Baldwin Herald 11-17-2022

At Post 246, honoring those who served

By ANDRE SILVA asilva@liherald.com

South Shore veterans and invited guests gathered at Bald win’s American Legion Post 246 on Veterans Day to be hon ored for their service and to remember their fallen com rades.

The ceremony began with the Pledge of Allegiance, which was followed by a presentation of the armed forces and speech es by several guests. The crowd listened to classic military

hymns, special honors were presented to several veterans, and the ceremony was followed by a luncheon. Among the guests were members of the Nassau County Police Depart ment’s 1st Precinct and the Baldwin Fire Department, and Nassau County Legislator Debra Mulé.

In the middle of the room, next to Post 246 Commander Stu Cohen, was a lone chair, over which was draped a black shirt with a POW emblem. The

ON PAGE 4

Baldwin Royals captures first league championship Travel baseball team wins Long Island Hot Stove Fall Bonanza 9-and-under title

By ANDRE SILVA asilva@liherald.com

The Baldwin Royals, a local travel baseball team, celebrated their Long Island Hot Stove Fall Bonanza League 9-andunder championship with a pizza party last Sunday.

The Royals, Baldwin ele mentary school children ages 7 to 9, and their coach es and parents gathered at Baldwin Little League headquarters on Church Street to commemorate their championship win on Oct. 23.

Head Coach Joe Mara no, of Baldwin, explained that the team entered the single-elimination playoffs as the fourth seed, and beat the Roslyn Bulldogs in the first round, 19-2. In the championship game, the Royals beat the Queens Bombers, 10-1.

Marano said he believed his players won because of the hard work they put in each week at practice. The Royals, he said, trained twice a week during the spring, summer and fall seasons, from April to Early November, and the Bethpage-based Hot Stove organization hosts a win

ter training program in the off-season. He said his players listen to directions well and worked hard for their wins.

Marano said he finds most of his athletes in the hamlet’s elementary schools, like Kenan Radon cic, a 7-year-old secondgrader at Steele Elementa ry and the youngest player on the team.

Kenan, who pitched in the championship game, is a shortstop as well. He said he loves being part of a team and striking out his opponents, and added that

he was excited about next season and wanted to con tinue playing baseball into adulthood.

Collin Heyward, an 8-year-old third-grader at Lenox Elementary who pitches, catches and plays third base for the Royals, said it’s fun to work hard in practice and win games with his team. Collin pitched in the first playoff game, and said he was proud to contribute to the team’s wins.

Lourdes and Jackie Gar cia-Fernandez, the parents

Andre Silva/Herald Photos

STU COHEN, COMMANDER of Baldwin American Legion Post 246, left, honored several veterans, including Baldwin Fire Chief Brien Cummings, who served in the Army.

I do my best to teach the game, so I can instill a love of the game in players got to play.

PHIL SIEGEL Assistant coach, Baldwin Royals

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Family asks locals to keep tradition alive

By ANDRE SILVA asilva@liherald.com

Katherine Blazdell, a Baldwin resi dent, is trying to keep her parents tradi tion alive, but needs help.

Blazdell, the daughter of Joan and John “Bud” Giles of Baldwin and sister to Elizabeth Giles, is one of the owners of one of the largest trees strung with Christmas lights each year in Baldwin. Blazdell said her tree, located on the cor ner of Irving Place and Harte Street, draws attention each year from neighbors who like to drive by and pose for pictures when the lights turn on in late November each year.

Blazdell said the tradition of lighting the tree started in 1971 when her father Nathaniel Giles passed away. At the time she was 20 years old, her sister 16, and the tree was 65 feet tall. She said her father her father John Giles was inspired to light the tree as grand as Rockefeller Center Tree in Manhattan, but never had the means to do so, when he passed away they started the tra dition in his honor.

KATHERINE BLAZDELL, the daughter of the late Joan and John “Bud” Giles of Baldwin and sister to Elizabeth Giles

Since then she and her mother, Joan Giles, continued the tradition by hiring the local Pacific Lawn and Sprinklers, a chain sprinkler, irrigation, and installa tion services company, to decorate the tree with lights in honor of her father, John Giles.

Blazdell’s mother passed away on Aug. 13, 2021 and since then Blazdell is strug gling to raise enough money to decorate, and maintain the lights on the tree with out support for the community. She said she organized a Go-Fund-Me campaign to raise approximately $7,000 to ensure the maintenance and aesthetic of the tree stays in tact until after December. To donate go to TinyUrl.com/pbts2k2n.

“Now we’re trying to keep the tree lit to honor both of their memories,” said Blazdell.

Last weekend on Nov. 6 Pacific Lawn and Sprinklers hung lights up on Blazdell’s tree again. Blazdell said she made a deal to pay Pacific Lawn and Sprinklers when the lights come down after Christmas. She said she hopes she can raise enough funds this by the end of the holiday to keep the tradition alive.

Blazdell said technicians from Pacific Lawn and Sprinklers would check the tree again for any damages by wildlife and weather and light the tree after thanksgiving.

“My mother insisted the lights do not get lit until after Thanksgiving,” said Blazdell.

Although the tradition started to honor her father, Blazdell said the commu nity truly liked the tradi tion and engaged with it by stopping for pictures. She said for the past two years their house was included in the Baldwin Fire Department’s Santa route, where members of the fire department dress up as Santa and drive around town for the holi days.

Blazdell said the tree is so tall, the tree’s tip can be seen from the upper plat forms of the Baldwin Long Island Rail Road train sta tion.

Castro Walters, a neigh bor from Baldwin, said many neighbors would stop by the tree to enjoy the lights and take pic tures. He said people come from all over town to see the lights during the win ter season.

“People come out and play Christmas music, peo ple hand out candy, and sometimes there’s a little parade where they feature Santa,” said Walters.

BLAZDELL’S 85-FOOT TREE, decorated for the holidays, in previous years

THE TREE IS now deocartaed with lights and will turn on after Thanksgiving.

Photos Couresty of Katherine Blazdell

THE LATE JOAN Giles, Katherine Blazdell’s mother, took a photo in front of her lit 85-foot tree with a member of the fire department dressed as Santa on their Santa route during the holidays in previous years.

Now were trying to keep the tree lit to honor both of those memories

Veterans each reflect on their experiences

chair, Cohen explained, represented U.S. prisoners of war and soldiers who went missing in action and never returned home.

Cohen said that Veterans Day was about honoring the millions who have served in defense of 20 American free doms. After saluting the members of each military branch who were in attendance, he said that all of them veterans took an oath that will never expire to defend the coun try against all for eign and domes tic threats.

“A veteran is someone who (wrote) a blank check to the Unit ed States,” Cohen said, “which includes, at its extent, their lives.” Baldwin Fire Chief Brien Cum mings said he joined the Army on May 10, 1989, not long before the Persian Gulf War began with Operation Desert Storm. He added that he thought it was great that the community can come together to recognize veterans, because they have all made a sacrifice in one way or another.

“Some of those, as celebrated on Memorial Day, made the supreme sacri fice,” Cummings said. “You never knew what could happen out there, and it was an honor to serve.”

His experience in the Army, he said, taught him not only the discipline and skills necessary to be a good soldier, but also how to serve his community. It inspired his interest in community ser vice, Cummings added, and to serve as a firefighter.

“If you joined at 17, you’d be a trained killer at 19,” said Alfred Ficalora, an Army veteran from Baldwin. “You got your discipline there, which I know helped me further in life.”

Ficalora said he served in the Army in

1967, when he was 19, with the military police in El Paso, Texas, during the Viet nam War. W

hen he joined, he said, was one of the oldest recruits in his training unit. He added that more young people should join the armed forces.

Ficalora said he owed much of his life to being in the Army, because it set him on the right path. And although he believes young people should join the mil

itary, he said that he sometimes feels guilty because some of the soldiers he trained with didn’t make it home, or did so with debilitating PTSD.

“You feel guilty sometimes,” Ficalora said. “Maybe if I was there, they wouldn’t be dead, but then again, maybe if I was there, I’d be dead. Its just the luck of the draw.”

Other servicemen and women were honored during the ceremony. Cohen pre

sented the Jones Beach Coast Guard sta tion with a certificate of commendation, recognizing the commitment its members make to the nation. Cohen also presented honors to the NCPD’s 1st Precinct; to two of its officers, Nicholas Stephani and Michael Gironda; and to Jerry Brown, a firefighter in the BFD’s Hook and Ladder Company Two and a commissioner of the Town of Hempstead Sanitary District No. 2.

Andre Silva/Herald

AMERICAN LEGION COMMANDER Stu Cohen, right, honored Alfred Ficalora, an Army veteran.

BRIEN

Former fire chief warns of lithium ion battery failure

Former fire chief and commission er Paul Yanantuono put out a warning regarding the increased use of lithium ion batteries.

