Wantagh Herald 12-23-2021

_________________ WANTAGH ________________

your HEALTH body / mind / fitness

November 23, 2021

With a focus on

Diab etes and Weig ht Mana geme nt

HERALD Your Health Inside

$1.00

Vol. 69 No. 52

Wantagh veteran is honored

Adoptable pups on display

Page 3

Page 4

DECEMBER 23 - 29, 2021

Mask mandate fuels complaints Business owners say they worry new order could scare patrons away By iRYNA sHKuRHAN newsroom@liherald.com

Courtesy Wantagh School District

spreading holiday cheer Students at Mandalay Elementary School in Wantagh recently produced dozens of holiday cards for older adults. Children gathered in the elementary school library on Dec. 9 to design the cards with seasonal images and personal messages.

Some Wantagh-Seaford business owners say they believe the indoor mask mandate issued by Gov. Kathy Hochul earlier this month is difficult to implement, and could steer patrons away from stores and restaurants.

Hochul’s mandate, which went into effect statewide Dec. 13, encompasses all indoor public spaces, including restaurants, offices, shopping centers, grocery stores, houses of worship and recreational spaces. Businesses and venues have the option of requiring proof of full vaccinated status instead of

masks, but are not allowed to mandate both, according to a New York state press release.

The mandate applies to employees and customers alike.

Those who implement the mask requirement are responsible for ensuring that all patrons older than 2 wear masks at all times, except when eating or drinking. For those who prefer a proof-of-vaccination requirement, anyone age 12 or older must be fully vaccinated, while children ages 2 to 5, who remain ineligible for vaccinations, must wear masks.

“The businesses have gone through enough,” said Nick Continued on page 14

Seaford man pleads not guilty to sharing explicit photos

By KAtE NAlEpiNsKi and MAlloRY WilsoN knalepinski@liherald.com

A Seaford man accused of sharing sexually explicit images and videos of more than a dozen underaged MacArthur High School alumnae with a pornographic website pleaded not guilty to the charges on Dec. 16.

Pat r i ck C a re y, 2 0 , w a s arraigned at the Nassau County Courthouse in Mineola before Judge Robert Bogle on an indictment that charged Carey with, among felonies and misdemeanors, the promotion of a sexual performance by a child. The arraignment was followed by a

news conference led by Assistant District Attorney Melissa Scannell.

More than 10 women contacted the Nassau County Police Department from January to September after they discovered images of themselves on the website, according to the indictment. Carey allegedly pulled images of as many as 50 women from their social media accounts and edited the photos to depict them performing sexual acts.

The photos were taken when the women were in high school and middle school, the indictment states. Allegedly altered by Carey, the photos also contained personal identifying informa-

tion, including full names, addresses and telephone numbers.

“The website in question is a pornographic website where the purpose is to collect images, [and] you gain sexual gratification from them,” Scannell said outside the courthouse last Thursday. “. . . These images are illicit. They weren’t consensually sent in.”

All 50 women who targeted had attended MacArthur High, in Levittown, along with Carey, Scannell said. The individuals in the altered photos varied in age from 14 to 19. All the victims are currently college-aged.

In a statement emailed to the

Herald on Dec. 17, Levittown district Superintendent Dr. Tonie McDonald said the district had been notified of the indictment that day. She also said that Carey had graduated in 2019.

“These allegations are serious and extremely disturbing,” McDonald’s statement read.

“The district will assist the Nassau County Police Department

and the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office in their investigations as needed. As this matter is being handled by law enforcement agencies, any questions should be directed to them.”

According to the indictment, some of the victims told police that they had received social media notifications that Carey Continued on page 10

1154110

December 23, 2021 — WANTAGH HERALD

2

Local vet memorialized at Point Preserve

WANTAGH HERALD — December 23, 2021

By Jill Nossa jnossa@liherald.com

In his retirement, Richard Doster dedicated his time to ensuring the trails were safe and clear for hikers at Garvies Point Museum and Preserve in Glen Cove. He spent so much time there, in fact, he had his own office in the red shed in front of the museum, a place he cherished until his death on May 1, 2020.

Last month, his longtime commitment to the preserve was recognized with a memorial service and bench dedication in his honor.

A resident of Wantagh, Doster volunteered for the Nassau County Department of Parks, Recreation and Museums, which includes Garvies Point Museum and Preserve, for more than 30 years, one of many of his active volunteer pursuits over the course of his lifetime. Doster served in the Korean War and was telephone lineman for 37 years.

He started volunteering with the Telephone Pioneers in 1972 and the Sagamore Life Member Club of the Paumanok Chapter of the Pioneers in 1996. He served as president of the club for 10 years and was the environmental project director, overseeing projects such as repairing bridges and maintaining trails at various North Shore preserves, including Tiffany Creek Preserve, Muttontown Preserve and Welwyn Preserve “The volunteer project closest to his heart was Garvies Point,” his daughter Linda Notarnicola said. “He was the project director for the restoration of the north pond, now referred to as Pioneer Pond, installed a new drainage system and overflow, built a teaching deck, cut new trails, bridged over wet areas, put up split rail fencing and maintained five miles of trails.”

Doster’s active volunteerism earned him the Volunteer of the Year award, Nassau County Senior Citizen of the Year award in 2003 and induction into the Pioneer Hall of Fame in 2010 – the most prestigious award bestowed upon a Pioneer, according to Notarnicola.

He was a member of the retiree Executive Board of CWA Local 1104, a supervisor of the Long Island Fair, and helped organize blood drives across Long Island. He not only organized the blood drives, but he also regularly donated blood, according to is daughter, which earned him membership in the Golden Donors. Doster’s volunteerism extended to helping those in need: he collected books for the veterans at Northport VA, clothing and food for the homeless, aluminum can tabs for a camp for children with kidney disease, collected eyeglasses for the needy, and delivered back packs with school supplies for needy children.

“He was just helpful,” Peter Notarnicola, Doster’s son-in-law, said. “When you needed help, he was there.”

When Doster died early on in the pandemic, the family was not able to give him a proper farewell.

“He was involved in so many organizations, and people couldn’t come to pay their respects,” Notarnicola said.

That’s where the Garvies Point

3

Photos courtesy Tony Gallego/Gill Associates

MeMBers of the Glen Cove American Legion Post 76 attended the memorial service for Richard Doster, who served in the Korean War. memorial came in. “The union wanted to donate money to a cause that my father felt strongly about,” Linda said.

“Garvies Point was his home away from home, so they decided to donate a tree.”

On Nov. 13, a memorial service took place in front of the museum, with family members, veterans and old friends and colleagues present. Linda and Peter planted a red oak tree donated by the in front of Garvies Point Museum, and the Pioneers donated a chainsaw carved bench made out of stumps. “The reason we chose that bench,” Linda said, “was because my dad’s job at Garvies Point was to go through the five miles of trails in the preserve and cut up any tree that had fallen down, and move them off the trails so the trails would be clear for people walking on them.”

The bench carved out of tree stumps is appropriate for that reason, she said.

“It has a lot of significance. On the bench, there are trees, so it has a powerful message.”

In addition to the tree, the CWA Local 1104 donated a plaque in Doster’s honor in the center circle over looking the red shed that served as Doster’s “office.” The Home Depot in Jericho donated all the plants, as the perennials that were planted there were out of season, Linda said.

Veronica Natale, director of Garvies Point Museum, said Doster was a reliable volunteer for more than 30 years.

“Dick maintained all five miles of our nature trails once a week and made it look easy,” Natale said. “He was a dedicated volunteer and always had a smile on his face. Dick’s personality can be summed up by his favorite coffee mug that reads, ‘The heart is happiest when it beats for others.’”

“Garvies Point was his home away from home, his little peace and quiet place, his go to happy place,” Linda said.

“No matter what the weather or occasion, my dad went to there weekly to take care of his trails.”

a veteraN saluted the memorial to Richard Doster, which includes a red oak tree, a bench and flowers. richard doster’s daughter Linda Notarnicola and his widow Joan stand behind the bench donated in Doster’s memory.

A “paw”sitive community impact in Wantagh Wantagh art students create pet portraits for Last Hope Animal Rescue By mAllory WIlsoN mwilson@liherald.com

Jaclyn Gentilesco, an art teacher in Wantagh Middle and High School, said that she’s always enjoyed completing community-based projects. As of last week, one of those projects can be spotted on the walls inside of the Starbucks cafe in the Willow Wood Shoppes in Wantagh.

Gentilesco had some of her high school students create portraits of the animals at Last Hope Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation in Wantagh in an effort to increase adoptions. Tenth graders in her art class selected the animal they wanted from a photo collection and created portraits using any medium they preferred.

As of last week, there were 40 portraits hanging in the cafe.

After the art teacher was sent images of some of Last Hope’s animals and she took her own pictures, students were able to select their photo as inspiration.

“They all know the animals by name,” Gentilesco said. “They’re really proud of it. Everyone’s really into it.”

Gentilesco said she wanted to display the portrait in a location with a lot of foot traffic. After speaking with a manager at the Starbucks on Wantagh Avenue, the portraits hit the wall.

“A lot of people go into the Starbucks,

Mallory Wilson/Herald

ForTy PorTrAITs oF animals up for adoption at Last Hope Animal Rescue were completed by Wantagh High School tenth-graders. the workers said it was one of the busiest ones,” Gentilesco said. “It’s where the kids go.”

The project began last year when she asked Wantagh Middle School and High School students to paint or draw por-

Serving Our Community with: • Funerals that are dignified, personalized and affordable • Pre-arrangement planning in your home or our office • Traditional Cremation options • Specialized in Veterans Benefits

traits of Last Hope pets awaiting adoption by using their photos as models.

Gentilesco then visited the shelter and placed each student’s artwork next to each pet’s cage in an effort to increase adoptions. When the animal was adopted, the portrait was given to the new owners as a keepsake.

Joanne Anderson, the outreach coordinator for the shelter, said the shelter is grateful for Gentilesco’s efforts: “It’s a great project. … the animals get adopted and the new owners get a nice portrait gift with it.” It was only last year that the new owners got the portraits. This year since the project grew, they will only be featured in the Starbucks.

Last year there were only about 14 portraits, but Gentilesco said that Anderson told her that a lot of the animals got adopted that had the portraits put on their cages.

The student-artists were receptive to the project, including Bethany Boland, a tenth grader at Wantagh High School.

She decided to illustrate Mooshie, a cat up for adoption at Last Hope.

