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

By Linda Delmonico Prussen   Fri, Feb 17, 2012

More than 30 residents attended the Monday night meeting of the North Bellmore Civic Association as it tackled the pressing issues of police precinct closings and the planned purchase of Aqua.

Precinct closings
County Legislator Dave Denenberg was on hand along with police union representative Wayne Hartmann to discuss a proposal now in front of the Nassau County Legislature. On Monday afternoon the Rules Committee voted 4–3 along party lines to downgrade four police precincts to community policing centers. Voting in favor of the proposal were Republicans Peter Schmitt, Howard Kopel, Dennis Dunne and Rose Marie Walker. Those opposed were Democrats Kevan Abrahams, Judy Jacobs and Wayne Wink.
   
Mr. Denenberg said the proposal would have the First Precinct closing and being absorbed by the Seventh Precinct, which would then become the First  Precinct. The Eighth Precinct would be absorbed by the Second Precinct, the Sixth Precinct by the Third Precinct, and the Fifth Precinct by the Fourth Precinct. 
   
Mr. Denenberg said the county’s administration says there would be a reduction of 100 people : 87 sworn officers and 13 civilians. He added that while the current administration claims a savings of $20 million would be realized from these closings, the county’s budget review office states the savings would be closer to $12 million. 
   
Mr. Denenberg pointed out that even the $12 million figure does not factor in termination pay, and the construction costs needed for the police precincts to implement these changes. 
   
Addressing the subject of the simple logistics to handle the county’s criminal activity, Mr. Denenberg said, “Baldwin has two holding cells, Seaford has one cell.” 
   
Mr. Hartmann said, “Construction would be needed in Seaford in order handle the processing of criminals.” 
   
Mr. Denenberg said construction would also be needed to change current precincts into “community policing centers.” 
   
At a community meeting held in Baldwin last week, residents raised concerns about the number of patrols on the street, especially after learning that with fewer precincts there would be fewer police officer staffing requirements, as required by union contract.
   
Mr. Denenberg said he did not support this proposal.  He said the proposal will be voted on by the full Legislature Monday, February 27. Residents with concerns should call County Executive Edward P. Mangano, as well as their Nassau County legislators, to voice those concerns prior to the vote, he concluded.

Aqua to American to WASENC?
John Reinhardt, secretary of the Water Authority of Southeastern Nassau County, WASENC, was also on hand to discuss the impending purchase of Aqua by American Water Works Company Inc., and the possibility of WASENC eventually purchasing the water company and making it a publicly owned utility.
   
Mr. Reinhardt said WASENC was originally created in 1991 to research the feasibility of making the water system a public entity. Its activity ended in 1997.  The second incarnation of WASENC began last year.
   
Mr. Reinhardt said residents have recently become more incensed over rate increases occurring with Aqua every three years.  While he said purchasing the company and making it a public utility won’t initially produce a drastic rate decrease, he added, “If we can take this company over and hold rates where they are now, people will be very happy.”
   
He explained that if the water system were to become public it would be purchased by the ratepayers.  To make the purchase bonds would be issued. The bonds would then be paid back through water rates, not through taxes.
   
Mr. Reinhardt also answered three important questions during his PowerPoint presentation: Why do I buy my water from Aqua?  Why do I have to buy my water from Aqua? And, why is my water bill so much higher than my friends in another town?

A brief history of water supply
He explained that residents buy their water from Aqua now because in 1895 The Merrick Water Company was incorporated to provide water to Merrick. In 1912 the Hempstead Oyster Bay (HOB) Water Company was incorporated and  acquired Merrick, and several smaller systems. From 1912 through 1930 the distribution system developed and extended into Massapequa. In 1930 Federal Water Acquired HOB and sold it to New York Water Service Corporation. In 2007 Aqua Utilities acquired NYWSC. 
   
Mr. Reinhardt said residents have to buy their water from Aqua because water utilities are franchised services.  Water distribution systems are closed systems. Water quality and quantity is highly regulated and monitored. Except in special instances, water pumped by a supplier is treated, distributed and billed by the supplier, he added.
   
Mr. Reinhardt explained why Aqua Water bills are so high. He said each water utility sets its own rate, depending on its cost to supply water.     
   
Depending on raw water quality, some suppliers need to provide more treatment than others. Many public water utilities charge a tax in addition to their water rate. 
   
