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Merrick Life • Bellmore Life • Freeport-Baldwin Leader • Wantagh-Seaford Citizen

By Linda Delmonico Prussen   Fri, Feb 11, 2011

By   Fri, Sep 03, 2010

Sitting ducks. 

Under the cover of darkness six boats at the Wantagh Park Marina were vandalized and burglarized last week after the electric power was shut off at Wantagh Park and the marina for three days. 

Police say the burglaries took place sometime between Thursday evening after 10 p.m. August 26 and 8 a.m. Friday, August 27.  All the boats damaged were moored on Dock B. Police reported that the boats sustained damage to cabin doors.

Fishing poles, binoculars and a 3 1/2 HP Nissan outboard motor, as well as assorted electronics, including depth finders, VHF radios and GPS navigation systems, were stolen. The burglaries are still under investigation.

Wantagh Park and Marina lost electricity on August 24. That day, “one boater, noticed his shore power was only 60 volts instead of 120. He checked with other boaters in the area and found the problem was everywhere,” explained Bruce Piel, executive director of PARCnassau, who said the boater then “notified the park administration and they notified the DPW [county Department of Public Works].”

Subsequently the power was shut down to make a repair to the electrical system throughout the park, including the pool and the ballfields. “This left the boats literally in the dark each night,” said Mr. Piel. “Hundreds of boats valued at well over a million dollars were left unprotected by the Police Department and Department of Public Security apparently because they weren’t notified about the problem by the Parks Department. “It was bound to happen.” 

County officials did not respond to questions about the incident or a plan to address security measures at Wantagh Park and the Marina. Residents have complained for several years about the lack of security in the park, including groups of marauding teenagers and vandalism to the playground, including a brush fire several years ago. “Park security has one person who checks four parks during each night.

By her own admission, when questioned, she says she has nothing to do with the marina, only the park,” said Ed Beyer, past commander of the Wantagh Yacht Club at the Wantagh Marina.  “When asked if she would do anything if she saw people going into different boats, she answered that the boats are privately owned and she doesn’t go down on the dock. Is this security?” asked Mr. Beyer.

“We pay a lot of money in taxes to Nassau County and also pay over $2,000 per year for our boat slip.”    Mr. Piel and Mr. Beyer also want to know why there is no system in place to notify boaters of a blackout. “They [park personnel] have no electricity and they just sit there in the office. They need a system.” However, Mr. Beyer added that  Wantagh Park manager Mary Schroeder did reach out to the boaters  Monday morning.

“I received a phone from Ms. Schroeder who told me the electric power was being shut off to change fuses,” said Mr. Beyer. 

By   Fri, Sep 03, 2010

Homicide Squad detectives are investigating a shooting/homicide occurring in Baldwin at 10:50 p.m., August 24.

According to detectives, two or three men forced their way into a residence on Washington Place, Baldwin. Once inside, they shot a man in the kitchen who succumbed to his injuries and was later transported to the Nassau County Medical Examiner’s Morgue.

One other man was shot and that victim was taken to Nassau University Medical Center where he was admitted in stable condition. One other occupant of the Washington Place residence was not injured. 

The assailants, who were described as  wearing hooded sweatshirts and armed with handguns, fled on foot. Police ask anyone with information to contact the Homicide Squad at 573-7780 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS.

All callers will remain anonymous. 

By   Fri, Mar 09, 2012

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By   Thu, Sep 02, 2010

“It’s important to keep in mind the Boy Scout motto – ‘be prepared,’ which can help keep us safe if a hurricane should hit our area,” said state Assemblyman Dave McDonough at a meeting held at the Merrick Library on August 26. 

 Assemblyman McDonough (R,I,C- Merrick) was joined by members of the Nassau County emergency management office, the American Red Cross and the Town of Hempstead’s Department of Public Safety to provide information on hurricane preparedness.

 Meteorological experts are anticipating an active hurricane season this year, according to Jim Callahan of the county office of emergency management. “The last hurricane we had was Gloria, and it was a Category One hurricane,” he said. According to the Saffir-Simpson scale, Gloria was a “minimal” hurricane, with wind speeds of 74 to 95 miles per hour. “That hurricane was in 1985,” Mr. Callahan continued.

“A whole generation has never seen a hurricane. We are due.”  Why?  “The weather conditions,” said Mr. Callahan. “It has rained less and the waters have a higher salinity [therefore] holding more warmth, and that makes for stronger hurricanes. We are in a 35-year cycle of warmth. We have another 10 years in this cycle.” On average, there is a “7.5 % chance for a hurricane to hit, but this year the chance is at 12%,” said Mr. Callahan, who added that “Usually, we see a hurricane every 17 years or so.