Yanantuono said as the use of bat tery technology continues to progress, the impact it has on our everyday lives will continue to grow. Yanantuono is specifically regarding the use of Lithi um Ion Batteries, which are found in many consumer electronics and mobil ity devices like Hybrid and Electric vehicles.

Yanantuono said this type of porta ble energy has been proven to be extremely reliable when used properly and maintained according to the man ufactures specifications but problems arise when these batteries become damaged or not properly charged. He said the battery pack could go into “Thermal Runaway,” which causes bat teries to produce extreme heat and in some cases explode.

Yanantuono said there are several indicators to identify if a lithium ion battery is damaged. The first is heat, or higher than normal temperatures. Yan antuono said during the charging pro cess it is normal for batteries to gener ate heat, but if you device feels extremely hot to the touch, that could

be an indicator that its defective and at risk of combusting.

Yanantuono said the second indica tor is swelling, which happens when a lithium ion battery fails. Thirdly he said took listen for sound. He said lithi um ion batteries are also known to make a hissing or cracking sound when they fail

Yanantuono said the last indicators are the most telling. He said if you notice a strong or unusual odor coming from your device this could also be a bad sign. Lastly is smoke, which he said is an indicator that a fire has already started in the battery.

Yanantuono said if you experience any of these warning signs, do not touch the device a lithium ion battery can reach temperatures up to 1000 degrees. He said instead to safely unplug the device, exit your home and call fire department from outside your home.

He stressed its imperative not to reenter the home after a failed battery is detected. Instead inform the dis patcher this is a lithium ion battery fire, and wait for assistance. For more questions about fire safety you can call Yanantuono at 516-223-6858.

— Andre Silva

Baldwin High School presents Mama Mia!

The Baldwin High School is presenting Mama Mia for this year’s winter’s drama production later this month.

The Baldwin High School Playhouse is presenting three showings of Mama Mia at the Baldwin High School located on 841 Kloberg Drive on starting on Nov. 17 at 4 p.m. That night tickets will cost eight dol lars, and the showing on Nov. 18 at 7:30 p.m. will cost 13 dollars. Likewise the pro duction on Nov. 18 at 7:30 p.m. will also cost 13 dollars. Tickets are available on sale at ShowTix4U.com.

Andre Poprilla, director of fine and performing arts at the Baldwin High School, and students from the high school’s playhouse presented a brief pre view of two of their songs at a board of education meeting to parents and board members at 8 p.m. on Nov. 9. The last pro duction from the playhouse was 12 Angry Jurors from March 31 to April 2, 2022. Anyone with questions or seeking more information can call 516-434-6012.

— Andre Silva

Herald Photo

THE BALDWIN HIGH School is presenting Mama Mia for this year’s winter’s drama pro duction starting on Nov. 17 at 4 p.m. until Nov. 18 at 7:30 p.m.

SPORTS

Baldwin falls short against Massapequa

By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com

The No. 9 preseason seed in Nassau Conference I foot ball, Baldwin fell about a yard short of reaching the coun ty championship game.

The Bruins closed within a point of two-time defending champion Massapequa with 1:24 remaining in last Satur day night’s semifinal at Hofstra and decided to try for the go-ahead two-point conversion.

Baldwin sophomore quarterback Vaughdrea Johnson, who had a 14-yard touchdown run to narrow a margin that was once 15 down to one, was bottled up by the Chiefs’ defense on the conversion attempt and Massapequa recov ered the ensuing on-side kick to hold on for a 21-20 victory.

“It’s our go-to call,” Baldwin head coach Frank Chi mienti said of the conversion play. “Power read and Vaughdrea is one of our best athletes. They just made a big defensive play. His knee was down sooner than we thought. About a yard short.”

Massapequa, the No. 2 seed, advanced to face top-seed ed and unbeaten Farmingdale in the title game next Sat urday at 4 p.m. The last time the Chiefs reached the finals in three consecutive seasons was 1987 through ‘89.

“We’re probably going to analyze things for the next eight months on what we could’ve done differently, but there’s nothing specific I can think of,” Chimienti said. “We went toe-to-toe with them and our kids fought like they did all year. I don’t think anyone had us one play from

making the finals.”

The Bruins (7-3) scored on their opening drive on Johnson’s 1-yard touchdown run just 1:25 in, set up by a 64-yard burst by senior Anthony Byron on the first offen sive snap of the night. Byron was limited to defense most of the game due to a dehydration issue but still managed a key interception in the fourth quarter to halt a Mass apequa drive.

“After the first run, he got a little dehydrated and we decided to just use him on defense,” Chimienti said of Byron. “He had an incredible season. He did everything he could to stay on the field and contribute.”

The Chiefs kept Baldwin off the scoreboard for the next 35 minutes and scored once in the second quarter (Ryan Fountain 50-yard touchdown reception) to lead 7-6 at halftime, and twice in the third quarter courtesy of Michael DeLuca to lead 21-6.

With its season slipping away, Baldwin responded early in the fourth and drove 72 yards on 11 plays to get within a score. Johnson (101 yards rushing) connected with senior Cedric Jean-Pierre on a 23-yard touchdown passing play to cap it and then ran in the two-point con version to make it 21-14.

The Bruins’ final drive covered 58 yards in five plays. Kicking for the tie and then giving the Chiefs the ball back with well over a minute left didn’t cross Chimienti’s mind, he said.

“We went for it,” Chimienti said. “It’s a heartbreaking loss, but I’m so proud of our guys.”

Eric Dunetz/Herald

BALDWIN SOPHOMORE QUARTERBACK Vaughdrea Johnson rushed for 101 yards and two touchdowns in last Saturday’s semifinal defeat.

Art and photography in the community garden

Local artists joined the Baldwin Civic Association to display and sell their art work at the Baldwin Community Garden last week.

The Baldwin Civic Association held the first? Art in the Garden event where Long Island artists of all ages were wel comed to set up vendor booths and dis played their work in the Baldwin Commu nity Garden located on 1980 Grand Ave. on sunny but windy afternoon on November 4 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Elissa Kirchner, the Baldwin Civic Association’s Beautification Chairwom an, helped organize the event and shared her photography. She had her own booth covered in her photographs as well as sev eral framed photos hanging from a tree on the perimeter of the park.

Among the all of the artists in the gar den, the youngest Madelyn Buske, a

CHRISTOPHER

FAHEY, A New York based teacher, musician, artist and co-owner of Crucial Designs, and graphic designer, set up an array of prints, stickers, and paintings

twelve-year-old seventh grader from Bald win, tried her hand as an art vendor fir the first time. She set up her own booth of acrylic painting and said she was excited to try selling her paintings at the market.

Next to Burke, Christopher Fahey, a New York based teacher, musician, artist and co-owner of Crucial Designs, and graphic designer, set up an array of prints, stickers, and paintings.

Angela Lucas, the founder and chief executive officer of Hangout One Happy Place, and children from the organization also joined the art market to sell their member’s paintings and the organiza tion’s shirts. Lucas said the children made paintings on canvas using dots of paint and a squeegee to make colorful humans on canvas.

— Andre Silva

Photos by Andre Silva/Herald

ELISSA KIRCHNER, THE Baldwin Civic Association’s Beautification Chairwoman, shared her photography at the first Art in the Garden event on Nov. 4 in the Community Garden.

Royals look forward to their winter training

of 9-year-old Jovani Fernandez-Garcia, said he learned important lessons as a member of the team: how to be more patient, work with his teammates and handle defeat gracefully, according to Lourdes.

“When I first met the coaches, they said our kids are going to come out of here learning new skills,” Jackie added. “That always resonated with me.”

Jovani, a fourth-grader at Steele Ele mentary, plays center field, but said he

loves batting the most, and wants to play in the major leagues someday. Max ton Cooper-Siegel, 8, who’s in third grade at Meadow Elementary School, plays right field and second base, and catches. “It’s so fun to hit, run for or dive for the ball, sometimes block it,” Maxton said. “But I also like hitting balls and running.”

His father, Phil Siegel, an assistant coach for the Royals, said he started coaching when his son joined Hot Stove. Siegel said that he grew up playing base

ball, and it means a lot to him to pass the tradition on to his son.

“I do my best to teach the game the right way,” he said, “so I can instill a love of the game in players who never had the opportunity to play.”

Chris Morro, the owner of the Roy als, said he wants to make players better on and off the field, and that he teaches kids how to compete, but also how to be respectful.

“We’re all about the kids — we really are,” Morro said. “Our motto is ‘Pride,

spirit and tradition.’”

Morro said he took on the ownership of the Royals when the previous owner, Robert Oliveri, died in 2019. Hot Stove had difficulty growing during the coro navirus pandemic, Morro said, which it is now starting to overcome. Next sea son, he plans to introduce two or three new teams to the Royals organization.

