New Hyde Park 2020_12_25.pdf by The Island 360

Serving New Hyde Park, Floral Park, Garden City Park, North Hills, Manhasset Hills and North New Hyde Park

Friday, December 25, 2020

Vol. 69, No. 52

N E W H Y D E PA R K

HEALTH, WELLNESS AND BEAUTY PAGES 19-22

PROPERTY SELLS FOR $62M

NORTHWELL’S DOWLING TELLS LESSONS OF COVID-19

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New package neglects local govs: officials President Trump calls $900 billion stimulus ‘a disgrace’ BY R OB E RT PE L A E Z Local oﬃcials throughout Nassau County, Long Island and New York voiced approval for the passage of a second coronavirus stimulus package totaling $900 billion but were displeased with the lack of federal funding for state governments and local municipalities. On Monday night, Congress approved the nation’s second stimulus package to aid people in the ongoing fight against the coronavirus pandemic. The bill, which passed in the House 359-53 and in the Senate 92-6, was sent to President Donald Trump. On Tuesday night, Trump called the measure a disgrace and pressed Congress to increase direct payments to individuals. The measure calls for direct payments of $600 to adults and children, payments of $300 per week for workers receiving unem-

ployment benefits through March 14 and $20 billion in Economic Injury Disaster Grants. But Trump said in a video that the amount of direct payments should be increased to $2,000 per person from “the ridiculously low $600,” while stopping short of an explicit veto threat. Before Trump made his remarks, U.S. Rep. Kathleen Rice (D-Garden City) said, “This agreement is far from perfect, but in this case, something is absolutely better than nothing and I am pleased we have finally passed new relief for our constituents and avoided a government shutdown after months of inaction by the Senate.” U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-Glen Cove), along with Rice, has been vocal about the need for bipartisan work to provide federal aid since the beginning of the pandemic. Suozzi is a member of the Continued on Page 28

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE NEW HYDE PARK-GARDEN CITY PARK SCHOOL DISTRICT

Students at the Garden City Park School interviewed celebrities including Henry Winkler. See story on page 39.

Three airlines agree to N.Y. travel restrictions BY R OB E RT PELAEZ

United Kingdom after reports of a new coronavirus variant that health experts have said Gov. Andrew Cuomo criti- could potentially spread faster cized the federal government than others. Cuomo said six flights aron Sunday for not imposing travel restrictions from the rive at Kennedy International

Airport from the United Kingdom every day. With 120 countries already having imposed travel restrictions from the United Kingdom, Cuomo expressed displeasure with the Continued on Page 27

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The Herald Courier, Friday, December 25, 2020

Nearly 70 Sewanhaka GCP optometrist students test positive offers myopia lens More than 470 on N. Shore contract coronavirus

Eyewear said to be 1st of its kind in U.S. BY R OB E RT PELAEZ

CHART BY ROBERT PELAEZ

More than 470 students throughout North Shore public school districts had tested positive for the coronavirus as of Wednesday. BY R OB E RT PELAEZ The number of students who have tested positive for the coronavirus in public schools across the North Shore has risen to more than 470 since the beginning of the pandemic, according to state Health Department figures. As of Tuesday, 472 students on the North Shore had tested positive since the beginning of the school year. The increase of 66 confirmed student cases is the third most over a one-week period since the school year began, according to state data. Public school districts that were analyzed included the Port Washington school district, Roslyn school district, Sewanhaka Central High School District, Mineola school district, East Williston school district, Floral Park-Bellerose school district, Manhasset school district, New Hyde Park-Garden City Park school district, Herricks school district, North Shore school district and Great Neck school dis-

trict. The three school districts with the most cases among students are Great Neck, with 77, Port Washington, with 73, and Sewanhaka, with 69. An additional 47 cases were found in North Shore Hebrew Academy (25), North Shore Hebrew Academy High School (14), Silverstein Hebrew Academy (6), and North Shore Hebrew Academy Middle School (2), all located on the Great Neck peninsula. Chaminade High School in Mineola also had 31 positive cases as of Wednesday, an increase of two over the past week. Saint Mary’s Elementary School in Manhasset had six cases and Saint Mary’s High School had four as of Wednesday. Eﬀorts to reach representatives from the private schools were unavailing. In Port Washington, Guggenheim Elementary School spent last week learning remotely due to understaﬃng, according to Superintendent Michael Hynes. The school district’s increase of

13 cases was the second most for any district over the past week. The Mineola school district had the most with 14 new cases. In a letter sent to parents and community members, and posted to Facebook by the Guggenheim Home School Association, Hynes said that what was “happening across Long Island regarding the increase in people testing positive for COVID-19 is now directly impacting our district.” “An increasing number of our staff members have either tested positive, or have been identified as close contacts in out-of-school scenarios, and have been ordered to quarantine,” Hynes wrote. “With an additional three staff members who have tested COVID-19 positive, we have close to 20 percent of Guggenheim’s staff needing to quarantine. Unfortunately, even with the several additional staff members hired this summer, this is resulting in the district being understaffed at Guggenheim Elementary School.” Continued on Page 27

Dr. Alice Mann, an optometrist at Focal Point Optical in Garden City Park, is oﬀering a solution for children who have myopia that had never been available before in her 32 years of serving the community. Myopia, more commonly known as nearsightedness, is the inability to see objects clearly at a distance. Myopia typically occurs during childhood when the eyeballs themselves are growing, which means the distance between the front of the eye and the retina in the back of the eye becomes longer. Myopia leads to blurry vision due to the light rays focusing at a point in front of the retina rather than directly on the surface. The condition can worsen over time or if the appropriate interventions are delayed. Mann said the number of people with myopia has risen from 25 percent in 1970 to 42 percent in 2020. Myopia, Mann said, can lead to an increased risk of retinal detachment, glaucoma,

myopic maculopathy, macular degeneration and early onset cataracts. To combat this, Focal Point Optical is oﬀering specialized contact lenses, called MiSight soft lenses, for children who suffer from myopia. Mann said the lens is targeted to work for children ages 8 to 14. “The lens is a therapeutic type of soft contact lens, with a visual zone in the center and a treatment zone in the periphery,” Mann said. “It is the first and only FDA approved lens for myopia control.” Mann said she became certified to use the MiSight lenses during the coronavirus pandemic with a series of online courses. Focal Point started fitting them toward the end of the summer, Mann said. “We’re trying to make people more aware of this,” she said. “It’s very, very new and Coopervision, the company who created the lenses, has a consumer awareness program about the existence of these lenses. Until now, no one really knew how to treat this.” Continued on Page 28

PHOTO COURTESY OF ALICE MANN

Dr. Alice Mann of Focal Point Optical is certified to fit children for contact lenses that can help decrease nearsightedness.

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The Herald Courier, Friday, December 25, 2020

Ms. Sillitti goes to Albany

Newly elected assemblywoman stresses importance of funding ‘critical services’ BY R O S E W E L D ON In the past, state Assemblywomanelect Gina Sillitti (D-Manorhaven) would be the person who photographed elected oﬃcials as they made public appearances or attended local events. On Dec. 12, at the Lakeville Estates Civic Association’s holiday car parade, it still felt right for her to do it. Sporting a fascinator with a wrapped present on her head, Sillitti snapped pictures of the area’s representatives, who donned suits and dresses. “I ended up taking pictures for some of the elected oﬃcials not even thinking about it,” Sillitti said in a phone interview. “It’s like, hey, I can take that photo. And at one point somebody was like, ‘Gina, would you like to come in the photo?’ I was just like, ‘Oh, that’s right!'” Come January, Sillitti will begin her first term as the state Assembly’s representative for the 16th District, which encompasses Great Neck, Port Washington, Manhasset, Roslyn Heights, North Hills, Flower Hill, Lake Success, Baxter Estates, Manorhaven and Sands Point. It’s the latest event on a road that began last February, when Sillitti, a 20-year veteran of government service who had held jobs in the Nassau County Legislature, the Town of North Hempstead and

Nevertheless, she continued, hosting Zoom get-togethers and informational sessions for voters. Late in November, Sillitti was announced as the victor of her race, with over 35,000 votes against Republican candidate Ragini Srivastava’s 30,263. D’Urso himself was “very supportive” of her campaign, Sillitti said. “I’ve known Tony and his wife Maria for many years,” Sillitti said. “And we have a very good relationship, and I speak with him often. I know his staff very well, I speak with them often. And the transition has been fairly smooth. We were so lucky to have him.” Last week, Sillitti attended freshman orientation for new representatives, which involved visiting her Albany office, taking her official photo, and entering the Assembly chamber for the first time, among other things. PHOTO COURTESY OF GINA SILLITTI “It felt like a crash course in government,” Sillitti said with a laugh. “Like State Assemblywoman-elect Gina Sillitti (D-Manorhaven) reacts to entering trying to get as much information as you can into your brain, before the big test. It the state Assembly chamber for the first time as an elected official. was exciting, and it was challenging. I met at the Nassau County Board of Elections, wrench into the campaign’s initial plans, some of my new colleagues, they were, they were all as enthusiastic as I was, was announced as the Democratic can- Sillitti said. “I had this whole grand plan of meet- which was really great.” didate for the seat, following two-term Sillitti’s work for the foreseeable fuAssemblyman Anthony D’Urso’s (D-Port ing everyone, knocking on all the doors Washington) January announcement that and everybody knowing my face,” Sillitti ture will be “100 percent virtual,” she said, said. “It was an interesting campaign sea- but she intends to start on the ground. he would be retiring. The COVID-19 pandemic did throw a son.” Continued on Page 28

The Herald Courier, Friday, December 25, 2020

State offers aid in hack on Hebrew academy site BY R OB E RT PELAEZ Gov. Andrew Cuomo directed the state’s Division of Human Rights to provide support to the North Shore Hebrew Academy High School in Great Neck after hackers posted anti-Semitic images and Nazi propaganda on the school’s website last week. “This anti-Semitic attack is simply despicable, and the fact it came as the school community celebrated Hanukkah makes it even more repulsive,” Cuomo said Friday. “As we work with our partners on the local and national level to hold the perpetrators accountable, New York State will deploy resources to help the staﬀ, parents, and students at North Shore Hebrew Academy in the aftermath of this senseless act.” Pictures and videos from StopAntisemitism.org, a nonprofit whose mission holds “antisemites accountable” and creates “consequences for bigoted actions” were posted on Dec. 14. The video features the home page of the school’s website with Nazi soldiers marching in

PHOTO COURTESY OF GOOGLE MAPS

Gov. Andrew Cuomo has directed a state agency to support an investigation into hackers posting anti-Semitic images and Nazi propaganda on the North Shore Hebrew Academy website last week. the background. Screenshots of the website were then posted with anti-Semitic messages with slurs above a notification that the website was under construction. In the website’s “About Us” tab, there were more pictures of Nazi soldiers holding up swastikas and referring to the school as the “North Shore Concentration

Camp.” The tab also featured a profile on Adolf Hitler and outlined “field trips” the students would take to Auschwitz. The post said that students would have to “walk into an SS oﬃce and declare themselves as Jews,” and listed the deadline for the application as “January 1945.” Cuomo said the Division of

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Human Rights will conduct a virtual forum with the school’s community on a date that will be determined by the North Shore Hebrew Academy. The forum will go over the state’s human rights laws, information on how the state handles cybercrimes and attacks, legal protections against bias crimes, and give resources and advice

on how parents can discuss the incident with their children, according to Cuomo. “By deploying these resources, we are sending a message loud and clear that hate has no place in our state — online or in-person — and that New York will always support and protect those targeted for crimes based on who they are or what they believe,” Cuomo said. The school’s headmaster, Daniel Vitow, was not available for comment, but told the New York Post last week that school officials were “aware of the situation and are actively working with law enforcement.” Officials from the Nassau County Police Department confirmed they are investigating but did not provide any additional information. A spokesperson said the county police are assisting Lake Success police in the investigation. Lake Success police referred calls to the county Police Department, according to Newsday. Officials have also announced that the FBI was aiding the investigation.

COMMUNITY NEWS

Floral Park-Bellerose School hosts toy drive Floral Park-Bellerose School students from pre-K to sixth grade have been bringing in gifts for the annual toy drive for the Hance Family Foundation, held from Nov. 30-Dec. 17. The foundation will distribute the toys to children in need around Nassau County on behalf of the students.

For your latest news visit us at www.theislandnow.com

ATTORNEY William J. Corbett

The Herald Courier, Friday, December 25, 2020

Lake Success property sells for $62M BY R OB E RT PELAEZ A 348,000-square-foot Lake Success property sold for $62 million in early December, according to multiple reports.

You’re starting to see some demand from tenants who want to have an office both in the city and outside of the city. That’s feeding leasing activity. Source told the Commercial Observer The Birch Group, a private investor group based in Nanuet, New York, reportedly acquired the property at 1979 Marcus Ave. in Lake Success from Willett Companies and Lincoln Equity Group. Representatives Adam Spies, David Bernhaut, Josh Kind, Andy Merin and Gary Gabriel from the commercial

PHOTO COURTESY OF GOOGLE MAPS

A Lake Success commercial property was sold for $62 million in early December, according to multiple reports. real estate company Cushman & Wakefield brokered the deal, according to reports. Eﬀorts to reach oﬃcials from Willet Companies, Lincoln Equity Group and Birch Group

for comment on the transaction were unavailing. Financing details on the transaction were not immediately available. The property, constructed in 1989, which consists of

90,000-square-feet floorplates, eight elevators, a health club, a café, surfaced and structured parking, and a FedEx oﬃce, was last traded 15 years ago, according to a Commercial Property

Executive report. In that transaction, according to the report, the property was sold to Lincoln by Broadway Partners on Jan. 7, 2005, for $53.5 million. The property’s current tenants include the Woodland Group, an international transportation and supply chain specialist company, the Center for Learning and Innovation, a subsidiary organization that trains Northwell Health employees, Executive Enterprise, a public relations firm, and IPRO, a nonprofit healthcare organization that works with government agencies, according to reports. According to the Commercial Observer, sources indicated that the coronavirus pandemic played a part in the decision for the Birch Group to purchase the property, citing suburban locations securing more profitable yields for investors. “Cap rates are higher, financing is relatively inexpensive,” one source told Commercial Observer. “You’re starting to see some demand from tenants who want to have an oﬃce both in the city and outside of the city. That’s feeding leasing activity.”

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Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 25, 2020

Dowling warns against vaccine delays

Northwell CEO says ‘herd immunity’ may take six to nine months during Blank Slate forum BY R O S E W E L D ON COVID-19 vaccines might be available to the general public as late as July, Northwell Health CEO and President Michael Dowling said at a Blank Slate Media forum held via Zoom last Thursday. “By the time we [finish vaccinating] all health care workers and nursing homes, and other essential workers, we’re probably into February, March, April before we get to the general public,” Dowling said. He clarified later in the forum that “high risk” individuals and essential workers like police oﬃcers, firefighters and those working in transportation, among others, were scheduled to receive the vaccine around that time. “Before the so-called general public gets the vaccine it will probably be June, July,” Dowling said. He added that the crisis was being prolonged in the United States due to “so many people who refuse to wear a mask.” “The mask is the best treatment we have today, except for the vaccine itself,” Dowling said. “It is the single best treatment to begin to shut down and slow down the ex-

PHOTO BY JANELLE CLAUSEN

Northwell Health CEO and President Michael Dowling said at a Blank Slate Media forum that he expects the COVID-19 vaccine may be available to the general public as late as July 2021. pansion of COVID.” Both FDA-approved vaccines against the virus, the Pfizer vaccine, which Port Washington nurse Sandra Lindsay, director of critical care nursing at Long Island Jew-

Exp. 1/31/21

ish Medical Center in New Hyde Park, became the first American to receive last week, and the Moderna vaccine, will require two separate inoculations, Dowling said, though a one-dose vaccine currently in the

works from Johnson and Johnson “holds an awful lot of promise.” “If it gets approved, which we believe so, and it is made available, that will be the vaccine that we will be using, because it won’t require you to come back to get a second dose,” Dowling said. “You get it once, and you’re finished. But this whole process now is going to take, [and while] it’s good news, it’s fantastic news, it’s going to take many months to roll out.” The medical community is still trying to come to terms with how long a vaccine dose will be eﬀective, he says. “There is no definitive agreement on how long the immunity is, but most people, including the people I talked to ... I’m not a clinician myself as you know, but I spend my life around them,” Dowling said, “most people will tell you that it is at least a year, could be two years, but it is quite conceivable that [the vaccine] may be required.” Another concern in vaccine rollout, he said, is that “an awful lot of people say that they’re unwilling about possibly taking the vaccine.” “Most polls said that 50 percent of the public are kind of wait and

see type of thing,” Dowling said. “My view of that is, the more people get vaccinated, the more we’re able to promote it we’ll be doing major communication campaigns over the next number of weeks and months to get to convince other people to take the vaccine.” Seventy percent of Americans will have to receive the vaccine before herd immunity can be considered, Dowling said. He added that the question of large gatherings is often reviewed by Northwell’s clinical leadership and by national coronavirus task force member Dr. Anthony Fauci. “Convincing people to get vaccinated would be the biggest task, and I think if we have to delay sports events and other large gatherings for a couple of more months, I think that’s just the choice we will have to make,” Dowling said. “I personally think you’ll be at the end of the summer before we can actually feel a little bit free, be a bit more flexible in opening up for large gatherings, sports events, et cetera. I think there can always be exceptions on this depending on the circumstance and the flexContinued on Page 34

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 25, 2020

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No purchase necessary. Must be 18 years of age or older. Open to Not-for-Profit (501c3) organizations and residents in Queens and Nassau counties. Employees of Maspeth Federal Savings Bank and their immediate family members are not eligible. The winning organizations will be selected by an internal Maspeth Federal Savings Bank panel, and will be announced on January 8, 2021, on our website and social media. Winners will be contacted to discuss how to claim their award. Each winning organization will recommend two (2) charities in their communities that would benefit from a $500 grant to be funded by Maspeth Federal Savings Bank. Odds of winning dependent upon number of submissions received. The decision by the Maspeth Federal Savings Bank panel is final. No account opening or purchase is required to participate in the award donations. A 1099-Misc may be issued at year end; all applicable taxes and gratuities are the responsibility of the recipient. Offer may be withdrawn or amended without prior notice.

