Franklin Square / Elmont Herald 04-02-2020

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APRIl 2 - 8, 2020

Throw gloves in the trash, residents say “If people are so concerned about the virus that they feel the need to wear gloves,” Franklin Sandra Fuschetto’s young Square resident Nicole Zegarek children like to pick up things said, “they should be just as conthey find on the ground. cerned about disposing of them Once, Fuschetto said, her properly.” daughter found a used bus ticket Instead, however, Lillian Marand pretended it was a credit tini said, there are gloves littered card. The 8-year-old also likes to in the parking lots of Western inflate gloves to make puppets, Beef Supermarket, Stop & Shop, like she has seen Wa l g r e e n s a n d some of her docCVS. “People are tors do to entertain taking their gloves her. of f because, I But now Fusguess, they’re c h e t t o wo r r i e s afraid to take them about her daughter, home,” Mar tini after seeing surgisaid, “and they cal gloves strewn throw them all over across the parking the parking lots.” lot of the Western Every time she Beef Supermarket lIllIAN MARTINI goes to Stop & in Elmont.

Franklin Square Shop, she noted, “I’m constantly resident “there are literally saying, ‘Oh my gloves everywhere God, don’t pick that — on the floor, in up. You don’t know what germs the parking lot, everywhere, are on it,’” Fuschetto said. “I’m hundreds of gloves.” frantic with her now.”

She tried to tell customers not She is worried about the to litter once, she said, but to no spread of COVID-19, she said, avail. and fears the virus may be on “They don’t belong on the the gloves in the parking lot. street. They belong in the trash,” According to the New England Martini said of the used gloves.

Journal of Medicine, the virus “We have a pandemic here. We can survive on plastics for sever- don’t need dirty gloves laying all al hours.

Continued on page 4

By MelIssA KoeNIg mkoenig@liherald.com

T

hey don’t belong on the street. They belong in the trash.

A colorful message Raegan Miller-Hornung, 5, hoped to inspire her neighbors with her chalk drawing. Story, more photos, Page 3.

Courtesy Eryn Miller-Hornung

F.S. school board trustee dies of coronavirus at 42

By MelIssA KoeNIg mkoenig@liherald.com

Joseph Lewinger, a Franklin Square Board of Education trustee, died on March 28 of the coronavirus. He was 42 years old.

Lewinger was elected to the board in 2015, and served as

president in 2016. According to Superintendent Jared Bloom, Lewinger supported the district’s preschool program and one-to-one iPad initiative, and helped improve many other programs for teachers, students and staff.

“Mr. Lewinger cared deeply about our district, he cared

deeply about our community, [and] he believed in our kids,” Bloom wrote in a letter to parents the next day.

He also helped his fellow board members, according to Trustee Louis Curcio. When Curcio joined the board in 2016, he said, Lewinger took the time Continued on page 12

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April 2, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

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The rainbow connection F.S. residents create art for hope

By Melissa Koenig mkoenig@liherald.com

Courtesy Vannessa Brown DeFalco

Vannessa Brown DeFalco spent more than two hours on March 22 working with her three daughters to create colorful hearts for their windows facing Chestnut Street in Franklin Square.

Vannessa traced all of the hearts, 6-year-old Valentina cut them out and 12-year-old Samantha and 2-yearold Christiana hung them for everyone to see, as part of the Rainbows Over Nassau and Suffolk Counties initiative.

The project was created by Wantagh resident Nicole Sapienza and her aunt Katherine Schilling on March 18 to encourage Long Islanders to “get outside and do something fun without touching or coughing near others,” according to its Facebook page. To participate, it says, people would simply have to design a rainbow for their window. Then, their neighbors would be able to go outside and search for all of the rainbows in their community.

There are now nearly 35,000 members of the Facebook group, including dozens from the Franklin Square area.

“I just thought it was such a great way to lighten up the mood with everything going on and make the kids smile,” Vannessa said of her decision to participate in the Island-wide rainbow hunt.

Others, however, saw it as a way to stay connected with their neighbors, as many New Yorkers are forced to self-isolate to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

Christine Gangone, for example, said seeing all of the rainbows makes her feel “like we are all in this together, and we’ll get through it together,” and Michelle Higgins-Reddington noted that the hunt has helped spread

community cheer.

She decided to work on a rainbow with her 5-yearold daughter, who then showed off her finished work to her fellow preschoolers on a video chat. “To see all her classmates so excited to see each other, if only online, and share their rainbows was priceless,” Higgins-Reddington said, adding that when she and her children took a walk around the neighborhood on Sunday, they found 11 rainbows.

Some children have even purposefully travelled around Franklin Square looking for these rainbows.

Katie Bogusch said her children’s friends from school have intentionally walked over to her house on Princeton Road to see her rainbow “so it’s been so good for the kids to see friends, albeit through the window, for a few minutes.”

And even some businesses have gotten in on the fun.

Lia’s Pizzeria and Silbers Martial Arts studio are encouraging children to draw rainbows for their windows.

“Rainbows are beautiful and uplifting and cause people to smile,” Debby Iadevaio, who created her own rainbow for her front window, explained, “and I think in these strange times of uncertainty, it’s nice to give hope to our children, and have them walk around the neighborhood looking for rainbows so they don’t feel scared or confused.”

Beverly Hornak also saw the project as a way to talk to her children about the coronavirus, “but in a positive way.”

“Rainbows from a religious standpoint are God’s way of saying things will be OK,” she explained, “and the rainbow can just be a signal of the clearing after the storm — a metaphor for this virus being gone, and hopefully soon.”

Courtesy Deborah Detz Clark

Vannessa Brown DeFalCo worked with her daughters Christiana, 2, and Valentina to make hearts.

Charlotte Jo ClarK made sidewalk art.

Danielle MCKenna healy’s sons made a rainbow out of LEGOs.

Courtesy Danielle McKenna Healy

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — April 2, 2020

Christina Daly/Herald

ChalK art on Seabury Avenue thanked essential workers and reminded people to stay safe.

April 2, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

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Crime watCh

Elmont man arrested in robbery; two others at large An Elmont man was arrested on March 28 at 1:25 a.m. and charged with robbing two victims at Emily Avenue and Norma Street.

According to Nassau County police, two victims were sitting in a parked car at the intersection on March 27 at 11:30 p.m., when three unknown males wearing dark ski masks and blue surgical gloves approached them. The first suspect, police said, opened the passenger door and demanded the 19-year-old female victim’s money while displaying a silver and black semi-automatic handgun. The second suspect allegedly approached the rear door on the driver’s side. Tyler Joseph, 23, of Elmont, then allegedly opened the driver’s side door, leaned into the car and demanded a 24-year-old male’s property, police said.

Out of fear, authorities said, both victims complied and handed over their property. The suspects then ran off in an unknown direction with three iPhones, a Louis Vuitton bag containing personal papers and an undetermined amount of money. No injuries were reported.

Then, at around 12:07 a.m., officers canvassing the area observed a gray Dodge Caravan occupied by four males. When they saw the police, they drove off at a high rate of speed northbound on Elmont

Road. The officers then conducted a vehicle and traffic law stop in the rear parking lot of 485 Hempstead Turnpike. The suspects got out of the vehicle, and the driver and passenger evaded police while the two remaining males complied with the officers’ demands.

Joseph was arrested without incident.

He was charged with first-degree robbery and second-degree robbery. He was scheduled to be arraigned on March 28 in Mineola. No proceeds from the robbery were recovered.

T h e re m a i n i n g s u s p e c t s we re described as: A black male between the ages of 22 and 26 years old, about 5 feet 10 and 165 pounds, with a beard showing from underneath the ski mask. He wore a dark gray hooded sweater, dark gray sweatpants and red Air Jordan sneakers.

A black male between the ages of 22 and 26 years old, 5 feet 10 and roughly 140 pounds.

Detectives ask that anyone with information about the incident to call Nassau County Crime Stoppers at (800) 244 - TIPS. All callers will remain anonymous.

People named in Crime Watch items as having been arrested and charged with violations or crimes are only suspected of committing those acts of which they are accused. They are all presumed to be innocent of those charges until and unless found guilty in a court of law.

Christina Daly/Herald

There were a lot of glovs at the Best Western supermarket in Elmont.

Residents: Throw out your gloves ConTinued from fronT over the street.”

To help fix the problem, she suggested, supermarkets should erect signs informing customers that they would have to pay a fine if they litter, make announcements about the proper disposal of plastic gloves and install signs on the garbage pails saying customers should dispose of their gloves there.

“It’s a public safety issue,” Martini said. “We are all sitting in our houses like prisoners, and these people are throwing dirty gloves with God knows what on them all over.”

The gloves are not just in the parking lots, Zegarek said. She and her children found six latex gloves in a three-block area around the Washington Street School last week, she said, and thought about getting her own gloves to clean them up, “but that thought came and went when I thought about how long we’ve been quarantining in our house and the steps we are taking to make sure everything is as clean and germ-free as possible.”

So instead, she said, she spoke to her children about the dangers of throwing gloves on the ground, not only because the gloves could spread the coronavirus, but also because “we need to take care of our environment if we want our environment to take care of us.”

Glove guidance The Centers for Disease Control recommends that non-disposable food items should be handled with gloves during the global pandemic, and suggests people use gloves when handling and disposing of gloves. Additionally, it says, anyone who is living with a coronavirus patient should use gloves when in contact with the individual, and should wash hands immediately after using them.

Gloves are not recommended for daily life, however, Dr. Amesh Adalja, a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, told the “Today” show. “Latex gloves can rip very easily,” she explained. “They’re not meant for wearing during activities and daily living.”

Franklin Square/Elmont

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Gloves were sTrewn across the parking lot of the Stop & Shop in Franklin Square last week.

Belmont Park construction project on halt

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — April 2, 2020

Belmont’s redevelopment stops amid coronavirus pandemic

By Melissa Koenig and scott Brinton mkoenig@liherald.com

Construction on the Belmont Park redevelopment project grinded to a halt on March 27, as Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that all “non-essential” construction would stop to maintain social distancing. The project was expected to be completed in time for the 2021 - 22 hockey season.

In his announcement, the governor defined essential construction as projects that are “necessary to protect the health and safety of the occupants, or to continue a project if it would be unsafe to allow it to remain undone.” The term includes work on bridges, roads, transit facilities, utilities, hospitals, health care facilities, affordable housing and homeless shelters.

All other projects would be put on pause until April 21.

The Belmont Park project, meanwhile, includes the construction of an 18,000seat arena for the New York Islanders hockey franchise, a 250-room hotel, a community center, commercial office space and 350,000 square feet of retail space.

“We support Gov. Cuomo’s efforts to eliminate the COVID-19 virus,” Lou Lamoriello, Islanders president and general manager, said in a statement, calling Cuomo “the driving force behind the construction of the Belmont Park arena.

Christina Daly/Herald

construction on the Belmont Park reconstruction project last week.

“The progress that has been made since the groundbreaking is truly incredible, and is a credit to all of the construction workers that have been there every day,” he continued. “Those workers are all part of our community, and we want them safe and healthy.”

