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City is in dire financial straits With deficit now at $14.6 million, 142 employees are laid off tinually budgeted for significantly more. I was hired to work with the council to get the city The City of Long Beach is on a path toward fiscal solvenofficially broke. cy.”

John McNally, the newly “We knew the city’s finances appointed executive assistant to were a mess, but it’s even worse City Manager than we imagined,” Donna Gayden, said City Council Presithe city has a $14.6 dent John Bendo million deficit, the said. “Prior adminresult of budgeting istrations have been in previous years k i ck i n g t h e c a n that relied on down the road for income that never years. We’re now at materialized. the end of that road.

On Wednesday, There are difficult 142 part-time city and painful deciemployees, considsions we’re having ered non-essential, to make. But we were laid off. They don’t have a choice. included people who The pandemic has work in the recre- JohN BeNDo made an awful situation and youth City Council ation worse.” de par tments and president Bendo said in an the senior center. interview that fur“The city is on ther job reductions the brink of a fiscal emergency,” in the city are a possibility.

McNally said Tuesday morning. Asked about the likelihood of a The city has instituted an tax increase, he said, “If I had a immediate hiring freeze. crystal ball, I would say so.” He In a statement, Gayden, who declined to say how much of an has been in her post only since increase would be needed, but Feb. 27, said, “The city has been added, “I don’t know how we in denial about its finances. can avoid one [tax increase].”

Long Beach has lost more than “We’re talking about a cul$77 million in revenue in the general fund since 2014, yet conContinued on page 3

By JAmes BeRNsteIN jbernstein@liherald.com

w

Christina Daly/Herald

VFw pays homage to local hero World War II veteran Dan Steele, a member of the Long Beach VFW Post 1384 and a longtime resident, died on April 3. He is pictured above at a Veterans Day ceremony in 2018. Story, Page 5.

IDA gives developer green light Negotiations will start for PILOT agreement

By DARwIN YANes dyanes@liherald.com

The Nassau County Industrial Development Agency gave preliminary approval Tuesday night to a proposal by Garden City developer Engel Burman to build a major development of condominiums and apartments on Long Beach’s long-vacant Superblock.

The IDA’s approval was an initial step in a process expected to

take months before the developers can begin construction on what has been a beachfront eyesore for the city for decades.

The developers are seeking a payment in lieu of taxes agreement, or PILOT, but have not said how much of a tax break they are seeking.

Representatives of Engel Burman said in an online meeting that they were seeking assistance to construct two buildings of condominiums and an apart-

ment building on the Superblock, which sits between Riverside and Long Beach boulevards. The sixacre property, which has been empty for more than 40 years, is still owned by the Manhattanbased developer iStar, which was rejected twice by the IDA in its quest for tax breaks for the construction of twin 15-story luxury apartment buildings there.

IStar filed a $100 million lawContinued on page 8

e’re talking about a cultural shift in the city.

This is going to impact the residents.

Herald offers $500K in grants for businesses Richner Communications Inc., publisher of Herald Community Newspapers and The Riverdale Press, this week announced a $500,000 grant program to support local businesses. Through the Herald Small Business Marketing Grant Program, each Long Island business is eligible to receive up to $15,000 of matching grant funds, which can be used for marketing services to promote the business’ products and services.

The Herald Small Business Marketing Grant Program is being supported by: ■ Long Island Main Street Alliance ■ Cedarhurst BID ■ Gold Coast Business Association ■ Bellmore Chamber of Commerce ■ East Meadow Chamber of Commerce ■ Franklin Square Chamber of Commerce ■ Glen Cove Chamber of Commerce ■ Long Beach Chamber of Commerce ■ Lynbrook Chamber of Commerce ■ Malverne Chamber of Commerce ■ Oceanside Chamber of Commerce ■ Oyster Bay/East Norwich Chamber of Commerce ■ Rockville Centre Chamber of Commerce ■ Seaford Chamber of Commerce

■ Vally Stream Chamber of Commerce ■ Wantagh Chamber of Commerce ■ West Hempstead Chamber of Commerce Businesses can apply for grants at www.liherald.com/grants starting on Wednesday, April 8, 2020, and they will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

“Small businesses are the lifeblood of our communities,” said Stuart Richner, president of RCI and publisher of Herald Community Newspapers. “With Long Island quickly becoming the center of the Covid-19 crisis, we knew that we had to do whatever possible to support our small business community.

“We are a small business ourselves, so we understand the pain that small business owners are going through right now,” Richner added. “But all studies show that businesses that continue to market during down times are those that fare the best long-term. We at the Herald want to do our part to make sure that members of our business community can continue to promote themselves during this trying period.”

Eric Alexander, of the Long Island Main Street Alliance, applauded RCI for stepping up to help the Long Island small business community. “Half-a-million dollars will go a long way toward helping the local restaurant owners, downtown retailers and other business

The herald is kicking off a new $500,000 grant program to help small businesses market themselves during the Covid-19 pandemic. services,” Alexander said. “With so many small businesses changing how they offer their services, like dine-in only restaurants now offering takeout, promotion is critical during this crisis and even more important as we head toward recovery.”

The Herald Small Business Marketing Grant Program will provide up to $500,000 in matching advertising dollars and can be used toward print or digital advertising in any Herald or other RCI property. Since the coronavirus crisis started in March, the Herald has seen its audience increase by 100 percent, meaning that advertisers now have the ability to reach even more people than

before.

The program is open to all locally owned and operated businesses impacted by the coronavirus. Grants are available for between $300 and $15,000 of matching funds and can be used in April, May and June 2020.

Every dollar that a grant recipient spends on advertising will be matched with a dollar of grant funding, up to the award amount, to be applied toward advertising costs. Applications must be submitted via the online form at www. liherald.com/grants. Businesses will be notified about the status of their application within two business days of submitting it.

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.

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April 9, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

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More city employees may lose their jobs

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tural shift in the city,” Bendo said. “This is going to impact the residents.” Fees at beaches might go up as well, he said.

Previous city administrations, the councilman said, did not carry through on promises to repair Long Beach’s finances. “This was supposed to have been done by previous managers,” he said. “But it wasn’t done. We didn’t have the right people in the city administration.” Now, he said, Gayden, whose expertise is in municipal finance, plans to clean up the city’s financial mess.

In a news release, the city acknowledged that it had “grossly overestimated revenues and underestimated expenses in each of the last six years, resulting in annual deficits ranging from just below $800,000 to as much as $8.3 million. The city council and city manager are committed to turning the city’s finances around and have pledged to develop and implement a five-year plan to achieve that end.”

A formal budget was to be presented to the City Council on Thursday.

McNally said that there were “serious discussions” on Tuesday involving union officials representing other city employees, including police, firefighters and the Civil Service Employees Association.

The city has been in contact with New York state’s Financial Control Board,

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — April 9, 2020

continued from front page

Christina Daly/Herald

Long Beach officiaLs said the city is facing a deficit of more than $14 million, which has led to layoffs. seeking relief, McNally said.

Long Beach has had financial difficulties for years now, and word that it has an eight-figure deficit is not a surprise to many officials. In previous years, McNally said, the city relied on income that did

not materialize. “They budgeted for income that never happened,” he said.

Money did not come in from anticipated sources such as beach and water fees.

In 2014, McNally said, the city had a $9 million surplus. But without those antic-

ipated revenues, he added, “that figure dwindled and dwindled and dwindled.”

“I hope we can turn this around,” said Ian Danby, chairman of the city’s Chamber of Commerce. “It’s a time of pandemic. We’ve got to pull together.”

Feeding the hungry, even during a pandemic

By Darwin Yanes dyanes@liherald.com

The Long Beach Soup Kitchen has gone into high gear since the onset of the coronavirus, doubling the number of meals it serves each day.

Under the leadership of Robert Blau, the Soup Kitchen’s president, the establishment has been feeding nearly 40 people daily. Before the pandemic, Blau said, the organization would provide meals for about 20 to 25 people. He said that in addition to their regulars, he is now seeing many new faces every day.

“What we’re trying to do is give our guest comfort food,” Blau said.

“Stuff that they feel good about that everyone would like during these times.”

Soup kitchen volunteers are preparing grab-and-go meals, which include sandwiches, soups, fruits, chips, cookies, juice boxes and hot meals. Donations have been coming from local restaurants such as JJ Coopers, LB Social, J.A. Heneghan’s Tavern, The Food Mill in Point Lookout and Speakeasy, among others.

Additionally, Blau said, the Long Beach VFW Post 1384 and the Michael Diamond Charitable Foundation have also donated “an amazing amount of food” and resources that will help feed many in the com-

munity.

The soup kitchen is open Monday through Saturday and volunteers serve meals at around 11 to 11:30 a.m.

Blau said that they try to serve individuals as quickly as possible, while also complying with social distancing.

Blau added that they have minimized volunteers and are working with a 12-person staff. Each shift consists of three to four people, who are all wearing masks and practicing social distancing.

“We’re doing everything we can to keep ourselves safe, our guest safe and to give them some sense of satisfaction,” Blau said.

The soup kitchen is also working with the Point Lookout Yoga and Wellness club and the Point Lookout Civic Association to deliver food to the elderly. Blau said that they are trying to do anything they can to help the community and added that they were even giving out toilet paper and other supplies to those in need.

“When we’re here it’s all about helping,” Blau said. “We’re doing it because this is what we do and what our volunteers have been doing for years.”

For people looking to donate to the Long Beach Soup Kitchen, they can visit http://longbeachsoupkitchen.org or email Blau at Blau.rob@ gmail.com.

Courtesy Rob Blaut

MarY McDonaLD, a volunteer at the Long Beach Soup kitchen, set up meals to give out during the pandemic.

April 9, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

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Why is this seder different from other?

