L&M Publications
Merrick Life • Bellmore Life • Freeport-Baldwin Leader • Wantagh-Seaford Citizen

By   Thu, Aug 26, 2010

DEADLY inferno: This fully engulfed house early Sunday morning at Corydon Avenue claimed the life of KerryAnn Dudley, 42, after the Bellmore Fire Department responded to a call of a fire with victims trapped inside. The flames and heat were so intense firefighters could not enter the house. Heat scorched the sides of houses next door, but it took more than 50 firefighters under an hour to get the blaze under control. An investigation is ongoing. Photos by Vincent Scaduto

by Vincent Scaduto 

A Bellmore homeowner was killed in her house by a raging fire early Saturday morning, August 21, at 2:33 a.m. 

The Bellmore Fire Department responded to a report of a house fire at the intersection of Croydon Drive and Abbey Court in Bellmore with people trapped inside. 

Within three minutes of the alarm, First Assistant Chief Robert Taylor arrived on the scene, took charge and confirmed that homeowner, KerryAnn Dudley, 42, was inside the fully engulfed house at 55 Croydon Drive. 

“There was very little chance to gain entry into the house because of the intense heat and flames,” Assistant Chief Taylor told Bellmore Life of his attempt to enter the house.

Prior to the full department response, the heavy volume of flames burned the inside stairs, causing a partial collapse of the second floor of the two-story private dwelling. First on the scene was  Engine 603, which aggressively attacked the front, while Ladder 606 stretched additional lines to the rear of the home.

Assistant Chief Taylor said that when first arriving, the houses on either of the house were showing signs of igniting, and the first units had to “act aggressively” to keep them from catching fire.

The houses suffered exterior damage from the heat, but suffered no structural damage.  

Assistant Chief Taylor also sent a unit of firefighters into the back of the house to gain entry, but that unit was also repelled by heat and flames. 

Fearing further collapse, the first crew of firefighters was recalled from their interior attack and a defensive posture was taken. 

Additional Bellmore units included Engines 601 and 602, Heavy Rescue 607 and Ambulances 6011 and 6012.   “Between 50 and 75 firefighters were on the scene” battling the blaze, the assistant chief said. One Bellmore firefighter was transported to Nassau University Medical Center to be treated for minor burns and released. 

The fire took just under an hour to contain, the chief continued.  

Units of the North Bellmore and Merrick Fire Departments assisted Bellmore at the fire scene, and units of the Wantagh, North Merrick and East Meadow Fire Departments stood by at Bellmore Fire Headquarters.  

Additional support was supplied by two Nassau police ambulances and numerous police officers. Most of the units were released by 7:30 a.m. Remaining Bellmore units stayed on the scene during investigations conducted by Nassau County Fire Marshals and Nassau police Arson Squad. A Nassau police report said that Ms. Dudley died at the scene. It also said the fire is believed to be accidental. 

- Vincent Scaduto is the public information officer for the Bellmore Fire Department.

By   Thu, Aug 26, 2010

Reed Midmer, son of Reuben Midmer, moved his organ factory from Brooklyn to Merrick in 1906, bringing along most of his employees, around 30, for whom he built homes on Miller Place. 

Reuben founded his organ building company in Brooklyn in 1860. His son Reed worked for him since he was 14 years of age. His father made him a partner in 1875 and changed the name of the company to Reuben Midmer & Son.

Reed took over the business after his father’s death and moved it to Merrick in 1906. Reed became ill in 1917 and sometime between then and 1920 sold the business to two brothers, Seibert and George Losh. They changed the name of the company to Midmer-Losh Organ Company in 1924. 

Mr. Seibert Losh was 39 years old in 1920. He was a talented musician who could play many different instruments, and led several orchestras. He loved manufacturing organs and had the musical talent to excel in that business.  He was responsible for building the world’s largest organ at Convention Hall on the Steel Pier of Atlantic City, New Jersey.

This organ had 33,112 pipes, and was a major sightseeing event.  Brother George took over the business on January 10, 1934, when Seibert died. By the early 1930s talking movies were a global phenomenon, and there was less and less need for organs,which were used to accompany silent movies.

Today, the building in which these organs were manufactured still stands. It houses Northeast Metal Products Co. a manufacturer of windows.  And today there are many Midmer-Losh organs in operation all over the world. The Historical Society of the Merrick's has, thanks to Barry Kogan, a “collector extraordinaire,” an original, nonoperable Midmer-Losh organ in need of some “body work,” but, nevertheless, one of their prize possessions.

The society hopes that someone or a group of talented people reading this article can volunteer to help restore this precious historical possession.  These volunteers could expect the fullest support from our members and board.

If you think you can help, call Jerry Medowar, 623-6739. 

By Laura Schofer   Fri, Aug 27, 2010

Construction has begun to link up the over-50-year-old Jones Beach sewage treatment plant with the Cedar Creek outflow pipe that flows two miles into the Atlantic Ocean, George Gorman, deputy regional director of the state Office of Recreation and Historic Preservation, Long Island region, told Bellmore Life last week.   

The hookup could quickly help reduce sewage found in Zachs Bay, which comes, in part, from the sewage plant’s outflow pipe into East Bay just southwest of the Sloop Channel bridge when the tide rises into the Western Bays. Zachs Bay has been a family recreational swimming location for decades, and is often closed due to high counts of E-coli bacteria. Mr. Gorman said a team of divers and surveyors has been to the site where the linkup of the new pipe from the sewage plant to the Cedar Creek outflow pipe will take place. 

“Divers have been down into the water to survey the spot of the hookup,” he said. He said the project is scheduled to be completed by Memorial Day, 2011.

First proposed by SPLASH

The project was first proposed seven years ago by Freeport-based grassroots organization Stop Polluting, Littering and Save Harbors, (SPLASH) and Rob Weltner, its executive director. He has led the charge to remove effluent from the bay in order to  improve habitat and water quality.  SPLASH has chapters in Bellmore,  Wantagh and Seaford, as well. 

The new pipe will run from the Jones Beach sewage treatment plant under Ocean Parkway, heading two miles east to hook up to the Cedar Creek Water Pollution Control Plant’s outflow pipe. Effluent from both facilities will then be flushed out to sea. Cedar Creek is a Nassau County facility.

The bays are a sub-region of the South Shore Estuary Reserve, which represents a large area of shallow water and fragile salt marsh islands. The bays are the home of marine and bird life, such as the snowy egret and blue herons. Hard shell clams and other mollusks live in the marshes.  “Jones Beach is the largest bathing facility in the world,” said state Assemblyman Dave McDonough. “This will make for cleaner, healthier waters for swimmers.”

$2 million cost paid for

The construction cost is $2 million, funded by New York State. An intermunicipal agreement allows the state to hook up to Cedar Creek at no cost; the county, in turn, will be permitted to use state land for the purpose of a 911 center. 

“It’s a win-win agreement,” said Carol Ash, state parks commissioner. “It’s important to have these public-public partnerships, because we have the capacity as well as the money to get things done, and this needed to be done.” Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano agreed. “This project makes so much sense and is a giant step for the environment. Jones Beach [treatment plant] shouldn’t discharge into one of the nation’s most famous beaches. We need to do our part to keep its surrounding shores and waters pristine.”

At a meeting of the Cedar Creek Health Risk Assessment Committee at the Cedar Creek Water Treatment Plant, some residents expressed concern about the impact the hook-up would have on the facility’s ability to process sewage. “No impact at all,” explained Joseph Davenport, county engineer, who added that the pipe will have a shut-off valve. 

Five years ago SPLASH was joined in support by Citizens Campaign for the Environment. Both organizations have been tireless advocates for cleaning up the bays.

One state official said, “Whenever we slipped or tried to pull away from the project it was the nonprofits [SPLASH and Citizens Campaign for the Environment] that reminded us what we needed to do.”  “This is a great day,” said Mr. Weltner. “It just shows you what can be achieved if we work together to solve problems. We made a lot of phone calls, had a lot of meetings and now we are here today.”

County Legislator David  Denenberg, another early proponent of the project, remembered coming to the Jones Beach sewage plant with Rob Weltner other SPLASH members, “Seven years ago. I thought, ‘Well, it looks like we are going to have to move mountains. But in the end we got it done.’ ”

Gary Smith, president of the Bellmore chapter of SPLASH, said that “Since SPLASH first got in to tour the facility in June of 2003, along with Bellmore Life, we thought this was one of five offending waste-treatment plants at that time that could be taken care of fairly easily.