Private water suppliers pay taxes (property, utility, fuel, corporate, franchise and special utility). Private water suppliers are encouraged to invest in their systems through a return on equity (profit). 
   
Mr. Reinhardt said the proposal by American Water to purchase Aqua is under consideration by the Public Service Commission, which has set up three ways for residents to voice their opinion of this sale. 
   
They may call a toll-free line 1-800-335-2120, they may e-mail to secretary@dps.ny.gov, or they may mail their comments to Hon. Jaclyn A Brilling, Secretary, Public Service Commission, Three Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12223-1350. 
   
Comments should refer to “Case 11-W-0472 – American Water Works Acquisition.”  Comments must be received by Thursday, February 23. 
   
The website for WASENC is www.WASENC.org. It holds monthly meetings, which are open to the public and announced in this newspaper.

By Laura Schofer   Sat, Feb 18, 2012

On Friday, February 17, a newly formed organization – Friends of Tackapausha –  will host a rally to encourage the community to tell Nassau County officials to keep Tackapausha Museum and Preserve open.
   
“We want the county to tell us what is going on,” said Richard Schary, president of the Friends for the Massapequa Preserve, and a member of the Long Island Greenbelt Trail Conference, two organizations that are component members of Friends of Tackapausha.
   
“That’s why we invited them to attend this rally. We have questions: Why is this happening? What is the status of Tackapausha [Preserve] and the museum? What’s the budget look like?  This is the only [county-owned] facility that  is a museum and preserve on the South Shore, and it’s closed. We want it open and we want the county to know that we will work with them [to keep it open],” said Mr. Schary.
   
Katie Grilli-Robles, a spokesperson for the county, told this newspaper that “for the past year the museum has been hosting permitted events by request due to the renovations of the exhibits. Once the new discovery center and outdoor educational center is complete, the county will reopen the site in the spring during peak hours and for school groups, appointment, events, scouts and birthday parties. The building is not being closed.” There was no response to the question regarding the costs to run the museum.
   
The Friends of Tackapausha want to keep the museum out of the hands of private enterprise and in the hands of the county.    
   
Tackapausha Museum, on Washington Avenue in Seaford, is a county facility and is adjacent to the 84-acre preserve.
   
The 3,000-foot natural history museum for children has displays about the ecology of Long Island, animal exhibits and shows, and interactive activities for children. One of its most popular exhibits features live animals.
   
The preserve  is an 84-acre tract of glacial outwash plain that serves as a wildlife sanctuary, consisting of wet, deciduous woods, wetlands, streams and ponds, and a small well-drained grassy area reminiscent of the Hempstead Plains, as stated on the county’s website.
   
The preserve itself consists of three sections divided by major roads, with trails that meander through each part, including the largest Atlantic white cedar stand or grouping of trees in Nassau County, a small secluded pond that draws waterfowl and amphibians, and a small wetland.
   
Environmental bond money had been set aside to renovate the preserve. Although some work has been done, the pond still needs renovation, said Mr. Schary, asking: “What is the status of the restoration?”
   
But last month the county closed the museum and removed the director. That’s when the Friends decided to take action.
   
“We want to see the pond restored and the museum opened,” explained Mr. Schary. “The Friends of Tackapausha will assist the county with programming, but we want this to remain a county facility that is run, operated and maintained by Nassau County. No privatization.”  
   
He pointed to the longstanding relationship environmental and neighborhood groups have had with Tackapausha. “Volunteers have worked here for 30 years – Eagle projects, the Seaford Wellness Council, Long Island Greenbelt Trail Conference and many other [local] groups have volunteered here. What happens to Tackapausha affects the quality of life for the community, including property owners and local businesses,” he stated.
   
Lisa Schary, also of the Friends of Massapequa Preserve and the Long Island Greenbelt Trail Conference, added that “our tax dollars paid for the renovation of the preserve. When will we reap the benefits of this project? In all the years we have been fighting for open space, a museum has never been padlocked to the public. It really upsets me and everyone else. We are inviting the county to answer our questions and tell us what’s going on.”

By Laura Schofer   Sat, Feb 11, 2012

“We’re upset,” said  county Legislator Joseph Scannell (D- Baldwin, Fifth Legislative District) referring to County Executive Edward Mangano’s plan to close four of the eight police precincts in Nassau County, including the First Precinct in Baldwin.     
   
