Issuu

Serving Port Washington, Manorhaven, Flower Hill, Baxter Estates, Port Washington North and Sands Point

Friday, February 5, 2021

Vol. 6, No. 6

Port WashingtonTimes VALENTINE’S DAY GUIDE PAGES 25-32

PORT SCHOOLS OK CUOMO HIT ON UNREPORTED HIGH-RISK SPORTS COVID NURSING HOME DEATHS PAGE 2

PAGE 6

50 crashes in 12 hours after nor’easter 13 inches of snow powders North Shore over two days BY R OB E RT PE L A E Z

PHOTO COURTESY OF INSTAGRAM

English cocker spaniel Barnaby of Port Washington stares at the snowfall outside his home.

Snow piled up throughout Nassau County beginning late Sunday night into Monday and Tuesday, resulting in a handful of North Shore areas receiving more than a foot of fresh powder. Dozens of car crashes were reported on slippery roads. East Williston received just over 13 inches of snow on Monday, with Port Washington not far behind at 13 inches. Garden City got 12.4 inches

of snow, while Herricks received 11.5 inches. The snowfall was part of the first nor’easter in the calendar year, which remained stationary over the Atlantic Coast of southern New Jersey, weather experts said. Experts also said the snow was falling at a rate of almost three inches per hour in most of the region. Gov. Andrew Cuomo asked people throughout the state to stay oﬀ Continued on Page 43

Beber won’t run again in Flower Hill BY R O S E W E L D ON

Absent from the list are the villages of Sands Point, which Two mayor seats and eight will not hold elections this year, trustee seats in villages across and Manorhaven, which holds the Port Washington area will its elections in June. Challengers will be able to be up for grabs on Election Day, file petitions for candidacy in vilTuesday, March 16.

lage elections by the end of the day on Tuesday. PORT WASHINGTON NORTH Mayor Robert Weitzner and Trustees Sherman Scheﬀ and Matthew Kepke are seeking to keep their seats for another two-year term apiece. No challengers have been named yet. BAXTER ESTATES Mayor Nora Haagenson,

Deputy Mayor Charles Comer and Trustee Christopher Ficalora are up for re-election to two-year terms. No challengers have been named yet. FLOWER HILL Trustees Frank Genese, seeking a third term, and Mary Jo Collins, seeking a first full term after serving the rest of Mayor Brian Herrington’s term as a trustee, will run for re-election to their two-year seats. Trustee

Claire Dorfman, who was appointed last November after the late Mayor Robert McNamara was elected a trustee, is seeking a one-year term. No challengers have been named yet. Notably not seeking reelection is two-term Trustee Jay Beber. A resident of the village’s Roslyn area, he has served for four years. Eﬀorts to reach him for comment were unavailing.

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The Port Washington Times, Friday, February 5, 2021

N. Shore case total crosses 17,000 Port numbers increase by 200 in 1 week BY R OB E RT PELAEZ

PHOTO COURTESY OF GOOGLE MAPS

Competitive cheerleading, basketball and wrestling are returning to the Port Washington school district.

Wrestling, basketball, cheerleading a go in Port District OKs season for approved high-risk sports BY R O S E W E L D ON The Port Washington school district has announced measures for the return of basketball, wrestling and cheerleading. District Athletics Director Stephenie Joannon wrote in a letter to parents that a condensed season for the three high-risk sports had been approved by Nassau County and its Department of Health, due to run from Feb. 1 to Feb. 27. Eight matches are scheduled for basketball and wrestling, and two to three competitions for cheerleading. Protocols for the season begin with tryouts, with athletes

needing to be cleared before trying for a spot on the team. Further requirements will include a daily attestation of being COVID-free via a unique athletics QR code for all athletes and coaches by 2 p.m. on weekdays and 90 minutes before practices on weekends/school recesses for contact tracing and accountability purposes, mandatory masks, and a socially distant waiting room for student-athletes, among other things. There will be prohibitions on access to locker rooms, with athletes required to “bring their own water and bags of clothing appropriate for practice and clothing appropriate for leaving

practice,” sharing of clothes or water with teammate, and attendance of spectators at sporting events, with livestreaming available “for those sports hosted in the Schreiber main gym and oﬀ site home facilities, where feasible.” Student-athletes in the three sports would not be required to stick to fully remote learning, with both remote and hybrid students welcome to participate. “With this reopening of these sports for our athletes, we want to continue to remind parents and athletes to practice social distancing, limit gatherings, wash your hands and wear a mask,” Joannon wrote.

More than 17,000 people on the North Shore have tested positive for the coronavirus since the pandemic began in mid-March, according to statistics provided by the Nassau County Department of Health on Wednesday. As coronavirus vaccinations continue to be rolled out throughout the county, the North Shore saw one of the highest one-week increases a week after seeing one of the lowest one-week increases in cases in the past four months, according to statistics. The area that incorporates the Willistons and Mineola had 3,813 cases as of Wednesday, the most of all analyzed areas. The Village of Mineola saw the highest increase of cases over the one-week period with nearly 200 new cases. Mineola’s 1,628 cases and Garden City’s 1,443 cases accounted for more than 3,000 of the

3,813 total cases in the area. The New Hyde Park area accounted for 3,437 of the North Shore’s cases, with North New Hyde Park having the third most confirmed positives, 1,248, out of any analyzed area. The villages of Floral Park, with 1,099 cases, and New Hyde Park, with 812 cases, were also among the top 10 villages or unincorporated town areas in terms of positive tests and were for the entire month of December, according to Health Department statistics. The Great Neck peninsula saw an increase of nearly 300 cases over the past week. The villages of Great Neck, Kings Point and Great Neck Plaza accounted for nearly 2,000 total cases. The peninsula accounted for 3,209 cases, according to Health Department figures. The Port Washington area, with 1,971 cases, saw an increase of more than 200 cases over one week, according to Continued on Page 43

CHART BY ROBERT PELAEZ

More than 17,000 people throughout the North Shore tested positive for the coronavirus as of Wednesday, according to Health Department statistics.

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PORT WASHINGTON TIMES (USPS#19310) is published by Blank Slate Media LLC, 25 Red Ground Road, Roslyn Heights, NY, 11577, (516) 307-1045. The entire contents of the publication are copyright 2021. All rights reserved. The newspaper will not be liable for errors appearing in any advertising beyond the cost of the space occupied by the error. Periodicals postage paid at Williston Park, NY, POSTMASTER. Send address changes to the Port Washington Times, C/O Blank Slate Media LLC, 25 Red Ground Road, Roslyn Heights, NY, 11577.

The Port Washington Times, Friday, February 5, 2021

Cuomo expands vaccine eligibility Taxi drivers, restaurant workers, residents in group homes can be inoculated under new rules BY R OB E RT PELAEZ

The eligibility list for the coronavirus vaccine in New York expanded to taxi drivers, restaurant workers and residents in facilities for those with disabilities, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on Tuesday. Cuomo granted local governments and municipalities across the state the flexibility to innoculate these groups as New York begins to receive an increased supply of vaccines from the federal government. The governor announced last week that the vaccinations provided to the state will increase by 20 percent for the next three weeks. Private pharmacies, he said, will receive an additional 10 percent, or roughly 30,000 more doses, from the federal government. “We’re moving heaven and earth to administer as many doses as possible, but on a global level we are experiencing high demand and scarce amounts of the vaccine,” Cuomo said. “We have much more distribution in place than we have supply, and as soon as we have

are expected to receive more than 20,000 total doses to prioritize vaccinating people who are 65 and older, according to officials. The state’s average weekly inoculation rate is around 300,000 doses, but the number remains insufficient in the ongoing efforts to administer doses to people as quickly as possible. More than seven million New Yorkers were eligible to receive the vaccine before Cuomo expanded those eligible to include taxi drivers, restaurant workers and those who reside in facilities for people with disabilities. Of the seven million people in New York already eligible to receive the vaccine, 870,000 are education workers, 207,000 are first responders, 100,000 are public safety workers, 100,000 are public transit workers, and more PHOTO COURTESY OF THE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE than three million are people 65 and older. As of Wednesday, the state’s Gov. Andrew Cuomo expanded the eligibility for the coronavirus vaccine to taxi drivers, health care distribution sites had restaurant workers and residents of facilities for those with disabilities on Tuesday. administered more than 90 permore doses from the federal gov- make sure the communities hard- locations throughout the state will cent of the first doses received ernment we can get those shots in est hit have access to and trust in begin to offer the coronavirus vac- from the federal government since the arms of New Yorkers as quickly the vaccine.” cines starting Feb. 11. The eligible the inoculations began in DeContinued on Page 43 and fairly, while continuing to CVS Health said its eligible 32 pharmacies throughout the state

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110 WALT WHITMAN ROAD, HUNTINGTON STATION, NY 11746. 631.549.7401 | © 2021 DOUGLAS ELLIMAN REAL ESTATE. ALL MATERIAL PRESENTED HEREIN IS INTENDED FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY. WHILE THIS INFORMATION IS BELIEVED TO BE CORRECT, IT IS REPRESENTED SUBJECT TO ERRORS, OMISSIONS, CHANGES OR WITHDRAWAL WITHOUT NOTICE. ALL PROPERTY INFORMATION, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO SQUARE FOOTAGE, ROOM COUNT, NUMBER OF BEDROOMS AND THE SCHOOL DISTRICT IN PROPERTY LISTINGS SHOULD BE VERIFIED BY YOUR OWN ATTORNEY, ARCHITECT OR ZONING EXPERT. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY.

The Port Washington Times, Friday, February 5, 2021

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Mineola accountant took part in attack: feds BY R O S E W E L D ON An accountant whose practice is based in Mineola has been arrested for allegedly participating in the Jan. 6 Capitol Hill riots, the U.S. attorney’s office for the Eastern District of New York said. Justin McAuliffe, a Bellmore resident whose McAuliffe CPA Enterprises is located at 34 Willis Ave. in Mineola, was arrested last Thursday morning when it was found that he had posted pictures to his Facebook page and other accounts indicating that he had been inside the Capitol building during the riots, according to a statement of facts from FBI agent Gary Battista, a member of the bureau’s New York Joint Terrorism Task Force. The Jan. 6 riots occurred when a mob of supporters of then President Donald Trump overwhelmed Capitol Police and stormed the Capitol building in Washington, D.C., bringing a sudden halt to the arguments over electoral votes in Joe Biden’s victory in the 2020 election. Members of Congress were placed into lockdown, and five deaths resulted. Battista further said that two witnesses had provided pictures from McAuliffe’s Facebook page placing him there at the time, including one post with a series of photos captioned, “You’re welcome.” A screencap from McAuliffe’s phone also posted to Facebook showed that he had access to WiFi inside the U.S. Senate offices, “indicating that he was close to or inside the Senate offices,” Battista said. One photo obtained by the FBI from a Slate magazine article shows McAuliffe and another person inside a Congressional office, flashing the peace sign with a Trump flag placed on a flagpole. Battista

said that a cropped version of this image was used by McAuliffe as the photo for his account on the end-to-end encrypted smartphone messaging app Telegram, which the FBI found after a witness gave the bureau McAuliffe’s phone number. Another image provided by a witness shows a conversation in McAuliffe’s Facebook comments in which he admitted to going into a Congressional office: “yeah I was in one of the offices,” McAuliffe wrote. “Some people were smoking a joint in the room, lol. Cops came in and weee like. Okay guys really? They didn’t even ask us to leave right away. They let us sit down and hang out and relax.” Based on the evidence, Battista wrote that McAuliffe, 39, will be charged with “knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority to” do so; and “knowingly, and with intent to impede or disrupt the orderly conduct of Government business or official functions, engage in disorderly or disruptive conduct in, or within such proximity to, any restricted building or grounds when, or so that, such conduct, in fact, impedes or disrupts the orderly conduct of Government business or official functions.” McAuliffe was arraigned by U.S. Magistrate Judge A. Kathleen Tomlinson in Central Islip federal court last Thursday. He is charged with illegally entering a restricted building with the intent to impede or disrupt the orderly conduct of government business or official functions. His next date in court has not yet been made public.

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PHOTO COURTESY OF THE U.S. ATTORNEY’S OFFICE FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK

Justin McAuliffe, right, a Mineola-based accountant, has been arrested by federal authorities for allegedly participating in the Capitol riot. Federal agents cited this image of McAuliffe inside the office of a member of Congress.

The Port Washington Times, Friday, February 5, 2021

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Nursing home death count questioned A.G. office report leads to investigation of over 20 facilities in N.Y. regarding COVID response BY R O S E W E L D ON An investigation into the New York State Department of Health revealed that it had undercounted COVID-19 deaths in nursing homes, as well as a lack of compliance in protocols meant to curb infections in those facilities, Attorney General Letitia James announced last week. James said in a statement on Jan. 28 that her oﬃce had been investigating nursing homes across the state “based on allegations of patient neglect and other concerning conduct that may have jeopardized the health and safety of residents and employees,” received as early as March 2020 and numbering over 900 since November. Over 20 nursing homes are under investigation as a result. “As the pandemic and our investigations continue, it is PHOTO COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA COMMONS imperative that we understand why the residents of nursing New York Attorney General Letitia James has announced homes in New York unnecfindings from investigations into the reactions of nursing essarily suﬀered at such an alarming rate,” James said. homes to COVID-19.

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“While we cannot bring back the individuals we lost to this crisis, this report seeks to oﬀer transparency that the public deserves and to spur increased action to protect our most vulnerable residents. Nursing home residents and workers deserve to live and work in safe environments, and I will continue to work hard to safeguard this basic right during this precarious time.” Findings from James’ office indicate that a larger number of nursing home residents died from COVID-19 than reported by the Health Department. Based on a survey of 62 nursing homes that found the state undercounted the fatalities there by an average of 56 percent, the data could push the department’s original tally of 8,711 COVID-19 deaths in nursing homes to more than 13,000. The investigations also revealed that nursing homes’ lack of compliance with infection control protocols put residents at increased risk of harm, and facilities that had lower

pre-pandemic staffing ratings had higher COVID-19 fatality rates. At one for-profit facility on Long Island, COVID-19 patients who were transferred to the facility after a hospital stay were supposed to be placed in a separate COVID-19 unit in the nursing home but were scattered throughout the facility despite available beds in the COVID-19 unit. The report did not name the facility or any mentioned. “This situation was allegedly resolved only after someone at the facility learned of an impending DOH infection control visit scheduled for the next day, before which those residents were hurriedly transferred to the appropriate designated unit,” the office said in a statement. Even so, in spite of the findings, the office said the extent to which facilities can be held accountable for this remains unclear due to changes in state law, namely the Emergency Disaster Treatment Protection Continued on Page 11

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Suozzi, Schumer press tax cap fix Call $10,000 deductility limit on state and local taxes a hardship for Long Island residents BY R OB E RT PELAEZ

U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer (DNY) and U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi (DGlen Cove) introduced legislation to restore the federal deduction for state and local taxes on Friday. The two Democratic oﬃcials have joined forces to eliminate the $10,000 cap on the state and local taxes deduction for more than a year. Their proposal would permit taxpayers to fully deduct state and local taxes on their federal income returns this year. Both oﬃcials underscored the need to restore the deduction so Long Islanders do not flee the state due to the hardships caused by the coronavirus pandemic. “The cap on SALT deductions has been a body blow to New York families,” Suozzi said. “Without the full SALT deduction, families will leave New York and the last thing we need in the midst of the health and economic devastation of COVID-19 is to lose our residents and taxpayers. “When it comes to SALT, if you think Long Islanders needed and deserved this money before the coronavirus took hold, the stakes are even higher now because the

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CONGRESSMAN’S OFFICE

U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-Glen Cove) have been advocating for repealing the $10,000 cap on the state and local tax deduction for more than a year. cap is costing our community tens of thousands of dollars they could be using amid the crisis,” Schumer said. The cap, signed into law by President Donald Trump as part of the 2017 tax legislation, limits the deduction for state and local taxes on federal tax returns to $10,000. It has led to increased federal taxes in areas with high property taxes like Long Island.

Repealing the cap, Suozzi said, would put money back into the hands of middle-class taxpayers despite claims from some it would benefit only the wealthy. Repealing the tax cap, Suozzi said, will provide local governments and residents in states such as New York, which have been aﬀected the most by the coronavirus, necessary resources in the ongoing battle against the virus.

