Baldwin Herald 01-05-2023

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‘Donating blood is not that hard’

Jamshed Ghadiali marked his 350th contribution last month

By ANDRE SILVA asilva@liherald.com

Jamshed Ghadiali tries to donate blood platelets to the American Red Cross every four weeks — something he’s done since 1997.

“I just want people to know that donating blood is not that hard,” said Ghadiali, 76, a retired insurance salesman from Baldwin who is originally from India.

He said he wants to spread awareness of the need for blood, and spur his neighbors to donate more of it. Ghadiali

made his 350th donation on Dec. 18 — 57 years after his first one, to the Indian Red Cross Society, in August 1965.

“Some people say, ‘They won’t take my blood,’” Ghadiali said. “I want people to speak with their doctor, and if they say it’s OK, go to the center, answer all the questions truthfully, and let the professionals decide whether they should take your blood or not.”

Approximately 3 percent of Americans are yearly blood donors, which Ghadiali said is not enough to support our mod-

Christmas dinner never tasted better for Danny Voyes

Baldwin man with dysphagia regained his ability to swallow not long before the holidays

By ANDRE SILVA asilva@liherald.com

Danny Voyes, of Baldwin, was able to eat Christmas dinner with his family this holiday season for the first time in four years.

Voyes, 32, was diagnosed with mild dysphagia — difficulty swallowing food or liquids caused by nerve or muscle issues in the esophagus — in 2007, and then severe dysphagia in 2014, and has undergone more than 60 surgeries in the past decade to treat his condition. The operations affected his ability to swal-

low as well as speak, and left him unable to use his mouth to eat for four years, until last month.

On Christmas, Voyes was able to swallow food and eat with his family, after a year of successful swallow therapy — a non-traditional, innovative new treatment.

“I haven’t been able to eat in almost four and a half years,” Voyes told the Herald. “It’s just amazing to finally taste food again.”

As a result of his surgeries in recent years, he has been unable to eat solid or pureed foods. But in 2021, Voyes began outpatient

treatment with a “speech and swallow” team at Catholic Health’s Mercy Hospital in Rockville Centre, and in December he was able to eat pureed holiday favorites.

In the past, he said, Christmas was a difficult and lonely day for him because he would be

surrounded by family and sumptuous food, but couldn’t share it. He could not eat using his mouth, and instead he used a special pump and feeding tube that deposited food directly into his stomach.

Holidays were especially difficult, Voyes said, when he visited

other families’ homes. At his house, he said, he could at least go to his room or walk away from the table to entertain himself. This year he was able to create a new, very different memory of the holiday when he ate with his family.

are

Bombers

Courtesy Jamshed Ghadiali

JAMSHED GHADIALI WANTS to spread awareness of the need for blood, and spur his neighbors to donate more of it.

I t’s just amazing to finally taste food again.

DANNY VOYES Baldwin

He’s saved hundreds of lives with his blood

ern medical system. He recalled the New York City blackout of 1977, when much stored blood was lost because many hospitals in the city didn’t have generators to keep the supply refrigerated, and The New York Times reported that the Greater New York Blood Program was forced to cancel all of its bloodmobile operations, which normally collected 1,000 pints of blood a day.

Ghadiali donated blood days later.

“So you know, you can’t buy blood off the shelves, and there are no blood manufacturers,” he said. “So everybody needs to give blood if they can.”

Although 350 blood donations over nearly six decades is significant, Ghadiali said that it averages out to just over 6.1 donations per year, which, he insisted, isn’t a large sacrifice for the average person. In 1992 he created an Excel spreadsheet to mark the dates and types of donation he has made over the years, and he has logged them meticulously.

For example, he recorded the first time he donated platelets with his left arm —

his 308th donation, in March 2016. (Platelets are the all-important component of blood that makes it clot when we bleed.) A month earlier, he had noted that a blood technician named Audrey had inserted a needle incorrectly. In June 2018, he marked his 300th donation in the United States, on the 42nd anniversary of his first, in 1976.

Now Ghadiali donates blood platelets once a week. His blood type is AB positive, and his blood has a large volume of platelets, so he’s gotten into a habit of donating them on a regular schedule.

“I go on the computer, and book by appointment on Monday morning at 7:45 a.m.,” he said. “I’m trying to (make) the point that there is no excuse to not give blood. Even if you’re busy, you can get up on a Sunday morning and donate.”

He made his first donation at a blood center in Mumbai, India — where he donated over 20 times to the Indian Red Cross — 57 years ago. He was 19 at the time, and said he did it with three friends from high school, out of boredom.

“We were crazy teenagers,” Ghadiali

recalled. “We were looking for something fun to do, so we decided to go donate blood.”

A testimonial shared with the Herald by the Indian Red Cross Society shows that Ghadiali became a regular blood donator in Mumbai, and donated a total of over 1.5 gallons. Still, he said, he gave only sporadically in his home country, and didn’t yet have a sense of duty to do so regularly.

Ghadiali earned degrees in chemistry and physics from Bombay University in 1968, and went on to complete a master’s in human resources at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences in 1971. He worked for the Indian Banks Association before emigrating to the United States with a permanent residency visa and settling in Queens in 1976. Three years later he earned an MBA at LIU Brooklyn. In the meantime, he donated some three gallons of whole blood at New York-Presbyterian Queens hospital from 1976 to 1981.

Ghadiali worked for the European American Bank from 1977 to 1987, and then switched to insurance sales, working at MetLife from 1987 until he retired in December 2012.

He moved to Baldwin in January 1981, and has lived there ever since. Over the course of his blood-donating career, he

has given whole blood 103 times, plasma 34 times, and platelets 213 times. The American Red Cross estimates that one pint of blood can save up to three lives, meaning that Ghadiali has likely saved more than 310 lives with his donated whole blood alone.

Courtesy Jamshed Ghadiali

JAMSHED GHADIALI, 76, of Baldwin, a retired insurance salesman who’s originally from India, made his 350th blood donation on Dec. 18. He made his first donation to the Indian Red Cross Society in August 1965.

You can’t buy blood off the shelves, and there are no blood manufacturers. So everybody needs to give blood if they can.

JAMSHED GHADIALI Baldwin

Local church gives toys to Baldwin families

The Fellowship Center gave away over a hundred toys to underprivileged Baldwin children at their annual toy giveaway on Christmas Eve.

The Fellowship Center, a Baldwin based religious organization and church, invited over 75 parents and children to their toy giveaway on Christmas Eve December 24, from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at their church located on 1852 Grand Ave.

Lead Pastor Tobias Hall said they gave away over 100 toys to children and the Baldwin community. He said church members through gifts and monetary donations donated about 80 percent of the toys to the Fellowship Center and the rest of the toys were submitted by a combination of local sponsors and local Assemblywoman Judy Griffin’s.

Hall said Assemblywoman Judy Griffin’s office got in touch with him a week prior to Christmas Eve in December 2018 and asked if they could also donate toys, her office has been a partner of the Fellowship center since that day four years ago.

Hall said this is the fourth year they’ve held the toy giveaway, and it furthers their mission at their church. Hall said his church follows the “Touching Lives and Empowering Nations” motto, the idea to use a faith-based organization to support the needs of members in the community.

“We have families from all socio economic experiences, and one of the things that we identified is that, for whatever reasons, people are all facing different financial inequities,” said Hall. “We wanted to be able to lift the burden of family.”

Hall said the Fellowship Center came up with the idea for a toy giveaway to address some of those needs. He said the first outreach initiative the church part took in 2019 was in partnership with Angel Tree, a nonprofit organization that allows parents of incarcerated children to give their children gifts on behalf of the parents. He said they partner with Angel Tree each year but in 2020 they expanded the events scope to give toys to all underprivileged families in Baldwin.

— Andre Silva

Photos courtesy Tobias Hall

THE FELLOWSHIP CENTER gave away over a hundred toys to underprivileged Baldwin children at their annual toy giveaway on Christmas Eve

THE FELLOWSHIP CENTER practices the “Touching Lives and Empowering Nations” motto, the idea to use a faith-based organization to support the needs of members in the community.

TOBIAS HALL, LEAD pastor of the Fellowship Center, and other church members handed out gifts to Baldwin parents and their children for the holiday season.

Danny Voyes hopes to eat solid food soon

FROM FRONT PAGE

Voyes graduated from Baldwin High School in 2008, took classes at Nassau Community College from 2009 to 2011, attended Hofstra for a year, where he studied psychology, and then finished an associate’s degree at NCC in 2013. He continued his studies of psychology at Molloy University until 2018, and said he planned to finish his bachelor’s degree in psychology there once he is fully recovered from his therapy.

Since 2021, Voyes has been an outpatient at Mercy, working with the speech and swallow team three times a week. He underwent VitalStim therapy, which uses a small current, passing through external electrodes on the neck, to stimulate his inactive swallowing muscles.

One of those who cared for him was Jessica Hsaine, a speech language pathologist at the hospital. She explained that

VitalStim is the only technology approved by the Food and Drug Administration for restoring swallowing function.

“The nerves gets affected after surgery, so we have to improve the strength of the muscles in his throat, which squeeze the food down and protect his airways,” Hsaine said.