“This is about crime,”  he stated. “Do you feel safe? I don’t. This plan is not safe for the people in Baldwin and not safe for the people in the First Precinct.”
   
Other communities covered by the First Precinct include Merrick and Bellmore, north of Sunrise Highway, as well as Roosevelt and Uniondale.  County Executive Mangano’s plan would convert the four closed precincts – the first, the fifth, the sixth and the eighth –  into community policing centers that would be manned by two police officers, 24 hours a day, seven days a week in an effort to trim $20 million from the county budget.
   
But at a public meeting held at the Baldwin Public Library on Tuesday,  many residents remained skeptical about the plan. How will the closure effect the community? What are the actual savings? What about the county’s $15 million renovation, already approved to refurbish the First precinct? Why close the First Precinct when it is one of the busiest in the county? Why are three of the four precinct closures in Democratic legislative districts? Is this process mired in ‘politics’?
   
On Monday the county legislature’s public safety committee held a meeting to discuss the plan to downgrade four precincts to “community policing centers,” but the meeting became “contentious,” said Mr. Scannell.
   
Legislator David Denenberg (D-Merrick, 19th legislative district), told residents that Monday’s hearing “provided no financial analysis. There is no doubt that we pay too much in taxes; there are budgetary constraints we must deal with but where else can we cut? Why not look at personnel service contracts? What about using revenue from some of the new fees that the county is collecting? But they gave us no answers.”

More police on street
Deputy County Executive Rob Walker and Deputy Police Commissioner Thomas Krumpter provided details of the county plan at the Tuesday meeting,  claiming it will eliminate 156 administrative positions, save taxpayers $20 million and not effect service in any way.
   
“The county looked at every model. Today, we are operating on a 1970 police model, but each [patrol] car has a computer. Shift changes do not take place at precincts,” explained Mr. Walker, who added that the police contract requires that 38 police officers be in each precinct handling administrative tasks.
   
While the plan would eliminate the precinct, the number of patrol cars would not be effected. “Now your 911 call goes to New Cassel, not the first precinct. We will still keep 177 cars out on the street. We are putting 48 more police officers back on the street,” he said.
   
The First Precinct will become a “community policing center,” which Mr. Walker called a misnomer. “We need a better name,” he said.
   
The $15 million set aside for the First Precinct building will still be used to refurbish the building.
   
Mr. Krumpter  admitted that the First Precinct is the second busiest precinct in the county (just behind the fifth precinct in Elmont) with 61,775 calls for service, and is in a corridor known for gang activity. But the county decided to divide Nassau into four quadrants, with each of the four remaining precincts covering a quadrant.
   
Additionally, the “buildings are very old and we need major infrastructure repair,” he told residents. The area presently served by the First Precinct will be absorbed into the Seventh Precinct.

Strong reactions
“The Seventh Precinct doesn’t have the cells [to hold violators],” said Legislator Denenberg.
   
“We will have a new building here. Put the precinct here,” said one woman.
   
Mr. Walker said the Seventh Precinct would only need minor changes. “We’ll provide more details at Monday’s hearing. Come to the legislature,” he said, referring to a new hearing date on Monday, February 13, at 11 a.m.
   
“If you downgrade these precincts to community policing centers there will fewer patrol cars,” said one woman who pointed to the police contract that requires patrol cars based on the number of precincts.
   
“That will be something for the lawyers to figure out,” replied Mr. Walker.
   
There was also some discussion on the robo calls to county residents  claiming that without this plan the county would have to increase taxes 19%.
   
“State law caps our taxes at 2%,” explained Mr. Scannell.’It’s scare tactics.”
   
”What I’m hearing is that I’m getting something for nothing,” stated one man. “I’m skeptical.”
   
“I respect that you are trying to save us money,” concluded the final speaker. “But this doesn’t sound thought through. Why didn’t you do town meetings and come to us before this? It sounds like it’s being fast-tracked.”

By   Fri, Mar 09, 2012

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By   Sat, Feb 18, 2012

by Eric Homburger

Bellmore has had its fair share of firefighters since the town was established, most of which were volunteer firefighters. Ninety-five-year-old George Kopp was one of those firefighters.
   
