Buckley, who garnered 14 percent. Rush hour began at 4 a.m., and many people arrived home as late as midnight. The Long Island Rail Road added extra service. Both Penn Station and Grand Central Terminal were mobbed with thousands of new customers. Transit Workers Union President Michael Quill went to jail, suffered a heart attack and subsequently died. He did not live to see his successor win a record 15 percent wage hike. The subway fare was raised 33 percent, from 15 to 20 cents. LARRY PENNER Great Neck Penner is a transportation advocate, historian and writer who previously worked for the Federal Transit Administration Region 2 New York Office.

Jabs and Konopka started out hoping they might raise 50,000 euros (about $56,500) to build a one-room, cinder-block school in Guatemala. By the time they reached Iran, they had collected that sum and more. As of press time, the project had raised 288,700 euros (about $326,400), enough to construct five schools. Their new goal is a million euros — enough for 20 schools in Guatemala, Ghana and Laos. Jabs and Konopka partnered with the New York City-based nonprofit Pencils of Promise, which builds the schools. Adam Braun, 38, a Brown University graduate who worked on Wall Street, started the organization in 2008, prompted by a conversation he had had with a little boy on a street in India while in college. The boy was begging for money. What he wanted, though, was a pencil so he could write and learn. Braun gave him one. Later, feeling unfulfilled in high finance, Braun recalled that chance meeting and left behind his safe, well-appointed world for international nonprofit work, starting Pencils of Promise with $25. The organization has since raised $75 million for education in the developing world. I knew none of this before watching “Biking Borders.” When I learned the story behind the film and Pencils of Promise, I just had to donate to the cause,

Way, way off peak — Freeport

which can be done at bikingborders.com. The site is in German, but Google Chrome can translate it into English. Whether or not you donate, you should watch this documentary. The scenery is stunning, and on the road Jabs and Konopka encounter many kindhearted people who offer them aid when they need it most. And yes, things go awry from time to time, despite all their optimistic planning. Jabs and Konopka just embrace the people they meet, and people embrace them back. The two seem unafraid, no matter the circumstance, even in countries that are known to be hostile to westerners. In Iran they are met as something like heroes, with people waving to them, cheering for them and pouring food into their hands — and strangers welcoming them into their homes for a night’s rest and a rice-filled Persian meal. As an avid cyclist, I am at once envious of and fascinated by their trip. You needn’t love cycling, though, to enjoy this hour-and-a-half-long film. At its core, it’s really about our shared humanity, and these days, we can use all the humanity that we can muster. 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.

WANTAGH HERALD — January 6, 2022

‘Biking Borders’ brings out the best of humanity

January 6, 2022 — WANTAGH HERALD

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