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COMMUNITY CUPBOARD RENAMED

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SELF PORTRAIT WINS GOLD KEY AWARD

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NEWS

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2022 | Vol.8 No.7

Community Cupboard Renamed After Dr. Mara Bollettieri The Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District food pantry has been renamed after former Deputy Superintendent Dr. Mara Bollettieri.

The Dr. Mara Bollettieri Community Cupboard was created in 2016, an effort spearheaded by Bollettieri, who retired from the district, and Meadowbrook Alternative Program teachers Karin McMahon and Tiffany Rzempoluch. MAP school nurse Darlene Boden and teacher Catrina Christensen now also serve as chief organizers. The board of education approved the renaming during its Feb. 2 meeting.

“We wanted to thank Dr. Bollettieri for her great leadership and service,” said Superintendent Michael Harrington.

“She has a selfless sense of service and forever will be remembered for making all of us all better people and this district a better place.”

“We will truly miss the light that shines from her,” Julie Moehringer, a Calhoun student liaison to the board, said at the meeting.

The Community Cupboard currently serves between 60-75 families on a biweekly basis. Students engage in a variety of philanthropic fundraising and pantry-filling drives throughout the year, including a districtwide annual Day of Service in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The Community Cupboard has even inspired an extracurricular club at Sanford H. Calhoun High School, the Cluboard. Students and adviser/Assistant Principal Mark Melkonian stepped up in response to the community’s need to continuously fill the shelves. MAP and PREP Academy students also built raised garden beds for fresh produce during harvesting months.

David Seinfeld, who has served in various administrative roles throughout the district and the Merrick Union Free School District, will replace Bollettieri as Bellmore-Merrick deputy superintendent for the remainder of the school year.

Anyone interested in donating pantry, hygiene, baby or pet items, organizing the pantry or making deliveries to drop off sites can call 516-992-1073 or visit http://www. bellmore-merrick.k12. ny.us/resources/community_cupboard.

The board of education and central administration from the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District, along with Dr. Mara Bollettieri at the Feb. 2 meeting.

Photos courtesy of Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District

NEWS

2022 | Vol.8 No.7

Tax Grievance Date Extended to April 30

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f you pay taxes on property in Nassau County you have the right to appeal the property’s annual assessment. If you disagree with the most recent assessed value of your home as indicated on the 2023-2024 tentative notice of assessment you can file an application for correction by April 30,2022. The Assessment Review Commission (ARC) will review your application.

To provide greater opportunity to make sure that the assessed value

placed on your home or business is accurate, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman announced that he has directed assessment officials to permit a grace period to accept grievances until April 30. To assist you in the process, there are over a dozen free workshops to help you review your property value and file a grievance if desired. A free video is also available at the Assessment Review Commission Webpage, Click HERE.

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Lifting Statewide Mask or Vaccine Requirements G overnor Kathy Hochul has announced the lifting of statewide mask or vaccine requirements effective February 10, 2022 as a result of the rapid decline of cases and hospitalizations.

The mask requirement remains in effect statewide for specific settings such as health care facilities, nursing homes, bus and bus stations, subways and subway stations, plains and airports and schools.

On February 9, the Govenor’s announced that K-12 students will be sent home with two COVID tests ahead of the midwinter break and continue distribution the following week when students return to school.

She is expected to make an assessment on masks based on the public health data in early March. Visit https://www.governor.ny.gov to keep up to date on Governor Hochul’s re-

sponse to the latest phase in dealing with COVID. Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman does not agree with Governor Hochul's school mask mandate and has asked her to show the residents the science and metrics used to keep the school mask mandate in place. Visit https://fb.watch/b6uznXc3uX/ to watch Blakeman’s response to Govenor Hochel’s decision on mask mandates in schools.

Fighting Against the Elimination of Single Family Homes in Nassau County

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ver 50 elected officials gathered to rally and urge Governor Hochul to reverse her position and pull back legislation in her 2022 budget that effectively eliminates single family home zoning across New York State. The budget proposal mandates that localities permit Accessory Dwelling Units, also known as apartments, on the property of homes that are currently zoned for single family use.

This could have a profound impact on our suburbs by overcowding classrooms and putting a strain on our emergency services, police protection, gas and electric supply, traffic, parking. Elected

officials are urging constituents to contact Senator Brooks and the Govenor Hochul’s office to demand the elimination of this legislation.

Legislator Steve Rhoads joins local elected officials in demanding action.