The winter workout season, Morro said, lasts 10 weeks, starting on Jan. 1 and running until mid-March, and the spring season starts on Memorial Day.

Andre Silva/Herald photos

THE BALDWIN ROYALS, a local travel baseball team, celebrated their Long Island Hot Stove championship with a pizza party last Sunday at their headquarters.

CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE

ROYALS WON the Long Island Hot Stove Fall Bonanza League 9-andunder champi onship.

School children across the Baldwin school district dressed in red to unify against drug use and raise aware ness about their impact last week.

Students and faculty across Baldwin Union Free School District joined in a nationwide movement by cele brating Red Ribbon Week throughout their schools last week. The school district said Red Ribbon Week raises awareness about drug use and the impact of drug use on communities. They also said they’re encouraging par

ents, educators, business owners, and other community organizations to promote drug-free lifestyles.

The school district said this year’s theme was “Cele brate Life, Live Drug Free.” To celebrate, students partic ipated in school-wide theme days, and by wearing red to show they are “red-y” to take on a drug-free life. Students also wore sports jerseys to “team up” and say no to drugs. They also pledged to increase their knowledge about the destructive effect of drug abuse and their com

mitment to living a healthy, drug-free lifestyle.

The National Family Partnership created the first official Red Ribbon Week celebration in 1988. NFP coor dinate the campaign for families, schools, and communi ties across the nation each year. Since then, the red rib bon has symbolized a commitment to reducing the demand for illicit drugs in our nation’s communities. For more information visit: GetSmartAboutDrugs.gov.

— Andre Silva

Courtesy of the Baldwin Union Free School District

STUDENTS AND FACULTY across Baldwin Union Free School District celebrated Red Ribbon Week throughout their schools to raise awareness about drug use and its impact in com munties last week.

Baldwin local awarded person of the month

The Baldwin Chamber of Commerce honored Rita Cava naugh and Park Assets Real Estate Corp. as volunteer and business of the month respec tively, last week.

The Chamber of Commerce and Baldwin business owners to discuss any concerns a business may come across when trying to comply with building code regu lations. The chamber welcomed Town of Hempstead Building Supervisor David Coaker at Basil Leaf Grill located on 1019 Atlantic Ave. at 6 p.m. on Nov. 9.

Prior to inviting Coaker to speak, the chambers president Erik Mahler presented a volun teer of the month award to Rita Cavanaugh, head of the Bald win Civic Association’s beautifi cation committee, for her work and contributions to starting the Baldwin Community Gar den. Mahler also presented Park Assets Real Estate Corp with business of the month.

The next Chamber of Com merce meeting will be at the Irish Pub located on 834 Merrick Road in Baldwin at 12:30 p.m. on the second Wednesday of the month, Dec 14.

— Andre Silva

Photos by Andre Silva/Herald

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE president Erik Mahler presented a volun teer of the month award to Rita Cavanaugh , head of the Baldwin Civic Association’s beautification committee, for her work and contributions to starting the Baldwin Community Garden.

MAHLER ALSO PRESENTED Park Assets Real Estate Corp with busi ness of the month.

STEPPING OUT

Let’s talk about Bruno — and Anna and Elsa, too Step inside an enchanting adventure in Disney on Ice’s

YES: Close to the Edge Tour

By Karen Bloom

As the calendar moves through November, another ice extravaganza from the Disney folks is sure to find its way here. This season’s production brings together two of Disney’s blockbuster films as the beloved stories come to life on ice — “as never before,” according to the Disney folks.

The spectacle, which runs through Nov. 20 at UBS Arena in Elmont, transports audiences to the heart of the icy world in

WHERE WHEN

• Now through Sunday, Nov. 20. Times vary.

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

Arendelle and the Madrigal family’s casita in Columbia. And, of course, the action is guided by everyone’s favorite “hosts” — Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy — who keep the energetic show moving along

each segment.

control the weather with her emotions. Her husband, Felix. Their daughter Dolores, with her gift to hear. And, yes, the mysterious Bruno, the misunderstood Madrigal family member whose visions foretold the future.

Think of this production as a singalong on ice, accompanied by dramatic skating. From beginning to end, audiences are immediately drawn to their favorite tunes, highlighted, of course, by the power ballad “Let It Go” and the boppy “We Don’t Talk About Bruno.”

The pioneering rockers are back on stage in celebration of the 50th anniversary of their famed album, ‘Close to the Edge.’ With an ever growing fan base, YES continues to electrify audiences with daunting virtuosity, complex musical textures and powerful lead vocals. ‘Close to the Edge’ is widely considered one of their most defining albums, not only for YES but for the whole progressive movement. It became an inspiration for their contemporaries and for successive generations of musicians. Experience an unforgettable evening of YES at its best, featuring its existential prog masterworks and instrumental pyrotechnics. The band — featuring core members Steve Howe on guitars along with keyboardist Geoff Downes, singer Jon Davison and bassist Billy Sherwood — will play the iconic album in its entirety plus a set of classic YES hits.

world of “Frozen,’ narrated by Olaf, the lovable snowman who likes warm hugs and all winter. and bring back summer.

“I’m extremely proud of this show,” says Artistic Director Adam Loosely. “Disney on Ice continues to combine athletics and skating to tell a really good story. This particular production is all about contrasts (from design and costume to storyline) from the cold blues of ‘Frozen’ to the warm South American culture and colors of ‘Encanto.’ It comes together in such a meaningful way.”

who charm everyone in We

family home alongside her sisters: Isabela — whose perfection radiates with her ability to make plants grow and flowers bloom with every step — and Luisa, with the gift of super strength that she

After the dramatic opening sequence, you’ll enter the all things summer. He’ll take everyone to Arendelle to help Anna find Elsa, whose icy powers unleashed an eternal winter. Kristoff and Sven will be there, too, as they race to bring back summer. Then it’s time to visit with the Madrigals, that extraordinary family who charm everyone in “Encanto.” We follow Mirabel’s quest to save the casita, her enchanted uses to help her village move buildings and reroute rivers. Meet Tia Pepa, who can

Stepping in to helm the production as firsttime artistic director, Loosely admits to feeling what he described as “a little anxiety initially during the process. “My nerves started to fade away when I realized the whole (creative) team had the same vision. ‘Frozen’ has resonated with people for years and years. It seems we can’t have an ice show without ‘Let It Go.’”

As for “Encanto,” audiences are seeing these characters on ice for the first time. “The response has been really rewarding for our cast,” Loosely says.

And for that cast, Loosely points out that the production is much more than a retelling of the two movies. The skaters’ athleticism shines in their displays of aerial acrobatics and skating technique, setting the tone with the opening number. “It truly highlights the talent of the cast, with solos, pairs and plenty of skating style changes.”

“It’s a beautiful, optimistic show, which we need after two plus years of the pandemic,” he adds. “Spend two hours and leave with a smile on your face. We all deserve that.”

Two

Saturday, Nov. 19, 8 p.m. NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Road, Westbury. Tickets are available at TheTheatreAtWestbury. com, LiveNation.com or (516) 247-5200.

Kirk Whalum

A familiar presence on the Madison Theatre stage with his gospel concerts, Kirk Whalum returns with a performance that demonstrates his versatile command of his sax and devotion to jazz in all its forms. Soulful, passionate, stirring — these are the words most often used to describe Whalum’s music. Forged from his Memphis, Tennessee, gospel roots and his 1980s initiation into the thriving Houston nightclub scene, Whalum’s big, rich tenor sound is unmistakably his. An ordained minister, he is the recipient of numerous awards and acknowledgments for his musical excellence, including a Grammy (2011) for Best Gospel Song (‘It’s What I Do,’ featuring Lalah Hathaway). In a career spanning decades, Whalum has a sound that is uniquely his — a sound that leaves an indelible imprint.

Saturday, Nov. 19, 8 p.m. $40-$95. Madison Theatre, Molloy University campus, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre. (516) 323-4444 or MadisonTheatreNY.org.

Photos courtesy Feld Entertainment

Photo:

popular movies from the Disney canon become one in an ice skating spectacle that shares the message: You are the magic.

Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont through

THE SCENE

On stage

Plaza Theatrical continues its season with “Grumpy Old Men: The Musical,” Saturday, Nov. 19, 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, Nov. 20, 2:30 p.m. Also continuing Nov. 26-Dec. 3. Based on the beloved 1993 film, which starred Jack Lemmon, Walter Matthau and Ann-Margret, this stage adaptation captures the lovably crotchety characters through twinkling humor, great songs, and the affectionate depiction of a small town that feels like home to everyone. It’s performed at Plaza’s stage at the Elmont Library Theatre, 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont. $49, $45 seniors. Elmont. For tickets, call (516) 599-6870 or visit PlazaTheatrical.com.