“Some New Yorkers are complicit in funding our own demise by supporting elected oﬃcials who not only redirect billions of New York state’s federal tax dollars to their own states but also capped the SALT deduction. This is literally chasing people out of New York,” Suozzi said. “New Yorkers are left holding the bag in the form of higher taxes and our largest companies are being lured to other lower-cost states.” Suozzi also said that New York has recently been one of the states that have paid more money to the federal government than they received. From 2015 to 2019, Suozzi said, New York, sent $116 billion more to the federal government than it got back. Over the same period, Kentucky received $148 billion and South Carolina received $87 billion more than they contributed to Washington. According to 2017 data from the IRS, the average state and local taxes deduction for Nassau County homeowners prior to Trump signing the cap into eﬀect was $26,259. From the same year, 53 percent of individuals who lived in the 3rd Congressional District, which includes Manhasset, Roslyn, Port Washington, Great Neck and Floral Park, among other areas, and

stretches from Whitestone, Queens, to Kings Park in Suﬀolk County, took advantage of the deduction. The average deduction for those who filed in the district was $33,317, according to the data. Nearly 50 percent of people who lived in the 4th Congressional District, which incorporates central and southern Nassau County, including Floral Park, Garden City, Hempstead, Mineola, Carle Place, New Hyde Park and Westbury, in 2017 used the deduction, receiving an average of $21,127, according to the data. Kyle Strober, executive director for the Association for a Better Long Island, said the loss of the full deduction for state and local taxes is “destructive” to the state’s economic state. “Long Island’s middle class was gutted when they lost the crucial and full SALT deduction,” Strober said. “Without the full SALT deduction, the next generation of Long Islanders will struggle to purchase their first homes and others will be driven to relocate out of state.” The legislation, Suozzi said, has a bipartisan following from fellow Reps. Andrew Garbarino (R-Bay Shore), Young Kim (R-CA), and Chris Smith (R-NJ).

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, February 5, 2021

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Educators tout tech for college search BY R OB E RT PE L A E Z Despite the laundry list of negative effects the coronavirus pandemic has had on the world since last March, educational advisers and school counselors on Long Island touted the effectiveness and helpfulness that technology has had for students applying to colleges. The discussion was a virtual event conducted by Blank Slate Media last Thursday evening. Featured on the panel were Claire Fitzgibbon, director of undergraduate admissions at Hofstra University, Christine Loo, director of college counseling at the Stony Brook School, Joy-Anne D’Anca, director of counseling services for the Manhasset school district, and Jamie L. Reich, a professional college adviser and the founder and owner of JLR Advising. Reich said she has had to adapt to the “new normal” of meeting with students virtually via Zoom or FaceTime rather than face to face. Reich said she had some initial concerns meeting remotely with students, but has been pleasantly surprised how effective the interactions have been since the pandemic began. “I actually was concerned about [meeting remotely], but I think it has turned out to be much better than I thought,” Reich said. “Kids are superfocused and they know that they don’t have to travel to get to my office, so they’re saving some time. They could be in their pajamas so they’re happy with that too and we get a lot of stuff done.” Fitzgibbon said the accessibility to most colleges has increased since the beginning

SCREENSHOT BY ROBERT PELAEZ

Educational advisers and school counselors touted the role that technology has played in students applying to colleges in the midst of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. of the pandemic. With travel bans and twoweek quarantine protocols being in effect, the process of visiting a college and experiencing its atmosphere became burdensome and almost impossible to do. “No longer do you have to get on an airplane to go visit a school in California … and could ‘visit’ many schools in different states all in one day,” Fitzgibbon said. One of the most prominent effects that the pandemic has had on society was the loss of jobs and shuttering of local businesses. Loo said Stony Brook had students whose parents had lost their jobs, but said the financial aid department remained flexible with current and prospective students. “For a majority of our students, they weren’t adversely impacted,” Loo said. “We

definitely did have some parents who did lose their jobs and they had to take finances more into account while looking at colleges. I’d say where we really saw that impact was with our international population.” Gap years, according to D’Anca, were an interesting topic of discussion with students looking to potentially take a year oﬀ, wait for the pandemic to subside and increase their chances of getting into a good college the following year. D’Anca said gap years are “a nice thought” but students should take everything into account before making the decision. “I’m not seeing it a great deal right now,” D’Anca said. “I do have it in the back of my mind that later on if their first choices don’t come through and there’s an inkling

that a gap year could help their chances of getting into their first school that I might be seeing it later on.” Reich touted the need to maintain constant communication with students throughout the application process, primarily to know that their mental health and well-being is being prioritized. Reich encouraged students to not be afraid to reach out to an adviser, counselor or anyone else that can provide some aid and insight on any troubles they may be experiencing. “I always tell my students ‘no one is a mind-reader,’ so if you’re having an issue, open your mouth and ask the right person what to do,” she said. “I actually stay in touch with all of my students for a year or two, and I don’t hound them, but every so often I ask them to tell me what’s new. I also have students who call me and they say ‘I’m really struggling.’ Parents also don’t always know because they don’t get their kids’ grades once they’re 18 years old.” Loo agreed, noting that colleges and universities are dealing with teenagers who are still coping with the fact that they are living in a global pandemic while trying to continue their education. She said that Stony Brook’s advisory counselors check in with their in-person and remote students roughly twice a week. “We have to remember that we are dealing with 16-17-year-olds who are still living in a global pandemic; they have gone through a summer where there were all sorts of issues with racial injustice. I think that the mental health issues should not be forgotten in all of this,” Loo said.

St. Francis, network Doc picked to lead heart, get name changes lung transplant programs BY R O S E WELDON A change of name is in store for one of Long Island’s largest health systems and several of its hospitals, including one in Flower Hill. Catholic Health Services of Long Island has short-

ened its name to Catholic Health, and the former St. Francis Hospital: The Heart Center, mildly altered to St. Francis Hospital & Heart Center. A new logo, depicting outstretched arms with images of a cross and chalice has also been implemented. Joseph Carofano, se-

PHOTO COURTESY OF GOOGLE MAPS

The Catholic Health Services of Long Island has been renamed Catholic Health as part of a rebranding campaign that includes St. Francis Hospital and Heart Center in Flower Hill.

nior vice president of strategy and chief marketing oﬃcer at Catholic Health, told Newsday that the new name worked better in “a new age, where we are mobile-focused and speak in sound bites, and the word services is really a generic term anyway.” “We also wanted to continue to highlight that we are a faith-based organization,” Carofano said. “Long Island is all we do. We don’t have medical offices anywhere else.” The rest of the hospitals in the Catholic Health System have also received name changes, and are PHOTO COURTESY OF NORTHWELL HEALTH now Mercy Hospital in Rockville Centre, St. Jo- Dr. Zachary Kon has joined Northseph Hospital in Bethpage, well Health as surgical director of Good Samaritan Hospital its programs in advanced heart in West Islip, St. Catherine failure and cardiac transplantation, of Siena Hospital in Smithtown and St. Charles Hos- and advanced lung failure and lung transplantation. pital in Port Jeﬀerson.

BY R O S E W E L D ON An experienced cardiothoracic surgeon has joined Northwell Health and will lead two of its major transplant programs, the system announced last week. Dr. Zachary Kon, an expert in heart and lung transplant with experience in major types of advanced adult cardiac surgery, will serve as surgical director of Northwell’s advanced heart failure and cardiac transplantation program, and the advanced lung failure and lung transplantation program. Kon will be based at the Sandra Atlas Bass Heart Hospital at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset. Kon comes to Northwell Health from NYU Langone Health, where he served as surgical director of the system’s lung transplantation program and its pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary thromboendartectomy program. Before that, Kon headed the surgical programs for heart transplant and mechanical circulatory support and lung transplant at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore. Continued on Page 49

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, February 5, 2021

COVID deaths in nursing homes questioned Continued from Page 6 Act passed last March. The act provides immunity to health care professionals from potential liability arising from certain decisions, actions or omissions related to the care of individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic. “While it is reasonable to provide some protections for health care workers making impossible health care decisions in good faith during an unprecedented public health crisis, it would not be appropriate or just for nursing homes owners to interpret this action as providing

blanket immunity for causing harm to residents,” the oﬃce said. “In order to ensure no one can evade potential accountability, Attorney General James recommends eliminating these newly enacted immunity provisions.” State Health Commissioner Howard Zucker said in a statement that the office’s findings concerning nursing homes were consistent with the Department of Health’s own investigations. “The Attorney General’s initial findings of wrongdoing by certain nursing home operators are reprehensible and

this is exactly why we asked the Attorney General to undertake this investigation in the first place,” Zucker said. “To that end, DOH continues to follow up on all allegations of misconduct by operators and is actively working in partnership with the OAG to enforce the law accordingly.” State Assemblyman Ed Ra (R-Garden City) responded to the report by calling for an investigation into the facilities. “Today’s scathing report from the Office of the Attorney General is a stark reminder of why my colleagues and I have

continually called for an investigation into the crisis in our nursing homes,” Ra said in a statement. “These findings are serious and damning. Public trust is required to battle COVID-19. This is a deep betrayal and a sad failure. We can’t provide proper oversight and deliver real accountability from the sidelines. My colleagues in both houses of the Legislature must immediately remove the governor’s emergency powers and restore constitutionally required oversight. Transparency should never be this hard.”

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12 The Port Washington Times, Friday, February 5, 2021

Roslyn-area native calls out Greene Parent of teacher who died in Parkland shooting asks congresswoman, ‘Are you that cruel?’ BY R O S E W E L D ON Roslyn area-raised gun control advocate Linda Beigel Schulman has made headlines in recent days as a critic of U.S. Rep. Marjorie Greene (R-Georgia), who has refused to publicly disavow conspiracy theories about numerous mass shootings, including the one in which Beigel Schulman’s son died. Her son, Scott J. Beigel, taught geography and coached the cross country team at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. On Feb. 14, 2018, he was among the 17 people killed when a gunman equipped with an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle entered the school and pulled the fire alarm. Footage of the shooting shows Beigel herding 31 students to safety in his classroom before he was shot. Since Scott Beigel’s death, Beigel Schulman has led a foundation in her son’s name and worked to pass gun violence legislation and spoken across the country on the topic of gun

that Greene had endorsed and promoted the conspiracy that Parkland was a “false flag” operation in since-deleted Facebook posts, as well as taunting David Hogg, a survivor of the shooting, on video. “Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, the shooting where my son was murdered protecting his students was not a ‘false flag,’” Beigel Schulman told the magazine in a statement. “It was not staged. It really happened. Do not trivialize my son Scott’s sacrifice to save his students for your own political gain. As Joseph Welch said to Sen. Joseph McCarthy [at the] Senate Permanent SubcommitPHOTO BY ROSE WELDON tee on Investigations in 1954: ‘Until this moment, Senator, I Roslyn-native Linda Beigel Schulman, left, discusses her son Scott, a teacher and coach think I never really gauged your who died in the Parkland shooting in 2018, in an event last year at Temple Beth Sholom in cruelty or your recklessness. Have you no sense of decency?’ East Hills alongside U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-Glen Cove). Congresswoman Greene, I ask violence, including attending the Hills, the temple she attended fire for endorsing conspiracy you the same question. Are theories including QAnon and you that cruel? HAVE YOU NO 2020 State of the Union with growing up. Her initial comments criti- Pizzagate, came in a Jan. 27 in- SENSE OF DECENCY??” Congressman Tom Suozzi (DGlen Cove) and giving a talk on cizing Greene, a conservative terview in New York Magazine in “What do we need to her experiences alongside Suozzi commentator turned congress- which writer Olivia Nuzzi notes do?” she told Nuzzi later. at Temple Beth Sholom in East woman who has come under that Media Matters had reported Continued on Page 43

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Opinion

OUR VIEWS

Art in the eye of Flower Hill officials

hen then New York City Mayor Ed Koch was running for governor in 1982, he gave an interview to Playboy Magazine in which he said that the suburbs were “sterile” and if you live upstate, “you have to drive 20 miles to buy a gingham dress or a Sears, Roebuck suit.” This was not well received outside New York City, which is kind of a problem for someone running for statewide oﬃce. The headline in the Albany Times Union read, ”Ed Koch to Albany: Drop Dead.” The publisher of two daily newspapers in Syracuse called for the Democrats to recall the party’s backing of Koch. Never mind the fact that no one could recall the publisher ever endorsing a Democrat in any race up to then. Koch was so popular at the time that he was expected to use the governor’s mansion as a stepping stone to the presidency. But he would eventually go on to lose the Democratic primary to a guy named Mario Cuomo, whose campaign was managed by his son, Andrew. Thanks to online shopping, Koch could not complain about the distance needed to drive to buy something in upstate New York if he were running for oﬃce in 2021. But one wonders about his comment about the suburbs. Koch would seem to have ample ammunition today with a recent order by the Village of Flower Hill to paint over the work of a local artist on a building at 1067 Northern Blvd. that houses a pizza shop and a combination Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin Rob-

bins. Rino DiMaria, the operator of Joanne’s Pizza and the owner of the building, said he asked artist Spencer Stown to spray-paint an abstract mural across the front of his building. Stown, who is active in Instagram’s art scene as @stown7, said he was visiting for a slice when DiMaria asked him to paint one of his designs inside a small, white circle in the middle of the restaurant’s ceiling as well as a pair of elaborate angel wings and a halo in the restaurant’s window. DiMaria liked the ceiling and window paintings so much that he suggested that Stown paint his designs on the two building walls facing the street. “We sit on this dreary corner. We could use something to brighten up this neighborhood,” DiMaria said. “We thought it would make people smile.” Stown said the response he got from people stopping and taking pictures was really good and positive. “Unfortunately, not long afterward [DiMaria] was telling me that he was getting some really bad feedback,” he said. The village, which is located in Roslyn, Manhasset and Port Washington, ordered DiMaria to repaint the walls gray after receiving complaints from members of the public, most of whom said Stown’s work looked like graﬃti. A few complaints from the public seem to be an awfully dangerous standard to determine whether a work of art should be permitted. Michelangelo’s work on the Sistine Chapel might not withstand that standard. Just think about all those nude figures.

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Editorial Cartoon

DiMaria said he had received summonses from the village for failing to maintain exterior surfaces of the building and “keeping up with the standards of the community.” Village oﬃcials have yet to explain how painting a mural on a gray wall is failing to maintain an exterior surface. We look forward to their explanation. We also would like to know why Stown’s adding the slogan “America Runs on Dunkin” to his mural violated village law against displaying a sign upon a building without an application. We guess that Andy Warhol’s paintings of Campbell’s Soup cans would run afoul of the village codes. The only comment from village oﬃcials so far came in a statement. “The Village has received complaints about newly applied exterior wall paint at the business located at the corner of Middle Neck Road and Northern Boulevard,” the statement reads. “We REPORTERS Rose Weldon, Robert Pelaez

have been in contact with the owner and we are informed that the exterior will be restored to the same color as before. We have taken appropriate actions per our code and will take further action should that become necessary.” DiMaria is not the first person to be criticized for violating community standards of art that could lead some to call the suburbs “sterile.” Several years ago, real estate mogul Aby Rosen received heavy flak from neighbors for a display on his 5.5-acre Old Westbury residence of Damien Hirst’s “The Virgin Mother” – a 33-foot high statue depicting a naked pregnant woman split in half, exposing her skull, muscle tissue and part of a fetus – and two other statues. In that case, the village Planning Board developed a compromise that required Rosen to shield the artwork from public view and ensure that the anatomically revealing part of the sculpture faced away from neighbors. DiMaria and Stown attrib-

uted the complaints about the mural to the colors in the mural and the use of spray paint by the artist. “It’s kind of bittersweet,” Stown said. “I don’t feel like it’s hurting anyone. It really is just a color on the wall. Just because it was done with an aerosol can doesn’t mean that it’s vandalism.” The village is working with DiMaria and Stown to develop a new, permanent mural at a later date. But we have our concerns with this arrangement. Art after all is often intended to make us see the world in a different way and in the process runs the risk of offending some. Do we really want village officials to be the arbiters of acceptable art? Michelangelo was commissioned by the Pope to paint the Sistine Chapel in 1477. But we wonder about the standard the Village of Flower will apply to the mural at 1067 Northern Blvd. We hope it proves us and Ed Koch wrong.

