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

By Doug Finlay   Wed, Feb 01, 2012

A For Sale sign has been taken down, as the home now awaits word regarding whether it will be torn down.

The Town of Hempstead Landmarks Preservation Commission issued a challenge to a diverse group of Bellmore residents to come up with a plan to purchase the Stevens house at 2396 Bellmore Avenue and save the house for landmark status, or possibly lose the house to a wrecking ball and subdivision of the property.

The challenge was made at a Landmarks Preservation Committee meeting on Tuesday in the Old Courthouse after Dave Weiss, Bellmore attorney and fiduciary for the Stevens estate, said that an interested party offered $250,000 to raise the house and subdivide the property to build two houses on the 125ft. x150ft. piece of land.

Mr. Weiss added that a portion of the gains from the sale of  the property would go to two animal rights groups in Bellmore, Animal Lifeline and Bobbi and the Strays. "Both of these groups are in need of funds to keep up their work," Mr. Weiss told Bellmore Life, or they could go out of business.

But Bellmore resident Christine Heller, who put in the application to have the house declared a landmark and save it from the wrecking ball, was optimistic that something could be done to save the house, built in 1923 and considered among the last of the distinctive bay-style architectural houses that were prominent from the 1920s to the 1950s, when baymen were an integral part the South Shore.

"We need to preserve this house so that our children will see what the early history of Bellmore was like," Bellmore resident Marie Troscher told Bellmore Life at the meeting.  "Kids need to know the local history."

Bellmore resident Bob Harter expressed mixed feelings, however, explaining that the beneficial impact in selling the house seemed logical. "It's the reality vs. the dreamland," he remarked, equating the dreamland with preserving a bit of history as a means of remembering the past.

Ms. Heller was accompanied by Eileen Casazza of the Bellmore Preservation Group, and county Legislator Dave Denenberg, in addition to several other Bellmore residents, one who knew bayman John Stevens when he owned a boat shop at the end of Bellmore Avenue. "Every time I go past the house it reminds me of those days," he said.

Ms. Casazza told Bellmore Life that many in the neighborhood may not want to pay attorneys to take the subdivision issue to the Town of Hempstead's zoning Board of Appeals to have the subdivisions halted. BPG has halted several developers from bringing subdivisions into Bellmore neighborhoods. It was also instrumental in defeating White Castle's application to open a restaurant in Bellmore.

Mr. Stevens helped build many of the causeway bridges - including the Robert Moses Causeway bridge - using his tugboat to ferry supplies. His father Charles built the house on Bellmore Avenue and had ferry service from Bellmore to High Beach in the 1920s.

Mr. Denenberg said part of the Open Space Initiative could be used to purchase the home under the right circumstances. He even noted the Environmental Bond Act could still have some funds available. But he also admitted it could be a hard sell during the county's difficult economic climate.

Read the options Ms. Heller has available to her to help save the house in next week's issue of Bellmore Life.

By Erin Donohue   Sat, Jan 21, 2012

Click here for photos.

Not rain, nor snow, nor sleet or even tiny bits of piercing hail could stop upset Catholic school parents this past Saturday from protesting the slated school closures.
   
The Diocese of Rockville Centre, led by Bishop William Murphy, announced early last month that six schools would be closing this June: Sacred Heart School in North Merrick, St. John Baptist De LaSalle Regional School in Farmingdale, St. Catherine of Sienna School in Franklin Square, St. Ignatius Loyola School in Hicksville, all in Nassau County, and from Suffolk County, Prince of Peace Regional School in Sayville and Our Lady of Perpetual Help School in Lindenhurst.
   
Merrick Life has been following the attempts by parents of Sacred Heart in their efforts to save the school, a school whose enrollment is on the rise, a school that is financially rebounding and a school whose parents and alumni in early 2011 spent $80,000 refurbishing the school’s gym that will now be taken away from them.
   
Representatives from all the schools scheduled for closure rallied outside Bishop William Murphy’s residence and St. Agnes Cathedral last Saturday during the first snowfall of the year.        
   
Seeking a reprieve, a reason or a complete reversal from the diocese is what the protesters are seeking. “We will not fold our hands and let this happen without a fight,” Sacred Heart parent Shane Pallotta told this newspaper.
   
“I haven’t looked for any other option,” said another parent who wished not be named. “If I find a school outside of Sacred Heart, that would be giving up on what has become a part of our family.”
   
“Researching other options makes it too easy,” said Robert Mays, an uncle of one of the students in the school.
   
Freeport seventh-grader Kassidy Estrella is upset by the decision. “Just one more year,” she said indicating she’d be graduating with the Class of 2013 – which has been together since the nursery school program at Sacred Heart. Kassidy also has a brother, Zaccariah, who is a fifth-grader at the school. There is a Facebook page, “Save Sacred Heart,” keeping the community, alumni and others informed about about the subject.
   
Mr. Pallotta, one of the parents spearheading the protest,  told Merrick Life, “We did everything we could have done...we got our enrollment up 20% over three years…we raised $120,000 and built an $80,000 gym through a grassroots campaign. I have talked to other schools that raised half of that.”
   
As stressful as this has been on the parents, it’s the kids that will end up losing if the action stands, parents say. Joining in the protest with signs were many students,  including Meaghan O’Keefe (whose dad Brian took to the bullhorn on Saturday, leading the rally), Molly McGoldrick and Steven Hoffman who held a sign that read “Dictatorship of Rockville Centre – Can’t we even talk?” The students are learning at a young age to fight for what they believe.    
   
Seventh-grader James Waldhof’s sign may have asked it best, however: “What would Jesus do?”

A statement from the Diocese of RVC:
“The bishop and his colleagues who share responsibility for Catholic schools look on today’s vigil with understanding and deep respect for the people who gather in front of the Cathedral to express their feelings and their concern for their children. We share the same commitment.   