“I chose Mooshie because she was so cute and I was drawn to her big beautiful eyes,” Boland said in a statement. “I liked that I could help raise awareness for the animals that need loving homes. I feel good that I could help get the animals adopted.”

“It feels good to give an animal a chance to be adopted,” Tenth grader Catherine Ibrahim said in a statement.

She painted a white and gray cat named Chase.

Tenth grader Brooke Minogue held a similar sentiment: “It felt good to know that people would see the animals and hopefully want to adopt them,” she said.

She painted a beagle named Droopy.

This isn’t the only community-based project that Gentilesco has taken on.

She’s asked students to take photos at Jones Beach State Park, and asked students to create artwork of the Jamaica train car at the Wantagh Museum.

Gentilesco said she appreciates the community’s support and believes that children should participate in as many community-based projects as possible to give back.

“I wanted to add more community projects [to the students curriculum],” Gentilesco said. “The kids love living in Wantagh. Their families live in Wantagh, their cousins live in Wantagh. It’s a special community.”

New Infections, Dec. 6 - Dec. 13 WANTAGH

EAST MEADOW

EAST ISLIP

603 Wantagh Avenue (516) 731-5550

2515 N. Jerusalem Rd. (516) 826-1010

62 Carleton Avenue (631) 581-2828

_________________

152

1155073

WANTAGH ________________

HERALD

CommuNITy uPDATE

Total Infections as of Dec. 13 3,145

GUTTER clEaninG SERVicES SERV

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/wantagh ■ E-mAIl: Letters and other submissions: wantagheditor@liherald.com ■ EDITorIAl DEPArTmENT: Ext. 287 E-mail: wantagheditor@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 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: $50 for 1 year within Nassau County. Out of Nassau County: $60 for 1 year. Copyright © 2021 richner Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.

Licensed & insured • Nassau #H3900090000 • Suffolk #36220-H

1155089

December 23, 2021 — WANTAGH HERALD

4

WANTAGH HERALD — December 23, 2021

1153649

5

December 23, 2021 — HERALD

6

7

1154544

HERALD — December 23, 2021

(516) 253-0124 info@NCChambers.org www.NCChambers.org

December 23, 2021 — WANTAGH HERALD

8

events and activities

community update Thursday, Dec. 23

contact the office at (516) 785-2445 or email mahjonggcbt@yahoo.com.

Proof of Covid-19 vaccination is required and masks must be worn to enter the building. A contribution of $5 per person is required.

Ugly Christmas sweater party Join Mulcahy’s at 3232 Railroad Ave., in Wantagh for their annual ugly Christmas sweater party starting at 9 p.m. Ugliest sweater wins a T.V. For tickets visit https://muls.com/events.

Friday, Dec. 31

Friday, Dec. 24

New Years Eve Ring in the New Year at Mulcahy’s.

Doors open at 8 p.m. and there will be an open bar and buffet from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m. For tickets visit https://muls. com/events

Tiny tots Join the Jones Beach Energy and Nature Center for a tiny tots program with the theme of snow from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. The center is located at West End 2, 150 Bay Pkwy.., in Wantagh. 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.

LI Rewind The band LI Rewind will be playing at Sunset Grill at 4068 Sunrise HWY., IN Seaford starting at 9 p.m.

NYE family skate

Saturday, Dec. 25 Christmas skate jam Join United Skates at 1276 Hicksville Rd., in Seaford from 9 to 11 p.m. for a Christmas skate. $10 admission includes skate rental.

Herald File Photo

art with amy Grades 1 though 5 can join the Seaford Public Library and Amy for art live 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. To register visit the library website.

Join United Skates at 1276 Hicksville Rd., in Seaford from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. to a family NYE skate. Admission will include skate rental, unlimited pizza, unlimited soda, glow necklace, chips, cookies, a dance party and a mock count down to the new year. Call (516) 795-5474 to make a reservation.

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

Sunday, Dec. 26 Post Christmas pub crawl Join Mulcahy’s at 3232 Railroad Ave., in Wantagh for their annual post Christmas pub crawl starting at 4 p.m.

Searano and Smitty will be playing at 5:30 p.m.. There will be a 50/50 raffle and drink specials. Proceeds benefit the Lustgarten Foundation.

l l l l l

Monday, Dec. 27 Mad science Ages 6 through 12 can join the Jones Beach Energy and Nature Center for a session featuring a wild new experiment investigating the science behind circuits, owl pellets and more. The center is located at West End 2, 150 Bay Pkwy., in Wantagh. 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.

Tuesday, Dec. 28 Trolls skate Join United Skates at 1276 Hicksville Rd., in Seaford from 3 to 5 p.m. for a

Trolls best friends skate. To purchase tickets visit https://www.eventbrite. com/e/winter-break-public-skate-united-skates-tickets-223448920737.

Wednesday, Dec. 29 Yoga Join Vicky at the Wantagh Public Library from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. for yoga in the community room. Bring a yoga mat, 3 thick blankets, 2 yoga blocks and a yoga belt. For more info and to register visit http://www.eventkeeper.com/mars/xpages/W/WANTAGH/ekpmonth.cfm?curOrg=WANTAGH.

Thursday, Dec. 30 Snowy owl pinecones Join the Jones Beach Energy and Nature Center for a cabin fever craft from 10:30 a.m to 12 p.m. Families of all ages can take home a custom canvas tote, make a beautiful bookmark, and more during this craft series. The center is located at West End 2, 150 Bay Pkwy.., in Wantagh.

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.

Weekly Mahjong and Cards The Juliets are playing Mahjong and cards at Congregation Beth Tikvah at 3710 Woodbine Ave., in Wantagh from noon to 4 p.m. For more information

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

The Jones Beach Magic of Lights show will run through January 2.

Check out Mulchay’s events at https://muls.com/events.

Don’t forget to check out all of the events that the Wantagh and Seaford libraries offer.

Check out skating events at United Skates of America in Seaford at https://www.unitedskates.com/.

Sensory Beans in Seaford has events coming up. Check it out: https://www.sensorybeans.org/events-1

9

WANTAGH HERALD — December 23, 2021

Happy Holidays!

Health In The New Year!

For All Your Real Estate Needs Call On Me!

Courtesy Harry Loud

Chief Kelly gave orders to the arriving Wantagh units as a fire burned through the roof at 228 Wantagh Ave. in Levittown earlier this month.

Levittown house set aflame: No major injuries reported

By Kate NalepiNsKi knalepinski@liherald.com

Gray smoke billowed out of the house at 228 Wantagh Ave. in Levittown earlier this month after a fire broke out in the upper section of the home, according to Wantagh Fire Department officials.

The Wantagh Fire Department was alerted of a house fire at the home at approximately 1:50 p.m. on Dec. 10, officials said. Safety officer and Ex-Captain Dan Brandon was first to arrive at the scene and confirmed the fire was near the top of the home and heavy smoke was on the second floor. All stations in the Wantagh district then responded to the fire.

Engine 2, led by Captain Finocchio, arrived at the scene first to help attack the flames on the second floor. Crews from Engine 5 and Engine 7, led by Captains

Francine Basse

Licensed Real Estate Salesperson Douglas Elliman Real Estate

Mobile 516-972-0880 Office 516-795-3456 Francine.Basse @elliman.com

1154766

Errico and Seier respectively, stretched an additional hose line to the second floor of the home.

The Bethpage, Levittown and North Bellmore Fire Departments also responded to the fire, while Seaford and Bellmore were on standby if additional assistance was needed.

The fire was extinguished in roughly 25 minutes. Units remained on-site until about 4 p.m. The Nassau County Fire Marshals Office and Nassau County Police Arson and Bomb Squad investigated the scene. The fire does not appear suspicious at this time.

One individual was evaluated at the scene for a minor injury. They refused further medical treatment. There were no additional injuries reported to fire department personnel.

Wishing Everyone a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

Support your Local Small Businesses !

TOM McKEVITT

516-571-6213

516-679-0100 1154473

NASSAU COUNTY LEGISLATURE 1550 FRANkLIN AvE, MINEOLA, NY 11501

Follow us on Facebook

1155091

Legislator, District 13

20-year-old arraigned, back in court Jan. 4 had taken screenshot images of some of the altered photos.

“These young women are the unsung heroes of this case,” Scannell said during the news conference. “. . . They were getting these filthy messages, and they took it upon themselves to figure out where they were coming from, and to reach out to the police and to advocate for themselves and to give us the evidence we need to hold him accountable.”

Scannell explained that during examination, police determined that the majority of the posts containing images of the victims allegedly came from three specific Patrick usernames on the website, which posted over 1,200 images from August 2019 to September 2021.

“These are images of these young women — just them being girls,” Scannell said. “It was images of them at cheerleading, it was them smiling at the beach. They were just living their lives.”

On the website, Carey also encouraged other users to harass the victims, including sending them “lurid images, videos and sexual threats,” according to a news release. Scannell said there was as yet no known motive for Carey’s

alleged actions.

“He really put a lot of young women in extreme danger by sharing them all over the world,” she added.

Acting Nassau County District Attorney Joyce Smith said the “deepfake” images were posted online for strangers’ gratification. “His depravity deepened when he allegedly shared the victims’ personal identifying information . . . [and] encouraged site visitors to harass and threaten the women with sexual violence,” Smith said of Carey in a news release.

Carey was arrested on Sept. 5. He was indicted by a g rand jury on Nov. 23.

According to a news release, carey he was arraigned on two counts of promoting a sexual performance by a child, possessing a sexual performance by a child, seconddegree aggravated harassment as a hate crime and second-degree stalking, all felonies, as well as 10 counts of seconddegree aggravated harassment, 10 counts of third-degree stalking, three counts of harassment and endangering the welfare of a child.

If convicted of the top charge, Carey could face up to 14 years in prison and be labeled a registered sex offender. His bail

RecRuiting a great team is Really simple.

Mallory Wilson/Herald

Patrick carey, 20 of Seaford, left the Nassau County Courthouse in Mineola on Dec. 16 after pleading not guilty to an indictment. was set at $50,000 bond, $25,000 cash and $150,000 partially secured bond. Carey currently has 14 orders of protection filed against him.

Prosecutors said there may be other

victims. Anyone who believes they may have been victimized by Carey is encouraged to call the Nassau County district attorney’s office, at (516) 571-2553.

Carey is due back in court Jan. 4.