Mr. Kopp came to Bellmore in 1929 – when there were plenty of open spaces – after living in the Bronx for 11 years. At the age of 29, in 1946, he followed his father and brothers’ footsteps and joined the fire department.
   
He spent 63 years as a part of the Bellmore Fire Department in several capacities during that time. He was a secretary, he was “on the hose” and he ended as the captain of the Fire Police.
   
Mr. Kopp’s first fire was a big one. There was a fire in some of the stores on Bedford Avenue, and he was called in. At the time he was “on the hose” and he described it as a “major fire.”
   
Besides taking part in the fire department, Mr. Kopp also ran an engraving plant for 30 years, as a second job.
   
Mr. Kopp is now “retired” from his job at the department. Due to an illness, he is unable to work but, as he said, “I never really retired.” But this hasn’t stopped him from visiting the station whenever possible. Whenever he returns, he tells stories of the old days to all the other members of the department. As Chief Daniel Holl said, “He is a great guy.”
   
John Scalesi Jr., ex-captain of the Bellmore Fire Department and a member of the Bellmore Volunteer Exempt Firemen’s Benevolent Association, said “George is an interesting man and great storyteller. He tells stories of his old war days in the medical unit, and he’s very precise and thorough in their telling.”
   
He said George has a good sense of humor, and always makes sure he collects – or tries to – the $2 during association meeting nights.
   
As a member of the Long Island Firefighters Antique Association, George has also been instrumental in rebuilding the antique fire engine in the rear of the exempt hall.   
   
When asked what his favorite thing about his job was, he said that helping other people who had a problem was his favorite.
   
Since George started, Bellmore has changed a lot. He said that today kids go off to college, come home after college and then leave for good to pursue their best option in life. Because of this, there is a lack of “younger people” volunteering for the fire department.
   
Volunteers are a huge part of the community. These men and women risk their lives to save others, and the fire department is always looking for new volunteers.
   
Mr. Kopp will be feted for his birthday at the Bellmore Fire Department on Pettit Avenue on Sunday, February 19.

By   Sat, Feb 18, 2012

by Amanda Danielle Sabia

Many of the lessons I have learned about love come from that one look my grandfather gives my grandmother when she walks in a room.
   
It is as if all things stop for a moment and his heart skips a beat, as I know it did when they met nearly 66 years ago.  His eyes beam, his lips form a quiet smile and his voice softens.         
   
It is simply breathless.
   
The love they share for each other is honest, humble and real. At the ripe old age of 23, I am confident I have not tackled many of the lessons of love and life, but I do know that I have learned a little bit more about unconditional love each moment I share with the two of them.
   
In 1945, Enrico “Ricky” Cadolino and Madeline Nardi met on a blind date at a bowling alley. He had just come back from serving three years in active combat in Europe and she was working in a defense plant. It was during a time when getting to know someone did not involve checking up on his or her social media presence, and a blind date had nothing to do with the Internet. 
   
It was simply a man and woman meeting to test their fate at love. For my grandmother and grandfather, the attraction was instant. In less than a year, they were married and taking a leap into the fulfillment of the American dream. For much of their marriage, they resided in Elmont, having two children, Marlene and Barbara.
   
For years, Ricky grilled each suitor who came to his residence to ask each daughter of his on a date, hoping they would one day find themselves in the same loving relationship he shares with Madeline.
   
I consider myself to be fortunate to have the opportunity to grow up next door to my grandmother and grandfather.  I often found myself at their house for meals, being beckoned over by the Italian delicacy of the evening. After each meal, I would try to put dishes in the dishwasher and I would be immediately stopped. I always wondered why I couldn’t use their perfectly fine dishwasher and assumed they were used to doing things a certain way. 
   
When I got older, I began to wash the dishes immediately when I was done with my meal, and again would be told to stop.  At this point, I concluded that I just was not up to par as a dishwasher.     

When I was a senior in high school, I put the dishes in the sink, stopping myself before even turning on the faucet, sat down and observed for a little while. I watched quietly.                 

Within a few minutes, my grandmother got up and began scouring a pan. My grandfather joined her moments later, drying each thing she washed slowly with a dishcloth, discussing the savory dinner they ate and their respective days. 
   
I realized at that moment that doing the dishes was a metaphor for a relationship built on communication and dedication. No matter what, they reserved the time to do the dishes as an opportunity to share with one another. 
   
