Oceanside/Island Park Herald

Oceanside/Island Park

HERALD A birthday bash in a flash

food pantry feeds more than before

Knights support first responders

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Vol. 55 No. 17

APRIl 23 - 29, 2020

MSSN sees

Covid-19 curve flattening tors] ourselves and were able to get some through Mount Sinai Health System,” Calderone The curve of coronavirus explained. “Our partnership cases at Mount Sinai South Nas- with them has been incredibly sau in Oceanside is flattening, helpful through this pandemic, according to Joe Calderone, the supporting both in a clinical hospital’s vice president of cor- standpoint in terms of new porate communications. drugs being tested and plasma As of Friday, the therapy. They also hospital had 290 have a very good, patients being robust supply treated for Covidchain operation.”

19, down from 383 As of Friday, the on April 13, which hospital had 238 hospital officials Covid-19 deaths, said they believe while 357 patients was the peak. who were previous“The good news ly diagnosed with is the number has the virus had been been steadily flattreated and distening,” Calderone charged. When said. “The social cases began to d i s t a n c i n g t h at Joe cAldeRoNe climb last month, people are doing, as Vice president Department of difficult as it is, is of corporate and Medicine Chairdefinitely producm a n D r. A a ro n communications for ing results. We are Glatt spoke of the really urging peo- MSSN importance of ple to not let up.” social distancing Of those patients, 64 were on during a Facebook Live session ventilators. MSSN has more at the hospital. than 100 ventilators available. In “I want to stress the single addition, Calderone assured that most important thing that everythe facility has enough personal body can do is really understand protective equipment, or PPE, what social distancing means,” for all hospital staff.

“We purchased some [ventilaContinued on page 3

By BRIANA BoNfIglIo bbonfiglio@liherald.com

T

Christina Daly/Herald

ANdReA ANd RIch Rengel and their sons, Sebastian, 10, and Oliver, 4, converted their garage into a 3D printing workshop to make face shields for local health care workers.

Family produces protective equipment for area hospitals

By BRIANA BoNfIglIo bbonfiglio@liherald.com

For the Rengel family, 3D printing began as a fun hobby a year or two ago, Rich Rengel said.

Rich and his wife, Andrea, helped their two children, Sebastian, 10, and Oliver, 4, create small toys with the 3D printer inside their Oceanside home.

Now, amid the coronavirus pandemic, the family is putting their skills to work by

creating face shields for frontline workers. Face shields are a type of personal protective equipment, or PPE, that sits on the head and covers the eyes and face with clear plastic. Traditional paper or cloth masks, which most workers are now wearing, only cover the nose and mouth.

“I knew that this was becoming a serious situation [when I saw] reports of all the different shortages,” Rich Rengel said. “That’s when we said we want to start helping

others.”

The Rengels have donated about 450 face shields to Mount Sinai South Nassau hospital in Oceanside, Mercy Medical Center in Rockville Centre and SUNY Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn, as well as to a group of emergency medical technicians in Long Beach. Hundreds more are in production, and the family’s goal is to donate a total of 2,000.

Mount Sinai South Nassau Continued on page 3

he social distancing that people are doing, as difficult as it is, is definitely producing results.

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April 23, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

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MSSN officials: ‘Don’t let up’ on social distancing Glatt said at the time. “That’s the buzzword of 2020. That will be the word of the year.”

One month later, Calderone urged residents to continue to heed that advice, even as the numbers continue to improve.

While the toll the virus has taken is unprecedented, beyond what most hospital workers have seen, Calderone noted that there is still much they are grateful for. The hospital has received food donations from more than 50 local businesses.

“Many have come forward and funded food for the staff,” he said, “which is really helpful because they’re working 16-hour days and barely have time to take a break. This way, [the food] is readily available and they don’t have to think about it.

“But really, it’s not about the food,” he added. “It’s the message that it sends to the staff that people on the outside recognize what’s happening inside this hospital and the incredible challenge the front-line workers have faced during this pandemic, putting themselves and families at risk to care for often critically ill Covid patients.

It sends a great morale boost.”

Nurses at Mount Sinai South Nassau hospital are also spreading positivity with their “message board of hope,” which they debuted in the hospital lobby last week.

Nurses Teresa Ebehart, Angelica Hoyos and Christine Doud handcrafted

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — April 23, 2020

Continued froM page 1

Photos Courtesy MSSN

Mount Sinai South Nassau hospital officials said there has been a decrease in Covid19 cases, but advised community members to remain vigilant in following the warnings of health professionals. the board, which displays the number of Covid-19-positive patients that have been discharged from the hospital, and how many coronavirus patients have been taken off ventilators at the facility.

As each patient is discharged from

MSSN, “Here Comes the Sun” is played as the board is updated. Each time a patient is taken off of a ventilator, the staff plays “Breath.”

Mike Smollins contributed to this story.

Joe Calderone, MSSn’S vice president of corporate communications, said that social distancing had helped flatten the curve of Covid-19 cases.

