Nassau Herald

Nassau

HERALD All the News of the Five Towns

Students being schooled at home

Remembering Dr. Barry Fisher

keeping busy during the crisis

Page 4

Page 12

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Vol. 97 No. 17

APRIl 23 - 29, 2020

Science project explores girls’ ‘mindful eating’ Student recognized for research will be.”

Di Scipio’s research, which she began last year, focuses on Sofia Di Scipio, 17, a Hewlett “mindful eating” and the impact resident and a senior at Sacred it has on body image for teenage Heart Academy, in girls. Mindful eatHempstead, has ing is defined as completed a science maintaining an inresearch project the-moment awarethat she hopes will ness of the food and impact teenage beverages you eat girls around the and drink, observworld. Its title is ing how the food “Can Mindful Eatmakes you feel and ing and Training the signals your P rotec t A g ain st body sends about Body Self-Objectifitaste, satisfaction cation and More and fullness.

Generalized Well“I decided to see ness Variables?” what mindful eatDi Scipio’s ing can do when it research is set to be comes to body published in the fall STEPHEN image,” Di Scipio 2020 issue of the said. “I found that SullIVAN Whitman Journal mindful eating habof Psychology, a Science research its could predict p e e r - r e v i e w e d director, Sacred body image dysonline publication Heart Academy function, but not based at Walt Whitgeneral wellness man High School in among teenage Bethesda, Md. She said she was girls.” surprised. “I was very excited She surveyed 174 students at when I found out my work would Sacred Heart, a private Catholic be published,” she said. “I didn’t school for girls, asking them expect this to be published any- about mindful eating. “I thought where, but it’s very cool that it Continued on page 15

By MATTHEW FERREMI mferremi@liherald.com

H

Courtesy Blair Longaro

NIck ScARolA, oWNER and chef of DaNicola, has cooked up many meals that went to essential workers by way of the Hewlett-based Feeding Local Heroes and Friends.

5 Towns group fed essential workers and inspired others

By JEFFREY BESSEN jbessen@liherald.com

Hewlett resident Blair Longaro founded Feeding Local Heroes and Friends on March 20, and in fewer than 30 days, donors raised more than $56,000, which paid for countless meals for essential workers in businesses and other organizations along the South

Shore, and inspired the creation of two other groups with similar missions.

“One of my closest friends, Marie Slavens, messaged me that she wanted to know all of the details about how to get this going, because she was going to start the second chapter in her hometown, Wantagh, right away,” Longaro said. “I was ecstatic. She told

me she wasn’t surprised I was up to something like this, which is probably one of the greatest compliments I’ve ever gotten.”

Longaro, a transportation coordinator in the HewlettWoodmere School District and the mother of two boys, came up with Feeding Local Heroes and Friends as a way Continued on page 15

aving the opportunity to address an issue like body image is something that is very important to [Sofia].

1085451

April 23, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

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LSD furloughs, lets go 107 employees jbessen@liherald.com

Amid the coronavirus pandemic that has shutdown schools since mid-March, the Lawrence School District, has laid off 22 full-time employees and 80 school aides and furloughed five staffers, according to Assistant Superintendent for Business and Operations Jeremy Feder.

As of April 15, the aides, assistants, cleaners, monitors and nurses are no longer working as there is not a need of their services, Feder said. “There are at least two aspects, fist they are not working and the other is there other costs and functions have changed. We had to buy more Chromebooks, build up the technology.

There are other costs we didn’t anticipate.”

Feder said that typically when costs in one area of the budget go up there is a corresponding reduction in other areas.

He said that the district has bought more than $200,000 worth of Chromebooks and anticipates spending another $75,000.

A furlough is defined as a temporary layoff and typically employees who are furloughed are called back to work. When employees are laid off in New York state, the employer has to meet certain obligations such as paying the employees’ final wages by the next scheduled payday and provide the employees with an unemployment insurance notice.

The laid off Lawrence employees

Jeffrey Bessen/Herald

THE LAWREncE scHooL District laid off and furloughed a total of 107 employees as of April 15. Above, the Number four School, one of two locations where meals are distributed. received a letter that stated: “Based on the adverse economic impact and curtailment of activities resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic, I regret to inform you that during a special meeting held on April 6, 2020, the Board of Education authorized and directed the layoff of all positions within your department, effective April 15, 2020.

“You will be paid based on your salary through April 15, 2020. Your medical and dental benefits will remain in effect through April 30, 2020. You will receive, under separate cover, information regard-

ing COBRA continuation of medical and dental benefits.” The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 is a federal mandate that gives some employees the ability to continue health insurance after leaving employment.

Ben Carenza, deputy Long Island directors of Teamsters Local 237, the union that represents all the Lawrence employees furloughed and laid off, was unhappy with the district’s action. “I have instructed all to apply for unemployment insurance as I don’t know if there is a reasonable expectation of them returning,”

he said. “These people are professional members who do a great job day in and day out. Unfortunately, in my opinion the Lawrence School District chose to use a pandemic situation in where people are dying and sick all over, to lay-off all members.”

Carenza said that his union deals with many other school district and Lawrence is the only one to take this action. “These are full-time members and part-time union members some of which have 30-plus years servicing the community,” he said. “It’s a total shame and an embarrassment to the Lawrence School District to act so heartless as these are human being we are talking about here.”

Feder said the furloughed employees will certainly be asked to return and the laid off employees will be the first people the school district will call when needed and the physical reopening of the school buildings occurs.

Meal distribution change

Lawrence has changed its food distribution schedule: Monday pick up is Monday and Tuesday. Wednesday Pick up is for Wednesday and Thursday and Friday is for Friday and weekend. The time 9 to 11 a.m. and the locations: the Number two and Four schools has not changed. Feder said the adjustment was made for parent convenience, less days, more food and for social distancing.

Scheduling uncertainty for schools amid pandemic

By MATTHEW FERREMI mferremi@liherald.com

The coronavirus pandemic has thrown off routines for people in all professions, particularly for public school districts.

Future scheduling for the Hewlett-Woodmere and Lawrence school districts for the remainder of the school year and next is unknown.

In Hewlett-Woodmere, Superintendent Dr. Ralph Marino Jr. explained what has been taking place throughout the health crisis. “Hewlett-Woodmere has had to incorporate short- and long-term planning in order to address the pandemic,” Marino said. “We have also sought to identify and address the instructional, wellness and financial implications of closing our schools. “ The Covid-19 outbreak has not only impacted scheduling in Lawrence, but also staff as the district laid off 22 fulltime employees and 80 school aides and furloughed five staffers as of April 15, according to Assistant Superintendent for Business and Operations Jeremy Feder.

Scheduling for the budget vote is also still to be determined after Gov. Andrew Cuomo issued an executive order on March 28 delaying all school elections until at least June 1. Cuomo also ordered schools to stay closed until May 15. Originally, the budget vote, trustee elections and voting on propositions was May 19.

Donovan Berthoud/Herald

WITH THE coRonAvIRus pandemic postponing school until at least May 15, graduation for Hewlett High School students have also been put on hold. Above, commencement 2019.

“We’re waiting for further guidance from the state as things are changing regularly with the pandemic,” Feder said.

“That’s as honest as I can be right now.”

The proposed budget for Lawrence is $102,490,053, a .04 percent tax-cap increase over the current $102,449,281 budget.

Marino shared a similar sentiment to Feder regarding the uncertainty about future scheduling. “Our teachers have worked diligently to engage our students with meaningful work and support while trying to balance the needs of their own families,” Marino said. “Decisions regarding graduation and all of our endof-year celebrations will be dependent on our return to school.”

While no date has been established,

Hewlett-Woodmere Board of Education President Mitchell Greebel acknowledged that the vote will need to happen before July. “As of now, there is no date,” he said. “We need to get it done before the fiscal year is over on June 30 so we need to have a budget in place by July 1.” Hewlett-Woodmere’s preliminary fiscal plan is $126,882,632. It also has a $12,645,293 in state aid, a $314,366 increase from the current budget. It appears that state aid could be cut by 20 percent if the federal government does not provide financial support, Cuomo said on Monday.

Lawrence Superintendent Ann Pedersen noted everyone’s obligations and was appreciative of her students’ efforts

amid the turbulent times. “Following social distancing guidelines remains our shared responsibility,” she said. “We are proud of our students for their academic work ethic and for handling the tremendous emotional pressure of this crisis.”

Despite the uncertainty, Marino noted that Hewlett-Woodmere is always ready to lend a helping hand to the community. “There is no greater priority than the health and safety of our students, staff, and community,” he said.

“We encourage all community members to comply with the recommendations to remain safe and well. We stand ready to assist community members in any way possible during this unprecedented time in our world.”

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — April 23, 2020

By JEFFREY BEssEn

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April 23, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

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Photo courtesy Alana Fuchs-Fishman

LawRENcE ELEmENtaRY SchooL fifth-grader Erin Fishman does her schoolwork at home.

Photo courtesy Alana Fuchs-Fishman

appaRENtLY doiNg SchooLwoRk at home makes LES fifthgrader Ian Fishman happy.

Photo courtesy Maritza Carire

Photo courtesy Derya Tanguner

BEiNg homE pRovidES Lawrence Elementary School fifthgrader Matthew Arce comfortable surroundings.

BEiNg 5-YEaRS-oLd Now, Lawrence Elementary School prekindergartner Azra Tanguner appears serious about her schoolwork.

Photo courtesy Derya Tanguner

LES FouRth-gRadER ERaY Tanguner hard at work at home.

Lawrence Elementary students miss friends, relax more

By JEFFREY BESSEN jbessen@liherald.com

With schools physically closed because of the coronavirus pandemic, students are being educated at home by their teachers, and with help from their parents, using a variety of computer platfor ms for what has been called remote or distance learning.

Five Lawrence Elementary School students and their mothers responded to the Herald’s post on the LES Parents Facebook Group page that asked what the children like and do not like about learning from home? Are they having fun?

Alana Fuchs-Fishman, president of the LES PTA, has fifth-graders Erin and Ian at home. “Erin misses seeing her friends, even though she has been talking to them,” Alana said. “She is sad

that see is missing out on fifth grade activities. She likes making her own schedule, and having more time to play on her phone, iPad and watch movies.

Ian, “Likes being home with mom and spending more time together. Hates not being able to go places and misses seeing his friends,” she said.

“I miss my kids being in school,!”