I later discussed this with my mother, who enlightened me to the fact that no matter how busy life was, the two of them spent each day doing the dishes together. I continue to marvel at this concept just as I marvel at their relationship. 
   
They truly love one another to the fullest capacity. He still writes love letters to her in French and she still spends an hour looking for the perfect birthday card for him. They inspire me to grow, to give and to love.
   
The only thing I ever ask from them is that my grandmother continue to walk in the room so that my grandfather’s eyes continue to teach me a new lesson in love.

   
- Ms. Sabia was born and raised in North Bellmore, where her family still resides.

By Laura Schofer   Fri, Feb 10, 2012

The New York Public Service Commission is seeking public comment concerning the sale of Aqua New York to American Water. Comments must be filed by February 23.
   
Comments can be written and submitted electronically to the secretary at secretary@dps.ny.gov. or by mail to Hon. Jaclyn A Brilling, Secretary, Public Service Commission, Three Empire State Plaza, Albany, New York 12223-1350. Comments should refer to “Case 11-W-0472 - American Water Works Acquisition.” You may also call 1-800-335-2120; press #1 to leave comments about the American Water Works Acquisition Proposal.
   
American Water provides regulated water service in the Town of Hempstead  through its subsidiary Long Island Water Corp., and has proposed to acquire the  regulated operations from Aqua New York in Merrick, North Merrick, Bellmore, North Bellmore, Wantagh, Seaford, Levittown and Massapequa, as well as in northern Nassau County (Sea Cliff, Glenwood Landing and Glen Head) and other facilities in Westchester, Ulster and Washington Counties, New York.

By   Sat, Feb 18, 2012

Students from Columbus Avenue School celebrated the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with the song “We Appreciate You” at a recent Freeport Board of Education meeting.

The Freeport Public Schools opened a recent board meeting with a salute to those diligent community members whose contributions to the school system otherwise go largely unrecognized. These are the people usually referred to as “unsung heroes.”
   
The first person honored was Danielle Clukies, the current Columbus Avenue School PTA treasurer. “Wherever good things are happening for our children, Danielle can be found nearby,” said school Principal Peggy Miller.
   
School board member Mike Pomerico then introduced Freeport police Detective Patrick Franzone. Detective Franzone spearheads the Toys for Freeport Tots initiative, the arm of the Freeport PBA that collects donations and, working with the school district’s social workers, ensures that every child in Freeport has a joyful – and toy full – holiday in December. “If I have a toy, you’re going to get a toy,” were the words Detective Franzone used to describe his passion for giving to those in need.
   
Recognition was paid to both The United Way of Long Island’s Vice- President of Education Initiatives Sandra A. Mahoney and JP Morgan Chase Vice-President of Community Affairs Vinford A. Mentar.
   
“I want to thank Dr. Kuncham for letting us into the schools. We’re here for the long haul,” said Mr. Mentar. Ms. Mahoney and Mr. Mentar worked together to establish a new and multi-faceted afterschool educational program for Freeport students.
   
The newly-appointed president and CEO of United Way of Long Island Theresa Regnante was also honored, although she was not present.
   
A brief musical interlude featured a performance by Columbus Avenue School students, who saluted Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by singing “We Appreciate You.” This lively song, punctuated by the children pointing to the audience as they sang “We appreciate you, you, you!” seemed to honor those being recognized at the gathering as well as Dr. King.
   
The meeting continued with the acknowledgment of a long, diverse and distinguished roster of employees who have attained 20 years of service to Freeport Schools. This group included teachers, teaching assistants, administrative, lunchroom and maintenance staff, and athletic coaches, among others.
   
“We collectively honor over 300 years of service tonight,” an appreciative Dr. Kuncham said in testimony to the combined longevity of those who have given so much to the school system over the last two decades.

By   Sat, Feb 18, 2012

by John H. Mayer

The First United Methodist Church in Roosevelt had been the home of  Faith Mission, an all volunteer soup kitchen, since the fall of 2010. Before that time the group was located in the Holy Redeemer Roman Catholic Church in Freeport for 12 years.
   
When the work to upgrade the kitchen was too costly, the group moved to the lower level of the Roosevelt church and the regulars followed. Faith Mission  feeds about 250 hungry people.
  