Because on this seder, we observe social distancing

By James Bernstein jbernstein@liherald.com

Erika Prafder, a marketing and communications director for her synagogue, Temple Zion, in Long Beach, is no stranger to the traditions of Passover and organizing a large seder meal for family and friends. But this seder will be different from all others for Prafder and Jews across the Barrier Island and the nation.

The coronavirus has crept so deeply into peoples’ lives that they have been forced to isolate themselves for even such a festive holiday as Passover, which celebrates freedom, and begins Wednesday night, through April 16. Two seders are usually held the first two nights, and for some, two the final two nights This year, Prafder, of East Atlantic Beach, has purchased a seder-to-go kit from Chabad of the Beaches, also in Long Beach, which was offering $45 boxes filled with items to be put on the traditional seder plate -a shank bone, an egg, bitter herbs, a vegetable, and haroset, a bitter herb. The box also contains a bottle of wine or grape juice, and a Haggadah, the Jewish text that sets the order of the seder.

Prafder purchased a box for herself and her nearly 80-year-old mom. Her seder will consist of herself and her three children. In other years, her sister, the sister’s three children and their mom would normally be at the holiday table.

“It’s all about keeping up the tradition,” even in such extraordinary times, said Prafder said. She said that she will still be making the traditional seder meal matzah ball soup and chicken.

Rabbis on the barrier beach said some Jews are using skype to keep the seder with relatives who would otherwise be at a table together. Others are limiting their seder to immediate family. And still, others are remaining at home, reading the Haggadah and saying the prayers.

Rabbi Baruch Kleinman of Temple Zion, said that this year, people need to be there for one another. “People are stepping forward and doing the best they can,” he said. “They can be leaders of their own seders.” He said his wife and their two sons will be together for the seder.

“I like to lead by example,” he said.

Rabbi Eli Goodman, of Chabad by the Beaches, said he ordered hundreds of seder-to-go kits, and people are either picking them up outside his Long Beach house or having them delivered. (Those interested can visit chabadofthebeaches.com.) The rabbi said those that cannot afford the kits should contact him at (516 ) 574 --3905.

“Usually we have large communal seders,” Goodman said of his synagogue.

“But this year, a lot of people don’t want to leave their homes.” He said the initial thought was to provide the kits to hospital patients, but the demand for them was growing in the community.

“We have been asked for kits by people all over America, and we even got a call from someone in France,” Goodman said.

“People are still so excited about the holiday. This year, the holiday can be more beautiful. The seder can be a time of more reflection and deeper reading of the Haggadah.”

Joey Naham, of Long Beach chairman of the Greens Party of Nassau County, which promotes social justice in addition to environmental causes, would normally boost 10 to 16 people for a seder. This year, he said, he, his wife and child will spend the holiday with his parents.

“It’s going to be small because of the coronavirus,” Naham said. “We’ll make the best of it.”

Rabbi Anchelle Perl, a leader of the Lubavitcher movement on Long Island, took a stand on the use of technology on Passover. In an email, he posed a question: “Can we do it over the phone or skype?”

His answer: “As tempting as it may be, the answer is no. Shabbat and Jewish Holidays are a blessed respite from all-digital connectivity. That means you have the opportunity to lead your own seder, live and in person, for your household.”

Rabbi Jack Zanerhaftt of Temple Emanu-El of Long Beaches said some will hold virtual seders and others will not. People must decider for themselves. He said also that Moses asked God a question: what happens if you are away for Passover?

Zanerhaft said God’s response was that Passover could be held another time. “Any time a barrier is removed, you can have Passover,” Zanerhaft said.

Long Beach

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Photos courtesy Rabbi Eli Goodman

Lori smith of Long Beach picks up a seder-to-go kit from the home of Rabbi Eli Goodman, of Chabad of the Beaches, synagogue Stephen Dresner, religious leader of Temple Israel in Long Beach, said he will be having a small gathering at his home with his immediate family.

“It’s a very precarious situation,” Dresner said. “You just have to do the best you can.”

the seder pLate and the items on it, a shank bone, an egg, bitter herbs, a vegetable and haroset, a bitter herb.

News brief Long Beach City Council President and LBPD urge residents not to litter Long Beach City Council President John Bendo is urging residents to properly dispose of their masks and gloves after usage.

“I can’t believe I have to say this, if you wear a mask, glove or any other form of PPE, please dispose of them properly,” Bendo said in a Covid-19 update to residents. “The amount of used items we’ve found throughout the City is not only disgusting, but it also

poses a public health threat.”

The Long Beach Fire Department also released a message on their Facebook page asking residents not to litter.

“Littering is not only illegal and terrible for our environment, the Covid-19 virus can live on these surfaces for hours or days, putting even more people at risk who clean up your litter,” the LBFD said. “Let’s all do our part in staying safe and healthy!”

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Christina Daly/Herald

World War II veteran Dan Steele received a standing ovation at a Veteran’s Day ceremony.

What is a true Patriot?

By JackIe ervolIna I know it’s a lot to ask right in the midst of this pandemic. But can I ask you to take a minute or so to think about something close to my heart.

We are all talking about being thankful for so many people—our doctors, nurses, ems, police and fire persons—to mention a few. And we are grateful as we should be. They are the heroes among us and we salute them as best we can in these isolating times. They have taken up the fight to protect us against the coronavirus enemy that strives to take our life and liberty from us. They have put their lives on the line. They are defending our country. They are true patriots.

But there are others who have fought the battle and put their lives on the line for us all. Through the decades, they have defended our country in times of peace and war. Some still battle on but so many, due to age or infirmary, cannot.

They are our nation’s veterans.

One such person is Dan Steele, Chief Warrant Officer, 3rd Class. Dan was an army veteran. He joined the army in 1946 and served for 30 years. His time in the military included the end of WWII, the Korean War and, as a member of the 509 Airborne, three tours of combat duty in Vietnam.

Maybe you remember him dressed in full military uniform, with his son Charlie, sitting patiently in front of King Kullen in Island Park or in front of Key Food or in the lobby of the Long Beach Stop and Shop. It didn’t matter if it was raining or snowing, in freezing weather or hot weather—they were there. Twice a

year, a month before Veterans Day and Memorial Day, Dan took up his post to distribute poppies for donations that bought holiday gifts for our veterans who reside in VA hospitals and local nursing homes. Dan was a longtime member of the Long Beach VFW. Not long ago I met him sitting in his usual spot and we talked about the upcoming poppy distribution. He couldn’t wait to start. Duty calls and a patriot responds.

Dan Steele was husband to Clara for 61 years, father of 8, grandfather of 30 and great-grandfather of soon to be 32 grandchildren.

Dan died in a nursing home on Friday, April 3, 2020. His birthday is on the 13th.

He would have been 91. He died virtually alone.

During these extraordinary times, don’t forget our country’s veterans.

Many who fall critically ill now are denied seeing their families because hospitals and nursing homes are on lockdown. We cannot let this be the end of their stories. These patriots deserve full honors and respect for their sacrifice on our behalf. Once it is safe, The Long Beach VFW will hold a memorial service for veterans who have died during this pandemic. Hopefully, others will do the same.

Meanwhile, be safe by staying home and keeping your distance! And please, take a minute to remember my friend, Dan Steele, a true American Patriot!

Jackie Ervolina Senior Vice President L. B. VFW Auxiliary, Post 1384

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 jbernstein@liherald.com

L.B. School officials unveil budget figures By darWIn Yanes dyanes@liherald.com

Long Beach school officials Tuesday night unveiled a 2020-21 proposed budget of $145.4 million, a 2.1 percent increase from the current year’s figures. .

The spending plan is an increase of about $3 million and includes a $106 million tax levy -- 1.81 percent -- under the state’s 2 percent tax cap. A little less than half of the increase is “repurposed” capital fund money that the district did not use within the last few years.

Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations Michael DeVito said the district will not seek bids to outsource food services at the school.

The coronavirus outbreak forced the district to remove some items that had beem in the proposed budget, including reconstruction of the middle school tennis court, high school culinary, art classroom renovation and the converstion of

the middle school greenhouse into a permanent structure.

DeVito said the district could lose more than $450,000 in state aid because of the pandemic. He added that the district will have further presentations when more information about the aid is known.

The meeting was conduct through a conference call.

“When we have a little bit more information about state aid, we’ll be able to present a more comprehensive slide about all the other revenue sources to show how we’re going to be balancing our budget,” Devito said..

School board trustee Dr. Dennis Ryan also emphasized that the proposed budget was still preliminary and added that he wanted to see the Long Beach city council’s budget before making any decisions.

School board President Maureen Vrona said that board is expected to adopt the budget on May 12.

News brief Kaminsky hosts emergency food drive through Because of the Covid-19 health crisis, State Sen. Todd Kaminsky, a Democrat who represents the Five Towns, will hold an emergency food drive to benefit families within the 9th Senate District. Suggested donations include gift cards, fresh, canned or boxed food, toiletries/personal items and cleaning supplies.

“The Covid-19 health crisis is leaving too many families unable to make ends meet and lacking basic necessities,” Kaminsky said. “If you are someone with a little extra willing to donate, please reach out to my office and we will get it into the hands of those who need it most.”

To donate, call Kaminsky’s office at (516) 766-8383 or email Kaminsky@nysenate.gov.

–Jeffrey Bessen

Courtesy Kaminsky’s office

an emergencY food drive to benefit people because of the Covid-19 health crisis is being held by State Sen. Todd Kaminsky.

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — April 9, 2020

Christina Daly/Herald

long Beach school officials are proposing a 1.81 tax levy for the 2020-21 school year.