To celebrate his recovered ability to swallow, Voyes’s first meal of choice last month was pureed pizza.

Hsaine said it is inspirational to see him each week, and see how motivated and happy he is despite the medical challenges he still faces. “Danny is very diligent, and has never missed any of his appointments,” she said. “We hit this milestone in part because of his commitment to therapy. I’m excited to continue on this journey with Danny, and hope to hit the next milestone soon — solid foods.”

VOYES WAS finally able to eat pureed food using his mouth, a milestone in his swallow therapy at Catholic Health Mercy Hospital.

baldwin

Photos courtesy Danny Voyes VOYES, WHO LIVES with dysphagia, was able to eat Christmas dinner with his family this holiday season for the first time in four years.

CONTINUED

VOYES WITH JESSICA Hsaine, right, his speech pathalogist, and her medical student, Felicity, who care for Danny at Catholic Health Mercy Hospital and helped him regain his ability to swallow.

DANNY

Mulé announced new office hours in the public library

Legislator Debra Mulé announced that she starting mobile office hours to the Baldwin Public Library to listen and assist residents in her district.

Mulé plans to bring her district office’s resources directly to Baldwin residents by hosting mobile office hours at the Baldwin Public Library on Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2023.

Mobile office hours are an opportunity for any all members of the district to meet with Legislator Mulé and her staff, to express their concerns, gets answers to questions, and share suggestions with her office. Her office said there are no reservations are required and residents are encouraged to drop in and have their voices heard in a more casual setting.

“At a time when Baldwin is at an especially important inflection point in its history, I can think of no better place to host my first mobile office hours event of the New Year,” said Mulé. “Please join us at the Baldwin Library on Jan. 18 and let us know what’s on your mind so that we can better serve you and meet your needs throughout the year.”

For additional information, contact Legislator Mulé’s office at 516-571-6205 or via email at dmule@nassaucountyny.gov.

Karim Carpenter ends first semester at university

Baldwin local Karim Carpenter just finished up a successful first semester at Eastern Connecticut State University

Nearly 1,000 new students concluded their first semester at Eastern Connecticut State University this fall, like Karim Carpenter, of Baldwin, a first year student majoring in theatre and performance media.

The university admitted 734 firsttime enrolled students and 246 transfer students who are enrolled in undergraduate and graduate level programs. The most popular majors for the new students include business administration, psychology, health sciences, eng-

lish, criminology and computer science.

Students come from nearly all of Connecticut’s 169 towns and 22 other states and outside of Connecticut, the majority of students come from states like Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New York. These new students joined a student body of more than 4,000 who are enrolled for the 2022-23 academic year. In total, 31 states and eight foreign countries are represented among them. According to the university, approximately 28% are the first in their families to attend college.

— Andre Silva

“Elder Law Estate Planning” is an area of law that combines features of both elder law and estate planning and relates mostly to the needs and concerns of the middle class.

Estate planning was formerly only for the wealthy who wanted to shelter their assets from taxes and pass more on to their heirs. But today estate planning is also needed by the middle class who may have assets exceeding one million dollars, especially when you consider life insurance in the mix.

Estate planning with trusts became popular starting in 1991 when AARP concluded that probate should be avoided and trusts should be used to transfer assets to heirs without a court proceeding. Trusts are also widely used today to avoid guardianship proceedings on disability, protect privacy, and reduce the chance of a will contest in court.

As the population aged and life expectancies increased, the field of elder law emerged in the late 1980’s to help people protect assets from nursing home costs by using Medicaid asset protection strategies.

The two fields of elder law and estate planning still tend to be separate, which can

work against a client needs. For instance, a client may see an elder law attorney for Medicaid asset protection planning in the event of disability, but overlook the benefits of estate planning, such as avoiding estate taxes or keeping assets in the bloodline. Similarly, a client may have prepared an effective estate plan for death with an estate planning attorney, but failed to avail themselves of Medicaid asset protection strategies for their lifetimes.

For this reason, we have been practicing “elder law estate planning” together for over thirty years to address these needs:

• Getting your assets to your heirs, with the least amount of court costs, taxes and legal fees possible.

• Keeping your assets in the bloodline for your grandchildren and protecting those assets from your children’s divorces, lawsuits and creditors.

• Protecting your assets from the costs of longterm care and qualifying you for government benefits to pay for your care either at home or in a nursing facility.

• Avoiding guardianship proceedings if you become disabled and probate court proceedings on death.

Courtesy Legislator Debra Mulé LEGISLATOR DEBRA MULÉ announced that she starting mobile office hours to the Baldwin Public Library to listen and assist residents in her district

Cristina Arroyo Rodriguez/Herald filet

LEGILATOR MULE IS announced she will start mobile office hours at the Baldwin Public Library on Jan. 18, 2023.

SPOTLIGHT ATHLETE

Bonsu leads Baldwin grapplers

By BRIAN KACHARABA sports@liherald.com

Kwasi Bonsu came out of nowhere to win a county wrestling championship last winter. So far this season, he’s proving that it was no fluke.

The senior is already off to an 8-0 start, including a win at the King of the Mat Tournament in Hewlett on Dec. 10. There, he pinned his first opponent in 30 seconds and had 6-4 and 11-4 decision wins before outlasting Chaminade’s Claudio Pinto 5-1 in the 189-pound final.

ANDIE ADAMS

Lawrence

Senior Basketball

THERE’S A NEW an all-time leading scorer for Lawrence’s girls’ hoops program. Senior point guard Andie Adams, who last winter reached the 1,000 mark, entered this season 46 points away from breaking 1999 graduate Danielle Moorer’s record of 1,049 career points and did so in a win over Roosevelt on Dec. 6. Adams earned AllCounty honors last season and averaged 23.5 points per game.

GAMES TO WATCH

Thursday, Jan. 5

Gymnastics: Oceanside at South Side 7 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 6

Wrestling: East Meadow at Long Beach 6 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Syosset at Freeport 7 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Port Washington at Oceanside 7 p.m.

Boys Basketball: East Meadow at V.S. Central 7 p.m.

Girls Basketball: V.S. Central at East Meadow 7 p.m.

Wrestling: Mepham at MacArthur 7 p.m.

Wrestling: Roosevelt at Hewlett 7 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 7

Girls Basketball: Clarke at North Shore 10 a.m.

Boys Basketball: MacArthur at Long Beach 12 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Jericho at Mepham 12 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Roslyn at Elmont 12 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Kennedy at South Side 12 p.m.

Boys Basketball: North Shore at Clarke 12 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Manhasset at Hewlett 12 p.m.

Girls Basketball: Glen Cove at Carey 12 p.m.

Girls Basketball: South Side at Kennedy 12 p.m.

Girls Basketball: Mineola at Lynbrook 12 p.m.

Girls Basketball: Hewlett at Lawrence 12 p.m.

Girls Basketball: Long Beach at MacArthur 12 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Seaford at Lawrence 4 p.m.

Last season, Bonsu went from being a virtual unknown to a 37-1 record heading into the state tournament, where he won two matches in the consolation bracket after losing his opening bout. Now that he’s the huntee instead of the hunter, Baldwin coach Jim Murphy made sure that Bonsu was ready to handle his newfound fame.

“I sat him down and told him that you’ve got a gigantic bullseye on your back and you’re going to get the best out of everybody,” Murphy said. “If you step out there, you’ve got to perform.”

Bonsu is the new face of the team that has plenty of talent and depth. On the same day Bonsu won the King of the Mat with Murphy in his corner, Baldwin’s other split squad took the Paul Grammatico Tournament at Valley Stream South.

“They wrestled really well,” Murphy said. “We had a bunch of the younger classmen really bought in and some of them won the tournaments [and] some of them took second place. But any time you’re in a varsity level tournament, you’re doing well.”

Junior Paul Clement defeated teammate Ari Guerra in the 172-pound final and had a tournament-best four pinfalls in a combined six minutes. Derrick Coolbaugh was victorious in the 285-pound category, freshmen Franz Byron (132) and DeVonte Young (126) were the other second-place finishers, and Matthew Feeney and Jaylen Phillips (285) placed third.

Junior Rodney Mills (215) has also made an impact this season, advancing to the final of the King of the Mat a week

after winning the Hank Paris Tournament on Dec. 3 thanks to a pinfall 1:34 into the championship match. He won seven of his first eight bouts overall.

Clement and Guerra’s success thus far is even more notable with 172-pound senior Jayson Rivera missing the first part of the season due to injury. Rivera finished third in last year’s Nassau Division 1 qualifier and also won the 2021 Hank Parris tourney.

“He’s going to be right there for the county title,” Murphy said of Rivera.

Murphy is also expecting strong fin-

ishes for brothers John (152) and Jacob Wornian (132). John, another third-place finisher at last year’s Nassau D1 event, was a finalist in the Hank Paris Tournament and finished fourth in the King of the Mat, while Jacob had a pinfall win against Jericho during the Dick Drab Cup tournament.

Murphy said tournament-wise, his Bruins are “easily a top 10 team in the county” and he wouldn’t be surprised to see wrestlers like Bonsu, Phillips, Coolbaugh, Rivera, Mills and John Wornian advancing to the state tournament.