On April 30, the church will close and the soup kitchen will be forced to move again. Mary Joesten, the volunteer director, said they are looking for a new home that can accommodate 250 people seated at Faith Mission’s own tables and a kitchen with commercial stoves and legal fire compressing hoods and exhaust system.
   
Ms. Josten and Jennifer Lyon, assistant director, are desperately looking for a location in Nassau County before their April 30 deadline. Ms. Joesten can be reached at 922-5063 or Ms. Lyon at 633-8659.

By   Sat, Feb 18, 2012

by Eric Homburger   

The Bellmore-Merrick Bulldogs hockey season came to an end Sunday night with a 2-1 loss to the Syosset Braves at Bethpage Arena.
   
With the Massapequa Chiefs losing to Long Beach just minutes before the start of the Syosset vs. Bellmore-Merrick game, the Bulldogs were in a good position. If they won, they faced Long Beach in county finals and would take a spot in States. If not, they would have to wait until next year for another chance to taste victory.
   
The Bulldogs took the ice for their first playoff game without captain Nick Abbene, who was suspended two games.  The game got off to a slow start. Both teams played solid defensively as the play went up and down the ice. The goaltending was also superb in the first period of play, with each goalie coming up big for his respective team.
   
With 2:09 remaining in the first period, Thomas Apa opened the scoring, putting the Bulldogs up 1-0. Chris Sharkey got the lone assist on the goal.
   
The second period started much like the first: slow but evenly matched. But as the play continued, the pace picked up. With 9:52 left in the second, the Braves found the back of the net, tying the game at 1.
   
As the second period progressed, it was the goalies who stole the show. With a little bit of luck – and even more talent – Syosset goalie DeLeon and Bulldogs goalie Jacob Smart played flawlessly, with no scoring registering for the remainder of the second.
   
The stellar goaltending continued as the third period got underway. With Syosset taking control of the play, Smart “stood on his head,” stopping shot after shot. As brilliantly as he played, with 5:36 remaining, the Braves got one by him, giving Syosset a 2-1 lead.
   
The Bulldogs never regrouped for a come back in the last five minutes and change, and lost 2-1. Smart carried the team on his shoulders for much of the game, but in the end, it just wasn’t enough.
   
The Bulldogs had their fair share of opportunities in the game, but just couldn’t connect. They were 0-for-9 on the power play, and in a playoff game, that can’t happen.
   
Any way you put it, this was a heartbreaking loss.
   
The team has a bit of time to re-group, as they won’t play again until next year. But for some, this was their last game as a Bulldog. For Nick Abbene, Joe Mark, Jacob Smart and a few others, this was their final game, as they will be going on to college next year.
   
Coach Patten said earlier this year that the future looks bright for the team, and it does. Many players on this Bulldogs roster have talent, and give the team hope for years to come to make another run for the state championship. 
– Eric Homburger

By   Sat, Feb 18, 2012

by David Lillard

While the environment isn’t a high priority in Washington this election year, local newspaper editors – and by extension their readers – say it ought to be. Clean water, public health and climate change are all highly important issues in every region of the U.S., according to a new Blue Ridge Press survey of newspaper editors.
   
The editors of the nation’s more than 4,000 dailies, weeklies and monthlies rarely ever get asked their views. And I should know; I’m one of them! But as editor of The Observer, in Jefferson County, West Virginia, I can tell you that my 25,000 readers do have a point of view, and they care deeply about the environment.  
   
When federal and state officials failed to regulate natural gas fracking to protect West Virginia’s drinking water, The Observer reported the issue. Despite typically cordial relations between the gas industry and environmentalists in our state, everyone is concerned that poorly regulated gas wells can pollute drinking water and wreck property values.
 
Here’s what a hundred surveyed newspaper editors had to say: a resounding 85% declared safe drinking water “very important” to their readers, while 93% said “clean rivers and lakes for recreation” are just as important.
   
A Maine editor explains why: The “fishing and hunting culture” – his readership – wants to keep rivers and lakes clean and accessible. A Virginia editor agrees, saying that despite his readers’ conservative outlook, they “value deeply where they live” and want to keep their waters “primarily pristine.”
   
“Direct effects are what my readers are really concerned about,” adds a Southwest editor. If a federal or state policy is negatively impacting the local environment, then people are going to oppose it. An editor from Montana sums up this concern: “Our local economy depends on good environmental preservation efforts.”
   