There are 21 hurricanes predicted for the Atlantic this year.” At press time, Hurricane Earl is making its way towards the Atlantic coastline. It is still too early for meterologists to determine where landfall may be, or what kind of damage this storm might create. But last week Mr. Callahan said that “Earl is on the same track as the 1938 hurricane.” That hurricane, referred to as the Long Island Express, was a 100-year storm that hit landfall on September 21, 1938, and had sustained winds of 121 miles per hour with gusts up to 186 miles per hour. Storm surges sent water as far north as Sunrise Highway. That’s why residents should be prepared, not scared, says the American Red Cross.

Every resident should assemble a disaster kit. It should include the following:

• Water: a three-to-seven-day supply of drinking water per person, which translates into a gallon of water per day for each person.
• Food: nonperishable items including canned food, energy bars, peanut butter and other nutritious foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking, and little or no water for up to seven days. Include a manual can opener.
• First Aid Kit: including sterile gloves, antibiotic ointment, burn ointment, thermometer, bandages, nonaspirin pain reliever and eyewash.
• Medications: Prescription and nonprescription items and medical information.
• A portable radio, which is either battery-powered or a crank radio, as well as a flashlight and five extra sets of batteries. Each family member should have a flashlight.
• Clothing: a change of clothes, rainwear, sturdy shoes and protective gloves for everyone.
• Money: cash only.
• Important family documents: These should be stored in a waterproof, portable container and include drivers licenses, wills, birth and marriage certificates, insurance policies, proof of residence (deed or lease), recent tax returns, credit card and bank account number, social security cards, passports and a home inventory list.
• Personal items such as soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, toilet paper, paper towels and pre-moistened towelettes.
• Camera as well as film or a fully charged digital camera.
• Clean-up supplies such as mop, buckets, towels, etc.
• Emergency tools (wrench, pliers etc.).
• A fully charged cell phone.

Listen to or watch local news for storm updates and, if you are told to evacuate, do so. Take your kit with you as well as pillows, blankets and sleeping bags. Turn off electricity, water and gas in your home. Unplug major appliances. Residents may go to one of the following emergency shelters in our area. They include Nassau Community College, SUNY Farmingdale, Wantagh High School, Levittown Memorial Education Center, C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University, Garden City High School and McKenna Elementary School in Massapequa.

This story was reported by Patricia McKay and written by Laura Schofer.  

By Doug Finlay   Fri, Sep 03, 2010

With Hurricane Earl possibly strafing – or barreling down on – Long Island  this weekend, a new program from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will extend for two years a low-cost Preferred Risk Policy flood insurance program to South Shore homeowners in a high-risk flood zone who have been forced to pay hundreds – if not thousands – of dollars more since FEMA issued new flood zone maps beginning October 1, 2008.

The new program will permit homeowners now classified in a high-risk AE flood zone to purchase flood insurance beginning January, 2011, at previous low-risk X-zone rates. By 2013, when policies are up for renewal, homeowners will be able to renew flood insurance at greatly reduced prices. 

These rates will be higher than previous X-zone rates, but greatly reduced over high-risk AE-zone rates, Mary Colvin, chief of flood plain management and flood insurance for FEMA, Region 2, told Bellmore Life.

The new program comes in response to phone calls and letters to FEMA, part of the Department of Homeland Security, from homeowners all over the state concerned about sudden sharp rate increases, and the inability to pay for them in the face of economic hardships, Ms. Colvin continued. 

When FEMA drew up new flood zones to include previously low-risk properties in Bellmore, Merrick, Wantagh, Freeport and other shore communities, and reclassify them as high-risk properties, it sent homeowners’ flood insurance as high as 400% more for many.

Higher costs, but no flooding

“We have clients down by the canals whose property was always classified as X, or low risk, because the properties are built on landfills,” remarked Greg Conneely, owner of Conneely Agency on Grand Avenue. 

But when the properties were reclassified as high-risk properties for flooding, or AE, “FEMA set the new rates and provided the coverage,” he continued, requiring anywhere from $1,600 to $3,000, depending upon discounts and grandfathering of existing flood insurance into the new coverage.

That’s when, he says, many of his clients began challenging the zoning. “I have clients who are one foot away from the water but whose home elevation is well above the water line, and they’ve never flooded,” he continued.

At their request, he helped them get the necessary paperwork from FEMA, such as special forms, and helped get surveyors to survey the elevation to fill out elevation forms proving the elevation was higher than FEMA’s elevation criteria for flooding. 