In that spirit of solidarity, the Diocese has been providing opportunities in each of the six schools for parents to learn about nearby Catholic schools that are accepting children whose parents want them to continue in a good Catholic school. There is a space for every one of these children in one or more of the 43 Catholic elementary schools, all of whom offer the same quality Catholic education children and parents have found in their school that will close in June of this year.

The bishop and superintendant of schools have co-written a column in this week’s The Long Island Catholic newspaper that reiterates what the purpose and the goal of these difficult decisions represent. We are grateful for the parents whose love of their children and desire for a Catholic education for those children are so concerned and so desirous for the best for their children.We also are deeply grateful to the principals and teachers, the pastors and the school boards who have collaborated with the diocese and with one another in this time of transition.We all feel the pain but especially we must be attentive to the feelings of the children whose teachers are doing an extraordinary task of personally helping each child through this transition.

The bishop remains committed to his decisions about these six schools based on the recommendations from the Strategic Planning Committee, whose 18-month analysis of the Catholic elementary schools is a valid, objective and fundamentally sound expression of how the church will go forward to strengthen Catholic elementary school education across the diocese for the future.

He asks that all those committed to the children and to Catholic education join together in prayer and mutual collaboration so that these valuable goals can be met in a spirit of mutual trust and Christian love and understanding, and we might all belong more deeply to the Lord and to one another.

By   Sat, Jan 28, 2012

by Eric Homberger
   
The newest addition to the ever-changing Bedford Avenue will open on Saturday, January 28, at noon: Hershey’s Ice Cream of Bellmore.
   
The store is owned by brothers Bobby, Ronnie and Tommy Gies of Merrick. All three brothers are local firefighters who have come together to create their own buisness.
   
The store is a ’50s-style ice cream parlor that will serve only Hershey products, and will have everything from ice cream to frozen yogurt to movie-style candy. Regular, low-fat and fat-free ice creams and yogurts will be served.
   
“[It’s] a place for kids to hang out,” said Bobby. He also said that their store will be “totally” different from any other store on the block, and will be “drastically cheaper” than the other local dessert-based businesses.
   
Bobby said he was visiting with Hempstead Town Councilman Gary Hudes one day and was parked across the street from Gennaro Jewelers, in front of an empty storefront, when the idea flashed across his mind to open an ice-cream store at that precise location.

Bobby said he knew people that could help him get a Hershey’s franchise within days.

It has only taken two-and-a-half months for these brothers to make their vision a reality. “[It was] a pretty good risk to take,” Bobby told Bellmore Life. He said that with the large volume of kids and families who walk Bedford Avenue, “It’s a great place to put a kid- and family-friendly ice cream store.” 

He said he did not believe the new store will compete against International Café, for example, because they are both serving different customers. He added that Ralph’s Ice was also different from what they will offer.

The hours will be Monday-Thursday, 2-10 p.m, Friday, 2-11:30 p.m, Saturday noon-11:30 p.m. and Sunday, noon-10 p.m. For information you can go to the Hershey’s of Bellmore Facebook page.

By Laura Schofer   Sat, Jan 28, 2012

VETS REMEMBERED:  Spread out on the table are maps, photos and information that Paul Zadoff, 90-year-old veteran of World War II, brought in for the event. From left are Mr. Zadoff; North Bellmore resident Kelly Soel, RN, community health nurse for the North Shore-LIJ Health System; and Alexander Perlin, Colin Hekimian and Troy Gerrity, Mepham students. photo by Lee Weissman, North Shore/LIJ Studios

Mepham High School students Alex Perlin, Colin Hekimian and Troy Gerrity listened intently as World War II veteran Paul Zadoff spoke about his years in the U.S. Army Air Corps. Mr. Zadoff served in the Pacific Theater during World War II and told the boys that “War...well it’s very gory stuff.”

Mr. Zadoff was one of seven veterans  interviewed by Mepham students enrolled in the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, an Advance Placement (AP) program that uses a wide range of resources to study American history.

The interviews were video recorded and will be filed with the Veterans’ History Project of the American Folklife Center, which collects personal narratives so that future generations may hear directly from veterans.

For the students, each veteran offered a distinct perspective of life and war during the second half of the 20th century.

Mel Breshin, a captain in the U.S. Army Dental Corps, served in South Korea in 1971-1972, and was part of the 45,000-soldier peacekeeping force. He said he admired the Korean culture and the people, and called his experience “Marvelous. I have never regretted my time there.”

Harold Koenig, a staff sergeant in the U.S. Air Force, also served in Korea  from 1951-1953, during the Korean War. “I was stationed in Okinawa to support the flight missions that bombed Korea on a daily basis,” he explained. Like Mr. Breshin, he has “no regrets. I returned home,” he said.   

These veterans are members of the Plainview Assisting Community Elders (PACE) program, sponsored by the North Shore Long Island Jewish Health System. It was their community health nurse, Kelly Soel, a nurse from North Bellmore, who helped connect the veterans and students for these one-on-one interviews after hearing their stories.

“I listened to the story of one man’s journey from a young boy in Brooklyn to a prisoner of war in Germany and realized that I’d stumbled upon a reservoir of history on the verge of being lost,” said Ms. Soel, who did some research and found out about the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center.

“My daughter Meaghan attends Mepham, and I knew about the Lehrman project and it seemed like a good fit. I think the students will be drawn to the storytelling part. These stories stay with you forever. It’s much more meaningful when you hear history from those who lived it,” she said.

Mepham Principal Michael Harrington agreed. “This is a wonderful opportunity for the students to learn history through firsthand accounts. History is more than just doing research.”

Mr. Zadoff provided a colorful aside about his time on Iwo Jima after the Americans took the island in 1944. “The [Japanese] had the island for 30 years and had prepared for this [attack by allied forces] for a long time,” said Mr. Zadoff.