“I thought that a hook up to the outflow pipe from Cedar Creek into the ocean was the solution, and said so. I’m happy that after seven years we now have a date” as to when the effluent from the Jones Beach sewage plant will stop going into the bays, and go into the ocean instead, he concluded. 
- Douglas Finlay contributed to this story. 

By   Fri, Aug 27, 2010

Made in the shade: L & M Publications staff and children show off the new awning of the office at 1840 Merrick Avenue, Merrick. From left, top row, are Paul Laursen, Erin Donohue, Joyce MacMonigle, Jill Bromberg, Marilyn Loheide, Judy Ammerman, Mark Treske, Paul Roberts and Sharon Johnson. In the front row are Pat McKay, Mattie Shalofsky, Elaine Spiro, Olimpia Santaniello, Jimmy and Tommy Donohue, and Anne Johnson. Missing are Doug Finlay, Laura Schofer, Etta Rosenberg, Elaine Groder, Ilana Redler, Joan Oliva, Kay Murphy, and Linda, Jose, Arlene, Carolina and Cristina Toscano.

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By   Fri, Aug 27, 2010

CELEBRATING WOMEN OF DISTINCTION: From left, back row, are Town of Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray, state Assemblyman Tom McKevitt, Lisa Schary, Tammy McLoughlin, Candice Appleton, Linda Toscano and state Assemblyman David McDonough. In the front row are Margaret Mueller, Martha Verdi, Marion Kraskow and Barbara Byrne. Bellmore Life photo by Paul Laursen

State Assemblyman David McDonough honored several Bellmore residents as  “Women of  Distinction” at a Saturday morning ceremony at the Merrick Library. They include:  

Martha Verdi

Martha Verdi handles the day-to-day operations of Income Tax Plus in North Bellmore, which she co-owns with husband Joe. As the membership representative for the Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores, she recruits new businesses to join the  chamber. She also personally visits and welcomes each new business into the Bellmore community. She has also been very involved in numerous committees, including the installation dinner, annual street festival, holiday gatherings, and Easter and Halloween parades.  

Martha is best known for never hesitating to volunteer her time and energy for whatever projects arise, allowing her  creativity and business acumen to shine through, particularly at installation dinners. It is her beautifully arranged gift baskets that help make this event  one to remember. Her idea to promote the many chamber members by presenting  goodie bags containing items from each business is free advertising and a great  marketing tool. 

Linda Toscano

As publisher of L & M Publications – along with her brother, editor Paul Laursen and professional staff – Linda Toscano has kept her parents’ legacy alive by  continuing the newspaper business they created many years ago.   Today, Bellmore Life, the Wantagh-Seaford Citizen, Merrick Life and the Freeport-Baldwin  Leader are all part of L & M Publications. It is her dedication to her parents’ memory that prompted her to help  advocate for the Meroke Preserve, a pleasant nature preserve sandwiched between Sunrise Highway and Merrick Road. The entrance sign reads Faith Laursen Meroke Preserve, in honor of her mother. 

Married and the mother of three children and grandmother of two, Linda has taught her family by example what she believes to be important in life: family  and community. Two of her children are teachers and the third, Cristina,  recently received the Knights of Pythias Award for Community Service. 

Lisa Williams Schary

Lisa Williams Schary has been a K-12 teacher, an artist, singer, dancer,  actress, mountain climber, paralegal and has parachuted out of planes. A dedicated community activist, she shares her expertise with individuals or groups asking for her assistance, and has found ways to get attention to  community and environmental issues on Long Island.

A co-founder of the Friends of Massapequa Preserve, she narrated and co-produced an award-winning documentary on the preserve; the film was chosen for entry in the Long Island International Film Festival. A board member of the  Long Island Greenbelt Trail Conference, she was a dynamic force behind the creation of the Wantagh Nature Trail and the Trailview State Park. She helped supervise over 30 Eagle Scout projects and completed a 39-hour civilian training course at the Nassau County Police Academy.

Her latest project is working to establish an animal abuse registry.

A full-time volunteer advocate, she has been featured dozens of times on TV news and local newspaper stories for her efforts. Her nature photographs  are featured in media outlets and town calendars.  She has served on the board of  at least 15 local groups or committees, including the Friends of Norman Levy  Preserve, Nassau Hub Citizens Advisory Committee, Pine Barrens Law Enforcement  Council, Cedar Creek Coalition and the State Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Scenic Byways Committee. Lisa has also testified before numerous legislative bodies, government  agencies and regulatory boards regarding environmental and civic issues. 

Sandra G. Johnson

Sandra Johnson is a hardworking professional role model for women. While  raising her three children, she spent 10 years pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in  accounting and later headed back to the classroom to earn her CPA distinction.

A certified public accountant, she is also a certified fraud examiner, an  enrolled agent with the IRS, an adjunct professor at Five Towns College and the immediate past president of the Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores.  Her son Michael recently graduated from Georgetown University with an MBA in finance; Kirsten is a speech pathologist working with autistic children; and Christopher graduated from State University of New York, Delhi and is transferring to Pennsylvania  College of Technology.

As her children embark upon their lives, she has chosen to once again join the ranks of students and is currently a graduate student at  (SUNY) Old Westbury, studying for a Masters in taxation. 

Marion Kraskow

Marion Kraskow devoted the professional portion of her life to assisting those with failing mental health. As supervisor of Mental Health Services, she worked to advocate for those under her care.

Upon her retirement in 1995, Marion began  to devote herself to her community in other ways. She has participated in the Island Harvest Food Drive and worked with  the Speakers’ Bureau, coordinating various engagements in many area schools, educating children, teachers and administrators. In addition, she volunteered with Nassau County Museum of Art and the Tilles Center, and is a Hofstra Law School proctor.

She volunteers for the Meadowbrook Women’s Initiative. She has also found a calling in working with the Nassau County Board of Elections. 

By Debbie Kupperberg   Sat, Aug 21, 2010

The Town of Hempstead will move to ban any new wireless equipment within 1,500 feet of homes ­– but not schools – under a new ordinance the town board is expected to adopt at a September 21 meeting at Hempstead Town Hall.

The statement came from Charles Kovit, the town’s senior deputy attorney, Monday night at the “Town of Hempstead Unite” meeting at the Wantagh High School auditorium. 

The gathering, which drew more than 200 attendees from various communities affected by recent and proposed wireless installations, was hosted by county Legislator David Denenberg, Democrat of Merrick, the  North Merrick Community Association,  Moms of Merrick and Bellmore Speak Out (M.O.M.S.), the Telecommunication Taskforce, the   South Merrick Community Civic Association and the Wantagh Civic Association.

“The question is not, have towers been proven harmful, rather, have towers been proven safe?” read a giant poster facing the audience from the auditorium’s stage. Another read, “Town of Hempstead unite – no cell towers by homes and schools.”

Inundating our area

“For the last 10 years cell antenna installations have been inundating our area, whether on roofs, on telephone poles or in front of houses,” said Legislator Denenberg, as he opened the meeting. “Everyone has a cell phone but doesn’t need a cell tower across from their house, just as everyone has electric lights but doesn’t live across the street from a power plant.”

The installations Mr. Denenberg referred to include, among others, 160 antennas on telephone poles in Merrick installed by NextG without notice or permits over the past year; a cell tower planned atop the North Merrick Public Library; nine wireless antennas on an office building at 1955 Merrick Road, across from an elementary school; six antennas atop the Farmingdale-Wantagh Jewish Center just steps from residences; and a cell tower at the North Bellmore Fire Department’s maintenance facility. 

Now, according to the M.O.M.S. group, NextG wants to access 298,000 LIPA poles in Nassau County to put up more cell antennas, with LIPA customers allegedly covering the costs of installation at $6,000 per pole.

Following an August 3 Town Hall meeting, in which dozens of area residents urged board members to curb the tide of wireless equipment popping up, there is a moratorium in place until the town adopts the revised code. 

At the Town Board meeting, Hempstead Town Supervisor  Kate Murray said that the federal   Telecommunications Act of 1996 limited the town’s ability to regulate where cell equipment can be placed.

The Telecommunications Act of 1996 also restricts governments from citing health concerns to deny siting of wireless infrastructure – although adverse health effects, including cancer, have been linked to wireless equipment.

However, according to Mr. Denenberg, the law does permit the town’s zoning board to consider certain issues such as necessity, aesthetics, diminution of property value and distance from schools.

Is there a cancer link?

Sharon Curry, representing M.O.M.S., noted that scientists, firefighters, PTAs and school boards recommend keeping antennas away from schools. The American Academy of Pediatrics has made correlations between living close to wireless antennas and childhood cancer. 

