Bellmore Herald

In 1991, Proto, a proud Mepham graduate, began volunteering for the Mepham Alumni Association, and in 1993 he started coaching his children’s softball and baseball teams in the North Bellmore-North Merrick Little League, eventually becoming the organization’s director. In 1994 he joined the Mepham Sports Boosters Association when his daughter Catherine reached Mepham High School and got involved in several sports. With his two younger children, Annemarie and Nicholas,

also multiple-sport athletes at Mepham, Proto flung himself headfirst into the associa-tion, serving as president for three years and treasurer for three years. “Whatever job needed to be done, I did,” he said. “It was to raise funds and help out.” Proto has volunteered for the boosters association for nearly two decades, even after his children graduated from Mepham and moved on. Today he remains an adviser to the group’s executive committee while also volunteering for the Mepham Alumni Association, for which he has served as pres-ident and is now treasurer. You might call Proto “Mr. Mepham.” At the Bellmore Herald, we call him the 2011 Person of the Year, in recognition of his extraordinary commitment to his hometown and his alma mater. Proto was born in Brooklyn and moved to North Bellmore in 1959. He attended Saw Mill Road Elementary School, Jerusalem Avenue Junior High School, which is now a BOCES school, and his beloved Mepham, where he was sports editor of the school newspaper. After graduation, he went on to Hofstra University, where he was an announcer for the football, basketball and wrestling teams and a football statistician. At the same time, he covered high school sports for Newsday. He considered a career in sports journalism, but instead chose to major in business. Proto graduated from Hofstra in 1974 with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and was immediately hired by Haskins & Sells, a major accounting firm that was later taken over by Deloitte & Touche. At Haskins & Sells, Proto met his wife of nearly 35 years, Mary. The couple married on June 4, 1977, lived in Queens and then moved to North Bellmore in 1991. Vincent earned his master’s degree in banking from Hofstra in 1979, and was soon hired by Bankers Trust, which was taken over in 1998 by Deutsche Bank. He is now a vice president of risk analysis for the global banking giant. Deutsche Bank’s old 41-story New York office building sat in the shadow of the World Trade Center and was nearly destroyed in the Sept. 11, 2001, ter-rorist attacks when the south tower col-lapsed onto it. Proto was among the thou-sands of financial industry executives who fled for their lives that day. He survived, but

the horror of the attacks will remain indelibly etched in his mind, he said. Deutsche Bank is now headquartered at 60 Wall St.

Though Proto is less involved in the sports boosters association than when his children attended Mepham, he is more involved than ever in the 3,000-member alumni association. In addition to his duties as trea-surer, he writes articles for the group’s two publications, Scuttlebutt, its annual magazine, and Quarterdeck, its annual newsletter, profiling teach-ers and athletes while also reporting on Mepham’s famed Sprig Gardner

Bellmore

HERALDDecember 29, 2011 - January 4, 2012 $1.00

Kennedy High School graduate Scott Lipsky made sports history in 2011 when he won the mixed doubles title at

the French Open. Page 8

Courtesy Scott Lipsky

Hurricane Irene may have been downgraded to a tropical storm by the time it reached the Bellmores, but it

caused widespread flooding and damage in August. 0

Jeff Wilson/Herald

YEARIN REVIEW

If Webster’s Dictionary were to define “unsung hero,” the entry might simply read “Vincent Proto.” The 59-year-old North Bellmore native, a Little League parent volunteer and coach, shies away from the lime-

light. He wants no credit for all the good work he has done over the past 20 years. But make no mistake –– he deserves far more credit than we can offer in a single story.

There’s no bigger booster than ‘Mr. Mepham’

PERSONOF THE YEAR 2011

Get rid of unwanted stuffwww.liherald.com/classifieds

By SCOTT [email protected]

Vincent Proto

See Mr. Mepham, page 4

5247

42

LOSE 30 POUNDS IN 30 DAYS!ASK ABOUT OUR FREE NO-OBLIGATION CONSULTATION

Locations In Hewlett, Great Neck, Brooklyn, Queens And Manhattan

516-284-8248516-284-8248 www.DrBosDiet.comCall Today

Dece

mbe

r 29,

201

1 —

BELL

MOR

E HE

RALD

2

YEAR IN REVIEWJanuary

“There’s no describing her. She was just beauti-ful.” That was how childhood friend Nicholas McCormick summed up Erin Clare Malloy-McArdle, 18. Malloy-McArdle, a Mepham senior and president of the Students Against Destructive Decisions club, was killed in a skiing accident at Windham Mountain in Greene County in early January. According to a press release from Windham, the accident occurred at around 10:30 a.m. off an interme-diate trail known as Upper Warpath. Malloy-McArdle, who was not wearing a helmet, is reported to have lost control and left the trail at high speed, crashing into a tree about 30 feet off the trail. Though early reports described Malloy-McArdle as a novice skier, McCormick said that she was an avid skier and had been skiing for more than five years. “She knew what she was doing,” McCormick said. “It wasn’t like she was making these poor deci-sions to jump right into skiing.” According to McCormick, Malloy-McArdle circled “beginner” when she rented her skis, thinking nothing of it.

The Mepham community mourned the loss of Erin Clare Malloy-McArdle who died in a skiing accident.

Mepham senior dies while skiing

The Bellmore-based Long Island Crisis Center faced a crisis of its own: Governor Cuomo’s proposed budget cuts meant that the center could lose nearly one-third of its budget, possibly shutting down its call center. Part of the governor’s budget pro-posal called for cuts to many social pro-grams, including those that fund the Crisis Center. Many of the individual programs — like Youth Development and Delinquency Prevention and the Office of Children and Family Services — were eliminated, and the funding was consolidated into one block grant pro-gram. “Our concern is that everything is going to go to essentially mandated ser-vices,” said Dorothy Jacobs, president of the Board of Directors of the Crisis Center. “It would eliminate services for mostly homeless and runaway youth, and that’s how our hotlines are funded.”

Man who ‘terrorized’ Bellmore sentenced to 45 years Leonidas Cotsifas was sentenced in January to 45 years in prison for a series of crimes he committed in Bellmore in October 2009. His charges included assault and bur-glary. The Bethpage resident’s crime spree ended with the brutal beating of a 71-year-old man with a paving stone in his own home. The man was injured so severely that he was kept in the hospital for three months. Cotsifas began his spree at about 10:30 a.m. on Oct. 1 by threatening an 18-year-old woman in her home with a crowbar and robbing her of her laptop computer. He then ran from the young woman’s Centre Avenue home across Sunrise Highway to the nearby Valero gas station, where authorities say he unsuccessfully attempted to carjack a Chevy Trailblazer. Unsuccessful in his attempt to steal the SUV, Cotsifas ran south

on Centre Avenue, then west onto Nassau Street. Once on Nassau Street, Cotsifas broke into the basement of a home where he attacked the 71-year-old man.

Courtesy Senator Fuschillo

A crisis for the L.I. Crisis Center

IN BRIEFFebruary

Courtesy Nassau County Police

Leonidas Cotsifas at the time of his arrest in October 2009.

Kennedy High School senior Joshua Cohen was named a semifinalist in the 2011 Intel Science Talent Search. The Intel Science Talent Search is the nation’s

most prestigious pre-college science competition. Cohen was one of only 300 stu-dents nationwide selected as semi-finalists.

Cohen named semifi nalist

3

BELLMORE HERALD — Decem

ber 29, 2011

YEAR IN REVIEWFebruary

March

Kennedy sophomore wins wrestling title Kennedy sophomore Robert Person never wavered, even as his early three-point lead in the 96-pound finals of the Nassau County Division I Wrestling Championships against Oceanside’s Rocco Candella was whittled to nothing. Instead, Person kept his composure, and more important, his focus, scoring four of the last five points in the match over the final two periods to emerge with an 8-5 victory and the Cougars’ first individual county championship since 2005. “I just had to keep my mind in it and keep wrestling,” Person said after running his record this season to 40-1. “It definitely helped know-ing what he was going to do,” he added, noting that the two had met a week earlier, with Candella on the short end of a 12-5 decision.

Jeff Wilson/Herald

Kennedy’s Robert Person celebrated after capturing the 96-pound Nassau County Division I wrestling championship.

Bellmore fi refi ghter gunned down

Facebook photo

Dean, left, and Justin Angell arrived on the scene of a car accident on Bellmore Avenue. Justin was shot in the back and rushed to the hospital by his brother and another EMT.

Bellmore firefighter Justin Angell was released from Nassau University Medical Center in East Meadow in mid-March. A little more than 24 hours before his release, Angell had been shot by a car crash victim whom he was attempting to help on Bellmore Avenue in Bellmore. Angell, 20, arrived on the scene with his older brother Dean, both EMTs, to aid in what they believed was a regular car

accident. When Angell stepped out of the ambulance, he was shot at by the suspect, later identified as Jason Beller, 31, of Commack. Authorities said Angell took a bul-let to the back from a laser-sight-equipped SKS 7 assault-style rifle. Angell made a full recovery and was later honored by Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano for heroism in the line of duty.

Calhoun junior wows audiences on ‘American Idol’

Ten years ago, Robbie Rosen sat in front of his television and watched the first season of “American Idol” in his Merrick home. He was only 7 years old, but even then he knew he had it what it takes to one day per-form on the show. “We’d mute the TV, and I’d sing some songs that I heard the Idols singing,” Rosen said. “My mom and I were like, ‘Man, I can do that someday.’” Turns out, they were right. On this past spring’s “Idol,” Rosen beat out more than 100,000 contestants to finish in the top 24. “It’s really cool looking back, and now looking how far I’ve come,” he said. Rosen’s “Idol” journey began when he performed in The American Idol Experience at Walt Disney World, an attraction that simulates the show so people can enter and sing in front of a live audience. Audience members vote on their favorites, and the finalists receive “dream tickets” that allow them to skip to the front of the line at any “American Idol” audition site.