Family supports medical workers with PPE Continued froM page 1 received 100 face shields from the Rengels.

Joe Calderone, the hospital’s senior vice president of corporate communications, explained that health care workers wear the face shields when entering “red zones,” or the rooms of patients who have been diagnosed with the virus. They also wear them when they need to hook patients up to ventilators, along with disposable gowns and gloves.

“We’re incredibly grateful for the community support we’ve received both in PPE and food donations,” Calderone said.

“It’s been such an unbelievable outpouring of support.”

At first, about two weeks ago, the Rengels purchased three 3D printers. Then, “we saw the need was a lot more urgent,” Rengel explained.

The family started a GoFundMe fundraising campaign to buy more printers and supplies. It raised $3,200 and enabled them to purchase seven more printers.

Now, with 10 printers and a stock of supplies, the family’s garage has turned into a face shield-making workshop.

Rich Rengel sets the 3D printers to produce frames for the shields. Then the family gets to work attaching the plastic shield and elastic to the base. “I think it’s still pretty fun,” Rengel said. “We’ve gotten to the point where it’s a process, but we’re all invested in helping with this effort.”

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Photos Christina Daly/Herald

the rengel faMily began 3D printing as a hobby, Rich Rengel said.

Rich explained that it’s “a cool way” for the children to contribute to the cause of keeping workers safe during the pandemic. His children also make and send cards to hospital workers to lift their spirits.

Going forward, Rengel will start delivering the face shields to individuals who request them. He said he also hoped to

pinpoint hospitals with great need for the face shields and deliver them to such places.

“We’re making all these PPEs and want to make sure they’re going to areas that need it most,” Rengel said. “We’ve gotten [production] scale up to where we’d like, and we want to make sure we’re getting them to right place.”

the faMily haS donated 450 shields to local hospitals so far, and has hundreds more in production.

Crime watCh

Four people arrested after allegedly assaulting woman

Photos Courtesy Barbra Rubin-Perry

Police cars lined the exterior of Stop & Shop in Oceanside after the cops were called on Jemella Gilpin, a Center Moriches resident who was charged with attempted robbery at the store.

after a struggle, officers arrested Gilpin.

Woman arrested at O’side Stop & Shop

By Mike sMollins msmollins@liherald.com

A Center Moriches woman was arrested at Stop & Shop in Oceanside on April 16 for allegedly assaulting two employees and a police officer and attempting to steal items from the store.

According to the Nassau County Police Department, Jamella Gilpin, 40, entered the store, at 3577 Long Beach Road, and once inside, she took assorted items off the shelves and attempted to leave the business without paying.

When she was confronted by two store employees, a 39-year-old man and a 60-year-old man, she flailed her arms

toward them, causing minor injuries to both.

When police arrived, Gilpin tried to leave the scene and once again flailed her arms and legs, causing a a leg injury to a police officer. She was placed under arrest without further incident.

The two store employees were treated at the scene, while the officer was transported to a local hospital.

Gilpin was charged with seconddegree robbery, resisting arrest, obstruction of governmental administration, disorderly conduct, two counts of second-degree assault and second-degree harassment. She was arraigned April 17 at First District Court, in Hempstead.

Four people, including an Oceanside resident, were arrested in East Rockaway on April 16 after allegedly luring a woman to a home and assaulting and robbing her.

According to the Nassau County Police Department, Anthony Battaglia, 22, lured an unidentified 20-year-old woman to the East Rockaway home he shares with his brothers, Robert and Brandon Battaglia, both 21. Once inside, the three brothers assaulted the victim along with Kristin Milbank, 19, of Oceanside. They punched and kicked the victim multiple times and stole her pocketbook.

The woman was able to escape the scene and contacted the police. She suffered injuries to her arms and legs, but refused medical attention.

When police arrived, Anthony Battaglia and Milbank were placed under

arrest without incident, but Robert and Brandon Battaglia attempted to run away and struggled with police officers, and were eventually taken into custody. During the struggle, a sergeant sustained injuries to his arm and shoulder and was taken to a local hospital for evaluation and treatment.

Anthony Battaglia and Milbank were both charged with two counts of seconddegree robbery, while Robert Battaglia was charged with two counts of seconddegree robbery, second-degree assault and resisting arrest and Brandon Battaglia was charged with two counts of seconddegree robbery, resisting arrest, thirddegree menacing and second-degree harassment.

All four were arraigned on April 17 at First District Court, in Hempstead.

WE DIDN’T HAVE TO PURCHASE A CASKET Dad’s wishes were to be cremated after a one day viewing and his remains brought to church.

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Oceanside/Island Park

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April 23, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

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County exec: Delaying school taxes could hurt sbrinton@liherald.com

Nassau County Executive Laura Curran spoke at length last Saturday about a proposal before the County Legislature to delay collection of school taxes that come due in May. Curran, a Democrat, said Monday that she would speak with Governor Cuomo about the possibility of pushing back school tax payments to June 1, but the Republican-controlled Legislature proceeded passed the measure that day.

