The Garden City News 04-24-2020

A GIFT OF LOVE

Marguerite Krejci and Karen Allen of St. Francis Hospital with food donated by Karen’s two sons, Brian and Billy Allen, from the generous local eatery Food for Thought. Karen Allen is the Director of Patient Care Experience at St. Francis Hospital and lifelong Garden City resident. Brian currently resides in Seattle, Washington. Billy is a Captain in the United States Army stationed at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas. The boys don’t forget their hero of a mother even from afar!

Schools use reserve fund for new costs

The Garden City Public Schools’ Board of Education plans on voting to adopt an amended school budget of $120,931,141 for academic year 2020-’21 at its next scheduled meeting on Tuesday evening, May 5. At the board’s meeting this Tuesday, Superintendent

of Schools Dr. Kusum Sinha explained an increase in the budget-over-budget increase projected for next school year, which since the pandemic hit in March and forced contingency plans including school closures, remote learning, and expected drops in New York State aid ahead. Originally

the budget-to-budget increase over 2019-2020 was proposed at 2.25% -- up $2,656,451 from the current school year budget, which was approved last May.

The new budget-to-budget increase will be 2.47% due to the use of district reserves for

See page 22

Board mulls drop in revenues, moratorium on subdivisions

BY RIKKI MASSAND

At its meeting on April 15th, the Garden City Board of Trustees discussed impacts of the pandemic on the village government. Village Trustee Stephen Makrinos asked about the potential drop in revenues due to the coronavirus mandated shutdowns since the middle of March. The Village has seen a significant drop in revenues from permit and application fees paid to the Building Department, as well as fees from the Village Justice Court, which has been closed.

The March and April meetings of the village’s Zoning Board of Appeals and Architectural Design Review Board (ADRB) were cancelled. Superintendent of Building Giuseppe Giovanniello told the Board that he spoke with the chairmen of the two boards. Zoning Board Chair John G. Villanella told him that there was potential for the ZBA to hold “double meetings” starting in June, with double the number of projects to be reviewed within a month, in order to catch up on the backlog of applications.

The Board’s discussion last Wednesday night evolved from a potential restart of applications  and processing approvals for projects into a potential moratorium for residential subdivisions.

Giovanniello said he spoke with ADRB Chairman Donald A. Hickey, Jr. about using the Zoom meeting platform similar to what the Village Board has done in the past one month. “Right now we are backlogged with meetings going until June at this point. Chairman Villanella said he was uncomfortable in the ZBA meeting over Zoom, but June 1 we could hopefully have two meetings per month. Trustee Mark Hyer questioned why the ZBA applications should be postponed for deliberations until June. and Giovanniello explained that in the allotted review of some applications, applicants may need to be equipped for presenting over a virtual platform. Other concerns stood out during the Board’s discussion.

Deputy Mayor Robert Bolebruch inquired further about the project review meetings over Zoom, and Giovanniello said many subdivisions were being applied for and several residents inferred that they “may or may not be able to use the Zoom platform, but people want to speak on these applications.”

“If we project the meetings forward (to June) we can have residents participate and come in to state what they feel about these Zoning Board applications. Chairman Villanella said he feels strongly about

See page 22

Covidiots

On Wednesday a group of a couple of dozen protesters stood on Old Country Road in Carl Place with signs demanding that New York State allow closed businesses to reopen.

We completely understand the pain that businesses, especially small businesses, feel right now. Our own advertising revenues are a fraction of what they usually are, and we feel terrible about having had to furlough employees. It totally stinks.

Sometimes we even wish all this would just go away so that we can get back to normal. There’s a sense of grief that many many businesses are not going to make it out of the economic hard times.

But our sense of grief over economic

losses is dwarfed by the losses of families of patients. In the past week almost 3600 people have died of Covid-19 in New York, and each of those people leaves behind a grieving family. Money can be re-made. Human beings can’t be.

We were especially angered by the protesters because in addition to endangering themselves by gathering maskless, ultimately some of them may end up endangering health care workers. If the protesters get each other sick, who do you think will have the job of nursing them back to health?

It’s a lousy situation for businesses, but it’s an even lousier situation for patients and their families.

People shouldn’t have to die for the Dow or for Main Street either.

Protect others, wear your mask

To the Editor:

As a physician and resident of Garden City, I am compelled to implore all residents, whether they have symptoms or not, whether they have known exposures or not, to please put the health and welfare of all residents of this community before your own convenience or comfort. In order to protect others, every resident needs to wear a mask in addition to maintaining proper social distancing. This is especially true when exercising out in the community. It is a matter of life and death due to this stealth-like novel virus. Until we have an effective vaccine and adequate herd immunity, it is our responsibility to decrease the spread of this virus.

As gyms and pools are closed, I started walking in my neighborhood for the physical and mental health benefits. I wear a facial mask and go out of my way to move or cross the street to avoid others, thus observing social distancing. However, I was shocked when runners, bicyclists and groups of walkers without masks repeatedly came within 6 feet of me. It is hard to move away when a runner or a cyclist approaches quickly from behind.

The risk of this potential asymptomatic viral spread is greater when exercising. One breathes deeper and harder when exercising. Experts know that respiratory droplets increase and travel further from exercising individuals. This poses an even higher risk to others. Therefore, runners and cyclists should not only wear facial masks but keep more than 6 feet away from others, preferably 10 or more feet. I understand that it is uncomfortable for runners to breath through a mask. One can wear a gaiter or bandana around the neck and pull it up when within 20 feet of another person. Running or riding a bike in the road along the curb puts one within only 3-4 feet from a person walking on the sidewalk. Therefore, runners and cyclists in the road near the curb should be cognizant of others and move away from walkers on the sidewalk.

We all agree that it is difficult being cooped up indoors during this pandemic and exercising is crucial to physical and mental wellbeing. We should be able to get out, go for a run, a bike ride or a walk but we need to all wear masks and keep 6-10 feet apart to protect all residents. It is a serious matter of life and death.

G. Groh-Szuba, MD

Cell: 516-216-0244

Why does everyone, even healthy individuals, need to wear facial masks? Experts agree that a high percentage of individuals are asymptomatic but capable of infecting others. Others may feel great today but come down with symptoms (sometimes so mild that they mimic allergies or a mild cold) later. These individuals are contagious but don’t realize it. That means that while you may feel perfectly fine, and have no difficulty exercising, you may be Covid19 positive and be unwittingly spreading this virus to others who may die from it. We need to assume that everyone potentially is infected whether they feel fine. Wearing face masks dampens this asymptomatic spread. Masks worn in conjunction with keeping a distance of at least 6 feet will protect others around you and offer you some protection as well.

Error should have been caught

To the Editor:

It pains me that Yvonne Rogowski’s letter was published. It is clear to me (and certainly should have been clear to the Editor) that she did not understand the meaning of the word plurality. Despite this, you published the letter that basically questioned Mr. McCarthy’s integrity. He certainly responded with restraint in last week’s letters.

I believe that is the responsibility of the Editor to review letters that are submitted and, when it contains a criticism that is on its face is factually incorrect and misleading, either not publish the letter or request a clarification from the writer. I am not asking the Editor to be an arbiter of criticism. That would

Village looking at different opening dates for GC Pool

BY RIKKI MASSAND

The Village of Garden City Recreation Department is proactively seeking guidance from the Nassau County Department of Health about the potential opening of the public venue Garden City Pool at Community Park for the summer 2020 season. As originally scheduled many months prior to the  COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s pool season was set to have an opening date of Saturday, June 13.

During the Board of Trustees’ Zoom meeting on April 15, Village Trustee Stephen Makrinos asked Paul Blake, superintendent of Recreation and Parks and chair of the Board of Commissioners of Recreation & Cultural Affairs, if there is any indication to date on whether or not there will be a pool season this summer or if a delay to its opening could be on the horizon.

The Recreation Department has contingency plans covering the regular opening date June 13 plus four potential “delayed” opening dates -- starting the season on any of the Wednesdays of July 1, July 8, July 15 or July 22.

According to Blake, like with many municipalities contacting the County Health department there is little direction coming forward at this time.

“Obviously our best scenario

remains the opening date of June 13. We have been contacting staff and so far, we do not see a challenge to staff the pool this year,” he said.

Trustee Stephen Makrinos raised a concern that if the Village Pool does decide to open, potentially as planned June 13 or in July, if the lifeguards who would work at the pool have found jobs elsewhere or any other job, then there could be a problem ahead. Trustee John Delany said it is premature to consider that aspect, and he is unsure that many people will land jobs that lure them elsewhere for the summer. “We should wait until May to really start thinking of that issue,” Delany said.

Blake explained that during the holiday season, most lifeguards and staff for the pool were interviewed about the coming summer season and recently Recreation has both heard from and reached out to senior staff members, “to try to ascertain what they are going to do.”

“We do not see any problem for staffing as of right now, but honestly with so much uncertainty it would be hard to say. To date it has been encouraging as it sounds like most of the people we spoke with this month are planning on coming back to work as lifeguards with us if the pool does open,” he said.

Village Auditor Courtney Rosenblatt

noted that lifeguards, as part-time hourly employees, would only need to be paid for any hours that they have worked. If the pool is not open, hired seasonal lifeguards receive no pay from the village. Blake added that even once a part-time seasonal employee is on the village payroll, they do not get paid unless they worked.

By early April many Garden City residents would have signed up for pool memberships and every household would have received information on rates and pool season events and benefits in the mail or through digital marketing. The Pool enterprise fund run through Recreation is also a regular topic of March and April municipal budget work sessions held by village trustees.

Trustee Louis Minuto commented that the contingencies Blake outlined for the Board last week are the answer to a question that will continue to linger. “We don’t know but the correct actions are taking place as Recreation is running through different scenarios -- that is the right answer,” he said.

New Signage, Plantings Awarded

In other developments for Garden City Recreation and Parks, on April 15 the Board approved a $30,936.50 bid for the replacement of the carved, white

and green wooden signage at recreation facilities -- 13 signs -- throughout the village to low bidder Berkshire Sign Studio based in Bennington, Vermont. Blake said the wood signs will be replaced by polymer material signs. The project was set up within the 2019-2020 Recreation Capital Budget, coming in under an allocated amount of $45,000.