Legislator Joseph Scannell Memorial Tree Dedication

St. Francis Hospital Outreach Bus

St. Francis Hospital is coming to the Baldwin Public Library with their Outreach Bus for free health screenings on Tuesday, Nov. 29, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Medical personnel will review cardiac history, test blood pressure, and conduct simple blood tests to detect diabetes for adults 18 and older at the library located on 2385 Grand Avenue.

Baking Apple Crisp Pie

Brian Stokes Mitchell

Two-time Tony Award winner Brian Stokes Mitchell brings his “Songs and Stories” concert, to Tilles Center, Saturday, Nov. 19, 7:30 p.m., performing classic standards and soaring showstoppers from his celebrated career. In this joyous and elegant evening of glorious songs and personal storytelling, on the LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Boulevard, Brookville, the star of “Ragtime,” “Man of La Mancha” and “Kiss, Me Kate,” among others, will serenade audiences with his powerful baritone, accompanied his long-time pianist and collaborator, Tedd Firth. Tickets are $62, available at TillesCenter.org or (516) 299-3100.

Nov. 19

Join Legislator Debra Mule at Silver Lake Park on Tuesday, Nov 22, to plant a tree in honor of Legislator Joseph Scannell’s life, advocacy and commitment to community. The planting starts at 10 a.m. at the park located on Foxhurst Road in Baldwin.

Bake apple crisp pies with Chefs of d’Future, Sunday, Nov. 20, 2 p.m., at Baldwin Public Libray, 2385 Grand Avenue, in the community room. Families are invited to bring their own rolling pins to create eight-inch pies for the holiday. Questions can be directed to the library at (516) 223-6228.

Family Fun Friday

Come down to the Baldwin Public Library for a day of fun activities for all ages like balloon twisting class, arts and crafts, face painting, and a family movie on Friday, Nov. 25. The library is located on 2385 Grand Avenue and questions can be directed towards (516) 2236228.

Holiday fun

Visit the streets of 19th century London during the darkest days of the year, in this adaption of the classic “A Christmas Carol,” with the Experiential Theater Company, Friday and Saturday, Nov. 25-26, 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.; also Wednesday, Nov. 30, 10:15 a.m. and noon, on the Long Island Children’s Museum stage. Meet the Cratchit family, Mr. Scrooge, and the ghosts of past, present and future in this interactive show that weaves together music, humor, puppetry and collaboration.

Celebrate the change of seasons through this beloved literary tale. Performances continue through December.

Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or LICM.org.

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.

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, opening Saturday, Nov. 19. 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 Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.

Nov. 17

Order of Demolay open house

The Order of Demolay Wantagh Chapter is hosting their open house meeting, Thursday, Nov. 17, 7 p.m., at the Baldwin Masonic Hall, 756 Prospect St. For more information email wantaghdemolay@ gmail.com.

Oh Baby!

Baldwin High School Presents Mama Mia

The Baldwin High School Playhouse is presenting Mama Mia at Baldwin High School, 841 Kloberg Drive, on Thursday, Nov. 17, at 4 p.m. Tickets are available at showtix4u.com and questions can be directed to (516) 434-6012.

Mercy Hospital invites moms-to-be to a community baby shower, Saturday, Nov. 19, noon-2 p.m. Meet with physicians, lactation specialist, mother/baby nurses, and other hospital personnel with raffles, giveaways for mom and baby(s), games and more. The free event takes place in Mercy’s employee cafeteria, lower level, 1000 North Village Avenue, Rockville Centre. For information visit CHSLI.org or call (516) 626-3729.

Mallory Wilson/Herald

RANDI SHUBIN DRESNER, the president and chief executive of Island Harvest, thanked Nassau County Executive Blakeman for including her organization and Long Island Cares in the ‘End Hunger Thanksgiving Celebration.’ The free event — set for Wednesday, Nov. 23 — will be hosted by Long Island-born singer-songwriter Madison Beer, and will double as a food collection drive.

Madison Beer hosts concert and food drive

By MALLORY WILSON mwilson@liherald.com

The holidays are filled with plenty of food — but not for everyone. That’s why Nassau County officials have teamed up with Long Island Cares and Island Harvest food banks to make sure everyone eats on Thanksgiving.

And they’re getting a little celebrity help along the way from singer-songwriter Madison Beer.

Born and raised in Jericho before mov ing out west to pursue her music career, the 23-year-old Beer returns to Long Island on Wednesday, Nov. 23, to host the “End Hunger Thanksgiving Celebration” at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale.

It doesn’t cost money to attend, but everyone who shows up beginning at 3:30 p.m., are asked to bring at least one nonperishable food item. The celebration will focus on Beer’s accomplishments — begin ning with her early days as a teenager on YouTube singing covers of her favorite songs. She shot into stardom after another young performer, Justin Bieber, linked to one of her videos.

Beer also will bring attention to hunger and the culture of giving, according to Nassau County Executive Bruce Blake man.

Beer “has become a very, very influen tial person, especially with the young peo ple throughout the world,” Blakeman said outside of Nassau Coliseum earlier this week. “We are trying to create a culture here in Nassau County and throughout the country — and throughout the world — of giving: Giving to people who need a little bit more help.”

The county also will proclaim Nov. 23 “Madison Beer Day.”

“I always look forward to coming home for the holidays,” Beer said in a state ment. “But it’s that much sweeter coming home for an event like this one that will help so many.”

Beer has more than 30 million followers on Instagram and Twitter, Blakeman said.

“She’s somebody that — certainly peo ple throughout the world, and especially young people — have recognized as some one that is very, very talented,” he said. “We’re so happy that she is coming back to Nassau County so we can honor her, but at the same time give back to the community and make sure that everybody gets the food that they require so that they can have a happy holiday.”

Randi Shubin Dresner, the president and chief executive of Island Harvest, told reporters it was “very kind,” of Blakeman to involve the two food banks in this pro gram.

Beer, she said, is someone who “knows about our community, and clearly she understands that there are so many people who are struggling here on Long Island. With the rising costs at the gas pump and the rising costs at the supermarket, people who were just making ends meet are now having to struggle and find additional dol lars to just feed their family and put food on the table.”

Donations are down right now, accord ing to Jessica Rosati, chief programs offi cer for Long Island Cares.

Yet between the two organizations, well over 20 million pounds of food is distribut ed across Long Island, Dresner said. And that number has increased “quite a bit” from pre-pandemic times.

Seating for the celebration is limited to 15,000, and requires advanced registration at NassauCountyNY.gov. Doors open at 3:30 p.m., with the show starting at 5.

High school students chosen for art exhibit

Baldwin High School students Camryn Littleton and Francisco Suriel were selected for the Annual Nassau County High School Student Juried Exhibit and Competition.

The artwork of Baldwin High School seniors, Camryn Littleton and Francisco Suriel, was selected to be included in the 2022 Nassau County High School Student Juried Exhibit & Competition hosted by the Art Guild. The students were recognized at a reception and awards dinner hosted by the Art Guide on Sunday, Nov. 6 before officially kicking off the exhibition. Baldwin families can view both students’ artwork at the Art Guild now through November 26.

The Baldwin school district said approxi mately 70 artists were chosen to compete out of over 215 submissions. They said the annual virtual exhibit is a wonderful oppor tunity for young artists to build their resume, increase their personal repertoire in a gallery setting, as well as to win cash prizes for their artwork. This is the first year for Baldwin High School to participate.

“The teachers of the Baldwin High School Fine Arts program have worked dili gently to inspire and support opportunities for our advanced art students,” explained Andre Poprilo, director of fine and perform ing arts for Baldwin Union Free School Dis trict. “I am excited to see the Art Guild rec ognize the work of Cameron and Francisco. This is going to be an especially productive year for ‘Baldwin Arts’!”

The school district said the Art Guild hosts ten gallery shows per year, with juried competition and exhibits and

provides an array of weekly classes and weekend workshops for adults, teens and children both in person and online, helping students maxi mize their artistic skills and creativity.

To be considered for the Nas sau County High School Stu dent Juried Exhibit & Competi tion, participating artists must be a Nassau County high school student and submissions must be original 2D or 3D artwork created in the last two years, among other criteria. All styles from abstract to realism may be submitted.

The school district said both Litttleton and Suriel’s artwork were created during their junior-level art class last year. Littleton’s piece is an acrylic painting of a landscape, while Suriel’s piece is a study of a still life completed in pencil. Both students are currently enrolled in AP Art, the highest and most difficult level art course to take in high school. After graduat ing, Littleton plans to pursue a career in musical theater and Suriel has chosen to study engineering.

For more information go to TheArtGuild. org.

— Andre Silva

Courtesy of the Baldwin Union Free School District BALDWIN HIGH SCHOOL students Camryn Littleton and Francisco Suriel were selected for the Annual Nassau County High School Student Juried Exhibit and Competition.

excited to see the Art Guild recognize the work of Cameron and Francisco. This is going to be an especially productive year for ‘Baldwin Arts’!