As of last month, almost all of the arena’s foundation was installed, and Anthony Lopez, senior project manager for Manhattan-based Sterling Project Development said he expected the majority of

the steel and the roof to be installed by the summer.

“By the summertime of this year,” he vowed at the time, “you’re going to see a fully-developed building.”

A new substation to power the arena was also about 60 to 70 percent complete at the end of February, according to Peter Montalvo, the associate project manager of PSEG, and construction on a new fulltime Elmont Long Island Rail Road station was expected to begin in the spring.

LIRR officials have worked on the station’s design since last fall, Hector Garcia, the railroad’s senior director of external affairs, said, and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority board approved a $65 million contract for the station’s construction at the end of January.

The south platform, serving eastbound trains, was to be completed by October 2021, with the north platform finished a year later.

NYAW postpones April rate hike until September

By MiKe conn mconn@liherald.com

In response to the coronavirus pandemic, New York American Water announced on March 25 that it is postponing its scheduled April 1 rate hike until Sept. 1. The rate hike would see households in the North Shore Water District using 8,000 gallons of water per month have a bill increase from $76.89 to $80.35. A household using 20,000 gallons of water per month would have an increase of $196.49 to $207.91.

“New York American Water recognized the need for action in these unprecedented times,” said NYAW President Lynda DiMenna, “and we are grateful to Chair [John] Rhodes and the [Public Service] Commission for their leadership and swift action to postpone the Company’s previously approved rate increase, o r i g i n a l ly s ch e d u l e d t o g o i n t o effect April 1, until September 1, 2020.

Access to clean, safe and reliable water service is essential and we hope to provide some relief for those customers who may experience financial hardships as a result of this public health emergency.”

NYAW said it has suspended the shutting off of water services due to non-payment and service will be restored to ratepayers whose service was previously discontinued for nonpayment.

State Sen. Jim Gaughran, a Democrat from Northport, said he spoke with NYAW earlier in March about the rate increases and told them they could not go through with the rate hike at this time.

“They could not allow these rate increases to continue during what may be the crisis of our lifetime as a state and community,” he said.

Although Gaughran said the state has been preoccupied with assembling and passing its budget leading up to the April 1 deadline, he said he will continue to push legislation calling for the establishment of a public water entity in the North Shore Water District once it is settled. When Sept. 1 comes around, he said, it is possible that the state could be in an economic hole stemming from the pandemic, making the push for public water even more essential.

“Ultimately, regardless of everything else that’s going on,” Gaughran said, “[residents] need to have public water because of all the environmental issues and costs that come along with having safe drinking water. It’s just not a possibility to have people paying a private entity much more than people who have public water.”

“There cannot be anymore increases at all,” he added. “It’s unconscionable.”

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Mike Conn/Herald Gazette

ratepayers in the North Shore Water District will not see the originally scheduled rate hike for another five months.

April 2, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

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Closed doors for recovery groups

By TIMOTHY DENTON

Laura Curran’s mental health tips

tdenton@liherald.com

While many agencies across the state and county are focused on the physical and financial impact of the COVID-19 virus, the mental health of the county’s 1.36 million residents is just as critically important. And recovery groups of all kinds have felt the impact of social distancing and closed doors more than most.

Speaking at a news conference in Eisenhower Park on March 19, Nassau County Executive Laura Curran spoke of the difficulties faced by recovering addicts of all varieties who had mainly been using schools and churches for meeting places, until Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s declarations limiting the number of people who could meet in one place.

But many venues had already closed their doors to outside organizations.

“None of my regular meetings are happening now,” said one longtime AA member who attends weekly meetings in Seaford, Wantagh, Levittown and Bellmore. “I found one in Wantagh that I hadn’t been to before, but it’s been suspended now, too.”

In normal times, Nassau County has more than 700 AA meetings a week, with about 30 in Seaford and Wantagh.

Other recovery groups besides AA have been similarly hard hit.

Meetings are a key tool for many recovering addicts and are especially important for those just beginning to live without their substances of choice.

“I’m really worried about the people just coming out of rehabs or treatment centers,” the AA member said. Like many in the various fellowships, he requested that his name not be used.

“They’re the most vulnerable, and the tools of recovery are new to them and pretty confusing. Without a regular support group, and especially with the extra stress of the coronavirus, I think a lot of them are going to have a rough time.”

Groups have coped in a variety of ways, he said. Some smaller groups have sought out alternative venues, including parks. Others have set up conference calls or meetings via Google Hangouts or Skype. The various fellowships’ local websites contain information on call-in numbers and access codes.

Dr. Jeffrey Reynolds, chief executive officer of FCA (Family and Children’s Association) echoed both Curran and the AA member’s concerns. The FCA sponsors prog rams for recovering addicts and has shelters throughout Nassau County, including one in Wantagh.

Reynolds, whose organization has weathered many major crises in its 135 years, from the global Spanish flu pandemic of 1918 to Hurricane Sandy, said his chief concern was the speed with which mental health issues have arisen, as well as their severity. “With Sandy, it took a couple of weeks before we began to see some of the things we’re seeing now after just a few days,” he said.

Residents are hoarding not only toilet

■ Keep a regular schedule. If you work at home, maintain a professional, businesslike attitude during your normal work hours.

■ Limit your news intake. Too much exposure to bad news can cause or worsen depression or anxiety.

■ Exercise. Parks are open, and the weather is warming up.

Timothy Denton/Herald-Citizen

Nassau COuNTY ExECuTIvE Laura Curran and Health Commissioner Dr. Lawrence Eisenstein addressed mental health concerns at a news conference March 18. paper and ground beef. “Addicts are staffed” at the Department of Social hoarding heroin,” Reynolds said. The Services. Departments are still in the problem, he said, is that “they buy process of making the adjustments necenough to last them for a week and end essary to protect clients and employees, up doing it all in a weekend.” The result but every department is prepared to has been a spike in overdoses. Accord- support the needs of the county’s 1.4 ing to the state Department million residents, she said. of Health, the opioid crisis In the interim, the counin Nassau County has “sigty was in the process of nificantly worsened” since working out alternatives to the beginning of the year, procedures that, according with 6.5 overdoses per to state law, mandated face100,000 residents. “And this to-face meetings. And Mediwas already ground zero for care agreed last week to the opioid crisis,” he said. extend coverage for mental People with prescriphealth providers via teletions for pain medication medicine, she said — a first. face similar fears, Reynolds Even for those not dealsaid, adding, “Many turn to ing with directly with menalcohol as the most effective tal health issues like addicalternative.” tion, the contagion has Treatment centers were caused high levels of anxiencountering unforeseen ety and stress. Cur ran difficulties as well. “A large emphasized the need for stapart of our population has bility in the face of the disbeen mandated to us by the ruptions of work and percourts,” said Susan Klein, susaN KLEIN sonal schedules that many program director at South- Program director, now face as they transition east Nassau Guidance Cenfrom office, school or job ter in Seaford. “They’re Southeast Nassau site to home. “Keep a reguworried they won’t have Guidance Center lar schedule, and stick to access to the lab facilities or it,” she suggested. “Working other ways of maintaining from home can lead to anxicompliance.” Failure to do so might ety. When family members distract you, expose such clients to legal penalties, just say, ‘I’m at work.’” since treatment has been ordered in Curran also recommended exercise, some cases in lieu of fines or jail time. especially in any of the county’s numerThe guidance center is an outpatient ous parks. Parks are not only ideal locafacility with offices in Wantagh and Lev- tions to practice social distancing, she ittown, as well as Klein’s Seaford facili- said; fresh air and exercise are keys to ty. “A lot of what we do can be done by maintaining health. phone,” she said. “We’ve been doing Finally, Curran said that “small kindindividual counseling by phone, and nesses go a long way” in easing the tenhave been working this week to set up sions brought on by isolation and uncerteleconferencing for our group ses- tainty. sions.”

Curran was joined at the news conDespite the challenges the spread of ference by Nancy Nunziata, the county coronavirus has created Nassau Coun- commissioner of social services; Directy’s mental health services remain open tor of Community Services Omayra for business,.

Perez; Reynolds; and Nassau County Some personnel have been sent home, Health Commissioner Dr. Lawrence Curran said, but “all our desks are Eisenstein.

a

lot of what we do can be done by phone.

We’ve been … working this week to set up teleconferencing for our group sessions.

■ Be kind. Look for opportunities to help one another. “If you bought too much toilet paper, and your neighbor doesn’t have any, give them a couple of rolls,” Curran advised. “It’ll help both of you feel better.”

Source: Nassau County Executive Laura Curran

Mental health and recovery resources ■ Nassau County mental health hotline: (516) 227-TALK (8255).

■ Alcoholics Anonymous Intergroup: (516) 292-3040 or www. infonassau-aa.org ■ The Intergroup office is closed, but it is maintaining 24/7 phone service via call forwarding.

■ Narcotics Anonymous Intergroup: (516) 898-9500 or www. nassauna.org ■ Gamblers Anonymous Intergroup (855) 222-5542 or www.longisland-ga.com Nunziata said her department had changed some of its protocols to reflect the need to avoid close contact. Documents will no longer be dropped off in person, for example, but will be deposited in sliding drawers.

But whether residents need food stamps, emergency housing or any of her departments’ services, “We are there,” she said, emphatically echoing Curran’s message.

Perez advised residents to “take breaks from all the news coverage,” which can be overwhelming, especially for children. “Talk to your children factually but calmly,” she said. And for those with existing mental health issues, she underscored the importance of keeping up treatment. For anyone needing immediate help, she recommended calling the county’s mental health hotline, (516) 227-TALK (8255).

Gaining support for health care providers

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — April 2, 2020

Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin, Councilman Anthony D’Esposito and Hempstead Town Medical Director Dr. David Neubert called on U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand to support their request to deploy the National Disaster Medical System to the Town of Hempstead during the coronavirus pandemic.

The officials, who co-chair the town’s Coronavirus Task Force, said that deploying NDMS personnel into COVID19 “hotspots” could augment current disaster response. According to the Nassau County Department of Health, as of March 29, Hempstead Town had nearly 2,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases, the most of any municipality in Nassau and Suffolk counties.

According to the system’s website, more than 5,000 medical professionals can be counted on to “protect health and augment healthcare systems to stabilize patients and save lives.” As hospitals across the region are pushed to the limit in the fight against coronavirus, officials said the service could be an invaluable supplement to burdened health care providers, and potentially save more lives.

NDMS was last deployed in Hempstead after Superstorm Sandy.

“The NDMS comprises medical professionals from across the nation who are ready when disaster strikes,” said Neubert, who is a member of NDMS. “I am confident that the talented NDMS system can help support our healthcare needs during this time to help protect

Courtesy Town of Hempstead

Hempstead towN offiCials called on U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand to support their request to deploy the National Disaster Medical System to the Town of Hempstead during the coronavirus pandemic. public health and save lives.”

If activated, NDMS could set up hospital tents and provide supplies and other resources to augment pandemic response on the local level. According to the system, teams are often deployed for 14 days or longer, “and stay until local medical resources have recovered or are being

supplemented by other organizations.”