Can’t measure every home

“We used the very latest technology in topographical mapping” to arrive at the new flood plain maps, Ms. Colvin said, but admitted that budget constraints did not allow FEMA to measure every home. She said that the state’s new criteria put the water level line at two feet about sea level.

She added that it was also known that some topography is uneven, causing irregularities. Because of this irregularity, FEMA provides a built-in process for challenging the flood map. If any part of the land, even around the foundation, is under that two-foot water line, the property is considered in a high-risk zone, she said.

She said reasons for remapping the flood zones included new flood patterns emerging from erosion and storms, water-surface levels, new land development, which redirects channels of water, and past history. “Flood maps of the Long Island area went back to the 1960s to 1980s,” she said, and are now inaccurate.

Bellmore resident Joanna Galanis is in the process of getting a surveyor to survey her elevation and certify that her land is above FEMA’s base flood level criterion. With the certification she can get a Letter of Map Amendment, which would remove her from the AE zone, and reduce her flood insurance costs.  

“I agree with rezoning for the shore communities,” Ms. Galanis told Bellmore Life, “but I don’t agree when parts of North Bellmore and other communities away from the shore are also being put in the AE zone.”  “I can’t answer to that precise point,” Ms. Colvin said. But, “When you fly over flooded areas you see the changes from the old maps,” she said, and then you see new pockets of flooding that you can’t answer to. 

It is those unknowns, she said, that moves FEMA to encourage homeowners to purchase flood insurance, and why it could include communities farther from shore being placed in a high-risk AE zone.   Close to 90% of the state is at risk of flooding, she said, and 25% of all claims come from an out-of-flood area. She added that some 1,200 communities that have no flood hazard participate in the program. 

Banks require flood insurance

Ann Boxenhorn, a Bellmore resident who never had flood insurance, challenged the new flood zone maps when she was forced to buy flood insurance, and got it reduced. She said that because she had paid off her mortgage it was not necessary for her to have flood insurance, and admitted to taking a chance by not owning flood insurance.

“Homeowners must be advised that it is their bank, their mortgage holder, that requires them to purchase flood insurance,” she told Bellmore Life.  While she had paid off her mortgage, she held a home equity line of credit, which banks consider the same as a mortgage.

Her bank told her she had to buy flood insurance. But FEMA wanted $3,000 for the insurance, and her property had never flooded. She added that had she purchased flood insurance originally, it would have been grandfathered into the new insurance figures, and she would have paid far less under a Preferred Risk Policy than she had to pay in buying it for the first time. Incensed at the steep prices for FEMA flood insurance, she learned from her bank that she could challenge the map.

“It cost $550 for a surveyor,” and several hundred dollars in other fees to prove FEMA was wrong in its elevation assessment, she said. “Will FEMA reimburse me and others for this cost?” she asked.    

“No,” Ms. Colvin responded. She said that any costs incurred in challenging the map would be regained over the years of savings at being placed back into a low-risk zone. Meanwhile, John Sirabella, president of the Sabre Agency, cautioned homeowners to beware of the changing insurance industry on Long Island.

“Check with your insurer regarding deductibles for homeowners – and even flood – insurance,” he said, because brand-name insurers are leaving Long Island, leaving the market to smaller insurers and third parties.

“Insurers are feeling the increased risk associated with a catastrophic storm on Long Island,” he said. He agreed that, from a business viewpoint, it may not pay for some insurers to write homeowners and flood insurance policies in the face of a growing threat.

By   Fri, Sep 03, 2010

Eight of our community’s youngest members rallied together for the benefit of Kerry Ann Dudley, the Bellmore mother who died in a fire last week on North Bellmore’s Croydon Drive. They are trying to raise funds to help the Dudley family. Anyone wishing to donate may send a check to Beth Gibbons at 61 Croydon Drive, Bellmore. Checks should be made payable to: The Benefit of the Dudley family. 

By   Fri, Sep 03, 2010

Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano and Nassau Police Commissioner Lawrence W. Mulvey announce that the Nassau County Police Department will participate in a grant, provided by the New York State Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee through the Nassau County Traffic Safety Board in a comprehensive initiative, to combat aggressive driving from August 31 through September 13.

As a supplement, rather than a supplant, a precinctwide enforcement initiative aims at identifying aggressive drivers who operate their motor vehicle in a manner that endangers, or is likely to endanger, other persons or property.   Aggressive driving involves a series of moving violations, such as unreasonable speed, passing a red light, tailgating, unsafe lane change, failure to signal a lane change, unsafe passing, failure to yield right away and failure to obey traffic control devices.   An aggressive driver operates his vehicle in a deliberate, selfish, bold or pushy manner, which is likely to increase the risk of a collision and is motivated by impatience, annoyance, hostility or an attempt to save time.  