During the public comment portion of the Board’s April 15 meeting over Zoom, Recreation Commission member Judy Courtney chimed in via messenger and stated the purchase of new signs as well as 6,650 new, 25-gallon recycling containers for all of the village, at a cost of $59,717 (also awarded during the meeting) represented a “nice to have, not a need to have in these times of real belt-tightening and economic concerns.” Village Clerk Karen Altman read aloud the public comment on whether or not the items were a critical need for the village, and the Board of Trustees acknowledged hearing it.

The Board also approved renewals of contracts totaling $30,000 (at the same rates and conditions as last year) for trees, shrubs and mulch from two vendors approved in prior seasons -The Garden Department Corp. based in Coram and SiteOne Landscape Supply Company based in Cleveland.

With a combined 35 plus years of real estate experience in our local market, we will guide you through every aspect of the home buying and selling process. As we are both lifelong Garden City residents, we have our finger on the pulse of everything “Garden City”.

We don’t just stop at real estate. If you want to know anything about our schools, sports programs, extra curricular activities, etc., we have you covered. New to town and need an electrician, plumber, pet sitter etc., we have you covered as well. Please feel free to call us with any real estate questions that you have, Jayne and Christina

Board balks as cost to protect St. Paul’s windows rises

BY RIKKI MASSAND

A very mild winter apparently did not assist contractors trying to seal up the many broken windows at St. Paul’s, as they proposed additional project costs to the village, which were quickly challenged.

The Village Board decided to table an agenda item for its April 15 meeting calling for a change order that would drive up costs of the current stabilization phase at the historic St. Paul’s main building. The identification of new broken windows at St. Paul’s, during a very mild winter and while the community and country is under quarantine orders wasn’t considered an accurate assessment of conditions warranting the expense. Furthermore the St. Paul’s School Window Protection project would be under the supervision of the hired construction manager consultants CNY Group, represented by village resident Walter Beal at multiple Board meetings last year.

Superintendent of Public Works Joseph DiFrancisco said three project change orders were submitted by Talty Construction, Inc. at a total cost of $35,776.83; amounts of $19,043.43, $3,600, and $13,133.40, including charges for additional labor and materials.

The suggested total with change

orders for the project awarded on January 9, 2020 and begun in early March would increase from $39,400 to $75,176.83.

“The first change order ($3,600) submitted would be for aggregate material that was needed on the ground as there was an area where Talty’s lift was sinking into the ground surrounding St. Paul’s -- this was due to a building on that site that was removed (Ellis Hall, demolished by the village in 2014). They needed to secure the ground in order for their equipment to operate in that area,” DiFrancisco said.

Trustee Stephen Makrinos immediately said it should not be the village’s responsibility if the on-site equipment contractors are using and bringing in would sink into the ground. “If they needed to prep a job site for work should this have not been in their bid price already? If they didn’t price it then, shouldn’t that be the contractors’ problem?” Makrinos said.

The other change orders for Window Protection were also lambasted by board members.

“The additional changer orders, respectively $13,133.40 and $19,043.43 were for additional windows that have broken since the job has started (less than eight weeks ago) and/or had been missed when the initial evaluation of the

scope of Window Protection was done last year. The total amount of Change Orders submitted comes to $35,776 -- increasing the cost of the Window Protection to $75,176.83,” DiFrancisco told the Board.

Members of the Board took exception that the new total amount could exceed the CNY budgeted amount of $69,000 by $6,176.83.

Trustee Mark Hyer was shocked that 29 additional broken windows have resulted over the last month, with no snow or harsh weather damage recorded in the coastal Northeast. He says there was poor oversight if these windows were missed upon initial inspections of St. Paul’s.

“I think we need to bring in Walter Beal of CNY Group in front of the Board to explain why this was miscalculated,” Hyer said. DiFrancisco told the trustees he spoke with CNY the morning of the Board meeting, and they said there were at least 15 to 20 windows, “a significant number” that have broken since the beginning of March, when the job started. DiFrancisco says that would account for at least half the change orders in front of the Board now.

During a special Board of Trustees’ work session on St. Paul’s, held September 12, 2019 with a lineup of consultants from Beyer Blinder Belle

and CNY Group presenting on the initial Stabilization and Abatement stages, Beal commented that 60 broken windows of St. Paul’s were to be addressed. The windows were either to be sealed with winter coming, or at least during temporary protection. The work as outlined was going to be handled by two separate crews, Beal explained, with one on the ground to cut the cracked or missing glass and another to install replacement material (either plexiglass or plywood boards).

Last September Beal told the Board the cost would be approximately $750 per window, including equipment, materials and caulking. The overall cost for the Stabilization phase including Window Protection and ivy removal was to run just under a million dollars, at $984,000.

At the same meeting back on January 9 that the Board awarded the Window Protection bid for St. Paul’s it had rejected the sole bid for ‘building stabilization’ from Westar Construction Group, Inc. of Syosset as it came in $356,500 over the budgeted amount (as reported in The Garden City News January 17, 2020).

Deputy Mayor Robert Bolebruch said it was ludicrous to believe that CNY has an accurate picture to suggest that withSee page 22

HOLA of Garden City gets together via Zoom

On Friday, April 17th, HOLA of Garden City got together via Zoom. This was an excellent opportunity to stay in touch with each other and discuss various topics such as: where to order online groceries, how to juggle work from home while at the same time home schooling, and how is everyone coping with the current situation.

HOLA hopes every one stays healthy and in good spirits during this difficult time.

Founded in 2004 by a group of Hispanic descent women, HOLA of Garden City, Inc. is a non-profit organization. Its mission is to unite Hispanic families within Garden City in order to preserve their heritage and the richness of their Spanish culture and language. For further information on how to help fund HOLA’s GCHS scholarship or on how to become a HOLA member, contact holagardencity@yahoo.com or send a message to HOLA of Garden City Facebook page.

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Share your life accomplishments with your neighbors! Put your engagement, wedding, or baby announcement in the paper, (and it's free of charge for subscribers!) Email editor@gcnews.com

HOLA members chatting via Zoom

6 Ways The $2 Trillion Stimulus Package May Help You

In response to the severe economic fallout stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, a record $2 trillion fiscal stimulus package was enacted at the end of March. The wideranging CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security) Act is designed to help ease the financial hardships many Americans are facing. You may be wondering what, if any, economic relief is available to you. Here are some possible ways you may qualify for support.

#1 – Direct payments to many Americans

The CARES Act includes a provision to send most Americans direct payments of $1,200, or $2,400 for joint filers, plus $500 for each child. The amount of the payments will be reduced for those with higher incomes. For individuals filing taxes as singles, the reduced amount begins at an adjusted gross income (AGI) of $75,000 per year and is completely phased out at $99,000. For joint filers, the reduced amount begins at $150,000 and payment is eliminated at $198,000. Your AGI will be determined by your 2019 tax filing (or 2018, if 2019 is unavailable). These payments will primarily come via direct deposit within weeks, but when you actually receive the rebate may vary depending on your circumstances.

#2 – Enhanced unemployment compensation

For those collecting unemployment benefits, the federal government will bump up your weekly benefit by $600 for up to four months. Laid off workers who file for unemployment would usually need to wait a week to receive benefits. However, the act now allows for that week to be funded by the federal government. Benefits are also extended to selfemployed individuals who often don’t qualify for coverage.

#3 – Penalty-free distributions from retirement accounts

If today’s circumstances require you to tap your workplace retirement plan or IRA to meet current financial needs, you may have more flexibility to do so. Affected, eligible participants in workplace retirement plans and IRA owners can take an aggregate distribution in 2020 of up to $100,000 from all retirement accounts without incurring the usual 10% early withdrawal penalty. The affected participant or IRA owner (including a

spouse or dependent) would need to either be diagnosed with COVID-19 or experiencing adverse financial consequences that meet a broad-set of COVID-19-related criteria. Income taxes will still apply to the distribution but can be spread out over three years. You also have the option to refund your retirement accounts any or all of the distribution within three years of the initial withdrawal and adjust your tax liability accordingly.

#4 – No required minimum distributions in 2020

Those who are required to take minimum distributions (RMDs), can ignore RMD rules this year. RMDs for 2020 are suspended for certain defined contribution plans and IRAs to help retirement accounts try to recover from stock market losses. Check with your tax advisor about other options you may have related to RMDs.

#5 – Tax-deductible charitable contributions

As a result of the 2017 tax reform, the vast majority of taxpayers lost their ability to choose itemized deductions due to a dramatic increase in standardized deductions. That eliminated the ability for many to write off charitable contributions on their taxes. The new CARES Act allows for a $300 above-the-line deduction for charitable contributions made to 501(c)(3) organizations for taxpayers who take the standard deduction or those who itemize. The deduction applies to cash contributions. The changes go into effect beginning in the 2020 tax year. The tax savings may be modest, but it helps.

#6 – A break for those with student loans

All federal student loan payments are deferred until September 30, 2020. However, you need to contact your loan provider and inform them that you plan to pause payments as allowed under the CARES Act. There are additional benefits for borrowers and grant recipients as well, so check with your loan provider or school administration for more information.

This is a time when you want to be sure to balance decisions that address your shortterm financial obstacles with your long-term financial plan. Touch base with your financial advisor to discuss your situation and best strategies to cope with this challenging time.

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Garden City PTA News

Healthcare workers in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at NYU Winthrop Hospital enjoyed a delicious Garden City Pizza lunch provided by the GC PTA and SEPTA.

The Spring Sportswear Sale, the School Supplies Sale and the 2020 Annual Dinner Fundraiser are all active now!

2020 Annual PTA Dinner: Online Raffle

Due to the ongoing concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, and with the health and safety of our community as our top priority, the difficult decision has been made to cancel this year’s PTA Dinner. Although we are deeply disappointed that the PTA Dinner will not take place as originally planned, we are committed to supporting our students and school community. We will continue to hold our weekly online raffle of our fabulous baskets, generously donated by many of our families and local businesses

Find joy in these heroic and trying times - participate in the GC PTA Dinner Raffles online!

A new online raffle drawing will take place on May 1st. The myriad of raffles offer a Beach Cruiser, Chromebook, Amazon gift card, Total Wines gift card, Nikon camera, and so much more! Visit go.rallyup.com/gcptaraffle5

Join in the fun and help support our schools. Check your email and social media for more information about this event.

GC Sportswear Event: Closing Soon!