“We truly hope and pray that efforts to flatten the COVID-19 curve are successful as soon as possible,” Clavin said, “but as strong and capable as our healthcare system is, it is already being tested to its limits. We need to act now to ensure that no patient will be left

behind.

“We firmly believe that the NDMS can provide a vital boost for our healthcare providers, but we need our federal representatives to deploy them right away.”

–Alyssa Seidman

Mercy Medical employee aims to keep staff safe

By Jill Nossa jnossa@liherald.com

Colleen Vandermark, assistant director of radiology and imaging at Mercy Medical Center, part of Catholic Health Services, has been a firsthand witness of the effect the nationwide shortage of supplies caused by COVID-19 has had on the medical community. To alleviate the shortage, Vandermark, along with her sons and their friends, decided to help.

After doing some research, the team discovered that they could make hoods out of Tyvek material, which are reusable and safe. According to hospital infection prevention control experts, these hoods could help with conserving other supplies, as doctors and nurses would not have to wear face shields or eyewear when wearing them. The Tyvek hoods are especially useful because they allow health care workers to preserve the integrity of the N95 mask longer since the hoods offer full coverage.

As of last week, Vandermark and her team had constructed more than 100 Tyvek hoods, which have been distributed to the medical staff at Mercy Medical Center. They are made out of Tyvek, duct tape and page protectors.

“During this national shortage, it truly takes a village,” said CHS’s Presi-

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dent of Mercy Medical Center and St. Joseph Hospital Peter Scaminaci. “I’m so thankful to Colleen, her sons and their friends for going above and beyond to help keep us all safe. We are blessed to have such caring employees and members of our community.”

Tyvek offers superior protection against a variety of hazards, including liquid, oils, chemicals, airborne elements and even tiny dust particles and fibers.

The material is made from high density polythene fibers that offer high levels of resistance to wear and tear. It allows for moisture to get out but not in, preventing any droplets from getting through the hoods.

“As a health care worker, I wanted to do more during these trying times,” Vander mark said. “My boys and their friends wanted to help lessen the stress in the communities we live and work in.

That’s when we came together to create these hoods. We are so happy they have been well received.”

Vandermark and her sons, Kevin and Brian Vandermark, as well as their friends, Thomas Ammirati, Michael Fritz and Thomas Kelly, said they plan to continue to construct these hoods and will be donating them to CHS hospitals throughout Long Island.

Courtesy Catholic Health Services

ColleeN VaNdermark wears one of the Tyvek hoods.

Nonprofits, municipalities urged to apply for aid

April 2, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

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On March 20, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced that “federal emergency aid has been made available for the state of New York to supplement states, tribes and local recovery efforts” in areas that have been affected by the coronavirus.

Nassau County Executive Laura Curran is urging all local hospitals, nonprofits and municipalities to “dedicate staff to apply for this very important FEMA disaster assistance.”

Laura FEMA reimbursements will fund actions retroactive to Jan. 20 that relate to “saving lives, protecting public health and safety, preventing damage to public health and safety and preventing damage to public and private property.”

Potential applicants must complete a webinar via WebEx. The webinar has a brief application process that can be found at https://bit. ly/2UDpC87.

“We are experiencing an unprecedented situation that is causing an extraordinary financial burden on our local economy, especially essential operations throughout the County. I am strongly recommending all eligible organizations join this webinar as the first step to applying for the assistance available in order Curran to keep these essential operations going through this pandemic. We will continue to work with our state and federal partners to get as much support as possible,” said Nassau County Executive Laura Curran in a release.

County seeking comment on business activity Courtesy World Health Organization

Tips on how soap destroys the coronavirus

By DAVID LAROUSERIE, ERIC DEDIER and AUDREY LAGADEC A virus is a core of genetic material encased in a protective membrane. The virus reproduces itself by infecting other cells. The membrane is made up of molecules with weak connections.

On contact with water, the membrane’s molecules adhere to each other to repel the water. Surfactants like soap, chemically similar to the membrane’s lipids, lead to the destruction of the virus’ protective envelope.

A lipid is a soluble biomolecule.

Alcohol

Hand sanitizers with at least 60 percent alcohol — or alcohol itself of the same or greater strength — cause the coronavirus’ proteins to deteriorate, as well as weakening the cohesion of the membrane, because the envelope does not work to repel alcohol as actively as it does water.

Pall Thordarson, of Australia’s University of New South Wales, explained that “hand sanitizers and soap are equally efficacious.”

–Le Monde, March 24

Let us Know News Brief items including awards, honors, promotions and other tidbits about local residents are welcome.

Photographs may be emailed as well.

Deadline for submissions is noon Thursday, week prior to publication.

Send to ngrant@liherald.com

Nassau County’s Coronavirus Economic Advisory Council is asking business owners to fill out a confidential survey to gauge how the COVID-19 outbreak is hurting small, medium and big businesses throughout the county.

Survey data will be sent to state officials, including Governor Cuomo, to ensure that Long Island receives future assistance dollars that it might be entitled to, Kevin Law, executive director of the Long Island Association, said Friday during a LIA webinar to help businesses survive the coronavirus outbreak.

County Executive Laura Curran created the advisory council, and appointed Hofstra University President Stuart Rabinowitz and Nassau Industrial Development Agency Chairman Richard Kessel to head it up.

The survey takes about 10 minutes to complete, and asks questions on how the COVID-19 outbreak has affected businesses’ employees, finances and operations.

“Working together as a business community will be critical to our future success once the crisis subsides,” said Kessel, who added that the IDA is reviewing proposals from development firms to advise the county on economic recovery.

The survey may be found at hofstra. edu/economicimpact, with responses due by April 1.

For more, go to nassauida.org.

For more, check liherald.com for daily updates.

–Scott Brinton

New Horizon Counseling offers help during crisis New Horizon Counseling Center in Valley Stream, one of the region’s leading nonprofit behavioral health organizations, is available seven days a week to provide support and counseling during the coronavirus crisis.

New Horizon offers a “full plate of services,” including services for adults, teenagers and families. The center takes a “compassionate, patient-centered” approach to counseling.

Particularly important during this time, New Horizon offers telemedicine, via telephone or telehealth.

A statement by New Horizon reads:

“We are navigating uncharted territory, and in times like these, many of us are suffering. It’s important to understand that we are not helpless. Now more than ever, it’s so important to maintain a connection. New Horizon Counseling is your lifeline to your emotional health. Social distancing and quarantine don’t have to mean lack of connection. Reach out to the New Horizon team and let us support and empower you during this critical time.”

To reach New Horizon, call (516) 569-6600.

–Scott Brinton

By TIMOTHY DENTON tdenton@liherald.com

With families beginning to feel the early stages of cabin fever, preparing a meal together can be one of the easiest and most enjoyable OF pastimes.

Starting this week, the Seaford and Wantagh Herald-Citizen newspapers invite readers to share their favorite recipes or meals — or their experiences cooking together as their families have sheltered in place.

To start the series, here is a longtime favorite.

Paglia e fieno alla ghiotta (Straw and wheat gourmand style) Despite the elaborate name, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make and only takes about a half-hour start to finish. It is visually beautiful, delicious, and the name alone makes it sound as if the cook has been slaving over a hot stove all day. And even very young children can help in its preparation.

For four to six:

Courtesy Pinterest

SIMPlE, DElIcIOuS aND quick – Paglia e Fieno alla Ghiotta is a perfect dish for family cooking.

Ingredients ■ One medium white or yellow onion ■ 4-6 oz. ham, pancetta, or other smoked or cured pork product, according to taste ■ 1-2 cups white mushrooms ■ 8 tablespoons butter ■ 1-2 cups heavy cream ■ Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese ■ One package each yellow and spinach fettucine ■ (Mushrooms, meat and onions should be in roughly equal proportions, but feel free to adjust quantities according to taste.)

Preparation In an 8-quart stockpot, enough cold water to cook all the pasta. (If you are using fresh pasta, you will have to do the spinach pasta separately, because it cooks more quickly) When the water comes to a boil, add salt to taste and all the pasta. Cooking the pasta uncovered and in as little water possible gives the cook better control over the final texture, which should be al dente — cooked, but firm to the bite.

When the pasta is done, add cold water to halt the cooking process and drain.

While the water is boiling, dice the onion, ham or pancetta and the mushrooms.

In a large skillet that can later hold all the ingredients, including the pasta, melt all the butter over medium-high heat.

When the foam begins to subside, add the onions. Sauté until just translucent.

Add the mushrooms and sauté for about until they just begin to soften.

Reduce heat and sprinkle lightly with salt.

When the mushrooms begin to produce liquid, or “sweat” (which happens very quickly), turn up the heat.

Add the meat and cream. If the sauce needs thickening, add freshly grated cheese

To serve

Put the sauce in a bowl and set aside.

Add all the noodles to the skillet and half the sauce. Mix thoroughly.

Pour into a serving dish. Make an indentation in the center and pour in the remaining sauce. Sprinkle liberally with freshly grated cheese and freshly ground pepper to taste.

Note: Pancetta is much saltier than most ham, so you may need to adjust the salt used in the recipe accordingly. Once you get the hang of this lovely dish, you can prepare the sauce in the time it takes to cook the pasta, while other family members prepare salad. Children too young to help with the chopping can stir the sauce or monitor the noodles.

In Italy, pasta is nearly always the first course in a multi-course meal that is eaten with the whole family at mid-day.

This would go well with almost any roast or grilled meat dish, except very strongly flavored ones like petti di pollo alla senese. Served with a mixed salad, it can also be a meal in itself.

Enjoy!

Got a favorite? Send your recipes and any photos to tdenton@liherald.com.

Adapted from “The Classic Italian Cookbook,” by Marcella Hazan

By ScOTT BrINTON sbrinton@liherald.com

The Long Island Association, a regional business advocacy group, was supposed to host its spring luncheon last Friday, but instead it held an hour-long webinar to offer information and advice on how businesses can stay alive during the COVDID-19 outbreak.

Businesses “are the lifeline of Long Island,” the LIA’s executive director, Kevin Law, told an audience of 600, who listened in via the internet. “So many of our businesses are struggling.”

Hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of employees have been laid off in recent weeks as states like New York have closed “non-essential” businesses to slow the rate of coronavirus infection.

Right now, Law said, the federal government is not offering direct relief to business owners, except in Small Business Administration Economic Injury Disaster Loans. The loans only go to businesses that are “unable to pay ordinary and necessary business expenses” because of a crisis like the coronavirus outbreak, he said.

As of Friday morning, the SBA was still charging interest on those loans, Law said. But under federal relief legislation being considered in Congress, interest could be reduced to zero, provided a busi-

ness holds onto its employees through the crisis, he said. It was unclear at press time if that measure had passed.

Law urged business owners in need to apply for SBA loans, but suggested they wait until there was greater certainty whether the federal government would charge interest on the loans. In this way, business owners would not have to rescind their first loan application and apply again.

Law also noted that landlords must pay mortgages on their properties to banks. If businesses cannot make their rent, landlords cannot pay their mortgages, and banks cannot meet their obligations. Here, Law said, federal intervention would likely be needed to ensure all parties are made financially whole.