“It was a two-by-four-mile piece of hell. They [the Japanese] called it Sulfur Island and there was no water there. We had to bring in our water, our food. I went from 200 pounds down to 157 pounds,” he explained.

“But in the end, we prevailed because we are a very unique people,” he concluded.

By Patricia McKay   Sat, Jan 28, 2012

A celebration of Frank's life was held at his former restaurant Brooks & Porter. - click for photos.

By   Sat, Jan 28, 2012

by Fabiana Rezak

Do you want to start to exercise, but don’t know what to do?  Or are you looking for a different type of workout?  Exercise does not need to be strenuous and high-impact to rip its beneficial effects, though many people from western cultures think so. Tai chi, also known as shadow boxing, is a form of meditation-in-motion that enhances flexibility, balance, stamina and strength. All major components to staying fit. 

Yang or Sun style of tai chi is an ideal, safe and gentle introductory form of exercise for all aspects of healthcare, since the practitioner can introduce more depth to each practice as she or he progresses by gaining body awareness.  In tai chi, the practitioner concentration, breathing and body movements are closely connected.

While the practitioner is able concentrate on breathing, she or he can then start to relax, and then consciously integrate the flow of the body’s movements derived from their own internal energy. That intrinsic force also promotes correct body postures. A correct posture improves one’s life’s energy, which embraces all functions of the body, and is essential for health and vitality and pain reduction. 

Tai chi can be done sitting or standing. For example, during a simple movement called “Opening and closing hands,” which is also done in qi gong (chi gong), the hands are positioned at neck high with the fingers pointing up and the palms of the hands facing each other about head-width apart. 

The palms of the hands then open from about a distance of head-width apart to shoulder-width apart. This simple movement, if executed slowly, with a conscious effort, guided by the breath, helps retract the scapulas and bring the shoulder blades back and down, thus improving one’s posture, strengthening back muscles and expanding the chest area.

Balance is also greatly improved in tai chi. The practitioner is in tune with the weight transference, thus improving mobility, coordination and stability.  This helps prevents falls, especially in older adults.  As balance improves, it is easier to focus on body alignment from the ground up, and as the body aligns itself. It creates a better flow of internal energy.

Flexibility is greatly achieved as you consciously and gently mobilize your joints safely through their range of motion. Joints become relaxed and loosened without letting the muscles get floppy.  Imagine a rubber band between the tail bone to the crown of the head. It helps expand the space between the vertebras. 

As balance and posture improve, it’s easier to also bend your knees and stretch the hips while keeping an erected torso, and form an arch as if you are crouched.    

Keeping the knees bent throughout the flow of movements helps develop a great amount of strength in the lower body. By engaging the core muscles, one can maintain a tall upright and aligned torso, which develops strength in the upper body, back and chest muscles.

The key to tai chi is to maintain focus on your movements and a slow flow, like water down a river, which allows you to gain body awareness and improve on all areas of fitness. This body awareness will make you a more efficient exerciser or athlete, and make you improve your tai chi practice, and your ability and fluidity with daily living activities while calming your mind.

Sun-style Tai Chi is taught on Mondays at 11 a.m. and a Gentle Tone and Stretch class on Thursdays at 11 a.m. at the Bellmore Memorial Library.

You may also contact me at  Fabianasemail@gmail.com.The Bellmore library also offers zumba, yoga and ballroom classes.

-Fabiana Rezak  is a certified tai chi, tennis and fitness instructor and lives in Merrick.

By Erin Donohue   Sat, Jan 28, 2012

Park Avenue School PTA hosted a visit from the uncyclists at Just One Wheel, as part of the diversity program it has been promoting this year. 

Sixth-grade student Zoe Constantino, above, a unicycle student, showed off her skill on just one wheel. Her mom even got in on the act and tried out one of the custom cycles the program has.        

Just One Wheel is a family owned-and-operated business. Owners/directors Adam and Renie Cohen have developed a unicycle curriculum geared to the special-needs community, teaching students body awareness and helping them build their confidence to overcome a challenge they never thought possible.    

Part of the program at Park Avenue featured Robin – a unicycle student with cerebral palsy who is also deaf – talking to the students about how, though she is different, she is still the same on the inside as the rest of the kids.    

The Park Avenue kids gave the assembly a “thumbs up (above).” For more on the unicycle program go to www.justonewheel.com.

By   Sat, Jan 28, 2012

Grand Avenue Middle School named its December Students of the Month, who were recognized for their hard work and citizenship. Citizens of the Month are chosen by their team teachers based on the following: they embody the tenets of R.I.C.E. (respect, impulse control, compassion and equity); demonstrate courage, integrity, selflessness, accountability and good judgment while leading by example; embrace diversity, accept social responsibility; and strive to fulfill Grand Avenue’s shared purpose. GAMS congratulates Jacob Giller, Vincent Pedone, Christopher Bauer, Timothy Karp, Jack Cimorelli, Elizabeth Berkowitz, Peter Cuttitta and Jasmine Sultan.

By Doug Finlay   Sat, Jan 28, 2012

The first snow of 2012 brought fun for a family at Cedar Creek Park, while a gentle powder lay over the memorial stone at Mill Pond.  Bellmore Life photos by Douglas Finlay

By   Sat, Jan 28, 2012

REMEMBERING MARTIN: Above, the a capella group Soul Definition sings the National Anthem.

The 32nd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, sponsored by the Concerned Parents of Baldwin and Baldwin School District, was held on January 12 at Baldwin High School.         

Throughout the evening, Master of Ceremonies Robert O’Neil and Mistresses of Ceremonies Anika A. Parrish and Yolanda Mackey gave detailed narrative on this year’s theme:  “Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. – A Crusader for Humanity.”

Baldwin Middle School student Amelia Smith and Baldwin High School students Fatima Diaby-Cadet and Gabrielle Alcindor were presented with this year’s humanitarian awards from the Concerned Parents of Baldwin for their outstanding community service.  Town of Hempstead Councilwoman Dorothy Goosby also presented citations to these students during the program.

