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VOLUME 4, NUMBER 3
IN PRINT & ONLINE
DECEMBER 2016
BROTHERHOOD CONCERT STARTS THE HOLIDAYS
CELEBRATING THE SEASON WITH GOOD CHEER
Merry Christmas and Happy Chanukah
KATINA DUPUIS: IN MEMORIAM
2
NEWS
Your NewsMag
DECEMBER 2016 | VOL.4 №3
Merrick School District Passes Capital Improvement Bond for $24.9 million
R
esidents in the Merrick School District passed a capital improvement bond on December 6 by a vote of 361 to 167, opening the door to a raft of facility improvements through additions, renovations and repairs to the district’s Birch, Chatterton and Levy-Lakeside schools. Chief among improvements will be air conditioning in all of the classrooms in the schools, and building an extension onto Chatterton school. But all three schools will benefit considerably from building improvements, including bathroom renovations, repairs to building masonry, sidewalks and curbing, and additional parking. In addition to air conditioning in all classrooms and learning spaces to provide for better temperature control and proper airflow, a 5800
square-foot addition will be built onto Chatterton School to provide for a second multipurpose room and intervention classrooms. Dr. Dominick Palma, superintendent of the Merrick School District, put out a release thanking all residents in the district for their support in making the bond referendum a reality.
COSTS The cost of the bond voted on by residents is for $24.9 million, with $5 million being transferred from the district’s fund balance and $19.9 million to be raised by residents. Calculated, for a home in the district assessed at $688 (a market value in the low to mid $300Ks), the annual cost impact will be an additional $76 per year. For a home assessed at $963 (a market value in
the low to mid $600Ks) the average yearly increase will be $106. For a home assessed at $2,189 (a market value in the low $900Ks to $1 million), the annual cost increase will be approximately $241. The bond had been under serious consideration since summer of 2015, remarked Dr. Palma.. The original bond called for $47 million to be raised, but throughout the intervening year the board reduced the costs to $24.9 million – or $19.9 million to residents. Dr. Palma told Your NewsMag that a Board of Education visit to the schools in September helped the board finally assess what each of the schools actually needed, and the cost for each item, to arrive at its final capital bond number. “We can go through the list of general categories and see what it is we really want, and what we truly
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need to pay for,” Dr. Palma said during a September board meeting leading to the school visits. Roger Smith, principal of BBS Architecture of Patchogue, NY, which has contracted with the Central High School District on its bond, and the Bellmore School District in an earlier bond, also told the board during that meeting that it would be easy for the board to look at each item on the list of proposals, review the item and determine if it needs to be repaired or replaced. If neither was necessary, he said, it could be crossed off the list, reducing the overall cost. Dr. Palma said the school board meetings in the coming months will focus on design aspects of the facility improvements and their timeline of when the improvements can be made.
Dr. Dominick Palma However, the state’s Department of Education could influence when the improvements can begin, as they approve all contracts and designs. Earlier, construction on the Central High School District’s $50 million bond issue was held up by the state, delaying by several months the construction of the district’s new broadcasting communications program and its CHAMP program for the culinary arts. - DOUGLAS FINLAY
VOL.4 .4 №1 | OCTOBER 2016
NEWS
Your NewsMag
3
Central High School District’s ‘One Voice, One Message’ Showcase Wows ‘Em!
T
he Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District hosted its first Vocal Music Showcase, featuring the five premiere choral groups across the entire district. Kennedy High School’s Variety Choir, Merrick Avenue Middle School’s Word of Mouth, Grand Avenue Middle School’s Grand Voices, Mepham High School’s Pirate Radio and Calhoun High School’s Crescendo were included in the performance. "I got to sit with my best friend who is a soprano in Variety Choir over at Kennedy, and a seventh-grader who seemed very excited with the idea of being a part of our
high school ensemble,” said Doug Gall, a member of Calhoun’s Crescendo group. While admission was free, the district accepted donations to the new pantry, the Community Cupboard, which is housed at Brookside. "This was an incredibly special night in the Bellmore-Merrick CHSD,” said Cheryl Fontana, director of fine and performing arts and adult education. “The genuine amount of camaraderie and support among our students truly embodied the meaning of One Voice, One Message.” She said she hopes to make it an annual tradition within the Bellmore and Merrick communities.
NYAmerican Water Rate Hike: Under a Microscope
T
he anger was palpable and the anecdotes flew during the most recent public hearing at Wantagh High School held by the New York State Public Service Commission on NYAmerican Water’s request for an 8-10% water rate hike, which would be implemented in the spring 2017. The second hearing was garnered at the request of the Merrick-based Long Island Clean Air Water and Soil Ltd (LICAWS) after the PSC had planned no further hearings. Several in the audience, from Alfred Kaiser to Thomas Kohlman, expectedly raised the fact that NYAmerican Water residents often pay hundreds more per month for water than for surrounding towns under municipal water districts. Edward Steinman spoke for several in the audience who are seniors and on
fixed incomes who simply cannot afford rate increases in the face of yearly increases they absorb already. Sheldon Fassman pointed out that Brian Bruce, president of NYAmerican Water, earns $3 million annually in salary while thousands of ratepayers struggle daily with balancing their budgets on far less income. Michael Reid, a volunteer firefighter for 40 years in Merrick, said that any rate increases further drive up the cost of doing business in the communities, at a time when local main streets are struggling to build better futures for their communities. Barbara Sims of North Bellmore spoke of the brown color of her water, and how she had to get county health inspectors out to test the water. Robert DelMonaco of Merrick put forth the premise that the Town of Hempstead
and the County of Nassau offer tax credits to ratepayers to offset the proposed rate hikes. All are opposed to a water rate increase and, instead, still call for a public takeover of the private water company.