He or she has low regard for the rights or safety of other uses of the streets and highways. The additional patrols throughout Nassau County during this initiative will give priority to high accident frequency locations, and areas known for excessive speeding and aggressive driving.

By Mark Treske   Fri, Sep 03, 2010

Freeport’s graduation rate increased this summer, Schools Superintendent Dr. Kishore Kuncham announced at last week’s school board meeting at New Visions School.

 Superintendent Dr. Kishore Kuncham reported on a successful summer school.  He announced that, as a result of August graduation, the district graduation rate was now at 78%, up from 73% in June. Dr. Kuncham thanked all those in the district who helped this accomplishment.

 In reporting on the teachers’ and freshman orientation events, Dr. Kuncham assured the crowd that the district and its buildings were all ready for the resumption of school on September 7. Dr. Kuncham also spoke about New York State’s winning funding in the federal “Race to the Top” program (the estimate is that New York will receive $7 million).

Dr. Kuncham said that Freeport’s share of that is expected to be $500-700,000 – but that an exact figure, as well as federal government guidelines of how it could be used – were still pending, and the district would probably not see this funding in 2010-2011.

Public comment speakers spoke about “Race to the Top,” with former board President Dr. Al Renken cautioning the board against using the funds to add staff without considering how to pay for that staff after the funding was gone. And resident Alan Jay, noting the federal government’s fiscal state, wished to remind the board that the funding was with borrowed money – “borrowed from your children.”

• In other business, the district:
• Approved a strategic plan outlining the district’s plan for the next five years based on the district’s goals.
• Approved a staff development plan as required by the state.
• Accepted a capital projects bid for a sign at the high school. The next Freeport Board of Education meeting will take place on Tuesday, September 7, at Atkinson School.

By Laura Schofer   Fri, Sep 03, 2010

Science rocks. 

That was the sentiment at a recent forum of marine scientists, engineers and environmentalists who gathered to discuss how they plan to study and ultimately save the Western Bays.  The hearing, at the Nassau County Legislature earlier this month, was held just days before the State of New York released $580,000 in funding that had been earmarked for this project since 2008. 

“This means we can now base our restoration plans on science and not conjecture,” said Adrienne Esposito, executive director of the Citizens Campaign for the Environment.  The study, called the Total Maximum Daily Load or TMDL, can determine what natural and man-made impacts have caused the degrading water quality in the Western Bays.

The study will study Reynolds Channel, Brosewere Bay, Hewlett Bay, Broad Channel, Middle Bay, Baldwin Bay, Merrick Bay, East Bay and this area’s interconnecting channels and tributaries.  The money allows Stony Brook University’s School of Marine and Atmospheric Science (SOMAS) to perform seven tasks using Geographic Information Science or GIS to determine the condition of the  Western Bays.   GIS brings together hardware, software and data for capturing, managing, analyzing and displaying all forms of geographically referenced information.

It allows scientists to view, understand, question, interpret and visualize data in many ways to reveal relationships, patterns and trends in the form of maps,  reports and charts.   In particular, Dr. Lawrence Swanson, a marine biologist with SOMAS  said he thought “bathymetry (the study of underwater depth of the bay) would play an important role in determining sediment characteristics,” as well as the use of “acoustic data for a survey of Ulva [green lettuce like algae].” 

Stony Brook will work hand-in-hand with Battelle, a consulting firm paid through a New York state grant for a one-year project. This group will work with both historical and current data to determine if there is “impairment evidence and if so how to measure it. We will also look to see if we can find a causal link to nitrogen,” said Tom Gilbrendt, Battelle’s representative. “From this we may be able to determine some best management practices,” he said.

Finally, the United States Geological Survey will be doing continuous water monitoring for a two-year period. That data should capture information with regard to the impact of the Bay Park sewage treatment plant on the Western Bays.  “These are fragile ecosystems,” said Mr. Gilbrendt who hoped the data might be compared to other beleaguered marshland systems such as Jamaica Bay to determine how to proceed in reviving the Western Bays.

This is just the beginning of a project that could take years to determine if reducing the nitrogen limit, now regulated in the Long Island Sound, is appropriate for this body of water.  But money remains an issue. State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) officials and federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) officials said that  no one agency could fund this entire project. “We can’t predict the cost; it’s very complicated,” said the EPA official.