Donovan Berthoud/Herald

BALDWIN SENIOR KWASI Bonsu, top, is a defending Nassau County champion looking to repeat and also make noise on the state level.

These two brothers have what it takes Anthony and James Pisani rank up from boy scouts to Eagle Scout together

By KARINA KOVAC kkovac@liherald.com

It takes a certain type of person to achieve Eagle Scout, the highest rank in Boy Scouts. One must possess certain qualifications and qualities, such as trustworthiness, honor, bravery and many more.

Baldwin Legion Post 246 commander Stu Cohen awarded Boy Scout Troop 234 for their achievement and rank up into Eagle Scouts at St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic Church this month.

“This kind of nation is awarded for commitment to serving the United States Armed Forces in the name of freedom and democracy at the courageously protecting our liberty and independence,” said Cohen.

Brothers Anthony, 18, and James Pisani, 16, of Troop 230 are among that group, earning the Eagle rank on Sunday at St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic Church. Climbing through the ranks as they got merit badges and awards, both gave it all they had and were rewarded in the end – and both encourage young scouts to do likewise.

Anthony started his scout journey in 2015, but even before he was thinking about scouts, he was aiming for joining the Navy. He and his father remember

the moment well. “In first grade going into a soccer game I told my dad, ‘Hey, I want to join the military,’ and he’s like, ‘Okay, sure.’ Twelve years later, I’m in the Navy,” Anthony recalled.

He has followed his dream. Home in Oceanside from the Great Lakes U.S. Navy Base for the ceremony, he will go back for more Electrical Technician training Jan. 2.

“Everything I learned in Boy Scouts, most of it translates to my Navy life,” he

said. But there are differences: “You go in as a civilian, you come out as a sailor; it’s a different transition.”

James, an Oceanside High School 11th grader, started scouts once he reached first grade just like his big brother. He said he “never thought I’d be there, but I’m thankful for all of it, no matter if it’s good or bad.”

Their father, Anthony, was just as amazed at the brothers’ accomplishment. “I’m surprised,” he said. “One is

big; two is amazing.”

“I have been so honored to have my older brother with me while being a scout, and even more being Eagle Scouts,” said James.

James said the best part of scouts for him was “being introduced to leadership in the invented role of operations officer. After that I went on to historian, and patrol leader during Covid-19 meetings.”

He credits Scoutmaster Steven Xuereb with imparting the valuable skill of leadership.

“I would not have gotten any of these jobs or been up here today without my first job as operations officer, which was given to me by Mr. X. Mr. X is the best scoutmaster I could have asked for. He’s so attentive to every scout, no matter what it is, and definition of a leader,” James said. At the ceremony, he awarded Xuereb the mentorship pin.

The Eagle ceremony was an emotional affair as the satisfaction and feeling of completion washed over the brothers, their family who assisted along the way, and their leaders who encouraged them.

Giving the Eagle Charge was one such mentor, Christopher Ferrara, an Eagle Scout himself as well as an Eagle Scout father and one of the troop’s first scoutmasters.

Karina Kovac/Herald

THE PISANI FAMILY – Theresa, James, Anthony and Anthony – relish in the Pisani brothers’ Eagle Scout achievement and the young men’s future.

The health benefits of hearing

Hearing Care is Health Care™ Good hearing plays a key role in maintaining your overall health and well being. Even a mild hearing loss can double the risk of dementia according to a 25 year study*.

Good hearing plays a key role in maintaining your overall health and well being. In fact, even a mild hearing loss can double the risk of dementia according to a 25 year study*. Our team of qualified hearing care professionals have the knowledge and the Oticon BrainHearingTM technology that can help.

Darrrow, Ph.D.

Cardano, Au.D.

Baldwin bombers take division championship

The Baldwin Bombers travel football team celebrated their first championship game win in 11 years last month.

The Baldwin Bombers, a nine to eleven year old travel football team, celebrated their win as division championship in the Nassau County Youth Football League, on Dec. 4 at Dave and Busters in Westbury.

The division playoffs started in November, where they played the Uniondale Knights and defeated them 20-6. The next weekend, the team played their championship game, where they were able to secure victory over the Seaford Broncos in overtime, winning 2-0.

Jett Mathurim, 10, Lenox Elementary student, said he was nervous about whether or not his team can pull of the win for a majority of the game. He said when he saw Leighton running the ball down to score the game-winning touchdown as like watching a movie.

“I was like whats going on, are we going to win this,” said Mathurim. “Then we saw Leighton running with the ball and we all got up and started screaming and laughing to celebrate our win.

Leighton “Jr.” Gouldberg, a Meadow Elementary student, scored the gamewinning touchdown in the overtime

game, which he said was a major personal achievement.

“It felt good to help my team take the win,” said Gouldberg. “Making touchdowns is my favorite thing to do in the sport.”

Brandon Bailey, originally from Detroit but now living in Baldwin, joined the organization as a coach in 2017, when his son Brandon Bailey Jr. started playing football for the team. In 2019 he became the head coach and led his team to victory in the Nassau County Youth Football League. He said his team shares a special bond because the majority of the players have been playing with each other or went to school with each other for the last five years.

Bailey and his assistant coaches gathered with the team at Dave and Busters where they enjoyed an array of sweet snacks and spent a few hours playing games in the arcade. Eventually the team got together and received awards from the coaches like most valuable players or the ironman award. Some award recipients included Charles Shepard , 10, a Steele Elementary School student, who won the Leadership award, and Jazier Bunn, who was awarded Most Valuable Player.

BREAKING DOWN BOUNDARIES WITH CANCER BREAKTHROUGHS

LIJ Medical Center is in the top 10% of hospitals nationally for oncology, according to U.S.News&WorldReport.

Our doctors are raising health by pioneering innovative approaches to cancer from novel chemotherapy techniques to first-in- the-nation robotic mastectomies with minimal scarring. Because when it comes to cancer, there’s no status quo. There’s only “how far can we go?”

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Andre Silva/Herald photos

THE BALDWIN BOMBERS travel football team celebrated their first championship game win in 11 years last month

Then we saw Leighton running with the ball and we all got up and started screaming.

JETT MATHURIM 10, Lenox Elementary student

Echo Park closing doors for $2 million renovation

By MARK NOLAN mnolan@liherald.com

The Echo Park indoor pool complex in West Hempstead has a long history of providing entertaining relief for Hempstead town residents. But that history will have to pause over the next several months while town officials push through the first phase of renovations, closing the pool until at least around Labor Day this year. And those $2 million worth of construction is just the beginning.

“The renovation of Echo Park is a multimillion-dollar project that will be completed over the next few years,” said Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin. “The Town of Hempstead is committed to upgrading this facility while minimizing the inconvenience for our local swimmers who frequent the park year-round.”

The first phase of construction includes a new air ventilation system, something that has taken on even more importance during the Covid-19 pandemic era. Other scheduled work includes a new state-of-the-art pool filtration system, new energy-efficient lighting, renovation of the north and south interior walls, and recaulking windows to prevent air leaks and

potentially save on energy bills.

That should bring Echo Park into the late summer or early fall, a town spokesperson said. What comes next is still being decided by town officials.

“The new and improved Echo Park will surely make a splash when completed,” Clavin said.

In the meantime, typical Echo Park visitors can travel to East Meadow instead to use the indoor pool there. The Nassau County Aquatic Center will accept passes issued by the Town of Hempstead during the renovation project.

Echo Park is generally open to all town residents, providing a rate discount to those who don’t live inside an incorporated village or special park district. Daily rates there are typically $8 to $9 for individuals, and $4.50 for children between 5 and 9, as well as senior citizens, the disabled, and volunteer first responders.

Nassau County offers similar rates in its East Meadow complex for those living in the county who also buy a three-year “leisure pass” for $36. Those without the pass, and those who don’t live in Nassau County, could pay daily rates as high as $22 for adults, and $14 for children.

And renovations in Echo Park aren’t exactly new. The West Hempstead complex

reopened in January 2018 after a $208,000 renovation that included resurfacing several indoor areas and refinishing the diving boards. The year before, Echo Park was part of a town-wide $1.26 million recreational facility improvement plan that focused on restroom and locker room upgrades.

Despite the inconvenience this time around, town councilman Thomas Muscarella says the upgrades are needed.

“Improvements to the pool are long

overdue,” he said. “Echo Park is a beloved facility in our area. Residents frequent the indoor pool all year.”

Other than this brief closure each winter, the Nassau Boulevard Echo Park facility is open seven days a week, year-round. It’s also home to a number of other yearround aquatic, physical fitness and cultural arts programs.

For more information on the center and using the Nassau County facility, call the Echo Park office at (516) 483-7400.

The new and improved Echo Park will surely make a splash when completed.

DON CLAviN Hempstead town supervisor

Herald file

A $2 MiLLiON renovation project will shut down the Echo Park indoor pool complex in West Hempstead through this coming summer, instead redirecting swimmers to the county facility in East Meadow.

STEPPING OUT

Dancing With The Stars Live

Heroism unfolds in an epic adventure

By Karen Bloom

elcome the New Year with another dose of that wonderful world of Disney. The latest Disney ice extravaganza arrives at UBS Arena in Elmont to the delight of families who can’t get enough of their favorite Disney moments. Audiences can relive some of the iconic characters and stories — classic and new — when Disney on Ice’s “Into the Magic” brings a lineup of Disney “royalty” here for four days, opening Jan. 5.

