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VOLUME 4, NUMBER 10

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BACK TO SCHOOL 2017

TWICE THE FUN WITH TWO FAIRS

JERRY MEDOWAR REMEMBERED

BACK TO SCHOOL Smart Tech Enhancements

CHURCH GRANTED EXPANSION

NEWS

Your NewsMag

Back to School 2017 | Vol.4 №10

Merrick Fall Festival and Business Craft Fair in Town September 8-10

he Merrick Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Merrick Fall Festival and Nassau County Business and Craft Fair Friday through Sunday, September 8-10. Merrick Avenue will be closed between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday between Loines Avenue and Sunrise Highway. Parking in the Merrick LIRR lot will be limited beginning Wednesday, September 6. There will be plenty of rides for the kids, and foods, a petting zoo, crafts, magic, games and free entertainment all around the fair. Free transportation will be also provided from the Bellmore LIRR train station to the Merrick Fair by All Island Taxi of Merrick, for those who wish to enjoy the Fair. The carnival will be open at 6 p.m. on Friday, September 8; 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 9; and Sunday, September 10. The opening ceremony, featuring

a performance by the Calhoun Choir, will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday. Live entertainment includes Playback at 3 p.m. on Saturday; Penny Lane at 1 p.m. on Sunday; and Parade at 3 p.m. on Sunday. Magic shows and additional entertainment will be at the gazebo throughout the weekend.

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Bellmore Family Festival Opens September 14-17 The 31st Annual Bellmore Family Street Festival is presented by the Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores and sponsored by Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano, the Nassau County Police Department, Supervisor Anthony J. Santino and the Town of Hempstead, News 12 Long Island, Crunch Fitness and Stop & Shop. The festival begins on Thursday, September 14, with the opening of the midway carnival, which runs continuously all weekend with live entertainment at the Pettit Avenue show mobile. Meanwhile, the street portion of the festival continues on Saturday and Sunday, September 16 and 17, and will feature all the vendors. This year, the festival has added a gorilla show and Ironman. In addition, there will be the Kids Expo, featuring child friendly rides and a chance to visit Rex the Dinosaur; a Craft Expo, featuring only hand-crafted vendors; and a huge Military Expo, featuring the latest military attractions from all branches of the military, Veteran’s organizations and service groups. The Sports Expo will feature representation from local and tri-state sports organizations. The Health and Wellness members can be found throughout the festival and, in addition, flu shots will also be available. The Home Improvement Expo showcases our local contractors and mem-

bers providing helpful ways to improve your home. Add live music all day long and this is one festival not to be missed. The chamber hopes to see you there. The family festival gives the chamber and its members a chance to say “Thank You” to the community for shopping and doing business locally. The festival affords many of the more than 250 members of the organization a chance to not only “show their stuff,” but to also give something back to the community in the form of entertainment, information and good old fashioned family oriented fun. The wide variety of exhibits attractions and has earned the reputation as Nassau County’s largest family oriented event of its kind, known for drawing more than 120,000 visitors.

NO PETS ALLOWED AT FESTIVAL

For the safety of fair goers сhamber officials request cooperation of attendees to leave their pets home. The Nassau County Police Department will be assisting the сhamber to enforce this rule.

PLEASE DON’T PARK HERE!

PHOTOS BY D. FINLAY

Due to the upcoming 31st Annual Bellmore Family Street Festival the following parking fields will be closed: • LIRR parking field B3–between Bedford Avenue and Centre Avenue, no parking after 8 p.m. Wednesday, September 13, through Monday September 18, 6 a.m. • LIRR parking field B2 – between Bedford Avenue and Bellmore Avenue, no parking after 6 p.m. Friday, September 15, through Monday, September 18, 6 a.m.

• TOH parking field B7–Grand Avenue behind Citibank, no parking after midnight Friday, September 15, to Sunday, September 17, at 8 p.m. • Handicapped Parking–TOH parking field B6 – Dellamore Parking Field between Bedford and Bellmore Avenue, no parking Friday, September 15, after 8 p.m. through Sunday, September 17, at 8 p.m.

All parking fields will reopen for public use on Monday, September 18. The Chamber of Commerce regrets any inconvenience this may cause and thanks the commuters for their indulgence. Should you have any questions, call the festival hotline at 809-5892 or visit on-line at www.bellmorechamber.com.

Schools Open Tuesday, September 5 for All Districts In addition to all schools in the Bellmores and the Merricks opening on Tuesday, September 5, the day after Labor Day, the Monday-through-Friday classroom instruction hours for each of the districts will be as follows: BELLMORE DISTRICT SCHOOLS: between 9:10 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. CALHOUN, KENNEDY and MEPHAM HIGH SCHOOLS: from 7:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m.

GRAND AVENUE MIDDLE SCHOOL and MERRICK AVENUE MIDDLE SCHOOL: between 7:56 a.m. and 2:41 p.m. MERRICK DISTRICT SCHOOLS: start 8:40 a.m. to 2:55 p.m. NORTH BELLMORE DISTRICT SCHOOLS: from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. NORTH MERRICK SCHOOL DISTRICT SCHOOLS: between 8:15 a.m. and 2:50 p.m.

Back to School 2017 | Vol.4 №10

Your NewsMag

☞ TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGES 2-14: NEWS Merrick and Bellmore Fairs come to town in September; The Bellmore library – and the 3 B’s; Greek Church granted expansion; Local Environmental Group sues Public Service Commission over NY American Water rate hikes; State Assemblyman McDonough food collection most successful ever; school times for the new school year

PAGES 18-22: BACK TO SCHOOL Superintendents John DeTommaso, Dr. Cynthia Seniuk, Marie Testa and Dr. Domenick Palma of the Central High School District, the North Merrick School District, the North Bellmore School District and the Merrick School District share with parents their visions for the new school year, what themes will prevail throughout the year and what’s new in the schools

PAGE 24: A MEMOIR Jerry Medowar, historian, Merrick School District attorney, Merrick teacher and Man of the Year in Merrick is remembered by Larry Garfinkel

PAGE 26: 9-11 CEREMONIES See when local fire departments in Bellmore and Merrick will hold ceremonies to honor those who sacrificed their lives on September 11 – so that others may live