PRODUCTION MANAGER Rosemarie Palacios

25 Red Ground Road, Roslyn Heights, NY 11577 Phone: 516-307-1045 • Fax: 516-307-1046 E-mail: hblank@theislandnow.com

ARTS EDITOR Ethan Marshall

EDITORIAL DESIGNERS Lorens Morris, Yvonne Farley

COLUMNIST Karen Rubin

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING Deborah Flynn

EDITOR AND PUBLISHER Steven Blank

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Stacy Shaughnessy, Melissa Spitalnick, Wendy Kates, Linda Robinson

OFFICE MANAGER Holly Blank

ART DIRECTOR Jewell Davis

PUBLISHERS OF

Williston Times • Great Neck News Herald Courier • Roslyn Times Manhasset Times • Port Washington Times

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, February 5, 2021

KREMER’S CORNER

Trump’s pardons a stain on American Flag

etween December 2020 and January of this year, then President Trump signed over 150 pardons for a variety of felons, thieves, personal friends and in one case, a convicted cop killer. Other presidents have exercised the powers granted by Article Two of the constitution, but no president has ever used that power to pardon so many people who deserve to spend years in prison for their crimes. Of all the pardons, he granted none is more shocking than freeing four private contractors who killed 14 Iraqi citizens, including two boys age 9 and 11. The Blackwater company is an entity with strong ties to the Trump administration’s former Education Secretary Betsy De Vos, whose brother Erik Prince founded Blackwater. Over the years, Blackwater has performed multiple tasks in war zones, using helicopters, military-style vehicles and bomb-sniﬃng dogs. Their job is to supplement the role that the Army plays in dangerous regions. The company earnings

as “hired guns” have been estimated to be over $1 billion. It has recently been sold. The story of the Nisour Square Massacre dates back to Sept. 16, 2007. Several Blackwater security contractors were assigned to a convoy of four heavily armed trucks using the call signs “Raven 23.” Shortly before noon, Raven 23 learned that a car bomb had been detonated in Central Baghdad near a location where a U.S. official was being escorted by a Blackwater team. The Raven 23 team members drove to a checkpoint between the Green and the Red Zone. Once there, in disregard of an order from Blackwater’s command, the team left the Green zone to establish a blockade in Nisour Square, a busy traffic circle. While occupying parts of the traffic circle, seven Blackwater employees, including the four defendants, under no threat, began firing their weapons, resulting in the deaths or injury of unarmed civilians. After the firing stopped, one contractor, Paul A. Slough

JERRY KREMER Kremer’s Corner

continued firing his weapon killing or injuring other civilians. Two more Blackwater personnel drove on firing at civilians in other parts of the city. The first to be killed was Ahmed Al Ruby, age 21, an aspiring doctor who was driving his mother to a doctor’s appointment. His mother, a 44-year-old medical doctor, died shortly thereafter. The rest that were killed in the shooting spree were a car salesman, an Iraqi soldier who was assigned to guard the traﬃc

sector, a taxi driver, a motorcyclist on his way to work, women on their way to shop and the two children. When the killing incident was over 14 people were dead and there were countless injured. Four of the shooters claimed that they were under fire and felt threatened. Eyewitnesses claimed that the men had panicked and opened fire indiscriminately. Four men were charged and brought to trial in June 2014. During the trial, the government presented testimony from 71 witnesses, including 30 from Iraq, who traveled to the United States for the trial. There were 10 weeks of testimony and 28 days of jury deliberation. All four were found guilty. The government’s witnesses included nine members of Raven 23. On April 13, 2015, federal district judge Royce C. Lamberth sentenced Nicholas Slatten to life in prison and the other three to 30-year terms. The judge expressed some sympathy for the defendants but he said, “the wild unprovoked shooting just

cannot ever be condoned by the court.” FBI investigators who had visited the scene in the following days described it as the “My Lai massacre of Iraq”, a reference to the slaughter of civilian villagers by US troops during the Vietnam war. After a series of legal maneuvers and appeals, Slatten was sentenced to life in prison and the other three were sentenced to reduced terms of 15 years. Article Two of the Constitution gives the president the power to grant reprieves and pardons for “oﬀenses against the U.S.” The crimes these four committed were crimes against humanity. It may well be that most Americans couldn’t care less about the deaths of a bunch of people over 3,000 miles away, but that’s not what our country stands for. On Dec. 23, 2020, President Trump pardoned the four defendants. This was just another example of the former president’s disrespect for the rule of law and another ugly favor to his political backers.

A LOOK ON THE LIGHTER SIDE

It’s time for the pandemic awards season

ith the turn of the calendar year, we seem to have entered a new and special season: Awards Season. Every movie ad you hear, these days ends with the words “awards eligible.” I recently thought to myself — heck, why stop at movies? Why can’t foods be “awards eligible”? Or gadgets? Or, indeed, everything else in our lives? So I looked around my life and found plenty of “awards-eligible” nominations: Most useless relic of my former life: my purse. I can’t even remember when I last saw it. Most ridiculous everyday problem: I can’t find my glasses. Again! It’s much like losing my cell phone, except I can’t place a call to the glasses just to hear an embarrassing ring tone from my own back pocket. I know they’ve got to be somewhere in the house, because I haven’t left the house in one and a half eternities. So where can they be? Happens Every Damn Day. You’d think they’d learn. Most predictable pandemic

development: toilet paper rolls got smaller. I know because I saved a lot of the tubes for an ill-fated art project, and when I stood them all up in a line, it was obvious the tubes had gotten shorter. And fatter. Much like me! Strangest pandemic development — canned-bean cans got weird. They still feature pull-tab tops like big soda cans, but now too often the pull-tab just pulls oﬀ, leaving the can as intact as ever but with no obvious way to get it open. Luckily I still have a can opener, somewhere in the hurricane go-bag. Most valuable utensil: Can opener. Most annoying vegetable, anywhere: artichoke. So much work for so little payoﬀ. Silliest-sounding vegetable anywhere: Rutabaga. I have never eaten any, I just giggle at the name. Most bi-polar vegetable: Rhubarb. I just have to say what’s up with a vegetable that people say is so delicious they’ll make a pie with it but whose leaves, if eaten, will kill you? It’s the vegetable version

JUDY EPSTEIN

A Look on the Lighter Side of Japanese Fugu fish, and I say Fugu-daboutit! Most reliable berry: Blueberry. Keeps its flavor and juiciness the longest before drying out or turning to mold. Least useful berry: Raspberry. Half the time the berries are moldy before you can get them in the door. Best when fresh oﬀ the otherwise-annoying brambles in the back yard. Most enjoyable thing about winter:Hot chocolate. Runner up: instant oatmeal — especially the

Dinosaur Oatmeal I used to buy for my kids. They don’t have to know I buy it now for myself. Least enjoyable thing about winter:Power failure. Brrrr. Most predictable plumbing problem during pandemic:Drain clogged with longer and longer hair. Most persistent odor in refrigerator:Believe it or not, dill. This has surpassed onion or even garlic. A fresh bunch of dill apparently died weeks ago, somewhere in the back of the refrigerator, and even though I cleaned out everything I could reach, the filtered-water pitcher’s water still tastes of dill. New Least-favorite herb: Dill Biggest disappointment: Realizing that there is still a big container of ice cream in the freezer only to open it and discover there is only ONE SPOONFUL left!!! Who would do such a thing? A savage, that’s who. Best silver lining about pandemic:No need for deodorant — or even mouthwash— for Zoom meetings. No need to leave time for traﬃc or parking or even to change out of pajama bottoms.

Third most annoying feature of Zoom calls: “You’re on mute,” usually said loudly to people who know this already and who are stabbing at the control so desperately that it cancels itself out. Second most annoying feature of Zoom calls: Freezing up. This is especially annoying because your own experience — that you are the only one NOT frozen — is exactly inside out from the experience of everyone else, whose lives have gone on without you. Most annoying feature of Zoom call: After the freeze is over and you are finally in the meeting again, that’s when Zoom feels the need to blot out some of the frame to inform you that “Your internet connection is unstable.” “I know that!” you scream, causing everyone else to wish you were back on mute. Favorite mantra to recite every night: Made it through another day! Favorite mantra to recite every morning: Made it through another night! Only goal: Hanging in there. One day and night at a time.

16 Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, February 5, 2021

E A R T H M AT T E R S

Thankfully, Biden team targets climate crisis

n times of Covid-19 the Great American Outdoors provided a safe bipartisan setting for solace, recreation and physical distancing. Wilderness isn’t just there for natural relief, but it also serves as a cost-eﬀective and powerful solution for storing atmospheric carbon. That’s why it is important to preserve land. The more land we protect, the better chances we have to return carbon to where it came from and keep it in the ground. To prevent the worst consequences of climate change we must do more than reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We must stop the reliance on fossil fuels and protect what’s left of natural lands. We must support Earth’s natural ability to clean the air. The Center for American Progress reports that in the United States alone, a football-field’s worth of land is lost every 30 seconds to human development. As a consequence of habitat destruction and overharvesting, over a million species are destined for extinction in the next few decades. Replacing President Trump with President Biden is a dramatic U-turn from waging war on nature back towards life-sustaining

practices. At this dramatic inflection point, the 2020 election was essentially a choice between a degenerate society or the formation of regenerative civilization. The regenerative revolution is rooted in deep respect for nature’s intelligence — in striking contrast to the dominating, extractive mentality of digging, drilling, fracking and fouling at the expense of all living beings. Restoring scientific integrity to the process of decarbonizing the power grid and protecting our water and air, President Biden confidently stepped into action with a progressive climate plan. During his first two weeks in oﬃce, President Biden with the most diverse Cabinet ever to serve the country has delivered an impressive and record-breaking number of executive orders in favor of climate justice. The Biden-Harris administration rejoined the Paris Climate Agreement on Day One and Biden created a new position at the White House, appointing former EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy as the first national climate adviser to lead the newly formed White House oﬃce of Domestic Climate Policy. He also appointed John Kerry who ushered in the

HILDUR PALSDOTTIR Earth Matters

2015 Paris Agreement as secretary of state to be a top climate adviser. The federal government can now again be seen as an ally, not the enemy, in dealing with the climate crisis. Fox News and the fossil fuel industry may see Biden’s “radical agenda” as “killing the American energy sector,” but the rest of us are looking ahead for sane, renewable energy solutions and new, good paying clean energy jobs with transition support for workers in the fossil fuel sector. It was no secret that the Trump administration collaborated with Big Oil. In contrast, Biden has eﬀectively blocked

new leases for oil and gas drilling on federal lands. The federal fuel leasing ban is estimated to reduce carbon emissions by 280 million tons per year—the equivalent to taking 60 million cars oﬀ the road for a year. Biden’s historic nominee for Interior Secretary, Congresswoman Deb Haaland (D-N.M.) will be the first Native American to lead The U.S. Department of the Interior in managing public land and natural resources. Well known for her leadership in conservation and tribal justice activism, Haaland exclaims she’ll be “fierce for our planet.” Protected federal land could thus become part of the climate solution by supporting biodiversity and natural carbon sequestration. Biden has already declared strong support for the global conservation eﬀort known as “30 by 30” or “30×30” that calls for the protection of 30 percent of land and waters by 2030 to fight extinction and climate change. This translates into at least 440 million additional acres set aside for restoration of healthy terrestrial and marine ecosystems. This sciencedriven plan sets the stage for the United Nation Convention on Bio-

logical Diversity vision for 2050 of “Living in Harmony with Nature.” It’s clear that caring for the environment is equal to caring for human health and economic prosperity. Despite this, The International Union for Conservation of Nature 2020 Protected Planet Report states that only 15 percent of Earth’s land surface is protected and just 7.6 percent of the world’s oceans. The Half Earth project of E. O. Wilson’s Biodiversity Foundation makes the bold claim that we must protect at least 50 percent of Earth’s land and sea by 2050 in order to ensure the long-term health and viability of our species. Reversing the biodiversity crisis by declaring wildlife sanctuaries enhances ecosystem health and resilience, enabling the ground to more eﬃciently capture and store more carbon. Back to nature isn’t just a romantic notion, but our best hope to support life as we know it. We can all play a role in protecting life on Earth. Make sure your elected oﬃcials know about and support 30×30, with a 50×50 vision. You can take the Half-Earth Pledge here Pledge Support to Half-Earth

OUR TOWN

‘Wind in the Willows’ in Hempstead revisited

ong Island’s state parks — Part Four Hempstead Lake State Park is a 737-acre retreat with a massive lake originally designed in 1870 to provide water to Brooklyn. The plan failed because the soil was so sandy and permeable that most of the 400 million gallons tended to leak out. Thankfully, they preserved the lake and the land, which now provide 8 miles of hiking trails, good fishing, bridal paths, tennis courts, basketball courts and a hand-carved wooden carousel for the kids. This is not the time of year for tennis and basketball, but it is a good time for walking, so we decided to take a hike about the Hempstead Lake, which happens to be the biggest lake on Long Island. A patient desperately in need of an escape from the misery of his life recently mentioned he had taken a pleasant walk along the trails of a state park and described a wonderful discovery of swans nestled among the reeds hidden deep in one of the inlets.

His description of his happy discovery reminded me of a chapter in Kenneth Grahame’s 1908 classic “Wind in the Willows.” Kenneth Grahame was a very unhappy banker who retired early and became part of the golden age of British children’s literature with his book “The Wind in the Willows.” The chapter in question was No. 7 entitled “The Piper at the Gates of Dawn” where Mole and Rat take on a rescue mission to find Portly, the missing child otter. This chapter obtained instant fame and was the inspiration for the rock band Pink Floyd, which named their first album after it and inspired Van Morrison to write a song with the same title. The chapter is a sweet fable of how the demi-god Pan provides guidance and safety to them by playing his magic flute. This is a tale of the benevolence and the healing beauty that can only be found in nature, but it also emphasizes how fleeting and easy it is to forget nature’s grand benevolence. The fleeting nature of joy and the failure of memory is well expressed with this quote: “As

DR. TOM FERRARO Our Town

they stared blankly, in the dumb misery deepening as they slowly realized all they have seen and all they had lost.” And towards the very end of the chapter, you hear Mole admit he could “recall nothing but a dim sense of the beauty of it, the beauty.” This idea is remarkably like the anguish Marcel Proust expressed in his book “Remembrance of Things Past” or the tormented soul of the protagonist Mr. Krapp in Samuel Beckett’s “Krapp’s Last Tape.” These wellknown and important novels grappled with the reality that for

better and for worse our recall is flawed but that there is magical healing embedded within the recesses of memory if only we could access it. That means we thankfully will forget our pain, but it also means that we are destined to forget our joys as well. These concepts are support for the entire edifice of psychoanalysis, which insists that we are destined to repeat mistakes until we finally remember what it is we have forgotten.Kenneth Grahame is expressing one of life’s greatest and saddest paradoxes, which is that we have all been born into the kingdom of heaven and receive eternal bounty each day, yet we somehow fail to realize this. Instead, we all tend to forget about our good fortune and instead remain forever in the shadowy limbo of the present in a state of worry and fear about the future. “The Wind in the Willows” went on to become a classic of children’s literature filled with charming characters like Mole, Rat and Toady but the motivation to write the book was Grahame’s eﬀort to entertain and heal his

son who was depressed. Chapter 7 is premonitory in the way it expressed the reckless ways of Portly, the young otter, and how divine music and a demi-god was needed to save him. The reality was that about 10 years after that book was written, Kenneth Grahame’s son took his own life by lying across a railroad track until the train roared by and killed him. So the moral of this story is that, yes, nature’s beauty and music’s majesty are wonderful, but the ultimate arbiter of joy in a life is found buried deep within one’s long-forgotten memories. To date, all we know is that prayer, chanting, meditation and music, although soothing, are not the cures to one’s woes. The cures to many of our woes are hidden within the lock box called our unconscious and the only way to discover what they may be is to take a walk on the wild side within the mysterious but safe space of the psychoanalyst’s oﬃce. Yet another discovery I made just by walking along a trail by a big pond with the name Hempstead Lake.

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, February 5, 2021

VIEW POINT

Pandemic argues for universal health care

hat frightens Republicans — the party of privilege, entitlement and white supremacy – about the very idea of universal health care is that they will have to stand in line like everyone else for the COVID-19 vaccination and other shots. The zero-sum mindset is if “they” have health care, I won’t. Hence the “death panels.” Well, this coronavirus pandemic has shown us Republican death panels, with an overwhelmed or nonexistent public health system that results from a for-profit model of health care and health insurance tied to employers (creating a system akin to indentured servitude). January was the deadliest month so far, with 95,000 COVID-19 dead in the United States as the number of infected hit 26 million – that’s 26 million on top of the 100 million with “pre-existing conditions.” Even if 80 percent had only slight cases, that leaves 5 million with severe

illness and very possibly millions of “long-haulers” with serious, ongoing health issues that likely hurt their productivity and their ability to earn a living. Who will pay for their health care? Who can aﬀord it? And even though it will probably be many months before there is an all-clear from this pandemic, the likelihood is it will not be a century, not even a decade before the next one. So we need a real public health system, pandemic preparedness, true universal health care and beyond that a new emphasis on prevention and wellness. Among the first executive actions President Biden took was to start to undo Trump’s sabotage of the Aﬀordable Care Act. Biden ordered the reopening of enrollment in the health law’s marketplaces and a re-examination of Trump administration policies that undermined protections for people with pre-existing medical conditions.