WHERE WHEN

• Thursday through Sunday. Jan. 5-11; times vary.

• Tickets start at $20 (pricing may fluctuate based on demand); available at Ticketmaster.com or DisneyOnIce.com

• UBS Arena, 2400 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont

This production showcases inspiring favorites from the Disney canon, including those spunky royal sisters, Anna and Elsa, from the always popular mega-hit “Frozen.” Joining this spirited pair are the forever-enchanting Belle, dauntless Rapunzel and the charming bandit Flynn, the determined Cinderella, the aspiring young musician Miguel, and the daring and fearless Moana. Their courage and plucky grit to live their best lives are set forth in lively — albeit condensed — re-tellings of “Beauty & the Beast,” “Coco,” “Tangled,” “Cinderella,” “Frozen” and “Moana.”

These unforgettable characters and their adventures are brought to life on ice in a captivating production that transports audiences to worlds where imaginations soar and in true Disney spirit “anything can happen if you just believe.” Guided by Mickey and Minnie and their crew, of course — with the assistance of two hosts this time around — these tales are told through graceful, artful skating and dynamic special effects, set to the soundtrack fans know and love.

In keeping with longstanding Disney tradition, it’s a fast-paced spectacle with rapidly changing segments.

“All celebrate why these stories are so special,” says Chase Belmontes, who performs as Gaston, Belle’s strapping suitor. “The uplifting nature of these stories all end strongly with an inspiring message about finding your dreams and finding your inner hero.”

That message surely resonates with the 27-year-old Las Vegas native, who is in his third year with Disney On Ice. “I grew up with Disney as a

kid,” he says. “I loved Disney and watched all the movies. Being here now is a personal accomplishment.”

As with his fellow cast members, Belmontes’ competitive skating skills enhance the high level of athleticism that is the hallmark of these productions. Solos, pair and fast-paced ensemble skating with high-flying jumps add to the appeal of the stories the audience knows so well.

“There are so many iconic moments,” he says, noting the pairs sequence in his “Beauty and the Beast “ portion, which also includes a dramatic ensemble routine. “It’s all very exciting.”

And, of course, “Frozen” elicits an enthusiastic response. As Belmontes says: “Always a fan favorite.” Especially when it comes time for “Let It Go.”

“It’s absolutely magical,” he continues. “Everyone sings along to every single word. It’s such a wonderful experience.”

There’s plenty of singing, with the audiences up on their feet throughout the show. And, naturally, Belles, Cinderellas and many others are scattered throughout the arena.

“Everyone dresses up in costume, even adults.” Belmontes says. “It’s amazing. So sit back and soak it all in. There’s a lot to look at and enjoy.”

indeed.

The popular dance showcase is back on tour this winter to celebrate its 31st season. The tour delivers electrifying dance performances from world-renowned dancers including Brandon Armstrong, Alan Bersten, Sasha Farber, Gleb Savchenko, Emma Slater, Britt Stewart, and ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ winner Alexis Warr, who now appears on ‘Dancing with the Stars.’ See the ballroom brought to life in this new production featuring your favorite ‘Dancing’ pros, plus special guest stars, performing original numbers as well as some of the showstoppers featured in Season 31. With dazzling routines in every style, fans will enjoy an unforgettable night full of all the magic of the television competition series and more. Experience the excitement, glitz and glamour they see in the ballroom live, up-close and personal.

Tuesday, Jan. 10, 8 p.m. $99, $79, $59, $49. Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville. (516) 299-3100, or TillesCenter.org.

Literary Luncheon

Madison Theatre hosts Deborah Goodrich-Royce, who discusses ‘Reef Road,’ her latest psychological thriller that explores the psychology of criminals and their victims, while drawing from real-life events that happened before she was born. Goodrich Royce is the author of the widely praised psychological thrillers ‘Ruby Falls’ and ‘Finding Mrs. Ford.’ A former film and television actress, she is remembered by soap opera fans as Silver Kane, sister of the legendary Erica Kane, on ABC’s ‘All My Children.’ She later worked as a story editor for Miramax Films and was instrumental in developing such films as ‘Emma’ and ‘A Wrinkle in Time.’ With her husband, Chuck, she restored the Avon Theatre in Stamford, Connecticut, which now operates as a not-for-profit dedicated to independent, classic, foreign, and documentary films.

Wednesday, Jan. 18, noon. $50. Molloy University’s Larini Room, Public Square Building, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre. (516) 323-4444, or MadisonTheatreNY.org.

Photos courtesy Feld Entertainment

Photos: Old and new favorites lace up their skates for a show that encourages everyone to ‘find your inner hero.’

THE SCENE

America

The perennial classic rock favorite is still going strong, appearing on the Tilles Center stage, Friday, Jan. 27, 8 p.m. Founding members Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell celebrate the band’s 53rd anniversary on their current tour, on the LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Boulevard, Brookville. The pair (along with former band mate Dan Peek), who met in high school in London in the late 1960s, quickly harmonized their way to the top of the charts on the strength of their signature song “A Horse With No Name.” America became a global household name and paved the way with an impressive string of hits following the success of their first #1 single. Forty plus years later, these friends are still making music together, touring the world and thrilling audiences with their timeless sound. Tickets are $99, $79, $69, $59; available at TillesCenter.org or (516) 299-3100.

Art talk

Join Nassau County Museum Director Charles A. Riley II, PhD, for a Director’s Seminar, Tuesday, Jan. 10, 4 p.m. He’ll discuss “Photography: Beauty and Truth,” in a session that is keyed to the photojournalism of Robert Capa and the Magnum group as well as the pioneering work of Walker Evans and Lewis Hine. He’ll compare their approach with the digital manipulation of images (including video) in the media of our time and consider the relationship between the photographer as documentarian and as artist who holds the mirror up to nature. Participation is limited; registration required. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.

Sing, sign and play

Baldwin Public Library invites children to sing and play with Miss Christina, Wednesday, Jan. 11,11:15-11:45 a.m. Learn American Sign Language vocabulary and listen to music in the Community Room, 2385 Grand Ave. Register at BaldwinPL.org.

A special evening with Branford Marsalis and Bethany House

Jan. 20

Join Bethany House for an evening with jazz trumpter Branford

Marsalis,Friday, Jan. 20, at the Madison Theatre, on the Molloy University Campus. The event starts at 6:30 p.m. with a reception followed by the concert. All proceeds go directly to helping the women, and women with children, experiencing homelessness. For tickets and information, visit BHNY.org/events or call (516) 868-6866 ext. 4

Stuff-a-Bear

Bring the kids to Baldwin Public Library, Saturday, Jan. 14, 1 p.m. Make stuffed animals in the Community Room, 2385 Grand Ave. Children will bring home a 16-inch animal of their choice, a carrying case, birth certificate, and a custom t-shirt. Registration is required. Call the library at (516) 2236228 or visit BaldwinPL.org.

Forest Bathing

Take a meditative Forest Bathing walk, led by certified guide Linda Lombardo, Saturday, Jan. 21, 2-4 p.m. Based on the Japanese tradition of ShinrinYoku, a wellness practice developed in the 1980s, the walk, on the grounds of the former summer residence of Howard Gould and later Daniel and Florence Guggenheim, inspires mindful connections with the natural elements of the woods for a range of healthful benefits. $40, $35.

Pre-registration required. Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Road. For information, visit SandsPointPreserveConservancy. org or call (516) 571-7901.

Having an event?

Items on The Scene page are listed free of charge. The Herald welcomes listings of upcoming events, community meetings and items of public interest. All submissions should include date, time and location of the event, cost, and a contact name and phone number. Submissions can be emailed to thescene@liherald.com.

Irie Alley Thursdays

The Baldwin Bowl and Lounge invites the community to dance and bowl every Thursday night to reggae and Afro beats at the bowling center, 2407 Grand Ave., 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. For information, visit BaldwinBowl.com.

On exhibit

Photography’s ascent in the art world is an international phenomenon. Nassau County Museum of Art’s star-studded exhibition spans the historical roots of the medium. View works by Ansel Adams and his generation and the thrilling, large-format color works of such contemporary masters as Cindy Sherman, Thomas Struth, James Casebere and Gregory Crewdson, among others. From the documentary to the painterly, images bear witness to the times. On view through March 5. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor. (516) 4849337 or NassauMuseum.org.

In concert

Jan. 13

David Alterman returns to the stage with Altzim, Friday, Jan. 13, at My Father’s Place supper club. Enjoy an evening of music that Alterman describes as “Dylan with a twist,” with special guest Cathy Rose Virgilio. Rich Demand and his band also appear. Doors open at 6 p.m., concert is at 8 p.m. The Metropolitan, 3 Pratt Blvd., Glen Cove. For tickets/ information, visit MyFathersPlace.com or call (516) 580-0887.

Jan. 7

Classic film discussion

Skate on

Long Island Children’s Museum’s “skating rink” is open for a final weekend, Friday through Sunday, Jan. 6-8, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. With related crafts activities throughout the weekend. Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or LICM.org.