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 25, 2020

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The Herald Courier, Friday, December 25, 2020

COMMUNITY NEWS

Physical ed F.P. Memorial physical ed honors honors at NHP school New Hyde Park Memorial High School seniors Deep Kaur and Joseph Leonard received Outstanding Physical Education Student Awards, on Dec. 7. The Nassau Zone of the New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance virtually honored two outstanding students from 2021 graduating classes across Nassau County who met the required Physical Education Outstanding Student criteria for achievement. Kaur is a member of the basketball team, and Leonard competes on the football, wrestling and baseball teams. They are also both in the school’s Leadership Physical Education Program. The two students were chosen by New Hyde Park Memorial’s physical education staﬀ for going above and beyond for the department and for the school’s athletics.

Floral Park Memorial High School seniors Michelle Ashbahian and Jack Nolan received Outstanding Physical Education Student Awards on Dec. 7. The Nassau Zone of the New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance virtually honored two outstanding students from 2021 graduating classes across Nassau County who met the required Physical Education Outstanding Student criteria for achievement. As recipients of the award, both Ashbahian and Nolan recorded brief video statements on Flipgrid that were played during the ceremony.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE SEWANHAKA CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT

Floral Park Memorial High School Floral Park Memorial High School senior Michelle senior Jack Nolan received an OutAshbahian received an Outstanding Physical Educastanding Physical Education Student tion Student Award. award.

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10 Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 25, 2020

NIFA OKs Nassau’s proposed budget Authority issues warning before approving $3.3B plan using state refinancing help BY R OB E RT PE L A E Z The Nassau Interim Finance Authority approved Nassau County’s $3.3 billion budget for 2021 but included a resolution that requires the county to develop a plan to combat deficits that are projected to “increase significantly” over the next four years due to the coronavirus pandemic. Authority officials met virtually last Thursday to discuss and ultimately approve the budget 4-1, with board member Paul Annunziato voting “no.” “This plan right now isn’t a plan. It lacks any initiatives to address those out-years,” Annunziato said. “In short, my conclusion of the county’s budget, it is nothing more than a plan that says, let’s delay and hope. Let’s hope sales tax skyrocket much greater than what we’ve projected.” The Legislature’s Republican majority previously approved a deal to allow the finance authority to refinance county debt as the county struggles with the ripple effects of the coronavirus pandemic. The county’s proposed $3.3 billion budget for 2021 calls for NIFA, which has overseen the county’s finances for the past two decades, to refinance $473 million in county debt, according to a county news release. Earlier in the year, a plan from Nassau County Executive Laura Curran, a Democrat, featured NIFA restructuring $435 million in debt over 30 years. Majority officials in the County Legislature said Curran agreed to reduce the bonds from 30 years to 15. The new agreement, according to the news release, will save taxpayers over $883 million over 15 years.

SCREENSHOT BY ROBERT PELAEZ

Members of the Nassau Interim Finance Authority’s Board of Directors approve the proposed $3.3 billion budget for Nassau County in 2021 on Thursday night. “This deal negotiated by the Majority will save Nassau taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars, and return money back to small-business owners and residents, where it belongs,“ Nassau County Presiding Oﬃcer Richard Nicolello (R-New Hyde Park) said. “The Majority will continue to stand up for Nassau residents, and fight to lower taxes for working-class families.” The deal also featured the creation of a “special revenue fund” to ensure that county operations will continue and will assist in paying back residents and businesses owed

tax refunds. The fund will consist of surplus monies in any line of the 2021 budget, according to oﬃcials. “That’s good because if sales tax does, in fact, exceed what had been proposed in the adopted budget, it will lessen the need for the county to seek bond authorization and funding authorization as a funding source to pay down the backlog which sits currently at approximately 231 million as of Dec. 31, 2019,” NIFA Executive Director Evan Cohen said Thursday. Despite the plan, which is projected to

save the county $435 million in the 2020, 2021 and 2022 fiscal years combined, the county still faces debt that is projected to balloon, according to October projections from the finance authority. The projections show Nassau County facing a $111.2 million deficit in 2021, $137.3 million in 2022, $285.7 million in 2023, and $359.7 million in 2024. “This is a budget that is being balanced based on the restructuring of existing NIFA and county debt that will provide more than $400 million in financial relief,” NIFA Chairman Adam Barsky said in a statement on Thursday. “By doing this we were able to avoid a massive property tax increase and cuts to critical services for those most in need. This remains a short-term extraordinary measure to address the unprecedented impact of the global pandemic. There still exists a longer-term structural imbalance that must be tackled sooner rather than later.” Cohen emphasized the point that despite the approval of this deal, the county still faces potential financial roadblocks, especially due to the unknown length and lingering effects of the coronavirus pandemic. “No one should be under the impression that the county is in smooth sailing from this point forward,” Cohen said. “In fact, the out-years present formidable fiscal headwinds, and the county should be urged to begin meaningful efforts to address the known mismatch in revenues and expenditures.” Efforts to reach county officials for further comment on the approval were unavailing.

Cohen’s gets highest rating in nursing BY R O S E W E L D ON

PHOTO COURTESY OF NORTHWELL HEALTH

Socially distanced, nurses and staff at Cohen Children’s Medical Center celebrate achieving Magnet status, the industry’s “gold medal” for nursing excellence.

For the second time in four years, Cohen Children’s Medical Center in New Hyde Park has achieved Magnet status, the gold standard in nursing excellence from the American Nurses Credentialing Center, making it the only children’s hospital in New York state to hold the designation. The Magnet recognition reflects the highest standards of nursing professionalism, collaboration, teamwork and delivery of superior patient care, distinguishing the 202-bed Cohen Children’s Medical Center as a premier destination for pediatric care in the region. Magnet status has been awarded to about 9 percent of hospitals worldwide, or approximately 547 hospitals. It is challenging for most hospitals to apply for Magnet recognition due to the ANCC’s demanding educational requirements of the chief nursing oﬃcer and other nurse leaders. For organizations that do meet the criteria, it is then necessary for them to benchmark themselves against other hospitals nationally and outperform those benchmarks.

The majority of these benchmarks are in nursing-related clinical indicators (such as falls, pressure ulcers, central line infections, and catheter-associated infections) and in nursing-related patient satisfaction scores (such as courtesy of nurses, the ability of staﬀ to work as a team and sensitivity to personal needs or requests). Following that, a site visit from the ANCC occurs to determine whether the facility meets the stringent Magnet requirements. Cohen is one of eight Northwell Health hospitals to earn Magnet status. “Earning Magnet recognition the first time in 2016 was a milestone in the history of the hospital, validating the exemplary professionalism, dedication and compassion our nurses show every day in caring for children and their families,” said Dr. Charles Schleien, senior vice president and chair of pediatrics at Northwell Health, in a statement. “To achieve Magnet status a second time confirms the unwavering commitment of our nurses and nursing leadership, especially in the face of treating patients during a pandemic. Our nurses answered the Continued on Page 38

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 25, 2020

12 Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 25, 2020

The Herald Courier, Friday, December 25, 2020

COMMUNITY NEWS

Floral Park Board of Trustees Dec. 15 reports Belmont Redevelopment Project – Deputy Mayor Fitzgerald On Monday, the ESD will be holding a public hearing (virtually) at 6pm to take comments on the 4 various changes to the project plan. Those changes are as previously mentioned: 1) Replacing the underground parking on Site B (Lot south of Hempstead Tpke) with a 6 story parking structure with same amount of spots, 2) Moving 25,000 square feet of retail from Site A next to the arena to site B, 3) Replacing buffer on Site B with a wall and vegetation, and 4) Use of electric shuttle buses. Info on how to participate can be found on the ESD website or the Village website www.fpvillage.org under the Belmont Redevelopment section. Four Village Studio (4VS) – Deputy Mayor Fitzgerald Once again this year we are proud to announce that the studio won four 2nd place awards at the Annual Alliance for Community Awards ceremony. The awards were in the following four categories: 1) Municipal and Government Programming, 2) Historical Documentary, 3) Profile Talk Show, and 4) Science and Health. Congratulations to Jim Green and the entire staff for their continued efforts in producing award winning content of local interest to our residents along with giving the student volunteers great learning experiences and something unique they can place on their resumes. Department of Public Works – Deputy Mayor Fitzgerald With the pending storm (I guess 2020 would not be complete without at least another one) I would like to remind residents of the following: 1) please clear your sidewalks as soon as practicable, 2) please do not push snow into the street, 3) please do not park on the street until streets are plowed, and 4) please shovel out fire hydrants if you live near one. All of these suggestions although somewhat inconvenient make our roads and sidewalks in the Village safer and if there are multiple storms in coming weeks easier to keep streets as wide as possible. Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and a Happy Safe Healthy “Back to Normal” 2021. Conservation Society — Trustee Pombonyo The Centennial Gardens 2021 Calendar, featuring colorful photographs of the magnificent flowers, trees and wildlife that call the Gardens home, makes a perfect holiday gift. Check the Floral Park Centennial Gardens Facebook page for details on how to get yours. All proceeds go to the Floral Park Conservation Society for the ongoing beautification of the Gardens. Covert Avenue Chamber of Commerce and Our Businesses — Trustee Pombonyo Work on the block of the fire damaged businesses has begun. Asbestos abatement and debris removal began last week. Abatement of roof flashing (primarily non-friable asbestos) and some basement pipe insulation (including friable asbestos) will be ac-

complished with all required containment and monitoring to ensure the safety of all in the area. All asbestos removal and demolition contractors and environmental testing professionals are fully licensed and adhere to NYS and local regulations. Loose debris from the fire is also being removed. A decontamination trailer and dumpster are present with almost daily pick-ups. Work begins after 8am on weekdays. The site is visited on a daily basis by the Building Department, including Superintendent Renee Marcus and Kevin Bove, and other Village staﬀ. The property owner’s architect and engineer continue to study the building’s remaining structural capacity and related code requirements to determine the extent of the demolition work and future reconstruction, which has not yet been decided. Regular updates will follow. And, as all of our small businesses work to recover from hardships and losses incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, New York State, through Empire State Development, is making loans available to small businesses, small residential landlords, and nonprofits. The NY Forward Loan Fund (NYFLF) is a new economic recovery loan program aimed at supporting NYS small businesses, small residential landlords, and nonprofits. On Monday, December 14th, ESD representatives conducted an information session on the NY Forward Loan Fund. Loans are now available to small businesses with the full-time equivalent of twenty or less employees who also meet other requirements; residential landlords with no more than two hundred total units and no single property greater than fifty units, who also meet other requirements; and nonprofits. Loans of up to $100,000 are available. These loans are not forgivable and must be paid back over a five year term with interest: 3% for small businesses and landlords and 2% for nonprofits. It is expected that the turnaround time on loan application approvals will be swift. Check the website nyloanfund.com for information and the application link, or google ESD NY Forward Loan Fund. Interested businesses are encouraged to apply now. Thanks to all for your never-ending support for our Covert Avenue businesses. On Saturday, December 5th, the Covert Avenue Chamber livestreamed the culmination of their very successful COVERT AVENUE STRONG fundraising drive. Over $62,000 in proceeds will be divided amongst the businesses directly involved in the fire. Heartfelt expressions of gratitude were shared by several of those business owners, and a raﬄe drawing for twenty-seven exciting prizes was held. In case you missed it, check out the December 5th-6th livestream links on the Chamber Facebook page and, as always, please GIVE BIG, SHOP SMALL, AND SHOP LOCAL for the holidays! Our Holiday Wishes — Trustee Pombonyo Thanks to all our residents and businesses for brightening up our neighborhoods with your creative and sparkling displays of lights and decorations that make our Village shine at this festive time of year. Special thanks go to the Ortiz and Cunning-

ham families for sponsoring Holiday House Quest and the awe-inspiring tours throughout our Village neighborhoods, which we invite our families to continue to enjoy. And may Christmas and the holidays bring good health, joy and peace to all, God bless. Fire Department – Trustee Cheng I typically report on the number of calls for the prior month at the end of my report on the Fire Department. However, this month I will state them at the beginning: For the month of November, Rescue Company — 86 EMS related calls, 22 Fire Related Calls — Total 108; Rest of the Department — 23 including 2 major Building Fires. First, I want to thank and commend the Department for the excellent work they did on the 2 building fires. Our Village is eternally thankful to all of our volunteers for their dedication, courage, expertise and selflessness. Second, I would like to make a few personal comments specifically regarding the number of Rescue calls responded to in 2020. What I am about to say was not solicited by the Fire Department or the Rescue Company, but this comes from me, the Department’s Commissioner. In fact, I know that the entire Department would rather operate without fanfare of any kind as their spirit of volunteerism and the self-worth they feel in their dedicated work is their true reward. Our Fire Department has responded to over 1100 calls this year so far, of which over 80% or over 880 calls have been EMS calls handled by Rescue. In November alone, they responded to 108 calls. A Rescue call takes well over an hour when you count the time necessary to disinfect and restock the ambulance. On average, they respond to 3.5 calls totaling over 4 hours each and every day. In my opinion, the upsurge in COVID-19 has caused and is going to cause an overload that Rescue may not be able to sustain. The Rescue Company and the ambulance are meant for true, medical emergencies that require immediate treatment. After treatment, Rescue will transport you to a hospital Emergency Room for further treatment. If you believe that a call to your doctor or a trip to the doctor’s office or urgent care facility will be sufficient to treat you and your condition, please consider that before calling out the Rescue Company. Also, understand that once you are in the hospital ER, they will treat you in the order of medical necessity, not on a first come first served basis. However, if in doubt as to who you should call, please err on the side of caution and call for the assistance of Rescue. If you find that you are having mild symptoms of COVID-19, please call your doctor. But, if you are suffering from any of the emergency warning signs of COVID-19 which include, according to the CDC are: difficulty breathing, chest pain or pressure, confusion, inability to wake or stay awake, dizziness or lightheadedness, slurred speech, or bluish lips or face, call for Rescue as emergency medical treatment is immediately necessary. Our Rescue Company has been in existence for over 85 years and proudly serving our Village for all that time. By reducing the unnecessary calls made to them, they will be better able to serve us when true emergencies occur.

3rd Track & LIRR – Trustee Cheng We probably will not see much activity regarding the 3rd Track Project for the rest of this month. There still is a lot of work going on in other communities and work on aspects of the project that are not visible to us such as switches, utility lines and electrical substations. Hopefully, next month we will have operational elevators at the RR station. From my family to yours, Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and we Hope for the Best in 2021. Library – Trustee Chiara The Floral Park Library continues to offer virtual programs for all age groups. On December 21st, babies ages six months through 17 months will have a baby time program that will focus on motor and early literacy skills using music and rhymes. Children ages one through preschool can also participate in a program for their age group that will likewise focus on motor skills and early literacy through music and rhymes. On December 28th teens will have a virtual vacation craft of shrinky-dinks; younger children can make a winter scene and snowman out of clay. Finally, on January 1st there will be a Family New Year’s Trivia challenge to see how much our patrons know about the New Year holiday; all who participate have a chance to win a $25 gift card. Good luck to all who enter. As a reminder the Library is closed on Christmas Eve as well as Christmas Day. The Library will be open all day on New Year’s Eve from 9AM to 5PM and is closed on New Year’s Day. The Library Staff would like to wish all a very Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year! Police Department – Trustee Chiara The Police Department would like to remind our residents to please make every effort to bring in delivered packages as soon as possible, to avoid being victims of porch pirates. Arrangements should be made to have packages picked up if a resident will not be around for the entire day. With the news of a pending snowstorm, please be careful while driving around the Village. The Floral Park Police Department would like to wish all of our residents a very Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a safe, healthy New Year! Building Department – Trustee Chiara The Building Department is winding down 2020, working on all pending permits. The Building Department would like to wish all our residents a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and much better Happy New Year. On behalf of the Chiara family, I would like to wish everyone an extremely blessed Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday season. We are hopeful for a better, healthier, safe HAPPY NEW YEAR. We all got through this year together, and we will all be glad to see 2020 behind us! Stay safe and ENJOY these Holidays with your love ones! Continued on Page 39

14 Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 25, 2020

Opinion

OUR VIEWS

The virus next time and now

ne more startling fact about the coronavirus pandemic is that Northwell Health actually began preparing for it 20 years ago, according to Michael Dowling, the president and CEO of the health system. The hospital network, now the largest in New York state with 23 hospitals, 800 outpatient facilities and 72,000 employees, actually wasn’t preparing for COVID-19 20 years ago – just large-scale emergencies. In this case, the attack on the World Trade Center on 9/11. FBI special agent John O’Neil, then the head of a joint terrorism task force, was sounding the alarm about the lack of preparation by health systems for a large-scale attack in this country. In one presentation a year before 9/11, O’Neil flashed the picture of Osama bin Laden on a large screen and announced that the al Qaeda leader planned to attack the United States, Dowling recalled. O’Neil, who would leave the FBI and become head of security for the World Trade Center, died in the attack on 9/11. Northwell, in the meantime, had begun to build an emergency preparedness infrastructure headquartered in Great Neck. Perhaps more stunning than Northwell’s prescience in preparing for a coronavirus pandemic is the failure of this country to follow the lessons Northwell and other health providers learned in responding to the first wave of the pandemic that struck the United States in February. Dowling, who not only led Northwell in tackling a health threat that no one had seen in 100 years but helped Gov. Andrew

Cuomo guide New York state’s response, actually co-authored a book on it, “Leading Through a Pandemic.” In the book and an appearance at a Blank Slate Media town hall last Thursday, Dowling discussed the response of Northwell and other New York health care providers to COVID-19 and what was needed to rein in this pandemic. And, frighteningly, even more deadly viruses predicted for the future. Dowling’s recommendations included building an emergency management culture, committing to regulatory flexibility, addressing inequities in access to health care based on race and income, educating the public, protecting the physical and emotional health of the staff, increasing the focus on safety measures in congregate settings and reversing “America’s cultural disrespect for science.” The recommendations were based on Dowling’s experience in grappling with a coronavirus in its earliest days that health professionals had never experienced before with its ease of spread and its lethality. Doctors, nurses and other health professionals with years of experience would be confronted by a level of death and suffering they had not seen in hospitals before with room after room filled with COVID-19 patients silent but for the sound of ventilators pumping. The hospital staff did so despite fears for their own lives and those of their families. So far, the Northwell Health system has treated 101,000 COVID-19 patients, including 16,000 who were hospitalized, more than any other hospital system in the country.