Musical entertainment was provided by students from Brookside, Meadow, and Shubert Schools, and Baldwin Middle School as well as by Baldwin High School’s Soul Definition, Concert Choir, Violin Quartet, and Step Team.

Winning artwork by elementary students in the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Poster Contest was on display in the cafeteria that night and will be displayed at the District Office through February.

By Mark Treske   Sat, Jan 28, 2012

The kickoff to the budget wars of 2012-13 was seen at the Freeport Board of Education meeting of January 18. Although no expenditure numbers are ready as yet, talk was of unprecedented difficulties owing to the new tax cap and other factors.

Superintendent Dr. Kishore Kuncham noted that the process, which began in November, is still ongoing. After characterizing this year as “the hardest ever,” he then turned the floor over to Assistant Superintendent for Business Dr. Kenneth Rogers, who outlined the conditions effecting budgeting in 2012.

After reminding those present of the fiscal responsibility of this district (a AA bond rating, an average tax levy increase of 1.98% over the past six years) Dr. Rogers then outlined the challenges facing Freeport and other districts in the state – no more stimulus funding, an insufficient rise in state aid, and the first year of a 2% cap on tax levy increases. 

The cap, which is in force until 2016-17, only allows the levy to rise more than 2% if the budget is approved with 60% of the vote. For Freeport, this means the levy can only increase $1.97 million for 2012-13.

This means one of three difficult scenarios will result:

• Preserving programs, which requires a 3/5 majority;
• Living within the cap;
• Failure of two budget votes, which would mandate a zero tax levy increase.

Painful choices could result – staff reductions, class sizes changes and elimination of programs.

Analysis of Governor Andrew Cuomo’s recently released executive budget reveals an aid increase of close to $1 million. But there will be givebacks also – changes in payments districts must make for education of blind and deaf students will cost the district money.

Dr. Kuncham was especially unhappy about the 60% vote requirement, which he called “undemocratic.” He also noted the increased effect of the cap on a less-affluent district like Freeport, which has a lower tax levy and more state aid than a more affluent district. Trustee Debra Mulé, who presided in place of President Debra McQuillan, bemoaned that fact that “Every choice we make has other implications.” Program cuts may effect grant money, thus changing the other side of the ledger, she added.

In closing, Dr. Kuncham urged those in attendance to oppose the 60%, support the schools and attend the upcoming board meetings when the budget process will continue.     

Dr. Kuncham in D.C.
The January 18 meeting was rescheduled from January 11 so that Dr. Kuncham could go to Washington, D.C. to attend a convention run by the U.S. Department of Education for educators from states who will receive money under the “Race to the Top.” prgram.

Dr. Kuncham was one of two superintendents in New York State invited to the meeting, which outlined implementation of the program and centered primarily on common core learning standards and teacher evaluation programs which will be required.

Further such meetings are planned as “Race to the Top” is implemented in 2012-13, and Dr. Kuncham promised to “go into the classroom” to make sure the learning standards are being implemented.

Trustee Ron Ellerbe inquired about teacher evaluations in Freeport in light of recent threats by Governor Cuomo to withhold state aid from districts without such a program.

Dr. Kuncham replied that Freeport has such a program and is working with the unions to get it approved by the state – a process he hopes will be complete by the end of January.

Good news from the district’s students was reported:

• Two Siemens science competition semifinalists have written a paper which has been accepted by the prestigious journal Physics.
• FHS quarterback star (and National Honor Society president) Isaiah Barnes has been accepted to attend Princeton University.

By   Sat, Jan 28, 2012

Dr. Dale Anthony Edmonston, a Long Island hero who touched people around the world, died on New Years Day, ending his 27-year personal battle with AIDS. His legacy, sounding the trumpet to save lives and offer hope to people infected and affected by the pandemic, lives on. He was 48 years old.

Dale Anthony, brother-in-law of Freeport Mayor Andrew Hardwick, advised Presidents Clinton and Bush, addressed international heads of state, and worked with local, state, and national politicians, celebrities, and grassroots leaders to make a difference through education, advocacy, and direct action against the stigma, devastation, and loneliness of living with HIV/ AIDS.

Affectionately titled Long Island’s AIDS Ambassador, the Long Island native pushed for a comprehensive national health policy and international HIV/AIDS protocols, including treatment, research, funding and prevention.

He challenged global leaders to end needless suffering of people living with the virus worldwide.  Dr. Edmonston reached and helped millions via workshops, presentations, his national hotline and goodwill tours. He launched Tough Talk Media in 1986.

Without any publicity or fanfare, Dale personally created safe houses and food pantries for those with HIV/AIDS – making sure individuals, especially children with the illness, had shelter, food and Christmas gifts. Thousands benefited from his kindness, without even knowing where it was coming from. He opened the first Dale House Resource Center in 2000 to increase his capacity to bring hope and help to people living with AIDS (PLWA).

When first diagnosed with HIV, the doctor told him he would not last through a year. Dale spent the next 27 years living life to the fullest and committed to serving people who are living with AIDS/HIV like himself.

He spent his life fighting to end ignorance and discrimination against people living with AIDS. In 2004 he agreed to enlighten others by telling his story.  “Take a Look through My Eyes” is the remarkable story of his battle with HIV/AIDS infection.     

Humanizing the experience of living with AIDS, this book traces the early days of his diagnosis: depression, secrecy, denial, treatment, prejudice, and ridicule. It also reveals his desperation and a suicide attempt that left him in a coma for seven days. Then a family friend and pastor said to him, “Get up, Dale, because God has work for you to do!”

Dale Anthony, with the unfailing love and support of his mother and sister, decided that he would rather live with dignity than die with shame, and started the work that raised him from obscurity into the national spotlight.  Through him, AIDS victims were given a voice as well as a source of inspiration and hope.