Alana said. “I’m hopeful that they will get to finish their year off in school. I’m grateful for the time we get to spend together. We are going for walks and watching movies at home, we often don’t have the time to slow down and enjoy each other. We should be thankful for health and what we have. Hopeful that we can get our end of year activities and graduation. Missing all our school friends and hope to see you all in person soon!”

Maritza Carire said her son, Matthew

Arce, also in fifth grade, “Likes being home schooled especially lunch break, lol. We get to spend time together since I’m working from home, but he misses his friends. We have a schedule so he likes ending his day earlier, also.”

Carire said that Christina Foster, Matthew’s teacher, “Has been great with providing work every day in each subject. She set her class up with written work for the first three days and once the stay at home got extended they have had work every day on Google Classroom even when iTutor hasn’t worked.

They haven’t missed one day of not having school work.

“I get him up at 8:30 a.m. He has breakfast and we split the day in half.

So, he usually chooses two classes in the morning and tow in the afternoon and when he has a special [class] we squeeze it in after lunch. The idea is to try and

not be doing school work past 3:30 p.m.”

Third-grader Eitan Kisheev said he, “Misses seeing his friends, and he misses his teacher. He loves play Nintendo switch, iPad and watch movies,” according to his mother, Irina Kisheyeva Asheulova.

Derya Tanguner said that her daughter, Azra, who is in pre-K, “Misses her friends and the fun in school. She wanted to celebrate her birthday yesterday (April 14, she is 5) with her friends and was sad that she couldn’t.” Fourth-grader Eray told his mother he, “Misses school and his friends. He was looking forward to his role in drama club this year. He is happy that he gets more time on his tablet to play games. I am happy that I get so much time with them and that we are all healthy and safe.”

Gural JCC physically closed, but remotely active Nassau

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The Marion & Aaron Gural JCC has extended the shutdown of its facilities in Cedarhurst and Lawrence at least through April 30, officials stated in an emailed letter on April 14. JCC officials review their status every two weeks and the board meets weekly to help ensure that services remain in place working in junction with partners such as Community Chest South Shore and UJA Federation of New York, officials said.

“We continue to explore additional financial supports that we can provide for our clients and families who are struggling,” JCC President Steve Bernstein and Chief Executive Officer Aaron Rosenfeld stated in the email.

The Rina Shkolnik Kosher Food Pantry at the Cedarhurst-based Sustenance Hope Opportunities Place continues to provide food for people in need. More than 400 Passover food packages have been distributed. “Our social workers continue to work remotely with our elderly and vulnerable community members,” officials

said, adding that an increasing number of people are “feeling isolated and scared.”

Remote programs for people with special needs and lectures and webinars are available. Early childhood teachers are conducting classes on Zoom, the video conferencing platform, and offer projects and videos for the children. “Our staff continues to work hard each day under challenging circumstances to make sure that our children continue to grow and learn, and that no one is hungry or forgotten,” officials said.

Viewing the JCC as a “safety net” for many in the community, officials asked that everyone could take part and support the programs it offers.

If you are aware of someone suffering from food insecurity, contact the SHOP at (516) 234-6020 or stacey.feldman@guraljcc. org. For other services, call (516) 569-6733.

Go to https://bit.ly/2VbwwD8, to contribute to the Gural JCC’s emergency fund.

–Jeffrey Bessen

County exec: School tax collection delayed so are looking for financial relief.

Delaying school taxes, however, could have serious financial consequences Nassau County Executive Laura for the county, Curran said.

She explained the county must Curran announced Monday that, by order of Gov. Andrew Cuomo, the guarantee all school tax collections, school tax collection deadline has been meaning if the school districts come up short in their collecdelayed by three weeks. tions, then the county “At my request,” Curmust provide the funding ran, a Democrat from Baldto the districts — by law. win, tweeted Monday eveShe said the county is ning, “ [Governor Cuomo] hurting financially, as are is issuing an executive all municipalities, amid order that will push back the coronavirus pandemic. the May 11th property tax Sales and property tax colp ay m e n t d e a d l i n e fo r lections comprise 67 perschool districts in Nassau cent of the county’s more County. More details to than $3 billion budget. come soon.”

Sales taxes have plummetThe new deadline is during the outbreak, June 1.

Laura curraN ed starving the county of one Earlier in the day, the of its two primary revenue Republican-controlled Leg- County executive sources, Curran said. islature had voted to push She worries about counback the deadline to June ty employees, she said, and 10, but Curran contended the Legislature did not have the wants to ensure the county maintains authority to change the date, only the its force of first responders, including police officers and medics. governor.

The federal and state governments, Curran spoke at length on Saturday about the proposal before the County she said, must step in to ensure the county has enough cash on hand to Legislature to delay collection of school taxes that were to come due in meet its financial obligations, including to its employees, so it can continue May. to provide essential services.

Many residents have been laid off or have seen their hours reduced, and

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — April 23, 2020

By scott BriNtoN sbrinton@liherald.com

a

t my request, [Governor Cuomo] is issuing an executive order.

Christina Daly/Herald

Nassau ExEcutivE Laura Curran said she worries that if school tax collections were delayed, the county might wind up paying the bill.

Covid-19 deaths decline over the weekend In Nassau County, new hospitalizations declined for the third straight day, as did ICU cases and intubations, County For the first time since the Covid-19 Executive Laura Curran said Saturday pandemic struck more than a month ago, afternoon.

New York state saw sharp declines in the On Sunday, Cuomo appeared alongnumber of overnight deaths because of side Northwell Health President and the coronavirus, and Gov. CEO Michael Dowling to Andrew Cuomo was expressannounce plans to undertake ing cautious optimism over widespread, random antithe weekend that the state body testing to determine was past the peak of the dismore precisely New York’s ease. actual infection rate.

He noted, however, that Overnight from Saturday relaxing social distancing into Sunday, 507 people died could lead to a second wave of the coronavirus in New of infection.

York, Cuomo said at NorthThe number of deaths well’s Feinstein Institutes for because of the coronavirus Medical Research in dropped a little more than 14 Manhasset. That represented percent across New York an 8 percent drop in the overstate overnight from Friday night death rate. into Saturday, from 630 to New hospitalizations also 540, Cuomo said Saturday declined, from 2,000 the day afternoon. before to 1,300, a 35 percent It was the smallest numdrop. ber of overnight deaths the Gov. aNdrEW And new intubations, state had seen in a day since cuoMo whereby people are placed on early April, and represented ventilators to enable them to a 32 percent decrease in the breath, were down also. overnight mortality rate from April 9, If those statistics hold, Cuomo said, when the number of deaths from one day “we are past the high point,” and all indito the next peaked at 799. cations are the infection rate is “on the Cuomo noted, however, that the state descent.” still saw 2,000 new hospitalizations overStill, he said, “Thirteen hundred is a night, which, he said, was troubling. lot of people coming into the hospital

By scott BriNtoN sbrinton@liherald.com

W

e just pray to God [the infection rate] remains down on the other side … We still have a long way to go.

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Governor: Marinas can open New York, Connecticut and New Jersey are allowing marinas, boatyards and marine manufacturers to open for personal use, provided they adhere to social distancing protocols and sanitize their facilities, Governor Cuomo announced Saturday afternoon.

Chartered watercraft services or rentals will not be allowed, and restaurants at these sites will be limited to take-out or delivery.

system.”

State officials are taking a breather with the infection rate appearing to stabilize. Cuomo described the crisis “as a mountain that just kept building and building and building,” and he said, he had “no idea where the top of the mountain” was.

“We just pray to God,” he said, that the infection rate “remains down on the other side” of the mountain.

He also noted, “We still have a long way to go.”

The governor urged people to continue social distancing and practice sound hygiene. He worries that people will see the death and new hospitalization rates

“Throughout this pandemic, we’ve worked closely with our friends in neighboring states to implement a uniform regional approach to reducing the spread of the virus,” Cuomo said. “Aligning our polices in this area is another example of that strong partnership, and will help ensure there is no confusion or ‘state shopping’ when it comes to marinas and boatyards.”

–Scott Brinton declining, and then attempt to return to life as normal too soon. That, he said, would jeopardize the progress the state has made over the past 40 days in containing the virus.

In preparing for a reopening of New York’s economy, he said, the state needs greater testing, and it needs more federal funding. Cuomo estimated the state faces a $10 billion to $15 billion deficit. That money will have to be made up somehow.

Without federal funding, cuts are likely, he said, noting school districts across the state could see their state aid slashed by 50 percent in 2020-21 without federal assistance.

April 23, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

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On the front lines with a Northwell ICU nurse

By Scott Brinton sbrinton@liherald.com

Each time a patient comes off a ventilator in the intensive care unit at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset these days, the Beatles’ “Here Comes the Sun” plays over the loudspeaker, alerting all staff and patients that a life has been saved.

Elyse Isopo, an ICU nurse practitioner at North Shore, with 20 years experience, spoke of that moment during a 19-minute Facebook Live interview with Northwell Health video producer Rob Hoell on Thursday.

It is an important moment for all in the ICU, as staff members work around the clock battling the Covid-19 virus, which, Isopo said, is yet to let up in the ICU. People throughout the ICU erupt in cheers and clapping when that Beatles song sounds, Isopo said, noting, “We need those wins, because it keeps us going.”

The number of new hospitalizations across New York state, including in Nassau, appears to be declining, according to Gov. Andrew Cuomo and County Executive Laura Curran.

The number of ICU patients where Isopo is at, however, continues unabated, she said, “because people who are hospitalized are getting sicker.”

Working in the ICU, she said, “is scary, and real, and rewarding at the same time,” adding, “Everybody has been amazing. It feels like a family.”

Courtesy Northwell Health

northwell health icU nurse practitioner Elyse Isopo spoke with video producer Rob Hoell about what it’s like to battle Covid-19 on the front lines.

One of the hardest parts that patients must endure is the sense of isolation from their families, because visitors are not allowed into the hospital, Isopo said.

Patients receive iPads so they can connect with loved ones, but it is not the same as meeting face to face.

If a patient appears near death, only then is family allowed in, she said.

Isopo spoke of one recent case, a patient originally from Korea. The patient asked that Korean music be played in his

final moments, and so it was. “It was beautiful,” she said, “and we supported his dying process.”

Such images, however, can also be haunting. “I don’t sleep very well at night,” Isopo said.