BLANK SLATE MEDIA LLC

Editorial Cartoon

Thanks to an emergency order signed by Cuomo, Northwell and other health systems drastically altered the ways hospitals operate to permit the quick expansion of beds, moving patients from overcrowded hospitals to less crowded hospitals within a health network and outside a health network. The hospitals also adopted social distancing, the wearing of protective gear and better treatment for patients, who improved.A shutdown of the state reduced the spread. Eventually, in New York and other surrounding states, the rate of infections and death dropped. When Dowling’s book went to press in July, 4.5 million people in the countryhad been infected and 154,000 people had died. But as of Tuesday, the number of people infected exceeded 18 million and more than 320,000 had died. And some scientists now predict as many as 550,000 will die by spring – even with the introduction of vaccines. What went wrong? Why so many infections and deaths after so much was learned about the disease? When asked, Dowling picked his words carefully. We won’t. In what is perhaps the greatest failure in leadership in the history REPORTERS Rose Weldon, Robert Pelaez

of this country, President Donald Trump refused to lead the fight against the pandemic. Instead, he became its No. 1 source of disinformation. As shown in Bob Woodward’s book “Rage,” Trump knowingly downplayed the COVID-19 pandemic to the public, saying it was no worse than the flu, that it would go away quickly. In his book, Dowling discussed how Northwell was in touch with scientists inWuhan, China, thought to be the source of COVID-19, and Italy, the European country most severely impacted by COVID-19. Those scientists, Dowling said, shared what information they had in the early days of the pandemic. Asked if Northwell oﬃcials had heard anything from the federal government, Dowling said they had not. Trump just didn’t ignore the science of masks and social distancing, he made following it a partisan issue. He promoted bogus treatments at the expense of viable treatments. He conducted a presidential campaign that featured super-spreader events. Trump was aided and abetted by social media, Fox News and other like-minded news organizations as well as red-state governors following the lead of their president.

The proof of this malpractice can be seen as the virus has raged across the country this fall and winter – after Trump and others dismissed the second wave of infections predicted by scientists. There is no question that more Americans would be infected and die from a virus as deadly and easy to transmit as COVID-19. But tens of thousands of Americans would still be alive and many more would have avoided infection and its potential for long-term eﬀects if the entire country had followed what scientists and health professionals like Dowling had advocated. And the pandemic is not even over. New York, like most other states, has seen a large spike in deaths and infections in recent months, but far less than what is being experienced in most places in the country. It is a frightening fact to consider that the devastation now taking place in other parts of the country is occurring months after they watched the devastation caused by COVID-19 in New York in the spring. Dowling, who was recently voted No. 2 on Modern Healthcare Continued on Page 34

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Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 25, 2020

KREMER’S CORNER

Make Trump’s antics federal crimes

ach year the New York State Legislature passes thousands of bills, many of which become law. The new laws most often cover things like public safety, health, criminal acts and our election process. A large number of bills cover routine governmental needs like extending tax collections or granting pension rights. Occasionally, we hear of some new law and the first question that comes to mind is where did that come from? Quite a few of the bills passed in Washington or Albany have been pending for years and, thanks to some incident or media report, they miraculously come to life. Not every elected legislator is an original thinker and by luck a lawmaker comes up with a unique idea and it works its way into a proposal. It may not surprise you to learn that some unique change in the law came about because an interested voter wrote a letter to

their elected official suggesting the need for government action. During my 23 years in Albany, I was fortunate to have gotten a number of letters asking for legislative help and I had the desire to follow up. My favorite law that started out as a voter gripe was the Lemon Law. An unhappy constituent who bought a new car that was defective wrote begging for some consumer protection. After a battle royal with the big auto manufacturers, my Lemon Law bill passed both houses and was signed into law by Gov. Carey. Today, the Lemon Law now covers new and used dealer cars as well as leased cars. Since I am a registered voter and I pay my taxes, I have a few federal laws to propose that would affect present and future presidents. Let’s start with presidential pardons. Rather than wait until Mr. Trump’s final days in office, wouldn’t it be appropriate that all presidential par-

JERRY KREMER Kremer’s Corner

dons must be granted prior to Election Day if you are running for re-election? That way the voting public would know who will benefit from this extraordinary gift before they cast their ballots. It is a matter of law that sitting presidents cannot be charged with a crime. Special Counsel Robert Mueller declined to allege any presidential

crimes because of his belief that the president was immune from charges. President Trump has made it clear from time to time that “I could shoot someone in the middle of Fifth Avenue and no one could prosecute me.” Over these past few weeks, the president has threatened numerous public oﬃcials who didn’t support his claims that the election was rigged. I would suggest that any presidential threat against another public oﬃcial involving the conduct of the election be subject to criminal prosecution. During the past month, President Trump has aggressively solicited moneys from millions of innocent citizens for his legal defense fund. It is estimated that those appeals have raised over $200 million. The president’s lawyers have lost 39 of the election challenges and it would appear that there are millions left that will go into a Trump discretionary

fund to be used at the whim of the owner. It would be appropriate to have a law which requires that any leftover defense funds must be returned to the donors under threat of prosecution. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused millions of Americans to shelter at home and avoid going to non-essential locations. Since mid-May the president has urged citizens to go about their business and ignore virus warnings. He has gone as far as to suggest that the public oﬃcials who have ordered mask mandates or quarantines be challenged by their neighbors. There are numerous reported cases of physical threats being made against oﬃcials doing their jobs. That conduct should be a federal crime with no immunity. There are dozens of other presidential missteps that I can think of that merit a change in the law. Please feel free to suggest a few of your own.

A LOOK ON THE LIGHTER SIDE

Here’s hoping 2021 will be a wonderful year

t’s time for one of my new favorite holiday traditions: the annual broadcast of “It’s A Wonderful Life,” starring Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed in the black-and-white Frank Capra classic. I wasn’t always a fan. I had never even heard of this classic until I moved to New York city, after college. Here, it aired every year at Christmas — possibly because whoever held the copyright had let it lapse into the public domain, which meant the film was free for anyone to air — a lot. Still, the first time I really watched it, from start to finish, was because I had to. One of my first assignments, upon being hired for a WNET-TV Pledge period, was to supervise the film’s broadcast. Or actually, the film’s rebroadcast. As best I can now recall, the film was being rebroadcast in its entirety because someone had scrambled the reels and aired them in the wrong order the first time through. As I sat and watched the film in the darkened control room, I could see how some scrambling might have occurred. Soon after the movie starts, we are treated to scenes of idyllic-seeming Bedford Falls and the small-town life

led there by George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart) — sledding, saving his brother from mishap and singing “Buﬀalo Gals, Won’t You Come Out Tonight” as he falls in love with Mary Hatch (played by a radiant young Donna Reed). But (spoilers ahead!) Bailey’s life takes a dark turn and suddenly — or so it seems — we are plunged into a dismal world: There is no Bedford Falls at all, but just a rundown shantytown named “Potterville;” Mary Hatch never meets him; and Bailey’s own mother doesn’t recognize him. In short, we are suddenly looking at a completely diﬀerent reality than what has gone before. Anyone previewing the reel change might reasonably conclude that they were about to make a big mistake! Of course, the discontinuity in this story is exactly the point. The central theme of the entire film was that just as George Bailey is about to take his own life, believing he’s done nothing good with it and wishing he’d never been born, an angel appears— the improbably-named Clarence — to change George Bailey’s mind. And the way Clarence does this with Bailey is to show him just what that world without him

JUDY EPSTEIN

A Look on the Lighter Side would really have been. His brother would die young and never live to serve in World War II where he saves a troopship of sailors. The local pharmacist, uncorrected by a young George Bailey, would mistakenly poison a sick child. Young Mary will become a spinster librarian (the least convincing of the parade of horribles) and her family

with George would never come to be. And the local banker, charging usurious rates, would plunge an entire neighborhood into poverty that would have become homeowners with George Bailey’s Savings & Loan. George Bailey must trudge through this hellscape until he realizes that his life has not only touched those of many others, but made theirs better. That’s when he decides that he wants to live and is returned to that life — as Angel Clarence finally earns his wings. Over the years, the movie grew on me. I decided it wasn’t really sappy at all. And once I thought about it, I realized that Angel Clarence’s demonstration of “the world without you, George” was simply a clever low-tech, faith-based way to show Bailey — and us — what science fiction folk would call an alternate reality. This year it all resonates for me much more deeply.

The dysfunctional hellscape, of course, is the world we are in right now — still stuck in a deadly pandemic, not even a vaccine in sight for most of us as the virus rages out of control. And things are only this bad because our leader abdicated his responsibility and made all the wrong choices every time there was a choice to be had. Fortunately, we have chosen a diﬀerent future. Except for the small detail that he was picked by the American people and not heaven-sent, Joe Biden — thirdtime-lucky presidential candidate — will do nicely as my real-world version of the Angel Clarence. I believe that, in the upcoming year 2021, we can revive our faith in America and our faith in each other — and get back to a better reality. And I will never be happier to sing “Auld Lang Syne” and see the back of the year we’ve been through.

LETTERS POLICY Letters should be typed or neatly handwritten, and those longer than 750 words may be edited for brevity and clarity. All letters must include the writer’s name and phone number for verification. Anonymously sent letters will not be printed. Letters must be received by Monday noon to appear in the next week’s paper. All letters become the property of Blank Slate Media LLC and may be republished in any format. Letters can be e-mailed to news@theislandnow.com or mailed to Blank Slate Media, 25 Red Ground Road, East Hills, NY 11577.

16 Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 25, 2020

E A R T H M AT T E R S

Is your sofa more toxic than lead?

hrough my recent work with the freshman class at Molloy College, I have been reading the back story about how the water in Flint, Mich., became contaminated with lead. It is actually a pretty familiar environmental justice story about politics, money and a vulnerable low-income community. The hero of this story is a young pediatrician who was determined to find out who was responsible for harming the brains of the children under her care —and to fix it! Her name is Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha, and she documented her personal journey and the eventual change in the source of the water coming into Flint in her book, “What the Eyes Don’t See.” It is an inspiring read. Under the EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Act, the maximum contaminant level goal (MCLG) for lead is zero. EPA came to this determination on the best available science, which shows there is no safe level of exposure to lead. Testing in Flint indicated serious systemwide lead contamination in drinking water, which eventually showed up as alarmingly elevated blood lead levels in children. The levels of lead in the blood of American children have declined significantly since lead was removed from gasoline and paint, but many children are still exposed to the metal

in old paint chips, contaminated products imported from other countries and, yes, drinking water flowing through leaded pipes. Lead is a potent neurotoxin and early exposure to it may have lifelong consequences for cognitive function and behavior, including lowered I.Q. We have remediated lead exposures to a large extent through individual actions and even laws. But lead in water supply pipes continues to put families across the country at risk, including here on Long Island. The good thing is we know where to look for the problem and how to solve it. But that is not the case for flame retardant chemicals. Earlier this year, researchers reported that these chemicals surpassed lead as the biggest contributor to I.Q. loss and intellectual disability in children. The chemicals were also linked to cancer, hormone disruption, and reproductive and neurological harm. Global treaties have listed them as persistent organic pollutants, which means they do not break down into safer chemicals in the environment; they travel far from the source of release and are distributed around the globe; they build up in people and other animals and they are harmful to life, causing long-term rather than immediate harm. What? Why aren’t

PATTI WOOD Earth Matters

we – and especially pediatricians – aware of this risk? How are we exposed to flame retardants? Unlike lead, flame retardants are hard to find, even though they are present in many of the things we buy, especially for our children. And unlike lead, they are loosely regulated. Manufacturers do not need to prove that they are safe or even that they keep things from burning. Flame retardants are typically found in upholstered furniture foam and fabric, carpeting, clothing, baby products, strollers, plastic housings for electronics, cables, car seats and car interiors, tents, children’s fabric playhouses and play tunnels and foam blocks, to name just a few.

Flame retardant chemicals are unstable and they easily escape from treated products into household dust and air. We are exposed through inhalation, accidental ingestion and dermal contact, with children being more heavily impacted because of their natural hand-to-mouth behavior. Equally concerning is the fact that flame retardants bioaccumulate up the food chain through the environment and are found in high concentrations in animal foods, including dairy products, fish, poultry, meat and eggs. So, what is being done to remove these dangerous chemicals from consumer goods and our food supply? To date federal regulators have not banned their use, so even if a manufacturer stops using a particular flame retardant in a product, they often substitute a similar flame retardant chemical that scientists haven’t evaluated yet. This is a common industry practice when it comes to toxic chemicals used in the production of profitable goods – it is called regrettable or unfortunate substitution. In 2010, a joint statement was signed by over 150 esteemed toxicologists, researchers and medical doctors from around the world to call attention to brominated flame retardants (BFRs) and chlorinated flame retardants (CFRs) and the continu-

ing pattern of unfortunate substitution. The National Institutes of Health commented on the statement in a report saying, “Just as we have known for years that significant exposure to lead occurred via house dust, why has it taken us so long to understand that BFRs and CFRs, which are used in consumer products, also can escape their matrix into house, oﬃce, car, and airplane dust, and also will end up in people, the environment, and wildlife? Why do we not learn from the past?” To learn more about the risk of flame retardants, visit www.sixclasses.org. You can also do some detective work yourself, looking for labels that say “not flame retardant,” which you want, or “meets flame retardant standards,” which you do not want. Manufacturers are responding to consumer demand. For instance, IKEA has been using the Six Classes approach for years, phasing out harmful flame retardant chemicals before they are regulated and instead using techniques and materials with flame retardant properties, like wool, making their products safer for people and the environment. With a new administration in Washington and a new FDA and EPA, I hope we will see these harmful chemicals and many others removed from store shelves.

OUR TOWN

2020: This was the year that wasn’t

t is customary for journalists to do a year-end review in December to look back and summarize the high and low points of the year. Typically I like to refer back to the more magical moments of the year, but this year has not been magical. In fact, it’s been a year of horror. So let’s title this review “2020: That was the year that wasn’t.”1) The Impeachment Trial: In January, the nation was greeted with the impeachment trial of Donald Trump, always plenty of laughs. The trial revealed a newer form of psychological regression that made narcissism look healthy. As I listened to the managers’ and attorneys’ version of reality, it occurred to me that I was witnessing evidence of a schizophrenic process in the nation with the two sides having no ability to understand what the other was talking about. If this isn’t a psychotic process, it’s very close. This troubling form of splitting is usually only seen in psychotic patients, but now I’ve seen it expressed in the highest government chambers in America. The media likes to call this the new polarization, but this underestimates the gravity of this process. 2) The arrival of COVID: This story came in as a whimper in Febru-

ary but would simply not go away. Like a monstrous centipede with a thousand legs, it kept getting bigger and badder by the week. By the months of March and April we witnessed a global pandemic that sent fear into everyone person on the planet, thanks to the endless reporting of rising death counts and case numbers. It didn’t take more than a few days for the pandemic to be politicized, which made it impossible judge its danger or the best method to cope. We have seen a growing paranoia, a new post-COVID personality (anxiety-filled social withdrawal, boredom, alcoholism and despair), and some have learned how to boost one’s immune system. I have learned terms like Black Swan Event, Blursday, P.P.E., remote learning, superspreader, social distancing, hunkering down, quarantine and my favorite, contact tracing. Welcome to this Unbrave New World. 3) The economic shutdown: One of the many heinous outcomes of COVID is a global economic shutdown. The travel, tourist, hotel, restaurant, entertainment, sports, fitness and medical fields have all been devastated. I don’t know how the hotel, travel or restaurant businesses will survive and I’ve taken

DR. TOM FERRARO Our Town

to calling this The Great Pruning of 2020 where the bottom 15 percent of many industries will be gone by the end of 2021. As an example, and citing a stat that you may not have heard about yet, there has been a loss of about 10 percent of the medical field since physicians, who were already in trouble thanks to insurance companies, saw their practices shrink by 50 percent and so many decided to close shop and retire. 4) Rioting in the Street: It started in Minneapolis after the killing of George Floyd, but spread throughout the nation like a cancer. The BLM movement gained steamed and this led to the burning and destruction of buildings as well as fear in the sub-

urbs. The growing isolation, continued income inequality and endemic racial tensions formed a perfect storm which caused an explosion of violence throughout America. 5) Trapped at home: Since more than half the work force and the children are now working remotely from home, you see this insane problem of trying to find peace and quiet in order to work coupled with a child who is refusing to study. So now mothers (or fathers) are forced to be workers, parents and teachers all at the same time. 6) The insidious corporate squeeze: Since I’m lucky enough to be a psychoanalyst, I have an inside seat into the lives of a variety of professional people, including bankers, university administrators and athletes. I have begun to see a very nasty trend which is yet another legacy of COVID. As corporations, banks, universities and gyms all recognize the loss of profit, they are resorting to squeezing people out and thereby reducing payroll. This means that you are either getting fired or you remain in your job but now must pick up the work that your recently departed colleague was doing. When I hear the horror stories of anxiety, exhaustion, depression and shame

that these victims experience, it is very troubling indeed. And so this was the year that was not. It was not a year of fun, of growth, and it was not a year of success. It was not a year of peace or of calm or travel or fine dining. It was not a year for making new friends or holding onto old ones.It was however a good year for Google, Amazon, Microsoft and Facebook and for anyone who likes social media. One could say that anyone under the age of 35 is at an advantage since they grew up with computers and thus the thought of becoming a stay-athome cyborg brings a smile to their face. And in this case I would advise them to watch the documentary “The Human Dilemma,” a series of revealing interviews with some of the creators of Google and Facebook and who remarked just how powerful and influential their Artificial Intelligence super computers were. Their AIs may be responsible for all of our polarization, addictive consumerism, isolation and anomie.Just as the film “Contagion” was eerily predictive of this COVID pandemic, so the films like “The Terminator” and “AI” will be predictive of our next global crisis. So that was the year that wasn’t.