KAREN RUBIN View Point

But so much more needs to be done. It is time for true universal health care – it can start with adding a public option to Obamacare or go whole hog and introduce universal Medicare. That just means expanding Medicare to all – it can be gradual by expanding the age to buy in (realizing that 80 percent of health care spending hit in the last few years of life), but it is probably preferable to make Medicare the

rule and private, employer-based health insurance the exception. Eliminating the totally nonproductive, bean-counting, forprofit insurance middleman would save some 20 percent from the cost of health care, which now amounts to 19 percent of Gross Domestic Product and as much as 20 percent of a family’s household budget. Take the best of universal health care systems provided by every other industrialized nation – you don’t have to replicate them — and create a hybrid between private and socialized system (as it already is now). You can keep a private health care system (likely alongside public hospitals, clinics and doctors), but fees and charges not just for doctors and hospitals but also drug companies should be regulated, rationalized, capped as a public utility. That would provide true equity. To solve the problem of health equity and the fear about “rationing” care, increase the

number of doctors, nurses, physician assistants; open new healthcare categories of restricted specialties that take less time and cost to train; open more community clinics and expand telemedicine. Provide tuition forgiveness for serving in clinics in communities most in need of care. Invest in research to develop precision medicine and drug techniques that are more eﬀective and eﬃcient. Address the epidemic of Alzheimer’s, the most expensive disease in America and the fifth leading cause of death in adults over 65 years. Alzheimer’s affects 5.8 million Americans and cost $305 billion in 2020. The cost is expected to increase to $1 trillion as the population ages and the number of people with Alzheimer’s triples to 16 million by 2050, according to the American Journal of Managed Care (amjc.com). Invest in research to develop early diagnosis and Continued on Page 45

THE BACK ROAD

Gulf War launch upended young boys

hroughout a long career devoted to helping troubled children and teens, I have been keenly aware of the impact of earth-shattering events on the young people I have come to know. The violent insurrection at the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 6 is a case in point. It brought to mind another event that occurred almost 30 years ago to the day. On the evening of Jan. 16, 1991, at 6 p.m., my boys’ mental health group arrived for their weekly meeting. Sometime soon thereafter and during the course of our meeting, the allied forces in the Persian Gulf started bombing Iraq. I wondered how tuned into these events the boys were. As I recall, there was growing anxiety in conversations picked up almost anywhere one ventured. Following a brief and impassioned debate about the upcoming football playoﬀs leading to Super Bowl XXV, the talk shifted to the prospect of war. The Jan. 15 deadline given to Iraqi President Saddam Hussein to leave Kuwait had passed 18 hours earlier. Too young to have experienced the war in Vietnam, yet old enough to know about indiscriminate terror-

ism, the boys engaged in animated discussion of America’s military capacity. They strutted their knowledge of the American arsenal of air power much like they might debate a forthcoming sporting event. Cruise missiles and B-52s, Stealth Bombers, F-15s, and Tomahawk Missiles filled the air. Reaching beyond their bravado, I asked them, “Are any of you worried?” They startled me with the swiftness of their response, a stark contrast to the macho posturing that had preceded it. “I’m afraid we’ll be bombed We might be hit I can see World War III What if there’s a nuclear war?” Jack, whose father had died two years earlier and who was referred to the group after several violent outbursts in school, was the last to respond. He spoke of the consequences of war in human terms, describing a book he had recently read, “Johnny Got His Gun,” about the impact of war through the experience of a single soldier trapped inside of a severely damaged body. On the prospect of terrorism, the boys doubted that there would be any real protection. An irate Tommy yelled about the planned layoﬀ of scores of New York City

ANDREW MALEKOFF The Back Road

fireman and how two local boys “would have been saved if the local firehouse, a block from my house hadn’t been shut down.” He and the others railed on about “how everything is falling apart.” Tommy’s illustration seemed to highlight their diminishing faith in adults’ ability to protect them. I pointed to an empty chair and asked: “If a boy about your age walked in here now and sat down, and he was shaking and asking for help to deal with the threat of war, how would you help him?” Matthew said that they would tell him not to worry because “the bombs could never reach us,” and if they ever got close, “they would be blown out of the sky.” Then

there was a pause, and Rick, the most “arsenal savvy” of the group said, “You guys will think I’m a wimp, but I’m scared shitless.” Rick punctuated his confession by grasping the fingers of both hands behind his neck and then burying his head between his knees. This was a curious sight that reminded me of the air-raid drills known as “duck and cover” that I had participated in as an elementary school student in the 1950s. The other boys silently studied Rick’s transformation from armchair warrior to vulnerable child. I asked the others if they thought Rick was a “wimp.” Their response was a resounding “No!” and they revealed that they, too, were scared. I told them that they had nothing to be ashamed of, that war is scary and that it took a lot of courage for them to speak openly about how they felt. And, then I tried my best to reassure them that they would be safe. The room fell silent following my attempt at reassurance. As the meeting ended, the boys bolted out at a few minutes past 7 o’clock. I instinctively flicked on the radio only to hear the president’s press secretary, Marlin Fitzwater, announce, “The liberation

of Kuwait has begun.” Moments later one of the boys, Kenny, burst through my door yelling, “They’ve started dropping bombs, they’ve started dropping bombs!” Kenny’s eyes started to fill up and he said, “My mom’s not here yet, and I’m scared. Can I stay with you until she gets here?” I gestured to Kenny to sit down. We heard an airplane overhead, and the tears began to roll down Kenny’s cheeks. “Every time I hear a plane, I’m afraid it will drop a bomb. You know, I was afraid of the dark when I was younger. I live in the top part of our house, and I’m afraid that the bombs will drop whenever I hear a plane.” My reassurances were soon interrupted by the buzz of the telephone and the message of the arrival of his mom. Without hesitation Kenny, about half my size, gave me a bear hug and, burying his head into my midsection, said, “Thanks, Andy, I hope to see you next week.” I assured him that he would, and as I escorted him down the winding staircase with my arm around his shoulder, I could feel him trembling. Or was it me? Andrew Malekoﬀ is a New York State licensed clinical social worker. Letters Continued on Page 41

18 The Port Washington Times, Friday, February 5, 2021

Fried Mac & Cheese Balls Only Cabot farmers’ best packs the bold flavor wo!hy of a winning game day spread.

For the Macaroni and Cheese:

For the Fried Macaroni Balls:

2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni

2 eggs

3 Tbsp. Cabot Salted Bu"er

1 cup garlic and herb breadcrumbs

1 Tbsp. garlic, minced 3 Tbsp. flour 1½ cups milk 16 oz. Cabot Seriously Sharp Cheddar, shredded (about 4 cups)

1½ qts. canola oil ¼ cup buﬀalo sauce Blue cheese or Ranch dressing for dipping

Salt and pepper to taste To make the Macaroni and Cheese: BOIL pasta until tender. Drain. MELT bu!er in large pot and sauté garlic. Whisk in flour for 1 min until smooth. WHISK in milk & stir until smooth and thickened. Stir in cheese. Season with S&P. Add cooked noodles. Stir to coat. Transfer to a 7” x 11” casserole and cool. Cover and refrigerate 1-2 hrs. To make the Fried Macaroni Balls: HEAT oil in large pot or fryer to 375 F. WHISK eggs in a shallow bowl. Pour breadcrumbs in a separate shallow bowl. SCOOP 2 Tbsp cold mac & cheese and form into a tight ball with hands. Roll in eggs and then breadcrumbs until evenly coated. Repeat. Place on foil-lined baking sheet. FRY, up to 3 at a time, in hot oil until golden (1-2 min). Transfer to towel-lined plate. DRIZZLE with buﬀalo sauce & serve with blue cheese or ranch. Enjoy! Discover more favorites at CabotCheese.coop

In 2012, Cabot became the world's 1ST B Corp Ce!ified dairy co-op.

SCHOOLS & EDUCATION

A B l a n k S l a t e M e d i a S p e c i a l S e c t i o n â€¢ F e b r u a r y 5 , 2 0 21

20 Guide to Schools & Education • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, February 5, 2021

3 ways educators can use newspapers in the classroom

The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on communities across the globe. No individual, household or industry was unaffected by the pandemic, and the ripple effects of the virus may be felt for years to come. Though many effects of the pandemic have been devastating, one unforeseen and potentially positive consequence of the spread of COVID-19 was a growing recognition of the invaluable role played by local newspapers. Responses to the virus and strategies regarding

outlets as readers across the globe sought to learn about the pandemic within their own communities and how local officials were responding to the threat posed by COVID-19. If the pandemic illustrated the vital role local newspapers can play, it's important that readers recognize that role won't be any less valuable when COVID-19 is in the world's rearview mirror. Educators can help the next generation of readers recognize the importance of local newspapers by taking various steps to incorporate newspapers into their lessons. 1. Employ newspapers when teaching current events. Everyone was directly aﬀected by the COVID-19 virus, making the story of the pandemic one of the most unique in modern history. Though children are often sheltered from global news stories about conflicts or

how to combat it varied greatly, and local newspapers were a go-to resource for citizens who wanted to learn about rules and regulations in their towns. For example, in England the Bishop's Stortford Independent, a local weekly paper in Hertfordshire, experienced a significant monthly web audience growth during the pandemic. Prior to the global outbreak in January 2020, the paper's monthly web audience was 260,000. By October, that number had spiked to 360,000, reflecting a growing need for local news

economic crises, no such sheltering was possible during the pandemic, as kids were forced to learn from home and confront life with little or no access to extracurricular activities. Educators can show how local newspapers reported on the pandemic when teaching current events, using that example as the foundation for teaching current events in the future. 2. Utilize the newspapers when teaching ESL. Students who do not speak English at home or as their primary language can benefit greatly from their local newspapers. It might be easy to learn how to say certain words in English, but reading them in a newspaper gives ESL students a chance to see the words they've learned in context. And because local newspapers feature sections on everything from news to sports to entertainment, ESL students

are sure to find a few articles that appeal to their existing interests. 3. Use newspapers to encourage a love of reading. Just like ESL students are bound to find something that interests them in the local newspapers, their English-speaking classmates are sure to find a recap of their favorite team's most recent game or a review of the latest superhero movie or a local news story about their town to pique their interest. Students may not realize it, but they're learning when reading such stories by developing their vocabularies, fine tuning their comprehension skills and catching up on current events. The valuable role played by local newspapers was on display during the pandemic. That role won't be any less valuable in a post-pandemic world, and it's a lesson teachers can apply in their classrooms.

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Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, February 5, 2021 • Guide to Schools & Education

Returning to school as an adult Education opens many doors. Sometimes life throws a person a curveball and education gets put on the back burner. Even if school plans have been derailed for several years, one can explore how to return to school as an adult. Adult students are often described as nontraditional students, while traditional students are those who enroll in a college or university or go on to trade school immediately after graduating from high school. Nontraditional students are those who return to get their degrees as adult learners. According to a 2013 National Study of Prospective Adult Students by the higher education marketing group STAMATS, students over the age of 25 are the fastest-growing segment in higher education. For those people resolving to return to school this year, these tips can help them confront any uncertainty they may have about cracking the books after a long layoﬀ. · Recognize you’re never too old. If you have the time and the means to attend school, you can likely find a program that can benefit you regardless of how old you may be. · Remember that education can help you get out of a rut. No matter your age or

experience, it’s easy to get stuck in a rut. Going back to school can help a person get out of that rut and on a path to something new. A return to school can help professionals earn more money, update their skills or learn a new trade. · Ask for the support of friends and family. Students’ success often depends on a strong support network. Be sure to discuss plans to return to school with a spouse, family members or others who can lend a helping hand. Schooling will take time out of a schedule and certain responsibilities you handled may have to be taken on by family members. · Explore accessibility. Now more than ever schools are adapting to the changing times by oﬀering an abundance of classes online. Remote learning became a necessity in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, but it may be an increasingly popular method of conducting classes in the future. For adult learners who worry about juggling time inside of the actual classroom with work and home responsibilities, virtual programs can be the perfect fit. Goals for the new year may include returning to school. Whether a person is completing a diploma program, finishing a degree or learning new skills, there’s no wrong time to continue your education.

Is your child struggling in school? We can help. Winston Preparatory School is the leading school on Long Island for students with learning disabilities, such as dyslexia, ADHD, and nonverbal learning disabilities. Attend a virtual open house on Friday 2/5 at 9:30am or Tuesday 3/9 at 10:45am to learn about our individualized learning environment that will help your child thrive!

Visit for more information www.winstonprep.edu The Winston Preparatory School does not discriminate against applicants and students on the basis of race, color, or national or ethnic origin. The WPSLI campus is not associated with the Half Hollow Hills Central School District.

22 Guide to Schools & Education â€¢ Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, February 5, 2021

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, February 5, 2021 â€¢ Guide to Schools & Education

24 Guide to Schools & Education • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, February 5, 2021

Community giving starts at school The class of 2020 earned over $1 0 million in scholarships.

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When people want to give back, many look to support national charities and other causes that they hold near and dear. Certainly these are worthwhile causes. However, giving back on a local level is a great way to help the people you see every day. Schools are the heart of many communities. School buildings may serve as gathering spaces for sports practices or meetings for various organizations. Even though schools are likely to receive municipal funding for certain operations, budgets are frequently being cut and schools may need all the help they can get. This year the boundaries of the budget may be pushed even further as schools revamp their spaces and implement certain safety protocols to confront the pandemic. Now more than ever schools may need help. Here’s how to do just that. · Volunteer your time. Find out ways you can volunteer time at school. This may be helping teachers make copies of assignments, supervising children at recess or lunch hours, serving as a chaperone at school functions, or being a coach or mentor for afterschool activities. · Attend and participate in fundraisers. Fundraisers are essential to help offset costs for many special events and services for students. Whenever

possible, give wisely through fundraisers. · Provide supplies for classrooms. Teachers often have to supplement their classrooms with supplies bought out of pocket. Reach out to teachers to see which items they need and do your best to supply them. · Join the PTA or a similar schoolsanctioned organization. Many groups perform functions that facilitate strong connections between home and school. Joining and working with such organizations can improve the school experience for everyone. · Buy “Box Tops”-affiliated products. The Box Tops for Education program donates $0.10 per box top label collected and submitted by schools back to that school. More than 80,000 elementary schools have earned money through the program to buy equipment and supplies. Box Tops can be found on many different food packages. · Treat the teacher. In addition to supporting Teacher Appreciation Days and other school events, send in an uplifting note, snack or another way of showing you appreciate his or her efforts. Schools play integral roles in many communities, and efforts to give back can begin on campus or through school-sponsored programs.

F T

& DINING GUIDE

a blank slate media special section â€¢ february 5, 2021

26 Valentine’s Gift & Dining Guide • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, February 5, 2021

Givers’ guide to Valentine’s Day jewelry Valentine’s Day is a great opportunity to bring a little sunshine into a special someone’s life. Nestled between the end of the holiday rush and the beginning of spring renewal, Valentine’s Day occurs at a time of year when days are short, weather is chilly and people might be looking for an excuse to celebrate. Gifts that accompany romantic sentiments expressed on Valentine’s Day can make the holiday that much more memorable. The National Retail Federation says that around 20 percent of Valentine’s celebrants are expected to buy jewelry as gifts. CNN reports that Americans spent $4.7 billion on jewelry in 2018 for Valentine’s Day. Jewelry is a personal gift and one that should be presented with care. These tips can help Valentine’s Day celebrants as they give that special someone jewelry. · Opt for jewelry only if you’re in an established relationship. Roma Designer Jewelry says jewelry can

“speak” commitment without saying a word. Those who are living together, have been dating for some time or married couples are good candidates for exchanging jewelry, which can reinforce couples’ commitment to one another. · Mark milestones. Use jewelry to celebrate not only Valentine’s Day, but also milestone events. Jewelry can be given on a special birthday or anniversary in commemoration of children being born and other special moments. · Take note of style. Scour social media posts or peek inside an existing jewelry box to use as a visual guide for clues regarding the style of jewelry your partner prefers. This makes shopping easier and increases the chances the item will be a hit. · Pay attention to allergies. Metal allergies are a consideration when purchasing jewelry. Earrings tend to be the biggest culprits for allergic reactions because posts are inserted

into the earlobe. If you’re unsure if your partner has a metal allergy, stick to sterling silver and 14k gold. Always opt for nickel-free materials. · Plan in advance. Many jewelry stores run sales throughout the summer and the fall, so shoppers can get jewelry at a discount at these times. Zales recommends staying informed of special deals through a favorite jewelry retailer by signing up for emails. Engraving time may be longer around Valentine’s Day, so plan accordingly. · Stick with simple classics. Those who are unsure what to buy can opt for simple, classic items. Stay away from anything with a lot of color or beading. Small, delicate items tend to have universal appeal. Jewelry is a popular Valentine’s Day gift. When buyers put the time in to find the right piece, they can be confident knowing they’ve given that special someone an item they will cherish for years.

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Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, February 5, 2021 • Valentine’s Gift & Dining Guide

Ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day in a socially distant manner The last year has been challenging for social butterflies, as the COVID-19 pandemic has limited opportunities to socialize in person with close friends and family members. Social distancing guidelines affected various holidays throughout 2020, but such guidelines were issued after Valentine’s Day 2020. Valentine’s Day may be the easiest holiday to celebrate while still adhering to social distancing restrictions. After all, Valentine’s Day is typically a day to spend time alone with the person you love. The following are seven socially distant Valentine’s Day celebration ideas. 1. Order a take-out dinner for two from a favorite local restaurant. It gives you the night off from cooking and helps support a small business. 2. Watch a romantic movie on your preferred streaming service.

3. Treat each other to a pair of cozy pajamas and spend the day under the covers catching up on cuddles and rest. 4. Bundle up and, if weather allows, take a hand-in-hand stroll through a park or favorite sightseeing spot. Just follow any protocols for remaining safe, such as wearing masks. 5. Those who reside in climates that are mild in February can rent a small boat and enjoy a few hours on the open water far away from others. 6. Purchase the ingredients to a recipe you both enjoy and prepare the meal together. Don’t forget to leave room for dessert. 7. Take turns giving one another back massages at home. These are just some of the ways Valentine’s Day can be enjoyed safely while adhering to pandemic-related safety guidelines.

