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2021 | VOL.8 NO.1

Town of Hempstead Allocated COVID-19 Relief Grants to Bellmore and Merrick Fire Departments Town of Hempstead supports first responders Supervisor Don Clavin, along with the Hempstead Town Board, has authorized more than $300,000 in relief grants to assist local fire departments. The initiative recognizes the ongoing efforts of first responders who continued to step up for the community throughout the pandemic by providing several fire departments with funds to reimburse needed, yet unbudgeted COVID-19 expenses incurred to keep the community safe. During the December 8th Town Board meeting, grants were approved for the Bellmore and North Bellmore Fire Departments COVID-19 relief grants. The Bellmore Fire District was

allocated $17,382.34 and the North Bellmore Fire District was given $123,350.60 to assist with unbudgeted expenses incurred throughout the pandemic response. During the Town Board meeting grants were also approved for the Friendship Engine & Hose Co. 2 in Merrick totaling $12,011.96 to assist with their unbudgeted expenses incurred throughout the pandemic response. “I would like to once again thank Senator Schumer for his part in securing the funding for multiple food, medical and educational initiatives among others like this one for first responders

to remain safe and protected from COVID-19 as they continue to help our community,” said Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin. “America’s largest township will continue to do what it can to support its first responders and residents throughout this pandemic.” This grant has been made possible through the funding of the federal CARES Act, which provided the Town of Hempstead with $133 million in funds. “Firefighters have always served as our community’s first responders, and they continue to rise to meet the challenges presented by the COVID-19

pandemic,” Councilman Dennis Dunne, Sr. said. “This grant funding is one way that we can give back to our neighborhood fire departments, and help them continue the great work they do in the Town of Hempstead.” “As a former police officer, I have seen the great personal sacrifices made by the first responder community to help keep their families, friends and neighbors safe,” Councilman Chris Carini said. “I am proud to partner with Supervisor Don Clavin and my colleagues on the Hempstead Town Board to provide federal CARES funds for local fire departments during this second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

2021 | VOL.8 NO.1

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Curran Partners With Northwell Health to Open First County Vaccination Distribution Center As of Tuesday Jan. 5, vaccines are available to those who fit NYS criteria Nassau County, NY - Nassau County Executive Laura Curran was joined by Northwell Health CEO Michael Dowling on Monday, January 4 to announce a partnership between the County, Northwell Health and New York State to open a COVID-19 vaccine distribution center at Nassau Community College (NCC). The vaccines will be distributed by Nassau County Department of Health staff, Members of Nassau County’s Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) with assistance from Northwell Health, which has been designated by New York State as Long Island’s vaccination HUB. The center will operate in NCC’s CCB building starting Tuesday, January 5, for residents who meet the criteria set forth by New York State. Appointments are required. “We are ready, set, go with the County’s first vaccination center. This is the beginning of our local effort to join New York State and Nassau’s hospital networks to roll out the vaccine,” said Nassau County Executive Laura Curran. “Our go-to team at the center will be led by Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Larry Eisenstein, Department of Health staff, the Medical Reserve Corps and Northwell Health. We have the first one hundred medical personnel signed up for Tuesday and we have opened registration for Wednesday. I am calling on all emergency and first responders who qualify to sign up immediately. This is how Nassau County can lead the way to a healthy New Year with our schools and businesses open. We can do it, Nassau!” “As coordinator of the Long Island hub of the state’s Regional Vaccine Network, Northwell Health is working closely with Nassau County to set up vaccination sites at various locations throughout the county,” said Northwell Health President & CEO Michael Dowling. “Our goal is to distribute the vaccine safely, equitably and as quickly as possible, but because supply is limited, we encourage everyone to be patient. As part of this effort and at Governor Cuomo’s request, we have also convened a Health