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 25, 2020

VIEW POINT

Biden unveils dream team for climate change

e just passed the fifth anniversary of the United States leading the world and signing the historic Paris Climate Accord mere weeks since Trump oﬃcially pulled the U.S. out of it one day after the election on Nov. 4. For the first time, a presidential campaign has made the climate crisis a priority alongside the other historic crises facing the incoming Biden administration – public health, economy, racial justice – and assembled a brilliant, qualified and tested team to achieve its goals. This hasn’t just been a year of historic public health crisis, but historic wildfires, hurricanes, flooding and heatwaves, with proportionate damage to lives and livelihoods. Long after the pandemic, the climate crisis, with ramifications in terms of deaths from flood, fire, famine, drought, and disease as well as migrations of refugees escaping homelands rendered uninhabitable, will be a truly existential crisis. Meanwhile, Lame Duck Donald is racing the clock to do as much damage as he can before Biden can take back the reins of power: rushing to sell oﬀ public lands to oil and mining interests, overturn pollution standards,

erase the ability to apply Clean Air and Clean Water regulations and embed his climate destroyers and environmental rapists into government agencies. Rather than show a care for the 320,000 dead and 18 million infected with coronavirus, Trump’s obsession has been to overturn conservation standards on toilets and showerheads. There could not be a stronger contrast between Trump’s appointees – most who came out of the same special interests they were charged to regulate — and Biden’s, starting with nominating the first Native American (35 generations Pueblo) as secretary of the Interior, the agency which has controlled Indian aﬀairs and broken treaties for 150 years. “As our country faces the impacts of climate change and environmental injustice, the Interior Department has a role to address these challenges,” the appointee, Congresswoman Deb Haaland, said. It’s not just moving the U.S. back to mitigating climate change and shifting the economic and social underpinnings to a sustainable future, but for the first time, instilling economic justice in policy. “We are going to ensure that the EPA is once again a strong partner for the states — not a roadblock,” said Biden’s nominee for

KAREN RUBIN View Point

Environmental Protection administrator, Michael Regan. “We will be driven by our conviction that every person in our great country has the right to clean air, clean water, and a healthier life no matter how much money they have in their pocket, the color of their skin, or what community they live in. We will move with urgency on climate change, protecting our drinking water, and enacting an environmental justice framework that empowers people in all communities. “But we also know that these challenges can’t be solved by regulation alone. And we know that environmental protection and economic prosperity are not mutually exclusive — they go hand-in-hand.

We need an all-hands-on-deck approach from industry to individuals, finding common ground to build back better for workers, for communities, for our economy, and for our planet,” Regan said. His nominee for secretary of energy, the former Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm, made it clear that climate action and environmental protection, rather than the “job killers” that the Republicans have charged, are also economic imperatives. “Today, in the midst of another harrowing crisis, clean energy remains one of the most promising economic growth sectors in the world. Over the next two decades, countries will invest trillions of dollars in electric cars, solar panels, wind turbines, and energy-eﬃcient appliances and buildings. They’ll upgrade their electric grids using smart technology. Millions of goodpaying jobs will be created — but where will those jobs be? In China or other countries fighting toothand-nail to corner the clean energy market? Or here in America? The path to building back better starts with building and deploying those products here, stamping them Made in America, and exporting them around the world. We can win those jobs for American workers,” Granholm said.

Another appointee warned about the consequences of not addressing climate change. “I’m here today because climate change isn’t only a threat to the planet — it’s a threat to the health and well-being of people and the precious natural resources we depend on,” declared Gina McCarthy, the former EPA administrator who is being tapped for a new position of White House climate coordinator. “Defeating that threat is the fight of our lifetimes .The president-elect has put together the strongest climate plan ever raised to this level of leadership.” Biden made clear what his priorities will be: “The United States will rejoin the Paris Agreement on day one of my presidency” Biden said. “The Biden-Harris administration will increase the ambition of our domestic climate target and put the country on a sustainable path to achieve net-zero emissions no later than 2050. We’ll elevate the incredible work cities, states, and businesses have been doing to help reduce emissions and build a cleaner future. We’ll listen to and engage closely with the activists, including young people, who have continued to sound the alarm and demand change from those in Continued on Page 38

THE BACK ROAD

Donald Trump: The greatest grifter of all time

was only a Cub Scout for a short period of time in the 1950s. I never made it to Boy Scout. I did admire the kids I knew who ascended to Eagle Scout. It was clear from their uniforms: tan shirts and green sashes covered with merit badges, that they were high achievers. I was just not that disciplined as a kid. I preferred to play unsupervised in the street. All that I can recall about Scouts was wearing a blue uniform and cap, going to a neighbor friend’s basement and reciting this pledge: “On my honor, I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.” The best thing about the uniform, was when I wore it to school. During the daily pledge of allegiance, I was authorized to salute the flag, as opposed to placing my hand over my heart. I thought that was pretty cool back in the day; which was before I had ever heard the word “nerd” spoken.

I forgot about my brief time in the Cub Scouts until recently, when I recalled some of the milestone events during President Trump’s tenure. If you recall, in year one he addressed the annual Boy Scout Jamboree in West Virginia and claimed that it was “the greatest speech that had ever been made to them.” It was a boast that the organization had to later deny when pressed. At one point in his speech Trump asked the mass gathering of Scouts and Scoutmasters, “By the way, what do you think the chances are that this incredible, massive, record-setting crowd is going to be shown on television tonight? One percent or zero?” He followed that up with, “By the way, just a question, did President Obama ever come to a jamboree?” Surely it is insight like this that inspired him to compare himself favorably to Abraham Lincoln. Although he was never a Boy Scout, what President Trump does have in common with the scouts is that he took a pledge too, actually an oath. His went like this: “I do

ANDREW MALEKOFF The Back Road

solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the Oﬃce of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.” Many accomplished American men took the Boy Scout pledge, including astronaut Buzz Aldrin, baseball slugger Hank Aaron, news anchor Walter Cronkite, film director Steven Spielberg and civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. We all know that President

Trump has nothing in common with these men of achievement and character. And, because there is little left for him to betray in the oath he swore to in 2017, he matches up best with guys like Charles Ponzi and Bernard Madoﬀ, despite the fact that he has easily eclipsed these world-class grifters. “On Tyranny,” author Timothy Snyder wrote, “To abandon facts is to abandon freedom. If nothing is true, then no one can criticize power, because there is no basis upon which to do so. If nothing is true then all is spectacle.” Snyder goes on to describe how truth dies in four modes: open hostility to verifiable reality, endless repetition of evidence-free mantras, magical thinking, and misplaced faith. Think about it; first Trump fooled just enough people into believing he was a competent businessman, which all verifiable facts disprove. Now, four years later we’ve discovered that no American bank will advance him a loan because he is a five-alarm credit risk. And, now he is successfully

fleecing hundreds of millions of hard-earned dollars from the same poor saps who faithfully voted for him. These true believers are emptying their pockets on text- and email-command, accompanied by the repeated incantation that the 2020 election was rigged, stolen. Meanwhile, the reality is that he decisively lost by an electoral margin that he, himself, labeled as a landslide when he won by the same edge in 2016. His supporters are so confused by his gaslighting that they actually believe (let this sink in) that their money is going to defend him against election fraud. In truth, their donations are going into Trump’s personal slush fund that he can use for debt service, golf fees, Mar-a-Lago renovations or food runs to McDonalds. Ponzi and Madoﬀ have nothing on Trump. He is the most prolific grifter in history, bar none. He’s the greatest of all time. Andrew Malekoﬀ is a New York State licensed clinical social worker

18 Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 25, 2020

FROM THE DESK OF RICHARD NICOLELLO

Reaching a deal on the county’s 2021 budget

fter months of negotiations, the legislative majority has reached a deal with the Nassau Interim Finance Authority, and the Curran administration in connection with the proposed restructuring of county debt and the 2021 budget. The majority achieved its goals, including reducing the time within which county bonds have to be paid oﬀ, saving county taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars, and creating a special fund to repay residents and small businesses monies that the county owes them for tax refunds. Earlier this year the county executive proposed to

restructure $435 million in county debt over 30 years. The majority resisted the plan, which would have saddled county taxpayers hundreds of millions in unnecessary costs over the 30-year period. Faced with opposition from the majority, the county executive agreed to reduce the bonds from 30-year to 15-year bonds. The shorter term will save taxpayers more than $200 million. The administration also agreed to a provision that will allow the county to pay oﬀ the bonds during the 15year term. The county executive has agreed to the majority’s proposal

RICHARD NICOLELLO Presiding Officer

for a special revenue fund for monies beyond the administration’s es-

timates in the budget. The reserve fund will ensure that county operations will continue during the pandemic while dedicating increased sales tax revenues to paying tax refunds to residents and businesses incorrectly assessed by the county. The fund may also be used for unreimbursed COVID expenses. In sum, the majority has achieved the following:· Reduced the term of the borrowing from 30 years to 15 years, saving taxpayers more than $200 million over the course of the term of the bonds.· Created a mechanism allowing the county to pay oﬀ the bonds before 15 years.· Created a dedicated fund

to assist in paying back residents and businesses who are owed tax refunds. The deal the majority negotiated will ensure the county is able to financially recover from the financial impact of COVID-19, without straddling our children and grandchildren with hundreds of millions of dollars in debt. The majority’s special revenue fund will finally begin to repay tax monies incorrectly charged to small business owners and residents. The majority will continue to stand up for Nassau residents, and fight to lower taxes for our overburdened residents.

THE REAL DEAL

Ready for the ‘Great Reset’ with technocracy?

he Great Reset, considered to be the Fourth Industrial Revolution, is a created reform of “technocracy” (also referred to as “sustainable development”) that will transform all industry in every facet. It will affect everything from government, energy and finance, to food (our lifeline), healthcare, medicine, real estate — all aspects of life. Technocracy, according to Encyclopaedia Britannica, is a political philosophy that refers to government by technicians who are guided solely by the imperatives of their technology (Artificial Intelligence, robotics, computer chips, GPS tracking, WiFi, biometrics, etc.). The Great Reset’s biggest players will be in data collection, computer technology, telecommunications, weapons manufacturing, finance, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and the food industry. According to Forbes magazine, technocracy is an economic system referred to as “stakeholder capitalism.” Promoters of the Great Reset are using the experience of COVID-19 to advance their plan. Klaus Schwab, founder of the World Economic Forum, in his book “Covid-19: The Great Reset” describes how the virus disrupted both economic and social infrastructure and “what changes will be needed to create a more inclusive, resilient and sustainable world going forward.” Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair says, “Covid-19 will usher in a world where insecurity and unpredictability constitute the new normal. Companies will digitalize faster, innovation will be spurred by the necessity of finding new

ways of working and cutting cost. Many things will not go back to the way they were. The impact of this, along with the huge hangover bill for dealing with the virus and the loss of economic activity, will be to produce a lot of hardship with the burden falling often on the most vulnerable.” The aim of the Great Reset is to fundamentally restructure the world’s economy and political relations on basically two assumptions. One: Every element of nature, every life form is a part of the global inventory, owned by globalist individuals. Two: Absolutely all the world’s inventory will need to be strictly accounted for in a central database, all readable by a scanner, and ID’ed and managed by AI (Artificial Intelligence) using the latest science. The goal is to count (scan), then eﬃciently control and manage absolutely all resources (and, yes, that includes people) with unprecedented digital precision. The Deep State puppet masters are implementing the plan using unequivocal genius via technology. As explained by journalist James Corbett, the Great Reset is a new social contract that will tie every person to it through an electronic ID linked to your bank account and health records, and a social credit ID that will connect to you and dictate every facet of your life. This global agenda includes tracking and monitoring, and ultimately controlling the world through digital surveillance. There won’t be a single aspect of human life left out of this plan. All this is sealed with surveillance of how we interact with our fellow human beings in general. Was everyone told to have no more than

GARY FELDMAN The Real Deal

10 family members at your Thanksgiving table? According to speculators, the Great Reset will be invoked by governments in a forceful manner without consent. Fear is used as a manipulation tool. And any time someone dissents, they will be accused of being “anti-science.” Any science that conflicts with the status quo is declared anti-science. With the Great Reset comes the endangerment of our right to privacy. In our 50 states, we have the Constitution that stands in the way of this violation, as of now. Are you paying attention and understanding the increasing and muscling attempts to sidestep, compromise and invalidate our Constitution? The intent is anti-humanity. The technocratic elite could ultimately hold the power over people’s assets, leaving all people with no ownership, no possessions. Think about the lyrics of John Lennon’s song, “Imagine.” “Imagine no possessions……. no countries…. no religion too.” Plan for Our Food under the Great Reset The Defender, a media platform by the Children’s Health De-

fense, points out that the architects of the Great Reset claim it will reduce food scarcity, hunger and disease, and even mitigate climate change. But a closer look at the corporations and think tanks that the World Economic Forum is partnering with to usher in this global transformation, suggests that the real motive is to tighten corporate control over the food system. The WEF insists the future of food and public health hinges on genetically modified organisms, lab-grown protein, pharmaceuticals, and industrial chemicals. As noted by Jeremy Loﬀredo of The Defender, the ultimate goal is to replace wholesome, nutritious foods with GMOS, lab-created. The proposed diet aims to reduce the meat and dairy intake of the global population by as much as 90 percennt, replacing it with foods, including cereals and oils that are made in a lab. Vandana Shiva, scholar, environmentalist, food sovereignty advocate and author, raises a harsh critique of this proposed diet, saying it is not about nutrition at all, but big business and its corporate takeover of the food system. “The Great Reset is about multinational corporate stakeholders at the World Economic Forum controlling as many elements of planetary life as they possibly can. From the digital data humans produce to each morsel of food we eat.” She says, “The Great Reset is about maintaining and empowering a corporate extraction machine and the private ownership of life.” Green New Deal: Part of the Great Reset The Green New Deal would expand, on a vast scale, the fed-

eral government’s control over how people produce and consume energy, harvest crops, raise livestock, build homes, drive cars and manufacture goods. In terms of the approach to methane, a Greenhouse Gas: Methane gas heats the environment. Farm animals expel this gas and will be slaughtered in the guise of reducing methane gas in the environment. The reality is that farm animals are fed genetically altered corn and soy, unnatural to their diets, forcing methane gas to be created in their systems. Humans expel methane gas as well. A high carbon tax will be placed on what will be left of meat. Then the population will be enticed to go along with the labcreated plant protein that simulates real meat. Almost all plant protein created in a lab must have a stem cell harvested from an animal in order to be grown synthetically (actually rendering such plant proteins non-vegetarian). Animals will be slaughtered to make way for this new synthetic meat. The End GameThe Great Reset, through Technocracy, is a method of totalitarian control of the environment and every being on the Planet. EQ (emotional intelligence) is the only way to understand the many layers of this agenda. Would you call the Great Reset a conspiracy theory or pure genius? Gary Feldman, innovator in the nutritional supplement retail field, is a researcher, health writer, nutrition educator, lecturer, and instructor in the Port Washington Union Free School District Continuing Education program. garyteach1@gmail. com Letters Continued on Page 24

A Blank Slate Media Special Section â&#x20AC;˘ December 25, 2020

20 Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 25, 2020

Ask the Child Guidance Center experts In this new monthly column, therapists from North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center will be answering your questions on issues related to parenting, mental health and children’s well-being. To submit a question, email NSCFGCexperts@gmail.com. Question: We’ve recently been concerned that our teen daughter seems to be feeling more blue than usual. Her grades have been going down, and she wants to sleep all the time. When we ask her how she’s doing, she gets very emotional. Should we be worried? —Panicked Parents Dear Panicked Parents: The pandemic has created an enormous amount of anxiety

and sadness for all of us, including our kids. We’ve been dealing with this strange, new reality for eight months now, and there’s no clear answer as to when we will turn the corner and be back to our routines. The fact that your daughter is feeling stressed and sad isn’t surprising; in fact, studies indicate that these feelings are on the rise all over the country. Changes in sleep and eating patterns are common, as are struggles with the unusual school schedule. Kids are also worried that their loved ones may become ill. It’s crucial that you always keep the lines of communication open. As parents, we tend

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to jump in to try to “fix” what’s wrong, instead of realizing that sometimes, your child just needs you to listen and be empathetic, acknowledging their feelings and assuring them you are there for them. There are some things you can do to help your daughter, and yourselves, during this challenging time. Basics like eating healthy foods, exercising regularly, spending time outside in the fresh air and setting up a regular school and sleep routine can make a big diﬀerence. Of course, it’s important to look out for signs that your daughter’s issues might be more significant and require therapeutic intervention. Some warning signs: a continued drop in grades or refusal to go to school; withdrawing from friends and family; significant changes in weight, either losing or gaining; the inability to feel joy; increased anger; physical complaints like headaches or stomachaches; use of drugs or alcohol; and expressing thoughts of suicide or preoccupation with death. At North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center, we are seeing children and teens via remote therapy during this time, or in person when the situation calls for it. Don’t hesitate to call us at (516) 626-1971 for an evaluation. Question: My eight-year-old son is in school two days a week and home the other three doing remote learning. While he’s been on this schedule for over two months now, he still struggles at times. What can I do to help? —Port Washington Mom

Dear PW Mom: It’s common for kids of any age to have diﬃculty remaining focused on their remote schoolwork, since being at home oﬀers up all sorts of temptations and distractions. While it can be hard for parents to manage their children’s classwork alongside their own work and other responsibilities, familiarize yourself with your son’s school schedule to ensure he attends online classes and doesn’t miss assignments. Another way to set him up for success is to create a small, quiet area where he can attend classes and do his homework. You can make it more appealing by personalizing the space with poster boards decorated with name tags, stickers and maybe some favorite photos. Here are a few more pointers for all parents: Encourage movement – build in time for exercise and movement before and during your child’s school activities.Reduce distractions including noise and visual clutter.Enlist your child in setting up a designated workspace that is comfortable.Give your child, and yourself, breaks during the day.Particularly for young children, give immediate positive feedback like a sticker or check mark on completed work to help with their motivation.Establish good and healthy routines in the home. Visit www.northshorechildguidance. org for more helpful information.