In Bayville, 50 antennas on a water tower next to a school have been blamed for 30% of the staff suffering from cancer, and five cases of children with leukemia, of whom three have died. The cancer rate in Bayville is said to be 392% higher than the national average.

With tears in her voice, Mrs. Curry feared for her own eight-year-old son’s life. “I woke up one day to find a cellular antenna steps from my backyard, turned toward my son’s bedroom,” she said.

“We need the installed antennas near our schools and homes to be removed,” Mrs. Curry said. “Not next year, not next week, not tomorrow, but now.”

Pure insanity!

“It is pure insanity!” exclaimed Pam Dempsey, of the Wantagh Civic Association, whose home sits 75 feet from the proposed antennas atop the Farmingdale-Wantagh Jewish Center. “It’s disgusting and devastating.” 

Mrs. Dempsey shunned T-Mobile’s position statement, that the Wantagh antennas were necessary to provide coverage so that children could be in touch with their parents, as “crap.”

“This is not need, it’s greed,” she said.

Mrs. Dempsey noted that many countries around the world have regulations banning cell tower construction within 1,500 feet of schools and residences. Ironically, Mrs. Dempsey explained, T-Mobile is a German-owned company and the 1,500-foot rule exists in Germany.

“How far we’ve come in the past two months,” she remarked, referring to meetings with local officials, petitions, and the sale of anti-cell tower lawn signs. “But there’s so much more that we can do.”

Strength in numbers

Andrew Campanelli, a Merrick resident and attorney who has represented residents in their fights with telecommunications companies, contended that the wireless companies “are exactly where the tobacco companies were years ago.

‘The cellular companies’ two greatest allies are apathy and misinformation,” said Mr. Campanelli, who is not being compensated for his representation. “You can fight the cell towers and win. We don’t have the money and I’m just one lawyer, but there is strength in numbers.”

Hempstead Town Attorney Charles Kovit said he hopes to soon have a draft of the town’s new ordinance to share with the civic associations for their review before the September 21 zoning Board of Appeals meeting. “The ordinance will be as aggressive as it can be,” Mr. Kovit said.

Mr. Kovit added, “If the wireless companies don’t convince us they have an actual need, they will get denied. Period. End of story.”

Though the ordinance would address new installations, Mr. Kovit was not overly positive when it came to getting rid of existing antennas and towers, near homes and schools. “I don’t want to give you false hope,” he said. “It’s not something you should feel optimistic about.” 

“Federal law still trumps Town of Hempstead law,” Mr. Kovit added.

Richard Comi, a consultant for the Center for Municipal Solutions, whom the Town of  Hempstead has hired to strengthen its municipal code regarding siting wireless equipment, noted that the town would look aggressively at the wireless companies’ proof of need versus want.

“I don’t buy the fact that the Telecommunications Act of 1996 is all-powerful. We need to work on a case-by-case basis,” said Mr. Campanelli, who suggested applying pressure at the state and federal levels, as well as organizing another meeting with a much larger contingent. 

A woman who introduced herself as Beverly, the mother of one of the leukemia survivors in Bayville, agreed with Mr. Campanelli. “In Bayville we struggled,” she said. “Needing the numbers is important.”

“We’re much farther along than we were a year ago,” said Claudia Borecky, president of the North Merrick Community Association, who looked forward to the town releasing the draft to the public. She urged community members to learn more about the issues online at dontcellout.com, northmerrickcivic.com and wantaghconcernedcitizens.com. The South Merrick Civic Association is also planning to meet with state Senator Charles Fuschillo Jr. in September.

Mark your calendars:

• September 15, at 2 p.m. Hemptead Town zoning Board of Appeals. T-Mobile hearing for North Bellmore fire house cell tower.  The town will ask for an adjournment until after the new cell ordinance is in place.
• September 21, at 10:30 a.m. Town Board hearing and vote on new town code.
• October 6, at 2 p.m. Town zoning Board of Appeals. T-Mobile hearing for Wantagh-Farmingdale Jewish Center cell tower.

By Laura Schofer   Fri, Aug 27, 2010

Why is Nassau County raising field use permit fees for county parks without legislative approval? Democratic Legislators David Denenberg and Wayne Wink, along with  parks advocate Bruce Piel of PARCnassau, posed this question at a press conference on Monday at Eisenhower Park. 

“Under the Mangano Administration, field use permit fees are being tripled, from $12 per hour during the day to $35 per hour and from $50 per hour at night to $100 per hour,” stated a press release from Legislator Denenberg.

“Once again, the county executive is flip flopping and increasing park fees despite blasting increases while he was a legislator.”  He  added that “all increases to park fees must be approved by the Nassau County Legislature pursuant to state and local law.” 

Legislator Denenberg is also concerned about the creation of a Nassau County-run adult recreation league program that will divert 50% of its fees into a “Friends of Nassau Recreation” count.  According to Legislator Denenberg, these funds should go in the Nassau County General Fund.

“Instead of recreational league fees going back into the cash-strapped county’s general fund, the County Executive has decided to put half the leagues’ fees into an account which does not have legislative supervision,” said Legislator Denenberg. “The Parks Department can spend funds from the “Friends of Nassau Recreation” account without legislative approval.” 

But Republican County Executive Edward Mangano disagreed with Legislator Denenberg’s assessment of his program. “The former Democrat majority and prior administration allowed for-profit leagues to overtake our parks while eliminating county-run programs.  The abuse of our fields was so prominent that one private company had every single field on Sundays from 8 am to 5 pm. These past practices resulted in high costs for residents using our fields for recreation,’ said County Executive Mangano.  

“Just as the county took back our parks from for-profit camps, I will forward a pilot program to the Legislature that takes back our fields from for-profit leagues. Under this program, the county will receive more revenue than last year while running its own league with lower costs for players.”   

Although Legislator Denenberg commended County Executive Mangano for creating county-run recreational leagues, he said “placing league fees in an unregulated, unsupervised slush fund only leads to cronyism and corruption.”

Mr. Mangano replied that “although for-profits will continue to be able to utilize our fields, I will ask the Legislature to raise their fees to more accurately cover the costs of operations, including part-time employees, lights, and irrigation systems associated with the fields.  “Unfortunately, the Democrats on the county Legislature have continued to make irresponsible statements about my plan prior to obtaining the facts,” said County Executive Mangano.

“Rather than protect private companies making profits off our fields, they should focus on protecting Nassau taxpayers.” But Legislators Denenberg and Wink still want an answer to their question about legislative approval. “It is troubling that this is the latest example of an effort to avoid legislative approval for a matter that has historically been within the purview of the Legislature,” said Legislator Wink.

Bruce Piel added that the Friends of Nassau Parks is being run “like a slush fund for parks.” Mr. Piel explained that the Friends group was founded in 1982 by civic-minded individuals to raise money through donations from private companies and individuals to fund recreation programs that the county could not afford.

“It fell into disuse in the ’90s and the parks department took it ‘in house.’ But monies collected by Friends of Nassau County Recreation are not subject to legislative or other government oversight,” said Mr. Piel. “This is unacceptable!”– Laura Schofer

By   Fri, Aug 27, 2010

The Baldwin Teacher Center provided five mini-grants for the 2009-10 school year, which culminated in innovative technology projects that enhanced education in the Baldwin schools.  

Baldwin Middle School teachers Tom Girolamo and Sean Michel received a grant for the Alternative Fuels Club to build an electric-powered vehicle as well as create a working hydrogen fuel cell that powered a toy car.  

Mr. Girolamo and Mr. Michel received a second BTC mini-grant for the Advanced Woodshop Club to continue the beautification of the school’s courtyard, including building a shed and rebuilding the pond in the courtyard.

Lenox School teacher Maria Arcodia received a BTC grant for her “A View for All” project so she could purchase an LCD projector to integrate technology into shared reading and viewing experiences, such as creating Big Books, viewing video clips, and watching education movies.

Baldwin Middle School teachers Margaret Kiernan and Valerie Mignone received a BTC grant for their “Voice Thread Digital Storytelling” project that used computer-based tools, namely USB headsets, to assist students in telling stories, thereby allowing them greater interaction with literature.  

Baldwin Middle School teacher Elcie Douce received a BTC grant for her “Let’s Play Games – Jouons Ensemble!” project in which students played computer-based interactive games to reinforce and retain the French language and their knowledge of French culture.  

By Jim Golding   Thu, Aug 26, 2010

Village trustees officially began to limit public comment from audience members attending the board meetings to three minutes, a measure approved earlier this summer. 

 Village Attorney Howard Colton reviewed the rules at Monday’s trustees meeting, which are intended to reduce the lengthy duration of the meetings. Speakers have up to three uninterrupted minutes to express their opinions, followed by a response from the mayor or a trustee. The speaker may then ask a follow up question.  A digital timer with large red numbers counts off the seconds during each speaker’s time at the podium. 