ANDRE POPRILO director of fine and performing arts for Baldwin Union Free School District

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT. NASSAU COUNTY. L&L ASSOCIATES HOLDING CORP., Pltf. vs. ROBERT S. BESEDIN, et al, Defts. Index #610529/2021.

Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered Feb. 22, 2022, I will sell at public auction on the north side steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on December 7, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. prem. k/a Section 54, Block 39, Lot(s) 5, 50. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. Foreclosure auction will be held “rain or shine.” If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the court appointed referee will cancel the sale. BRIAN DAVIS, Referee. LEVY & LEVY, Attys. for Pltf., 12 Tulip Dr., Great Neck, NY. #99866 135060

Knuckles, Komosinski & Manfro, LLP, 565 Taxter Road, Suite 590, Elmsford, NY 10523, Attorneys for Plaintiff 135054

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE

Baldwin honors Tyler Lewis with a community vigil

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE FOR RMAC PASSTHROUGH TRUST, SERIES 2010-3H, Plaintiff, vs. ANITE PICHONOT, ET AL., Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on September 6, 2016 and an Order Appointing Successor Referee duly entered on October 6, 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 on December 6, 2022 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 620 Grant 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 36, Block 234 and Lot 147. Approximate amount of judgment is $657,329.80 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #004091/2014. 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.

Mark S. Ricciardi, Esq., Referee

SUPREME COURT: NASSAU COUNTY. DBW TL HOLDCO 2016 LLC, Pltf. vs. BIBI RAMZAN, et al, Defts. Index #603150/2019. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered October 2, 2020 and order appointing substitute referee entered May 18, 2022, I will sell at public auction on the north side front steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on December 15, 2022 at 2:30 p.m., prem. k/a 760 East Carl Avenue a/k/a 760 Carl Avenue, Baldwin, NY a/k/a Section 36, Block 534, Lot 30. Approx. amt. of judgment is $71,575.25 plus costs and interest. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. Foreclosure auction will be held “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, then the court appointed referee will cancel the auction.

ELIZABETH GILL, Referee, BRONSTER, LLP, Attys. for Pltf. 156 West 56th Street, Ste. 902, New York, NY. File No. 305409.415- #99830 135316

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE ON BEHALF OF THE CITIGROUP MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST INC. ASSET-BACKED PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-OPXl, Plaintiff AGAINST ANCILLA BLACK, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered January 18, 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 December 14, 2022 at 2:30PM, premises known as 881 LORENZ AVENUE, NORTH BALDWIN, NY 11510. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Baldwin, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 54, Block 38, Lot 182 & 183. Approximate amount of judgment $331,289.13 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index

#002599/2017. 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”. Mark S. Ricciardi, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 17-002259 73707 135271

LEGAL NOTICE

Digital Process Automation LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 10/24/2022. Office: Nassau County. United States Corporation Agents Inc. designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to United States Corporation Agents Inc. at 7014 13th Avenue, Suite 202, Brooklyn, NY 11228. Purpose: Any lawful purpose 135360

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to N.Y. Election Law Article 17, Title 2, the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act of New York, and N.Y. Public Officers Law Article 7, the Open Meetings Law, public hearings will be held by the Town of Hempstead Temporary Redistricting Commission in the Nathan L. H. Bennett Pavilion, Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Village and Town of Hempstead, New York, on both November 29, 2022 at 7:00pm, and December 13, 2022 at 10:30am, to receive input regarding the reapportionment and composition of the Town of Hempstead’s councilmanic districts to be used beginning with the Town election of 2023.

ALL PERSONS

INTERESTED shall have an opportunity to be heard and give input at the times and place aforesaid.

Dated:Hempstead, New York November 15, 2022 BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, NEW YORK.

KATE MURRAY Town Clerk DONALD X. CLAVIN, JR. Supervisor 135484

LEGAL NOTICE SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU FEDERAL NATIONAL MORTGAGE ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff,against- MICHAEL H. ABRAHAMS, and, if he be living and if he be dead, the respective heirs-atlaw, next-of-kin, distributes, executors, administrators, trustees, devisees, legatees, assignees, lienors, creditors and successors in interest and generally all persons having or claiming under, by or through said defendant who may be deceased, by purchase, inheritance, lien or inheritance, lien or otherwise any right, title or interest in or to the real property described in the complaint, AMERICAN EXPRESS CENTURION BANK, WILLIAM GROEGER, MD PC, TARGET NATIONAL BANK, TRIBECA ASSET MANAGEMENT LLC, SOUTH SHORE ADJUSTMENT CO LLC AS SUCCESSOR ASSIGNEE IN INTEREST TO CHASE/WAMU, MIDLAND FUNDING LLC DBA IN NEW YORK AS MIDLAND FUNDING OF DELAWARE LLC, PALISADES COLLECTION LLC, NEW YORK DEPT. OF TAXATION & FINANCE, EAST COAST FUNDING GROUP, INC., THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, Defendants. Index No. 014771/2013 Date Filed: 12/10/2013 Plaintiff designates Nassau County as the place of trial based on the location of the mortgaged premises in this action. We are attempting to collect a debt, and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. To the above-named defendants: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the complaint is not served with this summons, to serve a notice of appearance, on the plaintiff’s attorneys within twenty (20) days after the service of this summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within thirty (30) days after the service is complete if this summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York) or within (60) days after service of this summons if it is the United States of America; and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the complaint. NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this

The family and friends of Tyler Lewis, a 19-year-old college student who was stabbed to death on the University at Buf falo campus from Baldwin, held a vigil on Sunday.

Lewis was stabbed outside of Elliot Complex at SUNY Buffalo on Oct. 14. The Buffalo Police investigators said they believed the attack was a “physical alter cation between several individuals,” and have yet to make an arrest. Although, they said they have identified a person of interest.

Lewis was a pre-business administra tion major at SUNY Buffalo State, a 15-minute drive from SUNY Buffalo. He played baseball and participated in the

NASA Space Camp in Huntsville, Ala bama when he was younger, according to the Buffalo News.

According to News12 the parish of Lewis’ friends and family remembered him on Sunday, Nov. 13 and asked police to ramp up their investigation. They said they’re frustrated that an arrest has still not been made.

His mother Roquishia Lewis, of Bald win, told News12 reporters he was a quiet and respectful person, and he only want ed to help others.

“It just hurts so bad that he’s not here,” said Roquishia Lewis to News12.

— Andre Silva

NEWS BRIEF

St. Joseph’s funding helps student veterans

St. Joseph’s University-New York was awarded nearly $560,000 to help it better recruit military veterans as students, and lead them toward degrees.

The funds come from the U.S. Depart ment of Education’s Centers of Excel lence for Veteran Student Success Grant Program.

“We pride ourselves on the exceptional services we offer to all of our students, especially student veterans who have given so much of themselves before they arrive at St. Joseph’s,” said Donald Boomgaarden, the school’s president, in a release. “We are grateful to receive this funding that will allow us to continue the work we do with our student veterans, and expand our services to even more students in the years to come.”

Funds will be used primarily for the school’s Peer Health Educator Program, designating six veteran-specific peer

health educators trained in meeting the needs of student veterans. The grans also will expand career preparation and sup port for veterans, increasing participation with Student Veterans of America, pro vide graduate student completion grants, provide internship stipends, and launch a program specifically for female veterans.

“Our military and veteran students bring a wealth of experience, knowledge and diversity to our campuses,” said Erin D’Eletto, the school’s military and veter ans services director. “This funding will not only allow us to continue providing substantial services to our student veter ans, but also add programs and services to further support their personal, academic and professional success.”

St. Joseph’s University offers campuses on West Roe Boulevard tin Patchogue, as well as on Clinton Avenue in Brooklyn. To learn more, visit SJNY.edu.

Public Notices

foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. The foregoing supplemental summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an Order of the

Honorable David P. Sullivan, Justice of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, Nassau County, dated the 27th day of October, 2022 and duly entered in the office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau, State of New York.

NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT. This is an action to foreclose a mortgage lien on the premises described herein. The object of the above captioned action is to foreclose a Mortgage to secure $282,000.00 and interest, recorded in the Office of the County Clerk of Nassau County on October 23, 2003 in Liber 25245, Page 739, covering premises known as 3391 BAY FRONT DRIVE, BALDWIN,

COUNTY OF NASSAU, STATE OF NEW YORK 11501 (SECTION 54, BLOCK 343, LOTS 10 AND 11).

Schedule A Description: 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, known as and by the lots numbers 10, 11 more particularly bounded and described as follows: beginning at a point on the easterly side of bay front drive, being a plot distant 180 feet by 100 feet by 50 feet by; 100 feet by 50 feet. Said premises being known as and by the street number 3391 Bay Front Drive, Baldwin, New York.