WHO’S WHO AT YOUR NEWSMAG Advertising and Publishing

Editing and Reporting

Jill Bromberg

Online

Doug Finlay Erin Donohue

Contributing Larry Garfinkel John DeTommaso Dr. Cynthia Seniuk Marie Testa Dr. Dominick Palma Bobbie Arnel

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

Bellmore • Merrick

Back to School

On the cutting edge of technology, Merrick and Bellmore schools are taking learning experiences to new levels. There will be exciting new curriculum additions and modifications plus technology enhancements. Your NewsMag asked superintendents of schools to give us a peak inside what’s new this year. From capital improvements to exploring science, this will be an exciting year! Experience twice the fun as two great fairs come to town. The Merrick Fall Festival And Nassau County Business & Craft Fair,and The Bellmore Family Street Festival will provide two weeks of continuous outdoor entertainment, including music, games, rides, delicious food and more! Many of our local businesses have booths on display and will be available to share information about what they do and offer the community. This is a great chance to see a sampling of merchandise available locally without taking a trip to a mall. Look inside for ride coupons to bring to the fair! The Bellmore Memorial Library hosted a historical meeting about Bungalows, Brooklyn and the Bronx. Over 70 residents came to reminisce their old stomping ground and listen to Yiddish humorist and author Marjorie Gottlieb Wolff talk about the 3 B’s. Communities are fighting back to protect their interests. After the Hempstead Town zoning Board of Appeals granted St. Demetrios Church in Merrick permission to expand, neighbors filed a lawsuit with the Supreme Court of Nassau County in hopes of overturning the ruling. Meanwhile, Long Island Clean Air Water and Soil Ltd. is fundraising to file a lawsuit against the New York State Public Service Commission to fight the increase in water bill hikes. We also remember Jerry Medowar, a long time Merrick resident who passed away recently. The first time I met Jerry in 2009, he was

giving a bus tour for the Historical Society of the Merricks. He presented the history of the Merricks in a memorable way: with animation and joy! He approached all of his volunteer efforts with the same excitement. In talking to others who knew him well, Marion Fraker-Guten recalls his charm as her friend Jerry, Judge Medowar, performed her wedding ceremony. His close friend Lawrence Garfinkel was kind enough to share some thoughts and memories of Jerry with Your NewsMag readers. Community members turn their art into businesses, plus new businesses now open around town include Bones, Bath & Beyond on Merrick Avenue in Merrick and, in Bellmore, Hand & Stone Spa and Red Robin on Merrick Road; and Jersey Mike’s Subs in the King Kullen shopping center on Sunrise Highway. 9-11 is a date forever etched in our memories, and the Bellmore and Merrick Fire Departments will hold their annual remembrances of local firefighters who sacrificed their lives on that day so that others could live. See inside for the times and locations of the ceremonies. Your NewsMag is delivered to all homes in the Bellmores and Merricks free of charge because you live here and are residents of the communities. Advertising support pays for Your NewsMag, so please support participating businesses by shopping locally. If you know something that is newsworthy, please let us know. If your family is celebrating a special occasion, we want to know. After all, your news is our news. Please join us on Facebook and visit wwwYourNewsMag.com for updates throughout the month. I hope your enjoy this Back to School issue of Your NewsMag. Jill Bromberg PUBLISHER 516-633-8590 Jill@YourNewsMag.com

Vol.4 â„–10 | Back to School 2017

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CONGRATULATIONS TO SUSAN SORID FOR HAVING THE HIGHEST SALES VOLUME IN MERRICK FOR 2016 AS AN INDIVIDUAL AGENT. OVER $16,000,000 IN CONTRACT AND CLOSED SO FAR THIS YEAR #1 AGENT IN LOCAL SALES 2013, 2014 AND 2015 OUT OF OVER 90 AGENTS*

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NEWS

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In & Around … VENDORS WANTED: Vendors of hand crafts only are wanted for a Harvest Fair at Grace Lutheran Church 1294 Bellmore Avenue, North Bellmore, on Saturday, October 21, from 9 a.m. to -4 p.m. For information contact 785-5029 or email gelcnb@aol.com …PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTIONS: County Legislator Steve Rhoads of the 19th Legislative District will hold a property tax exemption outreach program on Wednesday, September 6, from 1-2:30 p.m. at the Merrick Public Library to inform residents of the several property tax savings they could receive by filing. Veterans, senior citizens, Cold War veterans, volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers, limited income disability residents and home improvements are among the exemptions that can be filed. While there are no new BASIC Star applications that can be filed, Enhanced STAR applications can also be processed. Bring two copies of required documentation to expedite your application. Applications and specific documentation requirements are available by called the legislator’s office at 571-6219 … BELLMORE BIKE LOCKER LOTTERY: Once again the Town of Hempstead

Back to School 2017 | Vol.4 №10

will hold a lottery to pick new winners to receive a full year’s use of one of eight bike lockers that reside at the Long Island Rail Road station in Bellmore. The aim of the bike lockers is to promote a healthier environment by cutting down car emissions when driving to the station, while at the same time promoting the benefits of exercise in riding a bike to work, rather than driving. Each of the bike lockers is four feet tall, six feet long and 3 ¼ feet wide, all located on the north side of the tracks at the Bellmore station. Each locker easily fits a standard bicycle, protecting it from damage, theft and bad weather. The town requires a $40 key deposit, which is refunded at the end of the one-year lease. No sub-leasing is permitted. The lottery drawing will be held on Thursday, September 7, to randomly select the eight winners. Residents interested in the bike lockers can call the Office of the Town Clerk at 8123024 to obtain an entry form (only one lottery ticket per household will be accepted). Residents must return the completed forms by Friday, September 1, to the Office of the Town Clerk, located on the first floor of Hempstead Town Hall (1 Washington Street, Hempstead) or mail them to Nasrin G. Ahmad, Town Clerk, ATTN: Bike Lockers, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, NY 11550.