 Reviews were mixed, as some speakers welcomed the change, while others felt it was a violation of the First Amendment guaranteeing free speech.  Scott Sullivan urged trustees to “reconsider the three-minute rule.” He said he considered the new policy a violation of the First Amendment right to free speech and the time limit “could be seen as a sign of mistrust.” But Patrick Morrison lauded the new time limit. 

 Mayor Andrew Hardwick explained that the new policy was implemented because “some people go on and on” when going up to speak. He noted that “this is a working government” and that citizens may contact village officials any time during business hours to discuss issues they may have. 

 Steve Malone, a former deputy village attorney, asked about the status of the reimbursement funds from the state for the mayor’s trips in 2009 to China and Germany, to which Mayor Hardwick replied he was still “waiting to hear from the state” about the travel funding. 

John Poulos complained about recent lawsuits filed against the village, calling them “frivolous” and also complained about past actions by the former director of public works in dealing with snow removal on his street.  Mark Davella said the police lieutenant who recently filed a discrimination suit against the village should be subject to various disciplinary actions, including suspension without pay. 

Annette Dennis commented on the community’s warm response at the recent funeral of Komari Franklin, the teenager killed in an auto accident on Babylon Turnpike, and also called for action by village officials to have traffic lights installed on the dangerous thoroughfare. She urged that stop signs and yield signs be installed to help prevent future accidents. 

Mayor Hardwick said efforts are underway to make the road safer with traffic control devices, and that discussions are taking place with county officials to take action. (Babylon Turnpike is a county road).  Mr. Colton told The Leader that county Executive Ed Mangano has been very supportive in the effort to improve safety on the road. 

Former trustee and Fire Department official Don Mauersberger questioned why signs at the entrances to the village noting the sister-city relationship with Walldorf, Germany, had been removed.  Mayor Hardwick said the signs were “in horrible condition” and that new signs, which also noted other more recently developed sister city relationships, would be installed. 

Jacqueline Blount-Troy cited a litany of issues regarding the quality of life in Freeport now as opposed to her memories of growing up in the 1970s.  She expressed concerns about overcrowding, safety in the parks and at the train station. “I worry now about safety,” Ms. Blount-Troy said. “When does all of this stop?” 

Two speakers, retired Police Officer Julian Pearse, a member of the Mayor’s Advisory Committee, and Jane Dugan, praised the improvements in the village by Mayor Hardwick, and his working with residents and businesses along the Nautical Mile to promote various events.  As might be expected by regular meeting-goers, the first resident to experience the sound of the buzzer, indicating he ran out of time, was Alan Jay, who presented a report by Citizens Against Government Waste that was critical of United Nations fiscal practices, particularly in regard to “wasteful spending” in Haiti. 

Under the regular business agenda, trustees acted on the following:

• Authorized the Community Development Agency to apply for a grant of up to $500,000 to conduct a “generic environmental impact statement” for the village’s master plan. 
• Approved a New York state grant agreement for $10,000 for the purchase of portable radios and accessories. 
• Approved agreements with Utility Equipment Leasing Corporation for a digger derrick truck for use by the Electric Department during hurricane season and with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) for installing solar panels on the Fire Department headquarters roof. 
• Authorized advertising for bids for sewer repairs on Hampton Place and East First Street. 
• Approved sidewalk repairs totaling $1,739 at addresses on Bedell Street and Forest Avenue. 

By   Fri, Aug 27, 2010

by Wanda Warren Berry

An important primary election looms on September 14 and we can expect the usual protests about the fact that New York holds “closed” primaries, allowing only members of a party to choose its candidates. This policy caused consternation in 2008 for unaffiliated voters who thought they had a right to influence the choice of a party’s presidential candidate, as “independents” did in other states.

New York’s voter registration form has a section that asks the voter to “Choose a party” by checking one of seven boxes. The first five are the largest political parties in the state. Then there is a box for “Other,” where one can name a minor party.

The last box says: “I do not wish to enroll in a party.” Those who check this last option are labeled “Blanks” or “Unaffiliated” in analyses of party registrations.  Some of the confusion about what it means to be unaffiliated in New York derives from the fact that the third largest political party is named the “Independence Party.”

Many people do not realize that this is a political party with its own platform and organization, and has its own line on the ballot if it endorses candidates. Inasmuch as, across the country, “independent” is used for a voter who is unaffiliated, some mistakenly check “Independence Party,” enrolling themselves in this party unintentionally. 

 Additional confusion results from the fact that in New York one cannot run for office simply as “unaffiliated” or “independent.” Ironically, one who wants to run without party affiliation must pass nominating petitions for an “independent party.” Such petitions require choosing a name and emblem for this party.

Three reasons for such independent lines are: 1) The candidate is unaffiliated and wants to run without major party endorsement; 2) a major party has chosen to nominate a candidate who is unaffiliated and wants to indicate that by also having an independent line; 3) supporters of a candidate aim to offer voters an alternative to voting on a major party line. 

In addition, some voters may be confused about the fact that any change in party affiliation between now and the November election will not take effect until after that election. New York law protects political parties from those who might change their affiliation only in order to influence a particular primary. 

This raises the question of the role of political parties in a representative democracy. Many are convinced that it is only through parties that good candidates are discovered, encouraged and elected. But there is currently a good deal of criticism of all political parties.

As always, the question is: Can one have more influence by working within a party to support candidates who represent one’s concerns? Or is there more leverage from outside the parties?  Those who answer these questions by retaining a party affiliation will experience one less confusion at the polls during the 2010 primary. In the past, after signing in, they were given a color-coded slip to give to the inspector so that the lever machine would be set for their party. With the new system, each voter will be given the ballot for his/her own party when signing in; it will be evident immediately if there has been an error. 

Of course, unaffiliated voters who show up for the primary will find that there is no ballot for them. Changing this policy would unsettle much that, for good or for ill, has characterized New York ’s systems.         

Wanda Warren Berry is professor emerita of philosophy and religion at Colgate University, and is director of New Yorkers for Verified Voting.

By   Fri, Aug 27, 2010

Clarifying the August 18 editorial
To Bellmore Life:

I have been in contact with Mr. Varon, director of emergency service at the American Red Cross, who has been very helpful. In 2004, we sent a letter to the American Red Cross stating that due to a Board of Education policy that directs the superintendent of schools to make school facilities available to Nassau County, the Town of Hempstead or their respective emergency preparedness agencies for use of mass care shelters under certain terms and conditions, the district cannot directly contract with the American Red Cross. 

It also stated that the American Red Cross can gain access through one of the aforementioned government entities, provided all stipulations are met regarding the use of the buildings.  The letter also stated that if the American Red Cross wishes to pursue having a contract directly with the Bellmore-Merrick CHSD, they would have to direct their request in writing to the President of the Board of Education. To date, the board has not received any such request. A letter from Mr. Varon (August 11) addressed to our deputy superintendent, (first communication since 2004), again requested that an agreement directly with the American Red Cross be approved. 

I spoke to Mr. Varon and advised him that they must submit their request to the Board of Education for review, as they are the only ones that can revise the existing policy. I gave all the contact information to Mr. Varon, and he will be sending a letter to the board.  The community should be reassured that when the terms and conditions outlined in the policy are met, the Bellmore-Merrick CHSD does make school facilities available for mass care shelters for emergency services.

I hope this information is helpful.
Michelle GagnonAdministrative AssistantBellmore-Merrick CHSD 

Click to see last week's editorial.

By   Fri, Aug 27, 2010

Bellmore

• A residence on New Place, Bellmore, was burglarized on August 16. A rear door was pried open, and a laptop computer was stolen.                  
• A resident of South St. Mark’s Avenue, Bellmore, reports finding his glove box open on August 14 and his Tom Tom GPS missing from his ’94 Ford.                
• A resident reports that a Magellan GPS and a metal detector were stolen from his ’08 Jeep at Landing Avenue, Bellmore, on August 14.  No damage to the vehicle was reported.