Join the Baldwin Public Library, Saturday, Jan. 7, 1-4 p.m. to discuss the unique and influential career of film legend Sidney Poitier and his groundbreaking comedy/drama, in the Community Room Walk-ins are also welcome. Register at BaldwinPL.org.

Located at 234 Merrick Road in Oceanside

Police say they’ve busted

‘Dirty dozen’ burglars

By MARK NOLAN mnolan@liherald.com

Police are accusing what they describe as a pair of burgling Grinches of stealing $150,000 in valuables from a dozen area homes over the holidays.

Joshua B. Mellado-Gonzalez, 32, and Mauricio J. Fuentes-Jimenez, 31 — both of Queens Village — were charged with 12 burglaries that stretched across communities that include Lynbrook, Valley Stream, Elmont, West Hempstead, Rockville Centre and Baldwin.

The investigation was led by detectives from the Nassau County Police department, along with investigators from the Lynbrook Police Department.

The arrests were made after piecing together information gleaned during hours of surveillance, according to Lynbrook police inspector Sean Murphy.

“It was good honest police work,” he said.

“We had vehicles we knew were of interest. It was a lot of hard work to ascertain who they were and where they lived.”

Nassau County police declined comment, however, citing the ongoing investigation.

Five of the reported burglaries took place in Lynbrook, according to police, beginning on Madison Street on Nov. 29, and then continuing at two homes on Ocean Avenue in December,

Vassar Place on Dec. 26 and Whitehall Street on Dec. 27.

Each of those homes were secured, Murphy said. “They just got into the houses whichever way they could.”

Also hit were homes on Rockaway Parkway in Valley Stream, Belmont Avenue in Elmont, Walton Street in West Hempstead, North Forest Avenue in Rockville Centre, DeMott Avenue in Baldwin, and West Clinton Avenue in Roosevelt.

Both Mellado-Gonzalez and FuentesJimenez were arraigned Thursday in Hempstead.

Baldwin celebrates the holiday season

Two of Baldwin’s religious institutions invited the community to celebrate the holidays this year with religious themed events last month.

Baldwin locals attened the South Baldwin Jewish Center’s community candle lighting event at the South Baldwin Jewish Center located at 2959 Grand Ave. on Dec. 18 starting at 5:45 p.m.

This candle lighting marked the first day of Hanukkah and members of the community lit one of the seven branches of the community menorah. Community members were treated to soup, and other festive Jewish foods like latkes, and franks, which were served at dinner afterwards.

Likewise, St. Peters Church displayed their Living Nativity, a live performance about the birth of Christ. They continued their

tradition at St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church located on 2332 Grand Ave.

Each year members of St. Peters Church put on a special show for the holiday season — a Living Nativity scene with live actors and animals. This year the church debuted the 28-year edition of the child-friendly 30-minute play featuring actors, dancers and live animals, which kids pet after the show.

The show wass scored with a Christmas Story narration and soundtrack, and is a wonderfulserves as a way for the Baldwin community to ocme together, to take a break from the hectic holiday pace, and remember the original Christmas story. Three shows were showcased on Dec. 18 at 3, 4, and 5 p.m., free of charge.

— Andre Silva

Courtesy Nassau County Police Department

JOSHUA MELLADO-GONZALEZ, LEFT, and Mauricio Fuentes-Jimenez of Queens Village were responsible for 12 area burglaries over the past month, according to Nassau County police.

BEAUTY HEALTH & WELLNESS

www.LiChoiceAwards.com!

ORTHOPEDIC GROUP: Mirza Orthopedics

Orlin & Cohen Orthopedic Group

The Central Orthopedic Group

ORTHOPEDIST: Craig L. Levitz, MD Justin Mirza, DO William A. Facibene, MD

PAIN MANAGEMENT: Hadi Medical Group - Long Beach Orlin & Cohen Orthopedic Group

Pain Institute of Long Island

PEDIATRIC DENTIST: Charles Pillar, DDS

Denise Cohen, DMD

Jennifer S. Zuckerman, DDS

PEDIATRICIAN: Matthew S. Cohen, MD

Roberto N. Marchitelli, MD

Stuart Schiff, DO

Vicki Ellin Jetter, MD

New York Brain Center

NSPC Brain and Spine Surgery | Long Island

The Stroke & Brain Aneurysm Center of Long Island

CARDIOLOGIST: Beevash Ray, MD

David Hersh, MD, FACC

Thierry Duchatellier, MD

CBD STORE: Curaleaf NY Carle Place

Natural Remedies - Merrick Sea Cliff Hemp Co.

CHIROPRACTOR: Adam Kritzberg, DC

Jill Feldhurn, DC

Matthew E. Goldschmidt, DC, PC

COSMETIC SURGEON: Antonio L. Uria, MD

Ari Hoschander, MD

James C. Marotta, MD

COSMETIC SURGERY GROUP: KH Plastic Surgery

Long Island Plastic Surgical Group, PC

Marotta Plastic Surgery Specialists

DENTIST: Alina Bergan, DDS, PC

Joshua S. Rolnick, DDS

Yefim Khanimov, DDS

DERMATOLOGIST: Elie B. Lowenstein, MD

Suzanne J. Sirota Rozenberg, DO

Tina Funt, MD

GENERAL PRACTICE DOCTOR: Carolyn M. Castiglia, DO

Ralph K. Della Ratta, MD

Sarah Marie Spadafina, MD

HAIR SALON:

Ambiance Salon

Belle Beauty Salon Spa

East Coast Hair Studio

HEALTH INSURANCE AGENCY: Grober Imbey Insurance Agency

JLS Insurance Solutions

UnitedHealthcare

HEALTH INSURANCE AGENT: Alexander Anderson - Allstate Insurance Jay Silverman - JLS Insurance Solutions

Michael Krantz - UnitedHealthcare

Calla Lily Rose Beauty Spa

Calmer U Holistic Health Center & Spa Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa

MEDICAL SUPPLY: Health Mart Pharmacy LifeVac LLC

Long Beach Surgical Supply

MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES/ORGANIZATION: New Horizon Counseling Center North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center Tempo Group, Inc.

NEUROLOGIST: Arthur E. Farkash, MD Mariel Brooke Deutsch, MD Tej-Preet Singh, MD

NEUROSURGEON: Daniel E. Choi, MD Kimon Bekelis, MD, FAANS Salvatore J. Palumbo, MD, FACS

NURSING HOME: Beach Terrace Care Center Grandell Rehabilitation and Nursing Center South Shore Rehabilitation and Nursing Center

OB/GYN: Arnelle H. Blinderman, MD Betsy Lantner, MD

Thomas Erhart, DO

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY: Metro Physical & Aquatic Therapy NY Physical Therapy & Wellness Theralympic Speech Therapy

ONCOLOGIST: Doron Weiner, MD Ryan Sugarman, MD Vincent Paul Vinciguerra, MD

OPHTHALMOLOGIST: Brad Kligman, MD Richard C. Nauheim, MD Stanley J. Berke, MD

OPTOMETRIST: Gail E. Correale, OD Steven B. Agin, OD Yael E. Gatenio, OD Doctor of Optometry

ORTHODONTIST: Christopher Paladino, DDS Natalie Bitton, DDS Seth Kleinrock, DDS

PEDICURE: Beach Nails Belle Beauty Salon Spa

Bewitched at Cheveux Salon

PHYSICAL THERAPIST: Joseph Cottone

Michael DeFeo, DPT Timothy Stauder, DPT

PHYSICAL THERAPY: Metro Physical & Aquatic Therapy

NY Physical Therapy & Wellness

Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy

PODIATRIST: Gideon P. Tarrash, DPM

Jay Kerner, DPM & Daniel Zilberbrand, DPM Michael Klein, DPM

REHABILITATION CENTER: Beach Terrace Care Center

Grandell Rehabilitation and Nursing Center

South Shore Rehabilitation and Nursing Center

SPA/MEDICAL SPA: Clarity Spa

Dolce Aesthetics

Rainforest Med Spa

SPEECH THERAPY: Suffolk Center for Speech The Speech Language Place Theralympic Speech Therapy

SPINE CENTER: New York Spine Institute

Spine Medicine & Surgery of Long Island

The Central Orthopedic Group

URGENT CARE CENTER:

AFC Urgent Care

CityMD Urgent Care

Northwell Health - GoHealth Urgent Care

VEIN/VASCULAR CENTER: Island Vein Specialists of Mineola

Long Island Heart & Vascular Specialist

USA Vein Clinics

WAXING: Calla Lily Rose Beauty Spa

European Wax Center

Wax Addictss

WEIGHT LOSS CENTER: New York Bariatric Group

Nu Med - Med Spa & Integrative Wellness

Ultra Body Weight Loss Centers

Congrats to all the Top 3 Finalists in the 2022 Herald Long Island Choice Awards presented by PSEG Long Island!

back each week for the Top 3 Reveal in each category leading up to the Oscar-style awards ceremony in April 2023.

top?

*Finalists are listed alphabetically, not in order of placement.