Many residents have been laid off or have seen their hours reduced, and so are looking for financial relief.

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

Curran explained that the county must guarantee all school tax collections, meaning if the school districts come up short in their collections, then the county must provide the funding to the districts — by law.

She said the county is hurting financially, as are all municipalities.

Sales and property tax collections comprise 67 percent of the county’s more than $3 billion budget. Sales taxes have plummeted during the pandemic, starving the county of one of its two primary revenue sources, Curran said.

She worries about county employees, she said, and wants to ensure the

county maintains its force of first responders, including police officers and medics.

The federal and state governments, she said, must step in to ensure the county has enough cash on hand to meet its financial obligations, including to its employees, so it can continue to provide essential services.

In Nassau County, new hospitalizations declined throughout the weekend, as did ICU cases and intubations, Curran said.

Over the weekend, the county was closing in on 30,000 confirmed cases of Covid-19. Many of them have resolved, the county executive said.

She also said hospital “discharges continue to be robust,” indicating the county may be past the plateau.

“We become more eager and ready to reopen our society,” she said, adding the county must begin planning to reopen marinas, golf courses and beaches, including the county-owned Nickerson Beach in Lido.

Over the weekend, Gover nor Cuomo reopened marinas and golf courses.

Curran said a strategy to reopen all of the economy must be developed. “I do believe we can strike the balance” between opening up society and controlling new infections, particularly among the elderly and those with underlying medical conditions, she said.

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — April 23, 2020

By scott BriNtoN

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

O’side Sons of Italy will open hall to mourners

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — April 23, 2020

By Mike SMollinS msmollins@liherald.com

Scott Frankel said he was discouraged that many families are losing loved ones and are unable to give them a proper burial or memorial service amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Frankel, who is the president of the Oceanside Sons of Italy chapter, said that once the ban on mass gatherings is lifted, the organization plans to offer its Rocky Marciano Lodge so that community members who lost a loved one could host ceremonies in their honor free of charge.

“One of the things that’s really bothering me is all the people who are passing away and not getting a proper burial or memorial,” Frankel said. “Even if they’re not a victim of Covid-19, their funerals and wakes are effected by it. Our board unanimously decided that when we get the ‘all clear,’ we will make the hall available for anyone who had a death in the family.”

Frankel said the plan will be to rent out the hall to families for two to three hours on Monday through Thursday once the coronavirus restrictions are lifted.

Families will then have the opportunity to memorialize and celebrate the life of a loved one who died. Frankel noted that the person who died does not have to be a victim of the coronavirus, just someone who was unable to have a proper memorial because of the restrictions on social

Courtesy Oceanside Sons of Italy

oceanSide’S SonS of Italy chapter will open the Rocky Marciano Lodge free of charge to residents who were unable to have a public memorial service for loved ones who died amid the coronavirus pandemic, once the ban on social gatherings is lifted. gatherings.

“It’s just an idea I had,” he said. “It’s bad enough that some of these people are just numbers, just melded into the number of victims. Let them have a proper memorial service.”

After closing for a $40,000 renovation, the lodge was re-opened in the fall of 2018 with a ribbon cutting and celebration.

Sons of Italy offers the 150-capacity event space to local schools and other community groups at little to no cost, and rents the venue for private parties, including sweet 16s, bridal and baby showers, weddings and christenings. The organization also donates to various charities, such as St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and Cooley’s Anemia Foundation. The hall

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9

had to close and cancel a lot of its events in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, including sweet 16s, communions, confirmations and bar mitzvahs, Frankel said.

On average, the hall costs about $700 to rent.

To book a date when the pandemic subsides, visit www.sonsofoceanside.com and click the hall rental tab to fill out a form.

Let Your CommunitY Know!

FREE Online Business Directory liherald.com/whatsopen

1086103

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

Drive-by parade brings smiles to O’side children

By Briana Bonfiglio bbonfiglio@liherald.com

“Strong Island Car Parades 4 Kids” cruised through Oceanside and down Links Drive East on April 14 to wish twins Mason and Jaxson Lynch a happy 4th birthday.

Classic cars drove past the boys’ house, where they were standing out on the lawn with their parents and grandparents. The passersby honked their horns and waved signs.

“It was amazing,” said Dana Lynch, the twins’ mother. “The boys are still talking about it. They’re telling [my inlaws] over FaceTime, ‘The cars went by!

They went vroom vroom!’”

Lynch had planned a superherothemed birthday party for Mason and Jaxson. But instead, she ordered them their favorite dinner — Domino’s pizza — and a birthday cake, which her parents and sister enjoyed, as well, from a social distance, before surprising the boys with their presents. Afterward, they all enjoyed the car parade outside.

Lynch said the excitement of the parade was a great substitute for the party. “It’s a wonderful thing to do for children who can’t be with their peers or family,” she said. “Family members

It’s Your MoneY By

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can either join the parade, sit in the driveway or stay in their cars.”