Bellmore

HERALDDECEMBER 29, 2011 - JANUARY 4, 2012 - Vol. 14 No. 52

HOW TO REACH US■ THE HERALD OFFICES are located at 2 Endo Blvd. Garden City, NY 11530 and are open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

MAIN PHONE: (516) 569-4000■ EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT: Ext. 203

E-mail: [email protected] / Fax: (516) 569-4942

■ CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING: Ext. 254E-mail: [email protected] / Fax: (516) 622-7460

■ DISPLAY ADVERTISING: Ext. 249E-mail: [email protected] / Fax: (516) 569-4643

■ SUBSCRIPTIONS: Press ”7” E-mail: [email protected] / Fax: (516) 569-4942

■ Web site: www.liherald.com■ E-mail: Letters and other submissions—

[email protected]

The Bellmore Herald USPS 017547, is published every Thursday by Richner Communications, Inc., 2 Endo Blvd. Garden City, NY 11530.Periodicals postage paid at Garden City, NY 11530 and additional mailing offices. Postmastersend address changes to Bellmore Herald, 2 Endo Blvd. Garden City, NY 11530. Subscription rates: $36 for 1 year within Nassau County. Out of Nassau County: $58 for 1 year. Copy-right © 2011 Richner Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.

Wrestling Tournament and the championship-winning girls’ cross-country team. “As a former coach, I just like to talk to the coaches, [to hear] what inspires them,” Proto said. “I just like to see the kids compete, the team camaraderie. That’s what I love to see. They’re good sports, and they’re trying to do their best. That’s what I taught my kids.” Saul Lerner, the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District’s athletic director, said Proto not only deserves to be Bellmore’s Person of the Year, but also should be named Father of the Year. “He’s raised three of the classiest kids you will ever meet,” Lerner said. “They’re intelligent, good-quality kids who are as good a representatives of the community as you will find.” When Proto’s children were at Mepham, Lerner continued, “he was very involved. But now he’s just as involved as ever. He’s just an unbelievable asset to the school.” Mepham Principal Michael Harrington had this to say about Proto: “He attends almost every sporting event. He just gives his heart and soul to this community, to the teachers and students of this community. He’s just a special man … He’s a reflection of what Bellmore is all about and what the Mepham community is all about. He has a huge heart.” Proto’s children have already accomplished a great deal. Catherine Proto, now 31, earned an undergraduate degree in sports management and a master’s in phys. ed. from Springfield College in Massachusetts, where she was a member of a var-sity basketball team that won two straight regional championships and made two NCAA tournament appearances in 2001 and 2002. She went on to become manager of scouting for the WNBA’s New York Liberty and is now an assistant basketball coach at Seton Hall University in New Jersey under head coach Anne Donovan, who won two

Olympic gold medals as a basketball player and two as a coach. Annemarie Proto, 28, holds a number of vol-leyball scoring records at Johnson & Wales University in Rhode Island and was recently inducted into the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame. She earned a degree in baking and pastry arts and was a sous chef for one of Mario Batali’s trendy New York eateries. She is now a chocolatier at Tumbador in Brooklyn. And Nicholas, 25, earned a master’s in archi-tecture from Roger Williams University in Rhode Island. He is now an architect in Manhattan. As a father, Proto said, “I always had in the back of my mind, be what you want to be and be the best at what you want to be. You can’t lose your ambition. You can’t lose your curiosity.” As a volunteer, he said, “I’m not planning to retire anytime soon. I enjoy what I’m doing.” No doubt, that’s a very good thing for the North Bellmore/Mepham community.

Mr. Mepham, our Person of the YearContinued from front page

Scott Brinton/HeraldProto in front of his beloved Mepham High School.

Dece

mbe

r 29,

201

1 —

BELL

MOR

E HE

RALD

4

HERALDProfessional Directory

To Advertise in this section

call 516-569-4000 ext. 286

Be noticed in this directory

YOUR AD HERE

SARA Companion Services, Inc.• One on One Companion Services• Skilled Attentive Reliable Assistance• Alzheimer’s & Dementia Training• Insured & Bonded• Free Home Assessment516-837-3388 • [email protected]

ELDERCARE SERVICESCOMFORT KEEPERS• In-Home Companion Care for Seniors & Adults• Assist with meal prep, dressing, grooming,

shopping, laundry.• Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care by Skilled Caregivers• Bonded, Insured, Criminally & DMV Checked• Free in - home assessment• Certifi ed by Alzheimer’s Association of Long Island• AARP Endorsed• 516-442-2300• [email protected]• www.comfortkeepers.com

RONALD GOLDMANATTORNEY AT LAWCriminal, Zoning, Traffi c and Real Estate MattersFormer acting Village Justice, Assistant District Attorney, and Municipal Attorney130 West 42 Street, 25th FloorNew York, NY 10036800-846-9013 • (f) 516-569-4590

ATTORNEY

Mary LaManna-UlrichATTORNEY AT LAWAsset Protection, Estate Planning, Life EstatesEstate Administration, Medicaid ApplicationsGuardianships, Wills & Trusts, Powers of AttorneyHealth Care Proxies, Real Estate, Deed Transfers25 Merrick Avenue, Merrick, New York516-804-2931 • www.MaryUlrichLaw.com

TRUSTS & ESTATES • ELDER LAW

MAYER & McLAUGHLIN LLPATTORNEY AT LAWMatrimonial, Family Law, Criminal LawTraffi c, Estate Planning, Personal Injury, Real Estate Matters114 Old Country Road Suite 248Mineola, NY 11501516-385-6595www.mayermclaughlin.com

FAMILY LAW

WE BUY CARS RUNNING OR NOT!153 Sunrise Highway, Merrick

(516) 546-9890

5190

24

"We Ain't Just Transmissions!""We Ain't Just Transmissions!"Automatic • Standard • Clutches • Foreign • Domestic • Axles • Front Wheel Drive • Steering Racks

Sports Utilities & Over Drive • Engine Service • Shocks & Struts • Wheel Alignment • Suspension Air Conditioning • Muffl er & Exhaust • Air & Fuel Filters • Fuel System Cleaning • Starters

Computer Diagnostics • Brakes • Batteries • Belts & Hoses • Alternator CV Boots & Joints • Timing Belts Radiator • Transmission Service • Complete Car Care

BRAKE SPECIALwith coupon only • expires 1/14/12. All cars foreign and domestic.

Labor only. Parts Add'l. Excludes 4 wheel Drive, Rear Discs and Hub Vehicles.

$8999

4 WHEEL DISC/DRUM

• Install Front Disc Pads • Install Rear Brake Shoes• Resurface Rotors • Resurface Drums • Check Brake Lines

• Check Master Cylinder • Add Brake Fluid

FALL SPECIALOIL CHANGE

NOW

with coupon only expires 1/14/12.

FREEDIAGNOSTIC CHECK

ANY VEHICLE $4995$3999Most Cars

TRANSMISSIONSERVICE SPECIAL



Transmission& Engine Co.

Specialists In Specialists In High Performance AutosHigh Performance Autos

NEW YEAR’S SPECIALNEW YEAR’S SPECIALWINTERIZE NOW

$499999

1/4 Mile E. of Meadowbrook Pkwy. Next to Jugs N’ StrokersOpen Mon - Sat 8am to 6pm

$$$$$$StartingStartingatat

with ad only with ad only expires expires 1/14/12.1/14/12.

YEAR IN REVIEWMarch

Shaped like a footprint, Mullener Pond abuts the Meadowbrook Parkway amid a stand of oaks and maples just south of Jerusalem Avenue in North Merrick. It is a quiet place, hemmed in by a six-foot chain-link fence. The New York State Department of Parks owns the property and for years had prohibited people from entering it. So, environmental advocates said, local folks had only been able to marvel at it from afar. That changed this past spring when the Department of Parks and the state Department of Environmental Conservation approved a plan that allowed public access to the woodland, where fishing is now permitted in Mullener Pond.

State eyes fi shing at Mullener Pond

A hike through the woodlands of North Merrick, south of the Brookside School, revealed widespread environmental damage. At left, oak trees with their roots exposed by erosion caused by dirt-bikers and all-terrain vehicle riders. With the roots exposed, the trees eventually die and fall.

Scott Brinton/Herald

5


ber 29, 2011

hofstra.edu

At Hofstra, you’re at the center of everything. So you can learn more. Think more. Be more.

Each year, hundreds of students transfer to Hofstra, and now, transferring to Hofstra is simpler than ever. Our transfer students are given greater fl exibility in fulfi lling general

education requirements with coursework from a prior institution. At a Transfer Day students can apply and receive an admission decision and credit evaluation, meet with

an academic advisor and register for the spring 2012 semester.

To attend a Transfer Day in January, visit hofstra.edu/transferdays

5192

45

YEAR IN REVIEW

Past Bellmore Kiwanis Club pres-ident John Monks led the kitchen and cooked up the pancakes at the club’s 39th annual Pancake Breakfast.

IN BRIEF

Mepham senior crowned poetry king

April

Bellmore fl ips for pancake breakfast

Skyler Kessler/Herald

Central District freezes salaries Teachers and administrators in the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District agreed to voluntarily freeze their salaries for the 2011-12 academic year in order to avoid further budget cuts and preserve student programs. In all, the wage freeze saved the district $840,000 in 2011-12, according to Central officials. “We thank each and every teacher and administrator in the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District for their selflessness in these tough economic times, “ said the then Board of Education President Nina Lanci. In February, the district announced that 25 teachers and staff members would be let go at the end of this school year. According to officials, the number of teachers and staff members expected to be laid off would remain the same, but the district would be able to avoid eight additional teacher layoffs because of the freeze.

Courtesy Bellmore Merrick Central High School District

Mepham High School senior Steven Tsai was crowned New York state champion in the Poetry Out Loud competition, a national contest that encourages high school students to learn about great poetry through memorization, performance and competition. The 18-year-old Bellmore resident beat out thousands of other competitors from across the state, and participated in the national finals in Washington, D.C. at the end of April. “I’m both nervous and excited,” said Tsai. “I’m representing New York state now. It’s an honor.”