“We need the SOMAS data to determine how it fits into legal issues, especially with regard to regulation,” said the DEC official. Nevertheless, environmentalists are encouraged. “This is a good first step,” said Rob Weltner, executive director of SPLASH (Stop Polluting, Littering and Save Harbors). “We have to begin. Let’s do this one time and do it right.”

By   Thu, Sep 02, 2010

A fire and explosion occurred in Baldwin at 11:57 a.m. on August 29. 

According to detectives, Steven Haber, 52, of Central Avenue was doing mechanical work in his detached garage when an explosion occurred and caused a fire.  Police believe that the explosion and fire may have been the result of a spark from one of the machines Haber was using.

The ensuing fire caused extensive damage to the garage and was extinguished by the Baldwin Fire Department. Mr. Haber was taken to Nassau University  Medical Center where he was admitted in critical but stable condition with serious burns.

His wife and adult son were also taken to NUMC where they were treated and released for minor burns. The fire marshal’s office is investigating. No other injuries were reported.

- Leader photo by Judy Ammerman

By   Fri, Sep 03, 2010

Labor Day is celebrated in the U.S. on the first Monday of September, not May 1 as in many other countries. As opposed to celebrating union and political groups, our Labor Day is for everyone.  

We often think of Labor Day weekend as the last weekend of the summer, even though warm weather may continue past the official last day of summer, September 21. Traditionally, after Labor Day pools close, boats are stored, children go back to school, and people stop wearing white clothes, while it may continue to be warm through Indian Summer. 

The traffic is terrible on Labor Day Weekend, as many take a last fling of summer. But few stop to think about the holiday as anything other than a well-deserved day off.   

Yet, it is actually a good time for workers and managers, everyone who makes up a “staff,” to think about why labor is important. During the recent economic downturn, many companies have had to resort to cutting salaries (typically by 10%) or by letting staff go. 

And while cutting “the fat” could lead to efficiency, it could also lead to a drop in productivity, the opposite of what is needed for the economy to grow. Surely a 10% unemployment rate does not help the U.S. economy. What if, instead, managers and workers tried to increase their productivity by 10%? This could be the result of efficiencies, of new ideas and of extra effort.

Experts say the average person wastes an hour of each eight-hour work day. That is more than 10%! So just resolving to waste less time and work harder could improve productivity, without having to clock more hours. But much, much more could be done.   

Each manager and each worker should realize that he or she has it in his or her power to help make a difference. They should listen to each others’ ideas. And if they did, maybe it would truly be a happy Labor Day.

By   Fri, Sep 03, 2010

In an effort to help homeowners understand the new regulations involving flood zone insurance, the South Merrick Community Civic Association invited Denis Miller, “The Floodman,” to its August meeting Tuesday night. For many Merrick homeowners, insurance premiums increased to rates over $2,000, said Mr. Miller, a Long Beach insurance broker.

The good news is that those rates will soon be lowered during a brief interval of about two years. During that time, the average rate for a home with a basement will be $395 while rates for those homes without basements will be approximately $350.

Mr. Miller said there were two ways to reduce rates in homes with basements: the first was to raise the deductible, and the second was to limit the liability to the basement contents. Some homeowners without a mortgage might be tempted to eliminate flood insurance, but Mr. Miller noted that flood insurance is transferable, thereby allowing a purchaser to save money by being grandfathered into the lower rate.

Recognizing the impact of the remapping of flood zones, SMCCA President Joe Baker said that he had contacted Congressman Peter King. The congressman arranged to have representatives from FEMA speak at a special meeting of the association on Tuesday, September 14, at the Merrick Golf Clubhouse at 7 p.m. Additional information on the August meeting of the SMCCA will be presented in next week’s issue of Merrick Life.

By Erin Donohue   Fri, Sep 03, 2010

Levy-Lakeside School sixth-grader Sam Miller has plenty to share with his fellow students when school reopens next week. “Sam began seriously playing guitar about two-and-a-half, three years ago” according to his dad, Jack. “He always loved music and saw Aerosmith live when he was just three.” 

Thanks to a few videos he uploaded to YouTube, Sam was discovered by the folks at Redbull beverages. They signed him (with Dad’s OK) to play a few shows on their stage in SoHo for VH1’s “Save the Music” and “Break ‘n Through.”

Sam’s performance of two Jimi Hendrix songs thrilled the crowd; dad filled in the void on bass and there was a backing drum track for the performances.  After the “Save the Music” show, Sam was asked to come back a few nights later to play a benefit show for Skateistan – a nonprofit organization of people who raise money so that children in Afghanistan can have a place to go skateboarding.

He was also invited back by Redbull to play again in the future. 