CALL FOR PUBLIC TAKEOVER CONTINUES That could take a while, as a report on the second iteration of the Water Authority of South East Nassau County concluded in February, after being commissioned on behalf of the Towns of Hempstead and Oyster Bay, that costs to ratepayers would increase significantly over the next 30 years to pay for the acquisition. To members of LICAWS, that conclusion is tantamount to the lack of political will to help residents of the county reduce their water rates. LICAWS Co-director Dave Denenberg told Your NewsMag
the conclusion of the first WASENC study in 1990 said that by eliminating the thenNY Water Corporation the new public entity would have to raise the same amount of taxes the private company did, but by Payments In Lieu of Taxes (PILOTS). “…It was politically difficult to eliminate the taxes from the host municipality’s revenues,” the first study concluded, adding that “the tax authorities that received these taxes [from NYWater] insisted that a municipal-owned system make Payment In Lieu of Taxes at levels similar to the taxes being paid by NYWater.” LICAWS saw the initial conclusion as government agencies unwilling to raise taxes slightly across the board on the rest of the county to pay for the makeup of lost revenues to this one district. [CONT. ON PAGE 6]
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DECEMBER 2016 | VOL.4 №3
Your NewsMag
☞ TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGES 4-7: NEWS Merrick School District capital improvement bond for $24.9 million passes; CHSD’s first One Voice, One Message concert wows ‘em, NYAmerican Water rate hike is under a microscope, The Brotherhood Holiday Concerts always pleases, new bank coming to Merrick, when are the menorahs in Bellmore and Merrick to be lit?
PAGE 10: CHRISTMAS And the Son Shall Banish All Darkness Monsignor Frank Caldwell talks of the miracle of God’s only begotten Son bringing light out of the season’s darkness
PAGE 12: SCHOOLS Calhoun and Mepham bring volunteer cheer to the community, while North Bellmore schools collect candy for soldiers overseas. Meanwhile, Kennedy students win big!
PAGE 14: IN MEMORIAM Katina Dupuis Lived and Loved Life on Her Own Terms After the sudden and heartbreaking loss of vivacious Salon T owner Tina Dupuis at 47 years old, her friends reveal just how beautiful and revered a woman she was in the community
PAGE 16: CHANUKAH Enough is enough Rabbi Dahlia Bernstein of Bellmore’s Congregation Beth Ohr asks how much gift-giving is enough, when there was just enough oil to keep the menorah lit for eight continual days
PAGE 18: HEALTH MATTERS Feeling ‘blue’ during the holidays is quite normal, and you can still get your flu shots
WHO’S WHO AT YOUR NEWSMAG Advertising and Publishing
Editing and Reporting
Jill Bromberg
Doug Finlay
Online
Contributing Monsignor Frank Caldwell Rabbi Dahlia Bernstein
Erin Donohue
Contact us with story ideas and news at: edit@yournewsmag.com info@yournewsmag.com To advertise, Jill@yournewsmag.com
Phone: 516-633-8590 P.O. Box 15, Bellmore, New York 11710
Bellmore • Merrick
Merry Christmas and Happy Chanukah! T
he winter holiday season began with the Brotherhood Council Festival of Music featuring musical groups from schools, temples and churches entertaining with a wonderful spirit-lifting concert. At the end of the concert the entire audience joined in to sing “We Gather Together,” followed by “Let There Be Peace On Earth” and “America the Beautiful.” Among the school winter holiday concerts, the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District hosted its first Vocal Music Showcase called One Voice, One Message, featuring both middle and high school musical groups. Bellmore and Merrick chambers celebrate in style with festivities for the entire community to enjoy. In Bellmore, the Christmas Tree Lighting and Holiday Extravaganza was a big hit, complete with trolley rides, horse and carriage rides and a chance to sit on Santa’s lap to take a treasured photo. The Bellmore Festival of Lights on Wednesday, December 28, will include lighting the Menorah, songs and Chanukah giveaways courtesy of the Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores. The Merrick Chamber of Commerce’s spectacular annual holiday event included a visit from Santa Claus followed by the Christmas Tree and Menorah lighting event. Merokians gathered ‘round to enjoy the ceremony, hear the sweet voices of the Merrick Chorale and sip hot chocolate to keep warm. With Christmas and Chanukah only a day apart this year, Your NewsMag asked clergy from church and synagogue to share some words about these holidays. Monsignor Frank Caldwell from Cure of Ars church in Merrick writes a story about Christmas, while Rabbi Dahlia Bernstein from Congregation Beth Ohr in Bellmore shares a story about Chanukah. The school districts promote volunteerism. North Bellmore School District students collected candy to send to troops overseas for the holidays, while the Calhoun Breakfast Club spread holiday cheer at the senior center. Meanwhile, the Merrick School District passed the capital improvement bill, allowing for many improvements and additions, renovations and repairs to the district’s Birch, Chatterton and Levy-Lakeside schools. Calhoun Alumni Association held a multiple class reunion. Check out the photos inside and more on Your NewsMag facebook page. What’s going on with the NYAmerican water rate hike? The rate hike was discussed at the most recent
public hearing and LICAWS, The Long Island Clean Air Water and Soil, Ltd. is among many that put the rate hike under a microscope. A must read is the tribute to the life of Tina Depuis. Tina was adored by all who knew her. She was an active member of the community known over the years for her role as Mrs. Santa Claus at the Bellmore Holiday Extravaganza. She was truly a beautiful person both inside and out. She used her infectious smile and outgoing personality to raise money to help those in need, and her tireless efforts earned her numerous awards for charity work. The Guardian Brain Foundation has created a new award in Tina’s honor, the Leadership Award–Live the Life You Love, and Love the Life You Live. The annual award will be given to those that meet the exceptional standards of volunteerism that Tina demonstrated. She was the proud owner of Salon T and former co-owner of the Bellmore Bean Cafe. Tina knew how to enjoy life and lift the spirits of those around her. She was a wonderful, fun person to be around and will be remembered and missed dearly. To her family and friends, my most sincere condolences. There is much to do “In and Around” town this month. Look for more holiday entertainment and celebrations. Did you know there is a new kosher food pantry in town? Are you interested in history? Perhaps you would like to participate in the next historical association meeting. Would you like to learn to knit, see a magic show or attend a Noon Year’s Eve Party? Find all this and more when you read “In and Around.” Your NewsMag is delivered to every home 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 business is having an anniversary or someone in 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 www.YourNewsMag.com for updates throughout the month. On behalf of my family and the staff at Your NewsMag, I wish you all a Happy Chanukah, a Merry Christmas and A joyous New Year! Jill Bromberg PUBLISHER 516-633-8590 Jill@YourNewsMag.com