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April 9, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

On Saturday, COunty Executive Laura Curran said, “We’re in the heat of the battle,” as she spoke about the increasing number of coronavirus cases in Nassau. As of Monday morning, the state was reporting 15,600 cases here. At back was Nassau County Legislator Delia DeRiggiWhitton, who represents the 11th District on the North Shore.

Christina Daly/Herald

The week that was: coronavirus in Nassau

By SCOtt BrintOn sbrinton@liherald.com

The coronavirus outbreak took a sharp turn this past weekend, as cases soared on Long Island. Governor Cuomo said the epidemic appeared to be shifting east from New York City.

That shift was straining Nassau’s hospitals, according to Cuomo and County Executive Laura Curran Meanwhile, the governor pushed back the May 19 school vote to June 1.

Below is a day-by-day timeline of how it all played out.

Friday, april 3

School budget votes were delayed until at least June 1 because of the coronavirus outbreak, by order of Governor Cuomo.

The votes were to have taken place May 19.

The governor issued the executive order March 30. It states: “Any school board, library board, or village election scheduled to take place in April or May of 2020 is hereby postponed until at least June 1, 2020, and subject to further directive as to the timing, location or manner of voting for such elections.”

Whether the school budget votes take place on June 1 remains to be seen. The coronavirus pandemic is fluid, and if new cases were to continue to arise, the vote could be delayed further, state officials said.

“The state budget was difficult,” Cuomo said in his Friday news conference.

Pushing back the vote will give state and local officials a clearer picture of New York’s finances after the Covid-19 virus forced tens of thousands of businesses to close and sales tax collections to plummet. The governor had earlier predicted a $10 billion to $15 billion gap in the state budget, which is unprecedented.

GOvernOr CuOmO Said over the weekend that the center of the Covid-19 epidemic appeared to be shifting away from New York City toward Long Island.

Friday, april 3

Cuomo had warned in recent weeks that New York’s apex of Covid-19 cases was coming within seven to 21 days.

Already, though, the state had surpassed 100,000 cases as of last Friday, he said, and Thursday into Friday was the deadliest 24-hour period during the coronavirus crisis to date, with 562 new deaths statewide.

“We had more deaths,” Cuomo said, “we had more people going into the hospitals than any other night.”

In all, 2,935 New Yorkers had died of the disease.

In Nassau County, more than 12,000 people had tested positive for the coronavirus as of Friday.

The governor identified Nassau and Suffolk counties as emerging areas of concern.

He also noted that a number of Nassau County hospitals were identified as hot spots because of the high volume of Covid-19 patients they were seeing, including St. Francis Hospital, North Shore University Hospital, NYU Winthrop Hospital, Long Island Jewish Medical Center and Good Samaritan Hospital.

Saturday, april 4

Nassau County had the third-highest number of coronavirus cases of any county in New York as of Saturday, surpassing Westchester, Bronx and New York counties.

New York County includes all of Man-

hattan.

That was according to the state Department of Health’s newly implemented Covid-19 tracker, found at covid19tracker. health.ny.gov.

In his daily briefing Saturday, Cuomo described the virus as a “fire spreading” across Long Island.

As of Saturday, Nassau had 13,346 coronavirus cases, compared to 13,081 in Westchester, where the Covid-19 outbreak began in New York a month ago. Meanwhile, the Bronx had 12,315 cases and Manhattan, 9,300.

Queens and Brooklyn — both geographically on Long Island — had 20,114 and 17,504 cases, respectively.

Suffolk County had 11,370 cases.

Combined, Nassau and Suffolk represented 21.7 percent of the state’s 113,704 cases — up from 16 percent earlier.

Cuomo described his concern for Long Island as the growing center of the coronavirus outbreak.

“You see the Long Island number growing,” he said, “and it’s growing steadily. It’s growing more east than north.”

He also noted, “We’ve been saying for the last few days watch Long Island.”

Cuomo spoke of the increasing need for ventilators, breathing machines to keep the hardest-hit patients alive — Covid-19 is primarily a respiratory disease afflicting the lungs.

The state had ordered 17,000 ventilators, but had received only a fraction of them by Saturday, the governor said.

Saturday, april 4

Speaking Saturday afternoon, Curran reported 11 new deaths overnight of the coronavirus, bringing the total number to 149.

That number, she said, contradicted a Continued on next page

Coronavirus outbreak shifts to Long Island

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — April 9, 2020

continued from previous page state report that indicated 396 people had died in Nassau. The county Department of Health was working with local hospital officials to quantify the exact number, she said.

County officials were also checking whether all of the people reported dead by the state actually lived in Nassau or a surrounding area.

As of Saturday morning, the state Department of Health was reporting 13,346 people had tested positive for Covid-19 in Nassau. Many of those cases, the county executive said, had resolved, though she did not give an exact number.

“We are in the heat of battle now,” Curran said.

Some 355 patients were reportedly on ventilators to enable their breathing, Curran said. That figure was up 31 people from the day before, she said.

Sunday, April 5

Coronavirus cases in Nassau County continued to climb steadily overnight from Saturday into Sunday, nearly reaching 14,400, up from 13,346 the day before — an almost 8 percent increase, according to Cuomo.

Statewide, 4,159 people had died of Covid-19 as of Sunday, he said.

Speaking that day, Cuomo said, “There is a shift to Long Island … As Long Island grows, the percentage of cases in New York City has reduced.”

The sharp rise in Nassau cases in recent days contrasted with data that showed an emerging “plateau” of cases statewide over the past three days, the governor said.

It is too early to tell, he said, if New York was reaching the apex of cases, when the number of deaths will drop, but it appeared the high point could be reached sometime in the next week. Previously, he had said it could be seven to 21 days before the apex is reached.

Data appeared to suggest the state was nearing a plateau or the apex, Cuomo said. Overnight from Saturday to Sunday, the state saw its highest number of hospital

Source: New York State Department of Health Illustration by Christina Daly/Herald

discharges — 1,709. The total number of people who had been treated for Covid-19 and released from the hospital stood at 12,187 as of Sunday.

“Discharge is way up, and that is great news,” Cuomo said.

The state also saw its smallest number of new hospitalizations overnight, at 574. That was a 52 percent

decrease from the day before, when there were 1,100 new hospitalizations. The day before that, there had been 1,400.

The state had not seen such a low number of new hospitalizations for 16 days, according to state data.

In all, 16,400 people were hospitalized as of April 5.

Urgent care centers debut rapid Covid-19 test

By BRIAN STIEGLITZ bstieglitz@liherald.com

Three urgent care centers on Long Island are among the first in the nation to debut a rapid test to detect coronavirus, which gives patients results within minutes.

The American Family Care health care providers in East Meadow, Farmingdale and West Islip began testing patients as part of a full examination on March 31, before launching regular tests the next day.

The molecular, point-of-care tests reduce wait time from days to roughly five minutes for positive results and 13 minutes for negative results.

Testing will only be available to those who are symptomatic, according to officials at the AFC Urgent Care centers.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized the use of such testing, developed by Abbott Laboratories, on March 27.

The urgent care centers began regular testing the same day Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that Regeneron Pharmaceuticals would

7

donate 500,000 test kits to the state, in shipments of 25,000 per day. Corning Life Sciences also donated 100,000 tubes for testing and provided an additional 500,000 at a reduced cost.

As of April 1, the state had given 220,880 tests and continued to provide roughly 15,000 tests each day. Of those tested, 83,712 were positive.

“Rapid testing is the fastest way to return to normalcy and get the economy back up and running, and will also help end the anxiety that has become the most oppressive part of this situation,” Cuomo said. “In the meantime, New Yorkers must continue to comply with all social distancing protocols and stay home as much as possible to prevent spreading this virus to others.”

ThE AFC URGENT Care center on Hempstead Turnpike in East Meadow is one of three on Long Island to debut the nation’s first rapid coronavirus test.

Christina Daly/Herald

April 9, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

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Photos courtesy Engel Burman

a rendering of the proposed rental units, along with one of the pools.

Nassau County IDA will seek public input community outreach, but he noted that suit against the city in 2018, claiming that given the long history of the Superblock, Long Beach reneged on an agreement to he was inclined to speak with local electsupport the developer’s request for tax ed officials and residents to get their feedback. breaks. The city filed a motion to dismiss “The package that we come up with the suit, which is still pending. will be a combination of negotiation of Engel Burman is currently in contract our staff and the Superblock team,” Keswith iStar to purchase the sel said. “We will also take property. into account public com“Engel Burman’s contract ments and input from the with iStar is contingent on public and elected officials. getting permits and achievThe board will not vote on it ing financial feasibility,” Dan until that process has been Deegan, an attorney for the completed.” developer, said at the meetKessel said that the IDA ing, “and without the IDA’s would hold a public hearing assistance, that is not possiwhen it is safe for people to ble.” gather again, and added that Engel Burman is seeking he thought a PILOT would be a 30-year PILOT solely for the a necessary ingredient of the apartment building, Deegan project. said. The two condominiums Engel Burman is proposwould be fully taxed. ing the construction of two Deegan did not disclose nine- or 10-story condo buildthe details of the tax break ings, with a total of 200 units, the developer has in mind, richard and a nine- or 10-story apartsaying that it was still too ment building with 238 rental early in the process for spe- Kessel units. Dee g an said that cifics. He added that Engel Chairman, roughly 10 percent of the Burman was happy that the Nassau County IDA apartments — about 24 units IDA was entertaining its – would be categorized as application, and that the affordable “workforce” housdeveloper looked forward to working ing. with the agency to make the project hapThe buildings would have more than pen.

900 parking spots, as well as a restaurant IDA Chairman Richard Kessel said by the boardwalk with its own parking, a that the Superblock proposal was “the “grab and go” food establishment, pools, most significant project” the agency has a community area and a tennis court, taken up. He praised Engel Burman’s among other amenities. continued from front page

T

he package that we come up with will be a combination of negotiation of our staff and the Superblock team.