Equity Task that will be working with local clinicians and community leaders to ensure the vaccine is reaching people in areas where there is a history of health disparities and a high prevalence of chronic diseases that have made them more vulnerable to COVID-19.” “The Majority looks forward to the ramp up of vaccine distribution to help Nassau residents continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Presiding Officer of Nassau County Legislature Richard Nicolello. “Today’s announcement represents an important milestone in our efforts to efficiently administer the COVID-19 vaccine. I stand behind County Executive Curran, the Department of Health, and Northwell Health in their efforts to ensure this vaccine is available for all residents as soon as possible,” said Nassau County Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton, ranking member of the Legislature’s Health & Social Services Committee. “In the meantime, I urge residents to wear their masks, practice social distancing, avoid crowds and frequently wash their hands so that we can persevere through the winter and win this battle once and for all.” “We are honored to host Nassau County’s first Vaccination Distribution Center

at Nassau Community College. From the onset of the pandemic we have been focused on maintaining the health and safety of our community, instituting mandatory safety protocols and procedures including daily screenings, surveillance testing, mask wearing, and social distancing. As the State University of New York’s (SUNY) largest single campus community college, we are focused on supporting the needs of our students, faculty, and staff as well as our community residents. We are grateful for our NCC employees, the County, Northwell Health, and all involved in establishing this distribution center,” said Dr. Jermaine F. Williams, President, Nassau Community College. “County Executive Laura Curran called on me to be prepared for vaccine distribution. I am proud to say we are ready to roll out our program. I want to thank New York State, Northwell, Nassau Community College, my dedicated staff and the Medical Reserve Corps for making this effort possible,” said Commissioner of Health Dr. Lawrence Eisenstein. Residents can check their eligibility to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at the list below. Those who are eligible must make an appointment. Only those who meet the criteria can make an appointment at

this time. Appointments must be made online at: www.nassaucountyny.gov/vaccine. The vaccine will be provided for free regardless of insurance or immigration status. As of Monday, January 4, the following residents meet the criteria to the vaccine as per the New York State prioritization guidance: • High-risk hospital staff, affiliates, volunteers and contract staff including State-operated Office of Mental Health (OMH) psychiatric centers. • Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Personnel. • Medical Examiners and Coroners. • Funeral workers who have direct contact with infectious material and bodily fluids. • Health care, other high-risk direct care essential staff and agency staff working in Long Term Care Facilities and long-term, congregate settings overseen by Office of People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) the Office of Mental Health (OMH) and the Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS). • Residents living in Long Term Care Facilities and in long-term congregate settings overseen by OPWDD, OMH and OASAS. • FQHC staff. • Urgent Care providers. • Any staff administering COVID-19 vaccinations. • All Outpatient/Ambulatory front line, high risk health care providers who provide direct in-person patient care or other staff in a position where they have direct contact with patients, such as receptionists, of any age. New York State continues to expand the criteria for who can receive the COVID-19 vaccine. For regular updates on who is currently eligible for the vaccine under New York State’s guidance, residents can visit the County’s vaccine website at www.www.nassaucountyny. gov/vaccine.

2021 | VOL.8 NO.1

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☞ TABLE OF CONTENTS NEWS PAGES 2 - 3, 8, 10: TOH delivers COVID-19 relief grants to Bellmore and Merrick Fire Departments; Nassau County begins distribution of COVID-19 vaccine used on New York State prioritization guidelines; Safely dispose Christmas trees at the TOH Mulchfest; Bellmore and Merrick Chambers keep the holiday spirit going with annual menorah and Christmas tree lighting

HOLIDAY SCHOOL NEWS PAGES 6 - 7, 14: Mepham musicians outdoor performance; Cub Scout Pack 206 holiday coat drive; Martin Avenue card creators spread holiday cheer; Newbridge kindergartners collect sweets for Community Cupboard; Calhoun club focuses on community Cupboard; Kennedy High School installs Victory Flag

HEALTH MATTERS PAGE 11: Can you recognize signs of stroke? LIVING PAGE 12 & 14: Looking for love in 2021? Five tips for successful online dating; Soup is good food - recipes from Merrick Girls Weekday Recipe Facebook group.