WORK WO W O From F m Frrrooom

HOME HO H OM M O

We HiRe tHe Best

a growing multi media company Based in garden city is Hiring:

Seeking Seasonal Tax Help

• Receptionist • Human Resource Director • Reporter/Editor • Sales • Multi Media Coordinator • Drivers • Pressman/Press Helper

Accounting experience required All training and equipment provided Summers and holiday season off

Contact Alexza Eugene 516-789-2319 or aeugene@uhy-us.com

to join our team, please email your resume to careers@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 Ext #235

1155187

continued from front page

1154219

December 23, 2021 — WANTAGH HERALD

10

11

WANTAGH HERALD — December 23, 2021

*The Doral

Live your Best Life in the Best Place to Live Plainview voted the best place to live on Long Island by Money Magazine The Premier Condominium Collection at Country Pointe Plainview offers a distinctly unique living experience on Long Island.

Remarkable single-level residences that cater to today’s modern lifestyle with carefree living and an array of amenities & services, including a 29,000-square-foot Clubhouse.

*The Doral Study

The tax bills for Nassau County schools have been released and the numbers are incredible for new construction!

Call today to learn more about how you can start living your best life with lower taxes.

Priced from $760,000 to over $1,000,000 S ales Galler y Open Daily 10am — 5pm One Charles B Wang Blvd. Plainview, NY 11803

*The Essington Master Bedroom

B E E C H WO O D H O M E S.

516.619.8135

*Prices, taxes and availability subject to change without notice. The complete terms are in offering plans available from the Sponsors File No. CD16-0218, CD16-0219, CD16-0342, CD16-0343, CD16-0348 and CD17-0106. *Actual onsite photos. Equal housing opportunity.

1154917

*The Cambridge Kitchen

Merry Christmas, from St. William the Abbot “…you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.”

Greetings and Christmas blessings to you all from St. William the Abbot Catholic Church in Seaford! It has certainly been a challenging couple of years for us on the South Shore of Long Island – but Hope is embedded into the DNA and foundation of who we are. As we prepare our hearts and homes for the coming of the Christ child, so often we return to simpler times. Memories of gathering as family at our grandparents’ home, Christmas carols in the neighborhood, hosting Christmas Eve or Christmas Day – this truly is the most wonderful time of the year! The sights, sounds, and smells of our past come back – the nostalgia of “Christmases – long, long ago.” But at the core of it all is the birth of a Child, the Son of God born to the young girl, Mary of Nazareth – and the world would be forever changed.

In the busyness of this season, I invite you to slow down and take a personal inventory of your life, family, and loved ones – and ask yourself what has been missing? The last thing we need is more screen time – social media, national news outlets, video games or Netflix series – these are “supposed” to keep us more connected, but we know that never in the history of the world has humanity been more isolated and alone. The Incarnation – where the God of ‘way up there’

comes to us and lives among us is a mis- ing human dignity and common courtesion of presence. Jesus does not shy sy? Those virtues and values have been away from our messiness and imperfec- replaced with a spirit of, “it’s my world tions but desires to enter in. The Human and you live in it – so do not inconveExperience will always lead to communi- nience me.” I too can get caught up in the whirlwind. ty, family, and relationship.

My friends, in our comWhen we choose to open mon humanity it cannot be ourselves up to a personal that way for us – especially relationship, we show a willif you identify yourself as a ingness to reveal our own believer in the Baby from baggage and accept other Bethlehem. May I invite you people’s limitations. Jesus to carve out some time this was born into a family – the week to gather with your Holy Family. His family was family and return to your blended, filled with disruphouse of Worship. To honor tion and movement, developGod, but also to reconnect ing amid political conflict, with community, express financial insecurity, and an gratitude, and dialogue with uncertain future. Sound God regarding your blessfamiliar? ather oseph ings and challenges. Trust What has always resonatme you will not be disaped with me about the Holy itzgerald pointed whether at St. WilFamily (Jesus, Mary, and liam or the many local faith Joseph) was that they were communities all are preparnever referred to as “the perfect family.” For us in our humanity, ing for the arrival of “your” Holy Family. we know that perfection is unattainable, If it has been a long time, let this be the but with God’s grace and help, our fami- sign or the voice you have been waiting lies, our community, and ourselves can for – come home. Maybe you have driven all move towards holiness. Holiness calls by our church or others and said, us to live different than what the world “they’re all hypocrites in there.” My presents as normal. Have you observed response would be no – we are just sinhow people drive today? How they inter- ners in need of a savior. The very promact with check-out clerks and sales asso- ise of the angels in the Gospel: “I prociates at the grocery and department claim to you good news … that will be for stores? Whatever happened to recogniz- all the people… today in the city of

Guest Column

F

F

J

David a savior has been born for you who is Christ and Lord.” That same promise is offered to us today. May the light, hope, peace, and love of Christ dwell with you and your family, our world, and our nation. Merry Christmas.

Father Joseph H. Fitzgerald

h.

1155084

December 23, 2021 — WANTAGH HERALD

12

Neighbors iN the News

13

Garden City Antiques and Fine Arts Limited

HIGHEST PRICES PAID!!!

ANTIQUES WANTED:

Wantagh library has reopened T h e Wa n t a g h P u b l i c L i b r a r y reopened Dec. 11 after it closed in late October for maintenance. The library had extensive building projects completed on-site, including HVAC replacement, installation of a new air filtration system and ceiling, and fire and electrical infrastructure updates. In-person programming resumed Dec. 13.

“While most of the work completed is behind the scenes maintenance, the new ceiling offers a bright fresh look to the library,” Shannon Marchese, the library director said in a statement. “[We are] looking forward to seeing the Wantagh Community back at the library.”

The library has some health-focused

programming coming up that residents can take part in. On Dec. 16, the library will host a heart and health mobile unit with help from Congressman Andrew Garbarino, Councilman Chris Carini, and Le gislator Steve Rhoads. The mobile unit offers flu shots, Covid-19 vaccinations, antibody testing and physical examinations.

Other fun events include a family winter cookie challenge Dec. 18, a Times Square New Year’s Eve history lesson on Dec. 22 and teen trivia on Dec. 27.

The sessions are open to the public. For more information on programs and to register, go online to: https://www.wantaghlibrary.org/programs-events-2/.

News brief Collection boxes for tornadoes victims The Town of Hempstead has set up collection boxes at Hempstead Town Hall and other municipal buildings located throughout the area to collect items for the victims in Kentucky, Tennessee, Illinois, Arkansas and Missouri who lost their homes from the tornadoes.

“My heart goes out to all of the families who lost loved ones this past weekend,” Supervisor Don Clavin said. “The Town of H e m p s t e a d h a s a lw ay s Don stepped up to help people in need across our nation and t h r o u g h o u t t h e w o rl d .

Today, we are calling on town residents to help provide essential supplies to people who lost so much during these devastating storms.”

Items such as bottled water, laundry

detergent, dish soap, hand sanitizer, diapers, baby wipes, paper towels, first aid kits, baby formula, garbage bags, towels, blankets, pillows, work gloves, safety glasses and extension cords will be collected through Dec. 31.

There will be boxes stationed at Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington St., Hempstead; Old Town Hall, 350 Front St., Hempstead; t h e H e m p s t e a d Tow n Receiver of Taxes Office, 200 North Franklin St., HempClavin stead; and Echo Park, 399 Nassau Blvd., West Hempstead.

“We are confident that Town of Hempstead residents will come through for their fellow Americans during this difficult time,” Clavin added.

Cal will cloamnd I your ho e to Immed use iately!

Call for a FREE PRICE QUOTE Sterling Silver: All Flatware: Wallace, Tiffany, Gorham, Georg Jensen, etc. Tea Sets and Serving Pieces Diamonds • Jewelry • Watches Certified GIA Gemologist on premises Thank you for all your years of trust

We Specialize in Mid Century Modern Furniture and Asian Antiques

516-524-6000 www.gardencityantiques.com

1154639

Herald file photo

The WanTagh PubliC Library reopened after undergoing building maintenance.

• Old Oil Paintings Carved Furniture • Oriental Rugs • Chandeliers • Clocks • Marble & Bronze Statues • Bric-A-Brac • Mid Century Furniture

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

WANTAGH HERALD — December 23, 2021

rs 35 Yeagrity e Of Int

December 23, 2021 — WANTAGH HERALD

14

Shops reflects on reinstated mask mandate continued from front page Bilotta, Seaford Chamber of Commerce president. “I don’t think businesses should be responsible for policing people.” Individuals should decide if they want to wear a mask, he said.

Mike Glavatovic, owner of Gusto Divino Trattoria, on Sunrise Highway in Seaford, agreed, saying that the new mandate was hurting his business by keeping customers away. “Some customers see the sign and don’t want to come in and put on a mask,” Glavatovic said. While others don’t mind the mandate, he said has noticed that some people become visibly upset when they are asked to wear masks. He added that he didn’t believe the mandate was necessary.

Violating the mandate or related guidance can result in a maximum fine of $1,000 per violation, state Health Commissioner Mary Bassett said in a press release.

That’s part of the reason Gusto Divino is following the new regulations, Glavatovic said.

On Dec 10, Hochul announced that the purpose of the new mandate was to protect the health of New Yorkers given the rise in the number of cases of Covid-19, reduced hospital capacity and low vaccination rates in some counties around the state. “We shouldn’t have reached the point where we are confronted with a winter surge, especially with the vaccine at our disposal,” Hochul stated in a press release, “and I share many New Yorkers’ frustration that we are not past this pandemic yet.”

As more people gathered, shopped and traveled to holiday destinations, and as the Omicron variant of the coronavirus spread rapidly, cases in New York State reached a record high two days in a row last weekend.

In recent weeks, the hospitalization rate in Nassau County has increased by 54 percent, and the number of

Kate Nalepinski/Herald

soMe Businesses in the area plan to reluctantly enforce the indoor mask mandate, including Lifestyle Sports in Wantagh. cases by 94 percent, according to Dec. 19 data from The New York Times. The test positivity rate was 6 percent as of Dec. 19. Nassau maintains one of the highest vaccination rates in the country, with 76 percent of residents fully vaccinated.

Andrew Kruter, Manager of Lifestyle Sports in Want-

agh, called the new mask mandate “ridiculous.” “Having everyone wearing masks, in my opinion, is not going to benefit anyone,” Kruter said.

All Lifestyle Sports employees are vaccinated, he said.

Despite his feelings, the store will follow the mandate, and patrons who enter without masks will be asked to put them on. But Kruter said he would not force those who object to put on a mask or prohibit them from shopping in the store.

The mandate has left business owners in a tough situation: obey the mask requirements and potentially lose customers, or risk state-issued fines. “To be honest, I don’t know what to do,” said Vincent Luna, who opened Vincent’s Steakhouse in Wantagh two months ago. He said he had already noticed a decrease in business since cases began trending upwards a few weeks ago. “It’s my first restaurant,” Luna said, “so to lose business, for me, it’s huge right now.”