Merrick

• A 2008 GMC Yukon was broken into on Jenkins Street on August 16. Ray Ban sunglasses and radar detector were taken.
• The Bank of America branch on Merrick Avenue reported an ATM card reader removed from the ATM machine on August 16.
• A 2005 Infinity was broken into on Whittier Avenue on August 16, between 4 a.m. and 4:20 a.m. an iPod and wallet were taken.
• A 2002 Toyota parked at the Town of Hempstead parking field on Sunrise Highway had its catalytic converter taken on August 20, between 6 a.m. and 5 p.m.
• A 2006 Nissan parked on Hastings Drive had a passenger front window smashed and items taken from vehicle between 9:45 p.m. August 18, and 7:30 a.m. on August 19.
• An unlocked 2010 Ford parked on Jenkins Street had a GPS device and credit card taken from it on August 17.
• A 2007 Hyundai parked on Royden Drive East had driver’s rear window smashed and IBM laptop taken on August 19.
• Old Mill Elementary School reported a broken window on August 21. 
• A residence on Covered Bridge Road, Merrick, was reported burglarized on August 13. The  second-floor door glass was broken, and luggage, assorted silver coins, jewelry and watches were stolen.
• A man reported a Garmin GPS device and a digital camera were stolen from his 2008 Nissan while parked on Yale Road, Merrick, on August 15.
• The custodian at Levy-Lakeside School reported five gym windows broken on August 16 by unknown vandals who threw rocks.

Freeport

• A pizza delivery man was robbed on Monday, August 23 at 10:45 p.m. in Freeport. According to detectives, Freeport police responded to a 911 call for a robbery of a Domino’s Pizza delivery man on Woodside Avenue.  The 27-year-old male victim was approached by a man who walked out from the driveway. The robber produced a kitchen knife and a second man appeared, punching the victim in the back of his head, knocking him to the ground. The first robber demanded the keys to the victim’s vehicle while the second robber rifled through the victim’s pockets, removing an undetermined amount of cash. The two robbers then took the food delivery and, accompanied by two other male suspects, fled the scene in the victim’s auto. The victim suffered a cut on his lip and head pain but did not need immediate medical attention. The vehicle, which was recovered abandoned on Holloway Place, was impounded. The first robber is described as male, 30, 6’0”, thin build, wearing a red shirt and black pants armed with a knife. The second is described as  male, 16, 5’2”, thin build. Detectives request anyone with information about this robbery to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS. All callers will remain anonymous.

Wantagh

• A complainant reports the driver side door, rear door and fender of a 2000 Mercury “keyed” at Hassett Ford, Sunrise Highway, Wantagh, on August 14 
• A resident of Cypress Street, Wantagh,  reports three hubcaps were stolen from her 2010 Toyota while it was parked in her driveway on August 14.
• A residence on Roger Drive, Wantagh, was reported broken into on August 16. A rear bedroom screen was cut; loss is undetermined at this time.
• A 1996 Toyota parked on Lowell Avenue, Wantagh, was reported stolen on August 19.

Seaford

• A Bit Path, Seaford, resident heard a noise on August 10 and upon investigation found two panels of a PVC fence removed.
• A residence on Mill Road, Seaford, was burglarized on August 13. A rear bedroom screen was cut; assorted jewelry and cash were stolen.

By   Fri, Aug 27, 2010

The newly formed Merrick-Bellmore chapter of CTeen, a national network for Jewish teenagers, will hold its 2010/11 kickoff event at Baseball Plus in Freeport on Thursday, September 2.

The main focus will be the year’s theme of self-discovery, how we view the world and making it a better place – as individuals, and as a team.  “CTeen’s goal is not just to get together and have a good time,” said Rabbi Shimon Kramer, director of the Chabad Center for Jewish Life, serving Merrick, Bellmore and Wantagh. 

“It’s also about encouraging these young people to take a leadership role in bettering the world around them. We offer volunteer opportunities, times to give back, educational events and plenty of fun times.”  CTeens is open to all Jewish teens in the community regardless of affiliation. If you are, have, or know a Jewish teenager, please encourage them to join.

If you would like to add input, suggestions, or volunteer, please let CTeen know! Call 516-833-3057 or e-mail cteen@chabadjewishlife.org for information. Or you can visit CTeen online at www.chabadjewishlife.org/cteen.

By   Fri, Aug 27, 2010

by Kerri Schlissel, Principal
and Salvatore Dossena, Assistant Principal

Birch School is ready for a 2010-2011 school year filled with enthusiasm, rigor and learning for all. We have spent the summer with the Birch team preparing for the opening of school on September 7.  

The children who attend Birch School are bright and compassionate, each one holding the potential to achieve greatness.

The possibilities are endless when you combine our students’ potential with the involved parent community that surrounds Birch School.

Together, with the talented Birch staff of dedicated and knowledgeable professionals, we aim to prepare our children for their future successes. This school year marks a very special time for Birch School, as we will celebrate our 50th Anniversary.

Our Site-based Team, which comprises parents, teachers, teaching assistants and administrators has already begun preparations for a year rich with history, community and special events.  We are eager to continue communicating with Birch alumni, as well as past and present faculty and community members, to provide our students with their unique perspectives and historical accounts.  Happy Birthday, Birch!

Our school continues to focus on “Building a Foundation for Our Futures” through improving academic skills for all of our students.  In doing so, we look forward to enhancing our current curricular programs.  With the support of our literacy coaches and Aussie Consultants, we will continue to implement a balanced literacy approach for all grades.

As a school, and a school district, our students continue to make gains with the Wilson Fundations Reading Program in grades K-3.  Other positive initiatives aimed toward improving academic skills, including reading interventions such as READ 180, Leveled Literacy Intervention, and the Wilson Intervention Program, will continue, as will the Foreign Language for Elementary School (FLES), APEX, the partial departmentalization model for the sixth grade, and co-teaching. 

It is important to the Merrick School District that all students develop an understanding and respect for the similarities and differences that exist within our community, and in the world around us. In order to prepare our students for a diverse and global world, we must promote a culture of inclusion in which everyone feels valued, respected and supported.  

At Birch we are committed to providing an environment for our students that reflects the diversity, which exists throughout our population.  Our educational and cultural arts programs will continue to support this philosophy by focusing on diversity, anti-bullying, conflict resolution, and promoting positive relationships amongst our students. 

We will continue to maintain high standards of conduct through our school-wide positive behavior support approach, “Birch is R.a.R.E.,” which stands for “Respectful and Responsible Everywhere.”  We thank our parents and teachers for working as a team to prepare Birch students for a changing world.

This year, Birch will again be emphasizing the importance of arriving to school on time.  In order to do this, we will need to continue to work together as a home/school team.  Academic and special area classes will begin promptly at 8:40 a.m. so that we can maximize instructional time for our students.  This means that if your student does not take the bus, she/he should plan on being at school between 8:30 a.m. and 8:35 a.m. to ensure she/he makes it to class in time to begin work at 8:40 a.m.  

Supervision for students not taking a bus will begin at 8:30 a.m., and buses will arrive at school in time for students to arrive to class on time.

With so many exciting ventures ahead, we need parent and community support.  There is truly no better way to support Birch School than becoming involved and active in the Birch PTA.  The PTA provides so many wonderful opportunities for our children and support to our school.  

The PTA assists with community building through activities such as the Welcome Back Picnic and our PTA will be an integral part of the planning for Birch’s 50th Anniversary.  The PTA also provides classroom and academic support through the organization of class parents, as well as PTA funded and planned field trips, and cultural arts programs. Much thanks also go to the PTA for providing Birch students with the opportunity to purchase hot lunch.    

As the new principal, I am excited to continue the wonderful traditions of excellence that have been firmly established at Birch School.  We are thrilled to welcome our new assistant principal, Salvatore Dossena, to our community. Additionally, we look forward to getting to know our new staff members: Cory Gerand, art teacher; Riva Kaplan, speech teacher; and Sherri Ma, APEX teacher.  The year ahead is full of great opportunities for learning and growing throughout the Birch community.  

We look forward to sharing in these educational experiences with you and your children. See you September 7!

By   Thu, Aug 26, 2010

The South Merrick Community Civic Association will meet on Tuesday, August 31, 7:30 pm, at the Merrick Road Park Golf Course. The agenda will include an update on the proposed new ordinance to help protect residents from cell antenna installations near schools and homes.  A discussion is also planned on the FEMA flood zone insurance changes. The  “SMCCA Cares” program will also be collecting food and clothing to be donated to the Interfaith Nutrition Network (INN). All residents are welcome to attend. For information call  978-8310.

By   Fri, Aug 27, 2010

State Assemblyman David McDonough honored several Wantagh and Seaford citizens as “Women of Distinction” Saturday. They include: 

Martha Verdi

A longtime resident of Wantagh, Martha Verdi and her husband Joe have four  grown sons and six  grandchildren, Jacquelyn, Mikayla, Joseph, Justin, Christopher and Josiah.    Mrs. Verdi handles the day-to-day operations of Income Tax Plus in North Bellmore, which she co-owns with husband Joe.  