WHO’S WHO AT YOUR NEWSMAG Advertising and Publishing Jill Bromberg

Phone: 516-633-8590 P.O. Box 15, Bellmore, New York 11710

Bellmore • Merrick

Looking Forward to a Brighter 2021 Goodbye and good riddance 2020! Although it has been tough navigating life around COVID-19, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine began on Monday, January 4 to residents that meet the criteria to get the vaccine as per the New York State prioritization guidelines. Eligible residents must make an appointment to receive the vaccine. New York State continues to expand the criteria for who can receive the vaccine and Nassau County residents can check updates for vaccine eligibility at www.nassaucountyny.gov/vaccine. Our elected officials have been working on our behalf to get federal CARES grants for local fire departments, schools, food insecurities and PPE kits for small businesses. It’s been a challenge to keep things festive for Christmas and Hanukkah this year. The Chamber of Commerce in Bellmore and Merrick were not allowed to invite the community to their usual Christmas tree and menorah lighting or Bellmore’s holiday extravaganza. Knowing how important it is to lift spirits during the holiday season, the chamber board held a quiet lighting with just a few board members and elected officials to usher in the holiday season. And, to “chip in” and help the community, the Town of Hempstead had their first ever “TOH Mulchfest" where you can bring your Christmas tree for mulching and take home chips f for your own personal use. Meanwhile, students in our community spread holiday cheer in so many ways. From elementary students writing holiday cards for Belair Nursing and Rehabilitation Center residents to toy and coat drives. Newbridge Road Elementary kindergarteners did something sweet, they collected cookies and hot chocolate to donate to the school district Community Cupboard. The Community Cupboard is a food pantry that supports more than 130 local Bellmore-Merrick families. Calhoun’s newly formed Community Cluboard is a club dedicated to organize community service events that support the community. The leadership of the Cluboard and the Calhoun Alumni Association created a sustainable initiative for the Community Cupboard. Students have been resilient and school administration and staff have been creative in helping to move students forward to achieve and work past the pandemic. A Cougar Nation Victory Flag was in-

stalled at Kennedy High school raising the flag for the first time on Alumni Day. Mepham High school held an outdoor music performance by Mepham musicians that collaborated with (BMB) Bellmore-Merrick Boadcasting to bring the performance to the community through the BMB YouTube channel. Merrick Girls Weekday Recipes facebook group is always cooking up something good. There’s nothing like the warmth of comforting homemade soup on a cold winter day. See recipes inside. Do you know of something newsworthy that you would like to share with Your NewsMag readers? Is your business celebrating an anniversary or someone in your family celebrating a special occasion? We want to know. After all, your news is our news. Your NewsMag is now optimized for viewing on any device and social sharing. Read digital stories and follow live links for an exciting interactive experience. Your NewsMag is keeping up with the times delivering community news digitally so you can enjoy Your NewsMag when you want, where you want and from your cell phone, iPad or desktop. Would you like to get Your NewsMag sent directly to your inbox? Email jill@yournewsmag.com and request your free digital edition delivered directly to your inbox. Visit www.yournewsmag.com and follow us on Facebook where you can let us know which stories you like. I hope you enjoy reading this edition of Your NewsMag. Happy New Year!