She is married with children. Worried about potentially infecting her family, she is careful each night to remove her clothes and shoes and take a shower before entering her home. “After a long day,” she said, “it’s draining.”

Working in the ICU is tough, she said.

“It’s very challenging. It’s very difficult.

It’s very stressful,” she said. “Everybody is as critical as the next person and the next person.

“It looks like a MASH unit,” she continued. “It’s bed after bed after bed … You walk in there, and you’re in the trenches.”

Isopo said the community has come out in unexpected and welcome ways, showering the nurses and doctors with praise and parades and food. “Seeing everyone in the community looking at us like heroes is very overwhelming and very much appreciated,” she said.

She emphasized, though, that “I never thought of myself as a hero.” The first responders in the field, the police and firefighters, are the heroes, she said.

Isopo said she believes Northwell has provided adequate personal protective equipment to hospital workers throughout the crisis. At first, workers were limited to one N95 mask per week, but now receive a new one daily, she said. Many place surgical masks over their N95 masks as an extra layer of protection to keep fluids off them.

In addition to masks, all workers receive paper scrubs, goggles, face shields and gloves.

She ended by saying people should stay home to reduce the infection and hospitalization rates. “The more people stay home, that helps us,” she said.

For the full interview, see liherald.com.

Catholic Health Services taking part in clinical trials

By Jeff BeSSen jbessen@liherald.com

Catholic Health Services is taking part in two clinical trials designed to develop treatments for Covid-19.

A Mayo Clinic trial is using what is called convalescent plasma donated by recovered Covid-19 patents to treat individuals who continue to fight the coronavirus.

Convalescent plasma comprises parts of the blood of people who have had the virus and recovered.

The second study involves using the medication remdesivir, which was originally developed to treat the Ebola virus and has been successfully used for other coronaviruses, including Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome.

The convalescent plasma study is being offered at CHS’s six hospitals. The remdesivir trial is taking place at St. Francis Hospital, The Heart Center® in Roslyn and at Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center in West Islip, CHS officials said.

One 200 milliliters/6.8 ounces dose of the plasma has benefitted a portion of patients, according to the initial data. People who recover from Covid-19 do so, in part, because their blood contains antibodies that are able to fight the virus. Previous research of other viruses found that treating patients with plasma obtained from those who have recovered from the same virus leads to rapid improvement, CHS officials said.

Using remdesivir to treat COVID-19 follows limited testing in the United States, Canada, China and other countries that led to an improvement in the condition of some patients. The treatment regimen using remdesivir takes place over 10 days and includes a 200-milligram dose on the first day and a 100-milligram dose on days two to 10.

Herald file photo

catholic health ServiceS of Long Island, which includes Mercy Medical Center in Rockville Centre, above, is involved in two clinical trial seeking to develop a treatment for Covid-19.

“Catholic Health Services is excited to be on the front lines and participate in these clinical trials for Covid-19,” CHS Senior Vice President and Chief Quality Officer Dr. Jason Golbin, stated in a news release. “Our clinical teams have spent several weeks caring for Covid-19 patients. It means a great deal to everyone to take part in these two cutting-edge research efforts.”

Potential plasma donors must have a prior, verified diagnosis of Covid-19, but are now symptom-free and

fully recovered. Donors must also be at least 18 and weigh at least 110 pounds. The plasma can be administered only to a consenting Covid-19 patient or a patient whose family member offers consent. The treatment will be given to patients judged by a doctor to be at high risk of disease progression to severe or life-threatening.

To donate plasma and for more information on the two clinical trials, call Catholic Health Services at (855) 247-4500.

Cuomo extends N.Y. PAUSE to May 15 By scott Brinton sbrinton@liherald.com

n

ew York PAUSE has worked, [but] we’re not there yet.

couple can now marry by video in new York state On Saturday, Governor Cuomo issued a directive allowing marriages to be performed via videoconference to help reduce the infection rate amid the coronavirus crisis.

Among other conditions, the order requires the following be met:

are present in the New York state jurisdiction where the marriage is to take place.

■ The couple to be wed must present valid photo ID during the videoconference.

Local town and city clerks may provide further guidance.

If a couple’s marriage license has or will expire during the Covid19 pandemic, the state is waiving the 60-day waiting period to obtain a new license. It is also waiving all fees to obtain a second marriage license.

■ The town or city clerk, the witness(es), the person to solemnize the marriage, and the couple must interact with one another. No pre-recorded ceremonies are allowed.

■ The couple must affirm that they

■ The couple must send a legible copy of the signed marriage document by fax or email to the town or city clerk, the witnesses, and the person to solemnize the marriage on the same date it was signed.

–Scott Brinton

State releases data on nursing home deaths

By James Bernstein jbernstein@liherald.com

The New York State Department of Health released a list of 22 nursing homes on Long Island, including homes in Long Beach, Glen Cove and Lynbrook, where residents have died from the coronavirus epidemic. The state said its list included only deaths that took place inside a facility or location where five people or more have died.

State health officials said 22 residents at the Long Beach Nursing and Rehabilitation Center had died of the virus; eight at the Glen Cove Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation, and six at the Lynbrook Restorative and Therapy Nursing facility.

Across the state, a total of 1,135 nursing home or assisted living center deaths at 72 facilities, officials said. The Health Department lists say 128 deaths took place at a total of 11 nursing homes in all of Nassau County.

The Health Department released the list after numerous complaints from the families of residents at the facilities, legislators and members of the media.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo was asked repeatedly at his daily briefings about the coronavirus illness at nursing homes and assisted living facilities in the state.

The governor had said the figures were being compiled.

Cuomo ordered nursing homes to i m m e d i at e ly i n fo r m re l at ive s o f patients who test positive.

Herald file photo

the state health Department reported 22 cases of Covid-19 deaths at the Long Beach Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Administrators at the nursing homes in Long Beach, Glen Cove and Lynbrook have not released information about Covid-19 cases. But most all facilities have listed on their websites that they are sanitizing all areas within the

homes, maintaining social distancing among staff members, and noting that they are closed to outsiders, to protect the health of patients.

Relatives have not been allowed to visit patients at the facilities, and many

told media outlets they had been unable to reach patients by phone.

Administrators at the Long Beach, Glen Cove and Lynbrook facilities did not return calls seeking comment.

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — April 23, 2020

lion of them are workers.

New York on PAUSE — Policies Assure Uniform Safety for Everyone — Gov. Andrew Cuomo last Thursday has kept the infection and hospitalizaextended New York on PAUSE, a 10-point tion rates to manageable levels, the govplan that shuts down “non-essential” ernor indicated. “We slowed the infecbusinesses and schools and requires tion rate by our actions, and that’s why social distancing, through May 15. The we’re in a better position today,” he said. announcement came during Wi d e s p r e a d t e s t i n g , his daily briefing, when he including antibody blood also continued to lay out his sampling, is needed to better vision to reopen the economy track the infection rate and — and the challenges doing assure people that they are so will present. safe when returning to their Previously, New York on workplaces. Cuomo said the PAUSE was to end April 30. state would conduct 3,000 “New York PAUSE has random antibody tests in the worked,” Cuomo said, but he coming weeks. noted, “we’re not there yet,” Last Wednesday, Cuomo referring to the reduction in said he would like to see the Gov. andrew the Covid-19 infection rate economy reopen in phases, needed to allow all people to cuomo in close coordination with retur n to work and ease six other states — Delaware, social distancing requireConnecticut, Massachusetts, ments.

New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Rhode The governor said the state does not Island. yet fully know what the infection rate is.

He asked on Thursday that employers To date, more than 500,000 people have begin to consider whether their workers been tested in New York, more than Cali- can continue to telecommute when their fornia, Florida and Michigan combined, workplaces reopen, as well as think Cuomo said. That figure, however, repre- about the configuration of their worksents a fraction of the state’s population spaces. How far apart might desks be — 19 million people live here, and 9 mil- spread apart, for example?

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April 23, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

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Senator freed from prison amid pandemic

By Jill nossa jnossa@liherald.com

Former State Sen. Dean Skelos of Rockville Centre has tested positive for Covid-19 and will serve the remainder of his prison term at home, according to court papers filed last Wednesday.

Skelos, 72, was reportedly in quarantine at the federal prison in Otisville, according to documents filed in federal court in Manhattan by Southern District prosecutors, and has been symptom-free since April 8.

Prosecutors said that medical authorities at the prison have cleared his release. The U.S. Bureau of Prisons said Skelos is expected to be approved for furlough and home confinement once the U.S. Probation Department has approved his proposed residence. A release date had not been set as of press time Monday.

L a t e l a s t m o n t h , S ke l o s

requested early release, citing fear of contracting the virus after another inmate tested positive. The motion, filed under seal, was opposed by federal prosecutors in papers filed publicly, saying that an application for release must first be filed with the U.S. Bureau of Prisons, which can better assess his health situation. His medical condition was not made public at that point.

Skelos has more than two years left on his 51-month sentence for extortion, wire fraud and bribery.

Skelos was convicted in July 2018 of using his political power to secure roughly $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.

Herald file photo

former state sen. Majority Leader Dean Skelos of Rockville Centre has tested positive for Covid-19 and is expected to be released early to home confinement.

Trump lawyer, Lawrence native, to be released from prison

By Jeff Bessen jbessen@liherald.com

Michael Cohen, a Lawrence native and former personal attorney for President Donald Trump, who was convicted of several felonies and sentenced to three years in prison in 2018, will be released because of the coronavirus pandemic after a 14-day quarantine period, prison officials said. He will serve the remainder of his sentence confined to home.

He was serving his sentence and expected to be released in November 2021 from federal prison in upstate Otisville, where 14 inmates and seven staff members at the facility tested positive for Covid-19, as of press time. A federal judge had previously rejected Cohen’s request for a sentence reduction because of coronavirus on March 24.

Cohen was found guilty of breaking campaign finance laws, tax evasion and lying to Congress, among other charges in 2018. He was also ordered to pay $1.39 million in restitution, forfeit $500,000 and pay a $50,000 fine. The guilty pleas to the federal felony charges resulted in his disbarment as a lawyer in New York state.

Serving as Trump’s personal attorney, Cohen, 53, arranged sixfigure payments to a por n star known as Stormy Daniels, whose

Jeff Bessen/Herald

lawrence native michael Cohen who was serving three years in prison on multiple federal charges will be released because of the coronavirus outbreak.