Law said digging out of the economic hole that the coronavirus crisis has caused will require a coordinated regional approach, through the Regional Economic Development Council, which he and Hofstra University President Stuart Rabinowitz head.

“There are certain things that we can do immediately…” Law said. “Then there are things that will require longer-term planning.”

To apply for a SBA loan, go to SBA.gov.

For more, go to liherald.com for daily updates.

In a world full of chaos we yearn for security and stability. Even in this most difficult of times, let us all find joy in the sweetness that imbues our life during Passover and Easter. Hold onto the friendships, the love, the resilience, the kindness that surrounds us.

We wish you all happy holiday season.

From the staff of

Stuart Richner Publisher

Rhonda Glickman V.P. Sales

Scott Brinton Executive Editor

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — April 2, 2020

Cooking in a time of COVID

Long Island Association offering business advice

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MY FAVORITE RECIPE

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sIMple MeDITaTIoN pracTIces can significantly lower stress levels, medical researchers have found.

Christina Daly/Herald file photo

To slow The spread of coronavirus, Hempstead Town Hall is now closed to the public until further notice per Governor Cuomo’s executive order.

Courtesy WikiCommons

‘Full catastrophe’ distancing Hempstead Town Hall Science began to take note of the possible health benefits of contemplative practices in the 1970s, as they began to make their way out of the monastery and into mainstream American culture. Dr. Jon Kabat Zinn, a molecular biologist, became interested enough in its benefits to found the Stress Reduction Clinic at the University of Massachusetts at Worcester in 1979.

In the years since its founding, Zinn has shown how simple mindfulness techniques can aid in stress reduction, and he has successfully used such techniques in the treatment of chronic pain as well.

Around the same time, biologist Dr. Joan Borysenko researched the benefits of basic breath meditation on stress reduction and overall health. Zinn’s “Full Catastrophe Living” and Borysenko’s “Minding the Body, Mending the Mind” were seminal works that introduced millions to a non-sectarian, non-religious approach to mindfulness, although Zinn himself is a practicing Buddhist.

The relaxation response is a simple technique that can help reduce stress levels, lower blood pressure and relieve anxiety. Here are the basic steps: ■ Choose a quiet spot where you will not be disturbed.

■ Sit in a comfortable, upright position

— alert, but not rigid.

■ Eyes may be open or closed — whatever is most natural.

■ Focus your attention several feet in front of you.

■ Find a comfortable position for your hands.

■ Begin with a “body scan,” by relaxing your muscles sequentially, from toes to head up the front side and down the back.

■ Become aware of your breathing.

Don’t try to control it, just be attentive as you breathe in and out. Some people find a simple counting method helpful, in which they count from one to 10 with each exhalation.

■ Do not worry about how well you are doing.

■ Practice at least once a day. Morning is usually best. Evening is second-best.

■ Start small — five minutes. You can do more if you want, but set yourself up for success. If five minutes is too long, start with three minutes — or even one.

closes to the public To slow the spread of coronavirus, Hempstead Town Hall is now closed to the public until further notice per Governor Cuomo's executive order to limit staffing, services and person-to-person interaction statewide.

Town officials announced Monday efforts to ensure that the town's essential services would operate in an efficient and safe manner during the pandemic.

Residents can use a new hotline to leave a message and schedule a telephone conference with the Building Department, the town clerk and tax receiver's offices and the Parks Department. The hotline number is: (516) 8123600.

Residents can also send questions to these departments at the following emails: ■ Tohbuildingquestions@tohmail.org ■ Tohtownclerkquestions@tohmail.org

■ Five minutes once a day is more effective than an hour once a week.

■ Tohtaxquestions@tohmail.org

Adapted from “Minding the Body, Mending the Mind,” by Joan Borysenko, PhD.

The town's main number — (516) 4895000 — is still operating during normal

■ Tohparksquestions@tohmail.org

business hours, but due to limited staff at town offices, it is recommended that residents utilize the new hotline or send an email to the department for the most expeditious response.

Residents looking to contact other departments are asked to send an email.

A list of departmental email addresses, can be found at www.hempsteadtownny. gov/directory.

Additionally, all town playgrounds, dog parks, courts and golf courses are now closed until further notice. This is in addition to temporary closures at Newbridge Ice Rink, the Echo Park Pool Complex and the postponement of all activities, community events, Camp ANCHOR programs and meetings. Also, the Norman J. Levy Park and Preserve in Merrick is also closed until further notice.

For more closure and postponement information, visit hempsteadtownny.gov or the town’s Facebook (facebook.com/ hempsteadtown) and Twitter pages (@ hempsteadtown).

–Alyssa Seidman

Orthodox Church joins ban on large gatherings

By TIMoThY DeNToN tdenton@liherald.com

The call and response of the hymns reverberated throughout the church on Wednesday evening, icons gently peering down from the walls on the priest in his shining brocade robes of purple and gold, just as it has for more than a thousand years. The only difference this day was that the church in East Meadow was empty, and the priest, V. Rev. Martin Kraus, was joined only by his wife, Matushka Dennise Kraus, who took the part of the choir in the service.

Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, which serves all of southeast Nassau County, including Seaford and Wantagh, fell silent as a community after its last public liturgy on Sunday, as New York’s ban on gatherings of more than 50 was extended to religious organizations. The Orthodox Church was the last major denomination to cease holding public services.

“I’d rather die than not have Communion,” parishioner and Desert Storm veteran Scott Cackett muttered grimly as he waited in line to receive the sacrament.

The parish was directed by Arch-

bishop Michael (Dahulich), head of the Diocese of New York and New Jersey, and Metropolitan Tikhon (Mollard), the church’s primate, to obey all civil authorities in deciding its course in the coming weeks.

“I’m grateful we’re already streaming our liturgy, that we already have all the equipment in place,” Fr. Martin said. “A lot of churches are having to learn this now, but we already have a few years’ experience.”

In the coming weeks, Kraus said he would continue the regular round of services as completely as possible. His wife will continue to fill the roll of can-

onarch, or master of ceremonies, and choir combined.

The choir in the Orthodox Church has a much fuller role than in most other churches, acting as a partner in the drama of the church’s liturgical celebrations.

Last week, Fr. Martin asked the church’s choir director, Dr. Nicholas Reeves, to self-isolate as a preventive measure, so that Reeves would be healthy for the demanding Holy Week rites. Now, it is uncertain how the church will celebrate Pascha, as Easter is known, which falls on April 19.

The Sewanhaka Central High School District Robotics Club completed its season on March 3 at the FIRST Tech Challenge Regional Championship, sponsored by the School Business Partnerships of Long Island.

At the competition, Sewanhaka advanced to the final round and finished as a member of the second-place alliance, along with a team from Harborfields High

School and a team from the Longwood Youth Sports Association.

The Sewanhaka team also earned the Motivate Award, which is awarded to the team that best exemplifies the essence of the competition through team spirit and enthusiasm.

–Melissa Koenig

Courtesy Lisa Delliizzi

F.S. chamber learns from Inspector General At the Franklin Square Chamber of Commerce’s meeting in early March, the members learned from Nassau County Inspector General Jodi Franzese. Pictured are Chamber President Lisa DelliPizzi and Franzese.

Courtesy Sewanhaka Central High School District

The Sewanhaka CenTral High School District Robotics Club finished its season as a member of the second-place alliance.

Add up the money our customers have saved through our Energy Efficiency programs, and it could power 191,530 homes for a full year.

Find out how our rebates, discounts, home energy assessments and more can bring down the cost of energy in your home.

Start saving today at

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HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — April 2, 2020

Neighbors iN the News Sewanhaka robotics finishes its season

11

Joseph Lewinger dies of coronavirus complications lin called Lewinger “the heart of an allto explain how the board conducted girls high school,” and said, “It is business and carried out its duties. “He unfathomable to picture the halls of was a great mentor to Steve Toto and I TMLA without his laughter, encourageduring our first year on the board,” Cur- ment, passion and love.”

Both the Franklin Square School Discio recounted. trict and The Mary Louis Academy are Lewinger worked at Mary Louis offering grief counseling, and flags in Academy in Queens as a history teacher, coach and assistant athletic director the Franklin Square School District will remain at half-staff for the week. before becoming assistant principal of Additionally, Jordan Belous, founder student life. of Whip Pediatric Cancer, is raising “I know we feel the need to come together, to console each other, to hug, money for the family. She met Lewinger and his wife, Maura, cry, scream and say about 15 years ago, it’s not fair,” Principal when their twins, Ann O’Hagan Cordes Jack and Maeve, were wrote in a letter to diagnosed with pediparents on March 28. atric cancer.

“Sadly, the time for us “They’ re a very for us to do that as a strong family,” Belous community has to said. “They’ve been wait. We will gather through a lot.” together at some She started the point, when our city fundraiser, she said, can come out of isola”because I wanted t i o n t o s h a re o u r to,” and raised more memories of Mr. Lewthan $50,000 for the inger — J Lew — and family on March 29, there are many wonthe first day it was derful stories to share, posted. but for now, we pray Joseph Lewinger died of the Meanwhile, Kimfor the strength to get coronavirus at age 42. berly Guzikowski, of through this.”

Franklin Square, creSeveral of his forated a GoFundMe for the family. She mer students wrote on Facebook about described Lewinger as “funny, smart, the impact that Lewinger had on their compassionate and selfless, always puthigh school careers.

“He made class fun — even when the ting others before himself.” As a husoverhead transparency projector was band, father, friend and assistant princibusted up and all he could do was have pal, she wrote, “he worked hard every us lean our heads back and view the single day to do his part to make this slide projected onto the ceiling,” Rox- world a better place.””

“He touched the lives of everyone he anne De La Torre wrote on his Facebook met,” she continued, “and was always page, reminiscing about his lessons and how he used global history class to pro- willing to offer help, support, guidance pose to his girlfriend in the 2001-02 and advice.”

The GoFundMe page had raised more school year. “I can’t believe how much I than $36,000 as of press time. To donate still remember about that class in particular, which goes to show how much to to the pa g e, visit https://bit. of a phenomenal teacher he really was.” ly/2UsvDFW Lewinger is survived by his wife and Others recounted how he would conthree children, Madison and the twins. nect with his students, and Aislinn Sev-

Continued from front

Island Harvest Responds to COVID-19 Island Harvest Food Bank is a lifeline for people struggling to put food on their tables during this unprecedented public health crisis, but we need your help.

Your generosity will allow us to continue to provide critical food and support for homebound seniors, veterans, working families, and children.

And, If you, or someone you know, needs food assistance, or to support our work on Long Island call 631-873-4775 or visit islandharvest.org.

HOW YOU CAN HELP OUR NEIGHBORS IN NEED: Every $25 donated will support a family meal kit which provides food for 3–4 days.

ENGAGE YOUR EMPLOYER

Matches of employee gifts will make a major impact. employers can create a custom fundraising page.

Bethpage | Calverton | Hauppauge | Uniondale

631-873-4775 | 516-294-8528

SPREAD THE WORD

encourage friends and family to donate and set up your own crowdfunding page.