Public Notices

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

BY THE BOARD OF APPEALS

Pursuant to New York State Town Law Article 16, New York State Public Officers Law Article 7, and the Town of Hempstead Building Zone Ordinance, NOTICE is hereby given that the BOARD OF APPEALS of the Town of Hempstead will hold a public hearing in the Old Town Hall, 350 Front Street, Room 230, Second Floor, Hempstead, New York on 1/11/23 at 9:30 A.M. to consider the following applications and appeals:

THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED

STARTING AT 9:30 A.M. 51/23. BALDWINKenneth Roberts, Special exception to maintain accessory structure (shed) with roof attached thereto higher & larger than permitted & exceeds horizontal maximum on both sides; special exception to maintain 2nd accessory structure (shed) not permitted in side yard; special exception to maintain 3rd accessory structure (shed) not permitted in side yard & with less than required side yard setback., W/s Astor Pl., 189’ W/o Chess Dr., a/k/a 791 Astor Pl.

ALL PAPERS PERTAINING TO THE ABOVE HEARING ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THE BOARD OF APPEALS, TOWN HALL, 1 WASHINGTON STREET, HEMPSTEAD, NY 11550.

This notice is only for new cases in Baldwin within Town of Hempstead jurisdiction. There are additional cases in different hamlets, towns and villages on the Board of Appeals calendar. The full calendar is available a t https://hempsteadny.gov/ 509/Board-of-Appeals

The internet address of the website streaming for this meeting is https://hempsteadny.gov/ 576/Live-Streaming-Video Interested parties may appear at the above time and place. At the call of the Chairman, the Board will consider decisions on the foregoing and those on the Reserve Decision calendar and such other matters as may properly come before it.

136497

LEGAL NOTICE

REFEREE’S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE

SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE HOLDERS OF THE BANC OF AMERICA FUNDING CORPORATION, 2008-FT1 TRUST, MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2008-FT1, Plaintiffagainst - THOMAS C. DUNDIE A/K/A TOM C. DUNDIE, et al Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on August 27, 2018. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 “Rain or Shine” on the 17th day of January, 2023 at 2:00 PM. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Baldwin, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York.

Premises known as 811 Washington Street, Baldwin Harbor (Town of Hempstead), NY 11510.

(Section: 54, Block: 414, Lot: 3466)

Approximate amount of lien $263,855.65 plus interest and costs.

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale.

Index No. 010877/2014.

Jennifer B. Ettenger, Esq., Referee.

McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC

Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 840 New York, NY 10170 Tel. 347/286-7409

For sale information, please visit Xome.com Dated: November 14, 2022

During the COVID-19 health emergency, bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of sale including but not limited to, wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6-feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale.

135904

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT

COUNTY OF NASSAU Wells Fargo Bank, NA, Plaintiff AGAINST Marie Jerome, et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered March 5, 2014, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on January 18, 2023 at 2:00PM, premises known as 858 Seaman Avenue, Baldwin, NY 11510. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead,

County of Nassau and State of New York, SECTION: 54, BLOCK: 470, LOT: 320. Approximate amount of judgment $284,962.27 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #10925/2013. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the NASSAU County COVID-19 Protocols located on the Office of Court Administration (OCA ) website (https://ww2.nycourts.gov /Admin/oca.shtml) and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the court appointed referee will cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine”. For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832. George Esernio, Esq., Referee Frenkel Lambert Weiss Weisman & Gordon, LLP 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 11706 01-063631-F00 74113 135850

Auctions of Foreclosed Property established by the Tenth Judicial District. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.”

Richard T. Kerins, Esq., Referee

LOGS Legal Group LLP f/k/a Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff

175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792 Dated: December 1, 2022 136143

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT

COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE FOR RMAC TRUST, SERIES 2016-CTT, Plaintiff, v. VICKIE REINA, et al., Defendant(s).

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU The Bank of New York Mellon fka The Bank of New York, as Trustee for the Certificateholders of the CWABS Inc., AssetBacked Certificates, Series 2006-21, Plaintiff AGAINST Leonard M. Fontana, Jr. a/k/a Leonard M. Fontana a/k/a Leonard Fontana; et al., Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered October 11, 2022 I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on January 24, 2023 at 2:30PM, premises known as 11 Parkview Place, Baldwin, NY 11510. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Baldwin, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York, Section 54 Block 131 Lots 291 & 292. Approximate amount of judgment $1,055,669.34 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 002019/2012. The auction will be conducted pursuant to the COVID-19 Policies Concerning Public

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on September 24, 2019, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on January 25, 2023 at 2:30 p.m., premises known as 3186 Grand Avenue, Baldwin, NY 11510. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 54., Block 566 and Lot 37.

Approximate amount of judgment is $702,079.43 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #1788/2017. Cash will not be accepted. This foreclosure sale will be held on the north side steps of the Courthouse, rain or shine. COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed at the foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the Court Appointed Referee will cancel the sale.

Ellen Savino, Esq., Referee

Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No. 180341-1 136141

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU NYLNV CORP., Plaintiff AGAINST MICHAEL GILLETTE, NASSAU COUNTY PUBLIC ADMINISTRATOR AS ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF ETHEL M. GILLETTE, et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered April 12, 2018, I, the undersigned Referee

Baldwin residents celebrate marriage

Baldwin residents Raheem Harvey and Tabitha Jennings were married last month.

Town of Hempstead Clerk Kate Murray officiated a wedding for two Baldwin

residents —Raheem Harvey and Tabitha Jennings — on Dec. 2 at the Hempstead Town Hall.

Public Notices

will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on January 25, 2023 at 2:00PM, premises known as 34 PROSPECT STREET, ROOSEVELT, NY 11575. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Roosevelt, Town of Hempstead in the County of Nassau, State of New York, Section 55., Block 292, Lot 615. Approximate amount of judgment $239,578.38 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #008545/2012. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the NASSAU County COVID-19 mitigation protocols and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the court appointed referee will cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine”. David Howard Rosen, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 00-305098 74236 136099

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS LEGAL TITLE TRUSTEE FOR TRUMAN 2016 SC6 TITLE TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. FRED DEE AKA ALFRED M. DESIR, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on July 5, 2019 and an Order Extending Sale Deadline and Other Relief duly entered on February 3, 2022, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on January 23, 2023 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 684 Garfield Road, Baldwin, NY 11510. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 36, Block 216 and Lot 240. Approximate amount of Judgment is $335,473.36 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 007935/2016. This foreclosure sale will be held on the north side steps of the Courthouse, rain or shine. COVID-19 safety protocols will be

followed at the foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the Court Appointed Referee will cancel the sale.

Tony L. D’Anzica, Esq., Referee

Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No. 211680-1.

136107

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. Bank NA, successor trustee to Bank of America, NA, successor in interest to LaSalle Bank NA, on behalf of the registered Holders of Bear Stearns Asset Backed Securities I LLC, AssetBacked Certificates, Series 2007-AQ1, Plaintiff AGAINST Cinthya E. Navarrete Medina a/k/a Cinthya E. Navarrete, Edison R. Ortiz Mendez a/k/a Edison Ortiz, et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly dated December 3, 2019, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on January 26, 2023 at 2:00PM, premises known as 934 Pacific Street, Baldwin, NY 11510. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the

buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Baldwin, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, SECTION: 54, BLOCK: 395, LOT: 2511 & 2513 . Approximate amount of judgment $726,027.56 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #006028/2016. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the NASSAU County COVID-19 Protocols located on the Office of Court Administration (OCA) website (https://ww2.nycourts.gov /Admin/oca.shtml) and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the court appointed referee will cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine”. Ellen Durst, Esq., Referee Frenkel Lambert Weiss Weisman & Gordon, LLP 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 11706 01-032296-F01 74098 136291

PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES

To place a notice here call us us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com

— Andre Silva

Courtesy Town of Hempstead BALDWIN RESIDENTS RAHEEM Harvey and Tabitha Jennings were married last month

EMPLOYMENT

Help Wanted

Administrative Assistant For Five Towns Law Office

Mgmt/ Computer Skills Mandatory Salary Commensurate With Experience. Email Resume To Siberlaw@aol.com

ADMINISTRATIVE

Richner Communications - a rapidly growing multimedia company and publishers of the Herald newspaper grouphas several administrative job openings: Receptionist (P/T), Accounts Receivable/Billing Collections Clerk Multi-Media Coordinator (Hours Flexible)

Qualified candidates are fast learners with good organizational and people skills - entry level ok.

Role requires working knowledge of Microsoft Office and ability to learn custom software programs.

If you would like to join a communitydriven, fast-paced environment, please send your resume to: careers@liherald.com.

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My building’s in need of a tenant

Q. I have a building that has been unoccupied for three years. I bought it because it was going to have a long-term tenant. They backed out, so I need to get the building rented. I have a prospect who wants me to get the permits for their animal grooming service operation, with possible overnight boarding. They’re only interested if the permits are ready to go. What is the minimum I can do to get the permit and get the tenant into the building to rent? The building is 8,000 square feet, and the tenant only needs about 5,000. Do I need more permits for another tenant, and can I get them both together to save money? I need to do this quickly, or the tenant will go elsewhere. What can be done?

A. Time and cost are a problem. You probably won’t get results in under seven months to a year. Building plans take time, and must involve the tenant’s specific input as to where walls, plumbing and equipment will be located.