Americans are especially unhappy with national energy policies and big corporations that don’t take their home interests to heart. Another editor observed that even before Japan’s Fukushima nuclear disaster, his readers were upset with “where the nuclear industry is going” in terms of an “aging infrastructure and site selection.”
   
Coastal newspaper editors, like those in Maine or on the Gulf spoke of “alarming changes in fishery regulations that impact both the economy and tourism.”  A South Dakota editor explains this intensity of local passion, saying: “What happens upstream [in Washington or in corporate boardrooms] is always going to flow downstream.”
   
This grassroots concern is something Congress should seriously consider as it tries to gut the Clean Water Act and impose hydraulic fracking on voters. The failure of Washington to adequately protect the environment means that local interests must now step forward to protect communities and families.
   
The Blue Ridge Press National Editor Survey, sponsored by the Park Foundation, confirms that the 20th century national focus of the environmental movement has clearly shifted in the 21st century to a local focus. Many Americans now see the protection of limited local natural resources against big government and extractive industries as vital.
     
That’s a message politicians need to hear in the run-up to the 2012 election. And you can bet local newspaper editors will be getting the word out loud and clear.
   
David Lillard is publisher and editor of The Observer newspaper in Jefferson County, West Virginia, and the director of Blue Ridge Press.

By   Sat, Feb 18, 2012

John and Carol Ball of Merrick were invited to retake their wedding vows at the American Airpower Museum at Republic Airport, along with 10 other couples. The event included a beautiful ceremony, luncheon and individual cakes for all the couples. John and Carol were married 45 years in January, They have four children and three grandchildren, and have lived in Merrick for 35 years. John was drafted into the Marines in 1965 and deployed to Vietnam in 1967. He traveled on the Iwo Jima ship to Vietnam and mailed Carol her engagement from the ship. They married when he was discharged from the Marines on January 7, 1968. This event has given them a very special memory.

Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray renews the vows of Larry and Alice Pinto of Merrick. It was love at first sight for the young teenagers, the start of what was sure to be a long and happy relationship. But first, Larry had a date with Uncle Sam. He joined the Marines at the height of World War II, fighting in some of America’s most famous battles including Iwo Jima, Okinawa and the Battle of Saipan. For two years, Larry and Barrie’s love survived on sheets of paper, mailed – slowly – across the globe. Not long after he returned home, Larry proposed to Barrie, his high school sweetheart. The two were married on November 29, 1947, nearly 65 years ago.

By   Sat, Feb 18, 2012

RS Jones Restaurant continues its annual tradition of celebrating Fat Tuesday on February 21, from 5-10 p.m. The menu will feature all cajun foods (a la carte), and hurricanes will be available at the bar. There will be lots of giveaways, beads and face-painting.
   
Cajun music will play throughout the night and the Mardi Gras King will be crowned at approximately 9 p.m. RS Jones is at 153 Merrick Avenue in Merrick. Call 378-7177.

By   Sat, Feb 18, 2012

The Harlem Wizards, Broadway and Mr. 540 did some neat tricks with Fayette students while visiting the school recently. Principal Howard Merims got in on the act and shot some hoops with the traveling professional basketball team.  Below, the Wizards pose with Mr. Merims and some students. Also in the photo below is Karen Higgins, the P.A.R.P. PTA Chair, who spearheaded the event as part of the Parents As Reading Partners program.

photos courtesy of Renee Jones

By   Sat, Feb 18, 2012

Mini Epic Bridges - Nina Weissbach and Jenna Hinden.

ZB Super Experience - Zachary Neiger and Benjamin Libov, below.

The sixth-grade APEX (Alternative Program for Enriching Experiences) students of Merrick recently completed their Architecture and Bridge Building unit under the direction of teacher Sherry Ma.  
 
The students formed construction companies and were given the challenge to build the strongest bridge possible.
  
During the unit students not only learned about the history and structural components of bridges, but about maintaining accurate accounting of their expenditures and being responsible for functioning within a budget. Each work session ended with a reflection in their journals. By purchasing supplies consisting of lumber (toothpicks) and welding material (wood glue),  each construction team designed and created toothpick bridges.
   
Decision making and collaboration were important skills that were reinforced during this learning experience.
   