Homegoing (funeral) services were Sunday, January 8, at Zion Cathedral Church of God In Christ in Freeport.

In lieu of flowers the family is requesting that donations be sent to 27 Adams Street, Oyster Bay  11771. Please make checks payable to Dr. Dale Anthony Edmonston Memorial Fund.

By Jim Golding   Sat, Jan 28, 2012

Freeport residents who have suffered at least 50 percent damage to their homes caused by Hurricane Irene or Tropical Storm Lee may be eligible for tax relief under a new reassessment program approved by the state.

At their agenda meeting on Monday, village trustees approved the participation of Freeport in the program.

Freeport Assessor Paul Nehrich explained at the meeting that at least four houses would qualify for the program, which would provide tax relief for one year. After that period, the property “would revert to its previous value,” Mr. Nehrich said.

“We don’t know how many [applicants] may come out of the woodwork once this legislation passes,” he said.

The assessor also noted that the Building Department would be relied upon to determine whether a property qualifies for a reassessment and there would be an appeals process involving the Village Board.

The board would have the final ruling on appeals,” said Mr. Nehrich, adding, “If there are more houses out there, we want to help them.”

Mayor Andrew Hardwick said the village “may need to create a team to walk an area and knock on doors” to inform residents of their options in the program. “People just don’t know.”

In the brief agenda meeting, trustees approved contracts for lot clearance and boarding up unused buildings and other purchases.

Contracts were awarded to the following businesses:

• Cipco Boarding Co. Inc., of East Rockaway, $25,355 for the annual “board up” contract.
• United Rubbish Removal of Huntington Station, $84,112 for the annual lot clearance contract (inorganic materials).
• F. Acosta Landscaping of Freeport, $69,632 for the annual lot clearance (organic materials) contract.
• ENOSERV of Tulsa, Okla., $24,470 for a software package for the Electric Utility for use in testing. Mayor Hardwick said the software would save  money since there would be no need for outside technicians to perform the work.

The board also voted to renew the one-year agreement with the Freeport Exempt Firemen’s Association at a cost of $5,000.   

In other actions prior to the public comment segment, trustees approved the hanging of banners at various intersections to promote the Black History Month celebration at the Recreation Center on February 3.

Public comment
Resident Anthony Miller probably expressed the sentiments of many about the conduct of not only Monday’s public comment segment, but of many going back several years.

After what seemed like a public trial as various speakers brought up complaints of malfeasance centering on the audit report of the state comptroller on  the village’s budgets under the Glacken administration or of Mayor Hardwick’s handling of various issues, Mr. Miller called for a constructive relationship between the village board and members of the public.

“I have the utmost respect for people sitting on this dais,” he said. “I don’t like to see political theater. It seems like that is what we’ve been getting the past three years and it seems to have been getting stronger over the past year.”

Mr. Miller, a former mayoral candidate, also suggested that some speakers who leveled sharp criticism at certain trustees “to save it for the election.” He added, “If anything bad happened, I’m sure the state police would have come in by now.”

He urged the board to work to promote Freeport’s economy. “People under 30 look for economic development,” he said.   

Among those speaking to the issue of the state audit was attorney Cheryl Clark, who asked the board “What legal action do you propose to take against the prior administration” regarding the findings of the audit.

She also called for the removal of the two trustees from the previous administration, William White Jr., and Jorge Martinez.

Ms. Clarke also complained of the “incompetence of employees,” alleged dereliction of duties by government officials and violation of oaths by board members. “It’s outrageous,” she said. I am highly disturbed by this. I think you owe us money.”

Trustee Robert Kennedy replied that “We have made substantial cuts in salaries of up to 30 percent.” He also noted that contracts had been cut significantly and bid amounts were “triple checked” before a decision to award a contract was made.

Mayor Hardwick added that “some salaries had been cut by 50-plus percent.”

He continued, “We’ve been thinking about the future, and going after more grants” and looking at various ways of raising revenue from sources other than taxes.

A former candidate for the board, Annette Dennis, questioned Mr. White on his past association with the former mayor and village attorney, Harrison Edwards, and about the approximately $4.2 million cost of a settlement made by the village following a traffic accident in Massapequa involving former police Chief Michael Woodward that resulted in a pedestrian injury. The former chief was off-duty and driving a village vehicle.

Mr. White responded by asking if his answer would air on the subsequent airing of the meeting on Channel  18, citing past airings in which his answers to questions did not receive airplay.

This led to a lengthy side discussion on the videotaping process.

Another resident, Pat Rowan, questioned the mayor about whether he supported a recently re-introduced bill in the state Legislature by Assembly woman Earlene Hooper that would have granted the former National Guard Armory to the village for $1.

Mayor Hardwick said the village did not support the bill and did not want the armory, which carries hidden costs such as taxes and upkeep.

He added that the state subsequently decided to tear down the structure.

Another speaker asked about the status of the Nautical Mile Festival held in June.

The mayor replied that the board is seeking ways of expanding the event to two days “and to have it pay for itself.

“Our biggest concern is to have it pay for itself and keep it safe,” he added.

The mayor added that the village has received complaints in the past, mostly from some businesses  and residents in the area, and that the police and fire departments “have their concerns.”

He also raised the prospect of charging up to $3 a person for admission, which drew mixed reaction from other board members.

By   Sat, Jan 28, 2012

by Lynda Schachner

Help kick off the 50th Anniversary Celebration! Maria Regina School in Seaford is celebrating 50 years of Catholic Education on Sunday, January 29, with a celebratory mass at 10:30 a.m. followed by an Open House from 11:30-1.    

The NCEA Distinguished Graduate Award will be presented to Kathleen Moran, A.P. of Holy Trinity Diocesan High School. All alumni are invited to attend. Come see how our school has grown!         

Our theme is “Celebrating the Past...Creating the Future.” Please join us for other exciting anniversary events planned throughout the year.    