He is asking residents to have their voice heard by signing a petition requesting Governor Kathy Hochul and Senator John Brooks remove this provision from the state Budget. Visit https:// www.nassaucountyny.gov/.../District19---Steven-D... and click on the petition at the top of the page to let your voice be heard.

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2022 | Vol.8 No.7

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☞ TABLE OF CONTENTS

O

Issue Highlights

ur elected officials are working to keep our suburbs from being rezoned to eliminate single family homes to accessory dwelling units where

apartments can be created in homes by con-

Do you know who invented the hair brush? Or who invented the ice-cream scooper? As part of the recognition of Black History Month, students at Merrick Avenue Middle School leaned about

NEWS:

verting basements, garages and attics into

Community Cupboard Renamed After Dr. Mara Bollettieri

a separate dwelling. They need your

(page 2); Tax Grievance Date Extended to April 30; Lifting

help in reaching out to Senator Brooks

Health matters! If you are going

and Governor Hochul to voice your ob-

through menopause and you are notic-

Statewide Mask or Vaccine Requirements; Fighting Against the Elimination of Single Family Homes in Nassau County (page 2);

jection.

Governor Hochul lifted the statewide mask or vaccine requirements due to the rapid

SCHOOL NEWS: Grand Avenue’s Elaine Li Awarded Gold Key (page 6); North Bellmore Students Give Veterans Heartfelt Thanks (page 7); Bellmore-Merrick CHSD Marks Holocaust Memorial Day With Lessons (page 9); Merrick Avenue Students Learn About African American Inventors (page 10)

African American Inventors.

ing changes to your skin. There are ways to fight back.

We could all use some entertainment and

decline of COVID cases and hospitalizations. Mask

“The One”: New Film from Director Sarah Martinto

requirements remain in effect in healthcare facilities,

will premier at the Bellmore Movies on Thursday,

nursing homes, public transportation and in schools.

March 10. Check out the exciting edge of your seat

If you were planning on grieving your taxes but you haven’t had a chance to do so yet, you are in luck. The

thriller set for its big screen debut Your NewsMag is now optimized for viewing on any

property tax grievance date has been extended to

device and social sharing. Read digital stories and fol-

HEALTH MATTERS:

April 30 to give residents more time to attend free

low live links for an exciting interactive experience.

Menopause Affects Your Skin, Too. Here’s How to Fight

workshops and file a grievance if desired.

Your NewsMag is keeping up with the times delivering

The Community Cupboard has been renamed after

Back (page 11)

community news digitally so you can enjoy Your

former Deputy Superintendent Dr. Mara Bollettieri.

NewsMag when you want, where you want and from

ENTERTAINMENT:

Bollettieri was instrumental in creating the Communi-

your cell phone, iPad or desktop. Would you like to get

“THE ONE” : New Film from Director Sarah Martinto Pre-

ty Cupboard in 2016 which now serves 60-75 families

Your NewsMag sent directly to your inbox? Email jill@

mieres at Bellmore Movies Thursday, March 10. (page 12)

in our neighborhood.

yournewsmag.com and follow us on Facebook where

Grand Avenue’s Elaine Li was awarded the prestiWHO’S WHO AT YOUR NEWSMAG Advertising and Publishing Jill Bromberg

gious Scholastic Art & Writing Gold Key for her

edit@yournewsmag.com

enjoy reading this edition of Your NewsMag.

self-portrait painting.

Love is in the air this Valentine’s Day as students give Veterans heartfelt thanks with handmade cards

Contact us with story ideas and news at:

you can let us know which stories you like. I hope you

and messages of appreciation to be distributed to veteran’s organizations.

The Bellmore-Merrick CHSD marked Holocaust

Jill Bromberg PUBLISHER

Memorial Day with lessons in partnership with the

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Phone: 516-633-8590

Holocaust Memorial Tolerance Center in Glen Cove.

P.O. Box 15, Bellmore, New York 11710

516-633-8590

Visit the Holocaust Memorial & Tolerance Center of

jill@yournewsmag.com

To advertise, Jill@yournewsmag.com

Nassau County website www.hmtcli.org for museum Bellmore • Merrick

and upcoming event information.

2022 | Vol.8 No.7

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2022 | Vol.8 No.7

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Grand Avenue’s Elaine Li Awarded Gold Key

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rand Avenue Middle School eighth grader Elaine Li has received a Scholastic Art & Writing Gold Key award for her self-portrait painting.