By Laura Schofer   Fri, Sep 03, 2010

Tweaks in the design of the proposed new Stop & Shop in the Merrick Mall could stall construction, said Barry Fox, president of the Merrick Park Home Owners Association.  “There is a misperception about our role in keeping the new Stop & Shop from being built. We are not opposing the construction. We have not asked for any more changes,” he said.

Mr. Fox provided Merrick Life with the latest drawing that was given to him by Stop & Shop representatives. It shows that 10 separate revisions have been made to the plans since 2006. The last revision was made on February 15.  The plans were last submitted to the Town of Hempstead zoning Board of Appeals on November 22, 2009.

The latest plan show a revised footprint. The building remains at 30,000 square feet and includes the old Escapes building. The loading docks will run behind the supermarket in an alleyway, but there will be no access to or from the alleyway onto Hewlett Avenue. A 27-foot area between the curb and building along Hewlett Avenue will be landscaped.  

“We are not opposing these revisions. It will still keep [delivery truck] traffic off Hewlett Avenue,” said Mr. Fox. Mr. Fox was told the new revisions would go before an internal committee for review on October 31. “Mr. Bencivenga [Stop & Shop representative] doesn’t expect construction to start until next fall,” said Mr. Fox. Stop & Shop representatives didn’t return our telephone call for comment.

While the new Stop & Shop will be a welcomed addition to the Merrick Mall, Mr. Fox contends that “the current shopping center is still a disgrace. This [shopping center] is a gateway to Merrick and does not represent what Merrick is all about. The mall is not under Stop & Shop’s control, but that doesn’t change the fact that the mall is still decrepit.” 

By   Fri, Sep 03, 2010

IN THE NEWS are (from left) First National Bank of Long Island’s Merrick branch Assistant Managers Joseph Nappi and Linda Rowse,  bank President and CEO Michael Vittorio  and Vice President and Branch Manager Cathy O’Malley.

Kiplinger’s, Independent Banker, Newsday and Long Island Business News have all been covering a local bank that has been providing some of the good news in an otherwise troubled industry.  The First National Bank of Long Island, established in 1927, has been building a reputation as a strong bank and a caring bank, which donates a percentage of its profits to charity and is the largest bank contributor to the Harry Chapin Food Bank. Evidence of its strength is found in a study released by Bank Intelligence Solutions, a banking research company.  

The study identified the highest-performing banks in the country. It named 61 such banks, and only two of these operate in New York State. The First National Bank of Long Island was one of the two banks, and the only bank in the Long Island and New York Metropolitan area. According to bank President and CEO Michael Vittorio of Merrick, the bank has been praised by a number of analysts for its management’s efforts in guiding the institution through the worst recessionary environment since the Great Depression.  

It has avoided the types of bad assets that have threatened so many other financial institutions. It has one of the strongest balance sheets in the country and when most banks have been shrinking, The First National Bank of Long Island continues to grow. In the last three years, on a compounded annual growth rate, it has grown assets by 21% and it is expected to reach the $2 billion mark soon. The bank’s profitability remains strong, and over the last three years, it is one of the very few banks that has continued to see its stock go up. 

Both Sandler O’Neill Partners, L.P. and Howe Barnes Hoefer & Arnett, Inc. are investment banks that do research on The First National Bank of Long Island, and are recommending the bank’s stock to the public.  The bank opened a branch in Bellmore on Bedford Avenue in June, with Julie Freund at the helm as assistant vice president and branch manager. Mr. Vittorio says it will be opening two more branches in 2011; one in Massapequa and one in Point Lookout, and may become the largest independent commercial bank on Long Island sometime next year.  

With the addition of the two branches, the bank will now have 35 locations in Nassau, Suffolk and Manhattan. Mr. Vittorio adds, “We are strong, profitable and growing. Most of all, we are friendly. This approach has become part of our corporate culture. People and businesses want to deal with a bank where they feel they are known.  We are that bank.” The Merrick branch opened five years ago in the community that has the most households with over $100,000 income on Long Island, according to the Yellow Pages Reverse Directory.  

Most of its customers are affluent, many are professionals but it serves all members of the community, with Cathy O’Malley at the helm as vice president and branch manager. Mr. Vittorio says its success “has a lot to do with Cathy, (assistant managers) Linda Rowse, Joseph Nappi and staff. People feel comfortable dealing with people they like. “How many bank managers do you think send birthday cards to their customers?

This really is the bank ‘Where Everyone Knows Your Name!’” He says fellow Merokians stop him on the street to tell him what a good job Mrs. O’Malley is doing, not only for the bank but for the community as treasurer of the Merrick Chamber of Commerce and its Small Businessperson of the Year, and as incoming first vice-president of Merrick Kiwanis.