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Back to School 2017 | Vol.4 №10

The Three Bs at the Bellmore Library T - DOUGLAS FINLAY

he Rockaway Bungalows, Brooklyn and to a lesser extent The Bronx were front-and –center at the Bellmore Memorial Library quarterly historical meeting as more than 70 residents came to reminisce over their old “stomping grounds” when Yiddish humorist and author Marjorie Gottlieb Wolff gave a spirited talk on “The 3 Bs,” which helped define and shape the lives of many current Bellmore residents. Growing up in Arverne on the Rockaway peninsula, Wolff was blocks from the bungalows of the Rockaways. She knew them as “summer resorts”–as famous as Coney Island–with their wide beaches that were so crowded one couldn’t walk without kicking sand in someone’s face, and the “honky tonk” atmosphere. She said bungalows were first constructed in 1905 as affordable summer homes, and by 1933 there were 7000 bungalows. Jewish and Irish immigrants landed in the Rockaways, taking in their relatives from Europe, which expanded

the population of the Rockaways and made the bungalows attractive summer beach homes. Most were roughly 600 square feet and featured a kitchen, porch and a bathroom–in addition to a sleeping quarter. While only about one-third remain, the bungalows were featured in the recent HBO series “Boardwalk Empire,” produced by Martin Scorcese. Wolff noted that World War II brought with it changes to the bungalows, most notably when developer Robert Moses began implementing ‘urban’-style neighborhoods. With the influx of new residents, the Rockaways turned from a seasonal destination to a year-round one as low-income high rise apartment buildings were built, eventually reducing the once sought-after bungalows into “slums.” “Hurricane Donna in 1960 also destroyed many of the bungalows,” Wolff remarked, which weren’t rebuilt. In a fit of humor, Wolff remarked that parents – especially mothers – were very careful

about when their kids ate and when they could go into the water. “Parents made sure that kids did not go into the water for 45 minutes after they ate,” she said to laughs. Or else they might sink? Mothers, she said, would also go in the water practically fully clothed and “splash water all over themselves.” Morris Kressel of Seaford told Your NewsMag he lived in Edgemere on the Rockaway Peninsula and knew the bungalows well. He said that from about 95th Street to 105th Street the bungalows were primarily summer Irish communities. “People lived all summer long in those bungalows,” he remembered. The exodus east to find better and more spacious housing brought Kressel to Long Island.

BROOKLYN

Wolff warmed up the audience when addressing Brooklyn, home of many in the audience who now call Bellmore their home. She was full of anecdotal information, such as noting author Pat

Schultz’s book 1000 Places to See Before You Die that mentions Brooklyn as one of those places. She called the Brooklyn Bridge one of the architectural wonders of the world, a first-of-its-kind bridge to connect Brooklyn with Manhattan. “Twenty-seven people died building that bridge,” she told the audience. And the bridge’s architect, John Augustus Roebling, never lived to see the bridge built. She said parents were beginning to name their children Brooklyn now, as well as other geographical locations such as Idaho and Utah. She added that Brooklyn was home to 250,000 Jewish residents. She threw out several original sayings that could only have originated from Brooklyn – and might be found in the urban contemporary dictionary, often asking the audience to guess their meanings. “What is a stoop?” she asked. Yes, it was a slab of concrete at the front door of the house where everyone hung out, but it was also the size of a “mattress where some received their sex education,” she said to laughter. “Do you remember the bodega, or the [CONT. ON PAGE 11] deli,”

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Back to School 2017 | Vol.4 №10

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THE THREE BS AT THE BELLMORE LIBRARY [CONT. FROM PAGE 8]

she asked, “where the owner would say ‘Whaddaya want, boss’?” Or those who said on the streets: “Dollars-to-donuts.”? That meant “a sure thing,” she told the audience. A “goomba” was not necessarily someone you wanted to hang out with, a “loosey” was a single cigarette you could buy at the bodega if you didn’t have enough for a full pack, and “Who died and left you boss?” was about telling the boys “I’m running the show!” “Tar beach” was the roof upon which you basked in sunlight. She spoke to the audience of “Charlotte Rous,” bakery delights everyone would indulge in as they walked along the streets. And when you left Brooklyn by the Belt Parkway, the sign screamed “Fugeddaboudit.” Wolff enthralled the audience when mentioning such legendary Brooklyn places as Ebinger’s, Junior’s and Loehmann’s. “At Ebinger’s, in which the average age of the bakery worker was 80,

residents could get the famed Blackout cake,” she said to laughter. The blackout name was a distinct reference to black out drills during World War II. Cheesecake was all the rage at Junior’s bakery, and Wolff noted that the cheesecake, known the region over, is served at Foxwood Common’s resort, for example, among other places. “Let’s not forget there was Lindy’s in Sheepshead Bay and Dempsey’s, both of which were known for their cheesecakes as well,” Wolff continued. But Wolff spoke a moment more about Loehmann’s, the first discount clothing store that featured a “communal dressing room.” Discount clothing became known for “stripping down to your skivvies in front of everyone else,” she said. Drawing laughs during the Loehmann’s discussion, she said that the store appeared very popular with women whose names were “Pearl and Sophie.” She said Betty Ford and Lauren Bacall, among many, came to the store to try on and perhaps purchase Oscar de la Renta gowns – without having to experience the communal dressing room. Perhaps central to Brooklyn’s early de[CONT. ON PAGE 27]

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Back to School 2017 | Vol.4 №10

Town Zoning Board of Appeals Grants Merrick Church Expansion Neighbors File Lawsuit on Procedural grounds DOUGLAS FINLAY

t. Demetrios Church on Hewlett Avenue in Merrick has been granted special exceptions by the Town of Hempstead’s zoning Board of Appeals to build a 25,684 square-foot two-story cultural center on its property that will include new classrooms, a gymnasium and a kitchen to enable the church’s congregants and fellowship to serve the community on a more efficient scale. The decision was quickly challenged by an Article 78 lawsuit in the county’s Supreme Court that will argue the decision was arbitrary and capricious, and the zoning board did not follow its own procedures in deciding the case. The lawsuit could hold up construction. St. Demetrios Church Parish Council President Nick Poulikidis called it a “right and justified decision.” Poulikidis, a Kennedy High School graduate, believed a good case was made, leading to the favorable outcome.