Dece

mbe

r 29,

201

1 —

BELL

MOR

E HE

RALD

6

518018

YEAR IN REVIEW

In a public hearing that turned raucous at times, the Nassau County Legislature heard testi-mony from a long line of speakers who charged that a Republican plan to redraw the lines of the county’s 19 legislative districts would, if passed, dilute the minority vote while shifting roughly half of the county’s population –– 576,000 peo-ple in all –– into new districts. Meanwhile, the Legislature’s majority leader, Peter Schmitt, a Republican from Massapequa, defended the plan, saying that the county must redraw lines after the U.S. census if a district’s population is 10 percent greater than the allow-able maximum of 70,000, which, in many cases, it is, while in others population has decreased. Thus, Schmitt said repeatedly, immediate redis-tricting is required. May’s hearing was the only public forum on the proposed redistricting plan. The Legislature planned to vote on redistricting immediately, which led many to say that the Republican majority was acting hastily to push through its proposal while “slicing and dicing” a number of legislative districts that have stood for years. Democrats challenged the GOP redistricting plan in the courts, which ultimately decided that it could not apply to the 2011 election.

May

Legislature’s redistricting hearing gets heated as Democrats cry foul


More than 250 people turned out for a public hearing to voice their opinions on a Republican plan to redraw the Nassau County Legislature’s district lines. Among the attendees was Golena White of Hempstead.

7


ber 29, 2011

*Excludes taxes and registration fees. Total monthly payments: C300=$11,370; GLK350=$11,970. Mileage: 7,500/year with 25¢/mile additional. Lessee responsible for excess wear and maintenance. Subject to approval by primary lender. **Qualified customers only; excludes 2011 and 2012 Sprinter, smart, SLS models. §Eligible customers will receive up to 8 months payment credit on their current lease with a lease or finance of any new 2010, 2011 or 2012 Mercedes-Benz vehicle through Mercedes-Benz Financial Services. Certain exclusions apply. See dealer for details. †As per 1957 dealer agreement. ©2011 Lakeview Auto Sales and Service, Inc. Dealer #1300376. Offers end January 3, 2012.

$379 First Month’s Payment$2,865 Cap Cost Reduction$795 Acquisition Fee$4,039 Due at Signing

$3792012 C300 4MATIC

per mo30 molease*

$399 First Month’s Payment$3,389 Cap Cost Reduction$795 Acquisition Fee$4,583 Due at Signing

$3992012 GLK350

per mo30 molease*

A Mercedes-Benz from Lakeview is the perfect gift!

for Mercedes-Benz Financial Services clients when you purchase a 2010, 2011 or 2012 Mercedes-Benz. Now, that’s some rather enthusiastic news for Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts.

Up to 8 months payment credit§

If you currently own a BMW, Audi, Lexus, Jaguar, Porsche, Land Rover, Acura, Infiniti, Cadillac, Lincoln, Volvo, VW or Jeep you can get $4,000 on a 2011 E-Class, 2012 GL-Class or 2012 S-Class or $2,000 toward the Mercedes-Benz of your choice.** Driving a Mercedes-Benz has never been more rewarding.

Your choice of what to drive just got easier.

nz enthus

L O N G I S L A N D ’ S F I R S T M E R C E D E S - B E N Z D E A L E R S H I P

www.LakeviewMB.com | 516.766.6900650 Sunrise Hwy in Rockville Centre

Mon-Fri 9am-8pm

Sat 9am-6pm

Sun 11am-4pm

Web Site 24/7 facebook.com/LakeviewMB

Top RatedDealer

5254

01

Dece

mbe

r 29,

201

1 —

BELL

MOR

E HE

RALD

8

Merrick-Bellmore ‘thrilled’ that bin Laden is gone

YEAR IN REVIEW

Janette Pellegrini/Herald

A memorial at the corner of Merrick Avenue and Sunrise Highway in Merrick that pays homage to 9/11 victims Ronnie Gies and Brian Sweeney.

May June

“I’m thrilled that he’s gone.” That was what Merokean Carol Gies had to say about the death of Osama bin Laden, shortly after President Obama announced to the world that the al Qaeda leader and 9/11 mastermind was killed in a 40-minute firefight with U.S. Navy seals at a fortified compound outside of Islamabad, Pakistan’s capital. Gies’s husband, Ronnie, a New York City firefighter and Merrick Fire Department chief, died trying

to save others inside the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001. He was one of 343 city firefighters who were killed in the worst ter-rorist attack perpetrated on American soil. Ever since, Carol Gies said that she and her three sons –– Tommy, Ronnie Jr. and Bobby –– have struggled to make sense of the attacks and find some sense of clo-sure, some relief from their psychic pain. News of bin Laden’s death

reopened the “raw” wounds that Gies felt in the days and weeks after 19 al Qaeda hijackers slammed two jets into the Twin Towers, causing them to crash to the ground in a fire-ball. At the same time, Gies said, news of his death gave her a moment to pause. She said she worries about her two oldest sons, Tommy, 28, and Ronnie, 26, both of whom fol-lowed in their father’s footsteps and joined the Fire Department of New York.

Facebook photo

Scott Lipsky, a Kennedy High School graduate, won the mixed doubles title at the French Open.

Kennedy grad wins French open Those who know Scott Lipsky say he is a man of few words. Lipsky, who grew up in Merrick and graduated from Kennedy High School in Bellmore, has never been one to boast or complain. And that, in large part, was the secret to the 29-year-old’s success at last week’s French Open, at which he won the mixed doubles title at this Grand Slam event. His resiliency in the face of any chal-

lenge was what kept him going through the ups and down of his tennis career and what ultimately brought him to the mixed doubles finals at the French Open on June 2, his past coaches said. Alongside Australian partner Casey Dellacqua, Lipsky defeated the top-seeded Nenad Zimonjic of Serbia and Katarina Srebotnik of Slovenia to win his first Grand Slam title.

9


ber 29, 2011

YEAR IN REVIEWJune

June

Centralgraduation Much was the same about this year’s Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District graduation ceremonies. Seniors came attired in their caps and gowns –– blue robes for Calhoun, green for Kennedy and red for Mepham. Excited parents showered their now adults children with flowers and bal-loons, and snapped hundreds of photos. But much was different. For starters, there was the venue. For the first time, Central District officials moved the ceremo-nies from the high schools to the NYCB Theater at Westbury, formerly the Westbury Music Fair.

The State Senate and Assembly passed legislation on June 17 to ensure that people with autism receive insurance coverage for the screening, diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders. The legislation, which passed unanimously in the Senate and by a large majority in the Assembly, was sent to Gov. Andrew Cuomo for consideration, and he ultimately signed the measure. State Sen. Charles Fuschillo Jr., a Republican from Merrick, was the lead sponsor of the bill in the Senate. “This is a giant step forward towards helping families with autism get the care they need,” Fuschillo said. “Many of these fami-lies are literally going broke paying for this care because their insurance companies refuse to provide coverage.”

Kennedy High School seniors celebrated outside the NYCB Theater in Westbury just before their graduation ceremony got under way.


IN BRIEFAutism bill passes Legislature

July

Jeff Wilson/Herald

A crowd turned out for the expo’s opening-night festivities.

` A little Hollywood glitz and glamour came to Bellmore in July for the 14th Annual Long Island International Film Expo, which boasted eight days of independent films from around the world. The festival kicked off with a preview night on July 7 and an opening-night party the following evening. Some 115 films graced the screens at this year’s festival at the Bellmore Movies, includ-ing 28 documentaries –– one of them by

Bellmorite Leslye Abbey. Abbey’s documenta-ry, “Experiencing Aging,” her third film screened at the expo, explored the work and writings of social worker and educator Catherine Papell. Also featured was the movie “Jesse,” part of which was filmed in Bellmore in September 2010. Director Fred Carpenter brought the cast and crew to shoot a scene at KJ Farrell’s Bar and Grill on Pettit Avenue.

The film follows Jesse, a Nassau County detective, played by Stephanie Finochio, who gets involved in the investigation of her broth-er’s murder. After accidentally walking into a robbery/hostage situation at a local conve-nience story, Jesse seeks solace at a local bar — KJ Farrell’s. There she meets the bartender, Chris, played by Eric Roberts, and the two become romantically involved.

L.I. fi lm expo a success in its 14th year

YEAR IN REVIEW

Married in Irene

July

Cuomo signs property-tax cap into law

Nearly 525,000 Long Island Power Authority cus-tomers lost electricity in Tropical Storm Irene, which struck Long Island in late August, as the storm’s strong winds, gusting up to 70 mph, sent trees crashing into power lines. Trees were partic-ularly susceptible to collapse, officials said, because the ground was saturated with water, first from

Aug. 14’s record rainstorm and then from Irene, whose storm surge, combined with a driving rain, put many coastal communities south of Merrick Road under one to three feet of water.

Allison Lutz and Tom Ruggiero celebrat-ed after marrying only a short while beforeIrene struck Long Island at the Alpha SigmaBoat Club in south Bellmore.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo came to the home of a Lynbrook family to sign New York’s first property-tax cap –– six days after the New York State Senate approved the legislation that proponents said would usher in a new era of

fiscal responsibility. Cuomo was joined y local officials, including Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos, Sen. Charles Fuschillo Jr. and Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano.

August

Irene swamps the Bellmores

Jeff Wilson/Herald

Even though Hurricane Irene was downgraded to a tropical storm when it hit Long Island, it still fl ooded many parts of Bellmore, like these Shore Road homes, with three feet of water.

Allison Lutz Ruggiero

Dece

mbe

r 29,

201

1 —

BELL

MOR

E HE

RALD

10

5179

57

CALLING ALL ANGELS!Hunger Does Not Take

A Holiday!Come support the work

of The INN

MEDIA SPONSOR

Participants wanted, call 631.514.9142 for more information

at

“Art for Hunger’s Sake”featuring Jen Chapin

Saturday, January 7, 2012Noon - 5PM

$25 donation to attend the full dayStudent Center Theater, Hofstra University

MUSIC • DANCE • DRAMA • POETRY • ART • PHOTOGRAPHY • CRAFTS AND MORE

www.the-inn.org “Like” us on Facebook“Art for Hunger’s Sake”

78108 5255

72

11


ber 29, 2011

YEAR IN REVIEWSeptember

Tens of thousands of fair-goers from across the South Shore and beyond thronged Bedford Avenue in Bellmore Village for the 25th annual Bellmore Family Street Festival, sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores. The weather –– sunny, with a slight breeze –– was ideal for the festival, which has gained widespread acclaim as Nassau County’s largest family fair.