Drive-by parades have become a distinct feature of how people celebrate birthdays and show their appreciation during social distancing amid the coronavirus pandemic.

As these drive-bys became more and more popular, the Facebook group “Strong Island Car Parades 4 Kids” emerged, started by Mike LaRocca, of Copaigue Harbor, owner of Everything Auto in Bethpage.

LaRocca and Danielle Spina, of Seaford, organize daily routes based on the “overwhelming amount of requests” they get for kids’ birthdays. Parents will go to the Facebook group and create an event. Then, car lovers meet up and follow each other to each house.

Before Mason and Jaxson’s birthday drive-by, cars of many colors gathered in the former Buffalo Wild Wings parking lot on Long Beach Road, then headed out at about 6:30 p.m. to greet the birthday boys.

Oceanside resident Franco Candela, car enthusiast and owner of Attention To Detail, a local automobile detailing service, drove his red Mustang Cobra in the parade. He has been to about six birthday car shows for kids since the pandemic hit.

“It’s for the kids,” he said. “I have two of my own, and I think it’s a terrible time for them that they can’t enjoy their birthday parties with their friends.

“This brings a little bit of happiness and hope to the kids,” he added, “and families, as well, to see that people care.”

Photos courtesy Danielle Spina

franco candela, of Oceanside, drove his Mustang Cobra down the street.

Mike larocca, who started the car parade group on Facebook, rode his Dodge Viper through the parade.

oceanside twins Jaxson and Mason Lynch, 4, received a birthday car parade from “Strong Island Car Parades 4 Kids” on April 14.

Taxpayers should remember to both file and pay any taxes they owe by the deadline. Taxpayers who do not file and pay in a timely manner will see their tax debt grow. In fact, penalties and interest can cause a taxpayer's debt to grow by more than thirty percent in just a few months.

Here are some tips for taxpayers who owe tax, but who can't immediately pay their tax bill: File your return or request an extension of time by the July 15 deadline.

Taxpayers who owe tax and do not file their return on time or request an extension may face a failure-to-file penalty for not filing on time.

Pay as much as possible by the July due date.

Whether they are filing a return or requesting an extension, taxpayers must pay their bill in full by the July filing deadline. Taxpayers who do not pay their taxes on time will face a failure-to-pay penalty.

Taxpayers should remember that an extension of time to file is not an extension of time to pay.

Set up a payment plan as soon as possible.

Taxpayers who owe, but cannot pay in full by the deadline don't have to wait for a tax bill to request a payment plan. Taxpayers can apply for a payment plan on IRS.gov. Taxpayers can also submit a payment plan request in writing using form 9465, Installment Agreement Request.

Presented as a service to the community by

L.I. Tax Services Inc. Div. of Wolfsohn Financial 153 Broadway, Lynbrook NY 887-7380 www.wolfsohn.biz

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April 23, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

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Courtesy Dana Lynch

11

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.

The ark of Salvation food pantry in Oceanside is feeding an average of 12 local families per day during the coronavirus pandemic, said the Rev. Carlos D. Acosta.

REGISTER FROM APRIL 1ST TO MAY 31ST animalleague.org/sitstaywalk

Take A Walk And Save Lives

Courtesy Ark of Salvation Worship Center

Participate in North Shore Animal League America’s virtual walk for a chance to do something positive and active, while raising crucial funds for homeless animals that need your support now more than ever. Walkers can participate anytime, from anywhere.

Oceanside food pantry remains open, feeding more than before

REMEMBER: Be safe and practice social distancing along the way.

By Briana Bonfiglio

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The Island Harvest food pantry at Ark of Salvation Worship Center in Oceanside is continuing to operate and serving more people than usual, said the Rev. Carlos D. Acosta, the church’s pastor.

“We’ve kept it active this whole time,” Acosta said, “but we’ve taken extremetype precautions to ensure the safety and health of everyone going by for necessary food items.”

Normally, there are set days and times for individuals to pick up food. However, to help prevent the spread of Covid-19, food distribution is now by appointment only.

Those in need of food assistance can call the pantry coordinator, Thomas Ramirez, at (516) 492-1873 to arrange a pick up. The elderly or those caring for the sick, and unable to make it to the church, can schedule a food delivery with Ramirez, as well.

“Some families are quarantined, or tested Covid-positive, or are taking care of a sick family member,” Acosta explained, “so we will make contact-less delivery and get a box or two bags of groceries. We call ahead and leave it right on the doorstep.”

While before the coronavirus pandem-

ic, the pantry fed around two to three families each of the four days it was open, it now feeds an average of 10 to 12 — and sometimes up to 20 — families per day.

Acosta attributed the dramatic increase of those in need to the rising rates of unemployment as businesses are closing amid the pandemic. Most families in need come from Oceanside, and others come from surrounding towns such as Island Park, Baldwin, Freeport, Rockville Centre and Valley Stream.

Acosta emphasized that the food pantry is open to all in need, not just church members or locals, he said.