She also lets We Care Blankets store supplies in the bank building on Merrick Avenue, and sets up collection boxes for Toys for Tots and Long Island Cares in the branch.  The bank donates to the fire departments, the street fair and schools, where the bank also conducts a “Teach Children To Save” program.

In this way, she is following the example of her boss, who has been involved at Curé, in soccer with CYO and PAL; and his wife, Linda, who has been active in Birch, Merrick Avenue and high school PTAs, and the Booster Club. Their children now all live in Manhattan: Jennifer, a pediatric gastroenterologist at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital, Michael, a CPA at Goldman Sachs, and Amy, a managing director at RF Binder, a public relations firm.

The bank has several other Merrick connections. Assistant Manager Joseph Nappi grew up in Merrick as did Mr. Miller, the bank’s first employee and second president. The elegant branch, complete with fireplace, features historical murals inspired from photos supplied by the late Louis Kruh of the Historical Society of the Merricks. An old-fashioned clock outside is a gift to the Merrick community from the bank.

By Laraine Milazzo   Fri, Sep 03, 2010

At the August meeting of the North Merrick Civic Association (NMCA), members were congratulated by Officer Maureen Beccaris and Sgt. Michael O’Mara for their efforts in helping police capture a group of four Queens teens on charges of burglarizing cars in North Merrick.

As told by John Lufrano, director of the neighborhood watch program, residents were calling police advising them of every move the men were making. The diligent residents provided enough information to enable the police to capture and arrest all four suspects.

Mr. Lufrano hoped that the swift arrests sent a message that crime will not be tolerated in the area. “Look out for each other,” encouraged Officer Beccaris. Dan Yngstrom, a representative from Legislator Dave Denenberg’s office and a member of the NMCA board, told the audience that in the current economy, “people are desperate.” It’s important to be vigilant by locking doors and windows, including car doors, and tell neighbors to do the same, he advised.

In other police news, Sgt. O’Mara said that his unit had been watching a Citgo gas station on Jerusalem and Park Avenues for sales of cigarettes and cigars to minors after receiving complaints from neighbors. In some cases, the cigar tobacco was used to mask the smell of marijuana.

The undercover unit put special patrols into place in June. By the beginning of August, arrests were made and the Problem-oriented Policing (POP)  unit was brought in to conduct further operations and arrests. In case of emergencies, residents were urged by the police to call 911. Concerns about ongoing problems can be directed to the POP unit at 573-6170, said Officer Beccaris.

Road problems

NMCA President Claudia Borecky applauded the efforts of the civic association to have stop signs installed at Camp  and Chapin Avenues. Ms. Borecky called upon all residents to let the association know about any problem streets.  Audience members brought attention to a few hot spots: stop sign abuse at Henry Road and Rhodes Avenue; stop sign abuse when exiting Southern State Parkway unto Merrick Avenue; and hedges blocking drivers’ views on Meadowbrook Road. Ms. Borecky noted the hedge problem and agreed to have the Town of Hempstead look into the matter.

Cell towers and antennae

At a recent meeting of the NMCA, a representative of T-Mobile proposed replacing the flagpole in front of the library with a new pole that would house cell antennae for the telecommunications company. The civic association conducted an online survey, and Ms. Borecky said the responses indicated approximately 70% against the proposal.

Ms. Borecky said that it would be preferred to have the cell tower installed on the Meadowbrook Parkway, but the T- Mobile representative said that applications had been submitted to the state with no response over the last four years. State Assemblyman Tom McKevitt told the gathering said that the state entered into a contract with Crown Castle Communications some time ago. The communications company is charged with investigating cell antennae sites.

Recently, said Ms. Borecky, Crown Castle purchased a company that installs cell towers, and believed that to be a conflict of interest. Assemblyman McKevitt said he would look into the matter. The Town of Hempstead has hired an attorney to formulate code on cell tower/antennae placement. Ms. Borecky said that a number of civic associations, along with county Legislator Dave Denenberg, attended a Town Board meeting to voice their opinions on the perceived problems. Many were pleased to learn that consideration is being given to locating towers and antennae 1,500 feet from residences; cell companies must provide proof of the necessity of the equipment; cell phone providers must prove there is no better place available in an area and they must notify homeowners within 1,500 feet of the proposed site. Legislator Denenberg said that when he pressed the town for a moratorium the answer received was that they “were effectively going to do a moratorium.”