Sue Grieco/Herald

Bill Kelly/Herald

Four would-be robbers who forced their way into a North Bellmore home sent scores of police on a chase through local neighborhoods.

Home invasion sends cops on chase Four Brooklyn men brandishing knives and a handgun forced their way into a North Bellmore home on Bellmore Avenue, and later, as they attempted to escape, Nassau County police officers pur-sued the men by car into Merrick and later Wantagh, firing shots at and wounding one of the suspects,

authorities said. The Nassau County Police Department identified the four men as Eduardo Cruz, 35, Gustavo Arroyo, 33, Dario Guerrero, 55, and Carlos Enrique Segura.

Bellmore street fest, a success once again

YEAR IN REVIEW

Kennedy football captain Matthew DelBianco ran through a welcoming crowd of cheerlead-ers during Kennedy High School’s Homecoming pep rally as students met in the gymnasium to show their Cougar pride. Following the pep rally, the football team took the field, defeating Carle Place 34-28.

Donovan Berthoud/Herald

October

Kennedy celebrates school spirit

Dece

mbe

r 29,

201

1 —

BELL

MOR

E HE

RALD

12

1414 Jerusalem Avenue, North Merrick, NY 11566

RACQUET CLUB

ADULTS - 14 WEEK LEARN & PLAY SESSION • Beginning January 15th • 4 Students In A Group With Pro For 1 Hour Each Week Plus 1-1/2 Hr. Practice Time Each Week • Day, Night & Weekend Times Available, Groups Now Being Formed

JUNIORS - 14 WEEK SESSION • Beginning January 15th • Group, Semi Private & Private Lessons Available • Ladder Match Program • Saturday & Sunday Practice Time

5256

96

Learn To Play Tennis or Just Improve Your Game

Call For AnAppointmentFor Testing

No Membership Fees!Call Today!

(516)489-9005

5223

53

YEAR IN REVIEWOctober

Pit bulls maul North Merrick woman A pit bull that mauled 64-year-old Shashi Sharma at the Brookside School in North Merrick –– one of two that dug their teeth into her arms, legs and head –– eluded capture as police closed in on the animal in North Merrick. Nassau County police officers fired at and possibly wounded the dog, but it ran off. Officials cautioned people to stay away from the animal

and to call 911 immediately if it was spotted. Weeks later, police shot and killed the second pit bull on Jerusalem Avenue in North Merrick, out-side a day-care center.

Two pit bulls attacked Shashi Sharma at the Brookside School in North Merrick.

November

Bill Kelly/Herald

Nassau County police offi cers searched for clues into the fatal shooting of a North Bellmore man outside his East Meadow Avenue home.

Man shot and killed in North Bellmore At 11:36 a.m. in early November, Nassau County Police received a call that shots had been fired at 925 East Meadow Ave. in North Bellmore. At the scene, officers found Hasan Kaya, 49, lying on the front stoop, bleeding heavily from multiple gunshot wounds, Detective Lt. John Azzata said. Kaya was rushed to Nassau University Medical Center in East Meadow, where he was pronounced dead. Police said that Kaya might have been tar-geted.

13


ber 29, 2011

5245

47

Where children with cancer find a new beginning every day...

Here’s my tax-deductible gift in the amount of (please check one):$10 $18 $36 $90 $180 $540 $3000 $6000 $_______

Buys arts Buys kids’ Buys sporting Pays for Pays for Pays for Pays for Pays for Pays for days and crafts snacks goods and transp. medical special half camp full camp of fun for everysupplies and treats equipment to camp supplies programs session session lucky camper

3 easy ways to contribute1. Credit Card

Card No.______________________________ Exp. Date ______

Card Code_________ Signature __________________________

2. Check payable to Sunrise Day Camp.

3. Make your contribution online at www.sunrisedaycamp.org

Send contribution to Sunrise Day Camp,Development Office, 15 Neil Court, Oceanside, NY 11572.

Thank you! Please print your information:

Name ___________________________________________________

Address _________________________________________________

City/State/Zip _____________________________________________

Phone _______________ E-mail _______________________________

My (or my spouse’s) employer has a matching gift program. Please enclose employer’s matching gift form with your donation.

Help bring sunshine into the lives of families coping with cancer

It costs $6,000 to send a child with cancer to Sunrise Day Camp. Thanks to the generous donations of people like you, we have been able to brighten the lives of hundreds of kids each year. Even a small gift can make a big difference.

Sunrise Day Camp is offered free of charge to all children, ages 31/2 -16, being treated for cancer and their siblings on a non-sectarian basis.

Operated by the Barry and Florence Friedberg JCC on the 300-acre Henry Kaufmann Campgrounds in Wheatley Heights, Long Island, Sunrise Day Camp is the only dedicated day camp in the nation for children with cancer and their siblings.

Please clip this form and mail to the address below

Dece

mbe

r 29,

201

1 —

BELL

MOR

E HE

RALD

14

By DEIRDRE KRASULA and DAVID [email protected] or [email protected]

If you happened to notice a U.S. military Humvee leading two limousines with giant menorahs atop them through Mer-rick and Bellmore streets last week, you

were not dreaming. On the first day of Hanukkah, on Dec. 20, the Chabad Center for Jewish Life of Bell-more-Merrick held its annual Great Meno-rah Car Parade and Menorah Lighting. Members of the U.S. Army’s 69th Infantry Division led the procession, which began in south Merrick, made a stop at Sunrise High-way and Newbridge Road in Bellmore, and completed the journey at Sunrise Highway and Merrick Avenue, where a 12-foot-tall menorah was lit.

Chabad lights the night with giant menorahs

A LIMOUSINE CARRYING CHABAD’S Hanukkah wishes made its way through the Bellmores and Merricks.

Sue Grieco/Herald

RABBI SHIMON KRAMER, of the Chabad Center for Jewish Life, thanked the U.S. Army veter-ans in attendance.

RABBI MARC VOLK lighted this menorah with the assistance of a cherry picker.

COMMUNITY MEMBERS enjoyed the menorah lighting, despite the rainy weather.

15


ber 29, 2011

YEAR IN REVIEWNovember

December

Tempers fl are at county hearing A Nassau legislative hearing to review the county’s $2.63 billion 2012 budget turned chaotic when residents and MTA Long Island Bus drivers refused to cede the floor, demanding more time to be heard during a 30-minute public comment ses-sion. Peter Schmitt, a Republican from Massapequa and the County Legislature’s presiding officer, walked out of the meeting, only to return a half-hour later. Meanwhile, Grover Howell, union chairman of MTA Long Island Bus and a driver, railed against a decision by County Executive Ed Mangano to privatize the municipal bus system, whish serves upward of 100,000 riders daily. The county later signed a contract with Veolia Transportation to take over the bus system as of Jan. 1.


Volunteers came from the Five Towns and the Bellmore and Merrick area to help at Rock and Wrap It Up’s annual Thanksgiving feast in Rockaway Beach, which offers a hot meal to families in need.

IN BRIEFFive Towners, Bellmore-Merrick Central coaches lend a hand Dozens of volunteers from the Five Towns and Bellmore-Merrick commu-nities turned out to help at Rock and Wrap It Up’s annual Thanksgiving feat at the First Congregational Church at Beach 94th Street in Rockaway Beach, Queens, which provides a hot meal of turkey and ham with all the trimmings to families in need. The nonprofit global hunger-relief organization Rock and Wrap It Up, founded by longtime Cedarhurst resident Syd Mandelbaum, has spon-sored the Thanksgiving meal each year for over a decade and a half.

Kennedy earns top cheerleading title The Kennedy High School varsity cheerleading squad took first place at the 29th annual Nassau County Cheerleading Competition on Dec. 11 in Valley Stream. The team beat out 10 other squads to earn the top prize. At right, the Kennedy team, with Coach Mallory Cogan, at right, mid-dle row, celebrating after the competi-tion.

Courtesy Rhonda Bachenheimer

Dece

mbe

r 29,

201

1 —

BELL

MOR

E HE

RALD

16

YEAR IN REVIEWDecember

December

Charged in state-wide gun probe A North Bellmore man was charged in a state-wide gun-show investigation by Attorney General A.G. Schneiderman. Sam Savino of North Bellmore was one of 10 people arrested for failing to conduct required background checks before selling firearms. Savino was the only defendant from Nassau County charged in “Operation Background Bust.” The eight-month investigation was conducted across New York state at six gun shows, including one in Hauppauge in September. The 10 defendants were found guilty of violating the state’s back-ground check necessary to sell firearms.

Deirdre Krasula/Herald

North Bellmore Superintendent Arnold Goldstein, Board of Education President Grace Cramsie, and Vice President Jo Ann DeLauter at the Dec. 13 board meeting, at which it was decided that Gunther Elementary School would close next June.

IN BRIEFGunther Elementary School to close

Sacred Heart School to close nextJune After more than 50 years of edu-cating South Shore children, Sacred Heart School in North Merrick will close next June. The announcement was made on Dec. 6 by the Diocese of Rockville Centre. In a letter posted on the diocese website, Bishop William Murphy explained that the decision was the result “of a decline in school-age pop-ulation and the economic climate of Long Island.” Parents vowed to fight the closure and were later incensed when Murphy declined to meet with them to discuss possibilities for keeping the school open. Sacred Heart takes in students from throughout the Merricks and Bellmores.

Penny Frondelli/Herald

Katherine Keegan, 6, and her mother, Karen, were among the protesters at a candlelight vigil at the Sacred Heart School on Dec. 14. Parents say they hope to keep the school open, but Bishop William Murphy insists that it must close.

At the close of the workday on June 30, 2012, Gunther Elementary will close its doors to North Bellmore School District children. That was the decision the North Bellmore Board of Education rendered on Dec. 12. It came follow-ing the 21-member Committee to Explore

Educational Options’ recommendation to close Gunther at the group’s final meeting in November. The Board of Education voted mid-way through its December meeting. Following the decision, many parents stood up and left the room. The CEEO also recommended extending

the busing mileage requirement to two miles, a measure that would require approval in a public vote. More than an hour of public comment fol-lowed the board’s decision to shut down Gunther, with parents voicing frustration and anger.