Li has an interest in various art forms and has pursued classes outside of school for some time.

“I have a dream of becoming a fashion designer,” she added.

Principal Carlo Conte referred to Li’s piece as “magnificent” and thanked her art teacher, Michael Di Nucci, for his “guidance, experience and care in the classroom.”

“Elaine is a remarkably talented and self-motivated student,” added Di Nucci.

A copy of her winning self-portrait is

on display outside the main foyer.

Students in grades 7-12 receiving Gold Keys, Silver Keys, Honorable Mentions or American Visions & Voices Nominations are celebrated within their communities through local exhibitions and ceremonies.

Gold Key works are then judged nationally by an impressive panel of creative-industry experts to receive National Medals. In addition to her $500 scholarship for her regional placement, Li said the national awards offer up to $10,000 in prizes. Results will be made available on March 23.

Photos courtesy of Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District

2022 | Vol.8 No.7

Your NewsMag

North Bellmore Students Give Veterans Heartfelt Thanks

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tudents throughout the North Bellmore School District are expressing their gratitude to some very important people – the men and women who have served their country. Through the Valentines for Veterans initiative, children made cards for active and retired members of the armed services.

At John G. Dinkelmeyer Elementary School, all classes were invited to participate in Valentines for Veterans. Hundreds of handmade cards, with personal messages of thanks, were presented to Nassau County Legislator Tom McKevitt, who then distributed them to veterans organizations.

“The veterans helped us and protected our country,” fifth grader Jacob Bennett said about why this project was important to him.

“They deserve a card to show that we’re thankful.”

Park Avenue Elementary School kindergart-

ners learned how they can do small acts to spread kindness to others, such as making a card for a veteran. On Feb. 7, children in Anne Griffin’s and Melissa Reime’s classes glued messages onto heart-shaped pieces of construction paper. Each student personalized it with drawings and stickers, and signed his or her name. The cards were given to the Bellmore Veteran’s Association.

Photos courtesy of the North Bellmore School District

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2022 | Vol.8 No.7

2022 | Vol.8 No.7

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Bellmore-Merrick CHSD Marks Holocaust Memorial Day With Lessons

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n remembrance of Holocaust Memorial Day on Jan. 27, the district made reflective morning announcements.

Classes were also shown video presentations of three Holocaust survivors, made possible through a partnership with the Holocaust Memorial Tolerance Center in Glen Cove.

Werner Reich, age 94.

“We are really proud of, and grateful for, the program the students and our schools experienced through social studies classes throughout the day,” said Scott Bersin, assistant superintend for curriculum.

In addition to reflective morning announcements at both the middle and

Anita Weisbrod, age 98.

high school levels, social studies educators were provided with templates for classroom worksheets to incorporate the content into lesson plans.

“I believe the experience served to foster increased empathy and compassion in our students and that students internalized the message of why it is so

important to do the right thing and speak up for others,” added Christina Cone, a social studies chairperson at Merrick Avenue Middle School and Sanford H. Calhoun High School.

Photos courtesy of Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District

Renee Silver, age 91.

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2022 | Vol.8 No.7

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Merrick Avenue Students Learn About African American Inventors

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fter learning about the inventions of three African Americans, students in Lauren Beinert’s class at Merrick Avenue Middle School were tasked with sketching inventions of their own.

They watched videos about Alfred Cralle, the inventor of the ice cream scoop, Garrett Morgan, the inventor of the traffic light and Lyda Newman, the inventor of the hairbrush.

“This lesson was a fun, interactive way to teach about Black History Month in a way that my students can relate to,” explained Beinert. “After all the world would look very differently if not for these innovative inventors.”

Beinert reinforced the challenging times these inventors faced and how they persevered.

She drove home the point of overcoming

problems when trying to achieve a goal.

“I want to be a special educational teacher and open my own arcade and nothing can stop me from making my dream come true,” student Ryan Lynch said.

Photo courtesy of Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District

2022 | Vol.8 No.7

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Menopause Affects Your Skin, Too. Here’s How to Fight Back

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y 2025, there will be over 1 billion women experiencing menopause in the world, which will be 12% of the entire world population. Most women hit menopause by their 50s.

However, changes in the body start to appear earlier than you might think, often many years before a woman officially hits menopause. This time in a woman’s life can bring bothersome and debilitating symptoms which can significantly affect a woman’s health and daily routines.