Envision summer days ahead wearing the latest in GC Sportswear. The online “pop up” shop for warm-weather fashion - Open now through April 25th. Visit our store at https://gcptas20.itemorder.com/sale

Some of your favorites are available: Beach Towels, Umbrellas, Cutting Boards, Clothing, Hats and more Summer Bundles: The more you buy, the more you save

All orders will be delivered to your doorstep

School Supplies Online Store

Be safe. Order your child's September school supplies online. Plus, you will save time and money with quality products. Teacher approved and custom packed for your child's classroom. Friday, 6/19 - Deadline to order PTA School Supplies on the website: http://www.bit.ly/ShopGCSupplies Code: GAR054

Saturday, 8/15 - School Supplies pick up at the Garden City Middle School Cafeteria

PTA at the BOE: School Budget Season Don’t think this matters to you? Think again! Decisions made in the upcoming weeks and presented to the voters could have an impact on your child’s school day next year. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, Governor Cuomo has issued an executive order delaying all school budget votes and elections of board of education trustees until at least June 1, 2020. Please see the Garden City Board of Education website (https://www.gardencity.k12. ny.us/domain/1669) for the most up-todate information regarding dates for the remaining school budget sessions, budget adoption meeting, school budget hearing, and school budget vote. Please email legislation@ gardencitypta.org with any questions you have regarding the school budget and upcoming budget vote. Connect with us on social media for real time budget updates and dates for Virtual Board of Education Meetings. Look for ways you can help our public schools in the weeks ahead. Advocacy works!

Let’s Connect @GardenCityPTA

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Virtual Urgent Care Access an NYU Langone Care Provider 24/7

The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us how important it is to quickly adapt to new circumstances—especially access to healthcare.

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The Board of Trustees and I urge you to continue following all CDC and Health Department social distancing directives. If you don’t feel well, contact your doctor immediately. If you need immediate medical assistance, call 911. We have a Village email: mayor@gardencityny. net and a telephone number: 516465-4000.

Fiscal Stress Monitoring System

Village Treasurer Irene Woo has reported that the New York State Comptroller’s Office has completed its annual financial and environmental review of all municipalities and school districts. The financial review is based on the Annual Update Document (AUD) that the Village provides to New York State for information covering the last fiscal year end, May 31, 2019.

The Fiscal Stress Monitoring System evaluates from a budgetary perspective the Village’s ability to meet expenditures through generation of revenues by measuring fund balances, operating deficits/ surpluses, cash positions and fixed costs. Environmental factors, such as change in population, median household income, unemployment rate and reliance on state aid are also measured and scored. The system provides an early warning of fiscal stress to local governments and allows interested parties to track stress condition trends.

The scores from each indicator determine the stress category (Significant, Moderate, Susceptible to Stress, or No Designation).

“Once again, the Village has achieved a score of 'No Designation' under both financial and environmental indicators, which shows that the Village does not meet the threshold of fiscal stress,” Ms. Woo said. Visit the New York State Fiscal Stress Monitoring System webpage at: www.osc.state.ny.us/localgov/ fiscalmonitoring/index.htm.

Hearing on proposed budget

The Board of Trustees will hold a public hearing on the proposed $66.2 million budget on Tuesday, April 28, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom. The public will have an opportunity to be heard at the hearing on the “Zoom” call. A copy of the proposed budget is available on the Village’s website, www.gardencityny.net. In addition, or alternatively to participation in the zoom hearing, if anyone has a question and/or comment regarding the budget, please send your inquiry and/or comment to

Karen Altman, Village Clerk, at kaltman@ gardencityny.net, via phone at 465-4051 or by regular first class mail. If such inquiry and/or comment is received prior to the hearing time it will be entered into the hearing record.

Snow Removal Overtime

The lack of snow this past winter has enabled the Department of Public Works to spend unused snow removal funding on projects and repairs that might not ordinarily get the full attention of the Department due to the urgent nature of our daily responsibilities. For example, because of the time available the Department was able to repair all Village fences without having to contract with a third-party. In addition, we are able to apply these unused funds to cover the cost of unforeseen repair of a recycling vehicle without having to access contingency funds. In addition, these funds are also being used for other items needed by the Department during the remainder of this fiscal year, including paper products, cleaning supplies and tools for the Village Yard.

GCFD Celebration postponed

Due to the ongoing health crisis the Garden City Fire Department has postponed its 100th Anniversary parade and block party celebration originally scheduled for June 13, 2020 for a future date, to be determined. The future date is reliant on the safety and cautious observance of the guidelines presented by the C.D.C and New York State officials.

Recycling

Due to policy changes at the Omni Recycling plant stemming from the Covid-19 pandemic, tighter restrictions are in place and, at times, the plant will reject loads. Residents are reminded that all Commingled Recycling must be placed in the bin that is provided to you or a blue/green recycling container. Commingled recycling will not be accepted in bags. Newspaper/ paper must be tied or placed in a paper bag and placed next to the bin. Bins may not be mixed.

The Board of Trustees at its April 15, 2020 meeting (via Zoom) awarded the purchase of 6,650 new, 25-gallon recycling containers. Until the new bins are received, residents can place their recycling small pails alongside their current bins. Any further questions regarding this matter, please call the Village Yard at 465-4030/4031.

Forged license: investigation of youths fighting on Cambridge Avenue on April 15th, Garden City Police arrested a 19 year-old Garden City man for the alleged possession of a forged driver’s license and disorderly conduct.

Gate down: Officers responded to a railroad gate malfunction on Nassau Boulevard on April 15th.

less male, was arrested for petit larceny, attempted petit larceny and trespass.

Water line break : Officers responded to Avalon Road for a water line break on April 18th. The Garden City Water Department was notified and responded to the scene to render the area safe.

Gunshots reported: Garden City Police responded to Meadow Street for a report of multiple gunshots. Upon investigation, it was determined the gunshots emanated from a nearby location in Hempstead. Hempstead PD is investigating the incident.

Boiler alarm: On April 16th Garden City Police officers responded to St. Anne’s School for a report of a suspicious noise inside the building. Upon investigation, police determined the noise was a boiler malfunction alarm. St. Anne’s staff was notified.

Suspended license: On April 16th Garden City Police charged a 24-year-old female on Hilton Avenue with driving with a suspended license and a license plate violation.

Fireworks call: Upon investigation of reported gunshots in the vicinity of Fairmount Boulevard on April 17th, police determined the noise was apparently fireworks.

Check fraud: On April 17th a Garden City Plaza business reported two forged checks, totaling $14,100, were fraudulently cashed against the company’s checking account.

CO alarm: Garden City Police and Firefighters responded to a  residential carbon monoxide alarm activation on April 17th. Upon investigation, the CO levels in the home appeared normal.

Arrest in car larcenies : On April 18th, at approximately 1:40 AM, alert residents of a Willow Street home notified the Garden City Police Department when they observed a man inside their vehicle, which was parked in their driveway. Officers responded to the area and one of the residents pointed out the man, who was attempting to flee. The officers apprehended the man and police say they believe he also stole property from a different vehicle on Willow Street. The man, a 52-year-old home-

DWI crash: Garden City Police responded to Washington Avenue and Kingsbury Road where a vehicle struck a tree on April 19th. The driver, a 49 year-old Mineola man, was arrested for DWI and was transported to a local hospital for multiple injuries. He was charged with felony DWI due to prior DWI arrests.

Graffiti: Graffiti was found on a Stop sign located at St. James Street South and Magnolia Avenue on April 19th.

Burnt food: Garden City Police officers assisted the Fire Department who responded to a residential fire alarm on April 19th. They found the alarm had been activated due to burnt food.

Bus shelter damaged:

A Garden City police officer on patrol on April 19th discovered the safety glass to the bus stop shelter on Franklin Avenue and 11th Street was damaged. NICE was notified.

Don’t walk: An in-street crosswalk sign on 7th Street was found damaged April 19th

If a tree falls: A fallen tree branch struck and damaged an unoccupied vehicle in Parking Field 7N on April 19th

Arrest in mailbox check fraud:

On April 20th Garden City Detectives arrested a 24 year-old Bronx man for allegedly altering a resident’s check to a higher amount and then cashing it. The check was reported stolen from a mailbox in January. The man was charged with identity theft, possession of a forged instrument and grand larceny.

No car for you: On April 20th a resident reported someone attempted to use his personal information to attain an unauthorized car loan.

Check scam: On April 21st a resident told police that he received a fraudulent check for property he sold via an online app.

GC Meals for Winthrop says thanks to community

“GC Meals has helped [us] keep our doors open during this pandemic. This great program has allowed me to continue to keep my employees employed and keep my customers happy. My employees and I take pride in making meals for the amazing staff at NYU Winthrop.”

As Garden City slowly becomes cautiously optimistic that the COVID-19 cases have peaked and begun to decline in our area, the amazing doctors, nurses and staff at NYU Winthrop continue to work tirelessly to protect and care for the community, around the clock, and at risk to themselves. In the meantime, Garden City’s local restaurants have struggled with reduced hours, minimal staff, a shortage of supplies, and in many cases, closures.

By the end of this weekend, five weeks since its launch, GC Meals for NYU Winthrop will have raised almost $135,000 from more than 750 donors and spent approximately $110,000 delivering over 10,000 meals. There are 38 local food establishments who have participated, delivering meals to 41 affected units in the NYU Winthrop hospital system.

#GCMeals’ goal was to raise funds to continue this community effort through

May 3rd and it’s achieved that goal, thanks to the generosity of the Garden City community.

It is unlikely that NYU Winthrop is out of the woods quite yet. #GCMeals will continue to accept donations so as to be able to address any needs that may remain:  Venmo @GCMeals, GoFundMe – GC Meals for NYU Winthrop, or check to Liz Menges 27 Hilton Ave. (GCMeals in the memo)

For updates, watch for posts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram of photos from our local businesses preparing and delivering the food.

Stay safe, and let’s keep looking for ways to help others!

From a donor:

“Our donation is to honor our health care heroes at NYU/Winthrop. They have taken great care of our family over the years and it's a great way to say thank you at this time.”

From an NYU Winthrop nurse:

“I am an assistant nurse manager at Winthrop (4N/SICU). I just want to say thank you. You have no idea the difference that you have made in the lives of the staff here. We sincerely appreciate it more than we could ever say. Thank you, thank you.”

Garden City Community Church has Hope

BY MELVA VICTORINO

“If you want to make God laugh, tell Him of your plans.” N.T. Wright, a Senior Research Fellow at the the University of Oxford, stated that plans could be shattered in an instance but God will smile when we adjust to those shattering moments.