17


ber 29, 2011

Robert Person never wavered, even as the Kennedy sophomore’s early three-point lead in the 96-pound finals of the Nassau County Division I wrestling championships against Oceanside’s Rocco Candella was whittled to nothing Feb. 13. Instead, Person kept his composure, and more important, his focus, scoring four of the last five points over the final two periods to emerge with an 8-5 victory and the Cougars’ first indi-vidual county championship since 2005. “I just had to keep my mind in it and keep wrestling,” Person said after running his record this season to 40-1. “It definitely helped knowing what he was going to do,” he added, noting that the two had met a week earlier, with Candella on the short end of a 12-5 decision. “He’s a really tough kid and he came after me. I have a lot of respect for him.” Person’s road to the finals as the No. 3 seed was far from easy. He advanced to the championship with a 6-4 decision over MacArthur’s Justin Cooksey in the semis, and his tournament began with an 8-7 victory over Wantagh’s Kyle Quinn after Person opened up what appeared to be a command-ing six-point lead. In running up his career win total to 96, Person has demonstrated that he is far from the normal underclassman on the mats.

YEAR IN REVIEW SPORTSKennedy sophomore wins wrestling titleFebruary

Jeff Wilson/Herald

Kennedy’s Robert Person celebrates after capturing the 96-pound Nassau County Division I wrestling champion-ship. He beat Oceanside’s Rocco Candela, 8-5, in the fi nals.

Lady Colts fi nish 16-1-2

Cougars win fi ve straight on gridiron

October

Kennedy’s Matthew DelBiancoplows through the icy mud for some yardage during a Conference II win over New Hyde Park Oct. 29.

Donovan Berthoud/Herald

A regular season that began 0-3 and with a lot of question marks for Kennedy on the football field ended with a lot of answers and an exclamation mark. The Cougars ripped off their fifth consecutive victo-ry, a 21-6 decision over New Hyde Park Oct. 29, to give the program its longest winning streak since the 1973 team finished a perfect 8-0. “The guys decided that we weren’t done yet,” head coach Nick Martone said of the turnaround that also helped Kennedy squeak into the first-round of the Conference II playoffs as the No. 8 seed. “I couldn’t be prouder of them.” Kennedy, which fell to eventual champion Garden City in the playoff opener, hit the five-win mark for the first time since 1975. “We had a couple of seniors that last couple of days that were [previously] soft-spoken starting to speak up a little bit,” he said of the week lead-ing up to one of the program’s biggest games in years. “The other guys were just latching on to that.” The five-game winning streak also featured a come-back from a 21-point deficit against Carle Place Oct. 6. Racalbuto connected with junior Ralph Faiella for a 38-yard score on the game’s final play to give Kennedy a 34-28 win.

With just under two minutes of play in a Nassau Class AA girls’ soccer semifinal game at Tully Park Nov. 4, it looked like fourth-seeded Mepham was about to spoil Calhoun’s undefeat-ed season. But Lady Colts outside defender Nora Charidah snagged a ball at midfield and lifted it toward Mepham’s goal. Jessica Foley took the pass just in front of the net and drilled a shot to tie the game. In the blink of an eye it was headed into overtime where No. 9 Calhoun would ulti-mately advance to the finals with a 2-1 win. Senior Mary Hijazi netted the game-winning goal. Calhoun, which upset No. 1 Farmingdale in the quarterfinals on Halloween, would finish the season with a 16-1-2 record after coming up short in the title game against MacArthur. “We had an incredible season,” Lady Colts coach Lori Biscardi said. In the stunning upset of Farmingdale, senior forward Kristina Gandolfo, who ranked among the county’s leading goal scorers, found the net twice and sophomore goalkeeper Alissa Battaglia made 13 saves to spark the upset for the Conference AA-II regular-season champs. Gandolfo had 21 goals on the year.

Jeff Wilson/Herald

Calhoun’s Carla Miguel, left, and Mepham’s Kelsey Simpson vie for control of the ball during a Nassau Class AA semifi nal playoff game.

October

Broaching the issue of the Sept. 11, 2001, ter-rorist attacks with young children is always diffi-cult for the adults in their lives, but it’s also impor-tant that they grow up aware of their history. That’s why teachers and staff members at Gunther Elementary School in North Bellmore joined together at the start of the school year to figure

out the best way to teach students about that terri-ble day on its 10th anniversary. When brainstorming ways to commemorate the event, special-education teacher Christine Meaney came across a website that would give the Gunther community the opportunity to celebrate the everyday heroes of 9/11 while allowing partici-

pants to bring their own messages to the project. The idea of a quilt was born, and soon the larger Gunther community was involved. The materials for the quilt arrived around the end of October, and Gunther students got to work. Each student’s family was sent a swatch of cotton cloth, with instructions about the project attached. “We left it pretty much up to the families,” Meaney said, allowing parents the opportunity to speak with their children about what happened on 9/11 and how that day changed the country. The staff decided it would be “best for the families to decide how they wanted to discuss it with the chil-dren,” Meaney explained. Before the quilt project, Gunther held its annual 9/11 assembly during the first week of school. This year, sixth-graders led the assembly, during which they announced that they would contribute to the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation, a non-profit organization that pro-motes kindness, one small act at a time. After the assembly, Gunther students made promises to spread kindness in their community and at home.

The sixth-graders would present their completed acts of kindness to the rest of the school during an assembly, when the completed quilt would also be presented. The quilt comprised 225 swatches, which were buttoned together. Each student contributed a swatch, as did members of the Gunther staff. A unique message appeared on each piece of cloth, carrying a message of hope for the future, Meaney said. Many swatches depicted American flags, while others had quotes of hope and heroism. In addition to allowing the students to express their thoughts on the 9/11 anniversary, the project gave students a chance to work together for a greater cause. “They got a better sense of their school and their community,” Meaney said. The school presented the finished quilt to the North Bellmore Fire Department to pay tribute to the everyday heroes from their community. The fire department doesn’t have a place to house the quilt, so it remains on display in Gunther’s all-pur-pose room. The fire department plans to display it as soon as a space for it is created.

YEAR IN REVIEWDecember

Gunther joins together to honor heroes

Dece

mbe

r 29,

201

1 —

BELL

MOR

E HE

RALD

18

© D

isne

y19

2508

Buy tickets at www.disneyonice.com, Retail Locations, Arena Box Offices

or call 1-800-745-3000

Additional fees may apply.

Thu. Fri. Sat. Sun.JAN. 5

7:00 PM

JAN. 610:30 AM

7:00 PM

JAN. 711:00 AM 3:00 PM 7:00 PM

JAN. 8

1:00 PM5:00 PM

Thu. Fri. Sat. Sun.JAN. 19

7:30 PM

JAN. 2010:30 AM

7:30 PM

JAN. 2111:00 AM 3:00 PM 7:30 PM

JAN. 22

1:00 PM5:00 PM

Thu. Fri. Sat. Sun. Mon.JAN. 12

7:30 PM

JAN. 13

7:30 PM

JAN. 14

1:00 PM5:00 PM

JAN. 15

2:00 PM

JAN. 16

1:00 PM

5 - 8

12 - 16

19 - 22

Kids’ Tickets $15!Ages 2-12. Excludes VIP Dining, Rinkside and VIP seats. No double discounts. Additional fees

may apply. Good for all performances. Limit four (4) kids’ tickets per one (1) adult ticket purchased.

5255

52 70 Milburn Avenue, Baldwin • www.CoralHouse.com • 516-223-6500

All for only $100 per person!

CELEBRATE NEW YEAR’S EVEPRICE WORTH TOASTING!

Lavish buffet & open bar, dancing & DJ all night long!Saturday, December 31 • 8:00 pm - 2:00 am

5255

22

www.liherald.com

Don’t beoverrun

by clutter!Place a 2-week ad in

the Herald and PrimeTime to sell your hidden treasures fast!

Call the Classified Departmenttoday at 516-569-4000, press “5”.

To Advertise In The Herald Community To Advertise In The Herald Community Newspapers Please Call 516-569-4000Newspapers Please Call 516-569-4000

19


ber 29, 2011

REAL ESTATE

Real Estate

AT&T U-VERSE FOR just $29.99/mo!† SAVE when you bundle Inter-net+Phone+TV and get up to $300 BACK! (Select plans).† Limited Time Call NOW! 1-866-944-0810

NORTH CAROLINA MOUNTAINS. E-Z Finish Log Cabin Shell with Land only $99,900. Warm Winters, Low Cost of Liv-ing. E-Z Access Mountain Homesites up to 11 acres from $29,900. 828-429-4004 Code 45

CoOps & Condos/Sale

FREEPORT (SOUTH) JUST 1 block from Nautical Mile. Spac, Immaculate 1BR Gar-den Apt. 2nd fl r. Immediate!$109K JanKal-man.com 516-569-5651 or 516-377-1500

Land For Sale

LAND LIQUIDATION 20 Acres $0 Down $99/mo. ONLY $12,900 Near Growing El Paso, Texas Owner Financing NO CRED-IT CHECKS! Money Back Guarantee Free Color Brochure 800-755-8953 www.sunse-tranches.com

Houses For Rent

FREEPORT: WATERFRONT CANAL, 4 BR, 2 Bath, Hi-Ranch, Attached Garage, $2750 +Utilities, No Fee. 516-564-4775

Apartments For Rent

ISLAND PARK: LARGE 1 BR, Newly Renovated, FREE On-site Parking, Laundry On Premises, Walk Shops/ LIRR. No Fee. $1,250. Call (Supt.) 516-897-0614 Or (Offi ce) 516-569-3131

Commercial Prop./Rent

BALDWIN HARBOR: 600Sq. Ft. Offi ce/ Storage Space. 24Hr. Access, Electric, 2 Commercial Van Parking Available. $695. 516-318-6306

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Announcements

ADVERTISE YOUR PRODUCT or ser-vice nationwide or by region in up to 12 million households in North America's best suburbs! Place your classifi ed ad in over 750 suburban newspapers just like this one. Call 516-569-4000, Press 5

MERCHANDISE MART

Miscellaneous For Sale

100% GUARANTEED OMAHA Steaks - SAVE 64% on the Family Value Collection. NOW ONLY $49.99 Plus 3 FREE GIFTS & right-to-the-door delivery in a reusable cooler, ORDER Today. 1-888-543-7297 and mention code 45069SKS or www.OmahaSteaks.com/fvc11

Miscellaneous For Sale

DISH NETWORK. STARTING at $19.99/month PLUS 30 Premium Movie Channels FREE for 3 Months! SAVE! & Ask About SAME DAY Installation! CALL - 877-992-1237

HAS YOUR BUILDING SHIFTED OR SETTLED? Contact Woodford Brothers Inc, for straightening, leveling, foundation and wood frame repairs at 1-800-OLD-BARN. www.woodfordbros.com. Suffolk Cty~ License #41959-H Nassau Cty~ Li-cense #H18G7160000

HOT TUB: 8-PERSON Dimension, 20 Jets, w/Cover, Enjoy your Sum-mer! Asking $1800. 516-457-6046

LIVING IN PAIN? Real Time Pain Relief Lotion Relieves Pain in Minutes. 10 Single Application Travel Packs only $9.95 Call 888-228-1522. Smells Good Too!