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 25, 2020

Family caregiver resolutions for 2021 Today, a record 53 million people in the U.S. are providing care for older loved ones. Caregiving brings with it many emotional rewards. But caregiving can be physically and emotionally demanding. Caregivers are stressed as they struggle to balance caregiving tasks with their work and other family responsibilities. They lose sleep worrying about the quality of care they’re providing. It’s no wonder! Today’s family caregivers are asked to perform medical tasks “that would make a nursing student tremble,” noted AARP vice president Susan Reinhart. The pandemic of 2020 has increased caregivers’ workload considerably. An October 2020 poll from The Associated PressNORC Center for Public Aﬀairs Research showed that family caregivers now are providing 36 percent more care than a year ago, trying to keep their senior loved ones both safe and socially connected—this on top of working from home, and perhaps supervising their children’s school days. “Juggling all these tasks can lead to what’s called caregiver burnout,” says Gregg Balbera, president of Right at Home Nassau Suﬀolk. “This is a sense of exhaustion when a caregiver feels drained of time and energy, coupled with feelings of anxiety and guilt. Caregiver burnout can lead

to serious depression, and raises the caregiver’s own risk of heart disease, diabetes, dementia and early death.” If you are a family caregiver, make caring for yourself a top goal. “Remember that if you don’t take care of yourself, you will be a less eﬀective caregiver for your loved one,” says Balbera. Balbera oﬀers some great suggestions to add to your list of 2021 New Year’s resolutions: #1 “I will build some ‘me time’ into my schedule.” Caregivers often tell themselves that they don’t have time to do things they enjoy, to visit with friends, or just to relax for a while. But respite is vital so you can recharge your emotional batteries. #2 “I’ll get enough exercise and eat a healthy diet.” Studies show family caregivers often neglect the basics of a healthy lifestyle. But you endanger your own health if you live on fast food and your lifestyle is busy, yet largely sedentary. #3 “I’ll keep current with my own healthcare.” Though they might spend a great deal of time managing their loved one’s doctor appointments and medications, caregivers seldom have the same diligence about their own healthcare. When was your last checkup? Continued on Page 22

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22 Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 25, 2020

Family caregiver resolutions for 2021 Continued from Page 21 #4 “I’ll learn more about my loved one’s health condition and what I can expect in the future.” Uncertainty and fear of the unknown can stress us out. Getting a handle on your loved one’s situation lets you plan ahead, with fewer surprises that could catch you oﬀ guard. #5 “I’ll connect with others who understand.” Many caregivers hesitate to discuss what they’re going through. But it’s so important to express your feelings. If it doesn’t feel safe to share with family and friends, join a caregiver support group— either in person or, more likely these days, online.

#6 “I’ll seek professional counseling.” A counselor can help you sort through your feelings and provide tools for navigating the complicated emotions of family caregiving. Choose a therapist who is familiar with caregiver issues and dynamics. #7 “I’ll set boundaries.” As a loved one’s care needs increase, family caregivers often find themselves spending more and more time and head space on those needs. This is understandable when a beloved family member needs us! But you may need to say no sometimes. #8 “I won’t let ‘old business’ dominate.” Often the tables turn as loved ones

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age, and we’re providing rather than receiving care. Yet who can push our buttons better than mom or dad, a sibling, or our spouse? Focus on the tasks at hand. This is an area where your support group or counselor can be of great help. #9 “I’ll practice self-compassion.” Feelings of guilt are gasoline on the fire of caregiver burnout. Cut yourself some slack. Replace that critical voice inside your head with the same kind of caring empathy you would oﬀer a dear friend. #10 “I’ll get help!” Maybe you have a wry smile on your face at this point. “Those are lovely resolutions,” you might be saying. “But who has time for that? I’m a family caregiver!” You don’t need to go it alone. It’s time to get help, and there are resources to which you might turn: Talk to your family. Be open about the many things you do to support your loved one. “Other family members might be unaware of the load, especially if they live at a distance,” reports Balbera. “They might be glad to help by spending time with your loved one while you take some well-earned time to yourself, by assisting financially, or by helping you locate support services.” Bring in professional care. During 2020, professional in-home care became an even more attractive solution for supporting the well-being of seniors. Professional in-home caregivers take over many of the typical tasks of family caregivers, such as hygiene care, assistance with man-

aging healthcare appointments and medications, light housekeeping and laundry, meal preparation … whatever tasks need doing. They provide respite care so you can take a break, even go on vacation. “Hire through an agency that has stepped up to today’s challenges,” says Balbera. Balbera reports that Right at Home caregivers are always trained to reduce the risk of illness. They follow local and national guidelines on curtailing the spread of COVID-19. Right at Home has a task force devoted to keeping owners and caregivers up to date with the latest recommendations during this rapidly changing situation. “As families work hard to keep the most vulnerable family members safe at this time, having trained professionals on the team is a tremendous stress-buster.” Submitted by Right at Home of Nassau Suffolk, a locally owned and operated franchise office of Right at Home, Inc., serving the communities Centerport, Cold Spring Hills, Commack, Dix Hills, East Northport, East Setauket, Greenlawn, Halesite, Hauppauge, Huntington, Kings Park, Lake Grove, Lloyd Harbor, Melville, Nesconset, Old Bethpage, Plainview, St. James, Smithtown, Stony Brook, West Hills and Woodbury. For more information, contact Right at Home Nassau Suffolk at www.rightathomeli.com, 516.719.5999/631.352.0022 or by email at gregg@rightathomeli.com

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Nassau orchestra to play at Museum of Art BY R O S E WELDON Visitors to the Nassau County Museum of Art in Roslyn will be greeted with chamber music from members of the Massapequa Philharmonic for the foreseeable future. The collaboration was developed by David Bernard, the Philharmonic’s music director, and Charles Riley, the museum’s director, after the COVID-19 pandemic aﬀected both organizations. Bernard said that at the outset of the pandemic, the philharmonic had to cancel concerts and other performances. “Because of the restrictions from COVID that happened, pretty much everything on Long Island was closed down,” Bernard said in a phone interview. “You couldn’t even have outdoor concerts at that time. You couldn’t do anything.” A Great Neck native,

PHOTO COURTESY OF DAVID BERNARD

The Massapequa Philharmonic plays in an atrium of the Nassau County Museum of Art in East Hills. Bernard remembered his time in the Great Neck Symphony as a young man, where the symphony would often perform at the art museum. “I thought, wouldn’t it be great to bring this back?” Bernard said. He reached out to Riley with the idea. “It took me about eight seconds to reply to that

email,” Riley said in a phone interview. The orchestra held rehearsals and played a concert on the museum’s grounds in a tented area, Bernard said, and the idea met with success. “The patrons of the museum who were there to see exhibits would wander Continued on Page 34

Your Downsizing and Relocation Specialist.

Warm Wishes For a Happy and Safe Holiday Season.

Jeffrey Stone

Licensed Real Estate Salesperson O 516.627.2800 | M 917.741.8294 jeffrey.stone@elliman.com

110 WALT WHITMAN ROAD, HUNTINGTON STATION, NY 11746. 631.549.7401.

24 Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 25, 2020

READERS WRITE

Trump set the stage for Russian hack

ith the massive hack of our government by Russia, the treachery of the Current Occupant of the White House becomes more clear every day. After the CO has spent the last 3 1/2 years at war with our intelligence com-

munity, hollowing out our ability to thwart just this type of attack by firing and chasing from the agencies the “best and the brightest” and most experienced personnel, is this total hack of the federal government any surprise? The CO did nothing less than invite

this massive hack of our government. While lying to the American people about the threat of this horrific Trumplican pandemic that disabled us, he left us vulnerable to this hack, which represents perhaps the worst intelligence failure in American history.

Russian leader Vladimir Putin holds the mortgage on the life of this miserable cur, and this is just another payment. Shame on the misfit cur in the White House and shame on his Trumplican enablers! Eric Cashdan Sands Point

The left ignores basic gun facts about crime

he following is in response to Karen Rubin’s Dec.18, 2020 View Point, “Biden must Tackle gun reform in first 100 days. Now that the progressives and Marxists tied the hands of law enforcement under the guise of police reform and implemented policies such as cashless bail, they want to make it almost impossible for law-abiding citizens to protect their families and property from the criminal elements of society and their enablers in government. Progressives and Marxists do this while intentionally ignoring the following inconvenient facts: Political Editors: 90 percent of Guns Used in Crime Obtained Illegally — The Patriot Post.“ A DOJ report finds that the vast majority of guns used in criminal activity were obtained illegally.” Significantly, Guns.com notes, “When it came to retail sources such as gun shows, flea markets, firearm stores, and pawn shops, only about 10 percent said they were able to obtain their weapons from such outlets through purchases or trades. Of those, the majority reported that a background check was conducted as part of the sale, although in many cases they

did not purchase it under their own name.” And, in fact, “only about 1 percent of prisoners who used a firearm during their crime had obtained it through a retail sale. “These latest statistics prove once again that the problem of preventing criminals from obtaining firearms is not solved via the creation of more laws that limit the ability of law-abiding Americans to purchase a firearm.” Source and Use of Firearms Involved in Crimes: Survey of Prison Inmates, 2016 (Bureau of Justice)“An estimated 287,400 prisoners had possessed a firearm during their oﬀense. Among these, more than half (56 percent) had either stolen it (6 percent), found it at the scene of the crime (7 percent), or obtained it oﬀ the street or from the underground market (43 percent). Most of the remainder (25 percent) had obtained it from a family member or friend, or as a gift. Seven percent had purchased it under their own name from a licensed firearm dealer.” Homicide is a “devastating plague” on black communities, and it is time we stop ignoring it | COMMENTARY — Baltimore Sun“Many African-American communities are under siege by black gun-toting terrorists. Chil-

dren cannot play in their yards and the elderly can no longer sit on their porches. At a recent town hall, a young black woman could not understand why her brother’s killer had still remained free on the street awaiting trial for a previous gun violation. Many of the people accused of murder in the city frequently have existing gun violations. This is a cycle that must be broken. Now is the time to reconcile, Black pride, civil liberties and civil rights with the need for safe black communities.“‘How Did We Not Know?’ Gun Owners Confront a Suicide Epidemic — The New York Times (nytimes.com) “The toll of self-inflicted gun deaths has led to an unusual alliance between suicide-prevention advocates and gun-rights proponents. Gun violence kills about 40,000 Americans each year, but while public attention has focused on mass shootings, murders and accidental gun deaths, these account for little more than onethird of the nation’s firearms fatalities. The majority of gun deaths are suicides — and just over half of suicides involve guns. According to national health statistics, 24,432 Americans used guns to kill themselves in 2018, up from 19,392 in 2010. If anyone from the North Shore needs

proof of the failure of Progressive/Marxistinspired police and bail reforms, they have to look no further than NYC. New York City Shootings Surpass 2019 Year-End Totals, City Leaders Demand Community Help (newsweek.com) “According to the latest data from the NYPD, July’s crime figures reveal similar findings, with the number of murder, burglary and gun violence victims soaring compared to last year.In July 2020, there were 244 shootings in New York, a 177 percent increase from the 88 which occurred last July. The number of people murdered increased by more than half to 54, while the number of burglaries increased from 989 last year to 1,297 in July 2020. The number of auto thefts also increased 53 percent from 583 to 892.”In conclusion, fraudulent president elect Beijing Biden could not tackle his puppy dog let alone gun reform. Walter J. Jaworski New Hyde Park Editors’ note: Joseph Biden won the 2020 presidential election, which was certified by the Electoral College last week, with 7 million more votes than the tally for President Donald Trump.

Better days are within reach. Remain careful

s we approach the end of a year that words can’t begin to describe, there is finally a light at the end of the tunnel. Over the next few weeks the first Americans will be vaccinated and the nightmare that has been the coronavirus pandemic will enter its final chapter. However, with positivity rates and hospitalizations on the rise locally, we need to play our part to limit the impact that the virus will have over these next few months. The pandemic has taken an enormous toll on our community. Across Nassau County nearly 2,300 people have passed away. Thousands more have fallen ill, with many suﬀering from long-term consequences from COVID that are not yet fully understood. Businesses and those employed in sectors impacted by economic fallout caused by the virus have taken severe financial hits. All of us continue to struggle as we remain isolated from friends and loved ones and yearn for things to just go back to “normal.” We do have some very good news, however. Leading American pharmaceutical companies Pfizer and Moderna have developed vaccines in record time. Even better, the vaccines developed by Pfizer and AstraZeneca have shown initial success rates of over 90 percent, far exceeding prior expectations shared by the FDA and other relevant ex-

perts. This will mean that a successful distribution plan can end the pandemic once and for all, and avoid a scenario where COVID continues to spread for an untold period of time as many have feared. Nevertheless, the course that the next few months will take remains very much in flux. Nassau County’s positivity rate increased significantly over the past few weeks and is now hovering around 5 percent. This requires all of us to remain diligent. For one, all of us individually need to do what it takes to avoid further spikes and lockdowns. This means avoiding large indoor gatherings, wearing masks in public places where social distancing is not an option, and complying with CDC recommended quarantine periods if you come in contact with someone who has tested positive for the virus. None of these things are easy, but they are worthwhile and are the least we can do to support first responders and businesses that are struggling to stay open. We have all heard the testimonials of healthcare professionals describing the horrors that ravaged our hospitals this past spring. Many of us now tragically know those who have passed or have lost loved ones. We also walk down our streets and see closed storefronts. As a resident of Great Neck Plaza, it is heart-wrenching to see res-

taurants on Middle Neck Road struggling and mainstays like the Squire movie theater close after nearly a century in business. These things are difficult to swallow. However, remaining resolute and engaging in responsible practices as individuals and safely supporting local businesses can make a tangible impact over these next few months for those who need it. In addition to sensible individual conduct, we can also benefit from good government policy. Our elected officials within the Town of North Hempstead have done just this. Longstanding initiatives like Project Independence have been retrofitted. This has included the expansion of online programming to bring activities into the homes of residents and has made outdoor activities safe by adjusting walking hours on town beaches or waiving fees for transportation services to limit in-person contacts. Town officials have also championed the Lift Up Local program to help local restaurants and retail establishments utilize outdoor space to help alleviate the strain imposed by the limits on indoor capacity. On the national scale, another relief package remains elusive. Democrats and Republicans remain deadlocked, fighting over the extent of aid to be extended to state and local governments and liability waivers for

businesses. The need for state and local aid is sorely needed in our communities. Of special concern should be the health of the public transit system and the connection of areas like Great Neck, New Hyde Park, Port Washington and Mineola to New York City. The LIRR was facing fiscal troubles before this crisis and with ridership down precipitously this last year, diﬃcult decisions will need to be made without support from the federal government. The ease of access to the city is one of our greatest assets and we will suﬀer long-term consequences if a comprehensive relief package cannot provide the necessary funds to our public transit system. All of this is to say that what happens over the next few months will be crucial to how we emerge from the pandemic. All of us need to act responsibly to limit the spread of the virus. If we do the right thing, we can save lives and help our local businesses stay open. Good government policy also matters as big decisions and challenges still remain. We should all be grateful that better days are within reach. However, to truly show our gratitude, we must remain vigilant to ensure we limit the hardships that are still before us. Peter Fishkind Great Neck Plaza Letters Continued on Page 29