Jill Bromberg PUBLISHER Your NewsMag 516-633-8590 jill@yournewsmag.com

2021 | VOL.8 NO.1

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2021 | VOL.8 NO.1

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Mepham Musicians Outdoor Winter Performance Seniors in the Wellington C. Mepham High School band got creative with the location in effort to still pull off a winter concert. The orchestra, band and vocal groups performed outdoors of the school on Dec. 21, with recent snowfall as their set and scenery. “Despite our challenges, the students and our staff continPHOTO COURTESY OF THE BELLMORE-MERRICK CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT ue to persevere and shine a light on a very different type of about the possibility of having some school year,” said Principal Eric Gomez semblance of a winter performance. ahead of the performance. “They were the driving force behind COVID-19 has forced performing arts putting this performance together,” he and music departments to think less added. about previously routine events and “a “This wouldn't be happening without lot more about the meaning behind thorough collaboration with Stu Stein what we do and why we do it,” exand the team behind Bellmore-Merrick plained Anthony Brandofino, the symphonic band, wind ensemble and Pirate Broadcasting who will bring this to our audience, and for that we thank them,” Radio Remix! director. Brandofino added. “This current group of seniors, recogThe performance can be viewed on nizing that the music program is so BMB’s YouTube channel, https://bit. much about community,” he added. ly/3r3eIbs. Seniors approached Brandofino

Merrick Students Warm Hearts with Holiday Coat Drive Students in the Merrick Union Free School District are giving back to their community in big way this holiday season. Cub Scout Pack 206, partnered with the district to collect winter coats as part of the Cub Scout’s “Building a Better World Program.” Members collected bags of men’s, women’s and children’s coats at the entrance of Birch and Chatterton elementary schools, as well as two schools within the North Merrick School District. Scouts collected more than 500 winter coats to be donated to the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless in Amityville. “The results went beyond our wildest expectations,” Cub Scout Leader Michael Kearney said. “The time the boys spent standing out in the cold will benefit so many less fortunate people.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE MERRICK UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT

2021 | Vol.8 No.1

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Martin Avenue Card Creators Spread Holiday Cheer Making the holiday season a little brighter is the mission for students at Martin Avenue Elementary School in the North Bellmore School District, who are making cards for residents of a local nursing home. Children have completed hundreds of cards which will be delivered to the Belair Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, less than two miles from the school. The project was spearheaded by first grade teacher Mary Carrea and students from all grade levels joined in the effort to spread joy. Ms. Carrea explained that a Girl Scout troop she leads in Long Beach is doing a similar project for a nursing home there, and thought it would be a great community service initiative for Martin Avenue. By sending the cards to Belair, students would be helping others right in their community. She added that because of the COVID-19 pandemic, many nursing homes are limiting visitors, so this is a great way to bring the residents some holiday cheer. Students had 18 different design templates to choose from for their cards, representing Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and New Yearâ€™s Day. In addi-

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE NORTH BELLMORE SCHOOL DISTRICT

tion to coloring the pictures, they wrote personal messages.

Newbridge Kindergartners Do Something Sweet

Kindergartners at Newbridge Road Elementary School in the North Bellmore School District recently learned about the importance of giving. In December, they collected cookies and hot chocolate for needy families. The donations were provided to the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School Districtâ€™s Community Cupboard. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE NORTH BELLMORE SCHOOL DISTRICT

2021 | VOL.8 NO.1

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Safely Dispose Christmas Trees by Visiting Hempstead Town’s First Ever “TOH Mulchfest”

“Chip in” to Help Environment by Bringing Your Christmas Tree to Baldwin Park on January 3rd and 9th – See it Shredded into Mulch and Take it Home with You! With the holiday season coming to an end Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin and the Town Board invite all residents to participate in America’s largest township’s first ever “TOH Mulchfest!" This new program allows residents to have their Christmas Trees shredded into mulch and encourages them to take a bag of mulch home for their own personal use. Supervisor Clavin –along with Senior Councilwoman Dorothy Goosby, Councilman Bruce Blakeman, Councilman Anthony D’Esposito, Councilman Dennis Dunne, Sr., Councilman Tom Muscarella, Councilman Chris Carini, Town Clerk Kate Murray and Receiver Jeanine Driscoll—invite Hempstead Town residents to participate in TOH Mulchfest, which will be held on Sunday, January 3rd and Saturday, January, 9th at Baldwin Park (3232 Grand Ave., Baldwin) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. “TOH Mulchfest is an environmentally conscious program that encourages residents to turn their beloved Christmas Tree into mulch for their gardens, lawns or compost piles,” said Clavin. “Instead of disposing of the trees through regular sanitation, we are proud to offer this greener option for residents looking to keep their Christmas Tree year-round.”