READERS & MUSIC LOVERS. 100 Greatest Novels (audio books) ONLY $99.00 (plus s h.) Includes MP3 Player & Accessories. BONUS: 50 Classical Music Works & Money Back Guarantee. Call To-day! 1-888-799-345

SAWMILLS FROM ONLY $3997 -MAKE MONEY & SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill -Cut lumber any dimension.In stock ready to ship. FREE Info & DVD: w w w. N o r w o o d S a w m i l l s . c o m / 3 0 0 N 1-800-578-1363Å Ext:300N

Wanted To Buy

WANTED YOUR DIABETES TEST STRIPS. Unexpired .We buy Any Kind/Brand. Pay up to $22.00 per box.† Shipping Paid. Hablamos espanol. Call 1-800-267-9895† www.SellDiabetic-strips.com

FINDS UNDER $100

Finds Under $100

24" SHARP COLOR tube TV- great con-dition- $99 516-425-4513

AB-ROCKET EXERCISER: NEW, Never Used. $75. 516-860-7979

BABY WALKER - model Combi Red Must see Excellent Condition. $50. 516-887-1054

BEDSPREAD SET W/BOLSTERS for High riser one green pattern and one fl oral pattern $50 a Set 516-485-1832

BICYCLE: SCHWIN, CHILDRENS, Mint Condition. $35. 516-672-4161

CAT LITTER BOX with cover $15. Lift and Sift Litter Box $15. 516-804-5028

COMMODE, FOLDING BRAND NEW- Never Used, In Original Carton. $25.00 Or Best Offer. 516-791-1821

FULL SIZE BED canopy Beige used good condition Pickup Cash $75 516-659-7339

LIONEL OPERATING NEWS Stand From 1950"s Excellent Condition $99 516-792-1749

LITTLE TYKES TODDLER car bed Blue with board $75 516-546-0725

LIVING ROOM TABLES brass & glass (3) excellent condition $75 each.. 516-872-8398

METAL FOLDING TABLE legs fold under for easy storage 37" x 25" $20. 516-825-2112

POLINEX ELECTRIC AIR Purifi er $75. 516-825-2112

Finds Under $100

ROCK N ROLL Memorabilia Peter Max Tee Shirt From Eoodstock Never Worn, X-Large $65 516-782-1749

ROLLERBLADE LIGHTNING TRS Size 13-14 Get Into Shape. $60 516-320-4829

SEARS GARBAGE COMPACTOR- good condition- $60 516- 425-4513

SKATEBOARD Mint Condition. $5. 516-672-4161

SKIS & POLES: Rossignol (VAS-4S) 74" Kevlar, Marken M-46, Twin Cam Bindings, Deluxe Padded Travel Bag, $85. 516-432-0056

SNOW BLOWER: HONDA, 3.5 Engine, Clean Condition. $99. 516-996-1383, Leave Message

SOFA AND LOVE seat, charcoal & grey squares with colorful diagonal stripes. Both $99 516-792-3083

TIRES (4) 185/65-15 studded radials used one season $99 total. 516-872-8398

TIRES COOPER TIRES (4) P 265 from F-150 Ford pick-up. Good condition. $99. 516-761-0385

TOY TRAINS MAXX Excellent Contition From 1960's Perfect for Under the Tree $99 516-782-1749

TOY TRAINS N SCALE REVELL Origi-nal Box From 1978 Like New $99 516-782-1749

TWIN BEDS ONE with 3 drawers, one without + clean mattress's $99.00. 516-316-2685

VAN TIRES SAVERO H+ LT225-75RT $95 ea 516-593-6585

WALL UNIT, OAK with glass off white , 9' x 4' holds a 54" fl at screen TV $99 516-205-0090.

WHITE CHANGING TABLE with all in-cluded and extras. MINT BARELY USED $50 516-375-7014

Announcements

Finds $100-$350

DELL DESKTOP COMPUTER AND T.V. Like New! Perfect Condition. $250 All. 516-672-4161

DESK WITH HUTCH: Dark Pine, $250. Dresser With Mirror, Dark Pine, $200. 516-872-3637

FUR COAT (RACCOON), size 8-10, very good cond. $170. 516-431-2113

TWO ANTIQUE ARMCHAIRS in light col-or oak. Pict. available. $170. 516 4312113

EMPLOYMENT

Help Wanted

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT PT: Monday- Friday, Flexible Hours. Growing Alterative Medicine Practice, Five Towns Area. Fax Resume 516-569-4774

AIRLINES ARE HIRING- Train for hands on Aviation Career. FAA approved pro-gram. Financial aid if qualifi ed- Job Place-ment Assistance. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance (866)296-7093

COLLECTIONS/ MEDICAL LEGAL

WOODMEREP/T, 3 Days Per Week

Preferably Mon. Wed. Fri.Knowledge Of Medisoft & Independent Medical

Evaluations Helpful.Good Computer Skills

Fax 516-612-3314 Email: [email protected]

DRIVER- BUILD YOUR Own Hometime! Daily Pay! New Trucks! Local orientation. 31 Service Centers. Van and Refrigerated. CDL-A, 3 months recent experience re-quired. 800-414-9569 www.drivek-night.com

HELP WANTED- EDUCATION. Tech-nology Teacher, Full time tenure track sec-ondary grades technology teacher, starting January 2012. Letter of interest, resume, copy of certifi cation and reference letters due by noon, January 4th to: A. Paul Scott, Interim Superintendent of Schools, Peru Central School District, District Offi ce, PO Box 68, Peru, New York 12972 EOE

Announcements

Excellent 2 family home with waterviews

Century 21 American Homes28 East Park Avenue • Long Beach

516-665-2000 www.c21amhomes.com/longbeach

12/29

versized Property 60X60 with Wateviews.Downstairs Has 3 Bedrooms Includes Detached Garage, Nice Private Yard And Front Porch.Upstairs apartment Has

2 Bedrooms,Woodburning Stove, Large Private Side Deck And Front Porch. Gas 2 zone heating. Located at 105 Maryland Ave. in the Heart of the West End of Long Beach. Convenient to all!O

5220

67

Classified AdvertisingHoliday Deadlines

WE WILL BE CLOSED Monday, Dec. 26, 2011Monday, Jan. 2, 2012

HERALD EARLY DEADLINES:12/29 Issue - Closes Fri. 12/23, 11:00AM

1/5 Issue - Closes Fri. 12/30, 11:00AM

To Place a Classified ADCall 516 569-4000

Press 5, Then 2

E112/29

Dece

mbe

r 29,

201

1 —

BELL

MOR

E HE

RALD

20 Help Wanted

INSURANCE PRODUCER/ SALES: For Busy Malverne Agency. Experience/ Li-cense Required. Call Jack 516-882-7511

REPORTER/ ASSISTANT EDITORThe Star reaches more than 10,000 Or-thodox Jewish households in the Five Towns, Great neck, and Brooklyn with breaking news, featured stories and more. Check out the website at www.TheJewishStar.com. You will seek out story ideas, write pieces, edit others' work, oversee the website. Must be fa-miliar with the Five Towns and neighbor-ing Jewish communities, have an under-standing of Torah Judaism, issues and current events within the larger Orthodox world. Richner Communications offers a friendly informal environment in our state of the art offi ces in Garden City, salary, paid time off, excellent health plan and 401(K). Please send resume, cover let-ter and salary requirements to: [email protected]

Employment/Information

PAID IN ADVANCE! Make $1000 Week-ly Mailing Brochures from Home. Income is guaranteed! No experience required.† En-roll Today! www.national-mailers.net

Business/Opportunities

EARN UP TO $150 per day Undercover Shoppers Needed to Judge Retail & Dining Establishments Experience Not Required Call Now 1-888-891-4244

HELP WANTED!!! MAKE $1000 a Week processing our mail! FREE Supplies! Help-ing Home-Workers since 2001! Genuine Opportunity! No experience required. Start Immediately! www.national-mail-ers.net

MAKE UP TO $2,000.00+ Per Week! New Credit Card Ready Drink-Snack Vending Machines. Minimum $3K to $30K+ Invest-ment Required. Locations Available. BBB Accredited Business. (800) 962-9189

SERVICES

Appliance Srvc./Repair

APPLIANCE DOCTORHOUSE CALLS!!

*Washers *Dryers *Ovens *Ranges *Dishwashers. CFC CERTIFIED RE-FRIGERATION/ AIR CONDITIONING. INSURED. One Year Guarantee.. "Es-tablished 30 Years" Consumer Affairs LICENSE #HO21719000. **$10 OFF Repairs/ $12 Seniors** FREE Service Charge With Repairs 516-764-7011; 516-536-8664.theappliancedoctorrx.comEMERGENCY SERVICE TODAY...