Above, testifying before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform last year. real name is Stephanie Clifford, and former Playboy model Karen McDougal, to buy their silence about their one-time affairs with the president.

Cohen testified multiple times in front of Congressional commit-

tees on Capitol Hill last year, including the public hearing before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, before which he famously called his former boss a racist and a cheat, and admitted,” I am a fool.”

News brief Long Island Trauma Recovery Network to provide free therapy The Long Island Trauma Recovery Network will provide free therapy to health care workers, first responders, essential employees, their families, and those whose loved ones are facing or have died from the coronavirus.

All services will be provided remotely by trained and licensed eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapists. Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing is a form of psychotherapy in which a trauma patient is asked to recall a distressing image. It has been proven to help address the trauma symptoms that medical professionals and first responders face.

The Long Island EDMR Trauma Network will offer the Integrative Group Treatment Protocol, which provides individual EDMR therapy in a group setting. The program is administered to groups of people who have experienced the same type of trauma or who share a major life challenge.

There will be several groups weekly, and some individual appointments are available.

For more information, email LongIslandTrauma@gmail.com and contact Cathy Menzies, LCSWR Trauma Recovery Coordinator at (631) 466 - 7053 to register.

–Melissa Koenig

Requesting the state’s help for small businesses jbessen@liherald.com

Advocating for business owners who have either closed or suffered a steep decline in revenue, Nassau County Bridge Authority Chairman James Vilardi sent a letter on April 13 to the New York State Department of Financial Services Superintendent Linda Lacewell asking for her help.

Vilardi, a Hewlett resident and owner of a home building business, requested that Lacewell “issue a directive to insurance companies charted in the State of New York barring the ‘germ and virus’ exclusion and lack of ‘physical damage’ to deny legitimate claims.

When speaking to several business owners, Vilardi said he learned that insurance companies were flat out denying possible claims from businesses amid the coronavirus pandemic for business interruption because there is no typical physical damage to a business such as fire or a flood and applying the germ and virus exclusion.

Vilardi asked the Department of Financial Services to deem the business interruption that resulted from the civil authority – the governor’s mandate closure – to be the reason businesses should have their claims paid and not denied because it is because of a germ or virus.

“With a strict interpretation the claim

Jeffrey Bessen/Herald

ThE NaSSau CouNTY Bridge Authority that oversees the Atlantic Beach Bridge, above, has also been financially affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. would be denied,” he said, “the overriding fact is that it is the government telling the businesses to shut down.”

Business interruption insurance replaces lost income when a business is halted for some reason, such as a fire or a natural disaster. It also covers operating expenses, a temporary location move if needed, payroll, taxes and loan payments.

The Nassau County Bridge Authority oversees operations of the Atlantic Beach Bridge suspended toll taking to eliminate contact between toll takers and motorists and hopefully avert the spread of Covid19. Vilardi said the bridge authority’s

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claim was already denied.

The bridge authority, though in a strong financial position with an A2 stable rating from Moody’s Investor Service had roughly $10 million of unrestricted cash or a very strong 900 days cash on hand, as of February 2020, officials said.

The longer the health crisis lasts with no toll taking revenue would declines, officials said.

Dr. Richard Adler, a Lawrence resident, is part of a five-dentist dental practice in the Borough Park section of Brooklyn. Adler received a letter dated March 25 from his insurance company,

Travelers, that basically said do not make a claim.

“My first reaction was frustration, you can’t fight City Hall and I didn’t want to do,” Adler said. “I first spoke to Jim [Vilardi] about something else, and he said it might be possible the State legislature takes up.” Adler said that doing only emergency dental work, the practice is generating only 10 percent of the revenue it usually does. There are more than 20 employees working at the practice.

Adler sent his insurance company a response letter. “Your letter dated 3-25-20 is based on a false premise,” he stated.

“The reason I deserve ‘business interruption’ coverage is Not because I stopped working due to ‘virus or bacteria.’ I suffered an insurable loss because the government of New York state mandated me to close.” Adler said he has not received a response nor has he received responses to three subsequent letters he sent to Travelers and Marsh & McLennan, which sells Travelers policies.

Vilardi said he has yet to hear from the Department of Financial Services.

To get businessowners paid,” he said is the best result, adding that there is a possibility that insurance companies could be reimbursed by the federal government as well.

The Department of Financial Services did not respond for comment by press time.

NOW THERE’S AN EASY WAY FOR YOU TO SUPPORT OUR LOCAL HEROES Donate at www.liherald.com/heroes Every dollar donated will be used to provide food & other goods to doctors, nurses, patients and other frontline essential workers in the local community. All food & items will be purchased from locally owned and operated businesses so we can support our business community, too Look for the HERALD HEROES special edition in your mailbox April 30

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The Herald and Richner Communications family thank our amazing heroes!

TO MAKE A DONATION PLEASE VISIT WWW.LIHERALD.COM/HEROES

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — April 23, 2020

By JEFFREY BESSEN

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Staying healthy and safe amid the Covid pandemic

By JEFFREY BESSEN jbessen@liherald.com

Five days a week in what was the carriage house on the former Hewlett Estate is a hive of activity as the small building on the Hewlett High school campus is home to the Center for Adult Life Enrichment.

Known as CALE to its nearly 300 members, what was once the Five Towns Seniors Center, caters to an active group of older adults from the Five Towns and surrounding South Shore communities.

Offering an assortment of activities, programs and services, CALE provides what it calls “a home away from home” for its members.

Like nearly every other entity, CALE has closed during the coronavirus health crisis because of the social distancing mandates. However, that does not translate into not doing anything. Executive Director Lee Gerardi said that she has been at the center doing what needs to be done and it is sad that there is no one else there with her.

“I am keeping up with my member and vendor community,” she said. “I check on them by a call or a social distance visit, email and when feasible I drop off something helpful. My heart is for them, especially at this unimaginable moment.”

Two of the more active CALE members are Lawrence resident Claire Ganzfried and Stanley Brill, who lives in North

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Jeffrey Bessen/Herald

CENtER FoR Adult Life Enrichment Executive Director Lee Gerardi remains steadfast in her commitment to the senior organization during the coronavirus pandemic.

Woodmere. Ganzfried, 86, led programs on exercise and crossword puzzles before the center shutdown because of the virus.

“I’ve been doing my exercise program that I’m accustomed to and led two times a week,” she said. “I do crossword puzzles two, three, four times a day. I have a lot of crossword books. It’s a lot of fun, I watch reruns of TV shows I never watched. I keep up on CALE members and make

sure they are OK. My family is very good to me they leave things on the porch.”

Brill, 91, said he was “fine staying in

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the house,” as initially he had plenty of food stored in his home for a “winter that never came.” His family leaves food outside in brown paper bags and he retrieves the items.

“I’m not scared, I’m cautious, listening to what the instructions are, I do have a mask and wear gloves,” he said.

I’m on the computer and on the piano I’m not that good at it, I fool around.

Crossword puzzles pretty much keeps me busy and the computer work for the center. Let’s hope it’s a temporary situation.”

Gerardi has Brill doing the center’s May and June calendars, along with its Centerpiece newsletter. “My days are either busy or still or fixated on the news and journaling all for future reference,” she said. “Praying and worshiping with my friends and spiritual community.

Very grateful for technology. Not enjoying food shopping these days, yet appreciative for the senior hours now that I turned 60,” adding laughter to what continues to be a sobering situation.

For more information on the Center for Adult Life Enrichment, go to hwcale.com or call (516) 374-4747.

Herald Community Newspapers salutes our ‘hometown heroes’ While many of us have stayed at home to protect our families and loved ones, our health care workers, first responders and others on the front lines wake up each day and leave their families and loved ones behind to respond to those in need.

In their selfless devotion to others, these courageous individuals expose themselves to risk for the people in our communities.

These are people who stand out in times of crises. They might first responders going above and beyond or even a good neighbor helping another neighbor in need.

The Herald joins our communities and readers in expressing our gratitude to these special people making a difference during this trying time. We are all thankful to our police officers, firefight-

ers, mail carriers, grocery employees, restaurant workers, delivery drivers and essential service providers who put themselves on the front lines of the crisis daily.

We will share these outstanding stories of our local “hometown heroes” in a special pull-out section,” Salute to Covid19 Hometown Heroes,” in the April 30 editions of the Herald. The spirit and heart of Long Island are exemplified every day by the many outstanding individuals who often go unrecognized. The Herald honors them in this inspirational section. Get to know these amazing people who share their insights in their own words.

Net proceeds from this special section will be used to partner with local businesses to provide meals and gifts to our local health care workers, first responders and patients.

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liherald.com/whatsopen

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List your business’ status and find out information about other local businesses.

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HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — April 23, 2020

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.

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

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obituary

April 23, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

Atlantic Beach native Dr. Barry Fisher dies at 69 REGISTER FROM APRIL 1ST TO MAY 31ST

By MATTHEW FERREMI mferremi@liherald.com

When it came to professional sports in New York and medical related issues, Dr. Barry G. Fisher was at the forefront of advising teams and athletes in his career.

Fisher, 69, died on April 17 from Covid19 related issues. He grew up in Malverne, lived in Atlantic Beach for more than 40 years and then Old Brookville. Fisher graduated from the University of Cincinnati and received his medical degree from the University of Chicago.

The orthopedic surgeon, who had his own medical practice, was the team medical doctor for several metropolitan area professional sports teams such as the New Jersey Devils, the New York Islanders and Brooklyn Nets.

He also treated countless domestic and foreign politicians, celebrities and many athletes. Dr. Fisher was involved in several medical charities to help ensure that those who were unable to receive medical attention got such medical treatment. He has a true passion for the medical profession, but his true love was his family, friends of the family said.

Fisher is survived by his wife Joann Fisher; children Samantha, Haylee, Jordan, Ryan, Charlie, Erika, and Corey; his

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Every life matters to us …

Dear neighbor:

We live and work in this community. The lives of each and every one of you is important to us and we are here to tell your stories — from beginning to end. That includes the final chapter. At this difficult time, I want to remind you that obituaries in all Herald Community Newspapers are, and have always been, completely free.

COVID-19 has taken far too many, far to soon. Let us help you commemorate the life of your loved one with a story and photo celebrating their life. Contact our Executive Editor Scott Brinton, sbrinton@liherald.com or call 516-569-4000, ext 203, if you would like to memorialize a loved one in the Herald, regardless of their cause of death.