He said he initially considered checking patrons’ proof of vaccination status at the door instead of asking them to wear masks, but decided it wasn’t the right fit for his restaurant. He still struggles to persuade diners to wear masks when they enter, and when getting up from their tables to use the restrooms.

“We live in a free country, I hope,” Luna said. “I don’t want to bother other people or get them angry.” He wants to comply with the law, but worries that he is pressuring customers with the mask requirement, and ultimately steering them away.

“It’s tough for me, because I don’t want my business to be affected by people being bothered by me,” he said.

“But I’ve got to make sure everyone is safe inside.”

The state is expected to reassess the mask mandate on Jan. 15.

Holiday spirit with a dash of giving back

By Mallory Wilson mwilson@liherald.com

Ron Vecchio, 50, never thought he would decorate his house much for Christmas. But over the course of about 20 years, the decorations just multiplied, he said. Some old, some new, some bought and some created, the decor comes in all shapes and sizes. Now, his house at 2505 Woodland Ave., in Wantagh has become a crowd favorite.

“The kids love it,” Vecchio, 50, said.

“It’s something that they’re always going to remember.”

But the effort doesn’t just stop there – he’s made sure to give back to the community through his holiday fun. For the past five or so years, he has collected money for the Wantagh Special Education Parent-Teachers Association.

The Wantagh resident since 1999 has about 16 inflatable decorations, a faux snow machine, a Santa projector and thousands of lights. His son Aidan, 17, usually helps him decorate the outside, while his wife Christina and daughter Hayley, 20, decorate inside of the house.

It’s hard to even count the total number of extension cords that are outside the home, Vecchio said.

His son Grayson, 5, who has down syndrome and Autism, is the reason why the family chose to donate to Wantagh SETPA. Grayson is in the special education program at Mandalay Elementary School.

Courtesy Ron Vecchio

The house on Woodland Avenue has 16 or so blow-ups and thousands of lights.

“Ever since we had Grayson, we’ve been donating for him,” Vecchio said. “We donate to whatever school he is in at the time.”

Wantagh SEPTA representatives were overjoyed that the family chose to donate to them.

“We’re very grateful and pleasantly surprised that they picked us as the recipient,” Debbie Derupo, the responding secretary for SEPTA said. “We hope we can use the money to help more in the com-

munity.”

Any money donated to SEPTA goes to scholarships for students who have been in special education programs or students who have helped those in that program.

Donations could also help fund teacher grants, family activities, or pay for Wantagh SEPTA meeting guest speakers.

Money is collected in a little mailbox at the end of the driveway. Vecchio said he goes through it at the end of every day.

The box has been out since the beginning

of December and the money will be collected until the beginning of January.

Vecchio said he loves all of his decorations equally, but he might be partial to his snow dispenser machine, or the Santa Claus in the house’s upstairs window.

Most of his decor is from online stores or created from pieces he’s found.

“It’s amazing what you can do with PVC and red duc tape,” he said. “I’ve made candy canes with them and I’ve made lanterns.”

The day after Thanksgiving, Vecchio begins to convert his house. It takes him about a week to put up all the decorations.

He begins the dismantling process on Jan. 1.

“My kids ask practically every night if they can go see Santa in the window,” Dawn Cavallo, a Wantagh neighbor, said.

“They love that and the snow.”

Cavallo and her children Noelle, 4 and Abrielle, 2, live down the street and have stopped by the home every season for about three years. “I love seeing the decorations,” Cavallo said. “We decorate but not nearly as much as he does.”

Vecchio said the neighbors have always been positive about the display; many of them look forward to it. As Christmas nears, traffic tends to accumulate near the house, he said.

Next year, Vecchio said he wants to expand his decorating efforts even more.

The plan is to take over the driveway and create a little spot for Santa to stop by.

Buy 1, Gift 1 FREE!

15

WANTAGH HERALD — December 23, 2021

Renew or subscribe today and get a

FREE Gift Subscription

to give to a friend, family member or neighbor!

Four quarterly payments of only

BEST DEAL

$9.75

Auto-Pay. $39* per year *Outside Nassau County $15 per quarter

One-Time Payment

$50† per year

†Outside Nassau County $60.

All rates based on Auto Pay. One time payment by check or credit card is $50. Cannot be combined with any other offers. Gift subscription valid for one year and must be within Nassau County.

Order online at

www.liherald.com/subscribe or call 516-569-4000 press 7 use promo code: CHEER21

Support Local News

Stay connected with the community and support local journalism.

1153539

Please consider supporting this local newspaper by making a donation.

An invaluable investment in one of your community’s most trusted institutions. www.liherald.com/local

1153866

December 23, 2021 — WANTAGH HERALD

16

17

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.

Malverne UFSD Long Island, New York

Security Guards

CLEANER M-F Full Time, Day and Evening Shifts Available

$19.37/Hour.

Required: NYS Certification w/security photo ID

Contractual Salary/Benefits

Applications may be picked up at:

Assistant Superintendent for Personnel & Administration

ADMINISTRATIVE CLERK FT:

Established Envelope Company. Excellent Phone/ MS Office/ Email/ Internet Skills. Handle Mail/ Filing.

Colleen 516-244-8444 Email Resume Bruce At bruced@themercurycompanies.com

ADMINISTRATIVE

Richner Communications - a rapidly growing multimedia company and publishers of the Herald newspaper group has several administrative job openings: Receptionist (F/T), Accounts Receivable/Billing Collections Clerk Multi-Media Coordinator (Hours Flexible) Qualified candidates are fast learners with good organizational and people skills - entry level ok.

Role requires working knowledge of Microsoft Office and ability to learn custom software programs.

If you would like to join a communitydriven, fast-paced environment, please send your resume to: careers@liherald.com.

CAREGIVERS With Elderly P/T Shifts Available Experience Required

Driver a Plus

CALL AGENCY

516-328-7126

CASHIER/ STOCK PERSON FT

Energetic Person Needed For MultiTasked Position. Cashier & Stock Shelves For Busy Grocery Store In West Hempstead. Answer Phones, Take Ord e r s . W i l l Tr a i n . C a l l S t e v e n 516-509-6595

Malverne Union Free School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

IVERS BUS DR TED WAN

A Growing Multi Media Company Based in Garden City Is Hiring: • Receptionist • Human Resource Director • Reporter/Editor • Sales • Multi Media Coordinator • Drivers • Pressman/Press Helper

CIRCULATION ASSOCIATE Full Time/Part Time DoN’T MISS The Bus! Richner Communications, publisher NEW of Herald community newspapers STARTING SAlARIES has an excellent opportunity for a FT/PT Customer Service Clerk in Big Bus Van our busy Circulation Department. $26.18/hr. $23.41/hr.

Basic customer service and administrative responsibilities include: Non-Benefit Rate Non-Benefit Rate heavy computer work, answering Sign On Bonus $2,500.00 for CDL driver bus and van phones, making phone calls, enter$500.00 for non CDL drivers. Will train qualified applicants *Some restrictions may apply. ing orders, faxing, filing, etc.

STRONG knowledge of EXCEL a EDUcATIoNAl BUS TRANSpoRTATIoN must! Knowledge of DATABASE 5th_floor • Clients • m-Clients • Malverne • 43670 Malverne Richner Communications maintenance or postal regulations a 516.454.2300 3.125x 3" Richner Communications big plus. Qualified Candidates must PRESS-ROOM/WAREHOUSE HELP be computer literate, able to multiLong Island Herald has IMMEDIATE opentask, dependable, reliable, orgaHUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR ings for a FULL-TIME Pressroom/warenized, energetic, detail orientated Richner Communications is looking for a house helper in Garden City. We are a and able to work well under deadhands-on Human Resources professional busy print shop looking for a motivated and lines. For consideration, please to oversee all HR functions on a strategic reliable individuals to assist in various dusend resume & salary requirements and tactical level. Exciting opportunity to ties in the shop. Forklift experience is a to: careers@liherald.com join a dynamic and expanding Garden City, plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours Long Island media company. This position vary, so flexibility is key. has a flexible schedule, part-time job share Email resumes or contact info to DELI COUNTER AND PREP PERSON would be considered. careers@liherald.com Full Time And Part Time. Weekends A Responsibilities: Talent acquisition: Must. Experienced. Long Beach. Call Source, screen, and interview potential Long Island, New York 516-431-5515 candidates and manage new employee onboarding Benefits administration: Liaise with brokers, providers and facilitate enrollment and updating of coverage. Manage Richner Communications has openings annual open enrollment and employee Full Time and Part Time for Outside Sales Executives to Sell benefits review. Administration of 401(k) Positions Available!

Digital and Print advertising plan. Employee relations: Provide day- toBusy Print Shop in Garden City Service and sell both existing day support and problem resolution in reand developing new business. is Hiring Immediately for gards to employee concerns, questions If you have the desire to succeed in our Full Time and Part Time Drivers. and policy issues. Performance managefast paced business and are Must Have a Clean License and ment: Coach, counsel and recommend dismotivated, dependable, have strong ciplinary actions Compliance: Maintain inBoxTruck Driving Experience. communication skills and can manage depth knowledge of legal requirements reHours Vary, your own time, We would lated to day-to-day management of emNight Availability is a Must. like to hear from you! ployees, reducing legal risk and ensuring Please Email Resume to Base salary with commission plan. Paid regulatory compliance Payroll: Process biehecker@liherald.com or sick/personal days, vacation and paid weekly payroll through payroll vendor for Call (516)569-4000 x239 holidays. Sales experience is a plus but population of 150 employees Requirewe will train the right person to learn the ments: Bachelor's degree, preferably in industry. business or HR, or equivalent experience email resume to Minimum 5 years HR generalist experience EDITOR/REPORTER careers@liherald.com Knowledge of Federal, State & Local reguThe award-winning Herald Community lations governing employment Experience Newspapers group, covering Nassau with payroll processing Self-motivated, County's North and South Shores with TAX PREPARER P/T Franklin Square Malverne Union Free School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ability to prioritize and work well under hard-hitting news stories and gracefully Experience Needed. Retirees Welcome. pressure Customer-focused attitude, with written features, seeks a motivated, enC a l l 5 1 6 - 3 5 8 - 9 4 5 5 Fa x R e s u m e high level of professionalism and discretion Situations Wanted ergetic and creative editor/reporter to 516 358-9483. Email Resume: One phone call, one Excellent oral and written communication join our dynamic (and awesome) team! ed@loturco.com. order, one heck of a and quantitative skills Proficiency with MiThis education and general assignment ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Looking crosoft Office Qualified candidates should good price to run your reporting position offers a unique experiFor A Job Part Time Starting Immediately.