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MAKE A DONATION

w w w. i s l a n d H a r v e s t. o r g

Happy Easter & Passover from Our Family to Yours

Krauss Funeral Home

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Let Us Treasure What is Truly Important In Our Lives And Know We Will Rise Above This Crisis 1084920

April 2, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

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PARKER CARE. THE BEST. FOR THE BEST. 13

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — April 2, 2020

Parker |Jewish Institute CareDay andCare Rehabilitation | Home Healthvalues Short Term Rehabilitation Long Term Care | Health Social Adult Care the region’s trust confidence, in caringDialysis for older adultsHouse in the community. To | Inpatient | Medical Hospice | Palliative Careand And Outpatient Calls protectLong against of COVID-19 and flu, Parker Jewish Institute’s | Medicare Advantage Plan Managed Termthe Carespread leadership is vigilant in its coronavirus-preparedness efforts.

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Our leadership team meets at least daily, sometimes more, for frequent updates and to monitor the virus on a local, state, national and global level, establishing new measures as needed.

We continue to reinforce our already rigorous disease-prevention protocols, including the re-education of all staff on the most up-to-date infection-control measures, related to COVID-19.

We appreciate the trust that you have placed in us, to care for your family member.

And remember, the importance of washing your hands, for twentyseconds, is key for prevent the spread of COVID-19.

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THE ANIMALS ARE DEPENDING ON US TO BE HERE FOR THEM... CRISIS OR NOT North Shore Animal League America is facing critical challenges during the coronavirus pandemic – but that will never change our NO-KILL PROMISE to care for homeless dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens.

Words of EncouragEmEnt The Herald recently asked residents to send thank-you letters and hopeful messages to be published in the paper. Here are some of the submissions:

Thank you Best Market for your work I would like to take a minute to thank the management and employees at Best Market. Throughout this pandemic, they have done their best to stay open, restock the store and get everyone in and out as quickly as possible. It has been comforting to have a local place to shop that is quick and easy, and has continued to have a great selection of fresh produce, meat and everything else we need.

I never appreciated a grocery store as much as I do during this crisis. Thank you for all that you are doing for the community!

— Kathleen Evangelista, Franklin Square

Thanks for looking out for us

PLEASE DONATE A GIFT TODAY Give what you can to help us through this emergency. We must continue our mission to rescue; provide shelter, medical care, and nourishment; and adopt out homeless pets during the COVID-19 crisis.

YOU CAN SAVE THE LIVES OF INNOCENT ANIMALS NOW. VISIT animalleague.org or CALL 516-883-7575

1084499 RR006

So in these unique, trying times I wanted to share what has been encouraging to me. I am retired and usually very involved with community groups in Franklin Square on a daily basis, but since my wife and I are over 70 we are fol-

lowing the guidelines for self-quarantining ourselves in our home. During the first week staying in our home, we received a phone call from our younger neighbor down the block asking if there was anything we needed. We said ‘no,’ but were very touched by his thoughtfulness.

A few days later, we got a call from our good friends living in Mineola who are also much younger and asked us again if we needed anything. Long Islanders are reaching out to check on the elderly, and it made us feel very lucky to have such caring neighbors and friends.

When Long Island was hit by Superstorm Sandy in 2012, we saw how neighbors helped others in their time of need.

We were the only house with a generator, and we stored neighbors’ perishable foods in our two refrigerators. Then, when a blizzard hit Long Island, we hosted a potluck snow party in our large dining room for all our neighbors.

I have organized virtual meetings online for my Rotary board for our weekly meetings since we can no longer meet in person, and we held our first virtual library board meeting online open to the community residents two weeks ago. I am not sure when this pandemic will be over, but when it is, life will be changed forever just like how 9/11 changed us. I look forward to the day when I can hug and kiss my friends and neighbors again. Please be safe!

— Bill Youngfert, Franklin Square

Trusted information is vital… now, more than ever.

Please help us spread the word.

The Herald’s award-winning journalists are working around the clock to provide you and your family with the trusted local news that you expect from us during these challenging times.

To support the community, we are are providing free coronavirus coverage online during the coronavirus crisis along with full access to e-editions of our newspapers.

But free news isn’t free.

Unlike “news” from Facebook or Twitter, our editors and reporters source, verify and verify again all of our stories. We pay journalists to provide this service to your community. But with the current economic situation, our resources to pay our journalists are dwindling.

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516-569-4000 • www.liherald.com

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LFRA1 0402

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF ANNUAL ELECTION ELMONT UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that pursuant to the Education Law of the State of New York, and pursuant to Resolution adopted by the Board of Education of the Elmont Union Free School District, Town of Hempstead, Nassau County, New York, on February 4, 2020 to vote on the school budget, and the vote on the library budget, and pursuant to Resolution duly adopted by the Board of Education of Central High School District No. 2 of the Town of Hempstead and North Hempstead, Nassau County, the vote on the school budget of said Central High School District will take place on MAY 19, 2020,between the hours of 6:00 AM and 9:00 PM, in the seven (7) separate election districts as hereinafter in this notice stated and provided.

NOTICE IS HEREBY FURTHER GIVEN that for the purpose of electing TWO (2) members of the Board of Education of the Elmont Union Free School District; one (1) member for a term of THREE (3) YEARS to the seat now occupied by ANTHONY S. MAFFEA, SR., whose term expires June 30, 2020; and one (1) member for a term of THREE (3) YEARS to the seat now occupied

by KAREN TAYLOR-BASS, whose term expires June 30, 2020.

WHEREAS, the term of office of members of the Board of Library Trustees is five (5) years, the voters of the district will also elect TWO (2) members to the Library Board of Trustees; one (1) member for a term of FIVE (5) YEARS to the seat now held by LIVINGSTONE YOUNG, whose term expires on June 30, 2020 and ONE (1) member for a term of THREE (3) YEARS to the seat previously held by TAMMIE WILLIAMS and currently held by SUZANNE SCHATZ, whose term expires on June 30, 2023.

An election will be held on MAY 19, 2020, voting to take place in the seven (7) separate election districts at the polling places hereinafter stated, and for the further purpose of voting upon the following propositions: PROPOSITION NO. 1 ELEMENTARY SCHOOL BUDGET RESOLVED that the amount of the estimated expenses for the school year 2020-2021, as presented in writing by the Board of Education of the Elmont Union Free School District, Town of Hempstead, Nassau County, New York, shall

be raised by tax upon the taxable property of this school district after first deducting the estimated monies available from State Aid and other sources.

PROPOSITION NO. 3 LIBRARY BUDGET RESOLVED, that Elmont Union Free School District of the Town of Hempstead, Nassau County, New York, appropriate the amount of estimated expenses for the school year 2020-2021, as presented in writing by the Board of Trustees of the Elmont Public Library, to be levied and collected annually as are other general taxes for the equipment, support and maintenance of the existing free public library including its existing branches.

No person will be entitled to vote at the annual election whose name does not appear on the register of the Elmont Union Free School District prepared for such annual election.

Otherwise qualified residents may have their names placed upon such register at the office of the school within their election district on any day school is in session between the hours of 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM up to MAY 12, 2020.

In addition, the Board of Registration of each separate election district will meet at the Registration place herein above stated on TUESDAY, MAY 12, 2020, between the hours of 4:00 PM and 9:00 PM, at which time any person shall be entitled to have his/her name placed upon such register, provided that upon such meeting of the Board of Registration he/she is known or proved to the satisfaction of such Board of Registration to be then or thereafter entitled to vote at such election for which such register is prepared.

ABSENTEE BALLOTS: Application for absentee ballots for voting on said Proposition may be applied for at the Office of the District Clerk. Such application must be received by the District Clerk, completed, at least seven (7) days before the election if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter, by 5:00 PM on the day before the election if the ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter. A list of all persons to whom absentee ballots shall have been issued will be filed in the Office of the District Clerk and available for public inspection during regular business hours on each of the five (5) days (except Sunday) prior to the day of said vote and such list will also be posted on the day of the voting at the Office of the District Clerk, Elmont Road School.

The register of the qualified voters of the said school district prepared at the last annual election and for any subsequent school district meetings or elections in said school district shall be used by said Board of Registration as the basis for the preparation of the register for this annual election. Any person whose name appears on said register prepared at and for said district meetings and elections will not be required to register for said annual election to be held on MAY 19, 2020.

In addition thereto, the register to be prepared for said annual election to be held on MAY 19, 2020 shall include all persons who shall have been previously registered for the 2016 annual election, and who have not moved since the 2016 annual election, or for any special or annual election or meeting held or conducted thereafter, and who shall have voted at said 2016 annual election, and all persons registered under the provisions of Section 5-102 of the Election Law and Section 2012 of the Education Law, provided such persons remain otherwise qualified as school district electors; and any such person whose name is so included will not be required to register for said annual election to be held on MAY 19, 2020.

All other persons desiring to be registered must appear personally before the Board of Registration of the election district in which they reside.

The register will be filed on May 13, 2020, in the office of the District Clerk at the Elmont Road School, and will be open for inspection by any qualified voter of the school district between the hours of 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM on each day thereafter, including the day of the annual election, except that on Saturday the hours shall be 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and the school will not open for the said inspection on Sunday.

Commencing May 20, 2020, otherwise qualified residents may have their names placed upon such register at the office of the school within their election district on any day school is in session between the hours of 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM, for the purpose of preparing a register for elections held subsequent to May 19, 2020.

The boundaries of the seven (7) separate election districts and the voting places for each of said separate election districts as established by the Board of Education are as follows:

ELECTION DISTRICT 1 The place of registration and voting will be the STEWART MANOR SCHOOL, Stewart Manor, New York, with said Election District commencing at a point in the north line of School District No. 16 where the same adjoins School District No. 22 at the intersection of Third Avenue (which point is approximately 50 feet south of the south line of the main line of the Long Island Railroad); running thence along the boundary line between School District No. 16 and School District No. 22 as it runs generally south, then generally east and again south crossing the Hempstead Branch of the Long Island Railroad; thence continuing east and south along such boundary line to Tulip Avenue; thence southerly along the Covert Avenue center line for about 100 feet and continuing southeasterly 100 feet south of and parallel to Tulip Avenue to the easterly boundary line of School District No. 16; thence continuing in a general northerly direction along the easterly boundary of School District No. 16 to the northeast corner of the School District; thence westerly along the northerly boundary line of School District No. 16 to the point or place of beginning. In addition the said Election District shall include the following: a point commencing at a point on the boundary line between school District No.16 and School District No. 22 at the intersection of the center line of Memphis Avenue and a line about 100 feet North of and parallel to Chelsea Street; thence continuing easterly along this line to it’s intersection with the extension of a line midway between and parallel to Fredrick Avenue and Arthur Avenue; thence proceeding north easterly along said line to the boundary between School District No.16 and School District No. 22; thence north westerly along the said boundary line and continuing north westerly along the said boundary line to the point and place of beginning.