“Building this new structure will now allow the parish to begin more outreach into the communities because we will have larger facilities with which to serve them,” Poulikidis continued. He said the expanded outreach will help more youth, help to bring more character to the community, increase home values and give youth more to do within the community through its sports leagues, such as basketball and volleyball, for which Poulikidis is coach. In an earlier interview Sunday School teacher Jim Golding of Bellmore said “The old Sunday School classrooms are rooms scattered throughout an old house.” Poulikidis remarked that Golding was pleased with passage of the construction, which will centralize all classrooms. Father Nikiforos Fakinos, spiritual father of the parish, thanked all in the parish and those in the neighborhoods who

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Jeff Toback ,attorney for the opposition who argued the case, said he was “surprised and disappointed at how they [the town zoning board]would allow such drastic change to occur to an otherwise beautiful neighborhood,” after learning the zoning Board of Appeals had given a green light to St. Demetrios Church to tear down several houses on Annette Avenue and construct the building. The Article 78 lawsuit requires a high standard of proof to overturn, another source close to the case told Your NewsMag. “The ruling was viewed as arbi-

trary and capricious, with no basis in law,” said the source, adding the board may have made a couple of rulings based on little-to-no evidence from the church for the need for some variations, to back it up. John Healy, the Merrick attorney who filed the Article 78 lawsuit, told Your NewsMag the lawsuit is based largely on the zoning board’s failure in many areas to follow its own statutes and procedures in granting variances. “At the long 12-hour hearing, we [the [CONT. ON PAGE 21]

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BACK TO SCHOOL/BACK TO SHOES BY Dr. Leon Livingston, Dr. Douglas Livingston and their Associates at Livingston Foot Care Specialists. The summer has certainly passed in a wink of an eye and before we know it the children are back to school and back to their busy schedules. Now is the time to give some thought to your children's feet. Back to school means new shoes. Never give your child hand me down shoes no matter how little wear they have had. Each person has an individual gait and hand me down shoes can force a change in the natural gait. New shoes should not have a break in period for the child's feet. If your child's feet show signs of irritation, the shoes are not properly fitted. If shoes are too large for the child, it can cause accidents and injuries as children have a tendency to run right out of thier shoe gear. Too large can irritate as much as too tight. This is a good time of the year to have your child's feet evaluated by a foot care professional. Gait analysis is an important tool in preventing serious problems for developing in adulthood. Devices as simple as custom made orthotics can prevent the development of bunions and ankle deformities which can be painful adult problems. Summer is the time that plantar warts spread thought the population. This virus has a two month incubation period and is often caused by walking barefooted at pools and other public areas. Parents should check their children's feet for small pimple-like spots. If treated early, we can prevent the virus from spreading on the foot and to other members of the family. It is important to be cautious of the self-treatment options available as these can burn healthy skin as well as the wart and cause painful lesions. Parents should also check for cracked skin between the toes. Children and adults often fail to dry thier feet properly and fungal infections can be the result. These infections respond well to treatment and can easily be resolved eliminating a potential painful conditions. We at Livingston Foot Care Specialists located at 1685 Newbridge Raod, North Bellmore, enjoy seeing our young patients and giving them the time and attention they require. As former athletes, we understand the challenges young people's feet endure as they pursue thier dreams.

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Back to School 2017 | Vol.4 №10

Local Group Sues PSC over Water Rate Hikes Environmental entity from Merrick seeks donations for legal fees DOUGLAS FINLAY

fter more than a year of protests opposing any NY American Water rate hikes in the Bellmores and the Merricks, saying “water bills are too damn high,” Long Island Clean Air Water and Soil Ltd. of Merrick is filing an Article 78 lawsuit against the New York State Public Service Commission after it proposed rate increases in several communities it serves. LI CAWS claims most of the costs go toward paying NYAW’s properties in those communities and not toward water services. LICAWS is seeking $10,000 in donations by September 15 in order to go forward with the lawsuit. The suit charges that Bellmore-Merrick residents and others in the county served by NY American Water pay an additional cost on behalf of the water company’s private property assets – for the same water 90% of the rest of the county residents pay no extra cost for

because those properties are municipally owned. LICAWS calls it “illegal and unconstitutional.” Further, according to LICAWS, NYAW has imposed increases of 24% over four years, contrary to the New York State tax cap.

NEW COSTS

LICAWS offered figures–based upon PSC’s Joint Proposal for the communities it serves–on how the Merrick district’s water rates (which includes Bellmore) would change over four years. In the first year, Year 1, a household in summer using 10,000 gallons of water would see its rate go down by two cents, from $54.75 to $54.73, monthly. In Year 2, the rate would rise 8%, to $59.12. In Year 3 the rate would rise 7% to $63.47, and in Year 4 the bill would be $66.16, or 4%, for a roughly $12 increase over four years.

Households using 20,000 gallons in summer, at $99.30, would see an increase to $143.45 over four years, a roughly $44 increase. For households using up to 40,000 gallons of water during summer, at $153.26 monthly, that rate would rise to $305.45 over four years, roughly $150 more. Protests against NYAW reached critical mass after the newly reformed Water Authority of South East Nassau County, with resources from both the Town of Hempstead and Town of Oyster Bay to study the viability of a public takeover, disbanded in February 2016. The February 2016 issue of Your NewsMag reported on WASENC’s dissolution after its studies concluded ratepayers would pay a minimum of $143 more a year. But, “ ‘While $143 more per resident per year had been touted as the standard-bearing cost to

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DECISION TO SUE

The decision to sue the PSC was made during a meeting of more than 100 attendees at a LICAWS meeting in North Merrick this month. Attorney Cynthia Kouril, an attorney with expertise in municipal contracts and consumer fraud, discussed the need to bring an

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Vol.4 №10 | Back to School 2017