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 25, 2020

Business&RealEstate

Adding value, comfort to your home I would like to take this time to wish all my readers a very safe, healthy and happy holiday season and a more safer, healthier, happier and potentially more “getting back to normal” and lucrative New Year in 2021.I have visited so many homes over the years providing suggestions, ideas and solutions to what the particular homeowner could and should do to improve and add value to their home. Everyone has diﬀerent needs and wants and everyone’s tastes are always varied and sometimes very unusual, eclectic or even way far out in left field. There are also those whose tastes are very artistic and very personal. However, this will almost always take away from the appeal and value of a home when it comes to selling. I use an analogy that some like vanilla, some like chocolate and some like butter pecan and then there are those that like rocky road and banana cherry split chip. So there are those that like things standardized without too much pizzazz, nothing too fancy. Then I will walk into a home and notice one wall that just projects itself out like it’s saying, “look at me.” Those bright red, blue, green or a specific or customized and outrageous vivid and glossy color makes the room really pop! The decorations, colors and design add a variety and personal touch and feeling to each and every home. However, due to its personal nature, these aren’t the specific things that will add true value and benefit to the home now or when selling. However, it will create and satisfy what the owners want their home layout and environment to look and feel like by imputing their specific visions, tastes and whims. What does add value and benefit to your home are the “no brainer” most crucial and important items like updated or gutrenovated kitchens, bathrooms and family rooms and/or finished basements, as well as roofs, windows and utility upgrades (heat, electric and oil to gas conversions and CAC split units). However since the COVID-19 Pandemic raised its’ ugly head back in March of this year creating our current “new norm” has added to the mix, a new demand (mentioned in a previous column) and need by purchasers for home “oﬃce space” specifically for both

the kids who are schooling mostly online as well as for parents who are working from home. Many of us are no longer traveling to our oﬃces and may never go back, depending on the specific job, position or business and the reduction and/or elimination of the COVID-19 virus. In many ways the bright side of your situation is the huge sums of money and time that have been conserved and saved over the last 10 months in traveling, transportation costs (train, gas and car wear and tear and repairs). Greater production has been enabled from those working externally. The World Economic Forum and Summit Oct. 20-23 expressed and discussed the following information:• The number of employees permanently working remotely globally is set to double in 2021, according to a new survey by a U.S. technology research firm.• According to their results, the percentage of permanent remote workers will rise from 16.4 percent to 34 percent.• This would have ramifications in areas from retail to real estate.• Here is the link to read more in depth info: https:// www.weforum.org/events/thejobs-reset-summit-2020 My professional opinion and belief is that more and more fami-

PHILIP A. RAICES Real Estate Watch

lies will focus their attention about and within the home. Working at home is and will be a priority. However being comfortable like never before will also be a major point of interest and technology will continue to play a major role in creating a more alluring, educational, interactive and fun environment. Until vaccines are widely distributed and the vast majority of the population is inoculated, living and playing in and around the home will be a focal point. Besides an area for oﬃce space, family rooms and/or finished basements will no longer be an option, but a necessity, it will be a value-added benefit to a majority of those fami-

lies who will demand and search for. Although humans are by nature social creatures, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced many and enabled others to pivot, to figure out and pursue another path and deal with and get use to a different alternate reality of coping with our “new norm.” Being happy while being comfortable and somewhat satisfied with one’s surroundings will be tantamount in dealing with the lack of social interaction. For sure it isn’t a healthy situation for so many, especially when you have all of a sudden gone from a successful business or job to having it all disappear overnight. Here is a very helpful link to help you deal with stress and its’ related symptoms: https://www. stress.org/2020/12I have been advising my clients to take up and focus a greater amount of time on their families as well as existing hobbies or try something new e.g. checkers, chess, scrabble, crossword puzzles, hangman, mad lips or any game(s) that might be interesting and challenging. Moreover, the need for the aforementioned family rooms and/or finished basements. The COVID-19 infection rates will continue to soar locally, do-

mestically and around the globe, during the next 3-6 months. Your home will more and more of a cherished bastion, a fortress and destination for greater security, comfort and healthier surroundings for a house is not a home until it is lived in. As we stay within our homes, next spring the garden will be a sanctuary and a source for a release from stress, frustration and sadness by taking one’s mind oﬀ our current insidious Covid-19 Pandemic. As the days and months pass, we will emerge from the frigid and snowy winter months, like hibernating bears, yearning for the fresh air of spring and the warmth of the summer sun. Philip A. Raices is the owner/ Broker of Turn Key Real Estate at 3 Grace Ave Suite 180 in Great Neck. He has 39 years of experience in the Real Estate industry and has earned designations as a Graduate of the Realtor Institute (G.R.I.) and also as a Certified International Property Specialist (C.I.P.S). For a “FREE” 15 minute consultation, a value analysis of your home, or to answer any of your questions or concerns he can be reached by cell: (516) 647-4289 or by email: Phil@TurnKeyRealEstate.Com

26 The Herald Courier, Friday, December 25, 2020

Recent Real Estate Sales in

New Hyde Park

28 Allen Street, New Hyde Park

123 Aster Drive, New Hyde Park

4 bd, 2 ba, 1,138 sqft, Sold on: 10/26/20, Sold Price: $688,000 Type: Single Family, Schools: Herricks

4 bd, 3 ba, 1, 361 sqft, Sold on: 10/27/20, Sold Price: $749,000 Type: Single Family, Schools: Sewanhaka

1700 Hillside Avenue, New Hyde Park

142 Haddon Road, New Hyde Park

3 bd, 3 ba, 2,384 sqft, Sold on: 10/27/20, Sold Price: $825,000 Type: Single Family, Schools: Sewanhaka

4 bd, 2 ba, 1,900 sqft, Sold on: 10/18/20, Sold Price: $925,000 Schools: Great Neck

Editor’s note: Homes shown here were recently sold in New Hyde Park, by a variety of real estate agencies. This information about the home and the photos were obtained through the Zillow.com. The homes are presented solely based on the fact that they were recently sold in New Hyde Park and are believed by Blank Slate Media to be of interest to our readers.

Warm Wishes For a Happy and Safe Holiday Season.

New Hyde Park Office | 516.746.0440 1700 Lakeville Road elliman.com

110 WALT WHITMAN ROAD, HUNTINGTON STATION, NY 11746. 631.549.7401.

The Herald Courier, Friday, December 25, 2020

Three airlines agree to N.Y. travel restrictions Continued from Page 1 federal government not following in others’ footsteps. “One hundred twenty countries demand that before you get on a flight in the U.K. to come to their country, you have to have tested negative,” Cuomo said. “The United States does not require it. As I mentioned before, other countries are just banning people coming from the U.K. We have about six flights a day coming in from the U.K. and we have done absolutely nothing. Now, to me this is reprehensible because this is what happened in the spring.” British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the new variant is around 70 percent more transmissible. Cuomo then announced on Monday that Virgin, Delta and British Airways all agreed that they will test people before they get on a flight from the U.K. to New York. “The people who now fly into New York will be negative, but we’ll have flights into Chicago, we’ll have flights into other parts of the country and then those people can get on flights and come back to New York or infect other states,” Cuomo said. “This whole notion that any one state can protect itself was foolish from the beginning. New York has one of the lowest infection rates in the United States, but that doesn’t stop the virus from coming in from other states.” The travel restrictions come at a time when more than 10,000 people on the North Shore have tested positive for the coronavirus since the beginning of the pandemic in mid-March as of Monday night. The figures were the most up-to-date ones that the Nassau County Department of Health provided on Wednesday. More than 2,000 people on the Great Neck peninsula had tested positive for the virus as of Sunday, according to county figures, which continues to lead the areas analyzed. The Village of Great Neck’s 627 coronavirus cases were the most throughout the peninsula, followed by the Village of Kings Point’s 436 and the Village of Great Neck Plaza’s 369. After the Village of Lake Success saw an increase of 17 cases over the past week, a total of five of the peninsula’s nine villages had over 100 recorded cases as of Wednesday.

CHART BY ROBERT PELAEZ

More than 10,000 people throughout the North Shore had tested positive for the coronavirus since the beginning of the pandemic as of Wednesday, according to figures from the Nassau County Department of Health. The Port Washington area’s 964 cases account for almost 10 percent of the North Shore’s positive tests. More than 200 people in the Village of Manorhaven had tested positive for the virus, according to county figures. The New Hyde Park area accounted for 2,078 of the North Shore’s cases, with North New Hyde Park having the third most confirmed positives, 777, out of any analyzed area. The villages of Floral Park, with 626 cases, and New Hyde Park, with 508 cases, were also among the top seven villages or unincorporated town areas in terms of positive tests, according to Health Department statistics. Municipalities and unincorporated areas that stretch into more than one North Shore area such as Flower Hill, Herricks, Albertson, Garden City Park, Searingtown and North Hills were counted separately and accounted for 1,358 cases, according to county statistics. The Village of Mineola saw the highest increase of cases over the one-week period with nearly 100 new cases. Mineola’s 916 cases and Garden City’s 798 cases accounted for 1,714 of the 2,093

This whole notion that

any one state can protect itself was foolish from the beginning. New York has one of the lowest infection rates in the United States, but that doesn’t stop the virus from coming in from other states. Andrew Cuomo GOVENOR

cases in the area that also takes in the Willistons. Manhasset, which has remained comparatively low since the beginning of the pandemic, had 639 cases, with around half coming from town-governed areas. It is the only analyzed area with fewer than 700 cases. The Village of Roslyn’s 194 cases

may not seem high compared with other North Shore areas, but the cases per 1,000 residents, 68.02, is one of the highest rates in Nassau County, according to Health Department figures. Despite this, the village has seen one of the lowest one-month increases of any analyzed municipality, with fewer than 30 new confirmed cases since Nov. 11, according to county statistics. A total of 77,968 Nassau County residents had tested positive for the virus as of Wednesday, and 2,337 had died since the pandemic began. More than 500 Nassau residents remained hospitalized due to the virus, with 60 in intensive care units and 35 on ventilators, according to county figures. The county’s sevenday positivity rate was 5.7 percent as of Wednesday. Throughout New York, more than 871,000 people had tested positive for the coronavirus as of Wednesday, according to state figures. Of that total, more than 36,000 people had died. In New York City, 392,000 people had contracted the virus, and 24,768 had died.

Nearly 70 from Sewanhaka test positive Continued from Page 2 In Sewanhaka, 55 of the 69 total positive student cases were on-site, while the rest were oﬀ-site, according to state figures. The North Shore school district, with 58, the Mineola school district, with 56,

the Manhasset school district with 43, and the Roslyn school district, with 36, were the only other districts with 30 or more confirmed student cases. The East Williston and Herricks districts combined for 43 student cases, with East Williston having 22 and Herricks having 21, five of

which were new cases. Despite being surrounded by areas with a high number of confirmed cases outside the classroom, schools in the New Hyde Park-Garden City Park and Floral Park-Bellerose school districts had a combined 17 cases. New Hyde Park-

Garden City Park had 11 cases, while Floral Park-Bellerose had six. For more information on how school districts and their schools are faring with the coronavirus, visit https://schoolcovidreportcard.health.ny.gov/#/home.

For the latest news, visit us at w w w.theislandnow.com

28 The Herald Courier, Friday, December 25, 2020

Stimulus did not aid local govs: officials Continued from Page 1 Problem Solvers’ Caucus, a group composed of members of Congress from both sides of the political aisle. Suozzi touted his and his colleagues’ work in the caucus, which has now resulted in more federal aid to the American people, especially those who own local businesses. “Without the Problem Solvers, it is unlikely we would have gotten this far and I will not stop working until we get the relief our state and local governments need,” Suozzi said. “This bill will provide new direct payments to individuals and families, expanded unemployment insurance, and provide new resources to help small businesses that are struggling to stay afloat,” Rice said. Gov. Andrew Cuomo was blunt with his displeasure regarding a lack of state and local aid from the federal government but touted the work of U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi for

their eﬀorts. “They were in an impossible situation because you have Senator McConnell who still takes the position that you should bankrupt the states,” Cuomo said, referring to Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky. “The National Governors Association sent a letter to Congress asking for $500 billion in state and local assistance. Do you know what we got in this bill? Zero.” Other oﬃcials were also displeased with state and local governments not being provided with financial aid. “The new stimulus deal is a very good start,” Nassau County Executive Laura Curran said. “The need for relief has never been greater. Nassau County was the epicenter of a once-ina-century crisis, and I will continue to advocate for the prioritization of emergency aid for state and local governments in the next relief bill.” “Unfortunately, [the new

PHOTO BY ROBERT PELAEZ

U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-Glen Cove) said he was “devastated” that state and local governments were not provided federal funding from the recently approved $900 billion stimulus package in response to the coronavirus pandemic. package] does not provide enough resources for state and local governments who are also in desperate need of relief,” Rice said. “Our communities will

need further federal assistance as we continue to combat this virus, and I will keep fighting for the resources Long Island needs to recover when Congress

returns in the New Year.” “I’m absolutely devastated that state and local aid is not included in this package because it will have such a negative eﬀect on my state, and the counties, cities, towns and villages I represent,” Suozzi said. “I recognize, however, that too many people are suﬀering right now and there are many other important provisions in this compromise that will help Long Islanders and New Yorkers. We cannot let perfect be the enemy of the good.” Suozzi has recently been more vocal on the need for federal funding to states such as New York, which pay far more to the federal government than they receive. From 2015 to 2019, Suozzi said, New York sent $116 billion more to the federal government than it got back. Over the same period, Kentucky received $148 billion and South Carolina received $87 billion more than they contributed to Washington.

GCP optometrist offers new myopia lenses Continued from Page 2 Mann said a study was conducted on the eﬀectiveness of the lens on children. According to Mann, the study showed that children who wore the lens have a 59 percent reduction in myopia compared with a placebo group. Studies also showed that a child with one parent who has myopia is 50 percent more likely to have it than not, 75 percent

more if both parents have myopia, and still 25 percent at risk to get it if neither parent has it, Mann said. “I’m very encouraged by the three-year study,” Mann said. “It has showed that even children that switched from one lens to this one have good results. The lens itself is very safe, and there have been virtually no issues in terms of infections or irritations. It can only be a benefit to some-

one. It is a life-changing treatment to people who are bound to become nearsighted.” Mann said she normally wouldn’t feel fully confident prescribing contact lenses for 8-year-olds, but the results from patients have been very positive. Mann also said the lenses can result in heightened peripheral vision, better self-esteem, and makes patients more ideal candidates for Lasik surgery

later on. “Aside from parental support, the child has to be able to handle the lens,” Mann said. “They have to fit into a certain category, they can’t have a lot of astigmatisms, since it’s not made for that.” As far as general recommendations go, Mann said people should generally follow the 20/20/20 rule. Every 20 minutes while looking at a com-

puter or television screen, look at something 20 feet away for about 20 seconds. “The eyes get stuck in this close focus looking at a screen,” Mann said. For more information on the lenses or to schedule an appointment, people are encouraged to call Focal Point Optical at 516-746-3836 and visit the oﬃce at 2453 Jericho Turnpike in Garden City Park.

Ms. Sillitti goes to Albany Continued from Page 3 “My understanding is, as of right now it’s going to be virtual,” Sillitti said. “But that being said, I want to be in Albany, at least in the beginning, if we continue to be virtual. The reason is, I really want to see how everything operates. I want the staﬀ up there to get to know me, and I want to get to know them, and just really kind of see how the wheels turn upstate.” “I’ll be Zooming in my office is my understanding,” she added. From all outward appearances, Silletti’s freshman term

will be dominated by the COVID-19 pandemic, and she said that the rising case numbers in New York are “scary.” “We’re talking again about flattening the curve, we’re hearing that term again, which is scary,” Sillitti said. “The numbers are climbing every day.” It is crucial, she said, that funding for critical services like schools, hospitals, fire departments, and police departments remains intact during the pandemic. “We’re still waiting to see what the federal government is going to be doing at the state and

local levels,” she said. “Sales tax, in general, is at an all-time low, gas taxes are down, you don’t even think about how much the local government gets in gas tax, since we’re not going anywhere right now with a lot of things done virtually.” But, she added, New Yorkers now know what’s required of them to flatten the curve. “Before, we were kind of caught oﬀ guard, caught out of nowhere,” Sillitti said. “Now we know the enemy. We just really have to make good choices, and, unfortunately, those good choices mean postponing those fam-

ily gatherings that we wanted so desperately for the holidays. It’s this price that we have to pay to keep the economy going. Nobody wants to see a shutdown again, obviously, it would be devastating. And then just, the basics of life and death. Staying home and being socially distant is the most patriotic thing we can do right now to help America, to save our economy and save our neighbors.” Closer to home, Sillitti said the 16th District’s Port Washington oﬃce will remain intact, as will the phone numbers. “I really want to be very, very

accessible to people,” Sillitti said. “I don’t want people to feel weird about calling. Some people are like, ‘No, I’ll figure it out for myself, or I’ll go online.’ Don’t. That’s what we’re here for. And even if it’s not a state issue, I’d be happy to forward your inquiry over to the appropriate people. “So I really want to be a place where people can feel comfortable calling, where they know who I am, and where they don’t be afraid to call. These are tough times. And this is the job of government, to help people during these tough times. And I want to be able to help.”