The enTranceway of the proposed Superblock project.

The rentals, Deegan said, would range from $2,500 to $4,500. The condos would range from $800,000 to $1.2 million.

The developer estimates that the construction would cost $369 million — $211 million for the condos and $158 million for the apartments — and is also asking for a sales tax exemption for construction materials. Deegan cited the cost of making buildings compliant with Federal Emergency Management Agency regulations, an expected cost of $5 million for an off-site sewage system, and infrastructure improvements as the reasons for

that request.

Deegan estimated that construction would take 48 months, and said that if its proposal were approved, Engel Burman would plan to start work at the end of this year.

The project would bring millions of dollars to the city, as well as to the workers who would build it, Deegan said. “The city needs it, the county needs it and the state needs it,” he said, adding that with the coronavirus pandemic leaving many people without work, this would be the perfect time to make it happen.

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HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — April 9, 2020 Courtesy Caroline Bert

MeMBerS of the community and firefighters rallied at Mount Sinai South Nassau hospital in Oceanside to show their appreciation for the hardworking staff during the coronavirus.

Community rallies to thank MSSN staff

By Mike SMollinS msmollins@liherald.com

The community and first responders gathered outside Mount Sinai South Nassau hospital on Sunday night to show their appreciation for doctors, nurses and other frontline medical staff during the coronavirus pandemic.

Some yielding signs and wearing masks, the group cheered on hospital staff from a social distance. Members of the staff came to the hospital’s entranceway to greet those gathered at the rally to support them.

The rally was done to show medical professionals, health care workers and essential staff members that the community appreciates their hard work, dedication and effort in treating patients during a global pandemic.

Courtesy MSSN

DozenS of coMMunity members and firefighters attended the event.

Part of the hospital staff, above, came to the facility’s entrance to acknowledge those gathered who expressed their appreciation.

Many of the attendees held signs thanking the staff.

Courtesy Caroline Bert

Courtesy MSSN

April 9, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

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What’s neWs in and out of the classroom

Herald ScHoolS

Photos courtesy Long Beach Public Schools

StudentS dreSSed up in different costumes during the event last month.

L.B. teams earn Odyssey honors Four Long Beach Odyssey of the Mind teams won prominent awards at the regional Odyssey of the Mind tournament, held during on March 7 at the Caroline G. Atkinson Intermediate School in Freeport.

The elementary teams were coached by teachers Justin Sulsky and Douglas MacConnell, while Long Beach Middle School students worked under the guidance of coaches Christina Kile and Susan Kasper.

Odyssey of the Mind is an international competition in which participants solve defined problems using a predetermined set of rules the team must follow. It supports the International Baccalaureate Learner Profile traits that the district emphasizes throughout its curricula.

Teams are required to write skits, create costumes and scenery and act in front of a panel of judges in a skit.

Elementary students Ben Levinson (West), Aaliyah Trichter (Lindell), Violet Richter (Lido), Kate Ragona (East), Sebastian Tricola (West), Jordan Soriano (East) and Sydney Bergstein (Lindell) used deductive reason-

ing to solve a mystery, while Dustin Basnyat (West), Jordi Perez (West), Emilio Diaz (Lindell), Brooklyn Quigley (Lindell,) Shayna To zer (Lido), Marin Meola (East) and Charlotte DePalma (East) had to present a solution in which a gibberish character made several nonsense statements that were interpreted to be wise. Both teams took first place trophies.

The Middle School’s firstplace team consisted of Aaron Blau, Isabelle DePalma, Cathy MacGuire, Vincent Napolitano, Lucy Petty, Annabel Pines, Reilly SanFilippo. The students created a solution that highlighted networking components and explained their roles in our m o d e r n wo rl d . S p e c i a l thanks go to teacher Keith Harvey for his technology expertise and consultation.

The other Middle School group, comprised of Jacqueline Ching, Jack Clancy, Winter Collinson, Alanna Damiani, Lucy Nash, Sean Sarauksnis and Avery Schab, took second place. They also solved a gibberish challenge t h at w a s “ t w i s t e d a n d turned” to take on meaning.

Four Long Beach Odyssey of the Mind teams won prominent awards at the regional Odyssey of the Mind tournament, held during on March 7 at the Caroline G. Atkinson Intermediate School in Freeport.

MuLtipLe StudentS FroM different Long Beach Elementary schools participated in the event.

11

AVAILABLE NOW TO LOCAL BUSINESSES

SMALL BUSINESS MARKETING GRANT

Apply for your share of the $500,000 marketing grant available to assist locally owned businesses.

STUART RICHNER Publisher Herald Community Newspapers

“Small businesses are the lifeblood of our communities. We are a small business ourselves, so we understand the pain that small business owners are going through right now. We at the Herald want to do our part to make sure that members of our small business community can continue to promote themselves during this trying period.”

Herald Team

WHO For all locally owned and operated small businesses on Long Island that have been negatively impacted by coronavirus.

WHAT A $500,000 grant program to support local small businesses. Each local business is eligible to receive up to $15,000 of matching grant funds, which can be used for Herald Community Newspapers print, digital and direct mail products in April, May and June 2020.

WHERE Apply at www.liherald.com/grants.

WHEN Applications are currently open and are first come, first serve. Businesses will receive a decision within two business days of submitting their application.

WHY Studies show that businesses that continue to market themselves during down times are the ones that fare the best long-term. This grant program will allow Long Island small businesses to continue promoting themselves and any new services they are offering during these unprecedented times.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS: • Every dollar that a grant recipient spends on marketing in Herald products will be matched with a dollar of grant funding, up to the award amount, to be applied towards marketing costs.

• Businesses must be locally owned and operated.

• Grants range from $300 to $15,000.

• Grants can be applied to any Herald Community Newspaper marketing product or service during April, May and June 2020.

• Grants applied to direct mail products are net of postage/mailing costs.

RHONDA GLICKMAN VP Sales

LORI BERGER Sales Manager

AMY AMATO Executive Director

rglickman@liherald.com

lberger@liherald.com

aamato@liherald.com

COURTNEY MYERS Media Consultant cmyers@liherald.com

For more information call Rhonda at 516.569.4000 ext. 250

APPLY TODAY AT

WWW.LIHERALD.COM/GRANT

1085582

A Special Collaboration With The Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — April 9, 2020

$500,000 IN GRANTS

Bringing local sports home every week

Herald sports Van Roten comes home, signs with Jets tbellissimo@liherald.com

Greg Van Roten grew up a New York Jets fan in Rockville Centre and Baldwin and always looked forward to attending training camp at Hofstra and catching some games at the Meadowlands.

Come September, the 30-year-old guard who made 27 starts for Carolina over the past two seasons will fulfill a lifelong

dream of playing for Gang Green after officially signing a three-year contract April 2.

“The Jets got involved in the free agency process early and I knew it was going to be difficult to entertain any other offers,” said Van Roten, a 2008 Chaminade High School graduate who lives in Long Beach. “They were targeting me and showed they wanted me right away,” he added. “I’m excited for the day I can get

Courtesy Carolina Panthers

GrEG VaN rOTEN, who grew up in Baldwin and Rockville Centre and now resides in Long Beach, signed a three-year contract with the Jets.

Wishing you and your family a blessed Easter and Passover.

After playing mostly special teams in his first season with the Panthers, Van Roten cracked the starting lineup and enjoyed a breakthrough 2018. He started all 16 games at left guard and was on track to repeat the feat a year ago before a toe injury sent him to injured reserve with five games remaining.

Pro Football Focus named Van Roten the Panthers’ most improved player following last season and ranked him 15th among left guards. He’s one of a handful of offensive line additions made by Jets general manager Joe Douglas.

After agreeing to terms, Van Roten took to Twitter and wrote “I’m coming home. #TakeFlight,” followed by a childhood Halloween photo with him dressed in a Jets uniform. Soon he’ll get to wear the same colors as some of his all-time favorites, such as center Kevin Mawae, quarterback Vinny Testaverde, and wide receivers Wayne Chrebet and Keyshawn Johnson.

“Putting on that uniform and running out of the tunnel for the first regular-season home game will be a special moment,” Van Roten said. “It’s hard to imagine.”

On behalf of All Good Electric, our hearts go out to all of those impacted by COVID-19.

Our focus is on the health and safety of our employees, customers and community.

All Good Electric remains open for business. We are committed to doing our part in slowing the spread of the virus.

Our entire staff is practicing all recommended safety procedures, rubber gloves, masks, social distancing, sanitizers, etc.

Our economy is suffering but there will be times that essential electrical work is needed and we’re here to help in any way within our means.

If you find that you need to give us a call, please don’t hesitate 516-431-8585.

We want to thank all of our customers for their support through the years and look forward to many more together.

As always, stay safe, stay healthy and stay positive!

Topper Realty

Sincerely, Paul, Erica and Staff

516-889-6677

84 E. Park Ave. Long Beach, NY www.TopperRealty.com

over to the facility and meet the staff and get back to football,” he added.

Van Roten started playing at the youth level with the Baldwin Bombers as a fourth- and fifth-grader before moving to Rockville Centre. He was the quarterback of South Side’s Middle School team for two years and had aspirations of continuing at the position in high school. “Once the coaches noticed my size, I didn’t throw the ball once at Chaminade,” he joked.

Undrafted out of the University of Pennsylvania, Van Roten bounced around before finding stability with Carolina.

The 6-foot-3, 305-pounder signed a rookie deal with Green Bay and spent two years there, appearing in 10 games. He was one of Seattle’s final cuts in 2014 and then headed north of the border, playing for Toronto in the Canadian Football League in 2015 and 2016.

“Going to the CFL helped me gain experience and confidence,” he said. “To become a better football player, you need to play. I learned a lot and did everything I could to give myself another opportunity in the NFL.” Carolina gave him that chance in 2017.