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BACK TO SCHOOL MESSAGE

Central High School District Superintendent: John DeTommaso

hope our students, staff, parents and community members enjoyed a restful summer. We are looking forward to welcoming our students and staff to the 2017-2018 school year – a year that promises to be filled with great successes for the Bellmore-Merrick school-community. Once again, a top priority will be to develop the potential and personalities of each and every student through meaningful connections. With that thought in mind, the goal/ theme for the 2017-18 school year is “Connect with Kindness and Caring.” Taking care of the academic, social and emotional well-being of our students has been the hallmark of the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District and together, with a little more kindness and caring, we will be able to continue to build upon the compassionate school culture we have created and enrich the educational experience for our students. As we begin to look forward to the upcoming school year, several new

initiatives will be introduced, which represent items included in the budget supported by the community in May. In addition to maintaining the excellent academic program offered to students in the past, the district will roll out a redesign of the seventh-grade curriculum. The redesign will focus on math acceleration, additional learning opportunities in earth science and the integration of the humanities courses. A computer coding course will be offered to incoming seventh graders, advancing the district’s technology education offerings. Further en-

hancements include the addition of technology in the science laboratories, support for increased enrollment in AP and college-level coursework, and a continued reinvestment in the Meadowbrook Alternative Program which includes more course offerings. I am proud to report that almost all of the work proposed under the facilities bond has been completed including, but not limited to, the installation of HVAC units, science lab redesigns and construction of new bathrooms. The remaining projects in the bond are scheduled to be completed next summer. As always, I encourage our community to remain involved, since your support and commitment to our students and schools will continue to foster our district’s tradition of excellence. I look forward to seeing you at various school and district events and wish our students and staff a successful 2017-2018 school year.

Back to School 2017 | Vol.4 №10

New This Year in Bellmore District Schools POLICY CHANGES (OPEN/CLOSED CAMPUS, LUNCHROOM PROCEDURES, ETC.) – Bellmore Public Schools is looking forward to its new lunch program, which aligns with the district’s health and wellness focus (continuous improvement of mind, body, heart), and will make nutritional meals available for purchase in our Bellmore Stars Cafes. CURRICULUM ADDITIONS/MODIFICATIONS – the district is excited to be one of the only districts to offer half-day prekindergarten for all four-year-olds. In addition, this year the district is expanding and offering an enrichment program that will provide a full-day pre-K opportunity for a modest fee. The district will continue to build upon its Bellmore Stars character development program and develop the leadership potential of all students. TECHNOLOGY ENHANCEMENTS – The district recently expanded its Chromebook initiative to the second grade, and now offers a 1:1 Chromebook initiative in grades 2-6. In addition, pre-K, kindergarten and first-grade students have iPads available in all of their classrooms.

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BACK TO SCHOOL MESSAGES

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Merrick Schools Superintendent of Schools: Dr. Dominick Palma On behalf of the Merrick School District, we are looking forward to a successful 2017-18 school year. For the upcoming academic year, there have been several positive changes to the curriculum for our district’s students. We will be implementing the New York State Science Learning Standards. In preparation for this shift, the district has purchased National Geographic’s Explore Science instructional materials, as well as provided professional development to our teachers for this new program. The district has also expanded its robotics instruction for the upcoming year. In addition, the district is proceeding with the capital improvement project that was approved by community residents last December. The design work is in progress for the heating and air conditioning compo-

nent of the project, as well as the construction of the multipurpose room at Chatterton, and classroom bathrooms throughout the district. We anticipate that we will submit our plans for these projects to the State Education Department this fall and expect to receive approvals for these components around March 2018. Finally, the district will be welcoming four new teachers to our district this fall. They include Kaitlyn Maloney, special education teacher at Lakeside; Colleen Ferrante, special education teacher at Birch; Marlene Jacome-Montoya, FLES Spanish teacher at Birch and Chatterton; and Thomas Velsor, music teacher at Lakeside. We wish these new teachers, as well as all of our staff members, much success for the upcoming year!

North Merrick Schools Superintendent: Dr. Cynthia Seniuk On behalf of the Board of Education and district administration, I extend a warm welcome to the 2017-2018 school year in the North Merrick schools. Throughout the summer, our dedicated staff has been preparing our classrooms and designing curricula to ensure that our students hit the ground running at the start of school. A productive collaboration amongst our educators has positioned this new school year as one filled with exciting instructional initiatives! This fall, we will launch a three-year plan that will include redesigning our computer labs into 21st century learning environments, reconfiguring our library learning spaces and acquiring 3D printers. Interactive Nureva Span Boards, installed in each building, will take our district’s tradition of hallway learning to an eye-popping, astonishing and empowering new level. Similarly, third-grade classrooms district-wide will be equipped with flexible furniture, including pedal desks,

To Lose Weight … Get Moving! by Bobbie Arnel

s most of you have experienced at some time in your lives, it is extremely difficult to lose weight. If you lose 1/2 a pound in a week, you should celebrate that accomplishment, as opposed to lamenting that it was only half a pound. 3500 calories = one pound. In order to lose a pound in a week, you would need to eliminate 3500 calories from your normal weekly routine. If you are eating a donut for breakfast every day (one of the least nutritious foods there is, by the way), and you cut out that practice, that could be 500 calories, times 7 days — there are your 3500 calories. Congratulations, that's a pound. Or if you start taking a boot camp class every day for a week, burning 500 calories per class, again there are your 3500 calories, or one pound weight loss. But both of these scenarios are extremes, and more than likely neither is an accurate portrayal of your situation. Therefore, the key to eliminating those calories is through a combination

of cutting down on fatty foods and increasing your fitness activities. It could be as simple as taking the stairs instead of the elevator, parking further from a store and walking the extra distance, and cutting out the late night ice cream binges before bed. Think about what you are about to eat, and ask yourself if you really want to consume those calories. And get moving! Bobbie Arnel has been an ACE certified personal trainer in Merrick since 1993.

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Back to School 2017 | Vol.4 №10

bean bag chairs and versatile shaped tables to optimize the mind-body connection and help students work collaboratively as they communicate and engage in critical thinking. Marine biology touch tanks, chick-hatching incubators, stream tables, structure and bridge materials and additional laptop carts will be present in each building. Our teachers will be participating in professional development throughout the school year, designed to be fully integrated within the classrooms. Our new website, which will launch in September, will provide an easy-to-navigate and dynamic platform to celebrate the successes of our district and optimize communication with the community. I look forward to partnering with you to support our students’ growth and achievement as we embark on this journey to create an even more innovative and collaborative learning environment in the North Merrick School District.