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 25, 2020

Holi-days and sugar cookies This is how we celebrate holi-days, I found. Baking sugar cookies in festive shapes, foods that comfort, spirits and laughs. But the sun rises and cries for a diﬀerent kind of sweetness and fullness on these days. To forgo righteous and judgement and right-way thinking. To look for the light of the fire of those without homes, to stand in a house of wor-ship and declare that love is love, to walk along a border-line and to feel what should be— health, safety and promise for all. The stars shine on the evenings of holi-days, the moon still hangs, sadly, but brightly for the lonely, and in the dark spaces in the sky where there is nothingness, there is room to imagine what these days can be for— a present wrapped in hope for the most vulnerable among us, the dreamers, the defeated, songs for those lost and found in stigma, merriment for the heart. Before those sugar cookies burn, I open the oven, take them out, and see what they really mean to-day. Diana Poulos Lutz

A poem for 2020 Sore, meek, feeling weak. A solution we tried to seek. Frustration, Examination, Vaccination, Elation. We are now over the hump… all thanks to President Trump. He’s constantly working and trying his best, without a moment of rest. From one of many millions in a grateful nation, we admire your devotion. But after election day we discovered a new disease, when the numbers just didn’t jive. Votes poured in from the dead and alive. There is TB disease. There is Color Blindness. TB – Trump votes turned into Biden votes. Color Blindness – Red states turned Blue after mysterious glitches when touching selected switches. Ballots were also found in ditches. Certain poll watchers are told to leave since counting is complete, so now is the time to begin the big cheat. A selected group remains who help get the big gains. Out come the ballots from under the table, without any scrutiny from news on the cable. People voting in multiple states with ballots lacking proper signatures or dates. Ballots possibly printed in other states and countries of unknown amount, put into the uncontrolled illegal count. Led by Obama, Clinton, Schiﬀ, Nadler, Pelosi, Schumer, and others, all of them unethical political brothers. It began with our “friends” – China, Russia, North Korea, & Iran, just to name a few. With friends like these who needs enemies? In spite of all threats, Go President Trump! Fight on! You are the #1 Patriot! Yitzchak M. Pipik Port Washington

Letters Continued on Page 38

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EVENTS

Help Wanted $18.50 P/H NYC$16 P/H LI$13.50 P/H UPSTATE NY! If you need care from your relative, friend or neighbor and you have Medicaid, they may be eligible to start taking care of you as a personal assistant under NYS Medicaid CDPA program. No Certificates needed. Phone: 347-713-3553

COVID-19 TESTING AVAILABLE COVID-19 PCR Nasal Swab and /or ANTIBODY testing Mon, Wed & Fri in Floral Park Doctor’s Office without wait or lines. Scheduled by appointment. 516-488-1414

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MATURE LADY SEEKS employment as CNA. Home health aide, very reliable, hard working, willing to do background checks, 15 yrs nursing home experience. Please call 516-410-1892 or 917-244-3714

CAREER TRAINING COMPUTER & IT TRAINING program! Train ONLINE to get the skills to become a Computer & Help Desk Professional now! Now offering a $10,000 scholarship for qualified applicants. Call CTI for details! (844) 947-0192 (M-F 8am-6pm ET) TRAIN AT HOME TO DO MEDICAL BILLING Become a Medical Office Professional online at CTI! Get trained, certified & ready to work in months! Call 855-543-6440 (M-F 8am-6pm ET)

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ADOPTION ADOPTION Single woman looking to build her family by adoption. Any ethnicity welcome, expenses paid. Please call 347-470-5228 or my attorney:800-582-3678 for information.

TOP CASH PAID: ESTATE CONTENTSALL OBJECTS OF ART JEWELRY, ETC. Please call 718-598-3045 or 516-270-2128 www.antiqueassets.com

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ELDER CAREExperienced woman seeks position to care for the elderly live in or live out. Certified HHA & certified child care. Excellent references. Please call 516-800-6442

LOOKING TO BUY! Estates, Oriental items, Gold, Silver, Costume Jewelry, Dishes, Flatware, Watches, Clothing, Old Photos, Coins, Stamps, Records, Toys, Action Figures, Comics, Art and Furniture. Immediae Cash Paid Call George 917-775-3048 or 718-386-1104

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A.T. STEWART EXCHANGE CONSIGNMENT SHOP 516-7468900 Antiques-Furniture-JewelrySilver-Mirrors-Lamps-Artwork Come to Consign & Stay to Shop Visit... Our Shop 109 Eleventh St. Garden City Tues-Fri 10-4 (Wed till 6) Saturday 12-4 Our Website tgchs.org Our Online Store stores. myresaleweb.com/ at-stewartexchange Items to Consign? Email photos (with sizing info) to: store@ atstewartexchange.org All proceeds benefit The Garden City Historical Society Like us on Facebook & Instagram INVITED ESTATE SALES BY TRACY JORDAN is doing VIRTUAL TAG SALES and ONLINE AUCTIONS now! Sell the contents of an entire house or sell just a few things! You can host your own sale on invitedsales.com and Facebook and Instagram or we can do it for you. We can photograph, advertise and handle the winning pickups for you within a week! Don’t worry about your closing date, we can get your house ready on time! We are a one stop service for all your needs when you are moving or selling a property! Selling, donating, discarding and cleaning out services can be done to meet your time frame with minimal stress. Contact info@invitedsales.com for more information or call 516-279-6378 to schedule a consultation or receive more information.Visit us at www.invitedsales.com for a listing of our upcoming Virtual Tag Sales and Weekly Auctions!

AUCTIONS Cool Old Stuff in Glen Cove Vintage Shop. WINNER OF BEST OF NORTH SHORE 2020. GREAT PRICED items for Boat and Home. See ALL online: Wilsonsdrydock. com. For info / appt Please call 516-662-2821

WANTED TO BUY I BUY OLD AMERICAN MOTORCYCLES Up to 1999. Call Dan 516-639-1027

CHERYL’S PET SITTING SERVICE Dependable pet sitter will walk and feed your precious pet while you work or travel. Also available to board small dogs. Many excellent references. Call 516-971-3242

AUTOMOTIVE

AUTOS WANTED

JUNK CARS BOUGHT Auto Wrecking Frank & Sons

516-997-5736 AUTO BUYERS! We visit you. Highest cash paid. Or donate, tax deduct + cash. DMV#1303199. Please call Luke 516-VAN-CARS OR 516-297-2277 Drive out Breast Cancer: Donate a car today! The benefits of donating your car or boat: Fast Free Pickup 24hr response Tax deductionEasy to do! Call 24/7: 855-905-4755

SERVICE DIRECTORY

SERVICES JACK’S CUSTOM FRAMING We can frame anything! Quality Care & Workmanship Thousands of frames to choose from!! Over 30 years in business! 92 Covert Ave, Stewart Manor 516-775-9495 PROFESSIONAL HOME ORGANIZER Need help decluttering? Organizing? Garden City resident who has a passion for organizing household items; toys, clothes, kitchens, garages, attics, basements. References available Call Liz Annese 917-679-5553 SUNFLOWER FINE ART GALLERIES MIRRORS PICTURE FRAMING Paintings Art/Photo Restoration Printing, Hanging Services Shadowboxes, Smiles 6 A Terminal Road West Hempstead, NY 11552 www.sunflowerfineart.com @SunflowerArtGuy 516-747-7406

ATTORNEY STEPHANIE A. D’ANGELO, ESQ. Elder Law, Wills & Trusts Asset Preservation, Estate Planning, Probate & Estate Administration/Litigation 901 Stewart Ave, Ste 230 Garden City, NY 11530 516-222-1122 www.dangelolawassociates.com

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HOME IMPROVEMENTS

AMBIANCE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES *Handyman & Remodeling *Kitchen Installations *Furniture Assembly *Finish Carpentry *Minor Electrical & Plumbing 28 year GC Resident Lic & Ins H18E2170000 Call BOB 516-741-2154

MASONRY All types of stonework Pavers, Retaining Walls, Belgium Block Patios, Foundations, Seal coating, Concrete and Asphalt driveways, Sidewalks, Steps. Free Estimates Fully Licensed & Insured #H2219010000 Boceski Masonry Louie 516-850-4886

FREE ESTIMATES Extensions, Kitchens, Baths, Basements, Carpentry Work, Porticos, Siding, Dormers, Stone, New Construction & Conversions, Mason Work, Stone. Insured. Please Call 516-581-9146

DR. MARLENE LEVY PhD, LCSW, DAAPM and Outdoor CLINICAL HYPNOSIS & PSYCHOTERAPY. Call: 516-944-3885

LAMPS FIXED $65 In home service. Handy Howard. 646-996-7628 LEAK REPAIRS 24 Hour Service Bathrooms, showers, Kitchens Call 516-668-5624 MADE IN THE SHADE CUSTOM WINDOW TREATMENTS Blinds, Shades, Shutters, Draperies Top Brands at Discount Prices! Family owned & operated www.madeintheshadensli.com 516-426-2890

HEALTH SERVICES

FAMILY CARE CONNECTIONS, LLC Dr. Ann Marie D’Angelo PMHCNS-BC Doctor of Nursing Practice Advanced Practice Nurse Care Manager Assistance with Aging at Home/Care Coordintion Nursing Home & Assisted Living Placement PRI / Screens / Mini Mental Status Exams Medicaid Eligibility and Apllications 5 1 6 - 2 4 8 - 9 3 2 3 www.familycareconnections .com 901 Stewart Ave, Ste 230 Garden City, NY 11530

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 25, 2020

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Dowling warns against vaccine delays Continued from Page 6 ibility, but I think for the next six, seven, eight, nine months we have to be very, very careful.” The executive also said that the health of Northwell’s employees was closely monitored. “Probably the safest place to be right now is in a hospital because everybody is doing the right thing,” Dowling said. “We

do test every employee who comes into the hospital, we check temperature. And we check to see whether there were any signs of ill health. If we know that an employee has been in contact, or close contact with anybody that might have a risk of having COVID they have to be quarantined for up to 14 days. Right now we have probably about 500 employees that are out, either because they have the virus or they’re be-

ing quarantined because they were close to somebody with the virus.” He also touted the work of the system’s medical staff through the pandemic and recalled the fear felt in March. “When you’re dealing with the unknown, it’s difficult,” he said. “There was a lot of fear, there was a lot of trepidation. Some people got sick at the beginning, [some] staff, and we were the first

to require all staﬀ wear masks. We were the first health system to do that. And that was a good thing because we had an experience at one of our emergency rooms and our clinical leadership said, ‘We just have to have everybody mask. This is too dangerous.’ ... But I will say, though, that despite that trepidation, and that fear, the staﬀ and what they did was absolutely extraordinary.”

The coronavirus next time and now Continued from Page 14 magazine’s list of 100 most influential people in health care, said he expected it would take six to nine months before 75 to 80 percent of the public is vaccinated – the percentage of people needed to create a herd immunity to allow for a return to

what will have to pass for normalcy. Northwell has been tasked by Cuomo to lead the vaccination eﬀorts on Long Island. One of its hospitals, Long Island Jewish Medical Center in New Hyde Park, was fittingly the place where the first vaccine

in the country was administeredlast week before a national audience. And an emergency care nurse from Port Washington via the island of Jamaica who works at the hospital was the first person to receive the vaccine. But those eﬀorts will fall short unless

enough New Yorkers follow the science and get vaccinated when it is their time. And we all will not be safe from future pandemics until we follow the guidelines and science as prescribed by Dowling and other highly respectedhealth professionals.

Philharmonic musicians to play at Museum of Art Continued from Page 23 by and stop for a few minutes and listen,” Bernard said. “They loved having live music. The desire for live music has increased, I think, during this pandemic, and we figured out a way to have this, within the safety guidelines of the state and the CDC, without an audience, but distanced and everything.” Riley said patrons later brought lawn chairs to watch and listen to the orchestra rehearse. “Some people were just inside the building, looking through the windows and

listening to the orchestra and people were in tears,” he said. “They were so deeply moved, especially by the Mozart they played. It wasn’t formal, it was obviously very safe. But it was so natural, almost like a magnet. You could just see people being drawn to the building, being drawn to the music. And time and again, they’ve come to me and said how much it meant for them to have the music there.” Now, the orchestra and museum are teaming up again, this time to provide chamber music indoors. Principal perform-

ers from the orchestra will be stationed inside, with their songs able to waft throughout the halls of the place itself, in a program called Music at the Museum. “We’re bringing smaller groups to the museum to play chamber music of varying sizes,” Bernard said. “We had a wind quintet and a brass quintet, tubas, and we have plans for many more of those ensembles to come. And the audience is essentially those who are viewing the exhibits. It’s a beautiful synergy.” The museum is open Tuesday to Sun-

day from 11 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Riley added that once the pandemic has passed, he has bigger plans for their collaboration, including open-air concerts on the museum’s lawns. “I would only put the most wonderful quality of art on our walls, so too, I would only want to have a really, really brilliant orchestra on the property as well,” Riley said. “So in that regard, major international art on the walls and a major sculpture on the grounds, and now the sound of a great orchestra. And this is only the beginning.”

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The Herald Courier, Friday, December 25, 2020

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COMMUNITY NEWS

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Students attend virtual workshop Sewanhaka High Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) virtually attended the The workshops included a variety of topics, including Succeeding in a Virtual Environment, Running a Social Media Account, Public Speaking and Growth Mindset. Following the workshops, the students reported that they felt they had gained skills on online etiquette, how to start and maintain a business account on social media, and how impactful digital media has become in the business world. In addition to the businessrelated workshops, Mop & Bucket Company provided a comedy show.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE SEWANHAKA CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT

Sewanhaka High Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s FBLA virtually attended the New York State FBLA Fall Leadership Workshop, from Nov. 14-15.

Students donate hygiene products to Kenya Recognizing the financial burden placed on young women throughout the world in securing adequate supplies of sanitary napkins, Rafia Ahmed and Gauri Shyamnath, two seniors from New Hyde Park High School, have established Femme Forces, an organization to help ease the burden. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We noticed a lack of attention surrounding feminine hygiene and pre and postnatal care in developing nations,â&#x20AC;? says Rafia. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As young women of South Asian descent, we also recognize the taboo that surrounds feminine sex health in our culture.â&#x20AC;? Through a go-fund-me page, Rafia and Gauri raised over $2000. Gauri then turned to the youth group of the Ethical Humanist Society of LI, where she is a member. There she and Rafia received guidance from a member of the Ethical Society who introduced the two to Brad Broder, a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer, who currently runs The Kenya Education Fund. KEF provides scholarships to high school age students and helps female students to get sanitary products and the money that the two New Hyde Park students raised is being used for that purpose.

Gauri Shyamnath (left) and Rafia Ahmed, founders of Femme Forces.

Joy Maingi (left), communications manager of the Kenya Education Fund, presents sanitary pads and a workbook to a high school student in Kisumu-Western Kenya.

Research by Menstrual Hygiene Day, a global advocacy platform for non-profit organizations and government agencies to promote menstrual health, shows that 65 percent of women and girls in Kenya are unable to aďŹ&#x20AC;ord sanitary pads. Says Joy Maingi, the Communications Manager for KEF, based in Nairobi, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Period poverty â&#x20AC;&#x201C; being unable to work or attend school because of lack of funds

for sanitary products â&#x20AC;&#x201C; makes life really diďŹ&#x192;cult for women in Kenya.â&#x20AC;? The Femme Forces donation provided 450 girls with a three-month supply of pads. Gauri and Rafia are at work locally now as well as in Kenya. They will be providing sanitary products to packets being put together for New Hour for Women and Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;LI that will be given to

women as they are released from prison. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are extremely appreciative of every dollar donated to help empower women on local and international scopes and its Youth at Ethical Humanist Society where I am communications director,â&#x20AC;? says Gauri. For more information about Femme Forces and to donate: https://femmeforces1.wixsite.com/non-profit

An â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Hour of Codeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; at Thanks and snowflakes Hillside Grade School at Herricks Middle School Hillside Grade School sixth-graders in Eileen Prymaczekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s class participated in the Hour of Code on Dec. 9. The Hour of Code is designed to demystify coding, show that anyone can learn the basics and broaden participation in the field of computer science. It takes place each year during Computer Science

Education Week, held this year Dec. 7-13. Students earned the time to work on the Hour of Code as part of the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports Program. Hillside Grade School sixth graders in Eileen Prymaczekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s class participated in the Hour of Code on Dec. 9.

Herricks Middle School acknowledged Novemberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s theme of gratitude with a project called Full of FLAKES and Full of Thanks. Students and staďŹ&#x20AC; members took time to focus on what they are grateful for about the middle school, in-person or virtually, and their collective reflections resulted in a work of art. Colored popsicle sticks were provided to in-person and remote students as well as

staďŹ&#x20AC; members, and all were encouraged to write down something specific that they feel thankful for. They shared favorite parts of the school day, past experiences and much more. The completed sticks were assembled into snowflake shapes, and the finished products were displayed in one of the buildingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hallways in a united showcase of gratitude and school pride.

38 Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 25, 2020

READERS WRITE

DOT pick Buttigieg purely a political choice

resident-elect Joseph Biden’s selection of Pete Buttigieg, the former South Bend, Ind., mayor and 2020 Democratic Party primary rival, as the next Department of Transportation secretary was disappointing. USDOT has 55,000 employees and a budget of $71.4 billion, It is comprised of the Federal Aviation, Highway, Transit, Motor Carriers, Maritime and National Highway Traﬃc Safety Administrations along with the St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation and its own Oﬃce of Inspector General. Buttigieg ran a city of 100,000 with 1,143 employees, an annual budget of $358 million and a 66-bus transit system with 10,000 daily riders.