TELEMARKETER PART TIME submit a resume and cover letter to: ad in any state, or ence to learn from some of the best in Experienced. Rockville Centre. Jacqueline Needed For Insurance Office. careers@liherald.com. the business. Historically, reporters who across the country.

516-536-6994 Must Be Experienced have launched their careers with us Call 516-724-0636 Call the have gone on to The New York Times, LADY LOOKING FOR Job As Aide For USA Classified Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Older Person Or Cleaning, Cooking For Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, Family. Also Man Wants Job As HandyHealth Care/Opportunities Network NBC News and The Daily Mail, among man. Call 516-354-6280 Or 516-503-5001 MEDICAL ASSISTANT/RECEPTIONIST today! many others. We look for excellent writF/T. Previous Experience a Must With Why Not Print ers who are eager to learn, enhance WE HAVE THE HELP Patient Check In, Collecting Copays, their skills, and become well-established Verifying Insurance, Filing, EMR, and YOU NEED!!! and respected journalists in our industry.

Appointment Scheduling. Back Duties HHA's, LPN's, Nurse's Aides To apply: Send a brief summary in the Include Taking Vitals, Draw Blood, EKG's form of a cover letter describing your caand Prep Room For Doctoer. Good Phone Childcare. Housekeeping • Eco friendly facility 5th_floor • Clients • m-Clients • Malverne • 42194 Malverne Richner reer goals and what strengths you can • Environmentally and Computer Skills. A Must. Located in choose safe soy based inks Day Workers bring to our newsroom, along with a re3.125x 3" Richner Communications • Recycled paper Island Park. Call Jim Mgr. 516-670-8800.

No Fee To Employers • Help reduce the sume and three writing samples to Pg 2 Cleaners or Fax Resume to 516-670-8809. email carbon footprint Printing Services sbrinton@liherald.com Evon's Svces: 516-505-5510 wolfie65@verizon.net.

Call Lou today at 516-569-4000 ext 223

To join our team, please email your resume to careers@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 Ext #235

Malverne UFSD

Sales Executives

DRIVERS WANTED

Outside Sales

Part-Time Cleaner Various Shifts $16.00/Hour.

Requirements: NYS Fingerprint Clearance Email or mail copy of resume to:

dlawlor@malverneschools.org Human Resources, Administration Building 301 Wicks Lane, Malverne, NY 11565

1154357

Help Wanted

WE HIRE THE BEST

1153867

EMPLOYMENT

1154448

One Kent Rd. Valley Stream, NY 11580

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

1155312

Response due by January 4, 2022 sent to: Mr. Cliff Odell

FAX: 516-872-5689

RECRUITING A GREAT TEAM IS REALLY SIMPLE.

1128595

VALLEY STREAM CENTRAL SCHOOLS

WANTAGH HERALD — December 23, 2021

HERALD

1-800-231-6152

RICHNER

Communica

Can I overload my balcony?

Homes

HERALD

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

HOME Of tHE WEEK

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

Q. I live in an apartment building with balconies, and wonder if you can tell me if there’s any way to know how many people I can have on my balcony at one time. This is the first time I’m having family and friends over for a party, and during the holidays I want to be sure they’ll be safe. Also, the railings have spaces between them, and I’m very concerned about the children who will be at the party. Is there a way to know whether I should restrict the balcony to adults, or just not use it at all? What’s the rule of thumb?

Malverne

Exceptional Brick Colonial

E

xceptional center hall brick Colonial in the heart of Malverne! This beautiful home features an entry foyer with French doors, center hallway with coat closet, oversized formal living room with wood burning fireplace, formal dining room, large eat-in-kitchen, family room and powder room on main floor. There is a large primary bedroom with alcove, two additional bedrooms and full bath on 2nd floor. You will love the large yard, brand new roof and so much more.

Asking $849,000

A. Good question!

The answer requires a number of other questions to be asked and answered to determine how concerned you should be about safety.

Consider that newer buildings were constructed with more stringent requirements, while older buildings may have maintenance issues — especially buildings nearer to the onte eeper ocean — and may not have been repaired for decades. So age and location need to be known.

If you know that your building has been well maintained, age may not be as much of a concern.

Other than unusual items like cars and swimming pools, one of the heaviest things that buildings are designed for is paper, in filing cabinets and bookshelves, so libraries need to be extra strong to hold such extreme loads as large racks, shelves and stacks of books and papers. The required load design for balconies is the same as libraries: 100 pounds per square foot.

Balconies have to not only hold the weight of people, but also carry their own weight, and heavy snow or ice, combined with high winds, without buckling. Typically, people gathering on a balcony should be similar to people gathering in the living room inside, and it’s rare to see people packed together in such a limited space without breathing room. You should use common sense, and social distancing would mean that you could limit people to being within a foot or so apart if you choose.

Again, it’s rare to see people jammed into such a tight space, but that can happen if everyone rushes out to see something going on outside, like a fireworks display, for example. The safety factor of 100 pounds per square foot will generally hold, but only if the other maintenance conditions are met.

Ask The Architect

M

“Going Above & Beyond to find your Dream Home”

Rhonda Healy

M: (516) 236-7269

HEWLETT BAY PARK

Verdeschi & Walsh Realty 1025 W. Beech St. | Long Beach, NY

OneKey Multiple Listing Service

1154307

Real Estate Salesperson, abR, SRS E: Rhonda.Healy.VW@gmail.com

REAL ESTATE Open Houses EAST ROCKAWAY NEW EXCLUSIVE! 4 BR, 1.5 Bth Well Maintained Colonial in SD#20(Lynbrook). LR/Fpl, FDR, Den & Gran/Wood EIK. Fin Bsmt Att Garage.HW Flrs, CAC, Roof 5 Yrs. Must See!....$749,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299 HEWLETT BA 1534 Broadway #103, BRAND NEW GUT RENOVATION! Spacious 2 BR, 2 Bth Condo in Luxurious Jonathan Hall. LR/DR Opens Into Large Gran/Wood EIK w/ Island & Stainless Steel Appl. Laundry Rm, & Pantry. Mstr Ste Boasts New Bath & Huge Walk in Closet.

Terrace Facing into Courtyard. Doorman Bldg with Elevator. Indoor Garage Pkg & Storage...$850,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299

Ronnie Gerber 516-238-4299 OPEN HOUSES SUNday 12/26/21

1155246

Joseph DeVito Licensed R.E. Salesperson M 917.226.3732 O 516.669.3700 304 Merrick Road Rockville Centre, NY 11570

1155147

December 23, 2021 — HERALD

18

Open Houses HEWLETT BAY PARK BA,, 40 Heron Dr, REDUCED!!10,000 Sq Ft Waterfront Proper ty on an Acre of Parklike Grounds Tucked away in Cul de Sac. 5 BR, 5.5 Bth Contemporary. Soaring Ceilings. IG Pool, Hot Tub. 285' Vinyl Bulkhead Raised & Redone. Dock.3 Car Garage...$3,499,000 R o n n i e G e r b e r, D o u g l a s E l l i m a n 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.

(516)860-6889/ (516)852-5135/ (516)582-9978

40 Heron Dr, BA, 10,000 Sq Ft Waterfront Property on an Acre of Parklike Grounds Tucked away in Cul de Sac. 5 BR, 5.5 Bth Contemporary. Soaring Ceilings. IGP, Hot Tub. 285' Vinyl Bulkhead Raised & Redone Dock, 3 Car Garage.............................. $3,499,000

HEWLETT

NEW EXCLUSIVE! Move Right Into This 5/6 BR, 4 Bth Exp Ranch on Resortlike 3/4 acre Property. Large Gran/Wood EIK, LR/Fpl, FDR & Skylit Den. Spacious Master Ste Boasts Bath w/ Steam Shower, WIC & Fpl. Beautiful Street in SD#20 ...............................$1,299,000 1534 Broadway #103, BA, BRAND NEW GUT RENOVATION! Spacious 2 BR, 2 Bth Condo in Luxurious Jonathan Hall. LR/DR Opens Into Large Gran/Wood EIK w/ Island & Stainless Steel Appl.

Laundry Rm & Pantry. Mstr Ste Boasts New Bath & Huge Walk in Closet. Terrace Facing into Courtyard. Doorman Bldg with Elevator.

Indoor Garage Pkg & Storage .............................................. $850,000 156 E Rockaway Rd, BA, Rental of a Renovated 2 Bedroom, 1.5 Bth Apt with Spacious Gourmet Kitchen Use of Patio & Outdoor Space .............................................................................. RENT $3,850

WOODMERE

NEW EXCLUSIVE! Renovated 3/4 BR, 3.5 Bth Victorian Style with Porch in Old Woodmere. Huge Updtd Gran/Wood Kosher EIK, LR, DR & Den. All Updated Baths. O/S Yard with Pavered Patio. 2 Car Det Gar. SD#14 .................................................................. $1,100,000 NEW EXCLUSIVE! 4 BR, 3 Bth Colonial with Fin Bsmt. LR/Fpl, FDR, Sun Room & EIK. Main Floor Bedroom. 2 Car Det Gar. Convenient to LIRR, Shops, Trans & Houses of Worship. SD#14 .............. $799,000

EAST ROCKAWAY

NEW EXCLUSIVE! 4 BR, 1.5 Bth Well Maintained Colonial in SD#20 (Lynbrook). LR/Fpl, FDR, Den & Gran/Wood EIK. Fin Bsmt, Att Garage. HW Flrs, CAC, Roof 5 Yrs. Must See! ..................... $749,000

CEDARHURST

WATERFRONT LAND for sale! Great Opportunity to Build Dream Home. Permits Required. SD#15 ......................................... $399,000

Apartments For Rent

Apartments For Rent

HEWLETT RENTAL 156 East Rockaway Rd, BA, Rental of a Renovated 2 Bedroom, 1.5 Bth Apt with Spacious Gourmet Kitchen Use of Patio & Outdoor Space...$3,850 Ronnie Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299

WEST HEMPSTEAD: SUNNY 1/2 BR, HWF, Private Entrance, Walk All. No Smoking/ Pets. $1,495+Electr ic.