VOL.4 №3 | DECEMBER 2016
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NEWS
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NYAMERICAN WATER RATE HIKE: UNDER A MICROSCOPE [ďƒ¨CONT. FROM PAGE 3]
The environmental group sees the latest conclusion, in which the numbers in the second report speak of rising costs to ratepayers, as largely a moot point because the ratepayers already own the water. “We own the water,� said Denenberg, asking why ratepayers are being charged at least $80 million in valuation costs to buy it again? The only amount that would be expected to be paid in a public takeover would be 35% of the original bill, because that’s the percentage NYAmerican Water pays in property taxes now – a cost LICAWS says could be borne by the county in raising taxes slightly across the board. Nassau County Legislator
Steve Rhoads isn’t convinced ratepayers own the delivery system that delivers the water, though the aquifer may be considered a public asset. “If you purchase a car, you don’t purchase a piece of the infrastructure that went to build the car,� he pointed out. He maintained that NYAmerican Water maintains the delivery systems for ratepayers to receive public water – but it doesn’t entitle them to own a piece of the infrastructure that private investment in a private company helped pay to build. Legislator Rhoads, himself opposed to rate increases, is hopeful the Public Service Commission heard the palpable anger, concerns and frustrations in this latest public hearing. He said the PSC is held to a very high “watch dog� standard to see to it companies such as NYAmerican Water do not monopolize on their assets – at the cost of the people they serve. DOUGLAS FINLAY
The annual Brotherhood Holiday Concert at Calhoun High School brought out several local singing groups, choruses and chorales to sing songs of Christmas, Chanukah and the winter holidays. As a treat, the audience joined in to sing “We Gather Together,� followed by “Let There Be Peace On Earth� and “America the Beautiful� at the end of the presentation.
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VOL.4 â„–3 | DECEMBER 2016
In & Around ‌ HIGH HILL BEACH: Locally renowned historian Joshua Soren will open the Bellmore Historical Association’s slate of new 2017 meetings with a talk on High Hill Beach on Tuesday, January 24, beginning at 7 p.m. Soren, who investigated the grounds of the former High Hill Beach - on the eastern flank of what is now Zach’s Bay - in search of old structures, will discuss how High Hill Beach was formed, who came there and who serviced the beach – from Bellmore. Did two ferry lines really transport passengers? Find out. For information on the meeting, email to bellmorehistory@gmail.com, or call Martha DiVittorio at 785-2990 ‌ CHANUKAH EXPERIENCE: The Chabad Center for Jewish Life, headquartered in Merrick, will hold its 10th Annual Menorah Car Parade on Sunday, December 25, that will parade down Merrick Avenue from the Chabad center on Hewlett Avenue to light the menorah at the Merrick railroad plaza and gazebo. For kids during this festive event there will be sand art,
doughnut decorating and dreidel painting and more. The event will also sponsor the first Potato Latke Fry-off competition. For information contact Chabad at 833-3057. Festivities start at 4:15 p.m. ‌ BELLMORE MENORAH LIGHTING: The Bellmore menorah lighting, celebrating the eight days of miraculous light, will be held on Wednesday, December 26, at 6 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial in the Bellmore Village. Festivities include Chanukah songs and treats, and participation from the leaders of the synagogues and temples in the area that will tell stories of the ancient challenges that people overcame. Local temple choirs will sing songs with accompaniment‌ KWANZAA CELEBRATION: the Seventh Annual Kwanzaa Celebration will take place on Thursday, December 29, at noon at Roosevelt Field Mall, North Court, which is located near Dick's Sporting Goods and Bloomingdale's Furniture (Parking: Purple Court, near Dicks & Bloomingdales). The celebration will feature the Ngoma (Drum) Procession of Distinguished Elders and Ujamaa (oo-jah-MAH-ah) Cooperative Economics. Kwanzaa celebrates its 50th Anniversary this year as a secular
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Your NewsMag
festival observed by many African Americans from December 26 to January 1 as a celebration of African cultural heritage and traditional values. For more information, please contact Shelley Brazley at 572-2244 ‌ NEW LOCATION: Progressive Dentistry of Merrick will move from its present location at the corner of Merrick Avenue and Sunrise Highway to new offices in Merrick at the corner of Merrick Road and Babylon Turnpike ‌ NEW BANK IN TOWN: Investors Bank is constructing a new bank building at the corner of Merrick Road and Wynsum Avenue in
Investors Bank Merrick that will open sometime in early spring ‌ ACCOUNTANT RETURNS: Sandra Johnson, CPA, has returned to Bellmore after a sustained
Sandra Johnson, CPA absence. She now works out of 109 Bedford Avenue, across from Polara Jewelers, offering tax preparation and accounting services... KOSHER FOOD PANTRY: The Alix Rubinger Kosher Food Pantry is now located at Congregation Beth Ohr in Bellmore. The pantry is open Mondays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to noon and has nonperishable kosher foods that are available to all residents of Nassau County, regardless of religious affiliation. Since most of the food is purchased, the pantry is heavily dependent on grants and monetary donations. Congregation Beth Ohr is at 2550 South Centre Avenue. For more information on the pantry, call 781-3072.