“The food pantry is there for everyone that is in need,” Acosta said. “We are not looking to check anyone’s background, history or income. We’re here to serve and will continue to function as long as we are can. We are here for the community.”

The pantry is at 3161 Royal Ave. in Oceanside, just across from the Oceanside Long Island Rail Road station. At this time, those in need must call (516) 492-1873 to arrange a pick up, as no one is permitted in the church building due to Covid19.

For more information about Island Harvest food pantries, and how you can either receive food or donate, visit islandharvest.org.

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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

ereynolds@liherald.com

aamato@liherald.com

COURTNEY MYERS Media Consultant cmyers@liherald.com

For more information call Rhonda at 516.569.4000 ext. 250

APPLY TODAY AT

WWW.LIHERALD.COM/GRANT

A Special Collaboration With The Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores

1087054

April 23, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

14

We thank you

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54 LINCOLN AVENUE, ROCKVILLE CENTRE

www.liherald.com

US AT: FRANKSSTEAKS.COM Appetizers &VISIT Salads

Open 7 nights-A-Week

Double Gorgonzola Bread ............................. $8.00 ers, mail carriers, groceryAppetizers employees, res& Salads Maryland Crab Cakes (2) ............................ $15.00 Double Gorgonzola Bread ............................. $8.00 taurant workers, delivery drivers and Stuffed$15.00 Portobello Mushrooms................... $16.00 Maryland Crab Cakes (2) ............................ essential service providersStuffed who put themPortobello Mushrooms...................

Bacon $16.00 Wrapped in Jumbo Lump Crabmeat $21.00 Wrapped in Jumbo Lump Crabmeat Lump $21.00 Crabmeat Cocktail ............................. $19.00 selves on the front lines of Bacon theCrabmeat crisisCocktail daily .

Lump ............................. $19.00 Jumbo$18.00 Shrimp Cocktail (4) ......................... $18.00 Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail (4) .........................

We will share these outstanding stoBaked Littleneck Clams (8) ......................... $15.00 Littleneck Clams (8) ......................... $15.00 ries of our local “hometown heroes” inHalf a ShellBaked Littleneck Clams On The (8) ....... $14.00 Littleneck Cajun Calamari with Roumalade Sauce ....... $18.00Clams On The Half Shell (8) ....... $14.00 special pull-out section,” Salute to CovidFrank’s Mixed Salad .................................... $10.00 Cajun Calamari with Roumalade Sauce....... $18.00 CaesarApril Salad ............................................... $11.00 19 Hometown Heroes,” in the 30 ediFrank’s Mixed Salad .................................... $10.00 Mesclun Salad With Citrus Vinaigrette ........ $13.00 Iceberg Wedge .................................. tions of the Herald. The spirit andSalad heart Caesar$15.00 Salad ............................................... $11.00 G & G Salad ................................................ $17.00 Roasts & Racks Mesclun SaladPrime With Vinaigrette ........Friday, $13.00 of Long Island are exemplified Rib Citrus of Beef available on Thursday, Mozzarellaevery & Tomato day with Basil .................. $16.00 Saturday, Sunday nights only!

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Iceberg$11.00 Wedge Saladand .................................. $15.00 by the many outstanding individuals who English Cut USDA Prime Rib of Beef.......... $38.00 French Onion Soup .....................................

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Franks BBQ Baby Back Ribs ........................ $11.00 $32.00 to know these amazing people who share French Onion Family Soup Style ..................................... $10.00 Sides Mashed Potatoes with Sauteed Onions ...... $11.00 their insights in their own words.

Frank’s Home Fries ..................................... $11.00 Net proceeds from this special section Sweet Potato Fries ...................................... $11.00 Seafood Entries Steak Fries .................................................. $11.00 will be used to partner with local busiNorwegian Salmon, with Basil & Tomato .... $28.00 Roasted Garlic Potato Puffs ........................ $11.00 Sesame Encrusted Tuna Steak .................... $33.00 Sauteed Mushrooms ..................................... $9.00 nesses to provide meals and gifts to our Frank’s Seafood Combo .............................. $28.00 Grilled Asparagus With Garlic ..................... $14.00 Seared Jumbo Shrimp ......................... $28.00 Bordelaise Sauce or Au Poivre Sauce ........... $5.00 local health care workers,Panfirst respondStuffed Shrimp with Maryland Crabmeat .... $32.00 Frank’s Creamed Spinach ........................... $11.00 ers and patients.

Brazilian Twin Lobster Tails......................... $58.00 Sauteed Baby Spinach .................................. $9.00

fOr COntACt-free Roasts & Racks Rib of Beef available on Thursday, Friday, Curbside Prime piCk-up Saturday, and Sunday nights only!