As the membership representative for the Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores, she recruits new businesses to join the chamber.  She also personally visits and welcomes each new business in the Bellmore community.  

She has been very involved in numerous committees, including the installation dinner, annual street festival, holiday gatherings and Easter and Halloween parades and is best known for never hesitating to volunteer her time and energy for whatever projects arise.   Her creativity and business acumen shine through, particularly at installation dinners.  It is her beautifully arranged gift baskets that help make this event one to remember.  

Her idea to promote the many chamber members by presenting goodie bags containing items from each business is free advertising and a great marketing tool.

 Joan Mahoney Brown

Raised in Glen Head, Joan Mahoney Brown is one of three sisters who are first- generation Americans.  Currently a Wantagh resident, Joan and her husband Chris have two beautiful children, seven- year-old Liam and three-year-old Kathleen.  

After graduating from Molloy College’s Nursing Program, she immediately began  working at the Emergency Room at Mt. Sinai Hospital in Manhattan.  Later moving to Huntington Hospital, she was employed as a nurse manager, a position she maintained for several years prior to her son’s birth. 

Today she still works part-time at Huntington Hospital in the capacity of Emergency Room nurse. For her commitment and dedication as an EMS technician, in 1995, then-County Executive Tom Gulotta recognized her as an EMS Provider of the Year.

As co-owner, alongside her husband, Chris, and administrator of Mid-Island Medical Supply Company, she handles the day-to-day operations of the family business, allowing him to share his time and energy in various capacities throughout the community, including as president of the Wantagh Chamber of Commerce.

For her business acumen and expertise, she was recently chosen to participate in the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program, a philanthropic endeavor to reach businesses across the country.  One of 25 individuals chosen in our area, she is enrolled in a mini-MBA program at the Wharton School of Business at LaGuardia College.

Linda Toscano

As publisher of L & M Publications, together with her brother, editor Paul Laursen, and their professional staff, Linda Toscano has kept her parents’ legacy alive by continuing the newspaper business they created many years ago.   Today, The Wantagh-Seaford Citizen, Merrick Life, Bellmore Life and The Freeport-Baldwin Leader are all part of            

L & M Publications. It is her dedication to her parents’ memory that prompted her to help advocate for the Meroke county preserve, a pleasant little nature preserve sandwiched between Sunrise Highway and Merrick Road. The entrance sign reads Faith Laursen Meroke Preserve, in honor of her mother. A longtime board member of the Merrick Chamber of Commerce, she continues to be a part of the many programs they offer.  

Along with the Chamber, Merrick Life is a co-sponsor of the Merrick Merchant and Professional of the Year and the Man and Woman of the Year. Married and the mother of three children, and grandmother of two, she has taught her family by example what she believes to be important in life: family and community. Two of her children are teachers and her youngest, Cristina, recently won the Knights of Pythias Award for Community Service. 

Linda Hurley

Linda and her husband Delayne have been residents of Seaford for 23 years.  The mother of 6 children, Linda immersed herself in organizations that would enhance her children’s academic and extracurricular activities experiences.  She served as a member of the Seaford Shared Decision Making Teams and was an officer of the Seaford Harbor School PTA, the High School-Middle School PTSA and the Seaford Booster Club.

An elected member of the Seaford Board of Education, she served nine years in that capacity.  During her tenure, she was instrumental in helping resolve teacher and administrator contracts, hiring  talented staff, upgrading the district’s facilities and developing fiscally prudent school budgets.  Above all, she was an advocate for the students of Seaford. With all the responsibilities that come with raising 6 children and the various school organizations in which she was involved, she still found time to teach religious education at St. William the Abbot, which she did for 10 years.  

For her dedication to the school district and community, she was named a 2010 Honorary Seaford Patriot Award Recipient.  This award is presented to members of the community who represent the spirit of the five Seaford High School alumni who were lost on September 11, 2001. 

Janice Seyfried

A lifelong resident of Wantagh, Janice Seyfried remembers when most of her hometown was farmland and there were migrant worker shacks on the land where the Seaford-Oyster Bay Expressway is now located. Eventually, her parents purchased a farm upstate and she attended Elmira College, where she obtained a degree in Economics/Accounting. Soon after graduating, she joined the faculty of Baldwin Senior High School as a business teacher, where she remained until her retirement in 1994.  

During her tenure, she was instrumental in creating the computer program in the business department and created two courses to be offered at the school, piloting both of them. For her efforts and expertise, the Association of Computer Educators (ACE), a tri-state organization of technology teachers, named her “Outstanding Educator of the Year” in 1990. Since retiring, she has become very involved in Kiwanis, which she joined in 1995.

Over the years, the Kiwanis Club of Wantagh has run food drives, sent kids to Kamp Kiwanis, built ramps for the handicapped and held clothing drives, just to mention a few of their activities. In 1995, she was instrumental in chartering the first Key Club in the world for the handicapped or special needs. The Center for Community Adjustment of Wantagh’s Key Club, located at BOCES in Wantagh, continues to thrive to this day.  

Currently, she serves as a recruiter and new club builder, as well as division secretary to the Long Island South Central Division of the New York District of Kiwanis. For her work with Kiwanis, she has been honored many times, including being named Kiwanian of the Year at both the club and division level in the same year and receiving the George L. Prout Award for outstanding newsletter in all of Kiwanis International.

Vilma Nuzio

Nominated by not one, but seven separate individuals, the words “selfless,” “caring,” “compassionate” and “generous” are common refrains when describing Vilma Nuzio.  A Wantagh resident, she spent the first half of her adult life raising her five children. Deciding to work outside her home once her children were in school, she took a position as a receptionist in the Parish Social Ministry at St. James Church.  

What happened during her tenure changed her life, that of her family, and those who came in contact with her each day.   Helping with food, clothing, rent money, and perhaps more importantly, a listening ear and smiling face, she helped lighten the burdens of those who came in contact with her. Eventually promoted to director of Parish Social Ministry, she dedicated 15 years to St. James Church. She has lobbied for more support for the poor, fought to get families off the streets and into safe homes, and helped rebuild the lives of those who lost everything due to a traumatic event, to name but a few of her efforts.

Ele Ruth Melendez

An advocate for those who are unable to help themselves, Ele Ruth Melendez is the outreach director of the Parish Social Ministry Office at St. Frances de Chantal in Wantagh.  Because of her hard work and determination, the Social Ministry Office has become a benchmark for all such offices in Nassau County.

In addition to running a successful pantry and thrift shop, she makes herself available, not only to those in need of assistance in the Parish of St. Frances, but also the surrounding parishes as well.   Maintaining a successful working relationship with local Protestant churches and Jewish temples is important to her.  She went to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina to help the storm victims, as well as aiding the victims of human trafficking right here on Long Island. She has been honored with New York State Assembly Certificate of Merit, Valiant Woman Award and Everyday Hero Award by the Kiwanis Club of Wantagh, among many others.

By   Fri, Aug 27, 2010

The Citizen has been informed that the starting date for the Levittown Schools listed in the August 19 issue is incorrect. The correct date is September 8. The Citizen regrets the error.

By   Fri, Aug 27, 2010

A Beatles tribute band, The Mersey Beat, played a free concert at the Seaford train station. One of the band members  said, “This is the best parking lot we’ve ever played in.” At the Seaford Public Library summer concert series show on August 14, library  board President Peter J. Ruffner said, “This being the last show in this summer’s concert series, I would like to express, on behalf of  myself, my fellow trustees, the library director and staff, our appreciation to the four Seaford community groups that co-sponsored this series: Friends of the Seaford Public Library, Seaford Lions Club, Seaford Chamber of Commerce and the Seaford Wellness Council. Without their wonderful financial support this concert series would not have been possible. It is a tribute to the Seaford community that all these community groups can work so well together.”

By   Thu, Aug 26, 2010

SEAFORD SUPERINTENDENT Brian Conboy was an assistant superintendent when he participated in the “Read Aloud” with some Seaford Harbor students last year.

By Ilana Mele   Wed, Feb 09, 2011

South Shore Sounds entertainment blog features local music, comedy and more happening on our side of the island. Click here to see what's happening.

By   Tue, Jul 19, 2011

Combo rate card for all four papers - download .pdf

Bellmore Life rate card

Freeport-Baldwin Leader rate card

Merrick Life rate card

Wantagh-Seaford Citizen rate card

By   Tue, Jul 19, 2011

L&M Publications sales staff members

• Jill Bromberg
• Elaine Spiro
• Paul Roberts
• Sharon Johnson
• Christopher McBride

can be reached at 516-378-5320 or via fax 516-378-0287. You can also reach the central email for the sales staff at lmads@optimum.net, include your contact information for a prompt return call.