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TOWN ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS GRANTS MERRICK CHURCH EXPANSION [CONT. FROM PAGE 12]

opposition] were not allowed to cross examine witnesses, and the board did not allow into evidence our photos and other materials” that were relevant to the case. He said further the zoning board appeared to pay special deference to a federal law titled RLUIPA (Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act) of 2000, which does not permit discrimination toward a religious organization. Healy said that, instead of addressing each of the variations requested, the board grouped them all together and ruled them as a special exception. Correen Cellana said that zoning board members at the hearing “admitted their hands were tied by RLUIPA,” and said they would rule in favor of construction. “After a 12-hour hearing in which there was plenty of evidence submitted by both sides, I would not characterize the board as having its hands tied by any restrictions,” Bill Bonesso, attorney for St. Demetrios church, responded.

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However, many years ago the zoning board ruled against the small Walk in Love for Jesus church on Newbridge Road in Bellmore, a ruling overturned on appeal by the New York State of Appeals Court. Cellana told Your NewsMag she submitted a letter to the Town of Hempstead Board at its last meeting requesting a moratorium on building codes, citing instances in which the Town of Oyster Day struck down religious building requests because the plans did not conform to strict town building codes. “I provided them with specific sections in which to amend the code,” she said. Said Bonesso: “The Supreme Court will be bound by the evidence it has before it, there can be no new evidence submitted,” suggesting any new codes amended by the town would not affect the case before the Supreme Court. Father Fakinos said the size of the building was dictated, in part, by the ceiling required of the new gymnasium. “The codes are all legal, and the ediface is in line with other religious buildings.” But Healy concluded that the lawsuit would further argue the scale of the project is far out of sync with the character of the neighborhood.

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BACK TO SCHOOL MESSAGE

Back to School 2017 | Vol.4 №10

North Bellmore Schools Superintendent: Marie Testa

t felt like only yesterday that our sixth-grade graduates were walking across the stage in their caps and gowns, celebrating their successful completion of elementary school. Now, we are on the cusp of a new school year, and our faculty, staff and administrators are enthusiastically awaiting the arrival of our students. Our major initiative for the 2017-18 school year is the introduction of enVision 2.0 Math. A cadre of teachers researched and piloted the resource last year, and based on their feedback and the recommendation of our math leaders, it was adopted to streamline instruction in kindergarten through sixth grade. It includes an array of differentiated tools and strategies, learning centers and technology components to accommodate varied learning styles. The district is planning a fall Parent University workshop to familiarize parents with the resources and show them ways to support their children at home. We are confident that enVision 2.0 will take students’ mathematical abilities to the next level.

After successfully launching Writer’s Workshop program last year, teachers, instructional coaches and administrators met over the summer to reflect on the great writing that took place, in which students explored their interests through the written word. Our staff fine-tuned the program through curriculum writing and the development of pacing guides. Many teachers participated in professional development opportunities this summer in literacy and math, proving once again that North Bellmore’s educators are lifelong learners who are dedicated to their craft. Our opening Staff Development Day will include workshops on the new math resources and Writer’s Workshop revisions. This year, we welcome Robert Rafferty as our new facilities director. He replaces Frank Russo, who retired after nine years. Over the summer, maintenance staff constructed ADA-compliant bathrooms on the first floor of Park Avenue Elementary School, part of a multiyear plan to improve handicapped access at our five schools.

We converted to LED lighting throughout the schools including classrooms, hallways, offices and gymnasiums, which is expected to create significant energy savings for the district. The Technology Department is continuing to build its network infrastructure and recently installed one wireless access point in every classroom, office and common area in the district while also adding network switches in each building. This amount of wireless access will be necessary to support the addition of 700 iPads for teacher and student use, which will be funded through the Smart Schools Bond Act. In North Bellmore, we believe in educating the whole child. Each building has a strong character education program that focuses on developing positive character traits. This remains a major emphasis in our schools. On Tuesday, September 5, we will welcome back more than 2000 students, including the kindergartners who will eventually constitute our sixth-grade Class of 2024–and the high school Class of 2030! They will be joined by approximately 530 staff members, who have been working hard this summer to ensure a smooth opening. I hope everyone had a great summer and I extend my best wishes for a joyous and memorable school year!

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A Memoir of Jerry Medowar By Lawrence Garfinkel

erry Medowar–friend, confidant, neighbor, booster, prompter, partner. My first strong awareness of Jerry was just about the time the Historical Society of the Merricks was organized and chartered by the State of New York—1975. He and wife Goldie, dressed as General Washington and Martha, graced the Bi-Centennial Ball held in Merrick to jumpstart that wondrous year. The photographs that we have inherited of that costumed event help keep those memories fresh. In the ensuing years, Jerry and I were self-appointed brothers—propelling the historical society along its significant path and meeting in other community ventures. These are among my strongest recollections of the man: His bus tours after the annual July Fourth Declaration of Independence readings–and sometimes walking tours of the Merricks to engage in its history– are legend. Who knew about the whale being dragged through the streets giving

rise to the name of Whaleneck Drive…. so many of us overlook the memorial to Roxey the dog along the southern side of the LIRR station and his recounting of the legend … the walk in front of what used to be the world-famous Midmer-Losch organ factory and the still-existing building in which it was housed … the airplane built in the basement in North Merrick, the principal’s home next to our first important school building, the racetrack just east of Babylon Turnpike, the homes and buildings of yesteryear and those celebrities who inhabited them. Of course, I was a passenger on many of those bus rides and learned my history hearing his remarks. Often, I called out to augment a story or to add something to his narrative. This historical narrative was also often the subject of meetings of the society at the Merrick

and North Merrick libraries, and Jerry’s carefully researched talk was illustrated with his own personal collection of memorable photos and documents, for he was our prime historian in a group of historians. Both our families belonged to Temple Beth Am, where Jerry continued to be Jerry. A strong voice in the sanctuary when he did the readings, his annual narrative of the story of Jonah, his contributions as the librarian and his research and subsequent lectures on the Sephardic Jewish movement were labors of love that continued to educate all of us. We sat next to each other at the Brotherhood meetings, never tiring of each other’s company or stories Years before I knew him Jerry was an elementary school teacher in the Merrick system, a lawyer with a Merrick practice, an appointed and then-elected judge and the attorney for the Merrick public schools. It was odd to me that he was only voted Man of the Year one time by the Merrick Chamber of Com-