Most people treat plans like they’re just a suggestion, to be changed later, but the reality is that the plans need to show very specifically what will be done. Those plans have to be filed with all the required application papers and a property survey with the building department, which will then put the plans in a lineup with all the other plan folders that come in that will eventually be reviewed. Depending on the size of the community, this process can take three to four months before you first hear back that your plans are objected to or rejected.

Once you learn that you can’t be approved with a straight-away permit, you may request that the file go into a request for varying from the zoning code, since most municipalities do not allow overnight animal boarding. This is the zoning variance request. A zoning case is separate from a building permit, and requires the preparation of a map of the property, along with neighboring properties — sometimes, depending on the community, as far away as 600 feet. For commercial use, some municipalities require that the map show the accurate outline of all buildings and names of tenants and owners on each property, prepared by a licensed land surveyor.

If the plans you submit on behalf of your potential tenant do not reflect the true layout of the shapes and sizes of rooms, the location of equipment, etc., you may find yourself applying again to repeat the process when a building inspector sees that the plans were not followed, so you and the tenant have to treat this process seriously.

Also, if the building is not yet outfitted with sprinklers, plan on another seven- to 10-month process with the fire marshal. It can take less, but this is a common time frame. This process cannot be rushed, and isn’t like getting a driver’s license. Each tenant’s plans will need to be filed for separately. Good luck!

© 2022 Monte Leeper Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.

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OPINIONS

The ups and downs of 2022

Yes, 2022 was quite a year. Politics were at their ugliest. The world was in turmoil. War raged in the Ukraine. Overall, it was a tumultuous year. Here are some thoughts on it. The election had many surprises for New Yorkers. Kathy Hochul became the first elected woman governor in state history, but won her first full term by only 5 percentage points.

JERRY KREMER

Hochul ran a remote campaign, and failed to do local events. Her Republican opponent, Lee Zeldin, made it a closer contest than expected, using the issue of crime effectively.

Long Island made history by electing four Republican members of Congress, who helped their party cement its majority in the House. One of the winners, George Santos, turned out to have lied about his entire resume. Candidates sometimes exaggerate a chapter of their history, but not the entire story. At this writing, Santos was about to be investigated by the Nassau County district attorney. Even if he’s able to hang on to his job, he’ll definitely be a one-term member of Congress.

There were some other big local winners. Nassau Republican chair Joe Cairo’s candidates unseated two state senators, and his party now has seven out of nine Long Island senate seats. We can hope that the winning seven will find a way to work with the two Democrats whose party controls the senate. Cairo also produced a winning margin locally for Zeldin, which helped make the final results much closer.

Love him or not, President Biden had some big victories last year. Congress passed a bipartisan gun control bill, the first of its kind since the early 1990s. Of course, it took a number of major tragedies to spark a major defeat for the National Rifle Association, which had successfully blocked previous bills.

As well, new microchip legislation will pave the way for microchip factories in the United States. New York will get its own major chip facility upstate, which could bring thousands of jobs.

Another bipartisan win was the passage of a major bill that will fund the battle against climate change, a first in the country’s history. New York did its share by passing a $4 billion bond to combat global warming in the state. It will pay for

badly needed repairs to water and sewer systems and provide dollars for new forms of clean energy. Considering the measure’s high cost, its approval by voters was a miracle.

Those voters also sent a clear message to the Albany establishment on the issue of bail reform. Whether or not crime rates are as high in your community as some claim, the State Legislature will have to clean up the current law, or Democrats will take a bigger beating in 2024 and possibly lose control of the Senate.

And 2022 was supposed to be the year when cannabis would be sold at retail dispensaries. Some permits were given to people who’d had marijuana-related convictions, but otherwise the program stalled. New York is far behind Massachusetts and Rhode Island when it comes to legalized pot sales.

Our battle against the coronavirus last winter was successful. The number of New Yorkers suffering from the disease dropped dramatically. Covid vaccines proved to be effective. While mandates to wear masks were finally lifted, wearing masks in 2023 in crowded places will still be effective in keeping the numbers down.

Last November’s election results were historic. Over the past 50-plus years, the

president’s party has almost always lost seats in Congress, and has sometimes lost control of the House or Senate as well. But this time around, the Democrats, who some forecast would lose both houses, surprisingly kept control of the Senate, and almost retained control of the House.

So, 2022 was the year that prosecutors and the Jan. 6 committee painted a vivid picture of numerous wrongdoings by former President Donald Trump. He is facing grand jury deliberations, and even many of his staunchest supporters acknowledge that his reputation has taken a major hit. The failure of the candidates he endorsed in November didn’t help, either. This may be the year that he is called to account for his missteps.

The nation needs a cleansing from Trump’s grip on the Republican Party, which will help both political parties refocus on making government work — or at least they will try. This was quite a year. Hopefully, our leaders will learn from their mistakes, and produce some positive results for we the people.

Jerry Kremer was an Assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. He now heads Empire Government Strategies, a business development and legislative strategy firm. Comments about this column? jkremer@liherald.com.

Happiness is a reach, but we have long arms

Happiness is a reach, but we have long arms

As the new year begins, let us look up to the stars that light our winter nights.

The transition from 2022 to 2023 has been showered with starlight. Fresh off the front lines in Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky, the most unlikely of heroes, came to America to thank us for our support, and ask for more. As it turns out, the man in green fatigues roused something in us that had been beaten lifeless over the past few years: pride in our will to do good, faith in our democracy and a clear demarcation between right and wrong. Heroism is a rare commodity, but it walked into Congress on Dec. 21 and reminded us of who we are.

invaded, he stepped out of his old life and into battle dress. His visit to the U.S. shook something loose in our pervasive national cynicism and growing mistrust of one another. Here is a good guy, brave, not afraid to die for his country, a real David against a monstrous Goliath.

The Ukrainians face a winter without heat or running water, under constant bombardment by Russia. Their courage reminds us what death-defying bravery looks like after years of Trumpist self-serving corruption.

RANDI KREISS

“It is often in the darkest skies that we see the brightest stars,” the philosopher Hannah Arendt said. Just in these last weeks, as 2022 ended and as 2023 begins, the sky seems afire with hope.

human-rights and voter-rights legislation through Congress.

Heroes come in unlikely personas at odd times. Cassidy Hutchinson is in the news, too. The 26-year-old former assistant to Mark Meadows, the Trump White House chief of staff, a woman who knows right from wrong, decided to tell the truth about President Trump’s alleged crimes despite enormous pressure to dissemble. It is hard to overstate the significance of her testimony. She is key to the Department of Justice investigation of Trump and the insurrection. A woman who had to look up the history of Watergate to guide her may be key to preserving our democracy.

cal behavior at NYU Langone. The article alleged longstanding policies on the part of hospital administrators to offer favorable treatment to powerful donors and celebrities and political figures. The reporting stood boldly against those who think that might makes right, and in support of those who surrender to privilege or who are resigned to “the way things work.”

In the wake of the Times story, maybe those bending the rules will be held accountable. It’s going around.

The fact that we have newspapers and reporters who sweat the details and follow up and write truth to power is another bright star in our firmament.

Nothing about the Ukrainian presidential visit was business as usual. Zelensky’s superheroic persona was forged in the fires sparked by Russian missiles and tanks. Seems like a minute ago he was an entertainer raising a family in a safe and bustling society. But when the Russians

There was something uplifting in how it all looked: the man from Ukraine hugging the outgoing Speaker of the House and embracing the American president. Political pundits have been busy hounding aging boomers out of the public spotlight and urging older statespeople to retire. Yet it was 82-year-old Nancy Pelosi and 80-year-old Joe Biden who were getting things right, and getting the people’s work done. It was 72-year-old Sen. Chuck Schumer who pushed some critical

Then there’s the January 6th congressional committee and its 800-somethingpage report, released during these weeks of wonder. Another unlikely force for good, the committee, over 18 months, compiled a detailed and disturbing account of a rogue presidency, an attempted coup, and a coterie of accomplices to crimes against our nation.

Accountability is in the air, and it isn’t only playing out in our government. More locally, The New York Times recently ran a front-page story detailing alleged unethi-

For these many years of political travail and pandemic grief, newspapers have kept us informed. Stories like the expose on NYU prove that we have people in our profession who care about public corruption and work hard to bring it to light.

Correspondents on the ground in Ukraine risk their lives every day to bring us the human story unfolding there.

We survived the shortest day of the year. As the daylight lingers, is it harmony in our homeland we see in the new year? Moments of happiness? Certainly the stars are brilliant in our cold, dark skies, and we can read that as hope.

Copyright 2022 Randi Kreiss. Randi can be reached at randik3@aol.com.

I s it harmony in our homeland we see in the new year? Moments of happiness?

This was quite a year. We can hope that our leaders will learn from their mistakes.

Phone: (516) 569-4000 Fax: (516) 569-4942 Web: www.liherald.com E-mail: baldwineditor@liherald.com Copyright © 2022 Richner

When ‘it’s just government’ isn’t an excuse

It’s a new year. A time of renewal. A time when we look ahead to brighter days.

Many people, however, woke up a couple of days before Christmas to heavy rain and wind that once again brought a frightening amount of flooding to residential streets and primary roadways.