Women may notice physical changes in their skin as one of the first symptoms as they age. “When you’re young, your body produces an abundance of collagen, the main skin-supporting protein that keeps your face supple and hydrated, ” said nationally renowned natural health physician and author, Dr. Fred Pescatore. “Studies show that women lose about 30% of their skin’s collagen during the first five years of menopause due to hormonal shifts.”

With collagen loss, skin becomes thinner and prone to wrinkles. It also loses the ability to protect itself, maintain hydration, and produce strong collagen the way it once could. Many women see these changes reflected in increased bags under the eyes, sagging neck skin, and increased hyperpigmentation in the face and hands.

There are several ways for women to minimize and manage skin health concerns that appear during this period.

MINIMIZE SUN EXPOSURE

Try to avoid direct sun exposure.

Some women experience increased hyperpigmentation on their face and hands, often referred to as dark spots, leading up to and during menopause.

This is caused by a combination of hormonal changes and sun exposure. “You can help minimize your skin’s exposure to the sun by wearing SPF, hats and gloves when outdoors,” said Dr. Pescatore.

TAKE SHORTER SHOWERS

Keep showers short and not too hot.

“Spending too much time in water, es-

pecially hot water, strips natural oils from your skin, leaving it dry,” said Dr. Pescatore. In the time leading up to and during menopause, your skin is at increased risk for dryness, so try to take short, lukewarm showers to keep skin optimally hydrated.

ADD A PROVEN SUPPLEMENT

Look for ingredients that can stimulate collagen production and help improve the health of your skin from inside and out. Numerous clinical studies have shown that daily supplementation with the super-antioxidant Pycnogenol (Pic-noj-en-all) French maritime pine bark extract can help minimize various skin concerns middle-aged women experience.

Pycnogenol binds with existing skin proteins, collagen and elastin, stimulates the genesis of new collagen and hyaluronic acid, and protects skin from various harmful enzymes, helping to rebuild elasticity for a smooth, younger look. Additionally, Pycnogenol has been shown to reduce hyperpigmentation for a more even complexion. A recent study, published in 2021, found that those who supplemented with 100mg of Pycnogenol for 12 weeks during dry winter months experienced a 13% improvement in both skin elasticity and skin firmness.

“Pycnogenol is one of the most studied ingredients on the market, with decades of research showing the benefits of this natural extract for a variety of health applications,” said Dr. Pescatore. “In fact, the extract has specifically been studied on menopausal women, so the skin benefits complement its additional women’s health benefits nicely.”

Available in more than 1,000 dietary supplements, topical creams, and health products worldwide, more information about Pycnogenol can be found by visiting pycnogenol.com.

As women enter the middle phase of life, a host of new skin concerns can appear. Evolving one’s skin care routine and making natural lifestyle changes can help women meet the challenges of menopause. ~ StatePoint

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ENTERTAINMENT

2022 | Vol.8 No.7

“THE ONE”: New Film from Director Sarah Martinto Premiere at Bellmore Movies Thursday, March 10th Exciting Edge of Your Seat Thriller Set for Its Big Screen Debut

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his March, accomplished independent film Director/Producer Sarah Martin and her film company Silent Envy Productions will premiere the brand new thriller, “The One” at the historic Bellmore Movies (222 Pettit Avenue, Bellmore, NY 11710). The feature will debut Thursday, March 10th at

7:00PM, preceded by a step and repeat red carpet - complete with giveaways and swag. Merchandise will also be available for purchase.

There will be photographers and press on site, so dress to impress!

Then, join us for a VIP after-party right next door at Third Rail beginning at 9:00pm.

GET TICKETS: https://www. eventbrite.com/e/the-one-premiere-tickets-251046315287 Experience the movies again with “The One”, a psychological Thriller filled with suspense and surprise.

The film takes you on a journey following lead actor Jimmy who is traveling three thousand miles across the country to meet the girl of his dreams. Everything seems like

paradise until nightfall, and then the truth is revealed.

“The One” was filmed, edited, and directed by Sarah Martin at the end of 2019 - pre-pandemic. Filming took place in various locations across Long Island and New York City.

The One | 90 Minutes | Rated R (Violence, Adult Content, Language) FEATURING: Joey Gannascoli (The Sopranos) and starring Rick Shepherd, Jarred Harper, Molly McCaskill, Wilhelm Aderson Date: Thursday, March 10th, 2022 Time: 7:00 PM Location: Bellmore Movies & The Show Place, 222 Pettit Avenue, Bellmore NY