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HOLIDAY CHEER
DECEMBER 2016 | VOL.4 №3
The Merrick Chamber of Commerce held its annual Meet Santa Claus, Christmas tree lighting and Menorah lighting ceremonies attended by tens of Merokians, who came to imbibe in hot chocolate, and indulge in doughnuts, cookies and other refreshments - and to persuade Santa to bring them his best gifts!
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VOL.4 â„–3 | DECEMBER 2016
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CHRISTMAS
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DECEMBER 2016 | VOL.4 №3
And the Son Shall Banish All Darkness By Monsignor Frank Caldwell
A
few weeks ago I was on the LIRR coming back to Merrick from a meeting in Manhattan. I met a parishioner on the train who was lamenting how depressing it is at this time of the year to leave in the morning for work in the darkness, and return home in the dark. This is indeed the time of the calendar when darkness has the upper hand. Every day there are a few less moments of light: every day the sun sinks a bit lower. No wonder the ancient people got scared about this time every year: will the sun come back? Will light return? Or will the night win? Yes, nature right now is in a cosmic battle, between light and darkness. In fact, on December 21, the sun is at its lowest: it’s the shortest day of the year; we wonder if darkness has finally triumphed? But then comes December 22,
and, guess what? There are a few more moments of brightness! It’s as if the sun is reborn! No wonder the Church decided centuries ago that the birth of the Son should be celebrated right after the rebirth of the sun! He whose birth was announced by the dazzle of a star came to be the “light of the world!” As we will hear through the words of the Prophet Isaiah on Christmas Day –“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light! Upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom light has shone!” Our Jewish neighbors recognized this invitation from nature long before we did, in their annual Festival of Lights, Hanukkah. Just as nature tells us annually that the sun trumps darkness, so does “supernature” teach us that the only begotten Son of God,
noon on the day we strangely call “Good,” midday became as bleak as midnight, as “darkness covered the earth,” and even the sun covered its face in shame. But the following Sunday morning, as the sun came up to announce that the night was over, the Son indeed rose! Pardon me for being a party-snob in this season of rightful celebrations, smiles, and joy…but…-- have you noticed? -- ….there’s a lot of darkness, out there? There’s a struggle going on between light and darkness, not only in the sky, but “down here” too: • within our own hearts, there’s a battle between our dark side of sin, selfishness and pride, and our radiant side of grace, love, and goodness • in our own lives, we see causes for gloom in sickness, struggle, tension, heartache, worry
true God from true God, light from light, is victorious over the darkness of sin, selfishness, Satan and death itself.
For this baby will go from the wood of the manger to the lumber of the cross. On that after-
• in our country these days, there is a good deal of tension between a yearning to be stronger together yet wanting our nation to be as great today as our Founding Fathers envisioned • in the world, it seems as if the forces of gloom are in the ascendancy, as we shake our head at violence, poverty hatred, sorrow, crime, and immortality. Ask no more! December 21 does not have the last word! December 25 does! Light the candles! Illuminate the trees. Belt out “Alleluia” with Handel! Gaze upon the menorah! See the star over the manger! Acclaim the Son as the light of the world! Let Him banish the gloom and darkness that threatens to doom us! Merry Christmas! Monsignor Frank Caldwell serves as father of the Cure of Ars Roman Catholic Church, in Merrick
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VOL.4 â„–3 | DECEMBER 2016
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The Holidays are a time to be thankful and I want to Thank all of my customers and clients for their kind words of support!
Wishing all a Happy Holiday Season! THE PERFECT GIFT: The Merrick Kiwanis Club is in full swing this Holiday season at Roosevelt Field shopping mall until Christmas Eve, wrapping gifts to raise funds for a variety of causes in the Merricks. Pictured are Seth and Louise Pitlake, and Erin Donohue.