Stuart Richner Publisher srichner@liherald.com 1087105

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$500,000 IN GRANTS 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 through July 15, 2020.

WHERE Apply at www.liherald.com/grant.

WHEN Applications will be accepted until April 30, 2020 or until maximum grant funding has been distributed. Businesses will be contacted 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 through July 15, 2020.

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

RHONDA GLICKMAN VP Sales

LORI BERGER Sales Manager

rglickman@liherald.com

lberger@liherald.com

ELLEN REYNOLDS Sales Manager

AMY AMATO Executive Director

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COURTNEY MYERS Media Consultant cmyers@liherald.com

For more information call Rhonda at 516.569.4000 ext. 250

APPLY TODAY AT

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A Special Collaboration With The Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores

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April 23, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

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Student research to be published

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — April 23, 2020

continued from front page it was important — especially being a female teenager and attending an all-girls school — to research something that impacts all girls in my grade,” she said.

“I’m grateful for all my fellow students that participated in the survey.”

Senior Lia DiMitri, a close friend of Di Scipio’s, was one of the students who responded to the survey. DiMitri noted how inspired she was by the effort her friend devoted to the project. “Her hard work ethic and dedication to all tasks delegated to her motivates me to also strive for perfection in all I do,” DiMitri said in an email. “As a teenage girl in this day and age where beauty standards are constantly present, Sofia’s science research project touches a concerning relevant topic.”

S t e p h e n S u l l iva n , t h e s c i e n c e research director at Sacred Heart, who taught anthropology and history and oversaw behavioral science research at Lawrence High School for 31 years, said he had been impressed with Di Scipio since they became acquainted. “It’s phenomenal that a 17-year-old kid has undertaken a research project like this,” Sullivan said. “Having the opportunity to address an issue like body image is something that is very important to her.”

Sister Jean Amore, the principal at Sacred Heart, described Di Scipio as an exceptional student. “In every class, a

Photos courtesy Stephen Sullivan

hewleTT residenT and Sacred Heart Academy senior Sofia Di Scipio, left, discussed her research with former classmate and current Fordham University student Sophia Poarch, center, and Columbia University psychology professor Dr. Geraldine Downey. student stands out for her consistent and outstanding scholarship work,” Amore wrote in an email. “Sofia Di Scipio is certainly one of these young women whose motivation and abilities stretch beyond the academic to caring for the social, moral, spiritual and political arenas in life. Her research topic reflects her wellrounded and broad interests and concerns.”

Di Scipio said she was blown away by the support from the school’s students and administration. “I’m very grateful

for everyone’s participation,” she said. “I know it’s a topic that’s difficult to talk about. “The survey wasn’t easy, especially for girls who have body image issues, as it was 78 questions long.”

With school out since mid-March due to the coronavirus pandemic, Di Scipio’s next project has been postponed. The plan was for two health teachers to hold a group session with students on the importance of mindful eating.

“It’s been difficult learning new content online and not being able to see

di scipio presenTed her research project, “Can Mindful Eating and Training Protect Against Body Self-Objectification and More Generalized Wellness Variables?” at the APS Convention in Washington, D.C., last May. everybody in person,” Di Scipio said of the new reality of distance learning. “It’s getting harder and harder as the days go on, because you aren’t used to being in the house every day.”

Feeding local heroes and friends continued from front page to thank her sons’ pediatrician, Dr. Brian Blinderman, of Hewlett, for serving the community. Blinderman was Longaro’s doctor when she was growing up in Lawrence. Her initial efforts were highlighted in a Herald story, “Feeding local heroes and friends on the South Shore,” last month.

Financial support g rew rapidly through Longaro’s Venmo and PayPal accounts and, she said, the involvement of many Five Towns restaurants. “I can’t pretend I’m so surprised about all of the money collected,” she said. “This is a very charitable community. I’ve also kept many and have luckily been kept as a friend by many over the years. I’m definitely not a ‘keeper’ of things — I part easily with everything, but not people.”

And people took notice. Originally a private Facebook group page, Feeding Local Heroes and Friends quickly grew from hundreds of members to more than 3,000, and now is an open group. “Many people from different places and different times in my life contributed,” Longaro said. “Everyone who saw the page responded somehow. If they couldn’t contribute monetarily, they shared the page or sent me a private message about how they would love to do more but couldn’t.”

Each day, after Longaro posted the names of the businesses or organizations the meals went to and the restau-

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Feeding Local Heroes and Friends

The message ThaT accompanied deliveries of food to essential workers by Feeding Local Heroes and Friends, a group created by Hewett resident Blair Longaro. rants that provided them, several other posts would quickly appear, thanking her for the group’s efforts.

“The list of places we delivered to is overwhelming,” she said. “The homes and individuals we delivered to, who aren’t on the list, are equally as overwhelming. The thing that amazes me the most about the group is how little it really took of everyone to participate and how exponentially huge the impact was.”

That impact was felt by Bridget Jelovcic, who posted the following on April 15: “My name is Bridget and I want

to thank you for what you started because through your idea I started a Malverne Feeding Our Heroes and we have raised close to $25,000 in three weeks. I haven’t been on your page since then, but it popped up tonight on my news feed and I wanted to say thank you to you for inspiring me to emulate your lead.”

Volunteer Lee Hoffman, who made calls and helped promote the Hewlett’s group Facebook page, was in a local CVS on March 28 when food was delivered, and she posted about it that day. “Amazing to see this group’s support in action

this morning as I witnessed a delivery while at CVS in Hewlett,” she wrote.

“Mostly I was so touched by the employees’ gratefulness and excitement, while Pantano’s delivered a wonderful, warm breakfast.”

Longaro noted that some people, including her, struggle with the reasons for donating money to a cause, questioning whether they’re doing it for the attention, and whether others might think less of them for doing so. “A common phrase was, ‘I don’t want people to think I’m doing it for the attention,’” she said. “What is wrong with us humans? How have we gotten to a point where we may back away from doing something positive to help people because we’re worried about being judged for it? This idea pains me.”

Feeding Local Heroes and Friends stopped collecting money earlier this month, but the group is encouraging people to continue the mission of buying food and sending it to those they consider heroes and friends.

“We’re used to putting in tremendous efforts and hoping for tremendous results, Longaro said. “We’re used to putting in little effort and seeing little results. This was something that took little effort compared to its effect and affect. I am not minimizing anyone’s donations or all of the deliveries made or all of the behind-the-scenes work, but I and [the group] would do it all again.”

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April 23, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

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LEGAL NOTICE INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF HEWLETT HARBOR 2020 DRAINAGE I M P R OV E M E N T PROGRAM NOTICE TO BIDDERS Sealed Bids for 2020 Drainage Improvement Program will be received by the Village Clerk’s office, located at The Village Hall of the Incorporated Village of Hewlett Harbor, 449 Pepperidge Road, Hewlett Harbor, New York 11557 until 12:00 p.m. (Noon) Local Time, on May 15, 2020, and then at said office publicly opened and read aloud.

The Contract Documents, consisting of Notice to Bidders, Instructions to Bidders, Bid, Bid Bond, Agreement, General C o n d i t i o n s , Supplementary Conditions, Payment Bond, Performance Bond, Drawings, Division 1, Specifications and Addenda may be examined at the following location: D&B Engineers and Architects, P.C. 330 Crossways Park Drive Woodbury, NY 11797-2015 All bidders must obtain a set of the Contract Documents.

Copies of the Contract Documents may be obtained on Wednesday, April 15, 2020 at the office of D&B Engineers and Architects, P.C. for the sum of $50.00 for each set of documents, paid by check made payable to the Inc. Village of Hewlett Harbor.

Each Bid must be accompanied by a certified or bank cashier’s check made payable to the Village of Hewlett Harbor, (Village) or a Bid Bond issued by a surety licensed to conduct business in the state where the Project is located and having a Best Rating of A- or better from A.M. Best Company and named in the current list of “Companies Holding Certificates of Authority as Sureties on Federal Bonds and as Acceptable Reinsuring Companies” as published in Circular 570 (amended) by the Financial Management Service, Surety Bond Branch, U.S. Department of the Treasury, in an amount not less than five percent of the amount of the Bid submitted. The list may be ordered from the Government Printing Office Bookstore, 26 Federal Plaza, Room 110, New York, NY 10278, (212) 264-3825.

Each Bidder must complete and submit with his/her bid the “Iranian Investment Activities Certification” provided in the Bid Form in compliance with General Municipal Law 103-g, Iranian Energy Sector Divestment.

Each Bidder must complete and submit with his/her Bid the “Certification of Compliance with New York State Labor Law Section Two Hundred One-G” provided in the Bid Form regarding the implementation of a written policy addressing sexual harassment prevention in the workplace.

The Bidder to whom the Village proposes to award the Contract will be required to furnish performance and payment bonds and the necessary insurance certificates as prescribed in the General Conditions and the Supplementary Conditions upon the execution of the Agreement.

Bidders are required to execute a non-collusive bidding certification required by Section 103-d of the General Municipal Law of the State of New York.

The attention of Bidders is particularly called to the requirements as to the conditions of employment to be observed and the minimum wage rates to be paid under the contracts.

Bidders are also required to comply with the antidiscrimination provisions of Sections 290-301 of the Executive Law of the State of New York.

This project is being financed with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”) Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (“CDBG-DR”) funds administered by the NYS Governor’s Office of Storm Recovery (“GOSR”). Attention of bidders is particularly called to Section 3 (Housing and Development Act of 1968) requirements, M/WBE goals, Federal labor standards, Federal and State prevailing wage rates, online reporting requirements using Elation Systems, Inc. and other requirements included in the GOSR Supplementary Conditions for Contracts.

See Instructions to Bidders for additional Information.

The Vendor is required to submit a Minority/Women Owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE) plan with their proposal or risk their proposal being rejected as non-compliant. The Vendor will have an opportunity to modify this plan prior to executing a contract offered as a result of their proposal.

Any contract or contracts awarded under this invitation for bids are expected to be funded in part by an Appropriations Act grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Neither

Keeping busy through otices the Covid outbreak

the United States nor any of its departments, agencies or employees is or will be a party to this invitation for bids or any resulting contract. This procurement will be subject to regulations contained in 40 CFR PART 200.”

The Village reserves the right to reject any or all of the Bids received, to readvertise for Bids, to abandon the project, to waive any or all informalities in any Bid received and to accept any proposal which the Village decides to be for the best interest of the Village.