To participate in TOH Mulchfest, residents are asked to safely transport their Christmas Tree to Baldwin Park on January 3rd or January 9th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Town of Hempstead employees will then run the tree through a woodchipper and return a bag of mulch to the resident. The entire process will be contact-free and completely safe. Residents are reminded to remove decorations prior to bringing their Christmas Tree to the park. Residents who cannot make either of the TOH Mulchfest dates will have the option to dispose of their Christmas Trees at a designated drop-off location at Baldwin Park from Monday, January 4th through Friday, January 8th, Monday, January 11th and Tuesday, January 12th. Please follow the signage at Baldwin Park to the drop-off location, which will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on those designated dates. Mulch has a variety of uses in gardening and landscaping, and the organic mulch produced from shredded Christmas Trees is helpful for the environment and will improve the organic content of your soil structure. Any excess mulch will be kept by the park and used for future landscaping procedures. What’s more, this program contributes to a greener footprint from Hempstead Town. “Bring your Christmas Tree down to Baldwin Park and dispose of it the safe and environmentally sound way,” said Clavin. “I look forward to continuing this tradition for many years to come!”

2021 | VOL.8 NO.1

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2021 | VOL.8 NO.1

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Bellmore and Merrick Chambers Keep The Holiday Spirt Going With Annual Menorah & Christmas Tree Lighting

Each year the community celebrates the holiday season with an annual Menorah and Christmas Tree lighting ceremony where the resident and business community members gather to experience the beginning of the holiday season. This year was a little different due to COVID-19 restrictions which prevented large group gatherings. In Bellmore, the Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores Christmas Tree and Menorah lighting attendees included a few representatives from the chamber and Nassau County Legislator Steve Rhoads, Town Councilman Christopher Carini and Town Clerk Kate Murray. The Merrick Chamber of Commerce holiday lighting included Chamber board members, Nassau County Legislator Tom McKevitt and Town Councilman Chris Carini The chamber of commerce in Bellmore and Merrick kept with their tradition and ceremonially lit the Christmas Tree and

Menorah bringing a sense of holiday and joy to the community. The chamber of commerce typically raises funds for holiday events from money raised by hosting their annual street festivals which were cancelled this past year. Both chambers made a tremendous effort to raise enough funds to keep the holiday spirit and put decora-

tive snowflakes throughout main roads as well as lighting the Christmas Tree and Menorah in town. In Bellmore new holiday swags adorn Bedford Village. The chamber purchased the swags in advance, prior to the pandemic and hanging them added to the uplifting holiday charm much needed during these trying times. The local chamber member busi-

nesses rely on community members to shop, dine and use their services and in turn, they happily fund the community events that our families remember fondly as reasons why Bellmore and Merrick are the kind of place we like to live, work and play. Visit your local chamber website bellmorechamber.com and merrickchamber.org and shop local!