Text:516-444-7385

WEST HEMPSTEAD: SPACIOUS Lower Level, All Included, Separate Entrance, Backyard, EIK, Fbth, Near All/ LIRR. $1900. 917-640-3028

Rent Your Apartment through the Herald and PrimeTime Classified section. Call us for our great *specials. 516-5694000, press 5 for Classified Dept. *(private party only)

L

As for the balcony railing, the maximum vertical or horizontal baluster spacing, or rail opening, is 4 inches, and for good reason: Children’s heads, from birth, are the largest part of their bodies, and larger than 4 inches in diameter. As they grow, their bodies catch up, proportionately. Although their bodies may squeeze through the space between railings, their heads generally won’t. A child should never be on a balcony without a responsible adult, but it does happen, and the rail space will at least protect a child from a fall. Happy holidays!

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

19

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

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

If Your Plumbing STInkS

516-889-3200

& lANdsCApINg • Tree removal • stumps • Fertilization • Planting • Land clearing • Topping

Oil to Gas Conversions • Hot Water Heaters Boilers • Radiant Heat • Whole House Water Filters All Plumbing & Heating Work • Lic. /Ins. FREE ESTIMATES • 24/7 Emergency Service Available wenkpipingandheating.com

Wenk

Free eStiMAteS

25 OFF Any Service Call For New Customers Exp. 2/12/22

A Fresh CoAt For A Fresh stArt!

Sunday, August 02, 2020 11:06:29 AM

COMPLETE RENOVATIONS “No Job Too Small!” Get the Best for Less!

CALL AUrA PAINtING

Safe Roof and Exterior Cleaning, Gutter Cleaning, Repairs, Installations

Specializing in: • Interior/Exterior Painting • Kitchens Cabinets • Deck Renovations

Office: 516-546-4971 Cell: 516-852-5415

Over 15 Years Experience

• Bathrooms • Basements • Wall Paper Removal • Power Washing

Kitchens • Bathrooms • Painting Roofing • Sheetrocking • Plumbing Electrical • Concrete • Powerwashing Carpentry • Basements • Baby-Proofing Ikea Furn. Assembly • Computer Repairs

aboveallgutters.com

licensed and insured

516-297-1885

Follow us!

JoSPaint1@gmail.Com auraPainting.Com

1150461

1112911

free eStimateS

516.431.0799

HANDYMAN SERVICE

ALL CLEAR DRAIN & SEWER SERVICE

Bathrooms, Kitchens, Basement, carpentry, roofing, Painting, Sheetrocking, Plastering.

Specializing in Brick, cement Stoops, Walkways, Driveways, Pavers, Waterproofing. mold certified.

Chimney Cleaning & Masonry Services Done By Firefighters That Care chimneykinginc.com

Carpentry & Painting Specialist

Specializing

at

“Anthony & J Home Improvement, Inc.” Also specializes in ★ Kitchens ★ Bathrooms ★ Finished Basements ★ Flooring ★ Repairs ★ Woodwork/mouldings ★ Siding ★ Gutters

516-678-6641– Licensed & Insured 1151935

Masonry • Steps • Driveways Water Proofing • Pointing • Siding Kitchen Remodeling • Roofing Basements • Windows • Sheetrock & More

CALL FOR winter SPeCiALS

631-532-5617 • Cell: 516-996-3036

Se Habla Español

Licensed & insured

the

in

BLACKTOP

BeSt priceS in town

Call For Winter Specials

senior Citizen Discounts

• ConCrete • BriCk Patios • stooPs • stuCCo • Belgium BloCks • sidewalks • drainage ProBlems • Cellar entranCe • waterProofing • driveway sealing demolition • dumPster serviCe • Powerwashing • handyman rePairs

516-424-3598 516-807-3852

www.tikalhomeimprovement.com

LIC: #42194-H

ALFREDO’S CONSTRUCTION

Residential and Commercial - All Phases

No service in Long Beach

Free estImates • Licensed & Insured

(516) 766-1666 (631) 225-2600

FREE • Chimneys Repaired, Rebuilt & Tuckpointing ESTIMATES • Stainless Steel Liners Installed Fully licensed and insured Nassau • Suffolk • NYC

CALL FOR MORE INFO

Home Improvement Corp.

1153044

Lic.#H18C6020000/Ins

(516) 379-2727

Chimney King, Ent. Inc.

1153052

516-428-5777

CALL NOW FOR LOWEST PRICE

1152916

1153450

Free Estimate. Small jobs Welcome.

FREE ESTImATES...call Anthony Romeo

HOME • COMMERCIAL

RELIABLE • 24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE FAMILY OWNED FOR OVER 65 YEARS

Sinks • Tubs • Toilets • Sewer Lines

Experts in Leak repair

RYAN 516-695-4527 917-697-3647

HEATING OIL

(516)409-9696 • (631)422-9696

cjm contracting inc.

Licensed • Insured

FREE ESTIMATES

1147787

OWA_Purge_BW_Bold

Lic# H206773000

1152656

$

1153790

1154642

PIPING & HEATING CORP.

1153082

FrANCIsCO’s tree serVICe

Call The WenkS!

1153924

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

HERALD — December 23, 2021

HERALD

LIC: #H3711000000

To Place Your Card in the

Here’s My Card Directory Just call

Free estimates

516-569-4000 press 5, then 2

JOBS, MERCHANDISE, REAL ESTATE & MORE...

JOBS, MERCHANDISE, It’s in the Herald Classifieds...

REAL ESTATE & MORE...

To Advertise Call 516-569-4000 JOBS, MERCHANDISE, REAL ESTATE & MORE...

JOBS, MERCHANDISE, REAL ESTATE & MORE... press 5

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

Finds Under $100 SETH THOMAS METRONOME, 60's, mint condition, made usa, $59. call 516-798-2098.

S I L K L A M P S H A D E : G O L D, n ew, wrapped 8" Top, 18" bottom, 13" from top to bottom, $40. 516-537-3941

FINDS UNDER $100

THE NORTH FACE: Winter jacket Boys size 18/20. Black. Call/text 917-420-5814 $40 Merrick location

Finds Under $100

SERVICES

ANN KLEIN PATENT Leather pumps, Black, Size 7.5, 3.5 inch heels. $40.

516-537-3941 BOYS WINTER CLOTHES: Sizes 3, 4, 5.

New with tags. $7 each. (917) 420-5814 CLARINET, "OLDS", GOOD condition, nice case. may need some pads. good for student.$45.00 516-593-2249 D E PA RT M E N T 5 6 S N OW BA B B I E S .

Prices half of original cost, ranging from $5-$20. 516-509-1046 DOLLS, DOLL HOUSE MINIATURES & ACCESSORIES. Under $99.00. Call Joy Evenings, 917-743-7695 Leave Message LIGHTED CHRISTMAS VILLAGE, Tupperware Vintage, limited edition, 12 pieces in box, 5 buildings, $85. 516-884-9994 NATIVITY SET, CERAMIC/ resin, white, gold trim, 11 pieces, wood base. Crown Accents, $20. 516-884-9994 S A X O P H O N E , A LTO, E X C E L L E N T Condition, Nice Case, Music Books Included. $99. 516-593-2249

Brick/Block/Concrete/Masonry

*MICHAEL LO BAIDO CONSTRUCTION*

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

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

STEVE'S WILDLIFE Humane Nuisance Animal Removal And Property Exclusion 646-604-4001 nycwildlifecontrol.com Handyman HANDYMAN Repairs and Installations for the Household. Careful and Reliable and Vaccinated.

Licensed and Insured. 30-Year Nassau County Resident. Friendly Frank Phone/Text 516-238-2112 eMail-Frankcav@optonline.net

Home Improvement CARPENTRY & PAINTING: Residential/ Commercial. All Phases. Licensed/Insured.

FREE ESTIMATES! Anthony & J Home Improvements 516-678-6641

Electricians

ELIMINATE GUTTER CLEANING forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debrisblocking gutter protection. Schedule a FREE LeafFilter estimate today. 15% off and 0% financing for those who qualify.

PLUS Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-877-763-2379

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

Services/Repairs. Violations Removed.

Free Estimates Low Rates.

516-785-0646 Lic/Ins.

HANDY DANDY HOME IMPROVEMENTS *Kitchens/ Baths *Painting *Sheetrock *Taping/ Spackling *Installations Ceramic/ Vinyl Tile *Carpentry *Alterations *Repairs/ More. FREE ESTIMATES. Dan 516-342-0761

HErald

Crossword Puzzle

Home Improvement

AUTOMOBILE & MARINE

NEVER PAY FOR Covered Home Repairs Again! Complete Care Home Warranty COVERS ALL MAJOR SYSTEMS AND APPLIANCES. 30 DAY RISK FREE. $200.00 OFF + 2 FREE Months!

866-440-6501 THE GENERAC PWRcell, a solar plus battery storage system. SAVE money, reduce your reliance on the grid, prepare for power outages and power your home. Full installation services available. $0 Down Financing Option. Request a FREE, no obligation, quote today. Call 1-888-871-0194 W I R E M A N / C A B L E M A N F L AT T V S mounted, Phone, TVs&Computer wiring installed & serviced, camera &stereos , HDTV – Antennas- FREE TV www.davewireman.com Call Dave 516-433-WIRE (9473) 631-667-WIRE (9473) or Text 516-353-1118

Miscellaneous BEST SATELLITE TV with 2 Year Price Guarantee! $59.99/mo with 190 channels and 3 months free premium movie channels! Free next day installation! Call 888-508-5313 DISH TV $64.99 For 190 Channels + $14.95 High Speed Internet. Free Installation, Smart HD DVR Included, Free Voice Remote. Some restrictions apply. Promo Expires 1/21/22. 1-888-609-9405 Get DIRECTV! ONLY $69.99/month! 155 Channels & 1000s of Shows/Movies On Demand (w/SELECT All Included Package.) PLUS Stream on Up to FIVE Screens Simultaneously at No Additional Cost. Call DIRECTV 1-888-534-6918

Plumbing

Autos For Sale CHEVY 1984 CAMARO Berlinetta, The Starship, Garaged, All Power, Plexiglass T-Tops. Must Sell. $10K//Offer.

718-791-1234

Autos Wanted

Autos Wanted ***AAA*** AUTO BUYERS $Highest$ Ca$h Paid$. All Years/ Conditions! WE VISIT YOU! Or Donate, Tax Deduct + Ca$h. DMV ID#1303199. Call LUKE 516VAN-CARS. 516-297-2277

516CARCASH

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

Oldest Car Buying Service in North America

Junk Cars Wanted

516-227-2274

Buying new, used, junk, salvage, paying, paying, paying $$$ Sell, donate or trade

516-227-2274

No car refused Licensed, Bonded and Insured Central Nassau Location Call for Quote

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

Deals on Wheels

PLUMBER! PLUMBER! PLUMBER! FREE ESTIMATES! Heating, Repairs, Installations. $25 OFF New Customers.