The relief sought in the within action is a final judgment directing the sale of the premises described above. The Plaintiff also seeks a deficiency judgment against the Defendant, MICHAEL H. ABRAHAMS, for any debt secured by said Mortgage which is not satisfied by the proceeds of the sale of said premises, unless discharged in bankruptcy.

Dated: Manhasset, New York November 7, 2022

DAVID A. GALLO &

ASSOCIATES LLP By: /S/ FRANK A. MORRONE FRANK A. MORRONE, ESQ. Attorneys for Plaintiff 47 Hillside Avenue - Second Floor Manhasset, NY 11030 (516) 583-5330 (516) 583-5333 - fax 135435

DRIVERS WANTED

HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR

Richner Communications is looking for a hands-on Human Resources professional to oversee all HR functions on a strategic and tactical level. Exciting opportunity to join a dynamic and expanding Garden City, Long Island media company. This position has a flexible schedule, part-time job share would be considered.

EDITOR/REPORTER

The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry.

To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to mhinman@riverdalepress.com

Responsibilities: Talent acquisition: Source, screen, and interview potential candidates and manage new employee onboarding Benefits administration: Liaise with brokers, providers and facilitate enrollment and updating of coverage. Manage annual open enrollment and employee benefits review. Administration of 401(k) plan. Employee relations: Provide day- today support and problem resolution in regards to employee concerns, questions and policy issues. Performance management: Coach, counsel and recommend disciplinary actions Compliance: Maintain indepth knowledge of legal requirements related to day-to-day management of employees, reducing legal risk and ensuring regulatory compliance Payroll: Process biweekly payroll through payroll vendor for population of 150 employees Requirements: Bachelor's degree, preferably in business or HR, or equivalent experience Minimum 5 years HR generalist experience Knowledge of Federal, State & Local regulations governing employment Experience with payroll processing Self-motivated, ability to prioritize and work well under pressure Customer-focused attitude, with high level of professionalism and discretion Excellent oral and written communication and quantitative skills Proficiency with Microsoft Office Qualified candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to: careers@liherald.com.

Marketing Analyst (Lynbrook, NY) Promote company services and perform market analysis. Plan and implement marketing targets, identify appropriate markets to introduce new products and services Analyze marketing statistics to formulate policies. Resumes to Group ESI, Inc., 97 Horton Avenue, Lynbrook, NY 11563

RECEPTIONIST - FULL TIME Receptionist (full-time) needed for Publisher and Self-Storage Facility located in Garden City. The ideal candidate should have excellent communications and customer service skills, be professional, dependable and have reliable transportation. Candidate should have computer knowledge and working knowledge of MS Office. Candidate MUST be reliable, punctual and be able to work a CONSISTENT schedule: Monday and Wednesday 8am to 4pm Tuesday and Thursday 8am to 6pm Friday 8am to 5pm

Job Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Answering phones and greeting customers, assisting new customers by showing storage facility options and pricing, collecting payments from customers, contacting customers for late payments, applying payments and updating the customer files /data base and other general administrative responsibilities on an as needed basis. Hourly pay, plus eligible for Holiday Pay, PTO, Medical, Dental, 401k with company matching, plus other benefits. Qualified candidates should email their resume, cover letter and salary requirements. No phone calls please. Job Type: Full-time. Salary: $15.00 /hour Email your resume to: careers@liherald.com

SENIOR SECURITY ENGINEER (Vandis, Inc.) (Albertson, NY): Research, Design, Development and Implementation of Cloud, Networking and Security Technologies for Medium and Large Enterprises using vendor solutions, such as FortiGate, Barracuda, Palo Alto, Cisco etc. Reqs. Bach. degree or for. equiv. in Information Technology, Network and Comp. Security, Comp. Science, Electrical Eng., or a rel. field plus 5 years’ experience in a Network and Security Engineer or related role. Exp. must include: Network and Internet Security Configuration, Design and Architecture. Cloud Security Architecture and Connectivity. Network and Internet Secure Connectivity and Security hacking prevention, including attack methodologies, firewalls (Next Generation Firewalls ex. Fortinet, Palo Alto, Juniper, Cisco; and Web Application Firewall including F5, and Barracuda), IDS, VPNs (IPSEC and SSLVPN), cryptography and wireless networking. Network and Infrastructure support, including use of TCP/IP OSI Model, Switching, IP routing, SSL/TLS, Authentication, Authorization and Accounting. $162,926$180,000. Send resumes to Vandis, Inc., Attn: S. Ratafia, CFO, 1 Albertson Avenue, Suite 1, Albertson, NY 11507 or by email to sratafia@vandis.com.

RECEPTIONIST MEDICAL OFFICE: 2pm-

TEACHERS: SPANISH SPEAKING A+. BA/ Associate Degree In Early Childhood Education. Teacher's Salary $32K. EMAIL RESUME: kgreene@fivetownsmail.org 516-239-6244 Ext. 237

Health Care/Opportunities

HHA's, LPN's, Nurse's Aides Childcare. Housekeeping Day Workers No Fee To Employers Evon's Svces: 516-505-5510

Eldercare Offered

HOME HEALTH AIDES Available: Highly Trained/ Certified. Live-in/Liveout. 12Hr. Shifts. Great References. Call Naomi 516-469-6135; Julie 516-503-1104

Luxury Oasis

Surrounded by nature, this 6 bedroom, 8 baths residence is filled with chic details and luxurious finishes! The chef's kitchen, with modern appliances has ample cabinetry, a stainless steel range hood on top of stylish island. Terracotta-style floors flow into the lovely breakfast nook, flooded with light coming in from the French doors that lead outside. The open-plan dining/ living room has 12-foot ceilings and mahogany wood built-in library, with gas/wood burning fireplace. On the main floor there is an office and a guest bedroom, with ensuite and walk-in closet. In the separate wing there is a master suite, with large walk-in closet, mahogany custom-made cabinets, master bathroom divided into "his" and "hers", with a separate entrance and connected by a stand-up shower. Upstairs you will find 3 Bedrooms and 2 baths. There is a Gym in the hi-ceiling basement along with a laundry room and plenty of storage space. Outside, there is a heatedgunite pool, Jacuzzi and gazebo that can be transformed into a Florida room. For a private tour contact V.I.Properties at 516.791.1313

The scary house down the block

Q. There is a house in my neighborhood, just a few doors away, that has never been taken care of. I know someone lives there, but they don’t seem to care about how their home looks, and I wonder: Is there a way to get the community together, tear the house down and turn it into a park? It would look a lot bet ter.

A. The house you’re referring to seems to be like one in almost every neighborhood, but I haven’t seen any single-lot parks popping up any where. Maybe the reason it doesn’t happen is because you can’t just seize someone’s property. If that were the case, what would stop your neigh bors from taking your property?

Ask The Architect Monte Leeper

Every once in a while, when I’m sitting in a pub lic zoning hearing, someone appears and makes a statement at the microphone just like what you are suggesting. I think they, too, are expecting a light bulb to appear above everyone else’s head when they suddenly realize what a genuinely great idea that was. But instead of trying to condemn some one else’s property, it may be better to gain some idea about what is really going on. I have often had to do this in the course of exploring options for potential buyers.

1208 Broadway Hewlett, NY 11557 516.791.1313 vipropertiesny.com

In some cases, such as a shopping center that continued to lose and not replace businesses, the owner lived a thousand miles away, and was just using the property as a tax write-off while they waited for the market to change and just sell. The condition had already existed for over a decade before someone asked me to look into the condi tions and search the records. The property did improve after violations were issued that forced the owner to respond in court. The same may be the course of action for the property you are describ ing.

Kit, LR & DR. Washer/Dryer in Unit. Underground Pkg. Loads of Closets. Terrace Faces Back. Easy Ranch Style Living BIG REDUCTION!! $699,000

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Open Houses

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Open Houses

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Some people are only compelled by legal action, while others will respond to a warning. I have seen many instances in which the owner is just finan cially, physically or mentally incapable of respond ing in the way you want them to. I have even driven people in these circumstances to meetings with authorities, especially when New York Rising had funding available to help them. None of the individ uals, even with financial assistance, followed through, either from distrust of authorities or a realization that they might have to pay money they just did not have or they could not deal with the change in their lives.

If you are inclined to look further into the cir cumstances of the owner, you may learn the reason(s) for the conditions being what they are. In a free country (so far), you may not like how your neighbors live, but we still don’t have the control to just take their property. Your recourse is to try to understand why the property is this way, and help, if you can, report them to authorities and become the “squeaky wheel,” or take your own personal legal action. Good luck!