For more information, visit www.mariareginaschool.org and click on the Gold 50th Anniversary link. Please send your contact information to alumni@mariareginaschool.org to be kept informed of all future anniversary events.

By   Sat, Jan 28, 2012

Seaford High School Library Media Specialist Joanna McCloskey peruses print and online media to add to her bevy of resource tools available to students on the library website.

Research is her middle name. Scouring every news and technology publication that crosses her desk and consulting with top professionals in her field, she makes sure she stays ahead of the trends and provides the most current and user-friendly research tools for her students. 
   
She’s Seaford High School’s Library Media Specialist Joanna McCloskey. And, not only is she approachable in the library, she’s available online as well. She designed a digital image of herself for the library website — complete with her British accent — that directs students to a wealth of research tools. Those resources are bolstering students’ research skills and better preparing them for college-level coursework. 
   
“Understanding how to do research; to take information and interpret it critically, is one of the most important skills students need going into college, and too often it is one that college officials say is weak in incoming students,” said Ms. McCloskey.
   
But the district is working to defy that notion for Seaford students. Beginning in ninth grade, students are taught information literacy and how to use the website to find research materials.
   
“I teach them how to be critics of the information they are getting,” she said, “and what to look for in a site to ensure that it is legitimate. I teach them about copyright laws, which is ‘huge,’ students need to understand when they are plagiarizing. This extends into media, music and video,” she said.
   
Through data sources, such as SoundzAbound, for instance, students can upload royalty-free music for their research presentations without running the risk of breaking copyright laws.
   
Ms. McCloskey created the secure website two or three years ago as a pilot with Fred Kaden, the district’s director of technology. By clicking on the library tab on the district website, Ms. McCloskey’s speaking avatar directs students to a host of information, from research skills, which outlines the research process, to grade-level research assignments that link users to online sources and internet sites, biographical references, online references, Internet rules and regulations, and copyright and plagiarism information. College level databases are aligned with college courses offered at the high school.
   
With her desk strewn with various print materials on natural disasters, Ms. McCloskey works on expanding her repertoire of research materials to include more subjects in math and science. She is also working on another module for Earth Science teachers on the environmental concerns behind the concept of “fracking,” or hydraulic fracturing, the process to extract natural gas from the ground.
   
“Students will need to use libraries more because the Common Core Standards set by the State Education Department require additional fiction and non-fiction to be read, analyzed and reported back in areas beyond English language arts and social studies, to those of math and science,” she said. Ms. McCloskey plans meetings with subject teachers to make research suggestions based on the information she compiles.
 
“There’s a lot of collaboration with teachers, with other librarians in other Nassau County school districts and with technology,” Ms. McCloskey said. “Library and computers are merging,” she added. “This is the future of my field, and the future of how students develop solid research skills for future academic success.”

By   Sat, Jan 28, 2012

When it comes to “girl power,” two are better than one. Even if one of the girls is a human, and the other is a canine.
   
Linda Palminteri, a Wantagh native and 60-year old resident at Atlantic Shore retirement community in Virginia Beach, Virginia, is on a mission with her new best girlfriend, Joanie –  a spunky black lab puppy from Guiding Eyes for The Blind.
   
The two are key players in the The Atlantic Shores/Guiding Eyes For The Blind “Puppy Love” program – one of the first in the nation to link the generations together in a partnership that will ultimately provide visually impaired individuals with guide dogs that will dramatically change their lives.
    
Joanie is one of two puppies from Yorktown Heights, New York-based Guiding Eyes For The Blind, which will be raised at Atlantic Shores. In October, Linda became Joanie’s official raiser, welcoming her into her home and her life. For several months, the two will be inseparable, with Linda will be guiding Joanie through special training classes and outings.
   
The two and their mission have been embraced by the entire community, including two local elementary schools will have opened their doors and their hearts to the puppies with special curriculum, and puppy field trips to the school as part of their socialization training.
   
Growing up on Long Island, Ms. Palminteri was touched earlier in her life with a personal experience with guide dogs. In support of her fraternal twin sister Lois, who has a form of Muscular Dystrophy, she helped train with her and her assistance dog named Carmichael – a black lab that served her for more than 16 years.         

Because Linda personally experienced the training, and saw the dramatic effect a service dog had in the life of her sister, she is dedicated to raising Joanie in Carmichael’s memory.

By   Sat, Jan 28, 2012

Wantagh-Seaford Homeowners’ Association president Ella Stevens  announced their next meeting will be held Wednesday, February 1, at 7 p.m. at the Wantagh Library.
   
“It’s a new year and already events have taken place over the course of recent weeks that have taken center stage in our communities,” began Ms. Stevens.  
   
At this meeting we will have two presentations.  The first is a proposal for a business planned for Wantagh Avenue in Wantagh. A proposal for a new business venture on the corner of Beltagh and Wantagh Avenues will be presented by the prospective business owner and his representatives,” she added.
   
“In addition, we are honored to have representatives of the Nassau  County Police Department address the recent criminal activities that have made headlines, regrettably.  The presentation will focus on how we as residents of the Wantagh and Seaford communities can help protect ourselves and work with the police.  This is will be a very informative meeting, one that every resident should make every effort to attend,” she said. 
   
“Furthermore, WSHA may be getting a new e-mail address, so be on the lookout for the change in a future email message. If you are not on our current email list, signing up is easy at wsha@e-mail.com,” concluded Ms. Stevens.

By   Sat, Jan 28, 2012

by Jack Healy

The  Seaford Fire Department was alerted to a “car in the creek” off the westbound exit ramp of the southbound Seaford-Oyster Bay Expressway at Merrick Road.  The  driver of the car, Richie Walker, 42, of Saint Regis Street, Wantagh, who was alone at the time of the accident, lost control of his car as it came  down the exit ramp and  traveled down 35 feet to the creek below.          Rescuers from the fire department had to maneuver down the steep embankment to reach the driver. 