24 Hour Emergency Response.

516-599-1011

Tree Services FRANCISCO'S TREE SERVICE

AND LANDSCAPING: Tree Removal, Stumps, Fertilization, Planting, Land Clearing, Topping. Free Estimates. Lic# H206773000. Office 516-546-4971, Cell 516-852-5415

Want to sell your car, motorcycle or boat?

Have we got a deal for you! You can advertise your vehicle in the

Sprinkler Syst./Irrig.Wells

Classifieds All for an amazing price! Your add will run until you sell your vehicle. Just call one of our expert classified account executives today and you will be on your way to making a great deal on your set of wheels!

• Fall Drain Outs • Installations/Renovations • Service • Repairs

516-569-4000

Certified Backflow Tester Free Estimates Licensed and Insured

Joe Barbato 516-826-7700

press 5, then 2

1143234

December 23, 2021 — WANTAGH HERALD

20

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Education COMPUTER & IT TRAINING PROGRAM! Train ONLINE to get the skills to become a Computer & Help Desk Professional now!

Grants and Scholarships available for certain programs for qualified applicants. Call CTI for details! (844) 947-0192 (M-F 8am-6pm ET) 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. The Mission, Program Information and Tuition is located at CareerTechnical.edu/consumer-information. (M-F 8am-6pm ET)

Health & Fitness VIAGRA & CIALIS! 60 pills for $99. 100 pills for $150. FREE shipping. Money back guaranteed! 1-855-579-8907

Answers

to todAy’s puzzle

21

opINIoNS

e’re about to lose one of the most significant advances in health care made over the past decade unless Congress takes immediate action. That’s why I’m calling on Sen. Chuck Schumer and Rep. Tom Suozzi to step up and protect lifesaving health coverage subsidies for New Yorkers.

These expanded subsidies help families afford the cost of health coverage. By driving down costs, this relief ensures that Americans across lISA the country don’t lose their access tySoN to care. While this program has been an essential component of our response to the coronavirus pandemic, the impact of these benefits has been far greater.

If made permanent, marketplace health insurance subsidies could cut the number of uninsured by 12 million nationwide next year, according to the Urban Institute. In New York alone, it

‘

D

would ensure that 163,000 people would have access to the benefits of health coverage who otherwise would not be covered. This could cut the number of uninsured by nearly 15 percent across the state.

These expanded tax credits must be made permanent in this year’s final budget reconciliation package. As we continue to confront the worst public health crisis in over a century, these subsidies ensure that every community in our state can access basic care and take part in our ongoing recovery.

Despite the impact of this relief, these subsidies will disappear if Congress doesn’t act soon. If they expire, the effects on working- and middle-class families could be devastating. A new study by the Kaiser Family Foundation found that premiums could double for the millions of Americans who buy their coverage on the marketplace.

Another study by the Department of Health and Human Services found that premiums could rise by as much as $600.

F

As we’ve fought to recover from Covid-19 and its deadly mutations, marketplace subsidies have become an essential lifeline for thousands of New Yorkers. And while it’s hard to imagine a worse time to lose health coverage than in the middle of a global pandemic, these expanded benefits are currently set to expire by the end of next year. That’s why it’s so critical that leaders like Schumer and Suozzi work with their colleagues to protect these essential benefits for every American still struggling to afford health coverage.

As director of the Long Island Progressive Coalition, I’ve seen our community go through decades of debate over how best to expand access to health care. While this conversation must continue, we cannot afford to lose a program that is providing coverage to so many right now.

New York has long been at the forefront of efforts to protect the health and well-being of working families. From Teddy Roosevelt making the first national call to protect against “the haz-

amilies shouldn’t have to choose between paying bills and paying for health care.

ards of sickness” to his cousin Franklin Roosevelt creating the Social Security program, our state’s leaders have long fought to ensure that working people can live and age with dignity. In more recent times, our leaders in Congress fought to pass, and then defend, the Affordable Care Act. All of these efforts have improved the lives of countless families across our state and around the country. Now we have the chance to build on that legacy by protecting these lifesaving subsidies before they expire. This will not only ensure that thousands of New Yorkers can keep their health coverage, but also move us closer to the day when every American will have access to affordable, quality health care.

No family should ever be forced to choose between paying the bills and paying for health coverage. These expanded marketplace subsidies must be made permanent now, because they ensure that millions of Americans don’t have to make that choice. It’s time for our leaders in Washington to act.

Lisa Tyson, of North Bellmore, is the director of the Massapequa-based Long Island Progressive Coalition.

Kidney donor tells story of the gift she gave

ear Ms. Kreiss: “I read your article in the Herald about your friends’ son who needs a kidney (“Hoping for the gift of life in this season of giving” Dec. 9-15). I suspect people who read the column or see pleas like this in general don’t believe they can help because organ donation is so serious. It made me think that, as a kidney organ donor, it would help if I told my story.

“I met ‘Jane,’ another parent, at my daughter’s RANDI school. I came to KREISS know her through her devotion to various class projects and activities. When I realized I hadn’t seen her in a while, I asked a mutual friend, who told me Jane’s husband was dying of kidney failure.

“I called Jane to offer support, and she told me her husband’s best chance to survive was with a live kidney donation. I immediately felt the sense of urgency and thought, ‘I’ll get tested,’ not realizing I actually said it out loud. She

guided me to the program that was testing his potential donors. Turns out I was a match, and a very good one.

“Now it was up to me to decide if I could really do this. All the bravado I had shown in getting tested started to wane a little bit now that it was a reality. What was I thinking? I had three kids of my own who needed me.

I was in my late 40s, and while I was in decent physical condition and had no ailments, I was more than a little overweight.

“And I didn’t even know this guy.

“But somehow, I knew I was supposed to do this. I was given a lot of information and data about organ donation, and the more I read about it, the less I feared it. The clincher for me: Without a donor kidney, this man would die too young after spending the rest of his days tied to dialysis.

“I went through many tests, and my results were all good. Then I was told that his brother was most likely going to be the donor, so for about nine months I was on the reserves list. Then, suddenly, his brother and sister were eliminated as donors for medical reasons. I was

‘

M

once again at bat. After almost a year of uncertainty, it was now a go.

“At every stage of this process, my medical team (you have your own medical team that is separate from the recipient’s medical team) reminded me I could pull out at any time. But I was ready. All the delays just made me feel that if it was meant to be, it would happen.

“When I woke up after the surgery, it was evening, and my dear brother was standing over me, holding a can of kidney beans (in case I needed a spare). I didn’t feel any pain but was tired. I was told the operation was a success, and that my recipient was doing well.

“They always say the best way to get things working again after surgery is to get up and walk. So walk I did, every day, at least once an hour. I felt minimal pain.

“The recipient’s new kidney began functioning beautifully right away. Each day he got stronger and stronger. We both healed well, and though he has other physical challenges unrelated to the transplant, his kidney is functioning

y recipient is healthy, and I’m healthier than I’ve been in years.’

very well and normally.

“A question I am often asked is, ‘What if your kids or someone in your family needs a kidney? Now you can’t help them.’ To which I answer, ‘I am so confident that this is a safe process that I know someone else in my family would step up and donate. We’ll be OK.’ “My donation has only affected me for the good. It increased my faith. It gave me more confidence in myself, and it made me finally act on my desire to live healthfully. I have struggled with my weight since I stopped playing competitive sports in my 20s. I have since lost all my excess weight. I am now 56, but physically I feel like I’m 30.

“My recipient is healthy, and I’m healthier than I’ve been in years. I feel so grateful for the opportunity to have done this. It changed my life forever, and for the better.”

The donor has asked to remain anonymous to protect the privacy of the recipient. To find out more about donating a kidney to Scott Englander of Woodmere, whom I wrote about two weeks ago, email scottneedsakidney@ gmail.com.

Copyright 2021 Randi Kreiss. Randi can be reached at randik3@aol.com.

WANTAGH HERALD — December 23, 2021

W

Washington must act to protect affordable care

22

Herald editorial

Wantagh

December 23, 2021 — WANTAGH HERALD

HERALD Established 1990 Incorporating Wantagh/Seaford Citizen Kate NalepiNsKi Editor

Mallory WilsoN Reporter rhoNda GlicKMaN Advertising Account Executive

office 2 Endo Boulevard Garden City, NY 11530 Phone: (516) 569-4000 Fax: (516) 569-4942 Web: www.liherald.com E-mail: wantagheditor@liherald.com official NeWspaper: Wantagh School Dristrict Levittown School District Wantagh Seaford Homeowners Assoc.

Copyright © 2021 Richner Communications, Inc.

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

Robert Richner Edith Richner Publishers, 1964-1987 ■ clifford richNer stUart richNer Publishers ■ scott BriNtoN Executive Edtitor JiM harMoN

Copy Editor christiNa daly Photo Editor toNy BellissiMo Sports Editor KareN BlooM Calendar Editor ■ rhoNda GlicKMaN Vice President - Sales elleN reyNolds Classified Manager lori BerGer Digital Sales Manager

■

We must act now to stem the opioid crisis

a

Merrick pain doctor, Michael Belfiore, 58, was sentenced on Dec. 16 to 23 years in prison after he was convicted of selling opioid prescriptions to patients, many of whom were desperately addicted to opioids and often writhing in pain from a variety of injuries. Belfiore might have begun his career as a respected doctor, but he ended it ignominiously, as a common drug dealer.

We were pleased that Belfiore was given a tough sentence, after he arrogantly fought the charges against him in 2014 and 2016, despite overwhelming evidence against him. His case should serve as a stiff warning for any doctor thinking of selling scripts for cash: The law will eventually catch up with you, and you will eventually be sent to prison for a long time.

It’s about time the law caught up with the medical practitioners who, in part, at least, have fueled the opioid crisis that the nation, including Long Island, now faces.

Belfiore’s case is especially egregious.

According to federal officials, he wrote 5,000 prescriptions for 600,000 pain pills between January 2010 and March 2013.

His case is, however, anything but unique.

There are many like him.

On top of that, too many doctors have overprescribed opioids for patients without giving proper thought to the possible long-term consequences of their actions.