There are hundreds of better qualified city and state DOT commissioners, Transit Agency presidents and others who have significant experience in many of these units within USDOT. Many spent years managing thousands of employees and budgets in the billions. They would have stood head and shoulders above Buttigieg in their ability to hit the ground running such a complex agency as USDOT. It appears that Biden is a disciple of the same old Washington, inside the Beltway practices. He who has the gold rules. Reward those who have been politically loyal such as Buttigieg, who dropped out of the Democratic primary, at a key moment, to assist Biden in becoming the front runner.

Quid pro quo is alive and well in the incoming White House. It is business as usual at the expense of taxpayers. Larry Penner Great Neck (Larry Penner is a transportation advocate, historian and writer who previously worked for the Federal Transit Administration Region 2 NY Oﬃce. This included the review, approval and oversight for billions of dollars in grants to the MTA which funded LIRR, Metro North, NYC Transit, MTA Bus capital projects and programs along with 30 other transit operators in NY & NJ) .

Watch your language in criticizing Trump, Zeldin

t’s time for readers like Eric Cashdan to put aside the terms “racist” and “fascist” for anyone engaged in support of President Trump. This is not the platform to discuss their extremely

dangerous overuse. Hurling such epithets as an expression of some readers’ relentless and irrational hatred of Trump reduces the power of those words. It negates the realities of those who did suﬀer under

Nazi rule or experience true racism today. For the record, Congressman Lee Zeldin is working for all of Long Island. He recently fought and won a power grab over the use of Plum Island near the East

End, surely a benefit for the entire community. Susan Buckler Great Neck

Biden silent on plans to fix the economy

would like to respond to a reader’s letter in the Dec. 18 issued titled “Biden’s impossible task as president.” I think the writer clearly missed a few things. First, the writer quotes the genius of David Letterman saying that Obama “was handed a store that had been shuttered for eight years” to then further conclude that “now Mr. Biden is handed a store that has been trashed and the shelves stripped bare,” all due to Trump. What is quite amazing to me is he uses such an analogy to disparage Trump, yet completely ignores the reality that months of riots and looting by Black Lives Matter and Antifa in fact did trash stores and strip the shelves bare literally. I guess the late-night talk shows missed that, too.

Then he goes on to predict that by March 1 the Murdoch press could possibly “lay any failure of the economy on Democratic policies.” I would ask if the writer actually lives in New York State or near New York City. We have a Democratic governor and mayor, both of whose disastrous policies have destroyed the economy of the state and the city, and killed thousands, or do we assume that’s all on Trump, too. Either way it is again completely ignored by the writer. This writer then states that “Mr. Biden will inherit a broken economy and traumatized population, with the expectation of miracles to fix, etc…..”. However, all I heard from Mr. Biden during his campaign was that “Trump has no plan for the economy and no plan for COVID” but

vote for Mr. Biden because he has a plan to fix it. Well, where is that plan, Mr. Biden? Why would one of your supporters write to a newspaper looking for miracles when Biden supposedly has a great plan? Makes no sense to me. Maybe it’s time for Mr. Biden and his supporters to explain his plan to fix the economy and address COVID, or are we supposed to just go with the Cuomo “kill all the elderly plan” or maybe the de Blasio “destroy all small businesses plan.” Perhaps it’s time to stop being so divisive and put forth reasonable solutions rather than calling for miracles and pointing to others. The writer also makes a reference to Mitch McConnell doing “everything possible to sand-

bag the economy…” and “having no qualms of doing it again… all at the cost of the welfare of the American people.” On this point I agree and have no confidence that the virtually all-in Congress have but their own interests in mind and not that of the American people. However, the writer does not mention anything about the connections of the Biden family to the Chinese Communist Party. I would think if you find Mitch McConnell’s actions “at a cost to the American people,” then surely Joe Biden and his family’s connections to China should be even more concerning and at least worth the writer’s mention. Thomas Dreyer Floral Park

Biden unveils dream team for climate change Continued from Page 17 power. And we’ll do all of this knowing that we have before us an enormous economic opportunity to create jobs and prosperity at home and export clean American-made products around the world, harnessing our climate ambition in a way that is good for American workers and the U.S. economy.”

Introducing his Climate and Environment dream team, Biden said, “When we think about climate change, we think ‘jobs .’.. A key plank of our Build Back Better economic plan is building a modern, climate-resilient infrastructure and clean energy future. We can put millions of Americans to work modernizing water, transportation, and en-

ergy infrastructure to withstand the impacts of extreme weather. When we think about renewable energy, we see American manufacturing, American workers, racing to lead the global market. We see farmers making American agriculture first in the world to achieve net-zero emissions and gaining new sources of income in the process. We see the small

businesses and master electricians designing and installing innovative, energy-conserving buildings and homes. This will reduce electricity consumption and save hundreds of thousands of dollars a year in energy costs.” Biden added, “These aren’t pie-in-thesky dreams. These are concrete, actionable solutions. And this team will get them done.”

Cohen Children’s Center nurses honored nationally Continued from Page 10 call to bravely care for patients no matter the sacrifice. I continue to be enormously grateful to them while we battle the second surge of the virus in New York.” Margaret Duﬀy, the hospital’s chief nursing oﬃcer, oversees more than 700 nurses, who care for about 170,000 pediat-

ric patients every year in the hospital and in ambulatory settings. “Magnet is not just an award, it is a culture of excellence we have created to deliver the highest quality care to our patients,” Duﬀy said. “With this accomplishment, our patients and families are assured we are committed to always striving for the highest level of health care delivery.”

As the hospital’s executive director and former chief nurse executive, Carolyn Quinn knows the extraordinary amount of eﬀort it takes at all levels of the hospital to achieve and maintain Magnet status. “The Magnet process brings every nursing department of the hospital together and relationships are strengthened with other disciplines throughout the facility. This

teamwork and commitment translates, and truly raises the bar for patient care,” Quinn said. “This national nursing honor is a testament to the talent, energy and passion of our frontline staﬀ who are driving optimum outcomes and the best patient experience.” The Magnet status will remain valid for four years. After that, the hospital will reapply to meet the ANCC criteria.

The Herald Courier, Friday, December 25, 2020

COMMUNITY NEWS

Floral Park Board of Trustees Dec. 15 reports Continued from Page 13 Mayor’s Report – Mayor Longobardi Mayor Longobardi thanked all of the residents for attending the Annual Tree Lighting on December 4th via virtual mode. He thanked both sponsors, Fr. Tom Fusco, Pastor of Our Lady of Victory Church and The Floral Park Junior Woman’s Club, and the Village staﬀ and the small group of residents who attended the Tree Lighting in person. Special thanks to Tim Cuite who lit the tree for the Village. The event, though remote, helped to ensure the safety and health of everyone during this pandemic. As a fan of Dr. Seuss’s the Grinch, the Mayor stated that 2020 “Stink, Stank, Stunk” in many ways keeping people apart, and he hopes that 2021 is a better year for everyone. Yet,

let’s take the time to truly be thankful for the many blessings we shared this past year. Weather reports abound regarding the snow storm expected tomorrow, Wednesday, December 16th. Please pull all of your cars in from the streets and follow the rules and regulations to assist the Floral Park Police, Fire and Public Works Departments as they prepare for the storm. Please check the Village website fpvillage.org for storm updates. Garbage pick-up is still scheduled for Thursday morning, however, that may change due to the weather. Please remember to shovel out the fire hydrant near your home to assist the Floral Park Fire Department in the event that they need to respond during the storm. I would like to thank the entire Village staﬀ for adapting to the many changes that

the COVID-19 pandemic Executive Orders required of the Village and the residents. People’s lives at home, school and work, and local businesses were challenged in 2020 in ways never dreamed of. The Village, many times on the fly, transformed its procedures and operations to meet the challenges ordered by the government to ensure that the Village continued to provide essential services in all areas of the Village. This could never have happened without the many volunteers who serve on Village committees and especially the Floral Park Volunteer Fire Department and Emergency Rescue Squad who responded to the myriad of emergencies due to the pandemic. So many great events happened due to our volunteers and we deeply appreciate your contributions to

the fabric of the Village community and beyond. From the Longobardi family to all of your families, I wish all of you a very wonderful holiday season. While the 2020 year provided many unexpected challenges, many blessings came out of the experience. Staying home brought us closer to our families and neighbors and we were able to focus on those who are near to us in our homes and in Floral Park. The generosity and many acts of kindness we all witnessed this past year are a testament to the extraordinary quality of life we experience living in Floral Park. Let us remember to continue those traditions into the new year. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and have a safe, wonderful and happy 2021. Thank you.

Happening at the Great Neck Library For certain events that require registration, any further meeting info will be released by the date of the event for registered users. Check your email before joining the event. Online Programs are held live on Zoom unless specified. Open to all. No Zoom account required. You may join Zoom events by going to join. zoom.us, and enter the program’s Meeting ID and Password. You can also dial in at 1 (646) 558-8656 or find your local number at zoom.us/zoomconference. Saturday, December 26 10:00 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. New Year’s Resolution Laser Engraving (by appointment only). Stop by the STEM Lab to laser engrave your resolution for 2021. Up to 3 people from the same family at a time. Go tohttps://www.picktime.com/ greatnecklibraryto make an appointment. Add a comment in the notes field to let us know that you’re coming for the laser engraver program. ahinz@great-

necklibrary.org (516) 466-8055 ext. 230 Monday, December 28 9:00 a.m. — 9:00 p.m. Countdown to New Year’s Digital Escape Room. Test your critical thinking skills with our latest, New Year’s-themed digital escape room. Tuesday, December 29 11:00 — 11:45 a.m. Baby Ballet. Learn rhythm, posture, balance, and coordination. Designed for children walking age through 4 years old. Sign up for Zoom link information. childrens@greatnecklibrary.org (516) 466-8055 4:00 — 4:35 p.m. Aliens: Escape from Earth. Grades K — 6. During a midnight meteor shower, something mysterious falls from the sky — but it’s not a shooting star. Two curious kids venture into the forest to investigate and find themselves mixed up with visitors from another planet. Pursued by a crazy space scientist, they must rescue the aliens and

get them back to their spaceship — before it’s too late. Buckle up for an actionpacked, out-of-this-world adventure that explores science concepts like pressure, energy transfer, chemical reactions and more. Sign up for the Zoom information. childrens@greatnecklibrary.org (516) 466-8055 7:00 — 7:45 p.m. Book Club: Miss Iceland by Audur Ava Olafsdottir. Join Librarian Justin for a discussion of the book. The book is available through Hoopla:https://www.hoopladigital.com/ title/13318546 The meeting will take place over Zoom:https://zoom.us/j/927 56056962?pwd=ZmhrR1VOUzBvRU1w MkdpMWVYRVZnZz09 Wednesday, December 30 12:00 — 1:00 p.m. Wednesday Movie Watch Discussion. Two Lovers (2008) R, 1 hr. 50 min., Drama, Romance. A Brooklyn-set romantic drama about a bachelor torn between the family friend

his parents wish he would marry and his beautiful but volatile new neighbor. Watch the film at your leisure. Join the media staﬀ and fellow patrons in a Zoom discussion of the film. Streaming for free with your Great Neck Library card on Hoopla, with ads on Tubi, Pluto. Meeting ID: 623 987 3994 Passcode: filmscdipietro@greatnecklibrary.org (516) 466-8055 Thursday, December 31 11:30 AM — 12:05 p.m. Noon-Year’s Eve. Join Librarian Justin for a storytime and fun countdown till 12 Noon. Registrants will be called before the program with Zoom information and the location to pick up hat and noise-maker supplies. Thursday, December 31. New Year’s Eve. All Library locations will open from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.(Curbside Pickup 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) Friday, January 1. New Year’s Day. All Library locations will be closed.

NHP Memorial valedictorian, salutatorian chosen New Hyde Park Memorial High School announced that Olivia Wong and Adithya Krishnan are the valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively, for the Class of 2021. Wong is regarded as a stellar student, a talented musician and artist, and a compassionate person. Her interests and strengths are varied, as she loves science, reading, writing, music and art. She is the principal violinist in the school’s orchestra and string ensemble, as well as in the Sewanhaka Central High

School District orchestra. Additionally, Wong participates in the All-County Orchestra and the NYSSMA All-State Symphonic Orchestra. Her artistic ability is also noteworthy, as her work has been selected for display in LIU Post’s student art gallery. She demonstrates keen responsibility as the editor-in-chief of the school’s newspaper, The Chariot. Her kind nature was made apparent during the quarantine, as she and a friend started a virtual tutoring program for students needing assistance. Through their

eﬀorts, they raised over $1,000 and donated the funds to Island Harvest. Krishnan is known as an intelligent and academically driven student. His impressive scores on the Preliminary SAT earned him the recognition of being a National Merit Commended Student. Krishnan is an active member of numerous extracurricular activities, including Science Olympiads, Mathletes and New Hyde Heroes Club. He also serves as the secretary of Spanish Club.

He plays piano, trombone and tuba for the Jazz Band, as well as the sousaphone in the marching band. Krishnan is well-versed in ancient South Indian Tamil percussion music and performs with the New York Parai Musical Group, which he and others founded. He has also dedicated countless hours to volunteer at the Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation. There, he has volunteered in both the physical therapy and occupational therapy departments.

Skype interviews with special guests at GCP Since school looks a bit diﬀerent this year, with no field trips or assemblies, Garden City Park School fourth grade teacher John Contratti has decided to bring the entertainment directly to his classroom. Every other week, his class meets with well-known

performers for an interview through Skype. The students research their special guest and craft questions to ask them prior to the virtual interview. So far, the students have interviewed English actress Felicity Montagu, who is the star of the BBC television

series, “Hank Zipzer”; actor, comedian and director Henry Winkler, known as Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli on the sitcom “Happy Days”; and American actress Maureen McCormick, who portrayed Marcia Brady on the sitcom “The Brady Bunch.”

“My main goal of hosting these Skype interviews is to show the students how to hold meaningful conversations with people,” Mr. Contratti said. “Maybe it will spark an interest in a future career in broadcasting for them.”

40 The Herald Courier, Friday, December 25, 2020

WE ARE OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK FOR LUNCH AND DINNER

Sun - Thurs 11:30-9pm Fri & Sat 11:30-10pm

980 Franklin Ave, Garden City • (516) 294-6565

!"#$%&'()#$*)(+,-.(/0$1',2$345-.$-(6#$'4$3(0"$ %7#)894.:$,$;,<<:$,&.$;#,-'":$;4-(.,:$1#,04&= HOLIDAY PACKAGES

Available November 20, 2020 - January 3, 2021 for lunch and dinner • Take out only

PACKAGE #1 $80 Plus Tax

PACKAGE #2 $115 Plus Tax

• (2) 18” regular pizzas • 1/2 tray chicken parmigiana • Complimentary Bottle of Cabernet or Pinot Grigio

• (2) 18” regular pizzas • 1/2 tray Caesar salad • 1/2 tray chicken parmigiana • Complimentary Bottle of Cabernet or Pinot Grigio

PACKAGE #3 $145 Plus Tax

• (1) 18” regular pizzas • 1/2 tray Caesar salad • 1/2 tray chicken parmigiana • 1/2 tray penne ala vodka • Complimentary Bottle of Cabernet or Pinot Grigio

*Additional items may be purchased at regular menu price. *Toppings available for additional cost; may not be combined with any other coupon, discount, offer or Groupon; prices do not include tax or gratuity; available for take out only; no substitutions.*

CATERING MENU APPETIZER SELECTIONS

ANTIPASTO

$80

Homemade mozzarella, oven roasted sweet red peppers, genoa salami, sicilian olives

ASSORTED BAKED PINWHEELS $70

Variety of spinach, pepperoni, buffalo chicken and sausage and bacon rolls, served with a side of sauce

GRIMALDIS ORIGINAL RECIPE BUFFALO WINGS

$80

BRUSCHETTA

$70

Buffalo wings tossed with our homemade buffalo sauce. Served with celery and carrots and choice of blue cheese or ranch Seasoned chopped tomatoes, topped with a parmesan dusting served on crustini bread

TOMATO MOZZARELLA

Large slices of tomato and fresh mozzarella with a basil pesto drizzle over a bed of greens

$80

18” DESSERT PLATTER

Combination of Jr. Cheese Cake, Cannoli, Chocolate Decadence & Rice Pudding $80 Grimaldi’s Cannoli Platters (15 cannolis) $75

Grimaldi’s Gift Certificate Sale!

18” SALAD SELECTIONS

House Caesar Chopped Spinach Portobello Mediterranean Add Fresh Mozzarella $15 Add Grilled Chicken $20 Add Salami $15

$80 $70 $80 $80 $80 $80

For Every $50 Grimaldi’s Gift Certificate Purchased, Receive a $20 Complimentary Gift Certificate.

Available ONLY Monday, December 14 through Thursday, December 24 Cash Only!

ENTREÉ SELECTIONS

Chicken Parmigiana Chicken Marsala Eggplant Parmigiana Eggplant Rollatini Penne Ala Vodka Penne Bolognese

TAKEOUT & DELIVERY

SUNDAY - THURSDAY 11:30-9 FRIDAY & SATURDAY 11:30-10

Half $55 $60 $55 $55 $50 $55

Full $95 $100 $95 $90 $80 $90

Gift certificates are $50 denominations only in order to receive a complimentary $20. Maximum purchase amout $250. Cannot be redeemed for gratuity. Only one redeemed per table, per visit. Change will be in a gift certificate form. $50 gift certificates Do Not Expire. $20 complimentary gift certificates are valid from 1/2/21 to 12/30/21

We Are Open For Inside Dining at 50% Capacity You must wear a mask to and from the tables. Thank you for your cooperation

Now Accepting Reservations For Parties of 6 or More

A $25 fee will be applied if canceling within 3 hours of reservation.

Delivery through: www.grimaldisgardencity.com