Dear Pam, August 27, 2016 We can’t thank you enough for the outstanding job you did selling our house. From the first day we met your enthusiasm was contagious. Your knowledge of the local real estate market and guidance in setting the asking price allowed us to sell our house for much more than we thought was possible. You were able to deal with all of the prospective buyers and their agents in a pleasant and professional manner, always with our best interest in mind. We especially appreciated your timely communication that kept us up to date every step of the way. The right agent makes all the difference in the sales process and we think you were exceptional. All the best, Fran & Tony Rund
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SCHOOLS
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Students from Mepham’s new leadership course recently interviewed Nassau County Legislator Rose Marie Walker
Students in the North Bellmore School District collected nearly 2,000 pounds of candy that will be sent to troops overseas for the holidays
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DECEMBER 2016 | VOL.4 №3
Calhoun High School Breakfast Club students recently spread holiday cheer for those at the Jewel Quinn Senior Center Jennifer Rakhimov, a senior at Kennedy High School, has been selected as one of the top finalists for the 2017 Neuroscience Research Prize on behalf of the American Academy of Neurology
Taylor Bruno, a sophomore student-athlete at Kennedy High School became the first female wrestler in the school’s history to win a match by the score of 6-4 versus a wrester from Great Neck North High School
VOL.4 â„–3 | DECEMBER 2016
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IN MEMORIAM
DECEMBER 2016 | VOL.4 №3
Katina Dupuis Lived and Loved Life on her Terms
I
f the unexamined life is not worth living, as Socrates once surmised, then Tina Dupuis lived a life beyond anyone’s measure and expectation. A hair stylist with her own salon and following, former co-owner of the Bellmore Bean Café, recipient of numerous awards for her charitable work with people less fortunate - even playing Mrs. Santa Claus with her vibrant smile and vivacious manner that lit up the night during Bellmore’s Christmas tree lighting extravaganza, and made the children Tina and Billy Polara, her longtime feel safe when sitting atop the lap of the partner in life more gruff-hewn Santa Claus himself hers was indeed a life well lived. Weeks later the young man returned On November 18, at 3 p.m., 47 yearto Salon T to thank Tina, continued Jackold Katina Dupuis died at South Nassau ie, “and they became fast friends.” Communities Hospital from internal Jackie came to experience Tina as a complications. close sister, characterizing her as “She was such a free spirit, and it was easy-going, stress-free and unpreteninfectious,” remarked Natanyah Menna, tious. “She made everyone who came a Merokian who had known Tina since into the salon feel good about themher days starting out at Casual Cutters in selves, and everyone left with laughs Merrick. “She was an entrepreneur who and smiles on their faces,” she said. could go places, and I was fortunate enough to be able to travel with her at times,” Natanyah continued. “She just gave off so much positive energy, I felt important to be around her and was glad to be her friend.” Tina, who cut Natanyah’s hair, answered only to her inner voice, Natanyah concluded. Her zest for life and embrace for all things was remarkable and, in ways, unparalleled. Jackie Meglio, Tina’s assistant at Salon T, her hair salon on Grand Avenue since Tina played a vibrant Mrs. Claus to counter the 2002, first met Tina at the Lemon Tree in Merrick, a hair gruff-hewn Santa Claus salon she moved to after CaSALON T TO REMAIN OPEN sual Cutters. “My husband knew Tina Samantha Liguori, a hairdresser at Safrom the Lemon Tree, because she lon T who displays the same wide viwould cut his hair.” brant smile as Tina, said Tina had a large Jackie quickly found Tina to be surfollowing of people who would come prisingly compassionate toward those from as far away as Queens. “She cut evless fortunate than her, or with personal challenges. From her salon window Tina eryone’s hair,” she said, from women to seniors to children to men. once spied a young man inebriated and “Yes, men came to get their hair cut by wandering along the street. “She went Tina, and to get it colored as well,” she out to the street, approached that young man and found him a safe place to sleep said. Tina had a firm belief in herself to off his drunkenness,” before allowing embrace all challenges in hair cutting him to get back into his car to drive, and styling. After all, she had become Jackie remembered.
Tina spoke and carried her message many times about the things she cared about interested in hair styling at a young age, learning quickly the constant changes and nuances of the field. “No one could put her down about her work,” Samantha continued. “She moved fast and was thorough in her abilities,” she said. “She completely enjoyed all that she did.” Unknown and unexpected when it was first asked of her, Samantha conveyed that when Tina became ill and left the salon, she requested Samantha to take care of it - while she was away. That request, seen now in its sobering totality, was a passing of the baton, a changing of the guard, to Samantha to hold Salon T open so that it may continue the memory of the essential works and spirit Tina became defined by. “Samantha reminds me so much of Tina,” said Jackie. “She will carry Tina’s good business name forward” in the years to come.