God is smiling at Garden City Community Church (GCCC) right now as we picked ourselves up and adapted to the shattering circumstances brought forth to us and the whole world. Without hesitation we looked up and availed the many resources that makes GCCC a church of HOPE.   We developed a setting to reach out and make each day a time of hope, a time of anticipation, a time of making God smile.

Going online was the simplest way to reach out to the many families, friends and members during this crisis, but GCCC did more than that, it brought the church to the people in a unique way by making each home the church. The services, programs, and events were improved to meet the ministries and needs of the congregation. The strength of the church lies on the volunteers who stepped up to the plate and mobilized a new way of ministry.

Chris Dieguez, one of our Licensed Ministers, led a hope-filled Wednesday evening service. We are in the Eastertide Season and what a more appropriate message than “Born in a Living Hope.” The service by zoom brought up the impromptu ways of worshiping when Rick and Carolyn Herbst, joined in the singing of Jennifer and Jessica Yoo, by playing flute and trumpet.

Chris added a deeper meaning to the message by sharing the story behind the composition of the hymn of hope, “Because he lives, I can face tomorrow.” George Bashian used this as the sending forth music with his accordion. The worship ended but the service began when Rick Herbst played the trumpet while Carolyn and Katie sang, “Christ the Lord is Risen Today.”

The Resurrection of Jesus gives us the promise of hope and as the Rev. Lynn Sullivan, the Senior Pastor, asked

GCCC, “Where do we go from here? What do we do now?”  Is the sending out of Jesus parallel to the sending of Jesus by God? Can we emulate the relationship of Jesus with God? This is an invitation to a call, as Rev. Lynn acknowledged those who help make our adaptive motto, “Bringing the church to the people, while bringing the people to the church.” Her heartfelt affirmation of the volunteers was expressed, “If you weren’t helping make this church alive, I would just be preaching to an empty sanctuary. We are the church of today. How we manage it will determine the church of tomorrow if we have been given a glimpse of what that would look like.”

Are we going to let COVID 19 affect us? Maybe. Not much. Sometimes. But it will not change us as a church, it will make us stronger Christians, improved, better and as Rev. Lynn asked us, “Where do we go from here? What do we do now?” We move on, we plan and let God laugh at us and it's okay for at the same time, God is smiling.Come and join us all week long. We have services, events and programs for all ages!

Visit our website at www. gardencitycommunitychurch.org

The Church is increasing security with our online services. For our services via zoom, please be advised that you will be directed to a waiting room and “zoom ushers” (people designated by Council of Trustees) will screen to make sure participants are known to us. There may be a slight delay in starting, please be patient. Participants will not be permitted to share screens, video, or audio without hosts’ approval.

The Garden City Community Church is part of the United Church of Christ and is an Open and Affirming congregation that welcomes people of all ages, races, gender identities, and sexual orientations to participate in the life of its community.

The physical church of Garden City Community Church is located at 245 Stewart Avenue between Whitehall Blvd. and Kensington Road. For more information, email churchoffice@ thegccc.org or call (516) 746-1700.

Some of the kids (and perhaps adults) on Huntington Road chalked messages of support during their time of social distancing. This message says, “ We stand together, though we are six feet apart.”

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Get the scoop on what’s happening in your community every week! Contact us today 516.294.8900 or visit us online www.gcnews.com

Janine Stiene, Speech-Language Pathologist, is owner and operator of the Suffolk Center for Speech And Myofunctional Therapy and Long Island Speech. Along with her exceptional group of therapists, she supports families and children across Long Island and Queens, specializing in: PROMPT, Myofunctional Therapy, Voice Disorders, Fluency, Augmentative Communications, Articulation, Auditory Processing Disorders and Expressive/Receptive Language Disorders (adults and children). Also offered is Feeding Therapy for individuals who suffer from texture and consistency aversions.

There are seven affiliated offices across Long Island, with the Lake Success office being conveniently located on Lakeville Road. All offices offer flexible hours and scheduling

including evenings as well as Saturdays. It is also one of the only private practices that participates with most major health insurance companies.

Janine Stiene, former Speech Pathologist of the Hauppauge School District, has had her rapidly growing her business for over ten years. Her well equipped staff of LIcensed speech Pathologists and Myofunctional Therapists come from diverse educational backgrounds and top schools such as Long Island University, St. John’s University, Hofstra University, Molloy College, and more.

LONG I SLAND SPEECH

444 Lakeville Road, Suite 202 Lake Success, NY 11042 (516) 216-1791

500 N o r t h B r oadway, Suite 141, Jericho, NY 11753 (516) 597-4344

Open: Monday through Saturday, Daytime and Evenings. Please call for appointment availability. PARTICIPATING WITH MOST MAJOR HEALTH INSURANCES. w w w.LI s p eech.com

A sign of appreciation

To show appreciation for all the amazing and hard working healthcare workers, Garden City resident and GCFD Fire Chief Bill Castoro had an idea. As a small business owner of Fast Signs in West Hempstead, he started making lawn signs as a way to show our Healthcare workers how much their hard work is appreciated. A portion of the price for the lawn sign goes to sending meals to local hospital staffs. It’s a wonderful ways to “Sign up The Town” and let everyone working in Healthcare how much all their hard work is appreciated.

Welcoming Club of Garden City

Join a Group Book Club

Enjoy a good book amongst good friends. Our book club meets on a monthly basis to discuss the page turner of choice. For upcoming book club events, please email WelcomingClubBookClub@gmail.com.  Craft Club

The craft club is a great way to meet with friends and practice your crafting skills. This club meets every few months and creates a seasonal project. If you are interested in joining, please email GCCraftClub@gmail.com.

Supper Club

Bring your significant others out for this one! This is a great way to make new friends as a couple. You will be paired up with 3-4 other couples to set up a rotation of dinner events. Host your new friends at a pot luck dinner or head out to try our local restaurants. Please email GCSupper@gmail.com for more information.

Bowling Club

Join us! No experience necessary! We are looking for new faces to join our Wednesday morning league. Occasional pacers are also welcome. Anyone interested, please contact Ellen Diller (Diller05@aol.com) Carol Santangelo (santa060@yahoo.com) or Elizabeth Colantonio (mcdea@aol.com).

Bunko

Bunko is a simple dice game usually played in a group of 12. It is a great way to meet people and make new friends.

The game is easy to learn and play. If you are interested, please contact WelcomingClubBunco@gmail.com.

Toddler Activities

A great way for you and your little ones to make new friends. Activities include stroller walks each Tuesday around our beautiful neighborhood and a visit to the park. Stroller walks are on winter hiatus and will start up again in April 2020.  Playgroups for parents and kids can also be arranged for your littles ones! Please email GCToddlerActivities@gmail.com for more information.

Golf

Golf lessons at Cherry Valley Club are always a big hit! Golf pro Ed Kelly helps us GCWC ladies improve our golf game. If you are interested in reserving your spot for the spring 2020 session, email WelcomingClubGolf@gmail.com.

Tennis

Tennis lessons and group play at the Garden City Bubble! Please contact WelcomingClubTennis@gmail.com to reserve a spot for the fall 2020.

Want to join the fun and make a difference? We invite you to join the club! For just $37 a year you will have access to lots of great events and many fun members-only clubs and events.  Complete the easy online membership form today at www. thegardencitywelcomingclub.org in the “Join” section of the website.  While you are there, browse the site for lots of great information about the club.

Message from Congressman Tom Suozzi We are in this together!

Yes, this is a tough time. No getting around that. Some of us are sick. We all know someone who has died. Some folks are truly worried about not only their health, but their finances. We are isolated from our friends, neighbors and family. Some are doing their jobs from home while also home schooling their children. And some are suiting up with face coverings and gloves to do their “essential” jobs or just to go shopping. We are all grateful. We are all affected.

Throughout our nation’s history, the resilience and spirit of Americans in times of hardship have been proven over and over again. We will come out on the other side of this. In the meantime, we are a country that has faced crisis many times, and standing strong and standing together, we survived and thrived. We will survive this crisis, but it will be much easier if we do it together, taking care of each other, lending a helping hand to our neighbors.

We are in this together!

Stay Home. Stay Safe. Stop the Spread.

Girl Scouts build hummingbird garden

Junior Girl Scouts Elizabeth Ryan and Ella Pocock of Troop 1322 have been devoting their time towards the accomplishment of their Silver Award to build a reusable Hummingbird Garden for the Garden City Bird Sanctuary. Aside from weeding and planting pollinator-attracting flowers in garden beds, they also educated younger troops in the importance of recycling by creating bird feeders from recycled plastic water bottles. By establishing pollinator friendly gardens for animals such as hummingbirds, it not only benefits the environment and community, but the animals who coexist there as well.

New type of social distancing at Ethical Humanist Society

BY GARY SIMEONE

In this new age of social distancing, many people are looking to connect with one another while abiding by the new six feet of space rule. The Ethical Humanist Society of Long Island has developed a new program to allow people to experience the joys of group gatherings in a virtual setting.

Dr. Richard Koral, the leader of the EHSLI, came up with the idea of the Open Living Room program, to help recreate social gatherings amidst the coronavirus pandemic.

“It is part of the Zoom platform discussion group, and we were able to transition smoothly to the online forum thanks to extra help from our members,” said Dr. Koral.

He said that he was trying to use new tools to recreate the community spirit, which is such a big part of the Ethical Humanist Society family.

“Getting together and supporting each other like this is something we strive to do in both bad and good times,” said Dr. Koral.

The Open Living Room meets once a week, usually on Saturdays, for three hours at a time.

Members are able to discuss a variety of topics in the discussion groups and can share their feelings with each

School Board awards capital project bids, hiring continues

BY RIKKI MASSAND

Garden City Schools consultant Gary Scheide of BBS Architects  provided an update to the Board of Education on four low bids for four capital projects in the school district. The projects will be paid for by the remaining $1.8 million of the Capital Reserve Fund I, established in 2015. The use of the funds was approved by voters nearly one year ago, on the May 2019 ballot.

“We opened bids for the 2019 capital projects on April 2 -- the high school tennis courts, radiators and covers at Garden City Middle School, Stewart Elementary School’s hot water heaters and security lighting for the district’s bus garage and bus storage facility. We opened these awards but there were postponements due to issues related to Coronavirus, but we were able to get things worked out and successfully open bids, and the Board can award each to the lowest bidders tonight,” Scheide said.