The early-winter storm evoked memories of 2012’s Hurricane Sandy, which was considered a once-in-a-century weather event. One South Shore resident even said that the storm was “giving me Sandy vibes.”

As early-morning motorists maneuvered through small rivers of water, it wasn’t surprising that some thought, “No, not again.” But they may have scratched their heads at the next thought: “Where are all those Sandy flood-mitigation projects we were promised?”

Less than a year after Sandy, New York state — under the direction of then Gov. Andrew Cuomo — established the Governor’s Office of Storm Recovery to centralize the rebuilding and recovery efforts through what was called the New York Rising Community Reconstruction Program. Sandy was one of three storms — along with Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee in 2011 — that were under the storm recovery office’s umbrella.

Roughly $4.4 billion was made available through federal funding for an assortment of resiliency projects across the state. Communities assembled committees of civic leaders. There were public meetings. State engineers were consulted. Ideas were exchanged. Public comment was collected.

From the list of projects provided by the storm recovery office, 45 have been

LETTERS

Does the columnist understand the waves?

To the Editor:

Re Matthew Adarichev’s column “The red wave that wasn’t, and the crime wave that isn’t” (Dec. 8-14):

I guess Adarichev didn’t see or understand the election results here, where people rejected the Democrats’ message of being soft on crime and bail reform.

He writes that fear of crime enabled Republicans to pull the red wave here.

So let me get this straight: We were supposed to elect people who couldn’t care less about us being free and safe in our neighborhood and homes while democracy and inflation were the two top issues?

The left loves throwing the word “democracy” around, but when you ask them for a definition, their minds go blank.

Adarichev goes on to say that there’s no crime wave, and that it’s OK to steal your

completed in Nassau County, while 30 others are in progress. The projects total nearly $334 million. GOSR has done a heck of a job.

However, getting to this point is one thing, but finishing is something else, and it looks as if it’s going to be a tough haul.

Local officials tasked with cooperating with their state counterparts have found the process, which continues today, annoyingly slow and frustrating. There have been too many meetings, too much talk, and a lack of coordination — to the point where it felt like projects were constantly stopping and starting.

The enterprise appeared to apply the software industry philosophy of “building the plane while it’s flying” as a way to fix problems as an imperfect process bumped along.

One of the problems appears to be selfinflicted. As local officials pushed to move these projects forward, not only were there too many personnel changes in the state storm-recovery office, but the handoffs from outgoing to incoming officials were apparently not the smoothest. Some projects went through nearly 10 iterations. It seemed that the process had to start from scratch any time there was a change in leadership in Albany.

Storm recovery representatives were also constantly interpreting federal language differently, creating more bumps in the road. The large amount of paperwork that moved back and forth between municipalities slowed projects down.

Then, in 2020, the world shut down because of the coronavirus pandemic. Projects that were in the works were given extensions because of unforeseen condi-

tions that created supply chain issues. That is understandable.

But don’t misunderstand: Much has been accomplished. There is a pump station in Cedarhurst, for example, that surely could help reduce flooding on Peninsula Boulevard.

Cuomo’s idea of having one central entity to oversee the projects was a good one. The state’s execution has to be better. Now that there is a record of what was done — good and bad — there should be an audit, and what is learned from it should be applied as soon as possible.

The state’s newly created — and much more permanent — Office of Resilient Homes and Communities will now take over the storm recovery office portfolio. We hope that a permanent department will mean less staff shuffling and a streamlining of the bureaucracy, with state officials more familiar with the communities they are supposed to be helping.

Communications among all parties necessitates documentation that must be retained. There should be checklists of what needs to be done. Personnel changes must include physical handoffs of duties and project details from one representative to the next.

At one of many public meetings held several years ago, one resident was heard to say, “It’s just government,” in response to proposed plans that neighbors did not completely agree with.

That’s not an excuse our government should hide behind. To start the new year off right, the state should move the remaining projects to completion as soon as possible — before the next storm strikes.

OPINIONS

Does Kirsten Gillibrand care about Long Islanders?

Absent on personal appearances. Just plain absent. Even Newsday was compelled at one point to ask, “Where is she?”

RONALD J. ROSENBERG

New York state’s missing U.S. senator, Kirsten Gillibrand, recently surfaced on Long Island. That must mean that Gillibrand finally got around to analyzing November’s election results and the near-death experience that will be seared into Gov. Kathy Hochul’s memory. Say what you will about our senior senator, Chuck Schumer — and there’s much to say — at least he knows where Long Island is. Before he became majority leader, Schumer seemed to be on the Island every weekend, holding news conferences on topics ranging from baby products to the width of airline seats. He understood the power of Long Island’s potent voter base and its propensity to swing right or left, depending on issues and personalities.

Schumer has been in our faces, like him or not, because he understands politics and the importance of engaging voters. He has long recognized that if you take Long Island for granted, you do so at your own political peril.

Gillibrand? She has long been absent on issues. Absent on voter engagement.

Well, you can tell that she has checked the calendar, and discovered that re-election is just two years away. Last month she met with journalists in Melville. In what was described as a wide-ranging discussion, Gillibrand announced that Long Island’s “red wave” would end in 2024. While suggesting that her party was trounced in November because “a lot of Long Island is libertarian,” she added, “I intend to run for re-election and win the state back, along with Long Island.”

These are bold words from someone who has failed to make a serious connection with Long Island voters. Over the years, Gillibrand has made a handful of announcements about federal programs, with little evidence that she pursued them specifically for our region, or even the state. In some instances, she has simply piggybacked off press statements from Schumer’s office.

To be fair, a search reveals that she held a town hall meeting at Hofstra in October. At that event, in which she engaged with students, the focus was the

LETTERS

catalytic converter. These thieves aren’t looking for their next meal or hanging out at soup kitchens. They are highly organized criminals, along with a few complicit junkyard owners, netting hundreds of thousand of dollars a year.

It sickens Adarichev that there’s another shooting, another corpse and some boyfriend beating up his girlfriend.

No mention of how the victims feel being pushed in front of a train or mugged on the street, or of bullets shot through children’s bedroom windows. Welcome to the world of bail reform, criminals’ getout-of-jail-free card. But according to Matt, we have nothing to worry about.

Then he brings up a price cap to reduce the cost of gas. Here’s an idea: open drilling and exploration, like the last administration did. We were energy-independent and gas was $2 a gallon.

Now President Biden begs for gas from Venezuela, which is run by a dictator, and Saudi Arabia, which still hasn’t come clean about 9/11.

MICHAEL APPICE Westbury

Government shouldn’t control energy on L.I.

To the Editor:

The recent column by Ronald Rosenberg (“‘Energy efficient’ may become a contradiction in terms,” Dec. 1-7) hits the nail on the head. Proposed moves away from the current public/private energy setup, which works well, are supported by left-wing activists who want further government control.

Current conventional energy producers and purveyors tend to be Republican and conservative. The cries for clean and green energy have less to do with saving the planet and more to do with consolidating power among Democrats and socalled progressives. More and more analysis has shown that electric cars, wind power and solar power are fraught with failures. Wake up, folks — the real goal here is to consolidate power among the radical left, not to save the planet.

MIKE TARTAGLIA Franklin Square

Supreme Court’s ruling on abortion. She told the Herald that she was in favor of term-limiting the justices. Ironically, that’s a suggestion she has not proffered for members of the Senate.

Gillibrand described herself as “very progressive” in her Melville interview, which raises the question: Just how far out of step is she with the majority of New Yorkers and those Long Island “libertarians” who voted in the last election cycle? Does she appreciate that being “very progressive” may serve to short-circuit a primary challenge from the left, but leaves her totally at odds with moderates in both parties?

Being frightened of a left-wing primary challenge led Hochul to ignore such profound issues as crime, high taxes, and municipal zoning authority. Her election night turned rather tense as returns demonstrated that a state with nearly twice as many Democrats as Republicans wasn’t going to give her the margin of victory her consultants were touting.

Former Rep. Lee Zeldin has given no indication of what he plans to do for the next two years. He has been mentioned as a potential choice as the next state GOP chairman, who could infuse new blood and strategic vision into that posi-

FRAMEWORK by Tim Baker

tion. There is also speculation that he could run for Senate, confronting Gillibrand’s progressive candidacy with the grounded policies of moderates and conservatives who want an engaged senator who knows the difference between AOC and the LIE.

Another Long Islander who would make a formidable opponent to Gillibrand is Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman. He has quickly established his credentials as a tireless campaigner who embraces policies that are welcomed by those who describe themselves as Republicans, as well as independents who are in search of common sense. Comfortable before the media, popular “at home” and dedicated to public service, Blakeman would be an attractive candidate on many levels.

While two years is a lifetime in politics, Gillibrand’s recent return to Long Island is like Halley’s Comet, an event that happens very rarely. And her description of our red wave as the product of a bunch of libertarians is a reflection of the fact that she may visit every once in a while, but she doesn’t know us. And never has.

Ronald J. Rosenberg has been an attorney for 42 years, concentrating in commercial litigation and transactions, and real estate, municipal, zoning and land use law. He founded the Garden City law firm Rosenberg Calica & Birney in 1999.

Preparing to ring it in at the Electric Light Parade — Long Beach

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