2021 | VOL.8 NO.1

HEALTH MATTERS

Can You Recognize Signs of Stroke? Many people are avoiding in-person doctor’s visits to limit potential exposure to coronavirus – or are simply ignoring health concerns altogether. However, when it comes to medical emergencies such as stroke, immediate medical attention is critical. The fifth leading cause of death in the U.S., stroke occurs every 40 seconds and it can happen to anyone, of any age, at any time. When 59-year-old Paul “David” Dyches had a stroke on the job this past August, he quickly realized something was very wrong. “I never experienced a feeling like this before, and I knew we had to do something right away,” says Dyches, who was experiencing classic stroke symptoms of weakness in his arms and legs. Upon his arrival at the hospital, he was evaluated via tele-neurology by experts over 150 miles away. After doctors confirmed he was experiencing a stroke, they delivered treatment immediately and he was able to be discharged the following day. While in some cases quick action can help with recovery, statistics suggest that many Americans may be avoiding hospitals when they need them most due to anxieties surrounding the pandemic. A recent study published in “JAMA Internal Medicine” showed that emergency room visits to five major healthcare systems decreased by more than 40 percent as COVID-19 cases spiked. As patients such as Dyches are learning firsthand, hospitals have a range of protocols in place to help keep patients and staff safe from coronavirus infection. “The hospital staff set me at ease right away,” says Dyches. Beyond pandemic fears, one age-old barrier to seeking timely medical attention for stroke is simply awareness of signs and symptoms. While Dyches can credit himself with recognizing a classic symptom – arm and leg weakness – and reacting rapidly, only one in five U.S. adults are able to recognize 10 signs and symptoms of stroke, according to a nationwide survey*. What’s more, nearly 70 percent of the survey respondents say they’re knowledgeable about stroke, yet 62 percent falsely believe that signs of stroke come on slowly over a day or two, when in fact symptoms of stroke can come on suddenly. Experts say that immediate medical attention, which is vital, relies on everyone learning and being able to recognize the BE FAST signs and symptoms of a stroke in

themselves and others and calling 911 immediately. BE FAST stands for Balance, Eyes, Face, Arm, Speech, Time and refers to these signs of stroke: • Balance: Sudden loss of balance • Eyes: Loss of vision in one or both eyes • Face: Face looks uneven or droopy • Arm: Arm or leg is weak or hanging down • Speech: Slurred speech, trouble speaking or seems confused • Time: Immediately call 911 For more shareable information and resources, visit Strokeawareness.com, developed by Genentech Inc, a member of the Roche Group. “I am a testament to the fact that emergencies like stroke don’t stop for a global health pandemic,” says Dyches. “Anyone who experiences stroke symptoms should call 911 and get themselves to the ER as quickly as possible.” BE FAST” was developed by Intermountain Healthcare, as an adaptation of the FAST model implemented by the American Stroke Association. Reproduced with permission from Intermountain Healthcare. © 2011 Intermountain Healthcare. All rights reserved. *On behalf of Genentech, a nationwide Stroke Awareness Survey was conducted on March 25 – April 10, 2020 among 2,009 adults ages 35+ in the U.S. ~ StatePoint

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LIVING

2021 | VOL.8 NO.1

Looking for Love in 2021? 5 Tips for Successful Online Dating Trying out online dating for the first time or frustrated by the experience? Below are five online dating tips from Andrea McGinty, premier dating expert and founder of 33 Thousand Dates, a coaching platform designed to help millennial and Gen X women and men navigate online dating. In her 20+ years as a matchmaker, McGinty arranged over 33,000 dates, so it’s safe to say she knows a thing or two about dating successfully! 1. Enlist help. With over 104 million singles in America and over 30 million dating online, your online dating profile needs to stand out. A dating expert can help you craft a profile you’re proud of – and one that isn’t full of clichés like “long walks on the beach.” You hire professionals to help you exercise, clean and shop, so why not hire a dating pro to help reflect your individuality? At 33 Thousand Dates, for example, they take a personalized, proactive approach and handle the heavy lifting so that clients can have all the fun. 2. Refresh your photos. Time to cull from the thousands of photos saved on your phone for five to 10 terrific shots. If they’re more than a year old or low-resolution, consider scheduling a photoshoot with a friend or a professional. Pose in natural light, ideally outdoors, and show off your smile. Avoid selfies and sunglasses, and include at least one full body shot that conveys your interests, whether you’re hiking, doing a tree pose, or walking along the shore. For men, shirts on unless it’s a great surf shot or you’re spiking a volleyball on the beach. Lastly, most photos should be solo – pets are warm and welcoming, but limit the shots including friends or family. 3. Be proactive. Start with only one or two dating platforms. You can add more later, but you don’t want to be overwhelmed by all the “likes” you’ll receive! Once live, don’t wait for messages to