This week the Board approved contracts for sitework reconstruction of the GCHS tennis courts -- an $828,000 base bid with add alternates of $20,000 and $9,000 -- to low bidder to the LandTek Group, which constructed turf fields for the village at Community Park, among other projects.

superintendent for Human Resources and Leadership Development, announced that district administrative hiring for key positions has been moving along quite well virtually. In February it was announced that Dawn Cerrone, Garden City’s athletic director since the summer of 2014, would be leaving to take the role of athletic director for Our Lady of Mercy Academy in Syosset. Before her tenure in Garden City, Cerrone worked in the Roslyn district from 2010 to 2014 as director of physical education, health and athletics and prior to that she spent 20 years in the Oyster Bay-East Norwich district starting her career as a health and physical education teacher.

other in these anxious and tumultuous times.

“People have been sharing their experiences with one another and discussed coping mechanisms on how to handle the ongoing quarantine,” said Dr. Koral. “A lot of the members are an older population and they may be dealing with additional stress from the isolation and social distancing.”

In a recent discussion this past Saturday, a group of people talked about places they would go if the pandemic was over and some of their favorite travel destinations.

“One of the best things about the program is that there is no structure to it and people can come and go as they please to check in and have conversations,” said Dr. Koral. “Activities like the Open Living Room provide a much needed lifeline for people and enable them to stay connected with each other.”

Other social activities that people can participate in include Thursday discussion groups and the traditional Sunday online platforms, which are held through the Zoom software program.

For more information you can visit ehsli.org.

The school board awarded mechanical construction (MC1) work for Garden City Middle School for $458,000 to Rocon Corporation, including $67,000 in a voluntary bid reduction from the contractor from the base bid of $525,000.

For plumbing construction (hot water heaters at Stewart School) the school board approved a contract for $49,500 to Ambrosio and Company. Finally. for the bus garage electrical construction the contract was awarded to Locust Valley Electric for $39,000.

The school district is again seeking to fund projects through the use of money in the Capital Reserve II fund, a $15.8 million fund to be utilized over 10 years and created with the 2019 budget and proposition approval. For this year’s ballot, GCUFSD is aiming to utilize $2.685 million from this fund for capital improvements with renovation of Garden City High School’s Science Research Room, renovations to the Middle School Library with HVAC and air conditioning and at GCMS, conversion of Rooms 211 and 212 into a collaborative work space: The Learning Commons.

The original date of the board election and budget vote of Tuesday, May 19 is almost guaranteed to shift to June, with determination yet to come from Gov. Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Education Department.

District hiring for administrative jobs

In other district news former Garden City High School Principal Nanine McLaughlin, who is now the assistant

“I am happy to report to the board of education that we’re in an excellent place for hiring. This Thursday (April 23) we will hold committee interviews for the position of Director of Mathematics & STEAM. On Friday (April 24) we will hold our committee interviews for the Director of Athletics, Physical Education and Health. Candidates have been screened and vetted and I am very excited about the caliber of candidates we have for these positions. I am very appreciative for all our constituents who have so graciously agreed to serve on the district’s virtual committee,” McLaughlin said during Tuesday’s meeting.

She expects to have more updates on potential new hires by the next school board meeting. The board will host its work session on Tuesday May 5 followed by its regular monthly meeting on May 19.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kusum Sinha reported on Tuesday that Section VIII Athletics informed Garden City Schools that the spring 2020 sports season is officially canceled at all levels. She said the decision was made in conjunction with Section XI, “as the organizations prioritized the health and safety of our student-athletes, coaches, officials and fans of high school athletics.”

Although Governor Andrew Cuomo’s recent executive order closed schools technically until Monday, May 18 as a potential reopening date, another state-level decision would be made prior to the May 15 final date indicated. Dr. Sinha says the district will continue working within and planning for distance learning in the weeks to come.

“I want to recognize our students who have worked so hard -- they have been resilient and they persevered. I would also like to commend our teachers and administrators for adapting with the transitions. There have been a lot of moving parts and with this I am really proud of students, faculty and administrators who continue to make this a better experience day to day. We will keep the community and school board informed of the latest information with school closures,” she said,

GET ANSWERS YOU CAN TRUST WITHOUT LEAVING HOME.

With so many questions about COVID-19, it’s hard to know where to turn for answers you can trust.

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

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

2020 Summer Programs – Coming to You Online

Columbia is your premier resource to continuing your studies at an Ivy League university this summer. We will miss our beautiful campus, but we are glad we can help students proceed with their educational goals by offering our world-class curriculum online.

Undergraduates & Graduate Students

Join Columbia students and faculty in hundreds of university courses taught in an online format.

Prepare for graduate studies or sign up for certification programs offered online this summer. Session I: May 26–July 2 | Session II: July 6–August 14

Online Programs for High School Students

Choose from over 100 courses designed for high-achieving students like you, and learn from scholars and subject area experts through Columbia University’s interactive online learning platform. Courses offered to students entering grades 9-12 or freshman year of college.

Summer Immersion

• Earn a Columbia University Statement of Completion and evaluation letter from your instructor.

• Participate in seminars on college life led by university students.

• Benefit from academic preparedness and study skills seminars.

Session 1: June 29–July 17

Session 2: July 21–August 7

Session 3: August 10–August 14

• Study alongside Columbia undergraduates in classes taught by our worldrenowned faculty.

• Earn an Ivy League transcript to include in your college applications.

• Work one-on-one with an academic advisor and subject area specialists. Fall, Spring & Summer Offerings

Session 1 application is due June 5th Session 1 application is due May 15th

It’s What’s Happening For Young Adults Through the Library

Tweens and Teens Weekly Social Media Challenges

Each day on our Facebook and Instagram pages, the Tweens and Teens Department will post a new challenge or activity for you to complete during the week! The schedule is as follows:

Monday Art Challenge: Each Monday, get a new art challenge to work on for the week

Tuesday Riddle: Each Tuesday, try to solve a new riddle

Wednesday Writing Challenge: Each Wednesday, we’ll post a new writing prompt for you to work on during the week

Thursday Question of the Week: Each Thursday, we’ll post a fun new question for you to share your answers

Friday Reading Challenge: Each Friday, we’ll post a new challenge for you to read a book that meets a certain criteria

Weekend Food Challenge: On the weekend, you’ll get a new challenge to cook or bake for the week.

You can find the challenges posted on our Facebook and Instagram: Facebook: www.facebook.com/ GCPLTweensTeens Instagram: www.instagram.com/ GCPLTweensTeens

If you participate in the challenges, you can earn community service credit by submitting it (or taking a photo of whatever you make to submit) to https://www.gardencitypl.org/socialmedia-submission/ so we can share it on our Facebook and Instagram pages! If you write a poem for the Wednesday Writing Challenge, you can also earn community service by submitting to our Poetry Challenge here https:// www.gardencitypl.org/poetry-writingcontest/ . If you read an ebook or listen to an audiobook from Nassau Digital Doorway (nassau.overdrive. com) for the Friday Reading Challenge from Nassau Digital Doorway, you can earn community service by writing a review and submitting it here:  https:// www.gardencitypl.org/submit-a-teenreview/

Tween Virtual Book Discussion: Smile by Raina Telgemeier on Zoom

Join us for a virtual meet-up, Tween Virtual Book Discussion: Smile by Raina Telgemeier, on Monday, April 27, 2PM-2:45PM! Bring your favorite snacks and discuss the book, answer trivia, and then create your own comic using whatever art supplies you have at home, which you can share with the group! This program is for Grades 4-7 only and is a joint program with the Young Adult and Children’s Departments.

We will be using Zoom Video Conferencing for this virtual program. For more information about Zoom, visit their website at zoom.us. Mobile users should download the Zoom app onto their device before the start of the meet-

ing. Please register via Eventkeeper (www.gardencitypl.org ) to participate in this virtual program. If you cannot find your library card to register, please apply for a digital card by visiting nassaulibrary.org/digital-card-application.

Registration ends two hours before the start of the program. Registrants will receive an email with the login information to Zoom an hour before the start of the program. If you have any questions, email Young Adult Librarian Laura Giunta at https:// www.gardencitypl.org/young-adultdepartment/contact-the-young-adulttweens-teens-department/ or Children’s Librarian Barbara Grace at https:// www.gardencitypl.org/contact-thechildrens-librarians/.

Teen Virtual Kahoot Trivia: Harry Potter on Zoom

Join us for a virtual meet-up, Teen Kahoot Trivia: Harry Potter, on Wednesday, April 29, 3PM-3:45PM! Bring your favorite snacks and test your knowledge of the Harry Potter series as we play Kahoot trivia! This program is for Grades 6-12 only. To participate, you will need a computer or laptop that allows a split screen option or two devices, one to run the Zoom app and one to run the Kahoot app.

Please register via Eventkeeper  (www.gardencitypl.org) to participate in this virtual program. Registration ends two hours before the start of the program. Registrants will receive an email with the login information to Zoom an hour before the start of the program.

Teen Virtual Bingo on Zoom

Join us for a virtual meet-up, Teen Virtual Bingo, on Thursday, April 30, 3PM-3:45PM! Bring your favorite snacks and play a game of bingo with your friends! This program is for Grades 6-12 only. Participants will be asked to make their own bingo card before the start of the program and will be emailed instructions on how to make it.

We will be using Zoom Video Conferencing for this virtual program. Please register via Eventkeeper  (www. gardencitypl.org) to participate in this virtual program. Registration ends two hours before the start of the program. Registrants will receive an email with the login information to Zoom an hour before the start of the program.

Teen-Created Social Media Content

Earn community service by submitting a photo, video, or other content for us to add to the Library's Tweens and Teens Facebook and Instagram pages! Ideas for submissions include a book you're reading, an art project you're working on, the scenery outside when you go for a walk, a board game you're playing with family, your family pet, or any other creative idea you have for content. Not all submissions will be used on our social media and not sub-

missions including photos of people are allowed. Submit social media content here https://www.gardencitypl.org/ social-media-submission/ Follow Tweens and Teens On Facebook and Instagram

Follow Garden City Library’s Tweens and Teens on Facebook and Instagram! The Young Adult Department has been using both social media platforms as a tool to post updates, announcements, digital resources, ebook recommendations, and more during this time of social distancing.