The car was partially  submerged in the creek  as rescuers worked to stabilize him and bring him up the embankment to an awaiting Seaford FD ambulance which transported him to Nassau University Medical Center for treatment.     

According to police reports, after being treated Mr. Walker was released into police custody for Driving While Intoxicated.

By Laura Schofer   Fri, Jan 20, 2012

New information just issued by the state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) points to a “chemical cocktail” in our water supply that could prove to adversely affect the health and well being of residents. The draft document called the Long Island Pesticide Use Management Plan (LIPUMP) being developed by the DEC to protect citizens, documents 123 pesticides in the water including  the top three offenders – atrazine, metalaxyl and lmidacloprid.
   
Atrazine, a herbicide, was banned for use in the European Union since 2004 and has been identified as an endocrine disrupter. Metalaxyl, a fungicide, is linked to kidney and liver damage and lmidacloprid, used on lawns and ornamental plantings, is toxic to fish and crustaceans.
    
In response to this report, environmental groups are calling for a zero-tolerance policy for pesticides in our ground water. Leading the charge is Adrienne Esposito, director of the environmental advocacy group Citizens Campaign for the Environment (CCE).
   
“The myriad of pesticides in our drinking water are remnants of a toxic legacy that started decades ago. Long Island’s groundwater will continue to be contaminated for years to come unless the DEC steps up and adopts a zero-tolerance plan for pesticides. We only have one aquifer; that means only one chance to get this right.”
   
“A zero-tolerance policy will offer the strongest protection for Long Island’s drinking water and stop the continuance of pesticide contamination to the aquifer system,” explained Ms. Esposito at a press conference last week.
   
Still in draft form, the DEC has been working on this plan since 1998 and have now made the plan available to the public for comment.
   
More than 20 environmental groups including Freeport’s Operation SPLASH, have endorsed the zero-tolerance policy for pesticides in groundwater. Other environmental groups include  NYPIRG, Vision Long Island, Long Island Pine Barrens Society, Sierra Club Long Island Group, Sustainability Institute at Molloy College, and the Long Island Drinking Water Coalition, among others.
   
“People have been lulled into a false sense of security about these chemicals. They figure if they are legal it’s okay but we don’t know the long-term effects; people end up getting sick,” said Rob Weltner, president of Operation SPLASH. “We need to be our own watchdog and tell the government what we want.”
   
The Environmental Protection Agency has not established drinking water standards for all the pesticides found in our water. According to CCE, of the hundreds of pesticide active ingredients it registers, the EPA has established maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for only 24 pesticides.
   
“Pesticides in water usually occur in combinations of several compounds rather than individually. More than 50 percent of all stream samples by the United States Geological Survey contain five or more pesticides, and nearly 25 percent of all groundwater samples contain two or more pesticides,” according to information provided by CCE.
   
Additionally, it is still unknown how chemicals interact with each other or with other contaminants, such as nitrates, commonly found in Long Island’s aquifer.
   
“Look at what happens with DDT,” said Mr. Weltner. “After all these years, we are still finding DDD in the bottom of the Bays.” Mr. Weltner explained that when “DDT breaks down it becomes DDD.”
   
DDD is dichorodiphenyldichloroethane, a breakdown product of DDT. It has a half-life of 150 years in the aquatic environment, according to the Center for Environmental Medicine.
   
Discharge guidelines for pesticides in the water are presently at 50 parts per billion. But the water is under assault from other contaminants as well, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), MTBE and pharmaceuticals. “Our water is under attack. How long will this be sustainable?” asked the CEE’s Ms. Esposito.
   
The three most egregious offenders – atrazine, lmidacloprid and metalaxyl – need to be banned immediately, said coalition members. In August of 2009 atrazine was featured in the New York Times as a potential cause of birth defects, low birth weights and menstrual problems when consumed at concentrations below federal standards. A 2010 study by the USGS observed substantial adverse reproductive effects on fish, said the CCE.
   
Lmidacloprid, which has been in use since 1995 and was first detected in April of 2000, quickly leaches into the soil and has been found in concentrations out east as high as 407 parts per billion. It is toxic to fish and crustaceans.
   
Metalaxyl also readily leaches in sandy soil and is linked to kidney and liver damage.
   
“The water is just below our feet,” said SPLASH’s Mr. Weltner. “It’s not just the aquifer we have to worry about; it’s all our ground water. In Freeport you can go down two or three feet and hit water.”

By   Sat, Jan 28, 2012

By Eric Homburger              
 
The Bellmore-Merrick Bulldogs hockey team defeated second-place  Syosset Braves on Monday, 3-2, at Newbridge Arena.
   
Matt Waldmann was in between the pipes again for the Bulldogs, as Jacob Smart was not dressed for the game, although he has been cleared to play.
   
As the first period began, it was clear it would be a close game. Each team was playing smart, clean hockey. Between solid defense and stellar goaltending, nether team could find the beck of the net.
   
With 4:31 left in the first, the Braves managed to get one by Waldmann, to take a 1-0 lead. Less than two minutes later, Bulldogs Captain Nick Abbene tied the game at one.     
   
As the second period got underway, each team continued to play a solid defensive game. Both teams were getting down and blocking shots, to help their respective goalie. Waldmann was pleased with how his defense played. He said that his defensemen were able to clear all of the loose pucks in front of the net, and gave him the help he needed to win.
    
With 5:51 left in the second period, the Bulldogs took the lead for the first time in the game, 2-1. The Bulldogs player fought off multiple defenders and scored on a breakaway.
   
After the goal, both teams picked up the pace and the intensity level.
   
With 42.7 seconds left in the period, the Bulldogs were assessed two penalties, creating a 5-on-3 man advantage for the Braves. Throughout the penalty, Waldmann made several unbelievable saves. The penalty carried over into the third period.
   
As the final period got underway, Waldmann continued his fantastic play, keeping his team up by a goal.
   