English Cut USDA Prime Rib of Beef.......... $38.00 4 pm –Queen’s 8 pm Cut USDA Prime Rib of Beef ......... $47.00

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Potato Fries ...................................... $11.00 516-536-1500  Vegetable Medley ........................................ $10.00

Seafood Entries

French Fried Onions ...................................... $9.00 Baked Potato with Sour Cream ..................... $7.00 Norwegian with Basil & Tomato .... $28.00 Grilled Teriyaki Chicken ............................... $23.00 Salmon, Smaller Order Vegetable or Potato................ $8.00 Chicken Ala Hugo........................................ $26.00 Sesame Encrusted Tuna Steak .................... $33.00 Whole Roasted Chicken .............................. $23.00 Appetizers & Salads

Frank’s Seafood Double Combo .............................. $28.00 Frank’s Prime Steaks Gorgonzola Bread ............................. $8.00 The HERALD online.

Pan Seared Shrimp $28.00 Romanian Skirt Steak 16 oz........................ $41.00 Jumbo Maryland Crab .........................

Cakes (2) ............................ $15.00 Petit Skirt Steak Platter............................... $35.00 Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms ................... $16.00 Stuffed Shrimp with Maryland Crabmeat .... $32.00 www.liherald.com New York Prime Strip Steak ........................ $48.00 Bacon Wrapped in Jumbo Lump Crabmeat $21.00 Brazilian Twin Lobster Tails......................... $58.00 Frank’s Stilton Steak 16 oz. ........................ $54.00 Lump Crabmeat Cocktail ............................. $19.00 Porterhouse For Two ................................ $108.00 Frank’s Petite Surf & Skirt $52.00 Jumbo Shrimp..........................

Cocktail (4) ......................... $18.00 Porterhouse For One ................................... $58.00 Baked Littleneck Clams ...............

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Grilled$53.00 Teriyaki Chicken ............................... $23.00 Caesar Salad ............................................... $11.00 Petite Filet Mignon Platter........................... $43.00 Salad With Citrus Vinaigrette$26.00 ........ $13.00 Chicken Ala HugoMesclun ........................................

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Steak .................................................. $11.00 VISITFries US AT: FRANKSSTEAKS.COM Roasted Garlic Potato Puffs ........................ $11.00 Sauteed Mushrooms ..................................... $9.00 Grilled Asparagus With Garlic ..................... $14.00 Bordelaise Sauce or Au Poivre Sauce ........... $5.00 Frank’s Creamed Spinach ........................... $11.00 Sauteed Baby Spinach .................................. $9.00 Broccoli....................................................... $10.00 Vegetable Medley ........................................ $10.00 French Fried Onions ...................................... $9.00 Baked Potato with Sour Cream ..................... $7.00 Smaller Order Vegetable or Potato................ $8.00 1086485

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-

54 LINCOLN AVENUE, ROCKVILLE CENTRE

Iceberg Wedge Salad .................................. $15.00 Whole Roasted Chicken .............................. $23.00 G & G Salad ................................................ $17.00 Roasts & Racks & Tomato with Basil .................. $16.00 Frank’s PrimeMozzarella Steaks Tomato & Onion .......................................... $11.00

JOIN US AS WE SALUTE

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Prime Rib of Beef available on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights only!

Romanian Skirt Steak 16 oz. ....................... $41.00 French Onion Soup ..................................... $10.00 English Cut USDA Prime Rib of Beef.......... $38.00 Queen’s Cut USDA Prime Rib of Beef ......... $47.00 Petit Skirt Steak Platter............................... $35.00 King Cut USDA Prime Rib Of Beef............... $70.00 New York Prime Strip Steak ........................ $48.00 New Zealand Rack of Lamb ........................ $38.00 Franks BBQ Baby Back Ribs ........................ $32.00 Frank’s Stilton Steak 16 oz. ........................ $54.00 Family Style Sides Porterhouse For Two ................................ $108.00 Mashed Potatoes with Sauteed Onions ...... $11.00 Porterhouse For One ................................... $58.00 Frank’s Home Fries ..................................... $11.00 Sweet Potato Fries ...................................... $11.00 Cowboy Garlic Rib Steak ............................. $59.00 Seafood Entries Steak Fries .................................................. $11.00 Peppercorn Ribeye SteakSalmon, ............................ $40.00 Norwegian with Basil & Tomato .... $28.00 Roasted Garlic Potato Puffs ........................ $11.00 Filet Mignon ................................................ $48.00 Sesame Encrusted Tuna Steak .................... $33.00 Sauteed Mushrooms ..................................... $9.00 Frank’s Seafood Combo .............................. $28.00 Grilled Asparagus With Garlic ..................... $14.00 King Henry Filet Mignon ............................. $53.00 Pan Seared Jumbo Shrimp ......................... $28.00 Bordelaise Sauce or Au Poivre Sauce ........... $5.00 Petite Filet Mignon Platter........................... $43.00 Stuffed Shrimp with Maryland Crabmeat .... $32.00 Frank’s Creamed Spinach ........................... $11.00