By   Mon, Jul 19, 2010

Editorial and Legal Advertising Deadlines
Merrick Life, Bellmore Life and the Freeport Baldwin Leader - Monday noon
The Wantagh- Seaford Citizen - Friday noon

Advertising Deadlines
All four papers - Friday 9 a.m.

Classifed Advertising Deadline
All four papers - Friday at noon

Life happens in your community…

.. so why not take advantage of it! Advertise your business, trade or special need in one or all of Life Publications’ four newspapers. The average weekly community paper remains in the reader’s home 4.3 days. 41% of all readers will keep the weekly issue in their home until the next edition arrives.

Advertisers aren’t our only customers. When deciding where to spend precious advertising dollars, you  should look for a publication that has proven loyal readership. Life Publications has developed such a loyalty among its subscribers by providing decades of journalistic  excellence. Each weekly issue features local news, sports, school news, letters to the editor, community events, religious calendars and much more.

Market penetration is more than just a numbers game. Numbers don’t lie, but they can be misleading. Some free circulation publications claim high market penetration and home delivery. They deliver mostly to front lawns, driveways, bushes, just about everywhere but into a mailbox. Life Publications’ four 

community newspapers are delivered to the home of our subscribers by the US Postal Service. This ensures your advertising won’t be left out in the rain.

In community newspapers, you get what you pay for. Our readers value our newspapers. That’s why they are paid subscribers.

When you advertise in Life Publication’s community newspapers your message reaches people who choose to receive it. That means your advertising dollar is stretched by not having to pay for wasted circulation. 

The rate card will explain all you need to know about advertising in Life Publications and how to get the most out of your advertising dollar.

All around the towns.

Life Publications’ The Freeport-Baldwin Leader, Merrick Life, The Wantagh-Seaford Citizen, and  Bellmore Life  have been an important part of the communities they serve since 1935, 1938, 1953 and 1964 respectively. 

They are locally owned and staffed by community residents, who also play an active role in civic associations such as the chambers of commerce.

Their achievements have been recognized by professional associations’ awards on the national and state levels, but even more meaningful are the many awards presented by the local organizations over the years, awards that prove the newspapers are truly valued in the communities they serve. 

Seaford, Wantagh, Bellmore, Merrick, Freeport and Baldwin are all suburban communities located on the south shore of Long Island – with beautiful waterfront homes and parks, excellent schools and many thriving establishments. It’s a nice area to visit and an even better place to live, with the added advantage of proximity to New York City. Each community has its own flavor, and the news in its newspaper is tailored just for it.

Contract and copy regulations

• Forwarding of an order is considered as an acceptance of all rates and conditions of the rate card.

• The publisher of Life Publications (L&M) reserves the right to reject or cancel any advertisements at any time.

• Advertiser and advertising agency will indemnify and hold harmless L&M, its officers, agents, employees and contractors, for all contents supplied to publisher, including text, representations and illustrations of advertisements printed, and defamation, invasion of privacy, copyright infringement and plagiarism.

• We make every effort to avoid error, but neither L&M nor our advertisers are responsible for typographical errors. If at fault, L&M will publish a correction of that portion of the ad where the error appears if the error substantially affects the advertising message. Claims for an error must be made within 7 days of publication.

• The publisher reserves the right to insert the words “Paid Advertisement” above or below any advertisement.

• The advertiser agrees to pay any expense which the publisher may incur in collecting any balance due, including a reasonable attorney’s fee and other costs and charges for the collection there of. Venue for litigation would be Nassau County, State of New York.

Pre-printed inserts get noticed.

Life Publications will insert and deliver your pre-printed inserts. We are a mailed publication so you are guaranteed home delivery to our paid subscribers. Most of our competitors deliver mainly by throwing their publication on a lawn, or in a bush, or a driveway. Our way your insert gets to people who want to read our newspaper and see what our advertisers offer. 

Make a splash with a dash of color.

Life Publications offers as a service to our advertisers select pages and sections that can be printed in color. A recent Newspaper Advertising Bureau study shows color sold 75% more merchandise than a black & white ad in the first week of the sale. See your advertising representative for more information on color rates.

Mechanical size requirements.

The following is a list of the standard advertising sizes used by Life Publications

Full Page (4 x 14”) 9.75” x 14”

3/4 V. (3 x 14”) 7.25” x 14”

3/4 H. (4 x 10 1/2”) 9.75” x 10.5”

2/3 H. (4 x 9”) 9.75” x9”

2/3 V. (3 x 12”) 7.25” x 12”

1/2 V. (3 x 9 1/8”) 7.25” x 9.125”

1/2 V. (2 x 14”) 4.75” x 14”

1/2 H. (4 x 6 7/8”) 9.75” x 6.875”

1/3 V. (2 x 9”) 4.75” x 9”

1/3 H. (3 x 6”) 7.25” x 6”

1/3 H. (4 x 4 1/2”) 9.75” x 4.5”

1/4 V. (2 x 6 7/8”) 4.75” x 6.875”

1/4 V. (1 x 14”) 2.25” x 14”

1/4 H. (3 x 4 5/8”) 7.25” x 4.625”

1/5 V. (2 x 5”) 4.75” x 5”

1/6 H. (2 x 4 3/8”) 4.75” x 4.375”

1/8 V. (1 x 6 7/8”) 2.25” x 6.875”

1/8 H. (2 x 3 3/8”) 4.75” x 3.375”

1/12 H. (2 x 2 1 /4”) 4.75” x 2.25”

1/16 V. (1 x 3 3/8”) 2.25” x 3.375”

1/16 H. (2 x 1 5/8”) 4.75” x 1.625”

Mechanical requirements

Width of typed page: 9 3/4” 

Depth of page: 14”

Single Column Width: 2 1/4” 

Width of each addit. column: same

4 columns to a page 

Column depth in lines: 196

Number of lines to a page: 784 

Printed by offset. JPEG and PDF files email to LMads@optimum.net.

Tear sheets, complete copy of publication, and media package available upon request.

Special issues throughout the year.

January - Martin Luther King

February - Brides/VALENTINES

March/APRIL

Spring - Home fashions, gardening, and of course, new wardrobes.

Home Improvements

May

Mother’s DAY - The second biggest retail season of the year.

Summer FUN - Promoting waterfront activities

June

Grads - Gifts and plans for the future.

Father’s DAY

August

Back to school - From preschool to grad school and careers.

October

Home Fashions - Making homes beautiful for the holidays

November

Holiday gift guide - The biggest retail season of the year. 

Agency Advertising rate information

Bellmore Life  - 1.21 Cents a line $16.94 Column inch $16.77 SAU

Merrick Life - 1.29 Cents a line $18.06 Column inch $17.88 SAU

The Citizen - 1.13 Cents a line   $15.82 Column inch       $15.66 SAU 

The Leader -  .70 Cents a line $9.80 Column inch $9.70 SAU

Rates above include 15% Agency commission. An additional 5% discount will be given if the same ad runs in three or more papers in the same week.

Position requests

Request for special positions will be given consideration. However we cannot guarantee position.

Classified ad rates

Line ads: $27 Box ads - 8 lines/25 words: $35

4x rate: $30/week 6x rate $27.50/Week

13x rate: $26/week 26x Rate: $23.50/week.

Display Classified

Merrick Life only: $38.12

Bellmore Life only: $35.80

The Citizen only: $31.50

The Leader only: $18.10

LEGAL NOTICES

Our newspapers fulfill the requirements of “newspapers in general circulation”. Your legal notice can run in Merrick Life, Bellmore Life, The Citizen or  The Leader. The cost is considerably less than the daily newspapers charge. Call your advertising representative for more information.

By   Fri, Mar 23, 2012

Professional Directory and Service Guide Prices.

By   Wed, Jul 13, 2011

Bellmore Life Newspaper

• Rite-Stop, 1445 Newbridge Rd.
• 7-11, Newbridge Rd.
• 7-11, Jerusalem Ave.
• 7-11, North Jerusalem Road
• Stop & Shop, Jerusalem Ave.
• Blossom Farm Deli, 100 Bedford Ave.
• Bedford Ave. Deli, 105 Bedford Ave.
• Fresh Break, 2736 Merrick Rd.
• Cool Stop, 2825 Merrick Rd.
• Village Deli, 2655 Bellmore Ave
• Park Deli, 1420 Park Avenue, Merrick
• Cards Unlimited, 39 Merrick Avenue, Merrick

Freeport-Baldwin Leader

• Compare Foods - Merrick Rd. & Ocean Ave.
• Teamo - 223 Merrick Rd.
• Curiosity - 191 Atlantic Ave.
• 7-11 - 964 Merrick Rd., Baldwin
• Convenience Store - 363 Atlantic Ave.
• 7-11 - 145 Sunrise Hwy., Freeport
• Rite Stop - 376 Bayview Ave.
• 7-11 - 200 E. Merrick Rd., Freeport
• Bridge Side Deli - 1156 Atlantic Ave.