After Bids are received but before it is awarded, there will be a pre-bid meeting between the Village, the potential contract awardees and the Governor’s Office of Stormwater Recovery (GOSR), at a date and time to be determined.

After the issuance of the Notice of Award and the Contact signing, a preconstruction meeting will be held at Village Hall of the Incorporated Village of Hewlett Harbor, 449 Pepperidge Road, Hewlett Harbor, New York 11557 on a date and time to be determined.

THE INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF HEWLETT HARBOR By: Michael Ryder, Village Clerk Date: April 6, 2020 121575

LEGAL NOTICE VILLAGE OF CEDARHURST LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Mayor and Board of Trustees of the Village of Cedarhurst will hold a public hearing on April 27, 2020 at 8:00 PM at Village Hall, 200 Cedarhurst Avenue, Cedarhurst, New York 11516 to consider a local law authorizing a property tax levy in excess of the limit established in General Municipal Law Sub Section 3-C for the Budget Year period June 1, 2020 through May 31, 2021.

Dated: Cedarhurst, New York April 20, 2020 Salvatore Evola Village-Clerk Treasurer

By Order of Mayor Benjamin Weinstock And the Board of Trustees 121639 LEGAL NOTICE INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF CEDARHURST LEGAL NOTICE PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to Article 5 Section 5-508 Subdivision 3 of the Village Law of the State of New York, as amended, a public hearing will be held to adopt Tentative Budget of the Village of Cedarhurst on Monday, April 27, 2020 at 8:00 P.M. at Village Hall, 200 Cedarhurst Avenue, Cedarhurst, New York 11516. The purpose of such meeting will be to

discuss and adopt the tentative budget for the 2020/2021 fiscal year.

The Tentative Budget is available for review at Village Hall .

Dated: Cedarhurst, New York April 20, 2020 Salvatore Evola Village-Clerk Treasurer

By Order of Mayor Benjamin Weinstock And the Board of Trustees 121640

LEGAL NOTICE INC. VILLAGE OF HEWLETT NECK PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the Board of Trustees of the Inc. Village of Hewlett Neck will hold a public hearing via Zoom on Monday, May 18, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. in relation to the Village’s Storm Water Management Program.

At the said time and place, all interested persons may be heard with respect to the foregoing matter by emailing Village Hall at villages3@optimum.net to request meeting information attendance via Zoom Any person who may have a disability which would inhibit attendance at or participation in the meeting should notify the Village Clerk at least three business days prior to the meeting, so that reasonable efforts may be made to facilitate such attendance and participation.

All relevant documents may be inspected at the office of the Village Clerk, 30 Piermont Avenue, Hewlett, New York, during regular business hours.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES Michelle Blandino, VILLAGE CLERK DATED: April 24, 2020 121627 To place a notice here call us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com

LEGAL NOTICE INC. VILLAGE OF WOODSBURGH PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the Board of Trustees of the Inc. Village of WOODSBURGH will hold a public hearing on May 18, 2020 at 8:00 PM. in relation to Phase II of the Village’s Storm Water Management Program. If the meeting cannot be held in person, it will be conducted via Zoom. Please contact the village clerk at villages3@optimimum.ne t to obtain necessary information to attend the meeting.

At the said time and place, all interested persons may be heard with respect to the foregoing matter.

Any person who may have a disability which would inhibit attendance at or participation in the meeting should notify the Village Clerk at least three business days prior

screen singing and performing live from their homes to promote support for The Actors Fund’s services for those most Even if you have work or schoolwork to impacted by coronavirus. do, being stuck inside your home for an “The shows are live daily at 2 p.m. and 8 extended period of time is not fun, especial- p.m. every day and also feature my brothly as the weather outside improves. The er’s friend, Dr. Jonathan LaPook who is the quarantining and social distancing man- chief medical correspondent for CBS News dates because of the coronavirus pandemic giving updates and answering questions,” could be inhibiting to Beth said. The link creativity. is, http://actorsfund.

With all the elecorg/StarsInThetronic devices at our House. fingertips makes it In North Woodeasier to remain in mere, Elyse Parker touch with family said she is, “Going and friends. Then through photo there are bing ealbums. Scanning watching television pictures into my shows, playing video computer. Refinishgames, and of ing my wood floors, course, actually talkmyself after watching with the people ing a how-to video. in our homes.

Giving everyone in The Herald asked the house haircuts what some of the for the first time. On unique things people a more serious note: are doing to keep organizing my Jeffrey Bessen/Herald busy and mentally finances and personHEwlEtt RESidENt ANdREw Liebowitz al information for and physically active while home during is cooking, decluttering and connecting my children ‘just in t h i s t i m e . T h e with a business networking group case.’” responses came from through the Covid-19 pandemic.

Mario Alex Facebook posts and Joseph said, “I love an email. being in isolation with my family! The Hewlett resident Andrew Liebowitz said Woodsburgh resident is: that he has adapted to the three major “Keeping busy practicing law and telechanges because of Covid-19. “I have conferencing clients, but also multitasking become a master chef of my household,” he with our family business, HoodSkulls.com.” said. “I cook all of the meals for my family Though The Brandeis School in Lawand unlike before, we actually eat together rence because of the Covid-19 outbreak, as a family. I will continue to do that after Leslie Gang, the Jewish Day School’s directhe virus subsides. Decluttering every day. tor of communications and Hindi’s LibrarI’m learning to throw out things from my ies co-founder has her hands full taking past. No more hoarding and I have decided care of her family. She has snuck in some to move Breakfast Connect to Zoom. We can personal time to teach herself piano. all network in pajamas with a bowl of cere“I taught myself ‘Speechless’ from the al if we want to.” Breakfast Connect is a ‘Aladdin’ movie using a YouTube tutorial group of local businesspeople who meet and followed the instructions while remindweekly to network and help each other ing myself about piano basics,” she said. expand their businesses.

“Got the notes down, now just working on Beth Rudetsky of Valley Stream said she pacing and rhythm. Next up is ‘Can’t Stop is watching her brother, Seth Rudetsky, a The Feeling’ by Justin Timberlake.”

SiriusXM Broadway host, and his husband, Janis McDonnell, a Woodmere native, producer James Wesley, produce and host has taken a simpler but just as rewarding daily online mini-shows, entitled “Stars In route. “Walking the streets for hours, with The House,” featuring stars of stage and my grandchildren,” she said.

By JEFFREY BESSEN jbessen@liherald.com

Public Notices

to the meeting, so that reasonable efforts may be made to facilitate such attendance and participation.

All relevant documents may be inspected at the office of the Village Clerk, 30 Piermont Avenue, Hewlett, New York, during regular business hours.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES MICHELLE BLANDINO, VILLAGE CLERK DATED: April 24, 2020 121628

PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES… Printed in this publication can be found online. Search by publication name at: www.mypublicnotices.com

Place a notice by phone at 516-569-4000 x232 or email: legalnotices@liherald.com

Place a notice by phone at 516-569-4000 x232 or email: legalnotices@liherald.com

PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES… Printed in this publication can be found online. To search by publication name, go to: www.mypublicnotices.com TO PLACE AND AD CALL 516-569-4000 x 232

PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES… Printed in this publication can be found online. To search by publication name, go to: www.mypublicnotices.com TO PLACE AND AD CALL 516-569-4000 x 232

Nassau County is child care desert: official

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — April 23, 2020

By TimoThy DenTon tdenton@liherald.com

Much of Nassau County is a child care desert, resulting in billions in lost revenue, according to a study released on Friday by Nassau County Comptroller Jack Schnirman.

The lockdown due to the Covid-19 virus has highlighted the issue, showing that many Nassau County families depend on schools to provide daycare for their older children. Care for younger children, however, has always been a challenge for many families.

“Nassau County is a patchwork, varying widely from district to district,” Schnirman wrote in the study. “Despite nearly $9 billion in public school tax levies, only 10 percent of 4-year-olds have access to publicly funded pre-K programs, compared to universal access in New York City,” Schnirman wrote in the report.

Both Seaford and Wantagh are considered child care deserts — any census tract where more than 50 children are without providers, or where providers are so scarce that they are able to serve less than one-third of the total need, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

More than 60 percent of New York State is considered a child care desert.

Nassau County has a total of about 43,650 pre-K places, where more than 138,000 are needed, the study found, with minority and low-income families having the least access to pre-K programs.

Averaging more than $15,000 per year, infant care represents about 12 percent of a median family’s income of $116,300. For a family earning $52,400, or 200 percent of the official federal poverty level for a family of four, infant care for one child represents nearly 29 percent of the family’s pretax income.

According to the Census Bureau, “c=Child care is critical. It either propels or stalls the local economy.”

Locally, “child care has one of the highest economic multipliers, with a return of $1.95 for every dollar invested,” Schnirman wrote.

Of those who work part-time, lack of child care is

Herald file photo

nassau CounTy shows a wide disparity in access to affordable child care. the most commonly cited reason for not accepting fulltime work. Women make up 94 percent of the involuntary part-time workforce, due to child care concerns, Schnirman wrote, and 46 percent of Nassau County

families have no reliable child care.

Child care is an $800 million industry on Long Island, employing roughly 9,000 workers.

Belmont Park delays horseracing season The opening of the Belmont Park’s spring-summer horseracing season will be delayed because of the Covid19 pandemic from April 24 to June 6, when the 152nd running of the Belmont Stakes is to take place, said New York Racing Association officials last week.

The date of the Belmont Stakes is subject to change, however.

“The Belmont Stakes is a New York institution and American tradition,” NYRA CEO and President Dave O’Rourke said. “We are committed to running the race in 2020 and aim to deliver an announcement in the very near future.”

The racing season normally runs 51 days.

“We are working closely with the New York State Gaming Commission and public health officials to determine a timeline for the resumption of live racing at Belmont Park,” O’Rourke said. “The

17

health and safety of our racing community is paramount, and any decisions or necessary adjustments to the racing schedule and operations must reflect that priority. I’d like to thank New York’s horsemen and the backstretch community for their dedication and patience as we navigate these uncertain times together.”

The Belmont backstretch, which is home to 585 workers who tend to the essential daily care of the more than 1,300 thoroughbreds stabled there, has remained open to the horses’ caregivers and operational for training. Owners are not permitted access to the backstretch until further notice.