NOW THERE’S AN EASY WAY FOR YOU TO SUPPORT OUR LOCAL HEROES Brazilian Twin Lobster Tails......................... $58.00 Frank’s Petite Surf & Skirt .......................... $52.00 Petite Frank’s Surf & Turf Classic ............... $56.00

Chicken Entrees

Grilled Teriyaki Chicken ............................... $23.00 Chicken Ala Hugo........................................ $26.00 Whole Roasted Chicken .............................. $23.00

Sauteed Baby Spinach .................................. $9.00 Broccoli....................................................... $10.00 Vegetable Medley ........................................ $10.00 French Fried Onions ...................................... $9.00 Baked Potato with Sour Cream ..................... $7.00 Smaller Order Vegetable or Potato................ $8.00

Frank’s Prime Steaks

Romanian Skirt Steak 16 oz........................ $41.00 Petit Skirt Steak Platter............................... $35.00 New York Prime Strip Steak ........................ $48.00 Frank’s Stilton Steak 16 oz. ........................ $54.00 Porterhouse For Two ................................ $108.00 Porterhouse For One ................................... $58.00 Cowboy Garlic Rib Steak ............................. $59.00 Peppercorn Ribeye Steak ............................ $40.00 Filet Mignon ................................................ $48.00 King Henry Filet Mignon ............................. $53.00 Petite Filet Mignon Platter........................... $43.00

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

1086961

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

Herald Community Newspapers salutes our ‘hometown heroes’

516-536-1500  

16

April 23, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

NEWS BRIEFS

Courtesy IPFD

Island Park fIrefIghters, from left, First Assistant Chief Johnn Briguglio, Department Chief Frank Eye, Second Assistant Chief Donny Cardineau and Third Assistant Chief Michael Whelan

COIURTESY KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS

the oceansIde knIghts of Columbus recently donated meals to the Fourth Precinct of the Nassau County Police Department. The group also donated meals to local hospitals to help keep staff well-nourished during the pandemic.

O’side Knights donate food to police officers, medics Confronted with a crisis situation the likes our generation has never seen, the Oceanside Knights of Columbus jumped into action to help first responders battle the obstacles associated with the coronavirus pandemic.

Led by Grand Knight Darab Kevin Lawyer and his officers, the Knights embarked on a quest to donate hot meals to first responders at local hospitals and the Fourth Precinct of the Nassau County Police Department.

During the crisis, Lawyer, Deputy Grand Knight Steve Bermudez, Chancellor Paul Kahl and Outside Guard Chris-

there is filed a petition, signed and acknowledged, or proved in the same manner as a deed to be recorded, by resident taxpayers of said Fire District, owning taxable real property aggregating at least onequarter (1/4) of the assessed valuation of all the taxable real property of the Fire District, as such valuation appears on the latest completed assessment roll of the Town of Hempstead, in which the Fire District is located, protesting against such resolution and requesting that it be submitted to the qualified electors of the Fire District affected, for approval.

The Island Park Fire Department and sanitation workers for the village recently received a donation of protective masks.

Rockville Centre resident Brian Rathjen and other community members teamed up with State Sen. Todd Kaminsky to make the donation possible.

“Our first responders and essential workers are on the frontlines of this health crisis, putting their safety on the line to help protect the community,” State

Kaminsky said in a news release.. “I am happy to provide them with this equipment so they can continue to do their jobs safely.”

As New York works to stop the spread the coronavirus, first responders and health care workers are in need of PPE so that they can remain healthy.

Courtesy Village of Island Park; compiled

by Mike Smollins

topher Hegmann picked up and delivered 25 meals to the Fourth Precinct. The meals were prepared by Knights of Columbus Executive Chef Steve Pasetti and were well received.

Officers Joe Sgroi and Jared Baretti helped coordinate the food drop. The Knights also donated 50 hot meals for doctors and nurses at Mercy Medical Center in Rockville Centre. The meals were distributed by dietician Pat Finnerty.

Courtesy Oceanside Knights of Columbus; compiled by Mike Smollins

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT, the Board of Fire Commissioners (BOFC) of the Oceanside Fire District of the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York, on the 14th day of April, 2020, has adopted a Resolution, published herewith, and this resolution shall not take effect until thirty (30) days after its adoption, nor until approved by the affirmative vote of a majority of electors of such Fire District affected, qualified to vote at the Annual Election of Fire District Officers, voting on such proposition, if within thirty (30) days after its adoption and publication

Firefighters, sanitation workers receive masks

The BOFC OF THE OCEANSIDE FIRE DISTRICT OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU, STATE OF NEW YORK, HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS; WHEREAS the BOFC has determined it to be in the best interest of the Fire District to purchase a Personnel Carrier to be used by the Oceanside Fire Department.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the net sum of $220,000 be withdrawn from the Capital Reserve Fund established for the purpose of such expenditures and that such expenditure is subject to permissive

referendum.

The unencumbered balance in that account, as of April 14, 2020 was approximately $728,870.