NO WAS NOT AN ANSWER “No one could say no to Tina,” remembers Gene Judd, owner of Island Greenery, whenever the Lions Club was out fundraising. “I would handle all the other things, like envelopes and the funds, but when she would stop people in the street and strike up a conversation with them, before long they were donating to our cause.” He remembers vividly – as so many others have - when walking down the street, however far away he may be, the moment Tina spotted him there was always a big wave of the arm and a joyous
hello, accompanied by her wide smile. “She could make you smile even when you were having a bad day,” he said. “No one could say no to her because she was disarming in her ability to make you stop and think about what you were actually donating for,” and how it could actually help save lives, said Mary Pallotta, longtime friend and founder of the Guardian Brain Foundation. Debbie Izzo, owner of the Dirty Dawg pet groomers, called Tina a one-of-akind friend who was “one of the most caring people I have ever known.” She said Tina had an unwavering ability to bring together some of the most unusual groups of people and “create a tremendous circle of love around the entire group she had assembled.” If it wasn’t for Tina, Izzo Debbie continued, “We wouldn’t likely have known each another and have become friends with one another.” Former Nassau County Legislator Dave Denenberg said her absence would be greatly felt within the small business community in Bellmore, as “she had become an exceptionally successful business person” who had impacted the street positively with her genuinely cohesive style. Perhaps nowhere would her compassionate grounding toward other humans be brought into such clarity and heights as when her father died nine years ago of a brain tumor. She had grown up for a time in the loving embrace of her father, and came to grasp what the tenderness and frailty – of love between and among people finally meant, in that father-daughter relationship. During those dark moments – or illuminating moments for Tina – she contacted Mary, whose Long Island-based foundation raises funds specifically for those affected by brain injuries and cancers.
VOLUNTEERING, HER PERFECT FRONTIER “Nine years ago Tina called me and said ‘I want to make a difference in this world and help to keep my father’s memory alive’,” remembered Mary of that phone call. She said Tina specifically thought of holding fundraisers with biker friends she knew. Tina was a lover of motorbikes; her long-time partner Billy Polara, owner of Polara Jewelers, [CONT. ON PAGE 15] was a former biker;
IN MEMORIAM
VOL.4 №3 | DECEMBER 2016
Your NewsMag
[CONT. FROM PAGE 14]
and she boasted of several friends who rode motorcycles. “She loved her father very much, and had on the back of her neck a small tattoo that read ‘Daddy’s Little Girl'," said Mary. Tommy Reek, owner of Always Affordable Chimney in Massapequa, is a biker who attended every one of Tina’s bike fundraisers in the fall (eight) at the Bellmore Bean Café. Riding a turbo-rigged Harley-Davidson, he said that “Once Tina knew I was a biker, she knew she could get me to attend her fundraising events,” he said of her endearing persuasiveness. He found Tina to be the kind of person who would “give the clothes off her back to help someone who needed them more.” Holding fundraisers eight years in a row, Tina raised a total of $35,000 for the Guardian Brain Foundation, Mary said. And Tina loved to hear stories of where the funds were being used to help those with real needs: Baby Isabella received a prosthetic eye with funds Tina helped raise - funds contributed to physical and speech therapies for those with brain injuries -
a r a Po l o &C Craftsman of Fine Jewelry Since 1975
Receiving one of her many volunteer awards from Mary Pallotta of the Guardian Brain Foundation
Tina started off the raffling event during her many fundraisers
FUNDRAISER ON FEBRARY 12 Alec’s family received a specially fitted van in which to bring Alec for treatment with his family in far-off medical centers - Alexander was flown to Boston for specialized treatment – families were provided with assistance for supplies that insurance won’t cover – Erin Getzler of North Bellmore received assistance. And the list grows. For her exceptional volunteer work and her bike fundraisers Tina was awarded the Guardian Brain Foundation’s Golden Guardian Award eight consecutive years, Mary said.
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The loss of Tina - as for so many others - has been a devastating turn for Mary. She, too, thought of Tina as a “once-in-a-lifetime friend” who shook people from their comfortable positions to make them sit up and take notice of the far more complex world around them, that maybe it isn’t after all about attaining simple comforts, but also about people helping people if only to lighten their load from the smallest of circumstances. “She really was a leader of the pack,” said Mary.
On Sunday, February 12, the Guardian Brain Foundation will hold a fundraiser in honor of Tina at the Brokerage Club in Bellmore, with an announcement to be made about a new award in Tina’s honor called the Leadership Award – Live the Life You Love, and Love the Life you Live. It will be presented annually to those who rise to meet the exceptional volunteer bar Tina created. Comedian Joey Kola of North Bellmore, a longtime friend of Tina's, is expected to be honor of ceremonies for the fundraiser. “We hope 200 or so people can attend this fundraiser to celebrate Tina’s life and to help keep her volunteer work moving forward,” said Mary. Tina was also set to receive the Hope, Peace & Love Award at the Guardian Brain Foundation’s annual Butterfly gala on November 11, in honor of her eighth consecutive successful bike run. Mary also said she will again sponsor a fundraiser in September or October to continue Tina’s work with fundraising – and in honor of her father -with a gathering of the bikes. Details are still to be worked out. For Tina Dupuis, she lived the life she loved … and loved the life she lived.
