Malverne/West Hempstead
HERALD W.H. pharmacists hold food drive
Smart Schools aid for Malverne
local protesters demand justice
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Vol. 27 No. 36
SEPTEMBER 3 - 9, 2020
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Can cinemas be saved? Malverne theater remains ‘last in line’ for reopening amid pandemic By NakEEM GRaNT ngrant@liherald.com
Nakeem Grant/Herald
aNNE STaMPfEl, a co-owner of Malverne Cinema, spoke about the need to reopen theaters in New York during a news conference on Aug. 27.
As businesses throughout the Villa g e of Malver ne reopen, Malverne Cinema has yet to be included in the state’s phased reopening plans. Its owners, Henry and Anne Stampfel, held a news conference outside the theater on Aug. 27, and spoke about the importance of reopening. “The economic hardship that all businesses are facing this year is incomparable,” Anne said, “and our industry seems to be last in line to
reopen. Time is of the essence for us, and it’s ticking away.” The cinema has been in Malver ne since 1947, and the Stampfels have owned it for almost 30 years. The couple, who were joined by elected officials, said they had hoped for more support from state lawmakers and theater organizations. “It’s paramount for them to reopen,” said Joseph Masher, president of the New York chapter of the National Association of Theatre Owners. “If they don’t, we’re going to see Continued on page 4
WHHS among schools to see fall sports postponed By NakEEM GRaNT and ToNy BElliSSiMo ngrant@liherald.com, tbellissimo@liherald.com
Nassau County high school student-athletes will have to wait until the new year to compete in sports. At an emergency meeting on Aug. 26, a committee of county school superintendents voted to postpone high school sports until Jan. 4, becoming the first of the state’s 11 sections to move delay the fall season. Ed Cosgrove, head coach of the West Hempstead High boys’ basketball team, said he wasn’t surprised by the county’s decision. “The way things have gone
lately about getting your hopes up and, unfortunately, being disappointed,” Cosgrove said, “I just had a feeling that January was going to be the call.” Cosgrove, who is also an assistant coach for the Rams’ football team, said that many students play on both squads. The football players, he said, have met through Google Meets, on which the coaches have shared drills with them. “We’ve been trying to find ways to get out there and work out,” Cosgrove said, “but we’re really limited, and we really can’t do much at all.” Cosgrove’s son, James, plays varsity basketball at H. Frank
i
just had a feeling that January was going to be the call.
Ed CoSGRoVE
Varsity basketball head coach, WHHS Carey High School in Franklin Square, and Cosgrove said he understands some of the concerns that parents may have. “This past spring and summer really hurt student-athletes in so many ways,” he said. “My son had some virtual workouts with his team, but it’s not the same.”
Pat Pizzarelli, executive director of athletics for New York state’s Section VIII — Nassau County — said he believed that other sections would pull the plug on fall sports. “We felt strong enough to make this decision now,” Pizzarelli said. “We took the cautious route, but we believe it’s in everyone’s best interests. There are too many
unknowns. It’s just not time to allow kids to play sports, and my first and foremost concern is the safety of our student-athletes.” The decision was made just two days after Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that lowerrisk high school fall sports — soccer, tennis, swimming, field hockey and cross-country — Continued on page 7