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28 Valentine’s Gift & Dining Guide • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, February 5, 2021

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Different types of chocolate to give this Valentine’s Day

Chocolate is a popular gift on Valentine’s Day. According to the Nielsen Company, Valentine’s Day is the third busiest holiday for chocolate sales, following Halloween and Easter. More than 70 million pounds of chocolate are purchased each year and oﬀered as Valentine’s Day gifts. Chocolate connoisseurs can learn more about the diﬀerent types of chocolate to find the one their loved one will find most appealing. · Milk chocolate: Milk chocolate is produced with low levels of cocoa and high amounts of sugar and milk. In addition, it contains cocoa butter and chocolate liquor. Milk chocolate often is made up of 3.39 percent butterfat, 10 percent chocolate liquor and 12 percent milk solids. · Semi-sweet chocolate: Semi-sweet chocolate is largely an American creation and term. It contains at least 35 percent cocoa solids and is darker than sweet dark chocolate. The amount of sugar varies across brands. · Bittersweet chocolate: Bittersweet chocolate typically contains at least 50 percent chocolate liquor, but some will have between 70 and 80 percent. The sugar content

is unregulated, so one manufacturer’s bittersweet may not be as bitter as another’s. · Baking chocolate: Also known as bitter chocolate, this is pure chocolate liquor made from ground cocoa beans. It may look like chocolate, but it is used in recipes where it is combined with sugar. It should not be eaten on its own. · White chocolate: White chocolate has cocoa butter but no chocolate liquor or cocoa products. Therefore, it is not truly chocolate. · Candy coating chocolate: This has no cocoa butter and uses vegetable or palm oils in the recipe. It often is used in dipping or enrobing because of its excellent melting ability. · Couverture chocolate: In the United States, the ideal standard for couverture chocolate involves a minimum of 35 percent cocoa solids and 31 percent cocoa butter. This chocolate is tempered and used when coating ingredients or dipping items in chocolate. Chocolate shines on Valentine’s Day. Gift givers can select a chocolate variety that appeals most to their recipients’ palates.

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Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, February 5, 2021 • Valentine’s Gift & Dining Guide

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30 Valentine’s Gift & Dining Guide • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, February 5, 2021

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Flowers and their various meanings

Flowers can represent various emotions. Flowers play a prominent role in many and holidays, perhaps none more than Valentine’s Day. Valentine’s Day is a busy day for florists. ProFlowers says it accounts for most of the industry’s fresh flower sales. Around 78 percent of the flowers purchased for Valentine’s Day are cut flowers, and men are the top consumers. Roses are the go-to flower on Valentine’s Day, but shoppers can look to various blooms to send the right message to that special someone in their lives. In fact, each type of flower conveys its own unique message. ProFlowers and Pickup Flowers note that the following are some popular blooms and the messages those flowers are traditionally associated with. · Amaryllis: This flower is symbolic of splendid beauty and can be used to indicate worth. · Aster: The aster symbolizes patience, elegance and daintiness. · Calla lily: This bloom symbolizes magnificence and beauty, as well as purity and innocence. That is why Calla lilies are often the flower of choice in wedding bouquets. · Carnations: These are one of the most popular flowers in the world and are gener-

ally symbolic of love and fascination. · Daffodil: Daffodils symbolize regard and chivalry. They also can be indicative of rebirth, new beginnings and eternal life. A single daffodil can signal misfortune, while a bunch expresses joy and happiness. · Gerbera daisies: With large, beautiful blooms in a wide assortment of vibrant colors, gerbera daisies are a favorite flower for cheerful sentiments. · Gladioluses: These tall, striking flowers are eye-catching and make great gifts for significant others. The gladiolus symbolizes honor, infatuation and strength. · Iris: Irises represent faith, hope and wisdom and are cherished for their big, beautiful blooms. · Peony: This flower, which resembles a rose, symbolizes a happy life, happy marriage, prosperity, and good health. · Rose: Roses symbolize love in its various forms, and different colors of roses symbolize different things. For example, yellow roses represent care and friendship, while pink roses are given as a token of admiration. Flowers are popular gifts come Valentine’s Day. Choosing a flower that best represents the feelings gift-givers want to convey can incorporate even more meaning into a bouquet or basket.

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, February 5, 2021 • Valentine’s Gift & Dining Guide

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32 Valentine’s Gift & Dining Guide • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, February 5, 2021

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Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, February 5, 2021 • Guide to Schools & Education

The various ways to pay off student loan debt Students and families invest heavily in higher education. Many students rely on student loans to finance their educations. In fact, students amassed $1.56 trillion in student loan debt by 2020. According to Forbes, American student loan debt is now the second highest consumer debt category, exceeded only by mortgage debt. The Institute for College Access and Success says the average student loan debt is $32,731, while the median student loan monthly payment is $222. Some students feel like paying oﬀ student loan debt is impossible. Many loan repayment schedules kick in shortly after graduation, and certain borrowers may not yet be making enough money to aﬀord even the minimum payments on their student loans. Thankfully, there are ways to get out from under student loan pressure. · Investigate income-driven repayment. IDR will lower student loan payments based on your income, and some plans even promise to forgive any remaining balance once the re-

payment period is up. That period can take between 20 and 25 years. · Make a move. The Rural Opportunity Zone program encourages Americans to move to rural Kansas to help discourage population decline and to give others the benefits of a lower cost of living. Seventy-seven Kansas counties have been authorized to oﬀer student loan payment incentives. · Work in public service. A Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, or PLSF, enables student loan forgiveness in exchange for working for a nonprofit or working in government. · Refinance the loans. Graduates may not be aware that they can refinance their student loans at a lower rate or choose new loan terms, including variable or fixed rates. Maturity dates can even be renegotiated in certain instances. It’s possible to save thousands of dollars in interest by refinancing, particularly if borrowers have a credit score of at least 650. · Make more than the minimum payment. Financial advi-

sor Dave Ramsey says making the minimum payments on student loans will not get them paid oﬀ fast, and the interest could pile up as well. By paying more than the minimum payments, you can pay down the

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principal more quickly. Designate tax refunds and salary increases to pay down student loan debt. · Ask for help. Speak with your boss about whether he or she can help pay oﬀ student

loans. Some employers oﬀer conditional student loan repayment to employees. These are some of the ways that student loan debts can be repaid quickly, eﬃciently and creatively.

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34 Guide to Schools & Education • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, February 5, 2021

Keep devices in top shape and running well

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The need for reliable technology has never been more apparent. When the world hit the proverbial pause button in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, technology was crucial to keeping people connected to the world around them, helping people maintain some semblance of normalcy as it pertained to work and education. Students and families who have invested in various electronics to help keep their household running should understand that maintenance is required to keep these devices running effectively. These tips can help keep gadgets in tip-top shape. • Protect devices from extreme temperatures. Electronic devices are designed to operate under an array of conditions, but pushing those conditions can result in damage. Most devices are fine between temperatures of 32 F and 90 F. But don’t leave electronics in the car, in a sunny window or outdoors. • Clean devices regularly. Refer to the user’s manual for the proper ways to clean the devices you rely on each day. Some may require a specific cleaner or a particular fabric to help ensure the device isn’t scratched or damaged. Spray cleaners on a cloth and then wipe oﬀ devices, rather than spraying cleaners directly on electronics. Try a can of compressed air to remove dust from crevices or vents.

• Invest in a surge protector. While surge protector power strips multiply the number of available outlets, they also serve a more important purpose. These devices will cut off power to plugged-in electronics if there is a power surge, helping to prevent damage. • Don’t overcharge. It’s essential to have gadgets charged and ready to go, but overcharging can reduce battery life. Do not leave devices charging overnight. Battery University™, a free educational website offering battery information, says that nickel- and lithiumbased batteries should be stored with a 40 percent state-of-charge. This level minimizes age-related capacity loss and keeps the battery in good condition. • Use protective cases. Cases can prevent damage if devices are dropped and also may safeguard against scratched screens. Cases and covers also minimize dust and dirt on devices. • Keep software up-to-date. Security issues may arise when software is not updated, and programs may not run effectively or be compatible with others. Along the same vein, routinely clean out unused files to free up space, and clear cookies and browser histories to maintain speed and efficiency. Routine maintenance can keep electronics working properly when they’re needed the most.

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, February 5, 2021 • Guide to Schools & Education

How to find a tutor for your child Tutors provide an invaluable service to students across the globe. Students at all grade levels utilize tutors, and the results such tutors produce may surprise even the most ardent tutor supporters. A 2009 study from researchers at the Chabot College Office of Institutional Research found that tutored students had higher pass rates on average than non-tutored students in every class examined. Those classes included anatomy, biology, business, and chemistry. In addition, one study published in the American Journal of Physics found that human tutoring can result in classroom test scores that are 35 percent higher than software-driven tutoring. Such results have understandably made many parents true believers in the power of tutoring. Parents who want their children to work with tutors but don’t know where to find one can try these strategies. · Contact your child’s school. Many schools offer free tutoring programs, and such programs can provide the oneon-one attention students need to understand their lessons. After-school tutoring programs offered by schools also

may provide curriculum-specific tutoring that aligns directly with what students are being taught in the classroom. Schools also may have information about local private tutors and tutoring firms, so parents should not hesitate to contact their children’s school. · Ask around. Fellow parents can be great resources when looking for tutors. Other parents can share their own experiences working with certain tutors, and may be able to point you in the direction of tutors who specialize in certain areas, such as mathematics or the sciences. · Contact local community organizations. Local community organizations such as the YMCA also may oﬀer free or low-cost tutoring programs to members or even non-members. Parents are urged to consider these programs, as they may be staﬀed by local college students, including undergraduates and post-graduates. When speaking with local organizations, ask how they choose their tutors and inquire about the educational backgrounds of those tutors. · Consider online tutoring services. Online tutoring services are another option, and one that can be especially

valuable for families that live in remote or rural areas where in-person access to tutors may be hard to find. Search the internet for online tutoring services, making sure to read reviews and even

request testimonials from past clients before signing up. Parents have numerous resources at their disposal that can help them find tutors for their children.

36 Guide to Schools & Education • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, February 5, 2021

How to clean and sanitize a backpack

The warning signs of dyslexia Obstacles are bound to challenge students at some point in their academic careers. Students can sometimes overcome obstacles by recommitting themselves to their studies, while others, including dyslexia, require help from parents and educators. According to LD Online, an online resource that seeks to help children and adults with up-to-date information about learning disabilities and ADHD, as many as 43.5 million Americans from all economic and ethnic backgrounds have dyslexia. Dyslexia is also prevalent in Canada, where the learning disability resource The Reading Clinic estimates as much as 20 percent of the population has dyslexia. Learning disabilities can be challenging at any time, but they may be especially so when in-person access to educators and academic resources is limited or unavailable. Such was the case for many students during the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020, when schools abruptly switched from inperson learning to remote learning in an effort to curb the spread of the potentially deadly virus. During the pandemic, millions of parents of school-aged children found themselves taking on the role of educators. That can be challenging for any parent, but especially so for parents of children with undiagnosed learning disabilities. Dyslexia is a complex learning disability, but one that may produce noticeable symptoms, which can vary depending on a child’s age.

What is dyslexia? The Reading Clinic notes that dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurological in origin and characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition. What are some warning signs for dyslexia? LD Online notes that it’s a myth that people with dyslexia read backwards. Students may have difficulty remembering letter symbols for sounds or forming memories for words, but they do not read backwards. In addition, LD Online notes that individuals with dyslexia may experience difficulty with: · Learning to speak · Learning letters and their sounds · Organizing written and spoken language · Memorizing number facts · Reading quickly enough to comprehend · Persisting with and comprehending longer reading assignments · Spelling · Learning a foreign language · Correctly doing math operations Parents, especially those homeschooling their children during the COVID-19 outbreak, who notice any of these symptoms should report them to their children’s teachers immediately. Dyslexia is more common than many people may think. While dyslexia is a lifelong condition, LD Online notes that, with treatment, many people learn to read and write well. More information about dyslexia is available at www. ldonline.org.

Backpacks are useful tools for students and adults alike. From hiking supplies to school books to sports equipment, backpacks can store just about anything. As veritable workhorses, they’re bound to get dirty and can benefit from periodic cleaning. While it may be tempting to simply throw a backpack into the washing machine, it is important to check the care instructions first. Some canvas, nylon and fabric backpacks can go in the wash, but those made of leather or those with intricate details should not. Backpack manufacturers also advise against putting backpacks in a dryer. Here are steps to cleaning a backpack. 1. To get started, begin by removing any items from the backpack, including all of the pockets. If necessary, use a vacuum to get crumbs out of the backpack. 2. Check the care label to see if there are washing instructions. This will determine if you should wash it by hand or if it can be put in the machine. 3. If the bag can be machinewashed, turn it inside out first or place it in a pillowcase so that the straps and zippers will not be caught. Then wash it on a gentle setting with a mild detergent and lukewarm water. If the bag should be hand-washed, use lukewarm water and a soft sponge or a gentle bris-

tle brush. The outdoor retailer REI says you do not want to harm any protective coatings on the pack. 4. Zippers need occasional cleaning to remove dirt, sand or crumbs. Many zippers have water-resistant coatings so do not scrub them. Use a lubricant made for zippers to help them slide smoothly. 5. Hang the bag to air dry upside down. It likely will dry more quickly outdoors, but avoid direct sunlight, which can compromise the integrity of the fabric or discolor the backpack. 6. Do not store or use the backpack until it is completely dry. 7. Sometimes a backpack may need to be disinfected to prevent the growth of fungus or bacteria. Athlete’s foot fungus can easily transfer from socks and shoes to the backpack if gym clothes are left in the bag. The Spruce says to skip chlorine bleach and use a pine oil or phenolic disinfectant or a disinfectant wipe, such as Pine Sol or Spic-n-Span. Lysol brand disinfectant also can be used and is available in liquid formula or spray. If a backpack is waterproof, only wash it once or twice per year; otherwise, you may reduce the pack’s ability to repel water. Use cleansing wipes to spot clean when necessary. Backpacks can get grimy quickly. Routine washing can freshen them right up.

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, February 5, 2021 • Guide to Schools & Education

Recommended tech for students

PORT WASHINGTON SCHOOL OF PAINTING OFFERING ART CLASSES MONDAY TO FRIDAY FOR A LL A GES FOR ALL AGES !"#$$%$&'(%"&)&*(+ %

Shopping for school supplies once entailed stocking up on pens, pads and notebooks. Students today still buy many of the same items, though they also now stock up on electronics. Technology and education now go hand-in-hand. For students to find success both in and out of the classroom, the right tech can make all the difference. · High-speed internet: Connectivity is key in a digitally driven world. Students need access to the internet for homework, lectures, email, entertainment, and much more. The faster your internet speed the better. According to the resource HighSpeedInternet.com, streaming videos on a single device or web browsing requires between five and 40 Mbps. Downloading large files or using multiple devices simultaneously requires high speeds. When accessing the internet via smartphones, make sure your plan has unlimited data or provides enough data to ensure interruptions do not occur. · Laptop or notebook computer: Laptops and notebook devices are similar in that both offer many types of software preloaded that a student will need. The devices seem interchangeable, but there are some differences. Laptops are generally larger than sleek, light notebooks. Notebooks are sized to fit easily into backpacks. Notebooks tend to have minimal features, including less RAM capacity and slower speeds, helping to keep their costs down. Some notebooks may have very small amounts of hard

drive storage space, requiring users to purchase external storage devices. · Headphones: Most schools now require students to have their own dedicated pair of earbuds or over-the-ear headphones so that work conducted on a computer does not disturb others also working on their own devices. Headphones also can make it easier to hear and comprehend videos and other digital lessons while doing homework. · Chargers/battery packs: Devices must maintain power to help kids learn. Students can benefit from having a backup charger or battery pack to maintain functionality on their devices. · Storage and charging base: Keeping electronics neat and accessible for the family may mean rethinking countertop or other storage spaces. Charging stations hold multiple devices and allow them to charge simultaneously. · Touchscreen pen: Many notebook and laptop computers have touchscreens that respond to pens/styluses and make drawing or writing on the screen more detailed. · Printer/scanner: While many schools have adopted paperless formats, there may come a time when printing an assignment or report is necessary. A quality ink-jet printer can fit the bill. A scanner to scan photos or documents also makes it easier to complete assignments. The above are just some of the many gadgets that can assist students with their studies.

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PORT WASHINGTON SCHOOL OF PAINTING 143 Main Street Port Washington 516 721 7807

38 Guide to Schools & Education â€˘ Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, February 5, 2021

Registration is now open! We've been waiting for you! Now accepting registrations for 2021-2022 For more information visit our website at tbsroslyn.org/learning/ostrow-early-childhood-center or call (516) 621 1171 to schedule a tour Email: earlychlidhoodcenter@tbsroslyn.org

The Port Washington Times, Friday, February 5, 2021

COMMUNITY NEWS

Judea offers courses Town seeks interim in reading Hebrew garbage commissioner “Back to the Basics –Hebrew Reading 101 for Adults” and “Advanced Hebrew Reading for Adults” are two new Zoom courses held weekly at Temple Judea for its members. Both enthusiastic groups of eager students are taught by Rabbi Todd Chizner, Cantor Deborah Jacobson, and Lauren Resnikoﬀ, Director of Education. It is obvious that the pleasure of learning and teaching is a two-way street. The teachers are delighted to be helping their adult students to enlarge and deepen their knowledge of the language. Many of the students have been attending Shabbat services and other religious occasions over the years and have often recited the prayers by rote. They are now pleased to hear themselves reading Hebrew and recognizing the words and phrases that they until now only known by hearing them. The purpose of the basic class is to familiarize the students with the names of the Hebrew letters as well as their pronunciation, gradually being able to read these newlylearned letters in actual Hebrew words. The class is given many opportunities to practice their new-found skills and derives much pleasure in their new ability to recognize and actually read these familiar words. The advanced class is for students who have some

knowledge of Hebrew but want to sharpen their skills and to be more skillful in reading, especially the liturgical parts of the religious services. The teachers also incorporate into the curriculum interesting historical facts and Biblical significance in many of the prayers and blessings studied by the students. Many examples of the changes in modern Hebrew have taken place since the birth of Israel when Hebrew became its oﬃcial language. Many of the Jewish people who immigrated to Israel in the first years of its becoming a state were from many parts of Eastern Europe and Russia, where Yiddish was the spoken language and the most widely-used Jewish language in the preHolocaust world. When Hebrew became the oﬃcial language of Israel, the formerly Yiddish-speaking Israelis were now learning Hebrew. Many of the former Yiddish words and pronunciations were incorporated into Hebrew and these Yiddish words are now phasing out as new generations of Israel are speaking modern Hebrew. Temple Judea is a Reform congregation, located at 333 Searingtown Road, Manhasset (exit 36 N on the LIE). (516) 621-8049. www.temple-judea.com New members are welcome. The first year of membership is free.