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merce, for Jerry Medowar was Mr. Merrick in so many ways. I have already missed him in a very personal way. He passed on just days before the annual reading of the Declaration of Independence, scheduled for July 4 at the Merrick Gazebo. For 20 years or so, even though I held the main spotlight as the historical society’s president, making sure that all who wanted to read a line of those sometimes-runon sentences would receive their turn, Jerry, too, was there in support, often with a bullhorn that he managed to secure from one of our government entities. “ Jerry,” I would say… “you will never need the bullhorn to speak …. We can always hear you.” No one has done more for Merrick than Jerry Medowar. I already had a brother when my family moved here, and I was so blessed to have another one. He left us as he was working on the narrative to be posted in the library near the actual organ we secured for our historical society exhibit. Who will finish that work now? Indeed, who will ever step up to be Jerry. Alas … only Jerry Medowar can be Jerry.

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LOCAL GROUP SUES PSC OVER WATER RATE HIKES [CONT. FROM PAGE 14]

Article 78 proceeding to the Supreme Court . LICAWS Co-Director Dave Denenberg told Your NewsMag that Amir Benno would act as co-counsel with Kouril in the lawsuit. LICAWS is actively seeking donations up to $25,000 to maintain the legal counsel, with $10,000 required to begin the process. A GoFundMe page has been set up at www.gofundme.com/water-bills-are-too-damn-high, or funds can be sent to CAWS, P.O. Box 500, Merrick, NY 11566. While an Article 78 brings with it a high burden of proof to overturn any decisions, Denenberg believes the fact that NY American Water is charging rates higher than any tax cap imposed by New York State is proof the PSC is not looking out for the interests of the public. “They [PSC] ignored the excess tax charges NY American Water flaunted regarding the New York State tax cap

currently in place,” continued Denenberg. The 2% tax cap is “designed to protect the public” from undue rises in tax burdens, he said. Newsday reported on a Glen Head meeting of residents opposing NYAmerican Water Company rate hikes, in which President Carmen Tierno, who attended the meeting, said he understands “the frustration of customers out there. More than 70 percent of their bills are composed of property taxes.” New York State Assemblyman Charles Levine, also in attendance, said he would try to find legislative solutions that could effectively roll back the rates. In an email to Your NewsMag, state Senator John Brooks said he was committed to finding legislative solutions working with other legislators such as Assemblyman Levine. Part of the lawsuit requests state officials to amend the Real Property Tax Law of NYS to make water utility properties exempt from property taxes. Borecky, also a co-director of LICAWS, said she has reached out to members of Glen Head and other North Shore communities to consolidate the lawsuit.

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We are a vibrant Reform Temple on the South Shore of Long Island offering: Family Shabbat Services • High Holiday Services • Bar/Bat Mitzvahs • Adult Education • Discounted Rates for Social Hall Rental • Warm,Friendly, Supportive Clergy • Social and Religious Programs for Singles, Seniors and Families with pre-school and school-age children

Interfaith Families are Welcome!

Our Award-Winning Hebrew School features: • Certified Hebrew and Judaic Teachers • Smart Boards, Wi-Fi enabled classrooms • The largest, most active youth group on the south shore of LI • Classes for children entering Fall 2017: • Torah for Tots (ages 2 ½ - 4) • Grades K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 "Our curriculum provides a balance of study time and hands-on activities to allow our children to learn “the 3 H's” – Hebrew, Holidays and Heritage." -Rabbi Michael Baum, Rabbi/Director of Education

(516) 378-3477

FOR MORE INFO: MEMBERSHIP@TEMPLEBETHAMMERRICK.ORG TEMPLE BETH AM CLERGY MICHAEL BAUM, RABBI / DIR. OF EDUCATION DANIEL ROSENFELD, CANTOR RONALD BROWN AND PAUL KUSHNER, RABBI EMERITI

Temple Beth Am of Merrick and Bellmore 2377 Merrick Avenue, Merrick NY 11566

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Have Have A A Great Great School School Year! Year!

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www.Neuropathyhelplongisland.com | 50B Merrick Avenue, Merrick 11566

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The Bellmore Fire Department will hold its annual 9/11 remembrance ceremony on Monday, September 11, in front of Bellmore Fire Department headquarters on Pettit Avenue, beginning at 6:30 p.m. , after a Mass celebration at St. Barnabas, which begins at 5 p.m. Meanwhile, The Merrick Fire Department will hold its 9/11 remembrance ceremony on Monday, September 11, at 7 p.m. at the monument at the corner of Sunrise Highway and Merrick Avenue. All are welcome.

9-11 CEREMONIES

Back to School 2017 | Vol.4 №10

Imagine a Hebrew School that encourages though�ul engagement with Jewish values, history, prayer and Torah. Not just as intellectual concepts but as meaningful elements to incorporate into daily living.

CONGREGATION B'NAI ISRAEL SUNDAY MORNING HEBREW SCHOOL

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TEMPLE OFFICE - 516 623-4200

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THE THREE B'S AT THE BELLMORE LIBRARY [CONT. FROM PAGE 11]

velopment was the construction of the Brighton Beach Baths. “Opened in 1907, it eventually boasted 12,000 members, three pools, tennis and handball courts, a nude beach and game playing". Yet, over the decades, as Ukranian Jews began to move into Brighton Beach, changing the neighborhood to “Little Odessa” and bringing with it a more middle class root, affluent people moved away, leaving fewer members at the baths and forcing them to close in 1994. Bellmore resident Roman Spinner, who won an Emmy Award in 1978 for teleprompter operation in the daytime TV soap opera “Edge of Night,” told Your NewsMag he emigrated from the Ukraine and Poland in 1973 and lived 25 years in Brighton Beach before moving to Bellmore. “I lived in a third-floor apartment on Brighton Beach Avenue,” he explained, "and could look out over the fences of

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the baths to the boardwalk and see entertainer Tony Martin singing". He said during that time Russians were setting up clubs and dance halls all over the neighborhood, and the music played continually. He came to Bellmore after he met his wife at a dance club, and they decided on a better future on Long Island.