bombard you. Instead, use the platform’s filters so you see the type of people you’re looking for – don’t be shy about knowing what you want! “After coaching thousands of people and playing a part in 4,200 marriages, I’ve found that those with the highest level of dating success proactively work the system in person and online,” says McGinty. 4. Arrange video chats. Set up short virtual dates to determine whether you’re willing to meet in person. Keep conversations to 10 minutes – this is enough time to get a feel for personality, looks and mannerisms. Ask important questions early to ensure your values align, and remember, chemistry only comes in person! 5. Have fun. Now it’s time for the good stuff! Arrange drinks, coffee or brunch al fresco – these dates are less pressure, more relaxed and don’t drag on. If you’re ready to leave, say you have errands to run or evening plans. A coach can help with this part, too – 33 Thousand Dates offers expert advice on how to communicate and follow up on dates. Keep in mind, you’re seeing if you like the person enough to go on a second date, not marry them! And if it doesn’t go well, those millions of other singles are waiting to meet you. For more tips and to learn more about enlisting help from pros, visit 33000dates.com. Don’t continue to tread water. Take proactive steps now to date online with confidence. ~ StatePoint

2021 | VOL.8 NO.1

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LIVING

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Calhoun Club Focuses on Community Cupboard

2021 | VOL.8 NO.1

Soup is Good Food During the winter months there is nothing more warming than comfort foods like home-made soup. For more soup and other delicious recipes, visit our community facebook foodies group https://www.facebook.com/groups/MerrickGirlsWeekdayRecipes

Comforting Cabbage, Onion, and Farro Soup Arlene Laudo

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BELLMORE-MERRICK CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT

The Community Cupboard is a food pantry that supports more than 130 local Bellmore-Merrick families. The newly formed Community Cluboard is a club organized by a small group of Calhoun students, who are also dedicated to helping the community. The purpose of the Cluboard is to organize community service events, link and connect with students as well as market these events. “The Community Cupboard has many wonderful, generous and thoughtful donors,” explained faculty advisor/assistant principal Mark Melkonian. “One of our first partners, Barbara Philoptochos, the philanthropic chapter of St. Demetrios Church, has partnered with the Community Cupboard for the past few years. They have collected a tremendous amount of food, distributed turkey dinners, cases of water and other necessary supplies.” Burgritos is another local partner that has supported the food pantry. They donated gift cards and holiday meals. The Merrick Community Nursery School, another valued partner, has

contributed to the Cupboard through the years as well. They have organized food drives and collections, Melkonian explained. During the summer, Cluboard co-presidents James Gavnoudias and Liam Hardstone organized an online fund to raise money during the pandemic. With the more than $2,000 was raised, the club purchased 100 Stop & Shop gift cards for the families who utilize the pantry. During the Thanksgiving season, the Cluboard sponsored its first “Clash of the Classes” food drive with help of the National Honor Society - Calhoun Chapter. There was a significant amount of contributions during the three-week period. “The leadership of the Cluboard met with the Calhoun Alumni Association and created a sustainable initiative for the Community Cupboard,” added Hardstone. “The roots of our Calhoun Alumni run deep in the community.” “We are determined to give back to this community and thankful for the opportunity to support those families in need,” added Gavnoudias.

This soup has a definite grandma vibe—warm, comforting, nourishing, and maybe just the tiniest bit old-fashioned, which is what you want on a cold or drizzly day. • 1 pound cabbage, savoy or green • Extra-virgin olive oil • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper • 3 garlic cloves, smashed and peeled • 1 healthy sprig rosemary or thyme • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar or white wine vinegar • ⅔ cup farro • About 4 cups meat or poultry broth, homemade or low-sodium store-bought • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice • 1 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese Cut out the cabbage core and finely chop it. Cut the leaves into fine shreds. Heat ¼ cup olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and cabbage core, a pinch of salt, and a few twists of pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onion starts to soften and become fragrant—but not at all browned—about 10 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another 5 minutes until the garlic