Locally owned and operated

516

431-8585

www.AllGoodElectric.net

1084248

By TONY BELLISSIMO

1085240

April 9, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

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HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — April 9, 2020

1084641

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April 9, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

Spread the news(letter) not the virus!

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What you need to know today.

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Stay up to date with the latest Nassau County news.

Sign up for an online account at www.liHerald.com to receive our weekly newsletter with top stories and breaking news delivered to your inbox.

2,500 masks donated to first responders tdenton@liherald.com

Efforts to get protective masks to more Nassau County residents got a boost last weekend as residents and elected officials joined in collection and distribution efforts.

In Wantagh, MadMen Bespoke Barbershop handed out more than 2,500 masks to first responders along Merrick Road on Saturday, near the boundary between Wantagh and Seaford. And just down the street in Wantagh Park, Hempstead Town Councilman Christopher Carini and Nassau County Legislator Steve Rhoads joined forces to collect additional personal protective equipment.

Edward Dennehy, 39, who co-owns and operates MadMen with his former wife, Jessica Dennehy, 38, also donated 500 masks to first responders in both Long Beach and Rockville Centre.

The Dennehys said they had collected 10,000 masks for distribution across Long Island. Saturday’s event aimed at getting the scarce N95 masks into the hands of first responders, whose work has been hampered by shortages.

The Dennehys, who live in Merrick and have a second location in Williston Park, distributed packages of 10 masks free of charge. They said they hoped to collect another 20,000 in the coming months.

Edward is a bespoke tailor — one who makes clothing to order for individual clients — and the couple operate the barbershop together. “The masks came from my contacts in the tailoring world,” some of whom have retooled to meet the surge in demand for PPE, Edward explained.

Those contacts are mainly overseas,

Courtesy MadMen Bespoke Barbers

EDwarD aND JEssIca Dennehy handed out masks to first responders on Merrick Road in Wantagh last Saturday. and, he said. “We made the decision to import them ourselves after contacting many elected officials, who didn’t return our calls.”

The event was originally scheduled to begin at 4 p.m., but “We already had law enforcement lined up at 2:30,” Dennehy said, “so we decided to begin at 3.”

“We feel it’s our civic responsibility to ensure that while we have the capability to do so, each [law enforcement] officer, firefighter, nurse, EMT or doctor working on the front lines is shielded,” he added.

The couple had another curbside event planned this week in conjunction with the Catholic Church’s Easter celebrations — “if our deliveries arrive in time,” Den-

nehy said. The location is still to be determined. He said that he and Jessica were also looking for groups like nurses’ unions, with which they could partner in larger efforts.

“This is a movement we’re trying to create,” Edward said. “The Dennehys want to ensure personally that masks go to everyone in need.”

Earlier that afternoon, Carini and Rhoads met Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder in Wantagh Park to receive a gift of 10,000 masks from Robert Griffiths Vintage Auto Body of Westbury.

Carini and Rhoads were at the park to help collect as many unopened packages

of PPE — masks, gloves, gowns and protective shoe covers — as possible. The drive-through collections will take place each Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the entrance to the park.

“Most of the supplies came in on Saturday, but another shipment will be coming in on Tuesday,” Carini said. “Steve and I both got requests from people to have designated donation spots closer than Eisenhower Park. … Wantagh Park is right on the border of our districts, so we felt it was the perfect place.”

Donors conducted their business briskly, Rhoads said. “The interactions with people were pretty quick,” he said. “The conversations lasted about five minutes.

We thanked them for being so generous.

The most popular questions we got were about information on what’s going on.

Everyone wants to know as much info as they can. We even took some questions about resourcing.”

The packages will be distributed to hospitals by the county’s Office of Emergency Management.

The Dennehys’ operation was even quicker. Cars drove up, rolled down their windows, and one of the two tossed a package into the waiting car.

Rhoads acknowledged that the need to be out among members of the community was stressful. “No question about it,” he said. “We say, ‘only travel outside for essential needs,’ and in the work I’m in, it’s always a concern.” His role as an active firefighter, and Carini’s, as a retired police officer, Rhoads said, had made both men sensitive to their exposure to viruses of all kinds. “Tonight, from midnight to 6, I’ll be driving an ambulance,” he said.

“Putting ourselves out there, that’s second nature.”

Flower shop sprouts positivity during pandemic

By MIkE sMOllINs msmollins@liherald.com

Though they had to close both of their stores for being “non-essential” businesses during the coronavirus epidemic, Flowers by Mike showed just how vital they are to the Oceanside and East Rockaway communities.

After Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s mandate caused him to shutter his flower shops, at 221 Merrick Road in Oceanside and 338 Atlantic Ave. in East Rockaway, owner Mike Graham made sure his flowers did not go to waste. The shop donated 50 arrangements to seniors at the Oceanside Care Center, dropped flowers on stoops of random strangers’ homes throughout the neighborhoods and offered carnations to a woman who was putting them on nurses’ cars at hospitals, including Mount Sinai South Nassau, as a way to praise frontline workers.

“We wanted to give back to the community,” Graham said. “We’re not open right now, but we can help in other ways.”

Lisa Teri was jogging down the street when Graham approached her and handed her a bouquet of flowers. She was so moved that she took to Facebook to thank him.

“A completely random, generous drive-by gift while out for my run from ‘the Mike mobile,’” she wrote. “Flowers by Mike, talk about putting a smile on a girl’s face.

Thanks Mike, I won’t forget this.”

Residents at the Oceanside Care Center also expressed gratitude because the flowers lifted many of their spirits.

The facility is not permitting visitors because of COVID19 concerns, so Graham said he was happy to do something to make them smile.

Graham opened Flowers by Mike in his native Oceanside in January 2019. Last month, he took over the East Rockaway Florist. He had just launched the new operation when he had to shut down. Since opening, Graham has been active in both communities, and each Valentine’s Day he donates roses to MSSN so that the staff can give them to patients along with their meals.

“That was my whole goal all along was to be a part of the community,” Graham said, “to help in any way that I can, and just give to the community. It’s making people smile. It’s making people happy, whatever I can do, I’ll do it.”

Graham said closing his shops has had a devastating financial impact, including having to be dormant for Easter and Passover, two holidays where he generates a lot of business. He added that he was worried that he may be closed for Mother’s Day in May, which is usually a booming day for business.

Graham noted that he has not laid anyone off, and that the staff is working to get through the global crisis as a team. He said he wishes his customers, community members and fellow business owners well, and expressed optimism that things will turn around eventually.

“Everyone will get through this together,” he said, “and the positive in the end is we’ll get back and support our local businesses.”

Courtesy Flowers by Mike

FlOwErs BY MIkE owner Mike Graham donated arrangements throughout the neighborhood, including at the Oceanside Care Center, after having to shutdown his businesses as of March 22 because of the coronavirus.

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — April 9, 2020

By TIMOTHY DENTON

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April 9, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

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Bike biz takes off as homebound get out Gym, school closures leave families with time on their hands

By TIMOTHY DENTON tdenton@liherld.com

When it comes to social distancing, residents of Nassau County’s South Shore may be luckier than most. With more than 60 miles of beautiful pedestrian trails and bike paths, the area in and around Seaford and Wantagh is a rich environment for anyone seeking a cure for cabin fever.

It is not surprising then, that the Covid-19 crisis and its concomitant cadre of stay-at-home families has been a boon for the bicycle business.

“Pretty much everything,” was one sales associate’s response at Merrick Bicycles, whose owners also run Long Beach Bicycles, who when asked last T hursday what was selling.

He was even too sEaN MaHON busy to give his full name, simply Sales associate, identifying himMerrick Bicycles self as “Mike.”

D a n S i ro t a , one of the managers at Brands Cycle & Fitness, finally got a breather at 8 p.m. on Saturday evening. Normally, Wantagh’s venerable bicycle emporium, with more than 50 years’ experience, closes at 6. But with the crisis, the store has an appointment sheet similar to those used at computer stores to book consultations on equipment and exercise regimens.

Cycleries always show an uptick as winter gives way to spring, Sirota said, “but this year’s different.” People cooped up inside are looking for ways of escape.

The two stores limit the number of customers who may be inside the store any time, and drop-ins are strongly discouraged. Some of the stores’ empties work from home, but “this is a face-toface business,” Merrick’s Sean Mahon

a

nyone who can [work from home] is. … But some things have to be face to face.

Courtesy Merrick Bicycles

MErrIck BIcYclEs Is selling “everything,” a sales associate said last week, as people try to stay fit despite gym closures. said on Monday morning, when the store was quieter.

Both Sirota and Mahon said home exercise equipment was a top seller right now. Indoor trainers like Wahoo allow cyclists to program their courses, including factors like wind sheer, difficulty of gradient and even the country or area they want to cycle in.

And clubs have formed, according to Brands’ Byron James, enabling people to have some sense of social contact as they ride the loops in Central Park, for example.

On the other hand, demand for apparel has gone down. “We’re selling everything from kids bikes to racing bikes,” said Mahon. But clothes and shoes? Not so much, he said.

Some of the two stores’ employees are working from home. “Anyone who can do that is,” Sirota said.

Public Notices

LLON1 0409

LEGAL NOTICE ASSESSOR’S NOTICE OF COMPLETION OF THE FINAL ASSESSMENT ROLL THE ASSESSOR OF THE COUNTY OF NASSAU HEREBY GIVES NOTICE that he has completed the 2020/2021 final assessment roll, which will be used for the 2021 levy of Town and County Taxes in the Towns of Hempstead, North Hempstead and Oyster Bay, and the City of Glen Cove and the City of Long Beach, and for the 2020/2021 levy of school

taxes in such Towns and in the City of Long Beach.