NYRA posted coronavirusrelated signs in English and Spanish across the backstretch, noting key information about social distancing and hand washing, and a hotline to call for workers feeling the onset of symptoms.

Herald file photo

BelmonT Park’s sPring/summer meet will not open April 24 as originally scheduled.

HERALD

Employment

CLASSIFIED

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.

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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

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Under NYS CDPAP Medicaid program you can hire your family or friends for your care. Phone: 347-713-3553

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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 PARKING ENFORCEMENT OFFICER: PT, Various Shifts, Retiree's Welcome.

Duties Include: Patrols Throughout The Village, Issuance Code Violations Citations.

Qualifications: HS Graduate Or Equivalent, Valid Driver's License With A Satisfactory Driving Record. Willing To Work Evenings, Weekends, Holidays & Inclement Weather.

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© 2018 Century 21 Real Estate LLC. All rights reserved. CENTURY 21® and the CENTURY 21 Logo are registered service marks owned by Century 21 Real Estate LLC. Century 21 Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each office is independently owned and operated. It is your responsibility to ensure that the marketing materials you choose or create are compliant with real estate and other local laws in your area.

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April 23, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

18

*If your property is currently listed with another brokerage, please disregard. It is not our intention to solicit the listings of other brokerages.

One phone call, one order, one heck of a good price to run your ad in any state, or across the country.

1081833

Call the

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1-800-231-6152

things can become so complicated? On one hand, your mother simply changed her mind and didn’t have the porch built, and on the other hand, the building department simply wants paperwork from you that seems simple enough to get but isn’t that easy.

I’m concerned that none of the children was given authority to act on your mother’s behalf, and you should seek an attorney to resolve the matters of her estate. As for the voiding of the permit, building departments are run by human beings with a heart, and you should write a letter so there’s a document on record explaining the situation. Sign it in front of a notary, and arrange to meet with a senior official before having more discussions with the building inspector.

The premises will still need inspecting, to verify the work was never done. To prove the home has no more issues with permits required, to satisfy the bank and the buyer, a new building department search sheet should be requested, showing no open permits. The biggest problem is time, and this isn’t a real situation. In most cases it’s a made-up bank or buyer timeline, because your closing is dependent on another closing, and so on and so on.

Because the search and a site review weren’t done early in the sales process, and because most people don’t really believe you need a permit to make changes to a home, great sleepless stress sets in and everyone is pointing fingers. It’s not unusual to get calls from people who need an ambulance architect — you know, the ones with the rotating light on the roof of their car and the siren blaring as they race to your home to start the process of satisfying the bank, their lawyers, etc. We see it all the time, and it’s avoidable if the seller calls an architect to check the home code compliance against recorded permit plans well before the sale has begun. Good luck.

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Q. My mother was admitted to a Florida nursing home and we have to sell her house. She has Alzheimer’s and is incapable of communicating. Our attorney had a title company prepare a report, and the title search showed that there’s an open permit for a porch, which my mom never had done for financial reasons, from about 10 years ago.

When my brother and I, separately, called the building department and asked about it, we were told different things about canceling the unused permit. One person said to call a building inspector and have onte eeper them cancel it, but then I heard that I have to get my mother to write a letter saying she didn’t do the porch, and have it notarized. She isn’t able to understand or sign her name, and never gave us power of attorney to take care of things for her before her illness.

What can we do?

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HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — April 23, 2020

Is the permit valid, or not?

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Answers

to todAy’s puzzle

21

opinions

s the nation emerges from the coronavirus lockdown and begins to return to a semblance of normalcy, many of our cherished institutions will face some harsh realities. Nowhere will this dose of reality be starker than for America’s colleges and universities.

While our public school system will go through some wrenching times as it comes back to life, K-12 parents and students will not face the prospect of crushing debt and soaring costs that have been inflicted on consumers of Alfonse higher education. d’AMAto College students, in contrast, will return to campuses not only having missed most of a semester of classes; they will also struggle with exorbitantly high costs that will financially burden many of them for the rest of their lives.

How did we come to this sad turn of events, in which college degrees that should create a pathway to opportunity and prosperity instead present a long road of debt and possible financial ruin? Today, tuition and costs at some private colleges hovers in the range of $50,000 to $70,000

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per year. College grads carry debt that can run from tens of thousands of dollars for undergraduate degrees to over $100,000 for post-graduate degrees. As they struggle to cover this debt, buying a home often becomes a distant dream. Even buying a new car often gives way to making the monthly college debt payment.

Total college student debt today exceeds $1.5 trillion.

With the added burden of the current financial crisis, much of this debt is unsupportable. Student loan defaults on a large scale are likely unavoidable. And while the just-passed national financial rescue legislation provides some relief by postponing debt payment and interest for a time, the overall financial burden will remain.

Predictably, some in Washington are calling for forgiving much, if not all, college debt. But like the other emergency financial measures passed by Congress, such relief couldn’t go on indefinitely.

Future college students will continue to face high costs and mountainous loans.

The cycle of debt and default will continue to loom on the financial horizon.

The leaders of our higher education system have a moral obligation to break this vicious cycle. Just as the Federal Reserve system has taken extraordinary

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measures to shore up the nation’s finances, colleges and universities should also take emergency action to ease the financial burden on their students. College administrators shouldn’t cry hardship and shirk from this responsibility.

Nationwide, colleges are sitting on endowments of well over half a trillion dollars, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. They should seriously consider making these funds available to students to help pay down their current loans and reduce future tuition costs. If the Fed can tap into the national treasury for “quantitative easing” to lessen strains on our national economy, higher education treasuries can likewise tap into their great wealth to help ease their students’ money crisis.

And going forward, it’s long past time for colleges and universities to get real about not just containing, but lowering their stratospheric spending. Too many campuses have become islands of extravagance and excess amid a sea of hardship in their surrounding communities. In just one glaring example here in New York, a college president makes $5.1 million a year, 35 times what the school’s professors make, on average, and equal to the tuitions of 99 students, according to the Chronicle

an’t colleges use their vast endowments to help students pay down debt?

of Higher Education. Yet the community in which the school is located is one of New York’s poorest, with finances so precarious that it hovers near bankruptcy. In that town, as in so many others, the college is literally the shining, distant fortress on the hill with the surrounding town languishing below.

This college, and others like it, should take a hard look at themselves. Every expense should be examined, every bit of excess wrung out. The goal should be to reduce tuition and keep costs manageable over students’ academic careers.

In the future, public policy in Washington and Albany must be to stop rewarding higher education’s financial excesses and incentivize affordability instead. Federal and state aid should increase only for schools that bring their costs down. That means fewer top-heavy college administrators tripping over each other, more professors teaching more than only 10 or 12 hours a week, and fewer extravagant campus building sprees.

When students return to college this fall, they’ll return to a world changed by nature and hard times. If colleges want students to succeed, it’s time for them to lead.

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

ADAmato@liherald.com.

A loving tribute to my irreplaceable elders

y aunt Sylvia Gentile Brownstein died April 11 in a nursing home in New Jersey, of Covid-19. She was 97 years old, and lived in a room at the facility with her husband of 74 years, Murray Brownstein. He was my mother’s older brother.

The last time I saw him was seven years ago, when I visited him in Florida, and he insisted we go to a pub nearby because they were serving free ice cream to World War II veterans. A proud Navy vet who lied about his age to get into the service when he was 16, Uncle MurRAndi ray served on a kReiss minesweeper in the Pacific.

Aunt Sylvia died alone, because Uncle Murray had become sick and unable to comfort her.

Before the pandemic, which precluded visitors, they were cared for by their daughter, my cousin, who has shepherded them through these last difficult years.

But only the ending was sad.

Murray met Sylvia in Brooklyn just after the war. He fell in love, and defied

his Jewish family by marrying an Italian Catholic girl. Smart guy. She was a gem, loving and mildly crazy, so she fit right in, seeing as how everyone in our anxious, highly emotive clan is a notch off plumb.

When I was a kid, Aunt Syl and Uncle Murray lived in Valley Stream and we lived in Cedarhurst, so the visits were frequent. Murray was a Garment District wheeler and dealer who won big and lost big over the years. Aunt Sylvia was a homemaker extraordinaire.

She cleaned that house until it sparkled, every single day. And she was an outstanding cook. Her specialty was Italian food, and an invitation to their table was a gift.

When she hosted Thanksgiving, the meal started with homemade minestrone, and was followed by eggplant parmesan, spaghetti and meatballs and veal cutlet parmesan. I don’t recall seeing anything green, as in a string bean, on the table.

The last entry was the turkey, an afterthought, a gesture to the new world, fully dressed but largely ignored because we were all so stuffed from the Italian feast.

I confess, I didn’t know Aunt Sylvia as

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a woman. I have no idea what her dreams or joys or disappointments were. I do know she raised her kid sister, Madelaine, when their mother died very young. Madelaine joined Murray and Sylvia’s family, big sister to their own two kids.

I wish I had gotten to know Aunt Syl better, but in those days, people kept to their roles: She was the elder aunt and I was the young niece. Uncle Murray was difficult, but she would never talk about anything as personal as her marriage. She had a twin sister, Anna, and I suspect that that was her most emotionally intimate relationship.

They had a brother, too, Johnny, who went to the Naval Academy and was the pride of the family.

Every Christmas of my childhood, we went to Aunt Syl and Uncle Murray’s for an event that was part celebration and part child abuse. As dinner drew to a close, we would hear someone stomping up the basement steps and the loud jingling of bells. Eight little kids immediately dived under the dinner table and began screaming, which sent the adults into fits of laughter. Not normal, right?

ndelible memories of holidays and birthdays with Aunt Syl and Uncle Murray.

The stomping came closer, our screaming got louder, and suddenly Santa burst through the basement door. We kids were traumatized. He was a terror in his wild white wig and garish Santa mask. None of us noticed that Uncle Murray had disappeared from the dinner table some time earlier. This intruder was the Santa from hell, and we were scared out of our socks.

The elders, however, were greatly entertained, and so this became a cherished tradition, and we did it every year. I think I was finishing my junior year in college when I realized that Uncle Murray was Santa Claus.

All of our childhood birthdays were occasions for big parties. Aunt Syl and the other aunts and uncles would raise a glass or three, and before long the women were dancing on the table and the men were telling stories about the war and the old Brooklyn neighborhood. It was a rich experience for a little kid who was all eyes and ears.