Parents were invited to watch the Strongest Bridge competition, in which weights were added to the bridges until they collapsed. Two construction companies, the Mini Epic Bridges and ZB Super Experience, came out on top holding 12.40 and 12.38 pounds, respectively. Other  awards included the Top Bridge Building Team, which was based on teamwork; the Most Accurate Accounting; the Best Journal Writing;  and the Most Attractive Bridge.

By   Sat, Feb 18, 2012

The Merrick-Bellmore Community Concert Association will present the Rastrelli Cello Quartet playing a distinctively classical and jazz program, on Sunday,  February 19, at 4 p.m. at Calhoun High School, 1786 State Street, Merrick.
   
These four Russian cellists have thrilled audiences throughout the world,  formed with the mission to perform music “between the genres,” eclectically mixing works by Bach and Tchaikovsky with those of Dave Brubeck and Leroy Anderson. Admission is $20.
   
For information, you can visit http://concertsmbcca.org, e-mail concertsmbccaorg@gmail.com or phone Barbara at 868-5366.

By   Sat, Feb 18, 2012

by Anthony Belbol
   
The Calhoun varsity bowling team went to the county playoffs this month. The team brought with it two juniors and one sophomore, in addition to four seniors.
   
Juniors John Kotler and Matt Henni started the first game because they placed as the fourth and fifth best bowlers on the team. Matt showed he deserved to be there, bowling a 205 in the first game. The team hopes he will do great next year.
   
Ryan Bank came as an alternate because he was the best TV bowler and could bowl with a strong varsity squad consistng of Tom Bianco, Anthony Belbol, Joseph Cucinella and Mike Anagnostopoulos.
   
Mike and Tom bowled their usual 200 games, showing why they were the leaders of the team.
   
Tom did so well this year he is going to states for individual counties, and the team wishes him all the best.
   
Even though the team lost in the first round, it was a fun year and a great experience.
   
Said Coach Joe Bianca – who is also coach of the Colts varsity football team– of the loss: “This was a strong team but we did not bowl to our potential.”

By   Sat, Feb 18, 2012

The St. Francis Hospital Community Outreach Program will bring its outreach bus to the Merrick Jewish Centre on Monday, March 12, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. to provide free health screenings to local residents.
   
The bus, parked at the Merrick Jewish Centre, 225 Fox Boulevard, Merrick, will offer free health screenings, including brief cardiac history, blood pressure, simple blood test for cholesterol and diabetes. Appropriate patient education and referrals will be provided as needed for clients above the age of 18.
   
Call St. Francis Hospital Outreach Department at 629-2013, visit  www.stfrancisheartcenter.com/. Or call the Merrick Jewish Centre at 379-8650, or visit www.merrickjc.org.

By   Sat, Feb 18, 2012

“The Wantagh Board of Education has accepted, with regrets, the resignation of Interim Superintendent of Schools Dr. Richard Marsh, for personal reasons, effective February 28, 2012. The board would like to take this opportunity to thank Dr. Marsh for leading the Wantagh School District during this time of administrative transition.
   
“At this time, the board is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Carl Bonuso, as interim superintendent of schools effective February 29, 2012 while the school board continues to conduct its search for a permanent superintendent of schools. Dr. Bonuso is a former Wantagh superintendent of schools and long-standing leader in the Wantagh School District. We look forward to working with him again.”

– William Russack, President,
Wantagh Board of Education

By   Sat, Feb 18, 2012

Congratulations to the Wantagh varsity cheerleading team on their fourth-place finish at Long Island Finals at Suffolk Community College last weekend. This is the first time in school history that the team has ever placed at finals. They also took home the prestigious Sportsmanship trophy which is voted on by their peers at every regular competition during the season. The fourth-place showing was the ending to a season where the team won an unprecedented four first place trophies. Senior Melanie Scicchitano was also awarded one of six academic scholarships from the Long Island Cheerleading Coaches Association. Ten seniors are graduating. The team is coached by Jenna Cucci and Katie Savage.

By   Sat, Feb 18, 2012

The students in the fourth grade at St. William the Abbot School in Seaford had a surprise visitor. D.J. Rogers, a 2004 Saint William the Abbot graduate, who is serving in the Army. D.J. surprised his sister Angelina with a visit to the school. After training in Colorado for the past year, D.J. is now scheduled to go to Afghanistan in February. The students gained new insight on the life of a military person. The children will continue to pray for the men and women serving our country.

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.