The North Hempstead Town Board is currently seeking an interim commissioner for the Port Washington Garbage District to fill the vacancy upon the resignation of Commissioner Mary Giordano. In accordance with New York State Law, the town board will fill the commissioner vacancy with a qualified candidate to hold oﬃce for the unexpired portion of the term. The Port Washington Garbage District is responsible for providing residents and businesses, within the district, with

collection and disposal services. The district is comprised of three elected Commissioners, who serve staggered threeyear terms. To submit your name for consideration, please email PWGarbageCommissioner@northhempsteadny.gov with your resume and a cover letter by Monday, February 15, 2021. All applicants must reside within the boundaries of the Port Washington Garbage District. For more information about the PW Garbage District visit: www.pwgarbagedistrict.com.

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40 Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, February 5, 2021

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Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, February 5, 2021

Business&RealEstate How first-timers can make a wise buy Purchasing your first home is a big step and one that is likely to affect your financial future for years to come. Your first step will be to establish your budget, then speak with a mortgage broker to get a prequalification letter. It’s not just all about your mortgage payments, which include your principle, interest and real estate taxes and insurance (P.I.T.I.) You have to anticipate the other costs of owning like future increase in taxes, repairs, maintenance and emergencies and set aside a little savings for those situations in the future. Buy what you need while still anticipating future needed space as you expand your family. Buying too large a home adds to the cost of your mortgage, taxes, insurance and upkeep. Also keep in mind that due to the Covid-19 pandemic you should ask yourself whether your job and/ or business is in a strong position now and into the future. Purchasing your home and staying within your budget while living there for the near term might be your safest bet for now until the economy and your job or business improves. Keeping your expectations somewhat on the conservative side will be an excellent approach. Understanding potential appreciation and its eﬀect on future purchasing will go a long way if and when you want to move up to a larger home. Whether you sell, rent or exchange the current property, a home with long-term appreciation will provide greater buying options in the

future. Next look for neighborhoods which expect a rise in value or most important that have top-notch school systems. Working with a reputable Broker or agent will also help you to minimize major as well as minor mistakes in the purchase process. You don’t do your own dental work or yearly physical do you? Then connecting and seeking out a professional by reviewing their online reviews and testimonials will be the most prudent, smartest and safest way in searching out and securing your next place to call home. You should determine your specific needs and wants in your home. Will you consider a fixer-upper where you could build value and appreciation into home right from the beginning or prefer a excellent to mint condition home? But then again do you have the knowledge and/or connections to be able to renovate? I recommend this path if you have experience or have enough professionals within your immediate family or friends to be able to do the job. Also, what are the minimum number of bedrooms and bathrooms you will need anticipating the growth of your family. Consider what other needs and wants you may have so you will have as clear a picture as possible before going out and looking. You may have to adjust those specifics as you go along as I have seen buyers completely change their thoughts on the style of the home as well as the interior because their preconceived ideas of needs and wants weren’t always inscribed in stone.

PHILIP A. RAICES Real Estate Watch

Finding the right fit is most important and getting that tingling feeling and falling in love with that special home is how it sometimes happens. The majority now search online to view photos and virtual tours to provide more than adequate information and insights into the homes and neighborhoods. Statistics about crime, schools, shopping, cultural offerings and things to do will also provide the information that will further educate you in making the right decision as to where you decide to live. Then you can physically go out to scope out the neighborhood, schools, amenities, public transportation and other important factors which will enable you to determine if the location is your best fit. Your broker should be asking you probing questions as to your budget, if you have a pre-qualification lenders letter and what towns, style of homes, bedrooms and baths you are interested in. Once there is

a clear picture of what you are looking to purchase, your broker will set you up on an automatic search and send you those homes on a regular basis that come as close to what you might be searching for. Our MLS system is the No. 1 source for updated information that is accurate. We have the listings first before they go out to the large online companies whose information is not always accurate and up-to-date. Once you fall in love with a home, always make sure you hire a licensed and insured home inspector. Recommendations are always a sound and pragmatic way to go. Your real estate broker can also advise you as well as they have established strong relationships within a multitude of industries dealing with the real estate process and will know who are the most proficient and expert at their trade and have a long standing and stellar reputation for doing the right thing. Don’t be penny-wise and pound foolish and get stuck with expensive repairs or hidden defects. Hiring the best inspector for your money is the best route to take. I also recommend making sure you receive insurance quotes for the home you are interested in for there are factors that will aﬀect the price, e.g., the neighborhood, location, flood zones, etc. Make sure you inquire and check the accuracy of the taxes to be sure that all deductions for any senior, military and any other exemptions, including the STAR exemption, are added back so you will

know the real taxes. School taxes are approximately 60-65 percent of your total real estate tax bill. An older couple or person with lower income may have a much higher STAR exemption deduction, which reduces their real estate taxes. Your STAR exemption potentially will most likely be much lower than the current owner’s. Also, the S.A.L.T. (state and local taxes) deductibility maximum of $10,000 just might be eliminated in the near future. This was put into eﬀect during the last administration and mainly aﬀected the blue states with higher real estate taxes. It will all depend on what decisions Congress and President Biden determine are the right path to pursue. There are a great number of questions to be asked and decisions to be made as you go along searching for your home. Being pragmatic and using common sense will aid you in finally finding your next place to call home. If you have any questions or concerns, always feel free to reach out to me. Philip A. Raices is the owner/ Broker of Turn Key Real Estate at 3 Grace Ave Suite 180 in Great Neck. He has 39 years of experience in the Real Estate industry and has earned designations as a Graduate of the Realtor Institute (G.R.I.) and also as a Certified International Property Specialist (C.I.P.S). For a “FREE” 15-minute consultation, a value analysis of your home, or to answer any of your questions or concerns he can be reached by cell: (516) 647-4289 or by email: Phil@TurnKeyRealEstate.Com

F RO M T H E D ES K O F A R N O L D W. D RU C K E R

Vaccines, property taxes and police reform

ithout a doubt, the most exciting, comforting and positive development from the first few weeks of this new year has been the arrival of COVID-19 vaccines. Having lived through a oncein-a-century pandemic that has already been responsible for the deaths of more than 400,000 of our fellow Americans, envisioning the end of this painful experience is a truly welcome sight on the horizon. My oﬃce will continue to provide updates and helpful information as you navigate the process of obtaining vaccination appointments. At the start of the year, our attention also turns to a perennial issue — real estate taxes. As I have done each year since becoming a Legislator, I will be hosting a series of free workshops where you can learn from experts how to grieve your taxes. The only diﬀerence is that, because of COVID-19, we are conducting them virtually. Visit www.nassaucountyny.gov/LD16

for the date and time of our next workshop. While outside experts have aﬃrmed the high level of accuracy of Nassau County’s recent reassessment, you will always have the right to grieve your taxes if you believe your assessed value is incorrect; as of this writing, you have until April 30, 2021 to do so. Visit https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/ arc for the latest updates. Restoring the integrity of the county’s assessment system after years of willful neglect has proven to be a daunting task, and the work is ongoing. I have been following very closely the progress of proposed state legislation, which I was involved in drafting, that would amend New York State’s Real Property Tax law to change the way new construction, condominiums, and substantially renovated or improved homes are taxed in Nassau County. This law would also ensure that the changes in assessed value for these types of properties are

ARNOLD W. DRUCKER Nassau County Legislator

phased in — just like other homes under Nassau County’s Taxpayer Protection Plan. As we continue to tackle those pressing issues, we are simultaneously embarking upon police reform in Nassau County, which in 2019 was named the safest county of its size in the country by U.S. News & World Report. As mandated by Gov. Cuomo’s

executive order, all police departments must submit a package of reforms to address and ameliorate racial inequity and implicit bias wherever it may exist throughout our state and communities. Following a state-mandated collaborative eﬀort with community leaders and stakeholders, the County Executive has put forth a draft of proposed reforms. This will necessitate public hearings in order to allow for your input. The Legislature must then review and advise upon the first version before approving or rejecting the final proposal that comes before us. We are faced with an extremely important task, as these reforms will become standard operating procedure for law enforcement here in Nassau County. Visit https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/ EO203 to review the draft plan and submit your feedback. It may seem as if we have a lot on our plate as we start 2021. We do — and this is just the begin-

ning. However, in my fifth year as a Legislator, I cherish the honor and privilege of representing this community more than ever, and I welcome the task of always protecting and advocating for my constituents and Nassau County residents. I will keep you advised every step of the way. Let’s hope that 2021 is the harbinger of a new and improved world characterized by peace, unity, kindness and a renewed brotherhood and sisterhood that Dr. Martin Luther King, whose birthday we celebrated earlier this month, envisioned almost 60 years ago. Happy New Year, everyone. Please be safe and healthy as we continue to navigate this catastrophic pandemic as best we can. Arnold W. Drucker, of Plainview, was first elected to the Nassau County Legislature in 2016. He represents the 16th Legislative District in the Nassau County Legislature. Letters Continued on Page 50

42 The Port Washington Times, Friday, February 5, 2021

Recent Real Estate Sales in

Port Washington

20 Seaview Lane, Port Washington

12 Pine Drive, Port Washington

4 bd, 3 ba, 2,007 sqft, Sold on: 9/27/20, Sold Price: $980,000 Type: Single Family, Schools: Port Washington

5 bd, 3 ba, 2,530 sqft, Sold on: 8/25/20, Sold Price: $985,000 Type: Single Family, Schools: Port Washington

52 Driftwood Drive, Port Washington

32 Sinkstink Drive West, Port Washington

4 bd, 3 ba, 2,202 sqft, Sold on: 6/8/20, Sold Price: $1,200,000 Type: Single Family, Schools: Port Washington

4 bd, 3 ba, 1,920 sqft, Sold Price: 9/28/20, Sold Price: $645,00 Type: Single Family, Schools: Port Washington

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

Lic. Assoc. R. E. Broker

Experience, Integrity Proven Results

O 516.944.2858 | M 516.729.2413 maria.rovegno@elliman.com President’s Award Recipient* elliman.com

Maria Rovegno

The Port Washington Times, Friday, February 5, 2021

Parkland parent calls out Greene Continued from Page 12 “Show her the video? Do I need to take her over to Scott’s mausoleum? Does she need to see how he was shot six times from three feet away? It’s wrong. It’s just wrong.” She elaborated on her comments in an interview last week with CNN anchor Don Lemon. “She has no right to negate Scott’s heroism, and she has no right to demean my son’s memory with her conspiracy theories,” Beigel Schulman said. “She just has no right, and we need to speak out, because we need to take that right away from her.” Lemon asked if she had anything to say to those like Greene who touted conspiracy theories about Parkland and other mass shootings. Beigel Schulman replied that in modern culture, “unless it touches a person directly, we look away.” “We heard about it day in and day out, and now we hear it [and think] ‘Oh, there’s just another mass shooting,'” Beigel Schulman said. “There’s no such thing as ‘just another mass shooting.’ Until somebody is touched personally, it seems like they don’t want to do anything about it, and we need to do something about it. We need to stop this because it’s hurting. It very, very much hurts me, and I can speak for the other 16 families, it

has to stop. It can’t go on like this where everybody just looks away.” On Monday in an interview with MSNBC’s Alex Witt, Beigel Schulman said that she had asked Suozzi to put her in touch with Greene, which resulted in the two meeting on Zoom. Suozzi’s oﬃce confirmed this in a statement to Blank Slate Media. Beigel Schulman described their conversation as “friendly and cordial.” “My first question to Congresswoman Greene was, do you really believe that Parkland and Sandy Hook were false flags and staged?” Beigel Schulman said. “That was a really important question to me. I just to this moment cannot fathom that somebody could say something like that. Her answer to me was, unequivocally, ‘No I do not.'” She said that she then asked the congresswoman if she would come on MSNBC with her and publicly disavow her statements. “I asked [Greene] if she would come on air with me today and make a public statement,” Beigel Schulman said. “I said ‘You know what, if that’s really, really what you believe in, come on the air and tell the public just that.’ Well her statement is clear, because here I am with you, and she’s not here right now.

“Truth is power. And if Congresswoman Greene believes that Parkland and Sandy Hook were in fact real events, she would be willing to say that publicly, and her failure tells me that for Congresswoman Greene, politics, [former President Donald] Trump’s truth, his lies and conspiracy theories are more important to her than honesty.” Beigel Schulman added that “silence is not an option.” “I would like Congresswoman Greene, especially after our conversation, to publicly disavow her comments and apologize to those from Parkland and Sandy Hook, who she has hurt and devastated with her words, because she has definitely devastated all of us,” Beigel Schulman said. “I would also like her to acknowledge that the massacre was not staged, and not a false flag. I would like her to acknowledge the massacre was real and really did happen. And I’d like her to acknowledge that Scott and many others were murdered. And you know what, along with that, I think it’s really important that she acknowledge that David Hogg was not a paid actor. Because anyone who does not call this out needs to grow a conscience or find the conscience that they have, if they have one.”

Cuomo expands vaccine eligibility Continued from Page 3 cember. Distribution centers on Long Island had administered 213,037 of the 288,360, or 74 percent, of the doses they had received since December. Despite the administration rate being above the statewide average, Long Island had the lowest level of hospital workers who have received vaccinations. Northwell Health, the health care system that is spearheading distribution eﬀorts on Long Island, stressed the need to vaccinate health care

workers as quickly as possible. “As New York State’s largest health system and private employer, Northwell Health remains focused on vaccinating our frontline workers — and each day we inoculate hundreds more of our team members,” a statement from Northwell said. “We do not make the COVID-19 vaccine mandatory and expect the rate of vaccinated staﬀ to vary from facility to facility.” Cuomo said recommendations to use the distributed second doses of the vaccine

as first doses for others have been circulating. Cuomo said the federal government does not permit that due to potential confusion with scheduling future inoculations. “If you start using the second dose as the first dose, you have to have a dramatically increased supply because otherwise, you’re going to leave people without a second dose when their appointment is due 21 days later, and that’s why the federal government has not approved that,” Cuomo said last week.

N. Shore case totals top 17,000 Continued from Page 2 the figures. The town-governed area of Port Washington had 992 total cases as of Wednesday, leading the peninsula, and Manorhaven had 570 cases. Municipalities and unincorporated areas that stretch into more than one North Shore area such as Flower Hill, Herricks, Albertson, Garden City Park, Searingtown and North Hills were counted separately and accounted for 2,240 cases, according to county statistics. The Village of Roslyn’s 267 cases appeared comparatively low, but the cases per 1,000 residents, 93.62, is one of the four highest rates in Nassau County, ac-

cording to Health Department figures. Despite this, the village has seen one of the lowest three-month increases of any analyzed municipality, with fewer than 150 new confirmed cases since Nov. 1, according to county statistics. Roslyn Heights had 529 total cases as of Wednesday, and the Village of East Hills had 402. Manhasset, which has remained comparatively low since the beginning of the pandemic, had 1,209 cases, with around half coming from town-governed areas. It is the only analyzed area with fewer than 1,300 cases. A total of 130,386 Nassau County

residents had tested positive for the virus as of Wednesday, and 2,693 had died since the pandemic began. Exactly 700 Nassau residents remained hospitalized due to the virus, with 116 in intensive care units and 72 on ventilators, according to county figures. Throughout New York, more than 1.4 million people had tested positive for the coronavirus as of Wednesday, according to state figures. Of that total, more than 43,500 people had died. In New York City, 617,000 people had contracted the virus, and 27,298 had died.

FOR HYPER-LOCAL NEWS VISIT US AT WWW.THEISLANDNOW.COM

A spokesperson from Greene’s oﬃce told Newsweek after the MSNBC interview, “The assertation that Rep. Greene believes that those two tragedies are anything other than mad men committing horrific acts is absolutely ridiculous.” The congresswoman herself has not responded to the comments.