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CHANUKAH
Your NewsMag
DECEMBER 2016 | VOL.4 â„–3
Enough is Enough Rabbi Dahlia Bernstein
T
here is a big debate about the true miracle of Chanukah. I wholeheartedly believe that Chanukah should focus on the ability to stand up against tyrants when you are the little guy. That we can rededicate ourselves and our holy places after destructive forces portend to annihilate us. With all that said, it is hard not to be moved by the story of the oil. But let’s get our story straight. We read in the Babylonian Talmud: What is Chanukah? The rabbis taught: "On the 25th day of Kislev Chanukah commemorates when the‌ Hellenists entered the Holy Temple, they defiled all the oil that was found there. When the government of the House of Hasmoneans prevailed and conquered them, oil was sought (to feed the holy lamp in the sanctu-
ary) and only one vial was found with the seal of the high priest intact. The vial contained sufficient oil for one day only, but a miracle occurred, and it fed the holy lamp eight days in succession. These eight days were the following year established as days of good cheer, on which psalms of praise and acknowledgment (of God's wonders) were to be recited.- (Shabbat 21b, Babylonian Talmud) It still isn’t clear to me. How did the vial “feed� the lamp? Some argue that the ner tamid, the ever-burning flame in the Holy Temple, stayed lit for eight days even though it should have burned out in one. These resources simply did not extinguish. Perhaps they were like the burning bush, aflame, but not consumed. But there is another option, which is more compelling. Another tradition holds that the vessel of oil poured out its contents on day one and miraculously on day two there was more oil. The container that held the oil was only large enough to contain
oil for one day, but someone glanced into the jar on day two, and voila, the vial was full again, as if it was a never-ending source. This theme of endless oil can be found in other Biblical literature as well. A widow called out to the prophet Elisha that she had no way to support her family after her husband died. He was desperate to help and said: “What can I do for you? Tell me, what have you in the house?� She replied, “I have nothing at all in the house, except a jug of oil.� “Go,� he said, “and borrow vessels outside, from all your neighbors, empty vessels, as many as you can. Then go in and shut the door behind you and your children, and pour [oil] into all those vessels, removing each one as it is filled.� She went away and shut the door behind her and her children. They kept bringing [vessels] to her and she kept pouring. (2 kings 4:1:) Here too, the never-ending oil appears to redeem those afflicted in a mo-
Congregation Beth Ohr A Conservative Egalitarian Family Synagogue Rabbi - Dahlia Bernstein Cantor - Sarah Myerson Co-Presidents - Tina Baron and Marc Miller Principal - Fran Oosterom Executive Director - Julie Feinman
ment of desperation. This is an essential principle of faith and of community. Many believe that if one person prospers that means others must suffer. The world is a pie and if I have a larger piece, someone must have a smaller piece, and to be successful is to try to consume everything.This was the philosophy of the Roman Empire, to conquer others and impose their will. Yet the miracle of oil sends a different message, that when we have hope that what we have is enough, it is enough. This idea is counter-cultural in a time of the year when we expect presents as part of the celebration. Perhaps this message of Chanukah can reframe our gift giving. Instead of thinking of gifts as expectations and pressure to please, let’s think of Elisha, this widow and her community. Gift giving can be a beautiful way of strengthening bonds, to send messages that you are not alone, and that when we share, and celebrate in community, we are all stronger. May you have enough this holiday season. May you feel supported by family, friends and community. Rabbi Dahlia Bernstein presides over the Congregation Beth Ohr in Bellmore
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RECENT SALES AND UNDER CONTRACT FOR 2016 2607 Beach Dr., Merrick 133 Commonweath Ave., Merrick 53 Lincoln Blvd Merrick 1664 William St., Merrick 32 Marion Ave., Merrick 2209 Helene Ave., Merrick 2812 Martin Ave., Bellmore 2064 Hillside Ave., Bellmore 33 Madison Ave., Brentwood 1 Anchorage Way #306, Freeport 1 Anchorage Way #1107, Freeport 211 Pine St., Freeport 179 Southdown Rd., Huntington 2391 Kayron Ln., Bellmore
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HEALTH MATTERS
Got the Holiday Blues? It’s Normal!
H
oliday time and we’re supposed to feel happy!? So, when we get a case of the holiday blues, we think, “there must be something wrong with me.” “It’s true that a lot of us walk around with a case of the ‘holiday blues’,” says Theresa Buhse, associate executive director at Long Island Crisis Center in Bellmore “There are lots of environmental, social and emotional influences going on at this time of the year. It gets dark earlier, it’s cold, there are expectations from family and friends, budgets get stretched and the list goes on. But, the bottom line is to remember that this is temporary and the feelings will pass.” In the meantime, here are a few suggestions from the LICC to face and get you out of those holiday blues: • Lower expectations of a “perfect” holiday celebration with friends and family – it’s exhausting; go for fun and friendly instead • Take some time for yourself (even a 15-minute break!) … get outside, exercise,
listen to music, read a book • Volunteer at the local food bank to take the sting out of feeling lonely. You’ll soon see that you’re needed and valued • Don’t get yourself into debt buying presents! You won’t be able to enjoy the gift of giving • The holiday season is not an excuse to do away with healthy eating and exercise for 10 days. Indulge (small tastings of everything) on the special days and your body will feel better • Keep your sense of humor intact to deal with difficult situations (an annoying relative or a burnt turkey!) • Concentrate on what you do have in your life…not on what is missing Of course, Long Island Crisis Center’s hotline is available 24/7 throughout the holiday season for anyone who is having difficulty coping with the “blues.” Call 679-1111 for free, confidential and anonymous crisis counseling; or go online to www.licconline. org and click Chat “LIVE.”