Due to the uncertainty of the current situation, virtual library programming will likely be announced with short notice. If you're interested in participating and want to learn when new virtual events will be happening for tweens and teens (Grades 6-12), or if you have any questions about registering for virtual programs, email Young Adult Librarian Laura Giunta. You can also  be put on the Tweens and Teens Garden City Public Library email list and receive announcements about upcoming virtual library programming for tweens and teens in Grades 6-12. Email Young Adult Librarian Laura Giunta at https://www.gardencitypl. org/young-adult-department/contactthe-young-adult-tweens-teens-department/ to be put on the Tweens and Teens Garden City Public Library email list and receive announcements about upcoming virtual library programming for tweens and teens in Grades 6-12.

Teen Advisory Board Applications

Now Available Online

If you are interested in helping to come up with some virtual programming ideas or social media outreach ideas for tweens and teens in Grades 6-12, consider joining the Teen Advisory Board Online applications are available at  https://www.gardencitypl. org/teen-advisory-board-application/  Applicants should be in Grades 6-12.

Tweens and Teens Poetry Writing Contest

Participate in our Tweens and Teens Poetry Writing Challenge! Tweens and teens in Grades 6-12 are encouraged to submit poems from now until April 30.

Multiple submissions welcome! Poems may be shared anonymously on the Library's website and social media as they are submitted throughout the duration of the program. Use this link to submit: https://www.gardencitypl.org/ poetry-writing-contest/ Tweens and teens will receive community service for each poem submitted, at the discretion of the Young Adult Department.

Vote Online for Teens Summer Reading Club Prizes

This year’s Tweens and Teens Summer Reading Club Prizes will be decided by the tweens and teens! Submit your vote online by visiting https:// www.gardencitypl.org/vote-for-teenstweens-reading-club-prizes/ To vote you  must be entering Grades 6-12 in Fall 2020 and are asked to only fill out one ballot. If you submitted a ballot at the Library, please resubmit your ballot online as staff currently does not have access to them. Voting has been extended until May 31. The nominees with the most votes will be this year’s Summer Reading Club Prizes, so make sure to get your vote into the Library.

Volunteer

Teen Reviewers Needed for eBooks and Digital Audiobooks

Would you like to be a reviewer for the Library? Need community service hours? Then become a Volunteer Teen Reviewer. This program is for tweens and teens in Grades 6-12. The Library is looking for teen reviewers to review digital content, such as ebooks and audiobooks, available on Nassau Digital Doorway. There might be a book you've already read listed in the collection that you can write a review on!

Browse the collection here: https:// nassau.overdrive.com

Submit a review here: https://www. gardencitypl.org/submit-a-teen-review/

Reviews will be used to update the Tweens and Teens Library Review Page (https://www.gardencitypl.org/category/teen-reviews/) as well as update our social media pages. Reviews are subject to approval by the Young Adult Librarian. Please make sure to follow the guidelines for reviews in order for the review to count toward community service.

Place an ad in our Classifieds for reasonable rates and prompt results. Call 294-8900 or visit us online www.gcnews.com to request information & rates

Garden City Library celebrates National Library Week

National Library Week (April 19 - 25, 2020) is a time to celebrate the contributions of our nation's libraries and library workers and to promote library use and support. From free access to books, virtual programs and online resources for people of all ages, the Garden City Public Library offers learning and entertainment resources for all, even during this time when its building is closed. The theme for National Library Week 2020 "Find Your Place at the Library"  was chosen before the emergence of the global pandemic. To acknowledge our altered landscape, the words of the theme have been changed.

“Find The Library At Your Place” highlights how libraries, like the Garden City Public Library, are offering virtual services and digital content that their communities need now more than ever.

As the impact of the COVID-19 crisis continues to evolve and change the work of libraries and library workers, libraries are proving resourceful and resilient, serving as a rich pipeline for content, delivering access to ebooks and downloadable audiobooks, periodicals, music, virtual storytimes and programs, and so much more. The Garden City Public Library has been working to provide the community with information, education and entertainment through its website www.gardencitypl.org and its Facebook pages. The Library’s digital resources are available 24/7 with a valid library card.  Downloadable eBooks and audiobooks are available through the Nassau Digital Doorway on the website

It’s National Library Week 2020! This year’s theme is Find the Library at Your Place. Some of the Library’s staff have come together from home to say “We love Garden City! Stay safe! Hope to see you all soon!” While the staff is working from home, the Library’s virtual library is always available to you at your home. #nassaulibraries

or by downloading the free Libby app. Digital library cards are available to Garden City residents who do not have valid library cards. Apply for digital access today at http://nassaulibrary. org/digital-card-application .

First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and observed in libraries across the country each April. All types of libraries - school, public, academic and special -

participate. Celebrate National Library Week and remember the Library is always available to you --- “Find the Library at Your Place”.

News From the GC Public Library Children's Room

Artwork requested by Children’s Librarians

The Children’s Librarians would like to see and share artwork done by children from age 2 through grade 5. There are three easy ways to submit artwork. First go to the Library website www.gardencitypl.org and click on “The Virtual Library”. Then click on the menu on the right side of the page, click on Kid Stuff, and  click Send Children’s Artwork. From the website www. gardencitypl.org click on “The Virtual Library”, then on the top menu bar, click News, then click “Children’s News”, then click Send Children’s Artwork. You can also go to the submission page directly at  https://www.gardencitypl. org/submit-childrens-artwork/.

Artwork submitted will be stored and can be viewed. Please put a small description of the artwork in the designated box so it can be easily found when searching.  There is an option to view past submissions under, “Send Children’s Artwork”. At the discretion of the Children’s Librarians, some sub-

missions may be posted to the Garden City Public Library’s Children’s Department’s Facebook Page  www. facebook.com/GCPLChildrens/.

Virtual Book Discussions

Registration has begun for the following book discussions at www. gardencitypl.org - Eventkeeper.

Book Ends: Dewey Fairchild, Parent Problem Solver by Lorri Horn The virtual book discussion for Grades 3-5 of  Dewey Fairchild, Parent Problem Solver by Lorri Horn will be held on Tuesday, April 28 from 11AM-11:45 AM.

Tween Book Discussion: Smile by Raina Telgemeier A virtual tween book discussion for grades 4-7 featuring Smile by Raina Telgemeier will be held on Monday, April 27 at 2PM - 2:45 PM.

For program and registration information, please see the Library website www.gardencitypl.org  and Eventkeeper for additional details.  Registration is currently in progress for all three Book Discussions on Eventkeeper.

The Librarians will be using Zoom Video Conferencing for virtual pro-

grams. For more information about Zoom, visit their website at zoom.us. Mobile users should download the Zoom app onto their device before the start of the meeting. Please register via Eventkeeper (www.gardencitypl. org ) to participate in this virtual program. If you cannot find your library card to register, please apply for a digital card by visiting nassaulibrary.org/ digital-card-application. Registration ends two hours before the start of the

program. Registrants will receive an email with the login information to Zoom 1 hour before the start of the program.   If you have any questions, email Young Adult Librarian Laura Giunta at https://www.gardencitypl. org/young-adult-department/contactthe-young-adult-tweens-teens-department/ or Children’s Librarian Barbara Grace at https://gardencitypl.org/contact-the-childrens-librarians/  .

Board mulls drop in revenues, moratorium on subdivisions

From page 1

not having Zoom meetings and doubling up come June 1. There is a lot of grief coming from residents about subdivisions,” he said.

Trustee Louis Minuto and Deputy Mayor Bolebruch asked aloud how the Board of Trustees can suspend applications for subdivisions at the current time. Village Administrator Ralph Suozzi noted that the Board can vote to approve a resolution stating their suspension.

“I would strongly feel we should move for a moratorium if applicants feel that Zoom meetings would interfere with these crazy requests coming to village level (Zoning and ADRB) as it is. Doing a moratorium on subdivisions and then we can see other projects held over the Zoom platform sooner. They (the ZBA) should not be approving sub-

divisions right now anyhow,” Trustee Minuto said.

Several Board members asked to discuss this topic more during the general Board meeting that night (April 15) but former Mayor Brian Daughney said the Board should ascertain the advice of counsel, Village Attorney Peter Bee who participated via Zoom. Trustee Daughney noted that the village Legal Committee of himself and Trustee John Delany have looked into the subdivision issue and are awaiting information from counsel.

The April 15 meeting ended with an executive session with the Board and Bee. Giovanniello noted the executive session should outline any steps needed to put a moratorium on upcoming subdivision applications in place, “to do away with subdivision moves at this point.”

Board balks at window protection change orders

From page 4

in a month, one window per day has broken at St. Paul’s. Trustee Hyer said the historic property has been fenced in for most of the past one year.

“We don’t have 27 kids standing in front of St. Paul’s and throwing rocks at the building. I would like to have a better explanation from CNY than that,” Bolebruch commented.

Trustee Louis Minuto said when change orders this big could drive up project costs, nearly double the amount, Beal will need to present justification and an explanation of the issues to the Board. The other trustees concurred and the village will request his participation in the next Board of Trustees’ meeting.

“If you look at the original project bids, the contractor’s price now is coming close to the other bids when Talty’s was significantly under those (when

the bid was awarded). You start to wonder. The broken window count is just arithmetic -- it’s just math. I would like Walter showing us the information and talking through these change orders, so that there is not just a blind approval,” Minuto said.

Bolebruch added, “let’s just make sure we aren’t getting lowballed and then all of a sudden we ended up where the project is far over budget due to change orders.”

Trustee Hyer noted that such surprises with contractors on the St. Paul’s job suggesting higher prices “could be the tip of the iceberg as we move forward with this.”

“We have to take another look at costs of stabilization and ivy (vine) removal and see if CNY is correct with what they presented. If all the estimates were lowballed, the price could end up three times what we’re expecting it to be,” he said.

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Schools use reserve fund for new costs due to pandemic

From page 1

program items. Superintendent Sinha says the additional 0.22% is related to the reserves, however the proposed district tax levy with this budget remains at the New York State maximum allowable rate of 1.74%.

“We continued to work on the budget with the best information available. With the evolving health crisis we continued to make refinements -- we don’t know if additional changes will be necessitated. Based on what we have right now there were revisions to budget prompted by projected reductions in non-tax revenues -- state aid and interest earnings due to the COVID-19 crisis. These were adjusted down from our original projections. Additionally there is provision for a possible mid-year reductions in district revenues which we anticipate as well. Our goal with revisions was to ensure and satisfy the needs of our students,” Dr. Sinha said

The district is attempting to address the revenue shortfall with adjustments in some expenses. To cover costs the district revenues would not in 2020’21 there was appropriation of district reserve funds -- particularly for a onetime anticipated expense examined by district administration.