50 car crashes in 12 hours Continued from Page 1 the roads as the snow fell throughout the day on Monday. “This storm is no joke and the main concern right now is that the expected snowfall rate of two inches per hour creates an extremely dangerous situation on our roadways,” Cuomo said on Monday. “I want New Yorkers to hear me loud and clear — stay home and off the roads and if you must travel, get where you’re going before noon, and expect to remain home for some time.” While the snow remained prominent on roadways, sidewalks and driveways on Wednesday, the snowfall that begin late Sunday night into Monday morning caused 50 car crashes in a 12-hour span, according to a spokesperson from the Nassau County Police Department. The spokesperson said the number of crashes filed between midnight and noon on Monday was slightly higher than average for the county’s logs. The spokesperson did not disclose how many of the crashes required transportation to the hospital, but Northwell Health spokesman Jason Molinet said the hospitals saw “more ambulance calls than usual.” Between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. on Monday, police officials said they received more than 130 calls reporting car crashes. Town of North Hempstead Department of Public Works maintenence supervisor Brian Waterson said it was “all hands on deck” trying to get the roads plowed by Tuesday. As of Tuesday morning, PSEG Long Island tweeted that service was restored to more than 20,000 customers on Long Island. More than 300 customers were still without service as of Tuesday, the company said. The Long Island Rail Road halted service on Monday afternoon due to the treacherous weather conditions but was able to resume by Tuesday morning, officials said.

44 The Port Washington Times, Friday, February 5, 2021

COMMUNITY NEWS

NYU Langone Hospital-Long Island honored NYU Langone Hospital—Long Island today announced that it has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for its Comprehensive Stroke Program, which is the highest level of stroke certification in the US. The Joint Commission is the nation’s largest healthcare accrediting body. The certification underscores NYU Langone Hospital—Long Island’s ability to treat the most complex stroke cases, responding within minutes — on a 24/7 basis — with a comprehensive team of experts that includes neurologists, neurosurgeons, interventional radiologists, neuroradiologists, emergency medicine physicians, critical care physicians, and more. Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the US, and the ability of a hospital to swiftly respond with the highest levels of expert care has been shown to lead to optimal patient outcomes. “The Joint Commission designation acknowledges our world-class capabilities in diagnosing and treating stroke patients,” said Shazia Alam, DO, director of the Comprehensive Stroke Center at NYU Langone Hospital—Long Island. “We’re a stroke hospital, not just a stroke program in a hospital. Not only does our stroke team possess some of the best experts in the region, but our entire hospital staﬀ is trained to recognize and immediately activate our stroke protocols since every second matters with stroke patients.”

Comprehensive Stroke Center Team at NYU Langone Hospital—Long Island has been designated a “beacon on Long Island for stroke care” NYU Langone Hospital—Long Island underwent a rigorous, multi-day review by the Joint Commission, during which a team of reviewers evaluated the hospital’s compliance with certification standards pertaining to stroke program-management, quality,

and the delivery of the most expedient and advanced clinical care. The reviewers also conducted onsite observations and interviews. They commented, in their final report, on the hospital’s hard work, patience, and

perseverance that has been evident during the pandemic and described the stroke program and its team members as “amazing, passionate, proactive, and innovative” and that “NYU Langone Hospital—Long Island has truly raised the bar in stroke care.” “The goal of our program is to meet or exceed all regulatory goals for gold-level care,” says Alam, “and that includes a very short, 25-minute window for the diagnosis and determination of critically needed care, which includes triage in the emergency room, specialized stroke care, and advanced imaging, all within 25 minutes. The hospital wants to be a ‘beacon on Long Island’ for stroke care.” NYU Langone Health has similar comprehensive stroke centers in Manhattan and Brooklyn. “We congratulate NYU Langone Hospital—Long Island for this outstanding achievement,” said Nancy Brown, chief executive oﬃcer of the American Stroke Association. “This certification reflects its commitment to providing the highest quality of care for stroke patients.” In addition to advanced treatments available for stroke patients at NYU Langone Health locations, the hospitals also oﬀer advanced therapies, a dedicated neurocritical care unit, and extensive inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services. NYU Langone Health also is on the cutting-edge of advances in clinical trials and research initiatives.

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Pandemic shows need for universal health care Continued from Page 17 treatment. (See www.usagainstalzheimers.org) Breathe new life into public health systems which have been shortchanged, starved to death under Republican anti-government policies for the past 40 years. Public health should apply to all, including undocumented immigrants who have the same vulnerability to disease and ability to spread it. Indeed, there shouldn’t be undocumented anyone – fix the broken immigration system to make society healthier, more productive and prosperous. Critically, with the advances in medicine and medical technology, the health care system should be as much focused on prevention and wellness as illness – models that are discouraged in a for-profit health and Big Pharma system. Imagine this: Science has the capability of keeping people alive to 120, but consider the cost if they are on dialysis for 55 years, or needing regular heart or organ transplants (they are working to create artificial ones that can be manufactured with a 3-D printer). How does society support one third of the population retired, needing expensive, ongoing medical care for decades? We need to achieve true health care equity, but we almost must build in wellness more robustly: free annual wellness checkup, free vaccinations, full coverage for mental illness on par with physical illness, assistance or even incentives for physical and mental wellness – nutrition, exercise, yoga, shelter, living wage, education. The Global Wellness Institute, which mounts an annual summit, has

launched a “Wellness Moonshot Challenge” dedicated to eradicating preventable illness. Imagine that! People living their lives with the most important qualityof-life ingredient of all, health, rather than years and years of suﬀering with debilitating pain. “In 2020, we experienced a global pandemic, economic meltdown, racial injustice, polarizing politics, and a mental wellness crisis that changed every aspect of human life¬¬. The pandemic made wellness radically more important to people overnight, while the coronavirus exposed the terrible human cost for not controlling chronic, underlying conditions, radically strengthening the case for preventative wellness,” said GWI CEO Susie Ellis at this year’s Global Wellness Summit (globalwellnesssummit. com). GWI cites the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that 69 percent of all deaths globally each year are the result of preventable diseases and that the global cost of largely preventable chronic diseases (cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory disease, diabetes and more) could reach $47 trillion by 2030 (World Economic Forum, 2017). “Never in my lifetime has there been a more critical moment to stand up and take action to raise awareness of the importance of largely preventable chronic diseases. We are calling on companies large and small, private and public foundations, universities and individuals to sound the clarion call and unite in this crucial mission,” Ellis declared. Government also needs to partner in this Global Wellness Moonshot.

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SERVICES EXPERIENCED ORGANIZER Need an extra pair of hands around the house? Experienced organizer will help turn clutter and chaos into efficient spaces.No job too small Available weekends and evenings.Call Liz 917-679-5553 JACK’S CUSTOM FRAMING We can frame anything!Quality Care & Workmanship Thousands of frames to choose from!! Over 30 years in business!92 Covert Ave, Stewart Manor 516-775-9495 WE HAVE THE HELP YOU NEED HHA, LPN, Nurse’s Aide, Childcare, Housekeeping & Day Workers. No Fees to Employers. Call Evons Services 516-505-5510

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Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, February 5, 2021

▼ AUTOMOTIVE, REAL ESTATE, SERVICE DIRECTORY ATTORNEY STEPHANIE A. D’ANGELO, ESQ. Elder Law, Wills & Trusts Asset Preservation, Estate Planning, Probate & Estate Administration/Litigation 901 Stewart Ave, Ste 230 Garden City, NY 11530 5 1 6 - 2 2 2 - 1 1 2 2 www.dangelolawassociates.com

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Doc tapped to head transplant programs Continued from Page 10 “We are thrilled to have Dr. Kon join the health system, who is nationally known for his expertise, research and innovations in heart and lung transplant to provide life-saving treatment for patients with advanced and end-stage disease,” said Dr. Alan Hartman, senior vice president and executive director of cardiovascular and thoracic surgery at Northwell Health. With Northwell recently marking the third anniversary of the launch of its heart transplant program, the first and only one on Long Island, Dr. Hartman said, “We are planning to grow this program to reach more patients in need of a vital heart transplant. Dr.

Kon will not only elevate this program, but Northwell plans to add critical lung transplantation and other pulmonary procedures for patients in need. Dr. Kon will be integral in developing these new services.” As a cardiothoracic surgeon, Dr. Kon treats patients with advanced and endstage heart and lung disease. This can include the use of artificial life-support devices and removal of clot (pulmonary embolectomy) and scar tissue from the arteries of the lungs. In addition to his position within the system, Kon will hold the title of associate professor at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell.

50 Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, February 5, 2021

READERS WRITE

MTA passing up $102M in federal funds

n Jan. 19, the Federal Transit Administration published Federal Notice of Available Funding for Federal Fiscal Year 2021. The accompanying tables by funding programs make for very interesting reading. MTA Chairman Pat Foye, Gov. Cuomo, U.S. Senators Schumer and Gillibrand, members of the New York Congressional Delegation, Mayor Bill de Blasio and other elected oﬃcials constantly complain that Washington shortchanges the MTA. Yet none of them has ever said a word about the following.

Why has the MTA for as long as five years, in some cases, been unsuccessful in applying for the following Federal Transit Administration discretionary funded project allocations that would also improve the NYC Transit Canarsie L subway line and one for Metro North Rail Road Ferry service worth a total of $102,721,579 dollars? The MTA should have previously submitted grant applications for these funds totaling $102,721,479. Work funded by these dollars should have already been completed. Some work

could have been coordinated with the Canarsie Line East River Tunnel project. Sharing the same overnight and weekend track outages along with NYC Transit Force Account employees might have saved both time and money. Why has the MTA been unsuccessful in having these funds obligated under approved grants? Has the MTA entered formal grants in FTA’s Transit Award Management System (known as “TrAMS”) used to award and manage federal grants. If so, have they failed to answer all of FTA’s concerns and issues as part of any ongoing grant

review? These funds could eventually lapse and be lost. The MTA is in intense competition against transit agencies from other cities and states around the nation. It hurts NYC and the Metro NY area, when the MTA leaves these discretionary dollars on the table year after year. Our congressional delegation loses credibility when lobbying for more transit dollars. There is no incentive for Washington to approve additional discretionary transit dollars. As each year goes by, project costs increase. The dollar value of the

earmark does not. In the end, taxpayers, commuters and MTA employees are the losers. With a multibillion-dollar shortfall in the MTA’s $51 billion 2020 — 2024 Five Year Capital Plan, all funds count. The MTA should make this a priority and secure these earmarked funds before they might be eventually lost. Sincerely, Larry Penner (Larry Penner is a transportation advocate, historian and writer who previously worked for the Federal Transit Administration Region 2 NY Oﬃce.)

Details needed on untapped MTA grants

e: Readers Write: “MTA Passing Up $102 Million,” Feb. 1. It would be nice if the author provided details on $102,721,479 in grants from L train “improvements” and Metro North Ferry Service. What L train improvements? What Metro North Ferry Service? From where to where? Is it possible a ferry service is not an MTA priority? Is it possible the MTA feels it is bet-

ter to apply money to something else far more pressing? I don’t know the answer to this. But i can’t possibly form an intelligent opinion based upon the almost total lack of detail provided by the author. The letter writer goes on to discuss NYC Transit Force Account Employees. Not all of us work(ed) in the transit/transportation industry. What is/are NYCTFAE? A search in Google

and Yahoo yields nothing. In a Bronx newspaper, the author mentions a grant for a local Bronx route. Why doesn’t he include this is the funds the MTA has allegedly not applied for? In all the years I have been reading letters to the editor in the newspaper, only once did I ever see a government oﬃcial reply. It was a number of years ago referring to a comment made about one of New York City’s

Parks. A number of years ago, the author had an opinion published about then Congressman Gary Ackerman on these very pages. I happen to have agreed with the author. In a follow-up opinion piece the author discussed how the congressman did not address his concerns. The author is an American, covered by the First Amendment. He has a perfect right to spend every waking hour writing and

submitting opinion pieces. But if the author feels so strongly about the MTA’s wasteful spending, why doesn’t he run for state Senate or Assembly? In this capacity he would have subpoena power and attention from the press. It seems to me that this would be more productive than writing letters that are mostly ignored. Nat Weiner Bronx

Trump’s Muslim ban was warranted

gentleman from the Islamic Center of Long Island made some statements in the Williston Times that I would like to address and expand on. He stated that Trump’s “Muslim Ban” had hurt him financially, hurt his family relations, caused psychological damage and fueled Islamophobia throughout the world. He also claimed that Trump hurt “minority folks.” Pardon my short review of history that most Americans are aware of. I feel it is necessary to bring these comments into perspective. On Feb. 26, 1993, a bomb exploded in the garage below the World Trade Center. Six people were killed and 1,000 were injured including firefighters and police and emergency medical services workers. The actions were carried out by Radical Muslim terrorists The perpetrators were caught and put on trial. All were found guilty.

In 2001, two planes flew into the World Trade Center, one plane flew into the Pentagon and one plane crashed in a field in Pennsylvania after heroic passengers fought back. Almost 3,000 Americans died that day and over 1,400 have died since from diseases related to working at Ground Zero in the aftermath. The guilty party consisted of radical Muslim Terrorists who all died in the attack. The trial for men accused of plotting the 9/11 attacks is set for 2021. After Obama became President he pulled our troops out of Iraq and the void was filled by a vicious group of radical Muslims who called themselves ISIS. Day after day, we read of the atrocities they committed, beheadings of Americans that they filmed and then gave to the media and to the internet. Three Hundred Americans left the USA to go and fight with ISIS, 12 came back and one plotted a terrorist attack that was discovered in time to be stopped.

In 2015, Obama signed a visa waver into law that designated Iraq, Iran, Syria, Yemen, Sudan , Libya and Somalia as areas of concern. These countries had to meet additional requirements to come to the USA because they were Arabs. In 2011, Obama passed a 6-month ban on refugees from Iraq. The war in Iraq with ISIS was still going on when Trump became President. Because of the continuing dangers from Muslim extremists both here and abroad, Trump continued strict restrictions on people who wanted to come to America from those same countries. All Muslims were not banned from traveling here. It is regretful that this man’s family, and probably others, felt mistreated by these precautions but the welfare of all Americans, including his family, takes precedence over individuals in a time of war. A phobia is an irrational fear. Any Islamophobia is based

on the actions of real people and not on Trump’s act to protect this country. Minorities did not suﬀer under Trump, they prospered. Unemployment for African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asian and Native Americans, people with disabilities all reached record lows Poverty rates for these same groups reached record lows, Income inequality fell by the largest amount in over a decade, wages rose fastest for low income and blue-collar workers-a 16 percent pay increase and African homeownership increased from 41.7 percent to 46.4 percent. He increased monies to black colleges and instituted prison reform and created the First Step Program. Trump said we would have a vaccine in November and miraculously it appeared just a few days after the election. The first shots were given in December. He did not lie about it. I heard several people talk

about COVID as a kind of flu in the beginning before all the facts were known. Trump is not a medical man and it was Fauci that told us that masks were not needed. He was the one advising Trump on the medical issues. It was not until April that the CDC told us we should mask up. You will not find me defending Trump when he is out of line but continuing distortions and giving no credit when it is due does not serve any of us well. Buyers remorse is setting in already as thousands are losing their jobs, free speech is under attack and our country is on the verge of being overrun. Wake up America. I wrote a letter two months ago about this election being about policies not personalities and it fell on deaf ears. Now the piper is going to be paid by all of us. Gayle Palmer Williston Park

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, February 5, 2021

READERS WRITE

Report on nursing home deaths calls for probe

etitia James, the New York attorney general, through her oﬃce reported nursing homes may have undercounted the number of deaths by as much as 50 percent. As reported by the attorney

general’s oﬃce that as of Nov. 16, 2020 there were 6,645 nursing home death and this does not include deaths during the spikes of deaths in December and January. The report mentions Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s guidance requiring

patients who tested positive for COVID-19 to be admitted to nursing homes may have increased the risk of harm in some facilities. And in addition in the early start of the virus, there was an insuﬃcient amount of PPE for nurs-

ing staﬀ. As a senior citizen myself of 71 years old I find this report most troubling. Furthermore, I feel an investigation is needed to address the incompetence and gross negli-

gence in nursing home policies. I wonder how Governor Cuomo feels about this report or even feels responsible for these deaths? Frederick R. Bedell Jr. Bellerose

Williston Park reader right about columnist

want to add to the readerresponse letter submitted Jan. 29 titled “Hyperbole, Hypocrisy with a capital H.” Obviously, the ongoing and relentless vitriol and viciousness spewed each week in the View-

point column towards Republicans was too much for that reader. Although I agree with this reader’s response that the Viewpoint is laced with hypocrisy, I do believe there is more to this. In my opinion, the Viewpoint will

never be capable of acknowledging or debating any of the many examples of hypocrisy that the reader’s response clearly and accurately pointed out. It is quite clear to those who read the Viewpoint each week

that it contains nothing more than venom towards Trump and his 75 million supporters and will never be able to see any other points of view. This is blatantly obvious to any clear-thinking person who

understands that there are two sides to every issue. Unfortunately, the Viewpoint writer will never be able to see the hypocrite that she is. Thomas Dreyer Floral Park

Abolish N. Hempstead’s town clerk’s office

hen I got into the business of selling securities, I had to make at least 400 phone calls a week. Residences at night, businesses by day. As days and weeks went by, I couldn’t help but notice that every time I dialed a travel agency, the phone line was disconnected. This became so predictable after a few months, it was plainly apparent that websites like Orbitz had ruthlessly obliterated an entire industry in no time, rendering the business model they thrived on utterly useless.