Floors

HARD WOOD FLOOR SPECIALIST Re-liable. Competitive Prices! FREE ESTI-MATES! GOLD STAR FLOORS. 516-593-0215/ 1-866-846-FLRS

Gutter Cleaning

ADVANCED SEAMLESS GUTTERS

& LEADERS, INC. Installed Cleaned

Repaired-PowerwashedLic. H0102710000 Insured

Free Estimates www.advanced-gutters.com

516-678-0893

EARN $1000 A week Mailing Brochures from Home. Free Supplies! Guaranteed In-come!† No experience required. Start To-day. www.national-mailers.net

EARN COLLEGE ONLINE. *Medical, *Business, *Criminal Justice. Job place-ment assistance. Computer available. Fi-nancial Aid if qualifi ed. SCHEV certifi ed Call 888-201-8657 www.CenturaOn-line.com

Painting

B&B PAINTING BY THE PROS INC. Interior/ Exterior Painting, Wallpaper Re-moval, Water Damage Repairs, Deck Ceil-ing & Staining, Powerwashing. COMMER-CIAL/ RESIDENTIAL 26 Yrs. Experience. Licensed Insured. Free Estimates. Many References. QUALITY WORK AT AF-FORDABLE PRICES!! 516-379-0654/ 631-968-8303

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Health & Fitness

AFFORADABLE HEALTH INSURANCE for EVERYONE!! Uninsured? Dissatisfi ed? Been Turned down? Call Now We Can Help Licensed Agents Standing By 1-800-951-2167

ATTENTION DIABETICS WITH Medi-care. Get a FREE Talking Meter and dia-betic testing supplies at NO COST, plus FREE home delivery! Best of all, this me-ter eliminates painful fi nger pricking! Call 888-903-6658

ATTENTION SLEEP APNEA SUFFER-ERS with Medicare. Get FREE CPAP Re-placement Supplies at NO COST, plus FREE home delivery! Best of all, prevent red skin sores and bacterial infection! Call 866-993-5043

CANADA DRUG CENTER is your choice for safe and affordable medications. Our li-censed Canadian mail order pharmacy will provide you with savings of up to 90% on all your medication needs. Call Today 888-459-9961 for $25.00 off your fi rst pre-scription and free shipping

LOCAL STD/HIV TESTING Did you know you can have an STD and show no symp-toms? Early detection and treatment can prevent permanent damage? Highest lev-els of privacy and discretion. Call 1-888-737-4941

LOSE 7-15 LBS. In 7 Days.†Eat the Foods You Enjoy. Quickly† and†Dramatically Shrink Your Waistline†Lose†Weight and Keep it Off†www.lose15pound-sin7days.com

Tutoring

MATH TUTOR/ TEACHER CERTIFIED *Specialist in SAT/ ACT Math, Integrated Algebra, Geometry, Algebra II/ Trigonome-try & Pre-Calculus. Excellent References. Reasonable Rates. Call Karen Asofsky 516-652-1982

Video/DVD Tansfer Svc.

SAVE THE MEMORIES: Home Movies, Videotapes, Cassettes, Albums, 45's, 78's, Pictures, Negatives, Slides. Call Joe 718-835-2595

PARTY & ENTERTAINMENT

Psychic Readings

PSYCHIC READINGS BY ROSE: Advice On All Matters Of Life. Experienced 25 Years. Call For One FREE Question By Phone. Available For Parties/ Gatherings. 516-922-2700

AUTOMOBILE & MARINE

Autos For SaleMUSTANG COUPE, 1965, Red. 289-V8- 2bbl, 165K Original Miles, New Seat Cov-ers And Tires, Centerline Type Wheels, Runs Excellent, Serious Buyers Only! $6,500. 516-581-4221

SATURN, 2002: 3 Door Coupe. 59K Miles, Automatic, 6 Cylinder, Burgundy, Great Condition, $5,000. 516-424-4348

Health & Fitness

Autos For Sale

VOLKSWAGEN GOLF, 1996: New 2001 Engine, 60K, Automatic, All Power, A/C, 4 Cylinder, $2,000. 516-612-3012

Autos Wanted

*AAA AARDVARK AUTO BUYERS* Highest Cash Paid! All Years/ Conditions. We Visit You!! Or Donate/ Tax Deductible Plus Cash, Ask for Jack 516-826-2277

ALL AUTO CASH * * A-1 AAA AUTO BUYER PAYS

$600-$10,000 For Unwanted Vehicles.

Safe, No Hassle, Free Pick-up, Lic. #7109189 516-375-0429

CASH FOR CARS! Any Make, Model or Year. We Pay MORE! Running or Not. Sell Your Car or Truck TODAY. Free Towing! Instant Offer: 1-888-545-8647

CASH FOR CARS! We Buy ANY Car or Truck, Running or NOT! Damaged, Wrecked, Salvaged OK! Get a top dollar INSTANT offer today! 1-800-267-1591

Health & Fitness

Q. It’s getting more expensive to build, and I’m really having problems finding a contractor to do a job. I don’t want to have to get a permit but plan to build to code, and I don’t need a licensed contractor who has expensive insur-ance. I have plenty of family and friends who can do this job, but I want to know if I’ll get “stuck” later for having done this. I have to save the money and will take my chances, but what should I know so I don’t have a problem I can’t get out of later?

A. That’s like asking a criminal attorney for the best method to beat the system because you’re plan-ning to rob a bank. Maybe the attorney can even drive the getaway driver. What you can be “stuck” with is myriad problems I can only guess at, based on the fact that building to code these days is like playing Monopoly with a 4-year-old. The rules keep changing, and you can’t win against a 4-year-old or the codes. For example, many municipalities are changing, and chang-ing again, their local zoning requirements, so what’s passable today may not be in a year or two. Window sizes and flood requirements have changed, energy requirements and fire protection are next up to be instituted, and plumbing systems may be right behind. I work with many people who are “stuck” when trying to sell their homes but have construc-tion that wasn’t permitted. Some come unraveled when told that the home they’ve lived in for years needs costly changes to meet current codes because of updates. The codes do have provisions for exist-ing buildings, but still have issues that can’t be “grandfathered.” Just because you lived there and used something the way it was for a long time is meaningless to an official whose job is to enforce regulations or face their own consequences if they don’t. It’s ironic that codes were put in place for our protection, but can have the opposite effect because more people these days are opting to do what you’re planning to, leading to less-safe structures that, skirting the authorities, may cause injury, even death, and/or legal problems, and lead insurance companies to not settle. You need to save money. We all do. The best advice I can give is the same advice I give to those who tell me, up front, that they’re not going to file plans for permits and will be doing the job them-selves. It’s my job, as a professional, to advise you to follow the law and to prepare documents that meet the legal requirements of your state and local juris-diction. Fortunately, using computers, we can revise plans without a lot of messy eraser dust when the time comes, but you have the burden of reconstruc-tion to make things right when the time comes. That’s the chance you take.

My best advice: follow the rules

Ask The Architect

MONTE LEEPER

© 2011 Monte Leeper Readers are encouraged to send questions to [email protected], with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.

HERALDCrossword Puzzle

Weightloss Medications

www.MDThin.com

Phentermine, Phendimetrazine, etc

for $80

(631) 462-6161 (516) 754-6001

C89

03

W212/29

21


ber 29, 2011

Source: The Multiple Listing Service of Long Island Inc,, a computerized network of real estate offices serving Nassau, Suffolk, Queens, and Brooklyn.

Home SalesA sampling of recent sales in the area

Average New York Mortgage Interest Rates

CONVENTIONAL mortgages are fixed rate, long-term, fully amortizing loans.COMPOSITE averages include all loans of the specified type; these continue the statistical averages previously complied.

Source: HSH Associates, 1200 Route 23, Butler, NJ 07405

Conventional15-Year New York Metro New York Co-OpWeek Ending Dec. 16 4.34% 4.24%Previous Week 4.39% 4.29%

30-YearWeek Ending Dec. 16 3.68% 3.44%Previous Week 3.74% 3.54%

CompositeWeek Ending Dec. 16 4.02% 3.91%

1 Year Adjustable Week Ending Dec. 16 3.68% 3.63%Previous Week 3.67% 3.63% CompositeWeek Ending Dec. 16 3.48% 3.02%

Baldwin $352,000

Carl. Colonial. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Finished basement. Eat-in kitchen. Screened front porch. Formal dining room.Taxes: $11,300

Cedarhurst $590,000

Roselle. Tudor. 4 bed-rooms, 3 bathrooms. Finished basement. Eat-in kitchen. Finished attic. Central air conditioning.Taxes: $8,900

East Rockaway $360,000

Second. 2 Story. 3 bed-rooms, 2, bathrooms. Eat-in kitchen. Living room with fireplace.Taxes: $7,100

Elmont $470,000

Cameron. Colonial. 4 bed-rooms, 3 bathrooms. Finished basement. Eat-in kitchen.Taxes: $9,950

Lynbrook $370,000

Lakeview. Tudor. 3 bed-rooms, 1.5 bathrooms.

Finished basement. Eat-in kitchen with breakfast nook. Living room with fire-place. Patio.Taxes: $7,968.63

Merrick $445,000

Parkwood. Ranch. 3 bed-rooms , 2 bathrooms. Finished basement. Updated eat-in kitchen with granite and stainless steel countertops and slid-ers to deck. Living room with fireplace. Formal din-ing room. Central air con-ditioning.Taxes: $10,119

Rockville Centre $610,000

Harvard. Colonial. 3 bed-rooms, 3 bathrooms. Finished basement. Eat-in kitchen.Taxes: $14,726.03,

Valley Stream $540,000

Van Dam. Split. 5 bed-rooms, 3 bathrooms. Finished basement. Eat-in kitchen. Den with stone floor and fireplace. North Woodmere area. 2 car garage. Central air condi-tioning.Taxes: $8,633.78

HERALD

NEED A CAR? Find it in the PRIMETIME Classifieds.