“This is really to support our special education students and students that may need some additional support because of school closures. Reserve funds are meant for these unanticipated needs that come up, and Garden City Schools is positioned to be able provide services if needed to, keeping students in mind,” Dr. Sinha said. She thanked Director of Pupil Personnel Services Lynette Abruzzo for her work on the Special Education budget (Part of Instructional Components Part II presented online).

School Board President Angela Heineman asked what the increase for compensatory services is and how much that reflects on the budget. Assistant Superintendent for Business & Finance/ District Clerk Dana DiCapua said on the expense side the budget-to-budget increased $500,000 for compensatory, IEP and other academic intervention services.

“Looking at possible needs for next year, we worked with Ms. Abruzzo and identified what we may need to include in the budget, utilizing our reserves to offset that. This is a perfect example of use of reserves to preserve district programs. We see the need for next year’s budget as a one time expense that we don’t expect to reoccur the following year. That keeps us within the tax levy cap while allowing us to add these important programs but it does not require us to make those difficult choic-

es in requiring any different programmatic change,” DiCapua explained.

School Board Trustee Stephanie Granville, a primary-level teacher herself, commented that she is pleased the district is allocating additional reserves for student support services. “I know that when kids are learning at home remotely, they can’t get what they would in a normal classroom. I know some of our kids will need extra help at the start of next year,” she said.

Also included with April’s changes to the proposed 2020-’21 district budget are staffing changes.

“Right now the additional staffing increase is primarily by enrollment. Additions include a teacher at the primary level for computational thinking -- that’s offset by the reduction in three computer aides at the primary level. The increase to special education staff (0.4) -- with special ed. teacher aide are also enrollment driven. We have added an additional contingency position for any other enrollment-based needs that may arrive,” Dr. Sinha said.

The superintendent explained that GCUFSD reviewed its enrollment, at three grade levels “we were on the cusp where we’d need to add a teaching position with the enrollment size….with the one we’re adding we will have five contingency positions. There will be some positions created as we need to add sections of grades, because enrollments are high,” Sinha said.

Board President Heineman clarified that while the five contingency positions will be in the budget, schools administration “is fairly certain they will have to break three sections before September.” Dr. Sinha noted a review of enrollments earlier in the day on April 21 before the board’s meeting.

In light of the general economic situation, Board President Heineman agrees with changes to staffing “to not include increases in any non enrollment-driven efforts.”

“At this time we really don’t know if those positions will be sustainable. I think we’d need to be on more secure financial footing in terms of state aid and other resources before we go ahead and embark upon new programmatic changes in that order,” Heineman said.

She directed schools’ administration to post information and totals for the modified version of the budget the school board will consider for adoption on May 5.

Assistant Superintendent DiCapua said the budget will be presented on the district website, with PDF slides available, days ahead of the board meeting. The district advises residents to send email, write letters or call the superintendent’s office with comments and questions on the budget.

Michael Edward LaBianca

Michael Edward LaBianca (Mike) died peacefully surrounded by the family he loved on February 10, 2020 in Fort Myers, Florida. He was born in Brooklyn, New York to Dora and Lorenzo LaBianca, on December 2, 1936. Childhood friends remained his most cherished pals for life. He was a long time resident of Garden City, where he raised four children.

Survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Michele Susan LaBianca, and sisters Anne Zucchero and Joan Purcell; children Lawrence and wife Celine; Michael and wife Margaret (and their three children Claudia, Frances, and Elizabeth); Nicole and husband Richard Iannuzzi (and their three children Michael, Sophia, and Isabell); daughter Dorrie and husband Tony Simone; as well as his omnipresent canine buddy, Austin. Mike is predeceased by his parents Lorenzo and Dora, and sister Fanny.

Mike was the first of his family to graduate college. He received a bachelor degree from St. Johns, and a masters

IN MEMORIAM

Carmine D’Antonio

Carmine D’Antonio of Garden City and Breezy Point passed away on March 24, 2020 at his home in the company of his family.

He was born in Brooklyn, NY on March 28, 1931, the son of Alessandro and Assunta (LoSasso) D'Antonio. He received his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Metallurgical Engineering from Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn (now the NYU Tandon School of Engineering) where he was a distinguished Professor for over 40 years.

Carmine did consulting work in his specialty, metals failure analysis, including substantial work for Grumman, the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, ConEd, and the Metropolitan Transit Authority, until he was 82 years old.

Carmine loved to fish for striped bass. He made his own surfcasting poles and lures. On the beach at Breezy Point while he did his crossword puzzles, there was a constant stream of fishermen walking by who would stop to ask

him if he thought there would be fish, when they might come in, and what the signs were telling him.

He was also a legendary chef. He spent twenty years cooking and perfecting dishes that his mother and grandmother made, experimenting by taste since these recipes were never written down. He then wrote a cookbook that preserves the history and culture of his Italian family, and distributed a copy to each family member.

Carmine loved being surrounded by his family. He is quoted as saying “I am the richest man in the world.” He was referring not to money, of course, but to the fact that his entire family lived nearby and got together for holidays, birthdays, and even some made-up holidays. He arranged his schedule to attend every sporting event and activity of his children and grandchildren. Every weekend in the summer was an opportunity to get together at the beach house in Breezy Point.

Carmine was married for 66 years to his best friend and the love of his

IN MEMORIAM

degree from NYU. Mike loved sports and was an athlete his entire life. He was a multiple Fulbright scholar, spending a year teaching in Stratford-Upon-Avon with his young family (daughter Nicole was born there) and later studying in Africa. He dedicated himself to his profession of teaching, serving thirty years in the Plainview-Old Bethpage School District, where he connected with staff and students alike, as evidenced by the many friends from both groups he continued to be friends with to the end.

Mike had a profound effect on people, and was much loved. To be within his orbit was to live life larger because of him. He embraced what he did with a passion, a wonder and love of people and experiences that he inherited from his father Lorenzo LaBianca. He believed in himself and was a fighter thru and thru to the end.

Mike retired at 55 and dedicated his time to supporting the entrepreneurial pursuits of Michele, a Bar Harbor, Maine based business venture that served the two of them well into their retirement, and provided opportunities for employment, experiences, growth,

and fun for the extended family, including many of the grandchildren who flourished under his watchful eye.

Mike was a lifelong fisherman and skier, loves that he enjoyed and shared with his family and friends. He instilled in his children a love of adventure and the confidence that anything was possible. He provided support in a unique way to each of his grandchildren, and his kindness and love of them has enriched their lives.

He had a story for every situation, and never tired of telling them. He had a way of coloring stories that made you enjoy them, no matter how many times you’d heard them. He lived his life so full, if he didn’t tell the stories of his experiences he’d surely burst. We are all blessed to have shared in the experience of life with Pops.

life, Joanne (Hobbs) D’Antonio. He was the beloved father to Thomas, Susan, Stephen, Peter, John, and Joanna; the beloved father-in-law to Patricia, Eileen, Angelique, Ronda, and James; beloved grandfather to Thomas and Lindsey, Nicholas, Thea and William, Kathleen, John, Sarah, Nolan, Andrew, Michael, Kevin, Peter, Scott, Margaret, Anne, Stephen, James, Olivia, Kelly, and Kaila; beloved great grandfather to Madelyn. Carmine was predeceased by his siblings Michael and Adele D’Antonio, Concetta and John Martorano, and Anita and Thomas DeGrazia. He viewed their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren as his own. He loved his family with his whole heart.

He was full of courage, strength, energy, vitality, and humor. He could build anything. He could fix anything. He could make you laugh until you cried. He lived life to the fullest. There was no other like him. We will miss him and love him forever.

A memorial will be held at a later date to celebrate his life.

A service will be held later this year on Mt. Desert Island, Maine, where Mike and Michele spent their summers, and later as much time as they cared to (but never enough); where they let their children thrive in the salt air; built numerous businesses; and forged lifelong friendships. Mike loved Maine. Michael

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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING IN RELATION TO TENTATIVE BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEAR

JUNE 1, 2020 TO MAY 31, 2021

VILLAGE OF GARDEN CITY

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to Section 5-508 of the Village Law of the State of New York, a Tentative Budget showing the revenue and expenditures for the fiscal year of the Village of Garden City, New York, commencing June 1, 2020 was filed with the Village Clerk of said Village.

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a public hearing will be held by the Board of Trustees of said Village on the 28th day of April 2020, at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom audio/video (due to the Coronavirus Pandemic) for the purpose of considering and discussing such Tentative Budget. The public will have an opportunity to be heard at the hearing on the “zoom” call. A copy of such Tentative Budget is available on the Village’s website (www.gardencityny. net) and (in addition, or alternatively to participation in the zoom hearing), if anyone has a question and/or comment regarding the budget, please send your inquiry and/or comment to Karen Altman, Village Clerk at kaltman@ gardencityny.net or via phone at (516) 465-4051 or by regular first class mail. If such inquiry and/or comment is received prior to the hearing time, it will be entered into the hearing record.

The tentative budget does not provide for any compensation to any member of the Board of Trustees, as the Mayor and Trustees of said Village serve without remuneration.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

INC. VILLAGE OF GARDEN CITY, NY

KAREN M. ALTMAN

VILLAGE CLERK

Dated: April 16, 2020

The Incorporated Village of Garden City does not discrim-

inate on the basis of disability for admission to, access to, or participation in its programs, activities or public meetings, and has designated Karen M. Altman, Village Clerk, as Disability Compliance Coordinator. Persons in need of any special accommodation with a disability who wish to attend a meeting should contact Karen Altman at least 24 hours in advance of meeting at: 351 Stewart Avenue Garden City, New York 11530 (516) 465-4051

8:30 am to 4:30 pm GC 1061 1x 4/24

LEGAL NOTICE INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF GARDEN CITY, NEW YORK

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

Sealed bids MUST be RECEIVED BY AND DELIVERED TO: THE PURCHASING DIVISION

Incorporated Village of Garden City 351 Stewart Avenue Garden City, New York 11530 between the hours of 8:30 A.M. and 4:30 P.M., UNTIL 11:00 AM EDT, FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2020

at which time they will be publicly opened and read aloud, for furnishing the following:

INSTALLATION OF L.E.D. STREET LIGHTING FIXTURES ON FRANKLIN AVENUE AND STEWART AVENUE

Specifications, Form of Bid, and other information may be obtained from the office of the Purchasing Division at the above address or you may download the bid specifications from the New York State Contract Reporter website at the following web address: https://www.nyscr.ny.gov/ contracts.cfm

This bid specification will be listed under the Agency Name of:

Inc. Village of Garden City

Rosemary Monahan

Purchasing Agent

Dated: April 24, 2020

GC 1062 1 X 4/24

Letters to the editor

From page 2

never work. I am asking the the Editor not allow a basic misuse of the English language by an individual to be the basis for an unwarranted attack on another.