is soft too. Add the shredded cabbage leaves and rosemary. Cover the pot and let steam for a bit to soften the leaves, then toss the cabbage to help it wilt and soften more. Cook, covered, until the cabbage is very tender and sweet, at least 30 minutes. When the cabbage is ready, stir in the vinegar. Taste and adjust with more salt or pepper. Meanwhile, in another saucepan, heat a glug of olive oil over medium heat. Add the farro and cook, stirring constantly, until the farro is lightly toasted and fragrant, 5 to 8 minutes. Scrape the farro into the cabbage pot and add 4 cups broth. Adjust the heat to a lazy simmer and simmer until the farro is tender and all the flavors are married, 25 to 35 minutes. When the cabbage is ready, stir lazy simmer and simmer until the farro is tender and all the flavors are married, 25 to 35 minutes. Stir in the lemon juice. The soup should be very thick, but if it seems like it needs more liquid, add another ½ cup water or broth. Taste and adjust with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice. Serve the soup in shallow bowls, with a shower of Parmigiano and a drizzle of olive oil on top, with more cheese passed at the table.

Turkey Meatball Soup

Holly Duvernay Homemade mini turkey meatballs, two bags of spinach, about 6 carrots, a bay leaf, 1/2 a sweet onion, carton of low-sodium chicken stock, the legs from a rotisserie chicken and added cous cous at the end. Will add another carton of stock as we reheat/needed.

Chicken Pot-Pie Soup

• •

Lauren Goodman Hirsh 8 cups low salt chicken broth 1 rotisserie chicken, remove skin, debone and cut into

small pieces or 4-6 cups cut up cooked chicken • 2 boxes long grain and wild rice • 1/2 c. chopped celery • 1/2 c. chopped carrots • 2 teaspoon salt • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper • 1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour • 2 sticks butter • 4 cups half and half (or milk) 1. In a large stockpot over medium heat, combine broth, water and chicken. Bring just to boiling, then stir in uncooked rice, reserving seasoning packets. Cover and remove from heat. 2. In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper and flour. 3. In a second large stockpot, over medium heat, melt butter. Add carrots and celery and cook till softened. Stir in the contents of reserved seasoning packets. 4. Reduce heat to low and then stir in flour mixture a bit at a time to form a roux. Whisk in half and half, a little at a time, until fully incorporated and smooth. Cook, whisking very often (or continually) until thickened, 5 – 10 minutes. Combine creamed mixture and chicken broth/rice mixture in one of the stockpots, whisking well to blend. (Use non-stick stock pot because the rice sticks) Simmer for approx. 1 hour, stirring often so the rice doesn't stick. It gets very thick on the second day… thin with more broth.

2021 | Vol.8 No.1

Kennedy Installs Victory Flag in Courtyard In addition to a virtual Alumni Day program planned by the Student Government on Dec. 21, John F. Kennedy High School in the Bellmore-Merrick Central School District installed a Cougar Nation victory flag for the courtyard. Principal Gerard Owenburg said that the flag is something he’s wanted to add to the campus for some time, but added that it isn’t PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BELLMORE-MERRICK CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT. just for students or staff who win a championship or competition. “It’s about having a winning mentality and enjoying the growth and relationships that come with setting out to achieve a goal,” Owenburg added. “Often in competitions there can be only one winner. But that doesn’t mean only one person ‘won.’” Owenburg added that the Class of 2020 officers “made for the best example of this and were honored to have them be the inaugural group to raise the victory flag on Alumni Day.” “Their resiliency and adaptability paved the way for others to ‘make every moment count’ during the pandemic,” added Owenburg. The school will be having clubs, teams, and individuals raising the flag throughout the year. “It will be raised every morning by a different staff member or student,” explained Brad Seidman, social studies teacher and Student Government faculty adviser.

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2021 | Vol.8 No.1