The Town Board is expected to have a completed code by September 7 and then vote on the code at its September 21 meeting. Mr. Denenberg is hoping that the town will provide a public hearing before September 21 to give all residents the opportunity to provide input. The legislator said he would like to see a provision that would not allow companies such as Next G to grandfather into the new code.

Southeast Nassau Water Authority

In January, the Town of Hempstead announced that it would appoint new members to the existing-though-dormant Southeast Nassau Water Authority, in order to conduct a feasibility study of taking over the Aqua New York, the water company that services the Merricks, the Bellmores, Wantagh, Seaford and parts of Massapequa. “We are paying too much,” said Mr. Denenberg, as he called for the appointment of new water authority members.

In the nine months since the Town of Hempstead announced the resurrection of the authority, it has accepted resumes, including that of Ms. Borecky, and conducted interviews, but the authority has still not officially begun. Mr. Denenberg submitted sample letters that residents could use to write to Town of Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray and Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor John Venditto. Anyone interested can access the sample letters at Mr. Denenberg’s website.

Other business

Ms. Borecky said there will soon be a name change for NMCA as it absorbs residents from central Merrick. The proposal to build an island to store liquid natural gas off the coast of Long Beach has been defeated, said Ms. Borecky, an opponent of the project.

Tom Riordan of the American Legion Post 1282 said that numerous school groups participated in procuring gifts for veterans at nursing homes, while the American Legion paid the postage for shipping. After a recent experience regarding a deceased veteran, Mr. Riordan strongly urged all veterans to register their discharge papers with the county clerk. Without the appropriate proof of service, burial at the national cemetery could be denied. The civic association is gearing up for the annual Halloween Spooktacular, where local children are able to enjoy the holiday in a safe and happy environment. Volunteers are being sought for the event, said Ms. Borecky.

In addition, a membership drive is underway to attract greater participation in the association. Family dues are only $20 per year, said Ms. Borecky. The money collected is used toward some of the special activities of the association, such as the Spooktacular.

The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 21, at the North Merrick Library at 7 p.m.

By   Fri, Sep 03, 2010

State Senator Charles J. Fuschillo Jr. (right), County Executive Ed Mangano (second right), Assemblyman Dave McDonough (second left), and CCMAC co-founder Colette Coyne (left) watch a demonstration of a derma scan machine, which shows the user damage to the skin on their face caused by the sun which is not visible to the naked eye.photo courtesy of Senator Charles Fuschillo 

By   Fri, Sep 03, 2010

A boating accident involving a jet ski and powerboat occurred in Wantagh on Sunday, August 29, at 4:30 p.m. A Yamaha jet ski, operated by a 19-year-old man with a 58-year-old passenger, collided with a 35-foot Sonic speedboat, operated by a 36-year-old man with six passengers, in the vicinity of the Wantagh Parkway Bridge in Sloop Channel.  

The riders of the jet ski, who suffered non-life threatening injuries, were transported by Nassau County Police Helicopter 5 to an area hospital. No other accident-related injuries were reported.

By   Thu, Sep 02, 2010

I am writing on behalf of the Seaford Historical Society. Our mission is to preserve and publicize the rich heritage of Seaford’s history.

Settled in 1643, Seaford is a unique locale with a storied past that should be an integral part of its future. We are one of a few organizations on the South Shore that have been able to retain an historic building as a museum.  Our building dates back to 1893 and has served Seaford as firehouse, schoolhouse  and community center.

In order to maintain, update and upgrade the museum, the Historical Society is sponsoring its latest fundraising effort – the Annual Harvest Fair to be held on Sunday, September 26, on the front lawn of Seaford High School. The fair will include the sale of pumpkins, mums, baked goods and crafts.

Other features will be entertainment, children’s games, pumpkin decorating, face painting, raffles and demonstrations by the Seaford Fire Department. Donations are being requested in the form of goods/services and monetary contributions to be used as raffle prizes or gift baskets.

Of course we would like you to include your business card for display purposes, publicizing your community spirit. The Historical Society greatly appreciates the financial support of our neighbors and partners in the important initiative. We are also offering tent sponsorships with appropriate professional signage which we will provide to acknowledge your involvement. The tent sponsorships are available for $50.

The Seaford Historical Society is a 501C3 organization and all donations are tax deductible. A receipt will be provided upon request. Any and all donations can be sent to me at 3799 Brooklyn Avenue, Seaford 11783.We would also be happy to pick up your donation at your convenience. Please call 783-8629 with any questions or to arrange for this pick-up service. On behalf of the Seaford Historical Society, thank you.

-Judy Bongiovi

Secretary, Seaford Historical Society

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.