Apartments For Rent

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OPINIONS

Russia’s space program fades as China’s rises

By all accounts, Russia is losing its unprovoked war against Ukraine. It has lost thousands of troops, spent the equivalent of billions of dollars, and become an international pariah. As a result of the ruinous war, Russia is also losing some thing that has always been precious to its national pride — its position as a leader in the world’s space programs.

until 2024. The sharpest cuts will be in manufacturing technology and develop ment. Money for scientific research will be cut entirely.

into space, leading politicians and mili tary leaders to proclaim that we were failing in space.

flight and a space station, and it plans to explore the Moon, Mars and the wider solar system.

The decline of the Russian space pro gram is not new. It began after the col lapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. That kicked off a brain drain from Russian. The need to fund the Ukraine war only accelerat ed the degradation of Rus sian space efforts.

JAMES BERNSTEIN

The country that stunned the world — and shook up the Unit ed States — with the launch on Oct. 4, 1957, of the sat ellite Sputnik, is falling further and further behind in civil space explo ration, according to experts. Its mili tary space program, however, remains robust, those experts say.

“The Russian space industry is in an obvious state of crisis,” Asif Siddiqi, an authority on Russia’s space program who teaches history at Fordham Uni versity, told an industry publication.

Partly to help fund Russia’s brutal attack on Ukraine, President Vladimir Putin recently said he planned to slash funding for space flight activities at least

Additionally, jailed Rus sian opposition leader Alexei Navalny has made allegations of widespread corruption across the coun try’s space industry, with money disappearing into the hands of oligarchs.

Russia does not have a rover on the far side of the moon. China does. It does not have orbiters circling Mars. China, Indi an and the United Arab Emirates do.

Russia does not have a fleet of space telescopes, as does the United States.

“We’ve fallen behind on the science program,” said Igor Marinin, head of the Russian industry publication Novosti Kosmonavtiki. “We’ve forgotten how to make and fly unmanned probes.”

Of course, it was not always this way. The United States and much of the world trembled when the Soviets put Sputnik

Concern deepened in 1961, when the Russian cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin became the first human to fly to outer space, aboard the Vostok 1 capsule. He completed one orbit of Earth. Meanwhile, as the American novelist Tom Wolfe wrote in his highly acclaimed book, “The Right Stuff,” “our rockets kept exploding” on the launch pad.

But what does the cur rent demise of Russia’s space program mean for the United States? John Logsdon, who teaches at George Washington Univer sity and who is often called the “dean of space policy,” said in a phone interview last week that we can no longer count on the Russians as partners on the Interna tional Space Station, or on other space projects in the future. Russian cosmo nauts still fly aboard the space station, but Russia has said that it even plans to withdraw from that program.

For the United States, Logsdon said, the new competitor is China. The Chi nese program has overseen the develop ment and launch of ballistic missiles, thousands of satellites, manned space

In a display of its growing prowess, China launched a cargo mission to its newly completed space station last week end. The 35-foot-long cargo spacecraft docked Nov. 12 with the Tiangong station on Saturday, according to a Chinese news release. As is typical of the country’s news media, few details were released publicly. But according to space experts, the freighter was carrying propellant for the space station, as well as some scien tific experiments.

In recent months, China launched two modules to join its already orbiting space station, which is about 20 percent large than the U.S.- and European-built International Space Station. It is expect ed to be occupied and operational for at least 10 years.

Our approach to China in space has been entirely negative. In 2011, Congress banned NASA from hosting Chinese visi tors at U.S. space facilities. Two years later, Congress banned Chinese nationals from entering NASA facilities without a waiver from NASA.

Nevertheless, Logsdon said, “The Chi nese space program is advancing.”

James Bernstein is editor of the Long Beach Herald. Comments about this col umn? jbernstein@liherald.com.

Thankful, mindful and watchful this holiday

Thankful, mindful and watchful this holiday

The midterm elections proved that you can’t put lipstick on a pig. Well, maybe you can try, but eventu ally folks will see through the cover-up. That expression, “lipstick on a pig,” pops up from time to time during elec tions. In 2008, President Barack Obama said that a sup posedly new eco nomic plan pro posed by his oppo nents, John McCain and Sarah Palin, was nothing new, “just putting lipstick on a pig.” Repub licans went ballis tic, accusing Obama of slyly associating the pig patter with Palin. Obama said his comment was about policy, not people. Anyway, he wasn’t the first or the last to use the expression, which, you must admit, con jures a compelling visual.

fringe groups like QAnon, tried their best to put lipstick on these pigs, but they didn’t fly. Fortunately, most of the Republicans who were elected or reelected to office aren’t conspiracy theo rists or election deniers.

This seems like a low bar, but there it is. Don’t we all want a fair fight in the campaigns for office? And when someone clearly wins, don’t we all want to see the opponent concede defeat and move on? Thank goodness that’s what hap pened most often in the days after Nov. 8.

RANDI KREISS

This election season, the GOP sent forth dozens of MAGA election deniers to run for important and influential offices across the country. Republican influencers in and out of government, complemented by seriously delusional

I am relieved and thank ful, as we prepare to gather for Thanksgiving, that the worst-case predictions for a toxic MAGA wave did not happen. Some Trumpian candidates pre vailed, but more were defeated. Voters looked at extremist candidates, anointed by the former president, and they said no. Not all the votes are counted in all the contests, and in Georgia there will be a runoff for a Senate seat, but overall the process has been peaceful and civil — and consequential.

Are we finally reaching a point where Americans on all sides of the political landscape share a vision for a safe democracy? Are we there yet? Can we

count on folks to trust election results? Will candidates fight the good fight and retreat with grace if they lose? We don’t know yet if this midterm portends big changes for the better and a return to relative normal, but the indications are promising. It was not a rout. Rioters did not take to the streets.

The cooling of the politi cal fever gripping the nation allows us to gather at our respective Thanks giving tables and truly give thanks. I am so thankful for the greatest gift we can enjoy in this life: peace of mind. We all experience occasional setbacks and losses, but with peace of mind we can negotiate our difficult life passages.

This isn’t November 2020 or Novem ber 2021, when the pandemic was burn ing through our population. We still have about 40,000 new Covid cases a day, but we have vaccines and anti-virals, greater understanding of the disease and less panic. At the height of the pandemic surge, it was difficult to find peace.

On Thanksgiving 2020, my husband and I sat down to a chicken rather than a turkey. We were grateful for one another but terribly lonely for our kids, who live plane flights away and couldn’t risk trav

el during the fury of the pandemic.

The years of Covid restrictions and isolation offered random gifts as well: learning to find strength we didn’t know was there, finding ways to connect with loved ones through words and Zooms and eye to eye, six feet apart. I would never wish it for character-building, but living through a pandemic has height ened our zest for life and attuned us to the nourishing rhythms of nature.

I noticed recently that many people, rather than saying goodbye, now say “stay safe” when they come and go. That speaks to our relatively new belief that the ground can shift under our feet in an instant. Some threats can be mitigated and some blindside us, but we survivors of the pandemic and the political mael strom have been changed by these years. We say “stay safe” as a kind of hope and benediction for our friends and loved ones.

I hope you are blessed with friends and mothers and fathers and sisters and brothers and children and grandchil dren and neighbors at your Thanksgiv ing table. Along with peace of mind, let there be delicious turkey and sweet pota toes and cranberries and pies, all the tra ditional foods that anchor us to this time and place, and to one another.

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

Much has changed since we sat down to a Thanksgiving chicken in 2020.

Yuri Gagarin is all but forgotten, and China has an orbiting space station.

Phone: (516) 569-4000

569-4942

The power of concession

You’ve likely never heard the name William Jennings Bryan, as he’s not among those regularly talked about in history books. But his contribution to democracy should be indelible, after a simple telegram sent he sent to William McKinley on Nov. 5, 1896, forever changed how we approached elec tions.

“Sen. Jones has just informed me that the returns indicate your election, and I hasten to extend my congratulations,” Bryan said in the telegram. “We have sub mitted the issue to the American people, and their will is law.”

Conceding an election isn’t required by law, which is why what Bryan — in his first of three runs for president — did was all the more unique at the time. He didn’t have to do it by statute, but he had to do it in the spirit of democracy.

Such concessions have become a staple of our election process at all levels. Candi dates battle it out over issues and who can best represent the people, and once the people have made their decision, they accept it. Even if that decision doesn’t favor you, all for a peaceful transfer of power.

Not that making a concession is easy. Far from it. Candidates invest so much of themselves into their campaigns that to suddenly make an about-face and watch someone else get awarded what they had fought for can be heartbreaking. Still, no matter how hot the debate was among the candidates, once the decision has been made, it’s time to return to the real job at hand: governing.

When we think of concessions, we’re likely to think of those in races for our country’s highest office first.