This past week, it was announced that Judy Bosworth, the supervisor of the Town of North Hempstead, would not seek reelection, paving the way for Town Clerk Wayne Wink to clinch the oﬃce. With the position being vacated, now is the time to remove it from the process of a public election. At one point many years ago, there might have been a rationale for electing a clerk. Personally, I can’t think of one. But in this age of data capture, there is nothing an elected oﬃcial can bring to a job like this.

There’s no political scrimmage line to hash out except as a patronage position, which, elected or not, it is anyway. But like the travel agency, this is now a redundancy. Aside from that, so much of what our political class does has so little to do with the act of governing. Fundraising and self-promotion get the lion’s share of time and resources these days, and that speaks to the evolving nature of all enterprises these days. Technology cuts out a lot of the grunt work that needed to be done before. So much time is wasted just getting in front of a

camera, and that explains all of the podium posing and ribbon cutting. So, governing has been turned into a perpetual schlockfest of media staging. If we keep the position as an elected oﬃce, all we do is ensure someone will be running around the town glad-handing at VFW halls, posing with the Girl Scouts and the like, as opposed to actually performing the task they were elected to do. It’s the 21st Century. I think we can fold up the act. It’s a small step towards rationalizing government, and I don’t expect it to happen. Loading the

boat with bodies is what our political parties live for, and to hell with any ideas about eﬃciency or reducing bloat. One would think that the COVID crisis would add some urgency to a process like that. But nothing moves these people. However, if one wanted to do this bloodlessly, now would be that time. The county’s other town clerks would still, however, be condemned to the rubber chicken circuit. But that would be their business. Donald Davret Roslyn

Extremist ideologies revive Holocaust fears

eviewing media coverage of the 76th anniversary of the AuschwitzBirkenau’s liberation, I was gratified to see leaders from around the world warning against the dangers of ideological extremism. The combination of violent nationalism, white supremacy, and expanding intolerance creates a powder keg that we ignore at our peril.One of the most salient commentators was Pope Francis. Pointedly using the Hebrew word Shoah, the Pope said: “To remember also means being careful because these things can happen once again.”In its commemoration of International Holocaust Remembrance Day, the U.N. urged member states

to prioritize education. Indeed, education underlies the universal protest cry: Never again. Education is essential to cancel propaganda, the original form of fake news. Through propaganda, scapegoating minorities replaces rational state policy, revives old grudges, and appeals to divisive mentalities. The steps between scapegoating vulnerable groups and perpetrating massive victimization are few and narrow. The best prevention, unquestionably, is education. While superb Holocaust education programs exist on Long Island and internationally, collectively they do not reach enough young people. According to a survey last fall of people aged 18-39, nearly two-thirds of young adults

are unaware that 6 million Jews died during the Nazi genocide. Nearly a quarter of those surveyed thought the Holocaust was a myth. Especially chilling is the fact that more than one in 10 blame Jews for causing the Holocaust. (The survey was commissioned by the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany.)In a world where Holocaust deniers persist in spreading their falsehoods, consistently circumventing social media’s half-hearted attempts to impose rules of transparency and truthfulness, education matters more than ever. Tolerance is inevitably the first victim of extremism, so its advocates must be resolute if Holocaust Education is to become universal.It

is widely agreed that the most eﬀective Holocaust teachers are survivors. For decades, survivors have recorded their testimonies and spoken in classrooms and other forums, reaching millions of people — but not everyone. They do this at enormous emotional expense, forcing themselves to publicly relive incidents of unspeakable misery and unbearable grief. Yet speak they do, and their witnessing repudiates the deniers. “Yes,” they say to the ages. “All this horror happened. And much, more more.”Today, the youngest of those who escaped Hitler’s tortures are oﬀering their final testimonies and addressing their last audiences. Their poignant memories constitute the greatest weapon against

intolerance. Their voices, frail with age but resonant with purpose, should be heard by every young person in this country.According to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, only 16 states in the U.S. require Holocaust education in their secondary-school curricula. If you believe in universal Holocaust education, contact your school district leadership as well as your representatives in state government. Tell them that Holocaust education is essential to an informed democracy.The survivors have spoken. The burden is on the rest of us to ensure that their voices are heard. Warren Strugatch Stony Brook.

52 The Port Washington Times, Friday, February 5, 2021

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The Port Washington Times, Friday, February 5, 2021

COMMUNITY NEWS

Balentine appointed VP, COO at New York Tech Jerry Balentine has been named executive vice president and chief operating oﬃcer at New York Institute of Technology. In this newly created position, reporting to New York Tech President Henry C. “Hank” Foley, Balentine will evaluate new opportunities for university growth and expansion, especially in the area of faculty research, and oversee strategic resource allocation, among other responsibilities. The new position complements the responsibilities Balentine holds as vice president for health sciences and medical affairs, a role he assumed in 2014. Balentine joined New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine as a faculty member in 2009 and was

dean from 2018 to 2020. During his deanship, NYITCOM grew its research output in several areas, added a Ph.D. program in biological and medical sciences, expanded programs at NYITCOM’s Arkansas site in partnership with Arkansas State University, and created awardwinning health and wellness programs for medical students. “Jerry is a highly strategic thinker, experienced in eﬀectively and eﬃciently managing multifaceted organizations and their operations quite successfully. This, combined with his leadership skills and extensive experience in health care management, make him perfect for this role as we continue to position our strengths in the highly competitive higher education field. Much of what he learned

in that milieu is transferable to our situation,” Foley said. Foley appointed Balentine

Jerry Balentine has been named executive vice president and chief operating officer at New York Institute of Technology.

as co-chair of New York Tech’s long-term strategic planning initiative in 2018, setting in motion a planning process to develop a Strategic Three-Year Action Plan to ensure a prosperous and sustainable future for the university. As COO, Balentine will continue to lead this eﬀort with co-chair Junius Gonzales, provost and vice president for academic affairs. Balentine’s distinguished career has included serving as chief medical oﬃcer and executive vice president of St. Barnabas Hospital and Healthcare System in the Bronx, and as a hospital medical director, emergency department director, and residency director. “In practicing medicine, running health care organizations, and educating medical students,

common denominators include focusing on positive outcomes, building trust and engagement, and showing empathy. These attributes can help transform lives and organizations, and I look forward to applying them to other parts of New York Tech, especially in today’s unprecedented environment and also when we emerge into the unknown ‘new normal,’” Balentine said. A graduate of Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Balentine completed his internship at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Philadelphia and his emergency medicine residency at Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center in the Bronx, where he also served as chief resident. He earned his undergraduate degree from McDaniel College in Westminster, Md.

First half of general tax deadline extended North Hempstead Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth and Receiver of Taxes Charles Berman remind residents that the last day to pay the 2021 general taxes – first-half bill without a penalty is now Friday, March 12. First-half of the 2021 general tax payments must be postmarked by the U.S. Postal Service on or before March 12 to avoid penalty. Gov. Cuomo signed an Executive Order allowing the payment of general taxes to be extended. Online tax payment information is shown on the reverse side of your bill. Online payments may be made by echeck or credit card at: www.

northhempsteadny.gov/taxpayments. The normal processing fees for online check payments have changed. The Town is oﬀering a temporary nominal processing fee charge of $0.01 for online Automated Clearing House (ACH) E-Check tax payments during this period of social distancing to help accommodate residents. The Tax Oﬃce fee waiver applies specifically to ACH ECheck payments that pull funds directly from a person’s checking account. The online credit card payment processing fee will remain at 2.35 percent of the tax amount per transaction.

New York General Municipal Law requires people paying their property taxes by credit card to also pay the fees associated with the payment transaction. The Town receives no portion of the service fee – that fee is retained by the payment processing vendors. Accepted credit cards are American Express, Mastercard, Discover, or Visa. Additionally, to adhere to social distancing requirements, there will be no in-person payments and no cash payments accepted. Community collection sites have been canceled for this period and the main oﬃce at 200 Plandome Road in Manhasset

is closed to the general public. Payments can be made online via the Receiver’s online payment portal, U.S. Mail, or delivered in-person to a dropbox located in the vestibule of the Tax Oﬃce (during normal business hours). Before dropping oﬀ payments, please ensure you have written your check, include your general tax bill number and/ or section block and lot, and placed your remittance stub(s) in the sealed green envelope. Anyone making payments by mail should include the remittance stub(s) with their check or money order in the green return envelope. They

are also asked to write their Bill Number(s) on the check(s), include the payment stub, and make checks payable to: Charles Berman, Receiver of Taxes and mail to the Receiver of Taxes at 200 Plandome Road, Manhasset, NY 11030. If paying through your bank’s online bill pay, please be sure to include the account number located on the upper right-hand corner of your tax bill. Your payment will go directly to the Receiver’s new ELockbox. For more information or if you have additional questions, please call 311 or 516-8696311.

New York Tech researcher secures NIH grant Olga V. Savinova, assistant professor of biomedical sciences at New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, has secured a five-year grant estimated at $1.8 million from the National Institutes of Health, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. The grant, which includes a first-year award of $342,675, will support research to improve the understanding of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and deliver a new treatment for heart disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Pre-

vention, more than 30 million adults in the United States have been diagnosed with heart disease, which also causes one in every four deaths. Scientists believe that atherosclerosis is a risk factor in predicting heart disease-related illness and death. The buildup of calcium salts in blood vessel tissue, known as vascular calcification, is considered to be a trademark of atherosclerosis, but scientists are unsure whether calcification causes atherosclerosis or is simply a byproduct. If it is a risk factor for atherosclerosis, treatments target-

ing calcification may prevent millions of future heart disease cases and fatalities. A research team, led by Savinova, will use mouse and computer models to investigate whether vascular calcification contributes to the development of atherosclerosis and, if so, whether a decalcification treatment can correct and prevent it. “Our overarching goal is to gain a better understanding of how calcification impacts the onset, progression, and treatment of atherosclerosis,” said Savinova, who also received a 2018 NIH grant to examine vascular calcification in chronic

kidney disease. “We believe calcification is a risk factor for atherosclerosis and one that can be corrected. By inhibiting vascular calcification caused by overactive phosphatase, we may be able to provide a therapy for atherosclerosis.” Savinova’s team has collected data that suggests the enzyme phosphatase is responsible for vascular calcification. Their data shows that when a surplus of phosphatase exists in combination with high levels of lipids (fat-like substances in the blood), lipids are retained in the blood vessels, accelerating vessel hardening. Consequently, if

the overactive gene responsible for the surplus can be “turned down,” preventing its ability to cause calcification, atherosclerosis may also be treated. “Grants from prestigious research institutions, such as the NIH, open doors to opportunities and resources that are critical in advancing our mission to reinvent the future,” said New York Tech President Hank Foley. “This award will help to elevate New York Tech’s standing within the scientific research community and better position our faculty to innovate solutions for one of the nation’s deadliest diseases.”

54 Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, February 5, 2021

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The Port Washington Times, Friday, February 5, 2021

COMMUNITY NEWS

Matlin joins Port-based documentary Helen Keller National Center for DeafBlind Youths and Adults (HKNC), a division of Helen Keller Services (HKS), announced that the Golden Globe and Academy Award-winning actress Marlee Matlin has joined the team supporting Doug Roland’s award-winning film, Feeling Through, as an executive producer. Feeling Through is the first film to feature a deaf-blind actor in a leading role. Matlin’s longtime interpreter/producer, Jack Jason, and Andrew Carlberg, 2019 Academy Award winner for live Action Short Film (SKIN), have also signed on as executive producers. As a lead consultant and producer on Feeling Through, HKNC Executive Director Sue Ruzenski (now Helen Keller Services Acting CEO) and numerous HKNC staﬀ worked collaboratively with writer/director Doug Roland. In the process HKNC and HKS built a strong relationship with the filmmaker and during the pandemic the HKS-supported “Feeling Through Experience” has become a virtual public space for the blind, deaf-blind community and partners to have a voice and connect with the public at large raising awareness and building a social network. HKNC provides programs and services

“Feeling Through” filmmaker Doug Roland and producer and lead consultant Sue Ruzenski, acting CEO of Helen Keller Services in a pre-pandemic photo. Roland and Ruzenski are currently working with other producers on a “for your consideration” campaign to get the attention of major industry awards. that enable individuals who are blind, visually impaired, deaf-blind or have combined hearing and vision loss to live, work and

thrive in the communities of their choice. First time actor, Robert Tarango, was discovered working in the kitchen at Helen Keller National Center. Feeling Through, a coming of age story, grew out of a real life encounter— a chance meeting the filmmaker had late one night with a man who is deaf-blind. In the film, a teen wandering the streets of New York City, desperate for a place to crash, encounters a deaf-blind man who needs help getting home. What begins as an awkward exchange between strangers quickly evolves. A close bond forms between them and the young man is taken on a journey that changes him profoundly. This moving, topical film has been selected for numerous high profile international film festivals and has taken home 16 awards including the jury award at Ojai Film Festival, the Audience Awards at San Diego International Film Festival, and first runner up at the Oscar qualifying Bengaluru International Short Film Festival, among others. The film’s producers are currently working on a “for your consideration” campaign to get the attention of major industry awards. Doug Roland has taken Feeling

Through around the country as part of the “Feeling Through Experience,” a three-part screening event that has included as many as 50 interpreters and support staﬀ at a single screening to provide one on one accessibility for moviegoers of any level of vision and/or hearing. “The Feeling Through Experience” has been viewed virtually by thousands of viewers during the pandemic. Recently, the Port Washington School District added “The Feeling Though Experience” to its high school curriculum. Other school districts are expected to follow suit. Marlee Matlin is an actress, author and activist. She received the Academy Award for Best Actress for “Children of a Lesser God” and to date is the only deaf performer to have won an Academy Award, as well as the youngest winner (21 years old at the time) in that category. Her work in film and television has resulted in a Golden Globe award, with two additional nominations and four Emmy nominations. Deaf since she was 18 months old, Matlin is a prominent member of the National Association of the Deaf. Submitted by the Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults

Temple Judea observes Martin Luther King Jr. Day On a recent Friday evening, a special Zoom Shabbat service was held by Temple Judea to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and to celebrate his life and teachings. The congregants were joined virtually by Pastor LaTanya Jimerson, of the Springs of Living Water Church, along with her family and members of their congregation. Rabbi Todd Chizner and Cantor Deborah Jacobson presented a moving and eloquent program to honor Dr. King’s memory. To start the services, Cantor Jacobson led the congregants in a song that is traditionally sung during the evening Shabbat service, “Hinay mah tov”. The translation of the entire song, which is Psalm 133, is: “Behold how good and how pleasant for brethren to dwell together in

unity.” This was especially fitting to include this song as this was Dr. King’s lifelong dream. When Pastor Jimerson spoke to the group, she also quoted from Psalm 133 which alluded to the relevance “for brethren to dwell together in unity!” The words of this Psalm have particular resonance in today’s world. The congregants of both groups were again reminded of their tradition of respect and appreciation of all peoples. It was no coincidence that Pastor Jimerson and Cantor Jacobson both brought the same psalm to the occasion of the observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s birthday. Excerpts from Dr. King’s eloquent speeches were read at this occasion. The virtual celebration continued on Sunday morning, this time with the Springs of Liv-

Rabbi Todd Chizner, Cantor Deborah Jacobson and Pastor Latanya Jimerson ing Water Church as hosts to Temple Judea. Pastor Jimerson along with Rabbi Chizner and Cantor Jacobson again recalled Psalm 133 which echoed King’s message of hope for solidarity of “brethren living together in unity.” The choir of the church provided heartfelt songs, and one of the congregants read

excerpts from King’s “I Have a Dream” speech, which is often called the most important influence on U.S. law on civil rights since Reconstruction. Songs performed by members of the church’s Praise and Worship choir lent a beautiful and soulful spirit to the service. The weekend provided a moving tribute to Dr. King. Ev-

eryone felt the solemnity and sense of hope of the occasion. It was truly a privilege to be participants in this meaningful experience. Temple Judea welcomes new members. First-year of membership is free.333 Searingtown Road, Manhasset 11030 (516) 621-8049 www. temple-judea.com

Town to host 2021 ‘Shed the Meds’ events The Town of North Hempstead, in partnership with Nassau County and the Nassau County Police Department, will be hosting a “Shed the Meds” pharmaceutical drop-oﬀ event on Saturday, May 8 at Town Hall, 220 Plandome Road, Manhasset and Saturday, Dec. 11

at Michael J. Tully Park, 1801 Evergreen Ave., New Hyde Park. Both events will operate from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. “These events are designed to keep potentially dangerous pharmaceuticals out of the hands of our children and help protect our envi-

ronment,” said North Hempstead Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth. “Pharmaceuticals that are improperly disposed of can end up in our landfills and drinking water. This is an opportunity for our residents to dispose of their pharmaceuticals in a safe manner.”

Accepted items will include: prescriptions, prescription patches, prescription medications, prescription ointments, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, sample medications and medications for pets. Needles, sharps, aerosol cans,

thermometers, ointments (liquid or lotion), hydrogen peroxide, inhalers, biohazardous waste, and medication from businesses will not be accepted. For more information on this event, please call 311 or (516) 869-6311.

56 The Port Washington Times, Friday, February 5, 2021

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