A certified electronic copy of the roll was filed with the Department of Assessment on April 1, 2020. The electronic roll may be examined on public terminals located in the offices of: DEPARTMENT OF ASSESSMENT NASSAU COUNTY OFFICE BUILDING 240 OLD COUNTRY ROAD, FOURTH FLOOR MINEOLA, NY 11501

where the same will remain open for public inspection for fifteen days.

Dated this 1st day of April, 2020.

DAVID F. MOOG Nassau County Assessor 121537

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT. NASSAU COUNTY. L&L ASSOCIATES HOLDING CORP., Pltf., vs.

KATHLEEN O’LEARY, et al, Defts.

Index #608995/2018. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale dated March 21, 2019, I will sell at public auction

on Tuesday, May 12, 2020 at 11:30 a.m. in the Calendar Control Part (CCP) of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY prem. k/a District 28, Section 59, Block 138, Lots 26-27.

Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale and the right of the United States of America to redeem within 120 days from the date of sale as provided by law.

MICHAEL VENDITTO, Referee. LEVY & LEVY, Attys. for Pltf., 12 Tulip Dr., Great Neck, NY. #98531 12114

Timothy Denton/Herald-Citizen

BYrON JaMEs, Of Brands Bicycles & Fitness in Wantagh.

News brief Nassau County libraries offering digital library cards during pandemic Fifty local libraries are now offering digital library cards amid library closures due to the coronavirus pandemic.

This new tool will allow residents of Nassau County who do not already have a card to utilize the digital resources of their library while facilities are closed.

Having access to library resources can be essential for people at all stages of their lives, especially during times of crisis. Since public libraries across the county are currently closed, a digital library card would enable people to explore the full complement of online library services from the comfort of their homes.

Readers can download the Libby app to borrow ebooks and audiobooks. Some libraries provide access to streaming entertainment apps like Kanopy or Hoopla that can be installed on smart TVs. Other resources include live homework help from tutor.com, interactive language learning from Pronunciator and current-issue popular magazines from RB Digital.

Residents with active library cards can visit their library’s website to discover the resources that are already available to them. Those who do not have a card can visit nassaulibrary.org/digitalcard-application to get started.

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HC1 04/09

Employment

CLASSIFIED

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — April 9, 2020

HERALD

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

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.

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.

JOB OPPORTUNITY

EMPLOYMENT Help Wanted

Administrative Assistant:

Must be able to embrace a fast paced environment, with a diverse range of duties including sales order entry, and sales and marketing. .

Computer proficiency is a must!

Excel (including formulas).

Word and Outlook.

Strong writing, math and verbal skills necessary.

Eligible for health benefits, 401k, and paid time off.

Will consider part time.

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

COMBINED INSURANCE EXPANDING Long Island operation! Full time W2 sales agent opportunity full company benefits and leads provided. Call Bob (516) 567-7733 for immediate interview.

Homes

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

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Under NYS CDPAP Medicaid program you can hire your family or friends for your care.

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For Order Taking, Phones, Light Data, Commission, Entry, Will Train! $800.00 Per Week, Medical, Dental, 401K, 2 Weeks Vacation, Holiday Pay. Please Apply In Person MondayFriday Bet: 9AM and 7PM At CALLAHEAD CORP. 304 Cross Bay Blvd.

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OUTSIDE SALES

Richner Communications, one of the fastest growing media, event and communications companies on Long Island is seeking a Sales/Marketing candidate to sell our digital, events, sponsorships and print media products.

Salary, Commission, Eligible for Health benefits, 401k and paid time off.

Will consider part time.

Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to rglickman@liherald.com

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18

516-569-4000 press 5, then 2

Q.

We live near the water and have vertical plank siding. I’m told it’s cedar. It’s been there many years, and we noticed that it’s rotted from the back side and ready to crumble. We like the look and even have it on our family room ceiling, which still looks new, but we’re concerned about how long it will last if we have new outside planks installed. Is there a better material to get the same look or a way to prevent the rotting?

Ask The Architect

A.

I was looking at my ceiling just the other day, since you mentioned it. It’s not the best ceiling in the world, but it’s definitely up there.

In the early 1980s I must onte eeper have designed dozens of homes near the ocean that were covered in vertical tongue-and-groove interlocking siding. All cedar, it was coated with opaque stain that did a pretty good job of covering it and penetrating the wood. There were two problems I noticed. As often as possible, I tried to prevent potential rotting from the back side when I was either able to see the job or at least advise the owner to look for the method I specified for installation. The planks were to be installed over staggered horizontal wood strips that created a half-inch air space to allow inevitable moisture to drain downward, preventing mold and rot. The other item was to make sure the siding, and especially the joints, were fully stained to protect them.

Over the years, when an installer defied our notes on the plans by placing the planks right against house-wrap paper, I would stop by and walk up to the walls, which must have looked pretty suspicious to neighbors who wondered who was peering at the house. What I observed wasn’t surprising. The boards with the airspace lasted much longer, even though they still required expensive re-staining, than the boards with no airspace, which all deteriorated from the back side outward.

And you need not worry about the possibility of flame spread due to the chimney effect in the air space. Studies were done by several public and private agencies over the years, and they showed that flame consumes the oxygen in such a small airspace before it can replenish. It turns out that it takes at least an inch of airspace to support continuous combustion.

The alternative that will still give you the nautical look is vertical cement board, which also comes prefinished in numerous colors, can’t rot or support mildew, can’t burn and won’t chip, peel or crack. Following the manufacturer’s instructions, you still need to provide a moisture barrier that has enough spacing to drain from behind the panels. The best choice for this is a drainage fabric that resembles the intertwined look of an air conditioning filter. The best part of this choice is that the cement board siding is wind-rated for hurricanes. Enjoy your home!

M

L

© 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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Crossword Puzzle

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — April 9, 2020

The pluses and minuses HERALD of cedar siding

19

HC3 04/09

April 9, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

20

News briefs Dean Skelos, citing coronavirus fears, wants out of prison now, not later

By Jill Nossa jnossa@liherald.com

Former State Sen. Dean Skelos, of Rockville Centre, sought early release from federal prison because he was worried about the c o r o n av i r u s p a n d e m i c , according to court papers.

Skelos, 72, filed a motion in federal court in Manhattan last week, asking to spend the remainder of his 51-month sentence in home confinement to lessen the risk of contracting the virus. Skelos still has more than two years left on his sentence for political Dean corruption, which he began serving in January 2019 at Otisville Correctional Facility, in Orange County. The motion, filed under seal, was opposed by federal prosecutors in papers filed publicly, saying that an application

for release should first be filed with the U.S. Bureau of Prisons, which could better assess his health situation.

The prosecutors noted that steps were being taken to stop the spread of the disease in federal prison, and said that, since Skelos lives in New York state, “the global epicenter of the coronavirus,” he has not provided any information to show that he would be better protected outside of prison. The judge, Kimba Wood, had decided as of press time.

Skelos was convicted in July 2018 of using his political power to secure roughly skelos $300,000 in jobs and fees for his son Adam, also of Rockville Centre. They were each convicted on eight counts of conspiracy, extortion and bribery. Adam Skelos was sentenced to four years in prison.

Courtesy Debbie Greco Cohen

Nassau couNty is hiring a consulting firm to develop an “economic portrait” of the county after the coronavirus crisis has abated.

PeoPle have uNtil Aug. 14 to respond to the U.S. Census.

Be counted — the 2020 Census is under way By scott BriNtoN sbrinton@liherald.com

April 1 was Census Day, when the federal government counts every person across the United States and five of its territories.

Population counts are used to allocate seats in the U.S. House of Representatives to states. The 435 seats in the House are divided up by the population of each state. The larger the population of a state, the more seats it receives.

A state’s population is also used to allocate federal funding for a variety of programs.

Federal officials are urging everyone to fill out the census online, by phone or mail. Census invitations were mailed earlier in March. You may respond after April 1.

The census is mandated every 10 years by the U.S. Constitution.

Who is counted? Here are directions from the 2020 Census website, 2020census. gov: “You should be counted where you are living and sleeping most of the time as of April 1, 2020. If you are responding for your home, count everyone who lives and sleeps there most of the time as of April 1, 2020. This includes young children, foster children, roommates, and any family members or friends who are living with

you, even temporarily.

“Please note that if someone is staying with you temporarily on April 1 due to the COVID-19 situation, they should be counted where they usually live. This includes college students, who should still be counted at school, even if they are home early because of the COVID-19 situation. If they live in student housing, the college will count them. If they live off campus, they should respond for the offcampus address and include any roommates or other people living there.”

Below is a timeline of upcoming dates: ■ April 29 – May 1: The Census Bureau will count homeless people over these three days. Census takers count people in shelters, at soup kitchens and mobile food vans, on the streets and at outdoor locations like tent encampments.

■ April 16 – June 19: Census takers will work with administrators at colleges, senior centers, prisons and other facilities that house large groups of people to ensure everyone is counted.

■ May 27 – Aug. 14: Census takers will interview homes that have not responded to the 2020 Census to help make sure everyone is counted.

■ December: The Census Bureau will deliver apportionment counts to the president and Congress as required by law.

County hires consultant to study the economy Hempstead Town waiving water fees By scott BriNtoN sbrinton@liherald.com

County Executive Laura Curran stood last Thursday at the Executive and Legislative Building in Mineola with the two heads of Nassau’s Coronavirus Economic Advisory Council — Industrial Development Agency Chairman Richard Kessel and Hofstra University President Stuart Rabinowitz —to announce results of a weeklong survey to assess the state of local business amid the coronavirus outbreak.

The news were grim.

The county received 1,431 responses to the survey, Curran said. Many businesses said they have or would need to lay off workers. Half predicted no profit for the year. And 80 percent said they would need loans to sustain their businesses.