ELECTION DISTRICT 2 The place of registration and voting will be the COVERT AVENUE SCHOOL, Elmont, New York, with said Election District commencing at a point midway between and parallel to Frederick Avenue and Arthur Avenue and proceeding south

along this line to its intersection with the center line of Makofske Avenue; thence south in a straight line to the intersection of the center line of Hempstead Turnpike at a point midway between Emporia Avenue and Stone Street; thence continuing easterly along the Hempstead Turnpike center line to a point 100 feet west of Butler Boulevard; thence continuing southerly along a line 100 feet west of and parallel to Butler Boulevard to a line approximately 100 feet north of Omega Street; thence easterly along the said line 100 feet north of and parallel to Omega Street to a line approximately 25 feet east of South Covert Avenue thence southerly along the said line 25 feet east of and parallel to South Covert Avenue to the intersection of an extension of the Elliott Street center line thence easterly along the Elliott Street center line to an intersection with the Sun Avenue center line; thence continuing along the Sun Avenue center line to an intersection with the Meacham Avenue center line; thence proceeding south along the Meacham Avenue center line midway between E Street and F Street; thence proceeding north easterly and continuing northerly along the District No. 16 boundary line to a point about 100 feet south of Tulip Avenue; thence proceeding in a northwesterly direction along a line about 100 feet south and parallel to Tulip Avenue to the center line of the District No. 16 western boundary where the center line of Covert Avenue and Tulip Avenue intersect; thence continuing on the boundary line, southeasterly, southerly and westerly on a line approximately 100 Feet south of Webster Street to a line midway between Fredrick Street and Arthur Street approximately 50 Feet south of the point or place of beginning.

ELECTION DISTRICT 3 The place of registration and voting will be the CLARA H. CARLSON SCHOOL, Elmont, New York, with said Election District commencing at a point midway between Emporia Avenue and Stone Street on the center line of Hempstead Turnpike; thence continuing easterly along the Hempstead Turnpike center line to a point approximately 100 feet west of Butler Boulevard; thence continuing southerly along the said line 100 feet west of and parallel to Butler Boulevard to a line approximately 100 feet north of Omega Street thence easterly along the said line 100 feet north of Omega Street to a line

approximately 25 feet east of South Covert Avenue; thence southerly along the said line 25 feet east of and parallel to South Covert Avenue to the intersection of an extension of the Elliott Street center line; thence continuing easterly along the Elliott Street center line to an intersection with the Sun Avenue center line; thence continuing along the Sun Avenue center line to an intersection with the Meacham Avenue center line; thence proceeding south along the Meacham Avenue center line to a point midway between Collier Avenue and Star Avenue; thence proceeding westerly on a line midway between Collier Avenue and Star Avenue to the boundary of Beth David Cemetery ; to an extension of the easterly boundary of the Beth David Cemetery; thence north westerly along the northerly boundary of the Beth David Cemetery; then, northerly along the boundary of the Beth David Cemetery to a point midway between Emporia Avenue and Stone Street; thence northerly along the midway line between Emporia Avenue and Stone Street to the point or place of beginning.

ELECTION DISTRICT 4 The place of registration and voting will be the ELMONT ROAD SCHOOL, ELMONT, New York, with said Election District commencing at a point in the boundary line between School District No. 16 and School District No. 22 at the intersection of the center line of Plainfield Avenue and a line approximately 100 feet north of and parallel to Chelsea Street; thence continuing easterly along this line to the intersection of Chelsea Street and Makofske Avenue thence south in a straight line to the northern boundary of Beth David Cemetery; thence westerly along the northern boundary of Beth David Cemetery to the center line of Elmont Road; thence northerly along the center line of Elmont Road to the intersection of Elmont Road and the Hempstead Turnpike; thence westerly along the center line of the Hempstead Turnpike to the intersection of the Hempstead Turnpike and Plainfield Avenue, thence northerly along the center line of Plainfield Avenue to the point or place of beginning.

ELECTION DISTRICT 5 The place of registration and voting will be the GOTHAM AVENUE SCHOOL, Elmont, New York, with said Election District commencing at a point on the westerly boundary line of District No. 16 at its intersection with the center line of

Hempstead Turnpike; thence easterly along the center line of Hempstead Turnpike to its intersection with the Elmont Road center line; thence south along the center line of Elmont Road to the extension of a line forming the northerly boundary of Elmont Memorial High School ; thence westerly along said line to a point 25 feet west of Kirby Road north westerly to a point approximately 25 feet east of Rye Street northerly on a line parallel to Rye Street to a point approximately 25 feet north of Baylis Avenue to a point approximately 100 feet west of 4th Street; thence north to the southerly side of Hathaway Avenue west on a line formed by the southerly side of Hathaway Avenue to the north along the westerly boundary of School District No. 16 to the point and place of beginning.

ELECTION DISTRICT 6 The place of registration and voting will be the DUTCH BROADWAY SCHOOL, Elmont, New York, with said Election District commencing at a point on the Linden Boulevard center line where it intersects the Elmont Road center line; thence proceeding southeasterly along the Linden Boulevard center line and continuing on a projection of this line along the Southern State Parkway to its intersection with the District No. 16 easterly boundary line; thence continuing in a northeasterly direction along the District No. 16 easterly boundary line, to the intersection of Meacham Avenue and F Street; thence northerly along a center line of Meacham Avenue to a point approximately 20 feet northerly of Star Avenue; thence westerly along said line to the eastern boundary line of the Beth David Cemetery; thence southerly along the east boundary line of Beth David Cemetery; thence westerly along the south boundary line of Beth David Cemetery to it’s intersection with the Elmont Road center line; thence continuing in a southwesterly direction along the Elmont Road center line to a line formed by the extension of the Northerly Boundary of Elmont Memorial High School ; thence westerly said line to a point 25 feet west of Kirby Road; thence north westerly to a point 25 north of Renfew Avenue; thence westerly on a line approximately 25 feet north and parallel to a point approximately 25 feet east of Rye Street northerly on a line parallel to Rye Street to a

point approximately 25 feet north of Baylis Avenue to a point approximately 100 feet west of 4th Street; thence north to the southerly side of Hathaway Avenue continuing west on a line formed by the southerly side of Hathaway Avenue to the western boundary of School District No. 6 and then south along the western boundary of School District No. 16 to the center line of Dutch Broadway; thence last along the center line of Dutch Broadway to the intersection of Dutch Broadway and Elmont Road; thence south along the center line of Elmont Road to the point and place of beginning.

ELECTION DISTRICT 7 The place of registration and voting will be the ALDEN TERRACE SCHOOL, Valley Stream, New York, with said Election District commencing at a point in the westerly boundary of District No. 16 at its intersection with the center line of Dutch Broadway; thence southerly along the westerly boundary line of School District No. 16; to the intersection of Elmont Road and Sobro Avenue thence southeasterly along the center line of Sobro Avenue continuing southeasterly then northeasterly along the boundary of School District No. 16 to the northerly side of the Southern State Parkway thence westerly along the Southern State Parkway to the center line of Linden Boulevard thence westerly along the center line of Linden Boulevard to the intersection of Linden Boulevard and Elmont Road thence northerly along the center line of Elmont Road to the intersection of Elmont Road and Dutch Broadway thence westerly along the center line of Dutch Broadway to the point or place of beginning.

Nominations for the office of members of the Board of Education and members of the Board of Trustees of the Public Library shall be made by petition, which petition shall name the specific seat the candidate seeks by naming the Board member who occupies the seat and whose term expires on June 30, 2020 and which petition shall be subscribed by not less than TWENTY-FOUR (24) qualified voters of the school district, addressed to the District Clerk and filed with the District Clerk at her office no later than 5:00 PM on Monday, APRIL 20, 2020. Said petitions to run for a seat on the Board of Education and the Library Board will be available in the District Office @ 135 Elmont Road, on any day school is in session between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. and on Monday, April 20, 2020.

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — April 2, 2020

Public Notices

15

16

Public Notices

News briefs

Copies of the written estimates of expenses for the school year 2020-2021 (proposed budgets) to be voted on, together with the text of any resolution which will be presented to the voters will be available on request to any qualified voter of the district on and after May 5, 2020 and may be obtained at each school building of the district between the hours of 9:00 AM and 3:30 PM on each school day on and after such date.

Pursuant to Chapter 258 of the Laws of 2008, Section 495 was added to the Real Property Tax Law and requires the School District to attach to its proposed budget an exemption report. Said exemption report, which will also become part of the final budget, will show how the total assessed value of the final assessment roll used in the budgetary process is exempt from taxation, list every type of exemption granted by statutory authority, and show the cumulative impact of each type of exemption, the cumulative amount expected to be received as payments in lieu of taxes (PILOT) and the cumulative impact of all exemptions granted. In addition, said exemption report shall be posted on any bulletin board maintained by the District for public notices and on any website maintained by the District.

The District Clerk shall attend on registration day and on Election Day at each of the seven (7) separate election districts.

The Superintendent of Schools is authorized to arrange with the County Board of Elections for use of voting machines at such annual district election and counsel is authorized to have the candidate labels and the proposition labels printed for the voting machines.

By order of the Board of Education DIANA L. DELAHANTY Dated: 2/5/2020 District Clerk Información disponible en Español si se solicita

HERALD Community Newspapers

April 2, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

LFRA2 42

I, DIANA L. DELAHANTY, District Clerk of the Elmont Union Free School District of the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York, hereby certify that the foregoing annexed extract from the minutes of a special meeting of the Board of Education of said School District duly called and held on February 4, 2020 has been compared by me with the original minutes as officially recorded in my office in the Minute Book of said Board of Education, and is a true, complete and correct copy thereof, and of the whole of said original minutes so far as the same relate to the subject matters referred to in said extract.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the corporate seal of said School District this 5th day of February 2020.

DIANA L. DELAHANTY DISTRICT CLERK 121455

LEGAL NOTICE SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS–SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, COUNTY OF NASSAU – CITIMORTGAGE INC Plaintiff, -against-, IFTEKHER HASSAN, If he be living and if he be dead, the respective heirs-at-law, next-of-kin, distributes, executors, administrators, trustees, devisees, legatees, assignees, lienors, creditors and successors in interest and generally all persons having or claiming under, by or through said defendant who may be deceased , by purchase, inheritance, lien or inheritance, lien or otherwise any right, title or interest in or to the real property described in the amended complaint, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA-INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE and NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE, TRAVIS SMITH, AND DEVELL RANDALL, Defendants - Index No. 14-002479.

Plaintiff Designates Nassau County as the Place of Trial. The Basis of Venue is that the subject action is situated in Nassau County. To the above named Defendants–YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in this action and to serve a

copy of your answer, or, if the complaint is not served with this Summons, to serve a notice of appearance, on the Plaintiff’s Attorney(s) within 20 days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after the service is complete if this Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York); the United States of America may appear or answer within 60 days of service hereof; and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. That this Supplemental Summons is being filed pursuant to an order of the court dated September 6, 2016.

NOTICE-YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME – If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property.

Sending a payment to the mortgage company will not stop the foreclosure action.

YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. HELP FOR HOMEOWNERS IN FORECLOSURE; New York State law requires that we send you this notice about the foreclosure process. Please read it carefully.

SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT You are in danger of losing your home. If you fail to respond to the Summons and Complaint in this Foreclosure Action, you may lose your home.

Please read the Summons and Complaint carefully.

You should immediately contact an attorney of your local legal aid office to obtain advice on how to protect yourself.

SOURCES OF INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE The State encourages you to become informed about

your options in foreclosure. In addition to seeking assistance from an attorney or legal aid office, there are government agencies and non-profit organizations that you may contact for information about possible options, including trying to work with your lender during this process. To locate an entity near you, you may call the toll-free helpline maintained by the New York State Department of Financial Services’ at 1-800-269-0990 or visit the Department’s website at http://www.dfs.ny.gov.

FORECLOSURE RESCUE SCAMS Be careful of people who approach you with offers to “save” your home. There are individuals who watch for notices of foreclosure actions in order to unfairly profit from a homeowner’s distress.

You should be extremely careful about any such promises and any suggestions that you pay them a fee or sign over your deed. State law requires anyone offering such services for profit to enter into a contract which fully describes the services they will perform and fees they will charge, and which prohibits them from taking any money from you until they have completed all such promised services. We are attempting to collect a debt. Any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

The foregoing summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an order of the Honorable Thomas A. Adams, J.S.C. dated September 6, 2016 and by Memorandum Decision of the Honorable Thomas A. Adams, J.S.C. filed on December 12, 2019. The object of this action is to foreclose a mortgage and covering the premises known as 236 Holland Avenue, Elmont, NY 11003 located at Section 32 Block 440 and Lots 123-125 Dated: March 19, 2020 Greenspoon Marder LLP, Attorney for Plaintiff, By: Holly Hamilton, Esq., 590 Madison Avenue, Suite 1800, New York, NY 10022 (212) 524-5000.

Please respond to Cypress Creek office: Trade Centre South, 100 W. Cypress Creek Road, Suite 700, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309 (888) 491-1120.

121437

No Paper, No Justice

Weigh the advantages of legal advertising.

For information of rates and coverage call 516-569-4000.

Courtesy Google Maps

Murph’s restaurant is offering first responders and hospital employees 15 percent off their orders.

Murph’s offering discount to first responders, hospital employees

By Melissa Koenig mkoenig@liherald.com

Murph’s Restaurant in Franklin Square is offering first responders and Long Island Jewish Valley Stream employees 15 percent off their take-out orders during the coronavirus pandemic.

Many first responders and hospital

employees are regulars at the Irish tavern, owner Ann Angelillo explained, and have been “very good to me over the years.”

Now, however, she said, they are putting their lives on the line as they work to stop the spread of COVID-19.

“They’re my customers,” she said, “and I love them.

Elmont F.D. asks for community’s help The Elmont Fire Department is asking residents to take precautions to protect themselves and first responders against the spread of COVID-19.

If you or a family member are in need of medical assistance, please call 911 and notify the dispatcher if someone in your home is under mandatory quarantine, has flu-like symptoms or has been exposed to the coronavirus. This will help first responders prepare protective gear and reduce their exposure to the virus.

Additionally, if the person needing medical assistance can meet the ambulance crew outside the house, that would help minimize exposure to the patient, those in the home as well as the ambulance crew members.

“It is imperative that we keep our emergency responders safe during this time and that we are there to meet the needs of the community,” said Chief Robert Falco, adding, “We are committed to serving Elmont and reducing the spread of COVID-19.”

Continue to support small businesses The Franklin Square Chamber of Commerce would like to remind residents to continue to support small businesses during the coronavirus outbreak. Most survive on a week-to-week basis, and any slowdown would hurt them financially.

Please continue to support them by buying gift cards, takeout orders and delivery orders.

Food establishments should also consider offering contactless delivery, whereby food items would be left at a resident’s door, after they call for an order and pre-

pay with a credit card. Call the customer to let them know when their food is ready, and offer special take-out delivery offers.

Additionally, Chamber President Lisa DelliPizzi said, remember to check on your neighbors, and consider donating non-perishable food to a local pantry.

If you need any phone numbers for special services, you could leave a message on the Franklin Square Chamber of Commerce voicemail at (516) 775-0001, text DelliPizzi at (516) 319 - 3646 or email her at LDPCEO@hotmail.com.

Nassau Library System offering digital cards The Nassau Library System is offering residents who do not currently have a library card a digital library card.

With it, residents can access eBooks, digital magazines, audiobooks, live tutoring, language courses, test prepara-

tion classes, video streaming and much more.

Apply at www.nassaulibrary.org/digital-card-application/ then use your card to access digital content at the Elmont and Franklin Square libraries.

17

F.S. residents spread birthday cheer

By Melissa Koenig mkoenig@liherald.com

Michael and Molly Talbot thought their 10th birthday on March 25 would be their worst yet. Their mother, Deborah, erected a sign outside their house on Maloon Avenue in Franklin Square telling passersby to honk for their birthday, but Michael was just planning on spending the day playing video games alone, and Molly figured she would just play on her iPad and watch television rather than have the American Girl Doll tea party she dreamed of.

But around 2 p.m., the Talbots heard a loud commotion outside, where dozens of their friends’ families passed by in their cars wearing costumes, honking their horns and wishing the twins a happy birthday.

That moment became the twins’ favorite part of their birthday, their father John, recounted. Michael said he “loved it,” and thought “it was so fun,” and Molly said, “It blew my mind to see everyone come down the street.”

She had spoken to her friend, Alana Freifeld that morning, and told her how she was disappointed in her birthday this year, as New Yorkers are encouraged to self-isolate to stop the spread of COVID-19. Fortunately, Alana’s mother, Dawn, overheard the conversation and immediately asked everyone in the children’s fourth-grade class at the Washington Street School if they could help make Michael and Molly’s birthday special by driving by their house.

Lauren McManamy, another mother of a boy in the class, then reached out to the members of Cub Scout Pack 372, which Deborah Talbot is the assistant den mother of. In the end, she said, they had nearly a dozen cars drive down the street to celebrate the twins’ birthday.

“I think it went well,” McManamy said, despite the poor weather and the parade being planned in only about four hours.

In fact, she said, the birthday parade was extended beyond just visiting the Talbot’s house, as Pack Leader Dorine Dand directed the group to another fourth-grader’s house, a 6-year-old’s house and another classmate’s house

whose birthday was one week prior.

“We all felt like we were doing something to make someone’s day special,” said Dawn Freifeld, “and that felt great.”

She said she thought it was important to ensure that children are not feeling alone during the pandemic, and therefore created a Facebook group to organize more birthday parades for children in the Franklin Square community, based on the success of the Talbot’s parade.

“It gets everyone involved,” McManamy said of the group. “But I think it’s super important in this time to let these kids know the community is here. We will get through this together, be here for one another, and if that means [putting on] a parade, well then that’s what we’ll do.”

For more infor mation about the birthday parade group, visit https://bit. ly/2WN2ZAX.

Courtesy Deborah Talbot

Michael and Molly Talbot’s mother, Deborah, erected a sign on their front yard, above, asking passersby to honk for the twins’ birthday.

Courtesy Lauren McManamy

The TalBoT’s friends wished them a happy birthday from their cars.

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — April 2, 2020

Courtesy Dawn Freifeld

aBouT a dozen Franklin Square families traveled around the neighborhood on March 25 for children’s birthdays.

HN1 04/02

HERALD

Employment

CLASSIFIED

Fax your ad to: 516-622-7460 E-mail you ad to: ereynolds@liherald.com E-mail Finds Under $100 to: sales@liherald.com DEADLINE: Monday, 11:00 am for all classified ads.

To pLACE your AD CALL 516-569-4000 - press 5

Every effort is made to insure the accuracy of your ad. Please check your ad at the first insertion. Credit will be made only for the first insertion. Credit given for errors in ads is limited to the printed space involved. Publisher reserves right to reject, cancel or correctly classify and ad.

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To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5 1080712

April 2, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

18

West Hempstead

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Qualified candidates should sent cover letter and resume to rglickman@liherald.com

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© 2020 Monte Leeper Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.

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CRAZY?

1078293

A. Even in this difficult time, you have to do the right thing. The first onte eeper thing I would do would be to call a surveyor and get an updated survey that shows setbacks to property lines, and also have them stake the lines. Fences not only need permits, even for replacement, but I often read surveys showing fences that are clearly not even close to the property line.

They can avoid the anguish of having a property dispute with a new neighbor by having the stakes show exactly where the fences will go. The staking should be done close to when the fences will be done, because I’ve also seen where people move the stakes in the middle of the night. Even spray-paint the line once you know where the fence line is going, to keep things honest.

Everything you described requires a permit, and it takes time to document with plans for what you’ll be doing. If the deck is less than 3 feet above the ground, then you may be able to draw the plans yourself, according to some jurisdictions, but the plans must have enough detail and reflect the requirements in the building code to show the correct connections, structural spans and anchorage to the ground. The same goes for anything built outdoors, except the fences. For example, built-in kitchens and barbecues, awnings trellises and even air conditioning units are required to have a location plan with distances to property lines and some drawing that clearly shows the size and way it will be built.

For anyone to tell you, even during an emergency shutdown of services, that you don’t need a permit is more for their convenience than yours. It’s the most common scam in property ownership, and building departments regularly see undocumented, illegal pools, fences, decks … which need to not only be filed for, but with penalties, need to be corrected, relocated or, once in a while, removed. Because people miss the mark with notes and code compliance in their drawings, frustrated homeowners call who have already tried doing the plans themselves. The installers walk away scot-free, and the property owner has to clean up the mess, at greater cost than it would have been to do it the right way at the beginning.

Patience and planning are important, especially now.

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Q. My daughter and son-in-law have purchased a home and are planning to move in this summer. They want to put up fences, and add air conditioning and a new deck to replace the old one. Some people we spoke with have said they don’t need permits for the fences or decks, since there were already fences there and there was a smaller deck they just want to redo and make bigger. They want to be sure to do things the right way, so do they need permits, and are they easy to get, since they want to get started right away, and the building department was closed, so we can’t ask them?

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Governor Cuomo, Main Street needs a hand

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ovid-19 has completely changed the way we all live.

But along with worrying about keeping themselves and their families healthy, thousands of small business owners across New York state are losing sleep over how to keep this virus from killing the businesses they have worked so hard to build.

At the same time, lawmakers in Albany are trying to craft a budget in the face of plunging revenues. Sales taxes — much of them generated by small business — brought in a whopping $73.6 billion last year. Our schools, as well as other vital government services, rely on these funds.

When a business fails — and too many are on the precipice of failure right now — that sales tax revenue goes, too.

We believe a simple proposal could help restart local business and bolster sales tax revenues, but swift action is required by Gov. Andrew Cuomo and the State Legislature.

Small businesses are the backbone of our communities. Everyone wants a thriving downtown where they can shop, eat or go to a movie. The good news is that small businesses have always been engines of innovation and entrepreneurship, and we are seeing that again today as they adapt

to the new reality. Local gyms are streaming personal training sessions. Restaurants offer free delivery and online happy hours. Medical practices are expanding their telemedicine capabilities. Car mechanics are making house calls that require no personal contact at all.