3:06 into the period, Abbene scored his second goal of the game, giving the Bulldogs a 3-1 lead. He drove to the net and roofed the puck glove side for the goal.
   
Twenty-three seconds later, the  Braves answered with a goal of their own, making the score 3-2.
   
After the goals, the game became very physical. Both teams were making solid body hits.
   
Late in the third, Waldmann made the save of the game, stopping a Braves player on a breakaway with an amazing glove save. He continued his great play right to the end, not giving up another goal and giving his team a 3-2 victory.
     
It was a well-played game by both teams, but the play of Bulldogs goalie Matt Waldmann gave the Bulldogs an all-important edge.
   
The Bulldogs have games on Sunday and Monday that will be important games in the standings. But before these games, the Bulldogs will host a breakfast charity event at Applebee’s in Bellmore, from 8-10 a.m., to raise money for the team. Come down to the games or the charity event, and help support your Bellmore-Merrick Bulldogs.

By Linda Toscano   Sat, Jan 28, 2012

You never know when someone you love may need blood

In the deep midwinter, when people get out less often, the New York Blood Center needs even more help from blood donors. Several local blood drives are underway, and those who can give are urged to consider which one may be convenient to them.

• On Saturday, January 28, Gold’s Gym at 2060 Bellmore Avenue is hosting a blood drive from 12:15 p.m. until 4:45 p.m., and appointments can be scheduled online at the New York Blood Center website.
• Then on Tuesday, January 31, the Martin Avenue PTA has scheduled a blood drive from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the school at 2616 Martin Avenue, North Bellmore.
• On February 4, Seaford High School is hosting the Seaford Community Blood Drive at 1575 Seaman’s Neck Road from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• And on February 6 the Knights of Columbus  Council 3476 will hold a blood drive from 2:45 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. at 2183 Jackson Avenue, Seaford.

Readers can contact the New York Blood Center at 1-800-933-BLOOD for more information.

By   Sat, Jan 28, 2012

Nassau police report that Susan Reffke, age 56, of Merrick, was crossing Sunrise Highway in the vicinity of Hewlett Avenue from south to north in Merrick on Wednesday, at 6:25 a.m. when she was struck by a 2008 Toyota being operated westbound in the right lane by a 46-year-old woman. Ms. Reffke was taken to Nassau University Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead by hospital personnel at 8:51 a.m. There is no apparent criminality.

By   Sat, Jan 28, 2012

Check out Zach's commercial here.

“Chevy Happy Grad,” an ad submitted by 26-year-old Merokian Zach Borst, will be aired during the telecast of Super Bowl XLVI, beating out submissions by independent filmmakers from around the world as part of Chevrolet’s Route 66 Super Bowl ad contest.
   
Those with keens eyes have already caught the spot running, as it did this weekend during the Giants vs. 49ers NFC championship game.
   
The contest ads had more than 32 million total online views between December 22 and January 14.

   

“We asked filmmakers to depict life’s journey and how Chevrolet is there along the way,” said Joel Ewanick, General Motors’ global chief marketing officer.  “When I saw Zach’s spot, I had to laugh, because the situation is something many families can relate to – expectation and reality. ‘Happy Grad’ clearly shows the passion that Chevrolet elicits.”
   
Mr. Borst’s audience on Super Bowl Sunday is expected to exceed 110 million television viewers. “Chevy Happy Grad” was filmed near his home in Merrick during a weather window that offered Zach, his cast and crew only four hours to complete the project.
   
“My dad was a cop and worked real hard to be able to buy his kids their first cars. They were used, but mine meant the world to me,” Mr. Borst said. “Then I wondered: what it would look like if I got a brand new Camaro? I mean, after all, who wouldn’t want a Camaro as a graduation gift?”
   
Mr. Borst, an aspiring filmmaker, has been producing films since his childhood and founded his own production company, Goat Farm Films, based in New York.
   
His winning commercial can be found on our Facebook page (facebook.com/merricklife) or at merricklife.com. Congrats Zach, we’re happy you call Merrick your home.
   
For more about Zach Borst go to his website at www.goatfarmfilms.com. On his website, created and designed by Mr. Borst, he credits the winning commercial as follows: Written, directed, produced, edited, sound designed and color corrected by himself; camera operations and help throughout: Michael Ilkiw.
   
The commercial stars Brett Siddell, Jamie Keohane, Rob Sciglimpaglia, Mark Ilkiw, Steve White, Rob Fattorini, Linda Elizabeth Freund and Papa Ilkiw. He gives special thanks to Diane Ilkiw for the robes and to all the Ilkiws for the house.

– Erin Donohue

By   Sat, Jan 28, 2012

Boys State is a leadership action program where qualified male high school juniors take part in a practical government course designed to develop in them a working knowledge of the structure of government.

The qualified student must be in the top 50% of his class, be of moral character, a leader and in good health. Students taking part in physical training and organized sports along with their studies of – and visit to – various offices of state government.

This program is held at the State University at Morrisville, New York, during the last week of June. Training course expenses, which includes room, board and transportation, are paid by American Legion Merrick Post 1282. Any high school junior interested in Boys State and wishes to be considered, and resides in the Merricks, is asked to send his name, address, phone number, class and school to Post 1282, 160 West Merrick Road, Merrick 11566, to arrange for an interview to be considered as the Post’s representative to attend Boys State.
– Gary Glick, second vice-commander

By Erin Donohue   Sat, Jan 28, 2012

Thank you to the North Merrick Fire Department for its quick response to the Merrick Life office Tuesday morning. No worries, all is fine and it’s back to business as usual. From left are Chief James Rogers, company Engineer William Segota, ex-Chief Oscar Thompson, Lieutenant Gary Longo, Firefighter Jamie Singer and Firefighter Mathew Pasieka. Call 221-1500 for all fire and medical emergencies.

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   Tue, Jul 20, 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   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.