DECEMBER 2016 | VOL.4 №3
It's Not Too Late To Get A Flu Shot
N
assau County Health Commissioner Dr. Lawrence Eisenstein reminds residents that it is not too late to get a flu shot. “Influenza virus is a contagious respiratory illness that can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death,” said Dr. Eisenstein. “Influenza virus can be unpredictable and differ from year to year, which is why it’s important to get vaccinated annually. With very few exceptions, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone six months and older should get an annual flu shot.” There are certain people who are at high risk of developing serious flu-related complications that can lead to hospitalization or even death. People at high risk of serious flu complications include young children, pregnant women, people with certain chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes, heart or lung disease, and people aged 65 years and older. County Executive Edward Mangano added that “Getting vaccinated is the single best way for people to protect not only themselves against the flu, but their loved ones as well.” Taking everyday preventive actions can
stop the spread of influenza and other germs. • Try to avoid close contact with sick people • While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them • If you are sick with flu-like illness, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or other necessities. (Your fever should be gone for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medicine.) • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it • Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water is not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way • Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like the flu. For complete information about influenza and the influenza vaccine visit the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/flu
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2995 Bellmore Ave. - Bellmore 2086 Bergen Street - Bellmore 2634 Dorothy Street - Bellmore 2708 Easa Place - Bellmore 3288 Jason Drive - Bellmore 3027 Judith Drive - Bellmore 3117 Judith Drive - Bellmore 2784 Rita Court - Bellmore 138 Somerset Drive - Massapequa 2482 Harbor Lane - Bellmore 2809 School Street - Bellmore 6 Birchwood Ct. - Mineola 3079 Seaview - Bellmore 3047 Susan Road - Bellmore 280-25 Franklin Ave. - Franklin Square 258 Kennedy Ave. - Hempstead 1821 Leona Court - Merrick 14 Silverbirch Road - Merrick 222 Doris Ave. - N. Bellmore 193 Cynthia Lane - Merrick 78 Sprucewood Drive - Levittown 1088 Olympia Road - N. Bellmore 55 Lenox Road - Rockville Centre 2658 Shore Rd. - Bellmore 2072 Lawry Ln. - Merrick 2650 Hewlett Lane - Bellmore 2648 Rebecca St. - Bellmore 3019 Timothy Rd. - Bellmore 2973 Shore Rd. - Bellmore 2603 Grant Blvd. - N. Bellmore 31 Bellaire Rd. - Massapequa 2655 Rebecca St. - Bellmore 130 Kirkwood Ave. - Merrick 3003 Mandalay Beach Rd. - Wantagh 2958 Shore Rd. - Bellmore 19 Narwood Ave. - Merrick 2729 Concord Drive - East Meadow
2643 Belmill - Bellmore 3088 Judith Drive - Bellmore 339 Saint Marks Ave. - Bellmore 3050 Clubhouse Road - Merrick 3139 Jason Drive - Bellmore 2317 Centre Avenue - Bellmore 2667 W. Alder Rd. - Bellmore 2605 Frances St. - Bellmore 3003 Bond Drive - Merrick 3017 Lee Pl. - Bellmore 2471 Navy Pl. - Bellmore 3490 East Bay Ct. - Merrick 2625 Karen St. - Bellmore 9 Rutgers Place - Merrick 2317 Centre Ave. - Bellmore 118 Kirkwood - Merrick 2842 Arthur Ln. - Wantagh 2660 Frances St. - Bellmore 3200 Lee Place - Bellmore 3269 Judith Dr. - Bellmore 6 Colonial Ave. - Merrick 205 Stuyvesant Ave. - Merrick 1760 Ann Rd. - Merrick 3136 Monterey Dr. - Merrick 51 Carriage Lane - Plainview 241 Yale St. - Hempstead WATERFRONT HOMES SOLD SINCE JANUARY 3383 Jason Ct. - Bellmore 2858 Shore Rd. - Bellmore 3251 Jason Dr. - Bellmore 2725 Claudia Ct. - Bellmore 40 Brightwater Pl., Massapequa CONTRACT 2876 Len Dr. - Bellmore 2728 Covered Bridge Rd. - Merrick 2764 Mae Ct. Bellmore WATERFRONT - UNDER CONTRACT 2036 Legion St. Bellmore under contract
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MORE HOLIDAY CHEER
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REUNIONS
DECEMBER 2016 | VOL.4 №3
T
he Calhoun Alumni Association held its annual multiple year class reunion at a local restaurant recently, which was attended by close to 70 people, primarily spanning classes from 1961 to 1981. Begun as an idea of Donovan Berthoud and Ceil Nordone Corley, Class of ’75, after a class reunion to attempt to bring all classes together for one big reunion, they then took the idea to the Calhoun Alumni Association as a means in which to raise funds for scholarships. Phyllis Guttilla. also of the association, and Berthoud act as co-presidents of the annual event. “The first event at the Treehouse in Merrick had a turnout of about 40 people from
our class,” Berthoud told this website. “We then realized there were other people from other classes that we had not seen and would love to see.” The second year the Class of ’75 opened the event to all graduates. “We put up flyers,
sent emails, we sent post cards to the Class of 75 and also told everyone we ran into,” continued Berthoud. He said the second year had about 70 people show up at the Treehouse. “When we see people reconnect after 30, 40 or 50 years and
spend hours talking and then rekindling their friendships this is why we do this every year,” concluded Berthoud. See more reunion photos at www.facebook.com/yournewsmag
«Making Clients For Life» Celebrating 21 Years Of Serving The Community In All Their Real Estate Needs
Wishing Everyone A Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!
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Merrick Office | 2300 Merrick Rd. | 516.623.2214 © 2013 Douglas Elliman Real Estate. All material presented herein is intended for information purposes only. While, this information is believed to be correct, it is represented subject to errors, omissions, changes or withdrawal without notice. Equal Housing Opportunity.
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