Celebrating Over 23 Years Of Serving The Community In All Their Real Estate Needs

Have a successful and happy school year

THE BRONX

With little time left to speak, she said The Bronx is only one of three locations in the world with the word “the” as part of the proper name. She rattled off The Vatican and The Hague as the only other two geographical locations in the world using the word “the” in the name. “The Bronx is undergoing a strong revitalization,” Wolff said, noting that a new film productions studio, similar to the Silvercup Studios in Queens, was being completed in the Morris section of The Bronx. She added that the 1950s TV sitcom “The Goldbergs” was about family from The Bronx. The next historical meeting at the Bellmore Memorial Library will be held 7 p.m. on Wednesday, October 25.

Barry Fox BA, MA

College Finance Consulting

(516) 379-3232

"Knowledge that helps pay for college" Check website for local lectures @ barryfoxcollegefinance.com

FREE SEMINAR Hewlett Woodmere Library - Thurs. September 14 at 7pm Plainedge Library - Tues. September 26 at 6:30pm Syosset Library - Mon. October 16 at 7pm Nassau Community College - Tues. October 17 at 7pm Roslyn Annex - Mon. October 23 at 7pm Elmont Library - Wed. October 25 at 6:30pm Massapequa Public Library - Thurs. November 2 at 7pm

2174 Hewlett Ave., Suite 213, Merrick Member, Nassau Counselors Association

THINKING OF BUYING OR SELLING? I WOULD LOVE TO ADD YOUR SALE/PURCHASE TO MY LIST OF RECENT CONTRACTS/SALES.... 1749 Rose Street, Merrick - listing contract 2130 Seneca Drive - Merrick - listing/sale contract 1217 Little Whaleneck Rd, N. Merrick - listing contract 164 Regent Place, W. Hempstead - listing contract 10 Fletcher Ave - Merrick - listing contract 1182 Woodland lane - seaford - sale contract 51 Fallwood Pkwy - Farmingdale - listing contract 2414 Wood Ave - Bellmore - sale contract 26 Birch Lane - Levittown - listing sold 911 Harlane Circle - N. Bellmore - sale sold 701 Franklin Ave - Massapequa - sale sold 61 Catherine Street - valley stream - listing sold 2886 Shore Rd, Seaford - sale sold 3719 Terrapin, Seaford - listing sold 410 East Broadway, Long Beach - sale sold Proud member of the Tina Canaris team, ranked in the top ten teams in Douglas Elliman.

516.623.2214

Back to School 2017 | Vol.4 №10

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Cathy and David Stone of Bellmore and Mali and Gilles Sebagh of Roslyn Heights announce the engagement of their children Samantha Stone and Daniel Sebagh. The engagement festivities occurred in the West Village of New York City on July 8. The engaged couple celebrated in New York City with their immediate family with afternoon cocktails, followed by an engagement ceremony at Park Avenue Summer in the city. The wedding ceremony is expected to take place on June 23, 2018, at Temple Israel.

A Long Island Family Tradition Since 1955

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Communions/Christenings Rehearsal Dinners Anniversaries Showers Birthdays Graduations Private Party Room Available for Up to 120 People

Welcome Back Students! Best Wishes for a Successful School Year!

Presiding Officer NORMA GONSALVES Legislative District 13

Legislator STEVE RHOADS Legislative District 19

Councilwoman ERIN KING-SWEENEY Council District 5

Vol.4 №10 | Back to School 2017

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A year ago this month Robin Canarick and Carol Siegel started a clothing company called Plaids and Patches. Plaids and Patches is available in pop-up stores (currently at Tashi Rose), through home parties (hosts receive free gifts), instragram, facebook and local fairs. You will be able to see them display their unique brand of clothing at the upcoming Bellmore Street Festival in September. Plaids and Patches takes flannel shirts and adds patches of your favorite band, school, team, saying... You think it, they can custom make it! Follow them on Instagram @pladsandpatches or join their group on Facebook. Meanwhile, artist Linda Lazarus Gerome has turned her paintings into beautiful cards. She started her card business after selling cards as a fund raiser for the Crohns & Colitis Foundation. Cards are currently available for sale in NYC at Zitomer on Madison and 76th. For locals that are interested contact her via message on facebook or email at Lggshop61@aol.com.

CONG RATULATIONS!

July Agent of the Month

Judy Pernice Judy Pernice Licensed RE Salesperson

Cell: 516-474-8627 Email: perniceproperty@aol.com

516-474-8627

CALL TODAY FOR A COMPLIMENTARY MARKET ANALYS Select-A-Home Island South Realty Corp.

324 Merrick Ave, Merrick (Accross from 7 Eleven) • 516-223-9463 • www.selectahomeli.com

Back to School 2017 | Vol.4 №10

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Assemblyman McDonough Food Drive A Success

ew York State Assemblyman Dave McDonough (R, C, I-Merrick) said he was successful with his drive recently, which collected over 1555 pounds of food. The drive was held at the King Kullen in Bellmore on and was sponsored by Long Island Cares. “No one should have to worry about where their family’s next meal will come from,” said Assemblyman McDonough. “It is important that we pay it forward and help out those who are less fortunate. Not only is this helping out families in need on Long Island, but this is also a great opportunity to teach younger generations what is means to help out your neighbor. I look forward to working with Long Island Cares again in the future to raise even more food to help out even more families.” William Gonyou, community events and food drive manager of Long Island Cares, remarked of Assemblyman Mc-

Donough’s food drive that “During a time when food drive donations are historically low, the Summer Food Drive to End Hunger serves as a significant tool in meeting our vision of a hunger-free Long Island. This helps us to put more food on the tables of our friends and neighbors facing food insecurity. The food drive sponsored by Assemblyman McDonough resulted in an unprecedented 1555 pounds of food for the needy.” Assemblyman McDonough represents the 14th District, which includes Merrick, Bellmore, North Bellmore, Seaford, Wantagh and parts of Levittown and Roosevelt

PRESIDENT - BRUCE NELSON

Family events, active Hazak, Men's Club and Sisterhood

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Back to School 2017 | Vol.4 №10

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