MUST GO SHOPPINGTHIS WEEK

Autos Wanted

DONATE VEHICLE: RECEIVE $1000 GROCERY COUPONS. NATIONAL ANI-MAL WELFARE FOUNDATION SUP-PORT NO KILL SHELTERS HELP HOME-LESS PETS FREE TOWING, TAX DE-DUCTIBLE, NON-RUNNERS ACCEPTED 1-866-912-GIVE

Autos Wanted

DONATE YOUR VEHICLE Receive $1000 GROCERY COUPONS. UNITED BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION. Free Mammograms, Breast Cancer Info www.ubcf.info† FREE Towing, Tax De-ductible, Non-Runners Accepted. 1- 800-728-0801†

Autos Wanted

SELL YOUR CAR, TRUCK or SUV TO-DAY! All 50 states, fast pick-up and pay-ment. Any condition, make or model. Call now 1-877-818-8848 www.MyCarfor-Cash.net

Junk Cars Wanted

*ABLE SALVAGE* $$ JUNK CARS and TRUCKS Wanted!! $$ FREE Pickup. Call ABLE SALVAGE 516-431-2253 DMV#7056198

Junk Cars Wanted

A.ROSSIELLO SALVAGE Junk Cars $400/ Up Full Size

Pick-up Trucks/ Vans Removal of Large Buses

Trucks/ Trailers.Highest Prices Paid.

6 Day Pickup. 1-800-464-7146 516-432-7146

DMV#7111195

JUNK CARSBOUGHT

We'll Beat Any Price! Call Us Last 516-766-0000

ANSWERS TO TODAY’S PUZZLE5116

25

4516

60

HARD WOOD FLOORSPECIALIST

TOLL FREE: 866-846-FLRS • 516-593-0215

Quality Doesn’t Cost - It Pays!

Prompt Reliable Service At Competitive PricesINSTALLATIONS • REPAIRS

REFINISHING

GOLD STAR FLOORS✭Free Estimates • Dustless Machines

LIC/INS • Family Owned/Operated

FRANCISCO’S LANDSCAPING

TREE SERVICE• Tree Removal• Stumps• Fertilization

• Planting• Land Clearing• Topping

FREE ESTIMATES Lic# H206773000

Offi ce: 516-546-4971Cell: 516-852-5415 51

8714

4998

35

Save the MemoriesDo you have old 45's, 78's, LPs and cassettes

you can't listen to anymore?Don't throw them out - transfer them to CD!

We transfer 35MM, 8MM, Super8, VHS, slides, negatives and photos to DVD

Reasonable rates!Call Joe @ 718-835-2595

Editing Services Available:Enhancements, Special Effects,

Soundtracks, Movie Titles, Film Restoration

5171

84

Chimney King, Ent. Inc.766-1666

Fully licensed and insured *H0708010000

• Chimneys Rebuilt, Repaired & Relined• Stainless Steel Liners Installed

FREEESTIMATES

FREEESTIMATES

Chimney Cleaning & Masonry ServicesDone By Firefighters That Care

Lic/Ins.

U S CARPENTRY INC.Broken or Missing Baluster/Spindles

Weak or Broken Steps(Treads, Stringers or Risers)

Crown Moulding & Cabinets

STAIR SERVICES

516-805-0054

WE REPAIR

WINDOWS!

5137

36

ABOVE ALLGutter Service

Lic/Ins

We Specialize In:SeamlessGutters& All Repair Work

Gutter CleaningMost Houses $40

Everything Bagged & Flushed

516-431-0799 www.aboveallgutters.com

GREGOwner/Operator

4837

39

All Aspects of Fine Home Improvements

FREE ESTIMATES! 516.491.2981516.678.6823

HANDYMAN SERVICES

G&M CONSTRUCTION GROUP OF NY LLC

www.gmconstructiongroup.com 5147

16

• Reliable • Trustworthy • Quality Service• Lics/Ins. • Emergency Service & Repairs

W312/29

Dece

mbe

r 29,

201

1 —

BELL

MOR

E HE

RALD

22

Baldwin

HERALDEditor: Chris Connolly

Editorial page

Bellmore

HERALDEditor: Scott Brinton

East Meadow

HERALDEditor: Shannon Koehle

Franklin Square/ Elmont

HERALDEditor: Jackie Nash

Long Beach

HERALDEditor: Anthony Rifilato

Editorial comment Editorials offer the opinion of the Herald. The editorials are written by the editors, but do not necessarily represent their personal views. That is why they are unsigned: editorial comment is the newspaper’s institutional voice. The editors and publishers meet weekly to discuss positions the paper may take and how those positions will be expressed. Most editorials respond to developments in the news, but they may also be based on independent reporting or discussions with reporters to gain information that goes beyond what has already appeared in print. Editors and the publishers may also talk with advocates for causes or experts in a field to help formulate opinions or policies. Before elections, they meet with candidates for office. Most editorials concern local issues, but the newspaper may speak out as well on national or international questions that are part of the lives of our readers. Usually those editorials will try to address those concerns from a local perspective, since that is what we know best and what makes us different from daily newspapers and weekly news magazines. We hope our editorials are forceful without being strident and that they may persuade our readers to think and act in the best interests of the community.

Editorial cartoon The editorial cartoons are supplied by a syndicate, which represents major cartoonists across the country and the spectrum of political opinion. They are chosen to provide thoughtful or humorous viewpoints on topics of general interest. They do not represent the opinion of the newspaper or its editors.

For your information . . .The masthead The box at the far left side of the page is called the “masthead.” It contains the newspaper’s “flag” or nameplate, and the lion logo of the parent company of the Herald Community Newspapers, Richner Communications, Inc. The masthead offers basic information about the paper and how it functions. Brothers Stuart and Clifford Richner joint-ly guide the business and news operations for the 15 weekly newspapers in the Herald Community Newspaper group, including: the Nassau Herald, serving the Five Towns, and Heralds for Baldwin, Bellmore, East Meadow, Franklin Square/Elmont, Long Beach, Lynbrook/East Rockaway, Malverne/West Hempstead, Merrick, Oceanside/Island Park, Rockville Centre and Valley Stream. The editor of each paper is responsible for the assignment, selection and placement of stories, most of which the editors and reporters write. The executive editor oversees the editorial department staff and the editorial content of all 15 newspapers in the chain. The production department is respon-sible for the paper’s design. The advertising and art departments produce the large, often illustrated, “display” advertisements that appear throughout the paper. They help clients decide what the ads will say and how they will look. The classified department produces the small ads at the back of each week’s paper that are arranged by headings. The masthead also lists the paper’s age, the names of its founders, its address, tele-phone and fax numbers and notice that the contents are copyrighted.

23


ber 29, 2011

Opinion pages

Special features Other items will also appear on our editorial and op-ed pages, including the “Framework” feature that showcases creative work by the Herald’s photo staff, which, we hope, brightens the page and your week. We also make mistakes, despite our best efforts. We strive to correct them as soon as possible with a correction or clarification notice on these pages, the most prominent in the paper after page 1.

Merrick

HERALDEditor: Scott Brinton

Nassau

HERALDEditor: Jeff Bessen

Oceanside/Island Park

HERALDEditor: Alex Costello

Rockville Centre

HERALDEditor: Judy Rattner

Valley Stream

HERALDEditor: Andrew Hackmack

Lynbrook/East Rockaway

HERALDEditor: Mary Malloy

Malverne/West Hempstead

HERALDEditor: Lee Landor

Opinion columns Each week, we publish two pages of opinion in addition to the editorial page. Most of these pages are devoted to the columns of our three weekly or bi-weekly contributors: Randi Kreiss, the former editor of the Nassau Herald; Scott Brinton, the senior editor of the Bellmore and Merrick Heralds; former Senator Alfonse D’Amato; and our newest addition, former State Assemblyman Jerry Kremer. Our writers come from diverse backgrounds and from different points of the political spectrum. Their columns reflect their own opinions on topical issues. The newspaper does not select the topics on which columnists opine, and their publication is not an endorsement of the positions they espouse.

Letters to the editor Because community opinions are so impor-tant to us, we publish virtually all letters we receive. This policy, of course, can bring problems with it. Some letters may seem silly, dull or poorly written, but we believe you should have the chance to read them anyway; they are voices from our shared community. Letters may also be tasteless, racist or sexist, but we believe they should be published too. We cannot pre-tend that such attitudes do not exist; if we are to fight them, we must meet them head-on. We believe deeply that the remedy to “bad” speech is more speech, not censorship. Vituperative attacks on local people or institutions pose a more complicated prob-lem. The laws governing libel apply to letters to the editor with the same force as anything else we publish. Both the letter writer and this newspaper can be held accountable for heed-lessly damaging a reputation. Public figures like politicians have less protection from outraged opinion than do private citizens. Robust public debate must take precedence over our feelings and the sensitivities of those who have entered the public arena. We do not publish anonymous letters. Letters must be signed and include a daytime phone number and an address, so we can verify that a letter is genuine. Phone numbers and full addresses will not be published. We are reluctant to publish letters from people who are unwilling to stand openly behind what they have written. We are willing to withhold the name of a letter writer on request only when the letter states a valid reason for doing so. Within those limits, we will publish as much as we can each week, though letters will some-times have to wait until there is enough room. We usually refrain from commenting on let-ters, but in certain cases an “editor’s note” may attempt to correct misinformation or misunder-standing.

What are the editorial pages all about? Who writes editorials? How do letters and guest columns get published? This week’s pages offer some answers to our readers. We thank The Riverdale Press for the idea.

Dece

mbe

r 29,

201

1 —

BELL

MOR

E HE

RALD

24

A G A R D E N C I T Y H O T E L E V E N T

Five-Course Private Dinner and Wine Pairing beings at 8:30pm expertly prepared byChef Steven De Bruyn, with premium open bar, jazz trio and a live viewing of Times Square

o countdown midnight. $250 per person

Cocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres in the Rotunda begin at 8:30pm followed by a magnificent gala in the Legendary Grand Ballroom featuring a three-course dinner designed by Chef Steven

De Bruyn, premium open bar and live entertainment by a multi-piece band.$195 per person ~ $695 per couple with overnight accommodations

Two spectacular events at Long Island’s most sought after venue for New Year’s Eve.Visit www.gchevents for details or call 516.663.7172 to reserve.

5254

18

Bellmore Herald

Documents

Transcript of Bellmore Herald