Merrick Life Newspaper

• Park Deli, 1420 Park Avenue
• 7-11, 1800 Merrick Avenue
• Cards & Smokes, 20 Merrick Avenue
• Brother’s Deli, 1341 Jerusalem Avenue
• Teamo, 1701 Merrick Road
• Stop & Shop, 1016 Park Avenue & Jerusalem Avenue
• Cards Unlimited, 39 Merrick Avenue
• 7-11, 203 Babylon Tpke & Sunrise Hwy
• From Me To You Cards & Candles , 1670 Merrick Road
• Iannuzzi, 1363 Jerusalem Avenue
• Caputo’s Cards, 383 Merrick Avenue
• Cards & Gifts, 1970 Merrick Road
• Akel’s Deli, 1874 Meadowbrook Road
• Bagel Man, 84 Merrick Avenue
• Gourmet Express, 2 Merrick Avenue
• Boswell’s, 1828 Merrick Avenue
• Ward’s Deli, 34 S. Babylon Turnpike
• Angelo & Joe’s, 373 Merrick Avenue
• Teamo Card & Gifts, 704 Merrick Avenue
• Smith Street Deli, 241 Smith Street

Wantagh-Seaford Citizen

• Beck’s Delicatessen, 1939 Wantagh Avenue
• Doc Brown’s Books, 2089 Wantagh Avenue
• The Buff Shop, 2095 Wantagh Avenue
• Friendly Card & Gift, 1906 Wantagh Avenue
• Kwik Stop, 2264 Wantagh Avenue
• The Lucky Lotto Store, 1247 Wantagh Avenue
• Mid Island Medical Supply, 2093 Wantagh Avenue
• Otto’s Delicatessen, 3580 Park Avenue
• Seven-Eleven, 3382 Park Avenue
• Rashi Cardstand Convenience, 3381 Merrick Road
• Tobacco Junction, 3300 Sunrise Hwy.
• Quick Picks, 2264 Wantagh Avenue
• Seaford Harbor Delicatessen, 3623 Bayview Street
• Seaford Chemists, 1696 Washington Avenue

By   Wed, Mar 02, 2011

L&M Publications is committed to safeguarding the personal information entrusted to us by our customers. This policy outlines the principles and practices  we follow in protecting your personal information.

This policy applies to L&M Publications and to any person providing services on our behalf. A copy of this policy is provided to any customer on request.

What is personal information?
Personal information means information about an identifiable individual. This includes an individual's name, home address and phone number, age, sex, marital or family status, an identifying number, financial information, educational history, etc.

What personal information do we collect?

We collect only the personal information that we need for the purposes of providing services to our clients, including personal information needed to prepare mailings and bill subscriptions and advertisements.

We normally collect client personal information directly from our clients. We may collect your information from other persons with your consent or as authorized by law.

We inform our clients, before or at the time of collecting personal information, of the purposes for which we are collecting the information. The only time we don't provide this notification is when a client volunteers information for an obvious purpose (for example, producing a credit card to pay when the information will be used only to process the payment).

Consent   

We ask for consent to collect, use or disclose client personal information, except in specific circumstances where collection, use or disclosure without consent is authorized or required by law. We may assume your consent in cases where you volunteer information for an obvious purpose.

We assume your consent to continue to use and, where applicable, disclose personal information that we have already collected, for the purpose for which the information was collected.

We ask for your express consent for some purposes and may not be able to provide certain services if you are unwilling to provide consent to the collection, use or disclosure of certain personal information. Where express consent is needed, we will normally ask clients to provide their consent orally (in person, by telephone), or in writing.

A client may withdraw consent to the use and disclosure of personal information at any time, unless the personal information is necessary for us to fulfill our legal obligations. We will respect your decision, but we may not be able to provide you with certain products and services if we do not have the necessary personal information.

We may collect, use or disclose client personal information without consent only as authorized by law.
   
How do we use and disclose personal information?

We use and disclose client personal information only for the purpose for which the information was collected, except as authorized by law. If we wish to use or disclose your personal information for any new business purpose, we will ask for your consent. We may not seek consent if the law allows this (e.g. the law allows organizations to use personal information without consent for the purpose of collecting a debt).           

What is personal employee information?

Personal employee information is personal information about an employee or volunteer which is collected, used or disclosed solely for the purposes of establishing, managing or terminating an employment relationship or a volunteer work relationship. Personal employee information may, in some circumstances, include a Social Security Number, a performance review, etc.       

We can collect, use and disclose your personal employee information without your consent only for the purposes of establishing, managing or ending the employment or volunteer relationship. We will provide current employees and volunteers with prior notice about what information we collect, use or disclose and our purpose for doing so.

What personal employee information do we collect, use and disclose?

We collect, use and disclose personal employee information to meet the following purposes:
• Determining eligibility for employment or volunteer work, including verifying qualifications and references

• Establishing development and training requirements

• Assessing performance and managing performance issues as they arise

• Administering pay and benefits (paid employees only)

• Processing employee work-related claims (e.g. benefits, workers’ compensation, insurance claims – paid employees only) 

• Complying with applicable laws

We only collect, use and disclose the amount and type of personal employee information that is reasonable to meet the above purposes.

The following is a list of personal employee information that we may collect, use and disclose to meet those purposes:

• Contact information such as your name, home address, telephone number

• Criminal background checks

• Employment or volunteer information such as your resume (including education background, work history and references), reference information and interview notes, letter of offer and acceptance of employment, policy acknowledgement forms, background verification information, workplace performance evaluations, emergency contacts, etc.

• Benefit information such as forms relating to applications or changes to health and insurance benefits including medical and dental care, life insurance, short and long term disability, etc. (paid employees only)

• Financial information, such as pay check deposit information and tax-related information, including Social Security Numbers (paid employees only)

• Other personal information required for the purposes of our employment or volunteer relationship

We will inform our employees and volunteers of any new purpose for which we will collect, use, or disclose personal employee information, or we will obtain your consent, before or at the time the information is collected.  

We will obtain your consent to collect, use and disclose your personal information for purposes unrelated to the employment or volunteer relationship.

What information do we provide for employment/volunteer references?
In some cases, after your employment or volunteer relationship with us ends, we will be contacted by other organizations and asked to provide a reference for you. It is our policy not to disclose personal information about our employees and volunteers to other organizations who request references without consent. The personal information we normally provide in a reference includes:

• Confirmation that an individual was an employee or volunteer, including the position, and date range of the employment or volunteering

• General information about an individual's job duties and information about the employee or volunteer's ability to perform job duties and success in the employment or volunteer relationship

How do we safeguard personal information?
We make every reasonable effort to ensure that personal information is accurate and complete. We rely on individuals to notify us if there is a change to their personal information that may affect their relationship with our organization. If you are aware of an error in our information about you, please let us know and we will correct it on request wherever possible. In some cases we may ask for a written request for correction.

We protect personal information in a manner appropriate for the sensitivity of the information. We make every reasonable effort to prevent any loss, misuse, disclosure or modification of personal information, as well as any unauthorized access to personal information. 

We use appropriate security measures when destroying personal information, including shredding paper records and permanently deleting electronic records.

We retain personal information only as long as is reasonable to fulfill the purposes for which the information was collected or for legal or business purposes.

Access to records containing personal information
Individuals have a right to access their own personal information in a record that is to the custody or under the control of L&M Publications, subject to some exceptions, such as information that would reveal personal information about another individual.

If we refuse a request in whole or in part, we will provide the reasons for the refusal. In some cases where exceptions to access apply, we may withhold that information and provide you with the remainder of the record. 

You may make a request for access to your personal information by writing to the publisher. You must provide sufficient information in your request to allow us to identify the information you are seeking.

You may also request information about our use of your personal information and any disclosure of that information to persons outside our organization. In addition, you may request a correction of an error or omission in your personal information.

We will respond to your request within 45 calendar days, unless an extension is granted. We may charge a reasonable fee to provide information, but not to make a correction. We do not charge fees when the request is for personal employee information. We will advise you of any fees that may apply before beginning to process your request.

Questions and complaints
If you have a question or concern about any collection, use or disclosure of personal information by L&M Publications, or about a request for access to your own personal information, please contact the publisher.