John Cervini,

Sr.

John Cervini Sr., 97, of Garden City, passed away Tuesday, February 18th at Parker Jewish Rehabilitation Center, New Hyde Park. He was born to Natale and Annunziate Cervini on October 28th,1922 in Ripi, Italy. At the age of 16 John left Italy and moved to New York with his mother and eldest sister to join his father in America. Soon after, he joined the US Army during WWII, serving as a gunner in a tank under General

Patton’s 3rd Army.

After serving and returning to New York, perhaps what he would consider his greatest accomplishment happened— meeting Nancy Ferranti and convincing her to marry him. They were married in 1949 and soon had two children, John Cervini Jr. of Hillsdale (Susan) and Linda Cervini of New Hyde Park.

John started his own concrete business, J & B Construction, As a general contractor for nearly 50 years.

John and Nancy’s son, John Jr., went to Hillsdale College in Hillsdale, Michigan and they would regularly drive to watch him play football all throughout the Midwest. Their daughter, Linda, stayed close by and received her Master’s degree in Social Work. John Jr. has two daughters, Alexandra Cervini Mull (Christian) and Katelyn, with his wife Susan. John and Nancy would visit them in Michigan, have wonderful times in Florida, and the entire family celebrated Thanksgiving in Garden City every year.

John was a loving grandfather who would play with his granddaughters for countless hours while they were young

and loved telling them his stories from Italy and WWII while they were older over a glass of red wine.

John and Nancy were married over 70 years and were best friends, partners, and dedicated to one another, setting an example for their children and grandchildren. John, as the eldest of five, was the patriarch of his family, and loved by his siblings, Anne Cavasinni (Victor, deceased) Mary Cardino (Peppi, deceased) Warren Cervini (MaryAnne), and Louisa Ianne (Joseph). Always dedicated to his Catholic faith, John was a member of the Church of St. Anne, Garden City, attending mass nearly daily, and living his faith everyday through his kindness and generosity to others. He was the Secretary of Correspondence of the St. Anthony Society, and a devoted member of the American Legion. His best qualities of patriotism, dedication, and kindness live on through those that survive him. Contributions may be made to Museum of American Armour, Bethpage, New York.

IN MEMORIAM

Walter Horn

Editor’s note: We agree with Mr. Horn that we dropped the ball and should have noticed the misuse of the word. We apologize to Mr. McCarthy.

William Martin (Bill) passed away on April 14,2020, at the age of 87. Bill was a lifelong resident of Garden City. He graduated from Garden City High School and attended the University of Maryland

on a basketball scholarship. He worked for a number of automotive aftermarket companies, before retiring from Federal Mogul in 1998.

Bill was active in Garden City youth sports, and followed his sons’ through their college sports careers. He was known to travel far and wide to watch their lacrosse games, and was truly their number one fan. Bill was an avid NY sports fan, and enjoyed most any sporting event. He especially loved cheering the Jets though was disappointed often. His sons tried in vain to sway him to be a Patriots fan, but to no avail.

Bill enjoyed spending time at his vacation homes in Sag Harbor and Lucas Pond, in Northwood, NH. He frequently visited his two sons’ farms in NH; where he always lent a helping hand. He was incredibly proud of his sons, and their children.

He was married, and a devot-

ed husband for 64 years. While his wife also grew up in Garden City, a year apart in school, they didn’t actually meet until college, while on a blind date in Washington, DC.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara Seaman Martin, Sons Scott and Glenn, daughter-inlaw Jane and Dianne, grandchildren Ashley, Tyler, Kelsey, Tucker, Bella and Cole. He had 8 great grandchildren.

His love and concern for all, always dashed with a bit of humor, will be truly missed by all who knew him. There will be no immediate service, a celebration of a wonderful and fulfilled life will be held at a later time.

Bill enjoyed visiting the Morton Wildlife Refuge in Sag Harbor. If you would like to make a donation in his name you can do so through  US Fish and Wildlife Service in Shirley NY, marked for Morton NWR.

IN MEMORIAM

Phyllis B. Antonetz

Phyllis Beatrice Antonetz, née Pirro, age 103, of Fairfield, CT beloved wife of the late Alexander Antonetz and who lived her life with graceful joy of family and friends and a lifelong quest for learning, died on Friday, April 17, 2020 due to complications of the coronavirus. Phyllis was born on March 8, 1917 in New York City. Her parents, the late Paul and Catherine (Cundari) Pirro were Italian immigrants, who though lacking in formal education themselves, were determined to see their three children study hard and achieve. Her parents’ quest for learning remained instilled in Phyllis throughout her life, especially in later years as a volunteer working with elementary school children, to whom she shared her love for learning.

A 1933 graduate of Julia Richman High School in Manhattan, Phyllis enrolled in New York University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1937. Following graduation, she became a full-time employee at R.H. Macy’s where she had worked part-time during her undergraduate studies. While working at Macy’s during the World War II years, she volunteered as a nurse’s aide at New York Post-Graduate Medical School and Hospital. At Macy’s, she was employed in a variety of positions, including senior executive positions in over 40 departments. She retired as Special Events Coordinator in 1953 to marry Alexander Antonetz, Macy’s assistant manager of operations at the time.

The couple established a home in Garden City, Long Island, where in 1972

Phyllis earned her Master’s degree in Education at Adelphi University. She combined her responsibilities as a homemaker and mother with volunteerism in the community. A 25-year member of the American Association of University Women, she assumed a variety of responsibilities with the organization, including vice president for program development.

For many years, Phyllis was a classroom teacher at a number of Long Island elementary schools. These were Notre Dame in New Hyde Park, St. Catherine of Sienna in Franklin Square and St. Joseph’s School in Garden City. Years later, she continued her interest in working with children as a classroom volunteer at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School in Fairfield, Connecticut where she moved in 1999, following the death of her husband after 33 years of marriage. In 2008, she relocated to Simsbury for four years, and in 2012 moved back to Fairfield.

Throughout her life Phyllis enjoyed sharing the love of learning with others, especially the young children to whom she enjoyed instilling the love of books. A lifelong New York Yankees fan, she approached every day with an optimistic spirit. She believed in a positive attitude, even on a rainy day, she would emanate a feeling of sunshine that radiated a spirit of hope, love and faith. She believed in reaching out to family and friends and demonstrated that the best exercise of the human heart is reaching down and picking someone up.

In addition to her husband and parents, Phyllis was pre-deceased by her brother Salvatore Pirro, and sister Mary Pirro.

Phyllis is the beloved mother of Anna Maria (Ria) Battaglia and her husband Robert of Simsbury, Catherine Antonetz of Manhattan, and Alexa Mullady and her husband James of Fairfield; loving grandmother of James Mullady (Jaclyn) of Trumbull, CT, Kaitlin Strobel (William) of Harrison, NY, Matthew Battaglia (Keirsten) of Tampa, FL, Kristen Mullady of Fairfield, and William Battaglia of Boston, MA, and great-grandmother to Madison, Penelope, Jameson and Stanley. She was a loving and faithful aunt, cousin and friend to many.

The family is very grateful to the kind and caring staff of the Carolton Hospital. Due to health concerns, no services will be held at this time. A private burial will be held at Calverton National Cemetery. A Memorial Mass and celebration of Phyllis’ life will be held when safe to do so. For information or to offer an online condolence, please visit www.SpearFuneralHome.com.

IN MEMORIAM

Thomas E. Peppard

Thomas Edward Peppard Jr, a World War II Veteran, age 91, died peacefully on April 17, 2020, from complications of COVID-19.

Tom was a longtime resident of Garden City.  He leaves behind his wife of nearly 67 years, Doris G. Busch Peppard, five children: Nancy Peppard Carpenter (George), Judy Peppard Lynch (Jeff), and Christopher Peppard (Liz), all of Garden City, and Tom Peppard (Alison) and Vicky Peppard Lisi (Tom) of Denver CO; his thirteen grandchildren Brian, Alec, and Emily Essig-Peppard, Nigel, Caitlin, and Patrick Carpenter, Justin, Becky, and Ryan Lynch, Jessica and Lauren Lisi, Caroline and Julia Peppard, and two great-grandchildren, Mason, and Avalynn Benjamin.  He is survived also by his sister, Kathleen Peppard Weigand (William) of Titusville, FL, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Kathleen.  At age 17, Tom asked his father to sign his early enlistment application to the US Navy.  He was inducted in April of 1946 and served at St. Albans Naval Hospital in Queens, NY.  After discharge, he attended St. John’s University, where he graduated with a degree in Biology.  On June 6, 1953, Tom married Doris Busch of Woodhaven, NY.  Upon the arrival of their first child in 1957, they moved to Garden City, NY, into the home they have shared and raised family from then until now.

Tom’s first jobs had been with pharmaceutical companies, but feeling a need to serve others, he started a lifelong career in Education.  His first position was as a Biology teacher at Sewanhaka High School in Floral Park, NY, becoming an Assistant Principal after earning a Master’s in Education Administration at St. John’s.  In 1970 he accepted an Administrative position in Nassau BOCES, where he spent the remainder of his career as Principal of two of their vocational schools.

Tom Peppard was exceptionally devoted to his family, taking quiet pride in all their accomplishments.  He was a faithful member of St. Joseph’s RC Church, attending Mass weekly, and teaching CCD.  He was a member of the local William Turner Bradford American Legion Post and ran the local Memorial Day parade for several years.  He had many lifelong friendships, a nascent talent for painting and sculpture, and a MacGyver-like brilliance in his approach to home repair.  He will be remembered for his gentle sense of humor, his endless physical energy, and his love of spending time with his children and grandchildren.  He was greatly loved, and he will be forever missed. Due to the current pandemic, funeral services will be private, with a memorial service to be held later this year.  Interment at Calverton National Cemetery will likewise be private.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks that when social distancing is ended you give your friends and loved ones a big, long hug.

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Tom was the son of Thomas and Kathleen Cunneen Peppard of Queens, NY, and had two younger sisters, Anne Peppard Sloane (1931-2014), and