“It’s pain now, and we know it’s going to be pain down the road,” the county executive said.

Nassau, she said, has hired HR&A Advisors, a real estate and economic advisory firm based in New York City, to develop an “economic portrait” of the county before and after the crisis. From there, the firm can create models of the county’s potential economic state in order to prove future need for federal and state aid.

Curran said she was “incredibly grateful for the help received by the state and federal government.”

But, she noted, “we will need more.”

She also said she would work closely with Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone on a regional plan for future economic development after the medical crisis has abated.

The Town of Hempstead is waiving all late fees and penalties for three months for its water customers who do not pay their bills on time, according to a news release issued by the town Wednesday.

The measure required legislation, which was supported unanimously by Town Supervisor Donald Clavin and the other six members of the town board.

The town’s Department of Water serves 37,000 customers in the Bowling Green, Donald East Meadow, Levittown, Roosevelt Field, Lido Beach, Point Lookout and Uniondale water districts.

“People are worried and concerned about COVID-19, and are contending

with major life changes, including business and job losses, reduced income and medical concerns,” Clavin said. “Our hope is that this bill will help give people one less thing to worry about during this uncertain period.”

Customers are billed quarterly according to their metered consumption, and late payments are subject to penalties and interest. Under the new legislation, all penalties and interest charges for an individual that would norclavin mally accrue during the Water Department’s billing period – March 15 to June 15 this year – are waived.

–Scott Brinton

21

oPinions

lease allow me to reminisce about the past. I’m no longer a young politician, but I’m very much an alert senior citizen who can clearly recall the experiences in my life that have left an indelible imprint on my heart and soul.

I refer specifically to my recollections about the presidents of my past. I vividly recall my early childhood, when Franklin D. Roosevelt was president. My parents came of age during the Depression, and they worshipped Roosevelt for his soothing messages to AmerJeRRY ica during World kReMeR War II. I was a child, but I could see how his fireside chats helped my parents survive the stresses of the war.

I still can feel the tremors that reverberated across the country the day Roosevelt died. The neighborhood churches in Brooklyn rang their bells incessantly to tell the world that one of its greatest leaders was gone. My mother and father kept asking, how would their America survive?

i

Along came a former haberdasher named Harry S. Truman, who assured America that all would be well. In the ensuing years, he helped end the war, and assured our country that he was in charge, and that “The buck stops here.”

He assured us that our national agony was over. He did his job but never lost sight of his local roots. Truman was a great cheerleader for America.

He was followed by former Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower, who had helped defeat the enemy armies in the war. He became a grandfatherly symbol to Americans, and made us feel that we no longer had to worry about foreign wars.

Fast-forward to the days of President John F. Kennedy. Young and vibrant, he made the nation feel that our future would be bright and promising. He energized the White House, and made millions of young people eager to embark on careers in public service. When he died, almost everyone in our nation felt the pain.

After the failures of Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan emerged as the strong father figure that was needed to soothe our new global fears. His experience in

s

Hollywood helped him eloquently express his concerns for America, and he won over many of his skeptics.

The next trauma came during the tenure of Bill Clinton. On April 19, 1995, two American-born terrorists blew up a federal building in Oklahoma City, killing 168 people and injuring nearly 700 others, many of them children. Our nation went into shock after the tragedy, and President Clinton became the healerin-chief with his soothing words, assuring us that we were better than those two criminals.

I recall President George W. Bush standing amid the rubble of the still-smoldering World Trade Center on Sept. 14, 2001, assuring America that we would catch the perpetrators of the attacks three days earlier. It was a shining moment not just for him, but for all of America.

Fast-forward to 2015, when a gunman opened fire at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, S.C., killing nine people.

Afterward, President Barack Obama offered words of compassion that captured the feelings of all Americans — and even led the singing of “Amazing Grace” at the funeral of one of the victims.

adly, there’s no FDR, no Reagan, no Bush, no Obama in this White House.

Now it is 2020. We are a nation living in fear of the unknown. Caught in the clutches of a pandemic, we must seek solace from our governors and our local leaders. We cling to the words of medical experts and our clergy, because we lack a powerful voice in the White House that could tell us that we are stronger than any virus.

We survived World War II and Oklahoma City and Sept. 11 because, when challenged, we united and rose to the occasion. Facing a disease that keeps us awake at night and could wreck our economy, we’re in need of a voice from on high that would give us the strength to carry on, but sadly, there is no such voice in the Oval Office. All we hear is the echo chamber telling our president how great he is, not how great he could be.

I pray that in your lifetimes we will again have a national leader who will remind us what Roosevelt, Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy, Reagan, Bush, Clinton and Obama sounded like in times of national need.

Jerry Kremer was a state assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years.

He now heads Empire Government Strategies, a business development and legislative strategy firm. Comments about this column? JKremer@liherald.com.

Dear President Trump: This is killing us

f only Donald Trump had taken the same Hippocratic Oath our doctors take when they graduate from medical school: “First, do no harm.”

Instead, as we live through this global pandemic, we are caught between trained doctors, offering us fact-based science, and the White House, offering political expediency and short-sighted policy that could actually lead to more loss of life.

This is the worst, I thought as the virus spread over the past two weeks. But it wasn’t the worst.

The medical fight against the disease has been handiRandi capped by a presikReiss dent who is ignoring scientific evidence and the best advice of medical professions. He has denied, lied and deceived the public about the very existence of the coronavirus. He misled his fellow Americans about the severity of the disease. Early on, when he could have blunted the effects of a fullblown epidemic, he refused to take action, which would have mitigated the loss of life we are seeing every day.

What a week. As we move through this all-consuming emergency, ordinary peo-

ple, who want to keep themselves and their loved ones safe, are looking for advice based on sound medical practice.

The Hippocratic Oath, which evolved from the work of Hippocrates of Kos, who lived in the 5th century B.C., codifies the ethics and standards doctors still embrace. Not every doctor actually takes the oath in modern times, but some still do, and doctors around the world adhere to the tenets of selflessness, service and care.

In a bizarre turn of events, Trump has set himself up as qualified to tout experimental medicines that have been rushed through the approval process and administered to sick patients on a trial basis. He has pushed right past the obvious equivocation of the physicians standing with him during the nightly press conferences/ political rallies. Was it ever writ larger than this? Elections have consequences, and one of the unforeseen consequences of 2016 is our living through a once-in-acentury pandemic without qualified, stable or sensitive leadership.

This is a human rights issue, a political issue and a medical issue. We are stumbling through this valley hobbled by leaders who have no regard for the health and

T

safety of millions of vulnerable Americans.

As I wrote two weeks ago (during this siege my column may not appear every week), the heartening news is that this ship can sail without a captain. All hands are onboard. All of us in our everyday lives are listening to the experts and trying to limit the spread of Covid-19 by observing physical distance rules and absorbing the pain of isolation and loneliness. Hundreds of thousands of us are quarantining ourselves and staying indoors to help stop this modern plague. We’re doing our part.

As always, there is inspiration and precedent to be found in literature. I’ve been reading “Citizens of London: The Americans Who Stood with Britain in Its Darkest, Finest Hour,” by Lynne Olson. What we’re living through has similarities to the Blitz, when Germany dropped some 30,000 incendiary bombs on London beginning in September 1940 and continuing for 57 consecutive nights. The bombing did not end for eight months.

Britain had Winnie, of course. Winston Churchill helped the people of London survive the Blitz by telling them how hard it was going to be. He said it would cost

he heartening news is that this ship can sail without a captain.

them blood, sweat and tears. He spoke the truth in terrible times, asked much of his fellow Brits, and they, in turn, summoned the courage they needed.

Hand in hand with the English people were the American journalists who lived through the bombing and reported the stories of stoicism and survival back to the American public. Those reports helped pull the United States into the war, and led ultimately to the defeat of Nazi Germany.

The heroes of that era were the leaders who never faltered, the everyday citizens who crawled out of bombed apartments to go to work and the journalists who told the story. The heroes of this troubled time will be the doctors and other medical workers who turn up every day on the front lines of this epic battle, and the reporters and photographers who are telling the story, writing the first rough draft of history.

We don’t have a Winston Churchill in the White House. Trump delayed enacting the Defense Production Act until last Friday, and thereby delayed the manufacture of desperately needed ventilators. He continues to mislead the nation about the availability of testing, and the hard news about how long we will live in crisis mode.

In that, he is failing to protect and defend us.

Copyright 2020 Randi Kreiss. Randi can be reached at randik3@aol.com.

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — April 9, 2020

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Longing for a comforting voice from a true leader

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Herald editorial

Long Beach

April 9, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

HERALD Established 1990 Incorporating the Long Beach Independent Voice JAMES BERNSTEIN Editor dARwIN yANES Reporter EllEN fRISch Advertising Account Executive OffIcE 2 Endo Boulevard Garden City, NY 11530 Phone: (516) 569-4000 Fax: (516) 569-4942 Web: www.liherald.com E-mail: lbeditor@liherald.com OffIcIAl NEwSPAPER: Long Beach Historical Society Long Beach City School District Long Beach Humane Society

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HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS Robert Richner Edith Richner Publishers, 1964-1987 ■ clIffORd RIchNER STUART RIchNER Publishers

Give what you can in these challenging days

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t the Herald, we want to add our voices to the growing chorus of supporters thanking our frontline medical workers and first responders who are, as they say, doing God’s work. Each day, they put their lives on the line to save others. We can only admire their bravery, tenacity and sense of humanity.

That being said, these good men and women could use more than our thanks.

They could use our financial support.

We don’t presume to speak for them, but they no doubt appreciate the cards, cheers and pizzas — keep ’em coming. Hospitals, however, have been stretched to their limits, not only in people power, but also in their finances.

