Looking Forward to a Brighter 2021

Looking Forward to a Brighter 2021

Goodbye and good riddance 2020! Although it's 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 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.

First grade teacher Mary Carrea with student Summer Ryan who made several holiday cards for seniors.

Photo courtesy of North Bellmore School District

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 installed 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.

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Happy New Year!

Jill Bromberg, PUBLISHER at Your NewsMag

jill@yournewsmag.com 516-633-8590

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