To be clear: This is not every doctor. Most physicians follow the rules. The doctors who have cavalierly prescribed opioids as

Jeffrey NeGriN Creative Director craiG White Art Director craiG cardoNe Production Coordinator ■ diaNNe raMdass Circulation Director ■

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

MeMBer: Local Media Association New York Press Association Wantagh Chamber of Commerce

Published by richner communications, inc.

2 Endo Blvd. Garden City, NY 11530 (516) 569-4000

letters Questions Blakeman’s stance on mask mandate To the Editor: Our newly elected county executive, Bruce Blakeman, in one of his first acts, has rejected the recent New York state mask mandate. The announcement came at a time when Long Island’s positivity rate was increasing rapidly — it stood at more than 9 percent at press time — and was the highest in New York state.

Here is what Blakeman, a Republican, recently told The New York Post: “Come Jan. 1, my administration will move Nassau forward with a common-sense approach that acknowledges the facts, science and progress made by our residents while also protecting businesses and jobs from any further damage created by government mandates.

Nassau County is not in crisis and should not be painted with the same broad brush as the rest of the state. Ninety-seven percent of adults in Nassau County have received at least their first dose of the vaccine, and Nassau hospitals have adequate capacity to handle existing demand.”

their default practice, however, are partly to blame for the addiction pandemic that we find ourselves in now.

The coronavirus pandemic has only worsened the opioid addiction crisis. In the first year of the pandemic, between April 2020 and April of this year, the U.S. recorded 100,000 opioid overdose deaths — 100,000! That meant an American died every five minutes of an overdose.

President Biden’s $1.75 trillion Build Back Better legislation — which Sen. Joe Manchin, a West Virginia Democrat, effectively killed last weekend by refusing to vote for it — included $11 billion to fight the opioid crisis, which is now increasingly driven by fentanyl, a powerful opioid.

There remains a chance that the legislation could eventually pass. If it does not, though, there will be any number of consequences for the nation, not the least of which will be reduced resources to cope with the opioid crisis. Shame on Senator Manchin.

Earlier this year, Nassau County Executive Laura Curran directed $15.3 million to addiction prevention and treatment services from a $230 million settlement that New York state reached with the pharmaceutical manufacturer Johnson & Johnson for its part in causing the opioid crisis, which has plagued the U.S. since the late 1990s. With the settlement, Johnson & Johnson avoided a trial.

Last summer, state Attorney General Letitia James filed a class-action lawsuit on behalf of the state against pharmaceu-

tical giants Teva Pharmaceuticals, Amerisource Bergen, McKesson Corp, Endo Pharmaceuticals, Allergan Finance and Cardinal Health. The outcome of that suit remains to be seen.

We must also remember this: The opioid crisis gave rise 10 years ago to a heroin crisis. This is how we described it in an April 2010 story, “From painkillers to heroin addiction”: “Nassau County police say that prescription painkillers have flooded the local illegal drug market in the past decade, which is driving the recent spike in heroin use …

“With the drugs readily accessible, painkiller and heroin addicts are getting younger and younger, according to the experts … In the past, the average age of the heroin addicts … was 24. Now, most are 18 to 23. Many begin using prescription painkillers at parties as young as 14 and 15. When the painkillers become too expensive — they sell for $80 per pill on the street — the teens graduate to heroin, which goes for as little as $5 a bag.”

Not much has changed over the past decade — except the drugs have become more powerfully addictive and potentially deadly, and the crisis has only gotten worse, not better, as we had hoped.

A two-pronged approach that mobilizes both police and therapists is needed to address the crisis. That requires money.

Nassau County Executive-elect Bruce Blakeman will take office in a week. We urge him to prioritize funding for drug enforcement and addiction treatment.

23

opinions

he war on local school boards, teaching and history is escalating as conservative activists and Republican politicians prepare for the 2022 congressional midterm elections.

This year, 66 gag-order bills to prevent teaching about race and racism were introduced in 26 states, and at least 12 became law.

Among the measures was Assembly Bill 8253, introduced in New York

by Republican Assemblyman Colin Schmitt of upstate New Windsor, which, if passed, would ban ALAn students and teachers in sinGer K-through-12 schools from learning about The New York Times’s 1619 Project, which examined the nation’s beginnings through the lens of slavery.

According to a report by the nonprofit PEN America, many of the bills mirror legislation introduced in the U.S. Senate

by Tom Cotton, a Republican from Arkansas, and former President Donald Trump’s 2020 executive order “combating race and sex stereotyping.” Most include a provision prohibiting “divisive concepts.”

One frightening development is a shift in strategy by groups like the Proud Boys, whose members were involved in the Jan. 6 assault on the U.S. Capitol in an attempt to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. The Proud Boys are now picketing school board meetings in protests against mask and vaccine mandates, and school curricula and reading assignments that they don’t like. This fall there were Proud Boy rallies on Long Island in Rockville Centre, Bay Shore and Patchogue.

In New York, school board elections are scheduled for next May 17, six months before November’s congressional election. Filing petitions are due in most school districts on April 18. The New York State School Boards Association provides a booklet for people considering becoming school board candidates.

On Long Island, insurgent candidates challenging coronavirus mask mandates and a fictionalized version of critical race theory won three seats on the Smithtown Board of Education last May. Now a Republican consulting firm is organizing classes to further polarize and politicize school board races. Among those offering the classes are a former Trump activist, a former contractor with the Nassau Coun-

T

he debate over mask mandates and history courses may continue next spring.

LeTTers So, Blakeman seems to say, don’t worry if you get the Covid virus as a result of his no-mask-mandate policy. Nassau is ready with your very own ICU bed.

Blakeman also touts the 97 percent onedose adult vaccine rate. One dose has little effect on the new variant, and what about the children who are now contracting the virus in higher numbers?

Yes, acknowledge the facts. Don’t make up your own.

DR. ALLAN SIMON Lawrence

America’s ‘awakening’ To the Editor: Re Dr. Alan Singer’s column “Democrats’ election perils have little to do with ‘wokeness’” (Dec. 9-15): Singer is right: The Democrats’ dismal election showing in November had little to do with “wokeness,” but it had a lot to do with “awakening.” People are showing disgust over the deceit of progressive attempts to redefine American values and traditions.

The failure of House Republicans to hold Rep. Paul Gosar in contempt for his thoughtless tweets about Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was unfortunate. But why was no contempt shown for Rep. Maxine Waters, who in April called on her followers to “stay on the street” and “get more

ty government when it was under Republican control and a Republican Suffolk County legislator.

The latest Long Island school district to erupt with a critical race theory controversy is Great Neck. Some residents accuse a Great Neck North High School 11th-grade English teacher of presenting in class that whites are racists and students need to understand white fragility and reject privilege. The local parents appear to be working with a national organization, Parents Defending Education, which claims it wants to ensure that American schools do not promote “harmful agendas.” The group’s website has slides that were supposedly shown in the English class.

What is missing from their attack on teachings is any attempt to learn what actually took place in the classroom. Students read the book “Between the World and Me,” by Ta-Nehisi Coates, which won a National Book Award. The slides were part of a lesson introducing students to the issues raised in the book, and by other authors who question or challenge what they perceive of as racism and white supremacy in the U.S. Students were asked to pledge to think about the issues raised in the book, not to agree with a par-

confrontational” if Derek Chauvin hadn’t been found guilty of murdering George Floyd? This could be interpreted as inciting others to riot, which is not protected speech, but there she was, on video, saying as much, similar to when she called on her supporters to harass Trump officials when they were having dinner at restaurants with their families. Waters was never sanctioned or censured over that, either, emboldening her to even more such calls for abuse.

In August 2020, Kyle Rittenhouse naively and stupidly brought his AR-15-style rifle with him to the Kenosha, Wis., riots, where he said he intended to offer only medical aid. He was walking with a fire extinguisher to put out a fire set by the arsonists, within their view — not very smart — when he was attacked. He didn’t assault or threaten anyone, but they overreacted violently toward him, provoking his justifiable self-defense.

Members of the “Republican rank and file” have not challenged local school boards over critical race theory, but rather parents of children being subjected to it.

To espouse the belief that this country is essentially racist is a fraud, and is itself racist. No wonder parents object to this divisive propaganda of hate.

The greatest contributor to climate change is China, not the United States, but the 2016 Paris Agreement would have given China a longer time frame to clean

ticular author.

According to state Board of Regents Chancellor Lester Young, “The New York State Board of Regents policy on diversity, equity and inclusion is not an attempt to, in fact, teach critical race theory. Critical race theory is not our theory of action.

Our theory of action is cultural responsiveness.” The official position of the state educational governing body, and the reality of what gets taught in the classroom, have not stopped conservative Republicans from mobilizing white families to stop CRT. Jay Worona, deputy executive director and general counsel for the New York State School Boards Association, has called the political assault on school boards a “false narrative.” Worona responded to the assault, “There are many people who are proclaiming that the curriculum is being designed to indoctrinate students to think in a particular way, as opposed to what we’ve done for eons, which is to teach critical thinking skills.”

Dr. Alan Singer is a professor of teaching, learning and technology and the director of social studies education programs at Hofstra University. He is a former New York City high school social studies teacher and editor of Social Science Docket, a joint publication of the New York and New Jersey Councils for the Social Studies. Follow him on Twitter, @AlanJSinger1.

FrAmework by Christina Daly

Lighting up the night — Island Park

up its carbon pollution than the U.S. Former President Donald Trump wasn’t against such initiatives, but only wanted them to be implemented fairly and equitably, consistent with his belief that America stop being made the scapegoat for the world’s evils.

As more Americans see the truth, the Democratic Party will continue to decline.

ROBERT RUBALSKY East Rockaway

All of us at Herald CommunityNewspapers wish our readers of the Christian faith a very Merry Christmas!

WANTAGH HERALD — December 23, 2021

T

Conservative politics could play into school elections

Shop ‘til you literally drop?

We’ve Got Specialists For That SM

(even on the holidays)

Hours for appointments and walk-ins: Christmas Eve

Multiple Locations 8:00am – 3:00pm

New Year’s Eve

Multiple Locations 8:00am – 4:00pm

Christmas Day Merrick 9:00am – 5:00pm

New Year’s Day

Merrick, Garden City, & Bohemia 9:00am – 5:00pm

Wishing you and your family safe and happy holidays!

516.536.2800 | orlincohen.com •

•

•

•

•

Rockville Centre Lynbrook Merrick Garden City Bellmore Massapequa Woodbury Melville Bohemia Smithtown Port Jefferson Riverhead Southampton Port Jefferson Station Kew Gardens Staten Island

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

1155331

December 23, 2021 — WANTAGH HERALD

24