“Just moments ago, I spoke with George W. Bush and congratulated him on becom ing the 43rd president of the United States. And I promised him that I wouldn’t call him back this time,” then-Vice President

LETTERS

‘I could write Randi weekly’

To the Editor:

Al Gore said in a Dec. 13, 2000, address, even joking about rescinding his first con cession on election night, when the race between them was still too close to call.

“Almost a century and a half ago, Sen. Stephen Douglas told Abraham Lincoln, who had just defeated him for the presi dency, ‘Partisan feeling must yield to patri otism. I’m with you, Mr. President, and God bless you,’” Gore added. “Well, in that same spirit, I say to President-elect Bush that what remains of partisan rancor must now be put aside, and may God bless his stewardship of this country.”

Sen. John McCain shared similar senti ments eight years later, when he took the stage in Phoenix to congratulate the man who would become the 44th president, Barack Obama.

“Sen. Obama and I have had and argued our differences, and he has prevailed,” McCain said. “No doubt many of those dif ferences remain. These are difficult times for our country, and I pledge to him tonight to do all in my power to help him lead us through the many challenges we face.”

Concessions are just as powerful on the local level. State Sen. Anna Kaplan described her service in Albany as an “honor of a lifetime” after losing her reelection bid to former senator Jack Mar tins.

“While our campaign has ended, my service to — and love for — our communi ty has not,” Kaplan said. “I will always fight for you, and am committed to con tinuing that spirit of service in my next chapter.”

Laura Gillen, who lost her bid for Con gress to Anthony D’Esposito last week, also put politics aside to honor the choice of voters.

“We ran a campaign to be proud of in a challenging political environment,” Gillen said. “Together we motivated thousands of Long Islanders to make their voices heard.

To stand up for common-sense leadership. And to vigorously defend fundamental rights from assault.”

After the 2020 presidential election, in which defeated President Donald Trump never conceded to his successor, Joe Biden, there were real fears that this act of patriotism — this cornerstone action of democracy — could become a relic of the past. That conceding somehow represent ed weakness rather than strength. And that it meant essentially giving up on fighting for the chance to represent your community, region, state or even country.

But nothing about concession means you have to give up the fight, or that you can’t explore every option available to you. Once those options are exhausted, howev er, it’s time to close that chapter and start the next one.

On election night last week, U.S. Rep. Lee Zeldin wasn’t ready to concede the gubernatorial race to Gov. Kathy Hochul. And that was his right — not all the votes had been counted, and while his chances of winning were remote, they still existed.

But when it became clear that he had no path to victory, Zeldin did his part to pro tect and defend democracy by exercising the power of concession.

“I would like to congratulate New York governor Kathy Hochul on her election to a full four-year term,” Zeldin said in a statement the day after the election.

But while this particular battle for the governor’s mansion might be over, Zeldin made it clear that his fight for those he had hoped to represent wouldn’t end — a senti ment every candidate on the short side of any election should share in their own quests.

“As they take office in January, Gov. Kathy Hochul and those controlling Alba ny must address the grave concerns voiced by the voters,” Zeldin said. “While this campaign has come to a close, the rescue mission to ‘save our state’ continues.”

Once again, Randi Kreiss’s amazing ability to convey her thoughts and blend them with history — and in this case, a bit of astronomy as well — moved me to tears!

(“An election that will move heaven and earth,” Nov. 3-9.) These are such stressful times, and I know that while it isn’t reasonable to expect everyone to always agree, there needs to be some more honest, respectful dialogue to help move our country to a better place.

I could write to Randi weekly, because her columns are so important and meaningful. I am constantly sending copies to dear friends who don’t live in the area — even a longtime friend who has lived in Italy for decades, but who is still American at heart (whatever that means these days) and is so worried for us and the world. If the America we know and love goes, what then? But then Randi gives us the perspective of eons of time to encour

OPINIONS

Time to throw out the political trash

Happily, the midterm elections are behind us. They were, at best, stressful, and overall they were ugly. Once again, the poll sters were more wrong than they were right, predicting all kinds of results that never happened. There were many les sons to be learned from the results, and any politician who ignores them does so at his or her peril.

JERRY

Any candidate who calls for a ban on abortions in a red, blue or purple state is asking for trouble. There were five states in which abortion was on the ballot, and those that pro posed a ban in one form or another were shot down.

Women want to make their own choices, in consultation with their physicians, and attempts to take away that right will meet stiff resis tance. Defeated Pennsylvania senatorial candidate Dr. Mehmet Oz suggested that elected officials should have a voice on abortion, and that didn’t help his cam paign.

Most political observers thought the issue of gun control wouldn’t have an

impact on people’s thinking, but many voters who were questioned stated that their decisions factored in their con cerns about the need for much stronger gun laws. There is a constant fear that there will be more school shootings, and pro-gun legislators who are supported by the NRA may have to rethink their posi tion, even if that costs them a few gun-rights support ers. Guns are an issue that won’t go away, and will reresurface in the 2024 elec tions.

Any pollster who tells you that young people are uninterested in elections should be banned from polltaking. This election brought out a record num ber of so-called Gen-Z voters, millions of them college students. On Election Day there were reports all over the country of enormous lines of students waiting to vote, well after the polls were scheduled to close. The youth vote is now alive and well.

Crime was an issue that helped a num ber of candidates get elected, but the vast majority of voters had other concerns on their mind, including voting rights, pre serving the Constitution, saving Social Security and Medicare and stopping can

LETTERS

age and help us de-stress by literally look ing to the heavens. That was so needed!

Thank you, Randi, from a most grate ful reader, for continuing to share so much of your wonderful self with us.

GEORGENE WINICK Woodmere

Another delay for LIRR East Side access

To the Editor:

Did the MTA and the LIRR forget to consider obtaining necessary clearance from the Federal Railroad Administration before they adopted the schedule calling for East Side access to Grand Central Madison to begin by December 2022? The Federal Transit Administration Full Funding Grant Agreement, approved in 2006, called for service to begin in 2011, at a total project cost of $6.3 billion, with a federal share of $2.6 billion.

The current cost is $11.6 billion, which doesn’t include debt service payments for the cost of borrowing, which brings the cost to $12.7 billion. Debt service costs are

buried under a separate agency operating budget. There is also over $4 billion more in indirect costs for what are known as LIRR “readiness” projects to support ESA service to Grand Central Madison. Honest accounting would bring the real total project cost to $16.7 billion.

A mandatory FRA safety feature that would prevent trains from entering the wrong tunnel clearly fell behind schedule. It is now forecast to be installed and up and running by March 6, 2023. Why was the original implementation schedule for installation of this safety equipment not completed earlier this year? This new FRA safety requirement was implement ed as a result of the Metro North accident on the Hudson Line at Spuyten Duyvil in 2013.

The MTA now has to request a waiver from FRA to begin service in December without this safety feature being in place. This will offer little comfort for riders who are looking for safe and reli able service to the Grand Central Madi son Terminal.

LARRY PENNER

Retired former director, Federal Transit Administration Region 2 Office of Operations and Program Management

didates endorsed by former President Donald Trump from winning key elec tions. Plenty of MAGA candidates won their races, but their tenures may be very short when their new constituents catch on to their lack of substance.

WWe learned in the mid terms that election denial ism is not a winning strate gy. The Republican candi date for New York governor, Lee Zeldin, ran a spirited race, but his resistance to acknowledging that Presi dent Biden was fairly elect ed hurt him with swing vot ers. New Yorkers are pretty sophisticated people, and the majority of them weren’t ready to buy into a candidate who opposed the certification of election results in Penn sylvania and Arizona. There are still plenty of election deniers who won their contests, but once they’re in office, their positions won’t help them do the required work.

From the ads that flooded the air waves, we could all agree that the tone of this year’s races was more dishonest and mean-spirited than ever before. In a lust for power, many candidates — incum bents and challengers alike — made false claims about their opponents, accusing

them of criminal conduct and making other outrageous allegations. But the slanderers didn’t fool most of the voters, who rejected the partisan poison.

Year after year, we have been subjected to stories about suspect polling results, in contests ranging from dogcatcher to pres ident. Political columnists and reporters, in print and on the air, have spend count less hours delving into the polling results, dissecting the numbers and often trying to divine trends that don’t exist. Over the past 10 years, I have challenged numerous pollsters who have wrongly claimed that they have reached people whose only phones are cellphones (which pollsters must dial manually). It’s time to ignore them and the commentators.

Now that the big red wave never hap pened and the experts will be scratching their heads for months trying to figure out why, it’s time to do a reset and focus on 2024. Future candidates will have to prepare for major changes in the electoral terrain, and be aware that they will suffer if they ignore the 2022 warning signs.

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 strat egy firm. Comments about this column? jkremer@liherald.com.

FRAMEWORK

by Tim Baker

St. Agnes Cathetral on a crisp fall day — Rockville Centre

e learned in the midterms that election denialism isn’t a winning strategy.

KREMER