These are tough times financially. So many have lost their jobs or had their

MIchAEl BOlOgNA Vice President - Operations ■ ScOTT BRINTON Executive Edtitor JIM hARMON

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emergency medical technicians are putting themselves in harm’s way like never before. Covid-19 is a respiratory disease.

Many firefighters’ lungs are damaged because of the smoke they have breathed in while responding to calls over the years, potentially making them more susceptible to this virus.

You might also give to your local food pantries, which are running low.

Finally, the Herald is coordinating the purchase of large orders of food and goodies for our healthcare workers and first responders, as well as patients in hospitals and other care facilities. Go to liherald. com/heroes to donate. We will use all donations, along with donations from our parent company Richner Communications to purchase food and other goods from our local restaurants and businesses.

Keep up the social distancing wo weeks ago, one South Shore school board member issued an urgent appeal to students in her district: Stop congregating. Stay

apart.

That same day, an editor of this paper was riding his bicycle through his neighborhood and couldn’t help notice groups of people gathering on sidewalks. One older man was smoking a cigar in a circle of neighbors. A family was barbecuing in their driveway, welcoming folks from surrounding homes.

These were the initial days after Gov. Andrew Cuomo issued a stay-at-home order, which too many people seemed to treat as a mini-vacation. They had no idea what was coming.

In the days that followed, as the number of positive tests for Covid-19 climbed and

dIANNE RAMdASS Circulation Director

hERAld cOMMUNITy NEwSPAPERS

hours reduced. Many people are suddenly scraping by after having been solidly in the black only a matter of weeks ago.

For those who can, however, please consider giving to our hospitals, which are nonprofits. We need them, and they need us.

To give to Mount Sinai South Nassau, go to https://www.southnassau.org/sn/give.

• To give to the Northwell Health Foundation, go to https://give.northwell.edu.

• To give to Mercy Medical Center, go to https://mercymedicalcenter.chsli.org/ ways-give.

• To give to NYU Winthrop, go to https:// nyuwinthrop.org/giving/.

• To give to St. John’s Episcopal Hospital, go to https://ehs.org.

You also might donate to your local volunteer fire department. Firefighters and

letters We still have to care for the environment To the Editor: I have mailed, faxed and emailed Governor Cuomo’s office about the specifics of “essential” landscapers and what they are allowed to do and not do. Specifically, I’m asking about the use of leaf blowers.

With several landscaping companies using them at once, they are potentially blowing toxic air into our homes, cars and faces during this Covid-19 pandemic. I hope their use will be temporarily banned.

I’m also disappointed that the state has postponed enforcement of the single-use plastic bag ban. Plastic bangs are polluting our waterways

the sobering death totals began streaming in, people got the message. No longer do they stand side by side or in tight lines in supermarkets. Gone are the barbecues and close clutches of socializing teenagers.

The message was loud of clear: This pandemic is not a hoax. It is very real.

Over this past weekend, however, we learned that Nassau County had the thirdhighest number of coronavirus cases of any county in the state, surpassing Westchester, where the outbreak began in New York, Manhattan and the Bronx. Only Queens and Brooklyn (a.k.a. Queens and Kings counties) had higher totals.

Nassau’s and Suffolk’s fast-climbing numbers prompted the governor to warn that the outbreak was shifting from New York City to Long Island. As of Monday,

more than 15,600 people had tested positive in Nassau.

That figure may very well reflect lax social distancing practices in the days after people were first told to stay home.

We will be tempted to loosen our social distancing practices. It’s hard to remain regimented for weeks on end. We can’t give up, though. There’s simply too much at stake. Forgoing social distancing and sound hygiene practices now would only prolong the crisis.

The pandemic will end. Statewide, we saw hopeful signs on Sunday.

On the other hand, those hopeful signs could be illusory. Hospitalizations and deaths could very well climb again. Which is why we must — must — remain disciplined and continue to practice social distancing.

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opinions

s another week has passed, and as we fight through this pandemic together, I continue to think about our Long Island Rail Road workforce, which continually rises to the challenge.

They are on the front lines, playing a key role in the response to this emergency as the LIRR provides a vital service to Long Island and the region, currently the nation’s epicenter of a global health crisis.

Our employees are heroes moving heroes. The workforce shows up each day to ensure phiLLip that we can safely enG transport fellow front-line workers — the nurses, doctors, police and other first responders, as well as the grocery store, pharmacy and transportation workers, and so many others who are helping us live.

Together with our labor partners, we’re ensuring that employees and customers alike remain safe.

Since this pandemic began hitting our state, the LIRR has seen a decline in ridership of about 90 percent. Adjusting to this

drop, while ensuring that we’re able to care for our employees and still provide critical service, we enacted the MTA Essential Service Plan, which began March 27. We are still running over 500 weekday trains, maintaining a 65 percent service level compared with a typical weekday. We also have crews and equipment on standby to supplement service if necessary.

We’re constantly monitoring this new service, and staying engaged with our customers and local elected officials and community leaders, listening to their feedback and adjusting where we need to. We’ve added trains strategically where the need was greater to enable customers to maintain safe social distancing.

We have eliminated cash transactions, closed all station waiting rooms and ticket windows, shut down our Lost & Found Office and the West End concourse of Penn Station.

We continue to distribute masks and gloves to employees, and provide washing stations, hand sanitizers, disinfected work areas and other protections they need, and deserve, to stay healthy. Our courageous workforce is doing what public ser-

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hey doing not just a job, but a true service to their fellow New Yorkers.

Letters and harming wildlife. I don’t understand why markets can’t use paper bags for the time being.

Finally, I received a notice from the Town of Hempstead indicating that, as of Monday, there would no longer be recycling during the pandemic. The town wants us to hold on to all of our recyclables until further notice. I plan to call the town to inquire if there could at least be drop-off bins where conscientious people could deposit them.

We’re not moving in the right direction on the environment. Three wrongs will not make anything right.

MARCIA DITIERI North Merrick

Pets and the coronavirus To the Editor: Pet owners can rest easy that there is no reason to believe dogs or cats in the U.S. might be a source of infection for Covid-19 or cause its spread, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And so far, according to the CDC, there have been no reports of pets becoming sick with the coronavirus.

It appears to be transmitted primarily from human to human. Pet owners may have heard of canine coronavirus, an intestinal infection in dogs, especially puppies, and feline coronavirus, which can cause feline infectious peritonitis, or

vants do. They aren’t just doing a job; they are doing a true service to their fellow New Yorkers. I simply can’t thank them enough.

I ask my fellow Long Islanders to continue to practice good hygiene. Social distancing is key. We cannot stress enough the importance of flattening the curve and what it will mean to the recovery of New York, New Yorkers and the rest of the country.

We know how trying these times are. But it is the efforts of our customers and LIRR employees that are an uplifting boost to us as management and labor leaders. They are the backbone of this pandemic response.

LIRR management and local labor leaders are in contact daily. They’re sharing important feedback, too, and this open dialogue has enabled us to better support the LIRR workforce, as our employees and as union members. Thank you to those who have been providing us the feedback that helps us better protect you. Please know that this line of communication remains open, always, and we’re all better for your thoughts and suggestions.

Even with all the precautions we’re

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — April 9, 2020

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I’m proud of our LIRR workers

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taking, it’s crucial that we continue to focus on reducing the spread of the coronavirus. This means that unless you’re an essential worker, stay home. Do not ride public transportation unless it’s absolute- can cle life tha ly necessary.

Whether you’re at home or reporting my hea I ref to work, wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds, and use hand sanitizer if about t soap and water aren’t available. Cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve if you don’t have a tissue, and, most important, if you’re feeling sick, stay home.

My heart goes out to all who are affected by this illness, especially those in our MTA family. To those who are currently being treated for Covid-19, please know that you are in our thoughts, and we wish you a speedy recovery. Take good care of yourselves.

If there is a bright side to all of this, it’s that a large percentage of people, including many railroad employees, who have contracted the virus are recovering from it and returning to their daily lives. side ch Of the 378 LIRR employees who were on stresse I sti home quarantine as of last Thursday, 103 berated have returned to work.

I look forward to the day our LIRR fam- evelt d ily is all back together, standing side by Brookl tell the side and marching forward, together. ers wa Phillip Eng is president of the Long Island asking vive?

Rail Road.

FrAmework by Jack Healy

FIP. These viruses have been around for quite some time, and are not associated with the current outbreak.

To protect yourself, your family and possibly even your pets from this new coronavirus, you should follow these precautions:

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fo sam tak cal Instead demic, tors, of the Wh ency an

■ Frequently wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Use hand sanitizer with more than 60 percent alcohol if you can’t wash.

■ Maintain social distancing outside of your immediate family.

■ Cover your mouth or nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and then throw the tissue away and wash your hands.

■ Sanitize often-used surfaces in your home and office.

The CDC recommends that you restrict contact with pets and other animals if you become sick, just as you would with people. Ask another member of your household to care for your pets while you’re ill. If you must do it yourself, wash your hands before and after you interact with your pets, and wear a facemask. The toughest part for pet lovers is that you must remember that you should not pet, snuggle or share kisses or food with your pet.

THE STAFF OF THE NORTH SHORE ANIMAL LEAgUE AMERICA

He’s gonna need a bigger mask — Seaford

advice denied the ver misled severit could h blown which life we Wha all-con

GET ANSWERS YOU CAN TRUST WITHOUT LEAVING HOME. With so many questions about COVID-19, it’s hard to know where to turn for answers you can trust.

If you or a loved one is feeling sick, use Mount Sinai NOW to access all of our virtual care options.

TM

All of us, throughout New York City, Long Island and the entire tri-state area, are here for you.

MOUNTSINAI.ORG/NOW

1085330

April 9, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

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