Issued: April 14, 2020 Board of Fire Commissioners Oceanside Fire District Ann Mickey Secretary 121625 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

Courtesy MSSN

Mount sInaI south Nassau hospital nurses, from left, Teresa Ebehart, Angelica Hoyos and Christine Doud created a “message board of hope” to spread positivity amid the coronavirus pandemic.

MSSN nurses unveil ‘message board of hope’

By MIke sMollIns msmollins@liherald.com

Though the coronavirus has been grim for New Yorkers, nurses at Mount Sinai South Nassau hospital are spreading positivity with their “message board of hope.”

Nurses Teresa Ebehart, Angelica Hoyos and Christine Doud hand-crafted the board, which displays the number of Covid-19-positive patients that have been discharged from the hospital, and how many coronavirus patients have been successfully taken off ventilators at the facil-

ity.

As each patient is discharged from MSSN, “Here Comes the Sun” is played as the board is updated. Each time a patient is taken off of a ventilator, the staff plays “Breath.”

The hospital recently shared a photo of the three nurses standing by the board, which denoted that 321 coronavirus patients had been released from the hospital, while 21 had been taken off ventilators. The practice was put in place to spread a positive message during the pandemic

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.

JOB OPPORTUNITY

Homes

HERALD

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

$18.50 P/H NYC • $16 P/H LI CDPAP Caregiver Hourly Pay Rate!

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

Phone: 347-713-3553 OUTSIDE SALES

Administrative Assistant:

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

Computer proficiency is a must!

Excel (including formulas).

Word and Outlook.

Strong writing, math and verbal skills necessary.

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

Will consider part time.

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

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

DISPATCH WANTED

No Experience Needed, we will train!!!!!

F U L L T I M E M O N D AY - F R I D AY 11:30- 8:00 5-20 HOURS OF OVERTIME!!

MEDICAL, DENTAL, 401K. 2 WEEKS VACATION, HOLIDAY PAY. $15.00 PER HOUR PLUS OVERTIME. APPLY IN PERSON AT: CALLAHEAD C O R P. 3 0 4 C R O S S B AY B LV D , QUEENS NY 11693 APPLY MONDAY- FRIDAY 12:00- 7PM JOB OPPORTUNITY $18.50 P/H NYC $16 P/H LI Up to $13.50 P/H UPSTATE NY CDPAP Caregiver Hourly Pay Rate!

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

OFFICE HELP WANTED FULL TIME

Woodmere

Amazing Academy Delight

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

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

Will consider part time.

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

Contact: Incorporated Village Of Atlantic Beach 516-371-4600

Child/Eldercare Offered A LOVING PERSON Will Care For Your Loved Ones. 20+ Years Experience, CPR Certified, Good References, Own Transportation. 347-205-3554

Child/Eldercare/Help Wanted

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his sunny, light filled 4 bedroom, 3 full bath Colonial has walls of windows and is located on a quiet, beautiful street in SD 14. On the first floor you are greeted by a large entry foyer, living room, formal dining room, oversized eat-in-kitchen, sunroom/bedroom

Rent Your Apartment

*(private party only) JUAN JARA Licensed RE Broker Associate Cell: 516-318-0142 Juan@AllStarRealEstateBrokers.com CAMILLE GIARDINA Licensed RE Broker/Owner Cell: 516-318-1392 Camille@AllStarRealEstateBrokers.com

We’re Keeping the American Dream Alive. www.AllStarRealEstateBrokers.com

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Robert Lewis

through the Herald and PrimeTime Classified section. Call us for our great *specials.

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2949 Long Beach Road, Suite 8 • Oceanside, NY, 11572 Phone 516.766.8200

plus additional bedroom and full bath. On the 2nd floor there is 3 bedrooms plus 2 new full baths with new master walk-in closet/nursery. This home boasts hardwood floors throughout, finished basement with mechanics/ generator and massive amounts of space. $888,000

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CAREGIVER WANTED: Experienced, Oceanside. 9am-8pm, Must be Certified and have References. Must Drive, Clean License. Becky 929-248-2272

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

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

© 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.

Help Wanted

HOME Of tHE WEEK

Real Estate Broker American Homes The Gandolfo Team

Phone: 516-551-0796 Email: BobLewisNY@gmail.com Instagram: @BobLewisNY 2911 Long Beach Road Oceanside, NY 11572

Interested in selling your home, buying, or investing?

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THINKING OF BUYING OR SELLING? Contact one of our hardworking professionals today for all of your real estate needs!

We look forward to providing home buyers and sellers with the highest level of personalized service and support.

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EMPLOYMENT

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April 23, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

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*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

USA Classified Network today!

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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We’re All In This Together.

Stay Home, Stay Healthy!

Wishing you all well.

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inc.

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1082954

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?

HERALD

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HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — April 23, 2020

Is the permit valid, or not?

19

Stuff

To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5 REAL ESTATE

MERCHANDISE MART

Real Estate

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April 23, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

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Answers

to todAy’s puzzle

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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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Herald editorial

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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 neeed 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 reeived 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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April 23, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

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