Of course, it’s vital that these businesses let potential customers know about their services. That’s the role of advertising in all its myriad forms. But advertising costs money, and the sad truth is that advertising is one of the first things small businesses cut when times are tough.

Put yourself in the shoes of a local restaurateur with a stack of bills and very little money coming in. By the time she finishes paying the most urgent bills — rent, food suppliers, payroll — there’s not much left for advertising. Whatever stimulus money she gets from Washington or Albany will most likely be needed to keep the door open and the lights on. Yet studies show that how well businesses survive a downturn is in large part determined by whether they continue to market and advertise during the hard times.

Fortunately, there is a way for Albany to prime the sales-tax pump to keep revenue flowing to both small businesses and state coffers. Let businesses use some of the

money they would have sent to Albany, as sales taxes, to market their new offerings.

The formula would be simple: Every dollar a small business spends on advertising (up to some reasonable limit) would be a dollar saved off that business’s sales tax bill.

It would be a win-win-win. Local businesses would be healthier because the increased advertising would jump-start sales. The state would get more sales tax revenue because local businesses would be selling more. And media companies (like ours) would benefit from the additional ad revenue. We’d like to think that we, too, are vital to the character and strength of our communities, not to mention our democracy. Think for a moment of the critical role that journalists have played in getting vital local information out to your community during this unprecedented crisis.

The Legislature has a lot on its plate right now, and the temptation will be to bury this idea, or to take the shortsighted view that we can’t afford to do it right now.

But right now is when it’s needed. We’ve been impressed with Governor Cuomo’s levelheaded leadership in this crisis, and we call on him to back this innovative yet simple policy.

no respect for expertise. It is truly frightening, and reflects poorly upon the values of Americans.

The next time we’re looking for a person upon whom to bestow the Presidential Medal of Freedom, I hope Fauci is the candidate. That might restore a little of the honor that this award is supposed to reflect.

I would like to publicly acknowledge Fauci and all of the doctors, nurses, therapists and associated medical care providers for their selfless dedication to others during a difficult time. Your efforts are deeply valued.

letters Let’s respect authority based on knowledge To the Editor: In the early 1980s I was the director of one of two infusion companies who accepted AIDS patients for care in their homes. In that epidemic we saw that the combination of ignorance and fear could do real damage and cause enormous suffering. Dr. Anthony Fauci was a leader at that time who displayed courage, calm and wisdom. He drove the effort to ensure that facts were the basis of intervention and helped de-villainize the people who suffered, both from physical illness and social stigma. He is still serving this country today, helping to balance the misinformation and political spin being spouted by the politicians surrounding him. Thank God for his presence.

If one good thing comes out of this whole pandemic, I hope that it’s a return to respect for authority based on knowledge. In today’s world of Google and social networking, it’s far too easy for people with no educational preparation or experience to assume positions of power and influence. This is always bad, but potentially disastrous in a true national emergency. As the ultimate example of this, we are facing the disaster of being led during a time that requires mature decision-making skills, humility and deference by President Trump, a man who is a willfully ignorant bully and has

CYNTHIA LOvECCHIO Glen Cove

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — April 2, 2020

Herald editorial

Franklin Square/Elmont

April 2, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

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opinions

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It’s time for colleges to graduate to the 21st century

he model of higher education today rests on a system created in the Middle Ages, when knowledge was highly concentrated in a few places and in a few hands. It has evolved only slowly over the centuries. And while that evolution has brought knowledge from the few to the many, it hasn’t kept pace with the rapidly changing world young people live in today.

Today’s colleges and universities operate in a time warp where higher education is over-expensive and under-performing. They are too often run by aLFonse administrators D’amaTo who sit on huge untapped endowments, and who fail to control costs, allowing tuition to climb at two or three times the general rate of inflation. They seem to assume that the willingness of parents and students to pay ever-increasing tuition is boundless.

The same goes for too many of the professors who deliver their knowledge to students. It’s more than a bit ironic that the vast majority of college instructors tilt way to the left in their political and economic philosophy, but follow decidedly mercenary policies in how they expect to work and be paid. There are far too

many examples of professors teaching 10 or 20 hours a week while raking in six-figure salaries.

In the meantime, their students will graduate with five- or six-figure college debt that will burden them for decades.

They’ll postpone starting a family or buying a house because their monthly school debt payments will eat up their paychecks.

That’s not the “better life” a college education should have provided.

Politicians have responded to this spiral of high college costs and crushing student debt in predictable ways. For years they threw more and more money at colleges in the form of government student aid. Pell Grants, Tuition Assistance Program, or TAP, aid, and subsidized student loans funneled billions of dollars to institutions of higher learning without conferring any relief on their consumers. The result: College costs climbed along with college graduates’ debt.

As this national student debt load has ballooned to over $1 trillion, today some politicians are proposing to forgive all or some of the huge debt with a massive federal bailout. It’s socialism come full circle, with government having helped fire up college costs and now “socializing” those costs with public dollars.

All of this misses the point that the

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hey need to reduce their cost and embrace distance learning.

LeTTers We will be stronger To the Editor: Does anyone really know what’s happening? It seems we’re all going on a trip we hadn’t planned on taking. We don’t know where we’re going or what, exactly, is coming. I believe that whether we’re young, middle-aged or old, the world as we know it today will be gone. Will our new world be better or worse? Is the cup half empty or full?

I was once nervous about the impact the internet would have on our youth.

Would they be able to think for themselves and be capable of functioning in the world? With the craziness we’re now facing, I think the use of the internet and social media are the things that will help them survive.

While some of the older generation will be cut off from what is happening in the world, the middle generation will be fighting to keep their world together and those who are younger will be keeping in touch with people all over the world to learn what is and isn’t working. They will want to be a part of the new world that is yet to come. I feel that when all is said and done, we will all be stronger to carry on.

AUDrEY CUPoLo East Norwich

way to reduce student debt is to bring college costs under control. Some colleges are finally catching on that $50,000-a-year tuitions are indefensible. They’re looking for ways to freeze or even roll back those tuitions. They’re embracing rather than rejecting online learning.

They’re even holding their administrators and professors more accountable for the totality of their performance, including how their students fare after they’ve graduated.

A good example of this more accountable approach has been pursued by Mitch Daniels, the president of Purdue University. Daniels was the governor of Indiana before he became a college president, and he devised innovative ways of running his state that kept taxes down while delivering services in costeffective ways. That may be why he was a good fit to run a university.

At Purdue, Daniels has imposed financial discipline and academic accountability. When he became its president, he took a voluntary pay cut, and tied his future salary to “performance-based evaluation.” He has also frozen Purdue’s tuition the years he’s been there, and substantially reduced the university’s operating expenses.

Under Daniels, Purdue has fully embraced online learning, boosting the ability of Purdue students to take advan-

tage of “distance learning” (which students at every level, starting with elementary school, are learning now, amid the coronavirus pandemic). And the university established an innovative highschool-to-college program that allows under-privileged high school students from minority communities to take a faster track to college.

More colleges ought to follow Purdue’s lead, which recognizes that these institutions should enable different paths to a degree. Not everyone needs a four-year degree in subjects that offer little future employment opportunities. Many students would be far better off with technical college training that prepares them for jobs that actually need filling.

To effectively support college education, let’s focus on reducing college costs and making that education more relevant. I’m all for making public higher education as low-cost or no-cost as possible. States as politically disparate as Florida and New York are making great strides in that direction. But I also think the leaders of our private colleges and universities need to come down from their ivory towers and show some empathy for their customers, too. Let’s bring higher education into the 21st century.

Al D’Amato, a former U.S. senator from New York, is the founder of Park Strategies LLC, a public policy and business development firm. Comments about this column? ADAmato@liherald.com.

Framework by Christina Daly

Pull us together, not apart To the Editor: If I weren’t so infuriated by their actions, I would pity people like randi Kreiss, who are so blinded by their hatred of President Trump that they can’t see past it (“I wonder whether this will be our ‘year of wonder,’” March 26-April 1).

At a time like this, when we see our lives turned upside down — people we know dying from this vicious virus, schools closed, work disrupted, streets deserted, Kreiss can’t resist insulting our president.

Perhaps it took a little time to assess the situation, but Trump’s initial move to refuse entry to people coming from China was an important first step. Since then he has been praised for his strong leadership even by Gov. Andrew Cuomo and California Gov. Gavin Newsom, both political opponents.

The president is very much involved, and he and his top staff give daily briefings with opportunities for questions.

Kreiss never fails to make untrue accusations, and doesn’t back up with facts her opinions, such as, “He doesn’t have the capacity for the humane gesture.”

Dudes! We’re social distancing! — Lido Beach

over and over, Trump has shown his love for this country and its people. Where is your humanity, Ms. Kreiss? Instead of trying to score cheap political points, how about encouraging people to pull together

in this unprecedented crisis and just be concerned with the well-being of all Americans, regardless of political differences.

FAY SLADoWSKY Lawrence

We’re Here For You.

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — April 2, 2020

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We understand you need the most upto-date information about this situation.

Our team of experienced, professional journalists is covering the local stories happening in our community during this challenging time. As a service to our community we are providing FREE coronavirus coverage online during the crisis.

Want to share news ideas, thoughts, coronavirus experiences, comments, announcements? Submit now, we’re listening. Email coronaeditor@liherald.com

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Local Businesses.

We want to help you continue doing business. Tell us your challenges, your needs and your message.

at significantly reduced rates with higher frequency of your messaging.

The Herald team is focused on developing appropriate marketing solutions to help you, including online, print, email and social marketing solutions available

As we work and implement solutions with other local businesses, let us be your guide through a difficult time.

Email VP of Advertising Rhonda Glickman at rglickman@liherald.com

1084386

To stay safe we are mostly working from home, but we are fully staffed and ready to help the community however we can!

UNFORTUNATELY, ORTHOPEDIC PAIN DOESN’T STOP IN A CRISIS.

With our new on-call only model, neither does the opportunity to receive care.

Balancing the need to be there for our patients with the health and safety of our staff and community, we’re temporarily becoming an “on-call” practice – offering both in-person and telehealth visits – for urgent orthopedic needs only.

If you think you have an urgent orthopedic issue, call Orlin & Cohen and a member of our team will work with you to assess whether you need immediate attention. It’s a new, creative approach to our practice: Because in this crisis, protecting each other should be everyone’s top priority.

In light of this broad accessibility to our services and for everyone’s safety, we are suspending our Merrick after-hours and weekend walk-in clinic for the duration of the crisis.

On-call, urgent orthopedic care by appointment only!

Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Saturday & Sunday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Call for your care needs assessment:

Nassau: 516-536-2800 Suffolk: 631-706-2800

Stay safe!

orlincohen.com Rockville Centre Lynbrook Merrick Cedarhurst Garden City Massapequa Woodbury Melville Bohemia Smithtown Port Jefferson Riverhead Southampton Port Jefferson Station

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