I don’t know if Aunt Syl was a religious woman, but wherever she went, she wasn’t alone for long. The day after she passed, Uncle Murray died. He was 98.

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

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — April 23, 2020

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For American higher education, it’s time to lead

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Small businesses need more federal help

et’s not mince words: The federal government’s Paycheck Protection Program, which was supposed to hurry loans to small businesses so they can make payroll and stay afloat, has been troubled from the start.

With $349 billion in its coffers, the program, administered by the Small Business Administration, ran out of money last Thursday, leaving tens of millions of employers in the lurch, wondering whether they will be able to meet payroll at a time when so many small businesses are limping along because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Small businesses are the lifeblood of Main Street America, employing 48 percent of our national workforce. In total, there are 28 million small businesses across the U.S., according to Forbes. They desperately need — and deserve — better, particularly in the hardest-hit regions like the Northeast.

According to a CBS News analysis of SBA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data, New York, which has by far the greatest number of cases of Covid-19 of any state, was fourth on the list of states to receive PPP loans. Meanwhile, businesses in Texas received more such loans than any other state, even though the Lone Star State has the 10th-largest Covid-19 caseload

in the U.S. Apparently, Texas processed loans faster than New York, as the money went from the federal government to banks on a firstcome, first-served basis, creating a race for funding. But that was unfair, because in places where need was greatest, like New York, businesses were struggling most to run their daily operations, and so were hamstrung in their ability to file for loans.

The federal government should have set a date by which all loan applications were due, and then divided the money thereafter based on need.

At the same time, some very big businesses received loans under the program.

The owner of the Ruth’s Chris Steak House chain nabbed a $20 million loan, despite having more than 5,000 employees and $468 million in revenue last year. The PPP was supposed to have been limited to businesses with fewer than 500 employees, but Congress included an exception for hotels and restaurants.

Most big-name chains did not apply for PPP loans, but others, including Potbelly, Kura Sushi and Shake Shack, did. (Shake Shack announced Sunday night that it would return its $10 million loan, citing confusion over the program’s regulations and

saying that other businesses needed the money more than it did.)

There were other problems with the program. Big banks, for example, lent money to their own customers first, and then to others. Many required borrowers to already have an established line of credit with the bank to receive a PPP loan. The thing is, this was a federal government program, and no loan applicant should have received preferential treatment.

At press time, Congress was negotiating a $300 billion extension of the program, which would bring the total expenditure to $649 billion. One Forbes analysis, however, estimated the PPP really needs as much as $850 billion to fully fund all of the small businesses now in dire need.

We commend Congress for making money available to small businesses quickly. Sadly, however, the program has become another of many political footballs amid the coronavirus crisis. What’s lacking is national leadership. President Trump and Congress should be united in their desire to aid small businesses — now, not later.

If the federal government doesn’t act fast, with one voice, our downtowns could soon become ghost towns, and that would be terrible for us all.

Thanks for all you’ve done, Governor Cuomo

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e have offered high praise to our first responders and medical workers on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic, and no doubt, they deserve every bit of it. Check out our story this week on Elyse Isopo, a North Shore University Hospital Intensive Care Unit nurse practitioner. Her determination to save lives is evident in her every word, and her fear of spreading Covid-19 to her family at her home is palpable.

Good people like her are truly heroes.

We must also acknowledge a hero of a different sort: Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who, despite finding himself in the epicenter of this unfolding international disaster, has provided levelheaded, science-based leadership that has served as a model for governors across the U.S. Cuomo quickly realized the magnitude of the pandemic and acted decisively, without political rancor. He has been careful not to mix up it with President Trump, even when the president appeared to be spoiling for a political fight with him last week.

letters The hypocrisy of stimulus checks To the Editor: All conservatives and Republicans across the country should return their federal relief checks so they do not become “unproductive, lazy welfare recipients” who are accepting “government handouts” and “something for nothing” — “parasites” who are being “subsidized” by the federal government.

It would be hypocritical for conservatives and Republicans to accept help from the federal government when they constantly oppose such assistance for the middle and lower classes who truly need it, and whom they look down their noses at. Now, many of them are in the shoes of those in need.

Our allies in Western Europe and Canada have federal governments that do more to help their people than ours does.

To quote Al Pacino in “And Justice for All”: “I have now concluded

Cuomo has not used this crisis to further his own brand. Rather, he has acted in the best interests of all New Yorkers, and this week we are seeing the results of his actions. The Covid-19 death toll is, as predicted, beginning to drop, as are the new hospitalization rate, the ICU admissions rate and the number of new ventilator intubations.

Governor, thank you. We will surely need your steady guiding hand in the weeks, months and years ahead as New York recovers from this unexpected catastrophe.

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oPinions

rime Minister Winston Churchill offered those words as he led Great Britain during World War II, when citizens became accustomed to nightly bombings by the Nazis. We are in the midst of a different kind of war, against an invisible enemy known as Covid-19. And when people ask me when this grim period is going to end, unfortunately, the answer is that we don’t know.

But as we in the Town of Hempstead continue to follow federal and state mitigation measures, such as social distancing, Don we appear to be CLaVin “flattening the curve.” By staying at home, you are doing your part to fight the spread of this virus. Those who have “essential” jobs, however, do not have that option. Indeed, those people are integral to winning the war on the coronavirus.

Please be mindful of the rules and stay safe. At Town Hall, we have implemented a social media campaign urging residents

to practice social distancing and proper handwashing, and to wear masks and gloves. We are also providing information on sanitizing techniques. We proactively closed facilities to the public, including town offices and certain parks and public gathering spots. I’ve been working daily with my Town Board colleagues and our Coronavirus Task Force, led by Town Medical Director Dr. Dave Neubert, to make decisions that best promote public health.

We’re also in constant contact with village officials, coordinating best practices and monitoring updates from state and local health officials.

Rest assured, our dedicated CSEA Local 880 team of coworkers are working hard every day to serve residents and provide essential services safely. The town Building Department is still accepting paperwork via a drop box at Town Hall, sanitation workers are continuing to pick up garbage throughout our township, and many other departments are conducting day-to-day business on behalf of our residents. We encourage neighbors to contact the town via our

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hurchill’s words ring true for Town of Hempstead residents in a difficult time.

Letters my opening statement.”

STEWART B. EPSTEIN Rochester, N.Y. Epstein is a retired college professor who lived in North Bellmore from 1960 to 1972. He graduated from Mepham High School in 1968 and Hofstra University in 1972.

It’s a good time for bird watching To the Editor: Why not bequeath a lifelong appreciation for bird watching to the next generation? We teach our children wood shop, pottery and contemptible games like dodgeball, but bird watching can give them a greater appreciation for our threatened environment.

I’ve done the math, and it would only cost each taxpayer $10 to send every sixth-grader to the Cor nell School of Ornithology for two weeks.

There, eminent cultural historians and acclaimed or nitholo gists would instruct them on bird-centric environmental discrimination and inculcate a profound respect and admiration for the avian world. When you consider the frivolities our town spends money on, this would be money well spent.

Now well into my retirement, I still derive tremendous satisfaction from spotting the odd hummingbird on my afternoon walk. There is a comforting

public hotline, (516) 812-3600, to set up phone appointments with some of our departments. Other departments can be accessed via email. Please visit hempsteadtownny.gov for updates and how you can connect to town services. You can also call our Helpline, (516) 489-6000, from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Monday through Friday for assistance.

We are doing everything in our power to make life a little easier for residents of America’s largest township during this difficult time.

We waived all late fees and penalties for town water customers, and we’ve called on New York state to extend the second-half school tax payment deadline by 30 days, to June 11. And in preparation for getting people back to work in the near future, the town adopted a $40 million economic stimulus plan to undertake road improvements across our communities.

I encourage you to join us for our series of Facebook Live sessions. Along with Dr. Neubert, a certified Emergency Department physician, and Councilman Anthony D’Esposito, a former fire chief

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — April 23, 2020

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‘Nourish your hopes, but do not overlook realities’

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and NYPD detective, we answer many of your questions and concerns about Covid-19. Our next session is scheduled for Friday at 2 p.m. Please check our Facebook page, @HempsteadTown, for ished i realitie future Facebook Live sessions and for be star town updates.

I thank all of our first responders as univer Whi well the front-line workers in the fields of health care, law enforcement, government, media, public transportation, grocery, pharmacy, postal, delivery, food service and so many more. I also commend Dr. Dave Neubert and the town’s emergency management team for their continued work and dedication to the town work force, as well as to our residents.

And I offer my condolences to all of the families who have lost loved ones during this pandemic. Let’s keep them all in our thoughts as we continue to do our part to stop the spread.

Working together, we will continue to loosen the grip of Covid-19, from both a health and economic perspective. Please es not o semest be safe and healthy, and know that the Town of Hempstead is here for you dur- with ex financi ing this challenging time. rest of How Don Clavin is the Town of Hempstead events, supervisor. should and pro of debt tuition hovers

Framework by Christina Daly

sense of accomplishment in knowing that you can see what others cannot.

Why deprive the next generation of this feeling of intellectual triumph?

The beauty of birds is all around us, and once you learn more about them, your experiences with nature become so much richer. During this lockdown, I have noticed our ecosystem responding positively to reduced human inference, and more exotic birds flying out and about. What joy.

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and liv her hu stein. H The las ago, wh

ALWYN STANHOPE Bellmore

MTA ‘lock box’ isn’t really locked To the Editor: Governor Cuomo recently included in the approved state budget a provision that amends the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s $15 billion Congestion Toll Mitigation Revenue “lock box.”

This provision was originally included to ensure that all proceeds would be used to help fund the MTA’s $51 billion 2020-24 Five-Year Capital Plan. Now these funds can instead be used against any future deficits in the MTA’s annual $17 billion operating expense budget.

Language buried in the state budget also allows $10 billion in real estate mansion and internet sales tax revenue to be used for operations rather

At Sagamore Hill, one captivating reason to get out of the house — Oyster Bay

than capital expenses. Combined, these total $25 billion of the $51 billion Capital Plan funding.

Cuomo has become the great train robber of capital transit funding. He has taken billions of this funding. His picture should be hung on a wanted poster at commuter and subway stations. Commuters can collect their reward by not electing him to

another term in 2022.

died al becom LARRY PENNER Before Great Neck visitor Penner is a transportation historian, writer daught ed them and advocate who worked for the Federal But Transit Administration Region 2 New York Mur Office for 31 years. after th

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