Baldwin Herald 12-08-2022

students explore STEAM

BHS students cutting hair to show they care

By ANDRE SILVA asilva@liherald.com

Barbering students at Bald win High School@Shubert styled wigs and assembled care packages for homeless woman staying at the Bethany House homes last week.

Bethany House, which focuses on strengthening and assisting women and children who lack access to resources that pro mote natural and healthy growth and development.

Wind Symphony performs at annual state conference

By ANDRE SILVA asilva@liherald.com

They marched passed the crowd of parents, stowed their luggage on the bus and set off for Rochester, escorted by a motorcade of fire trucks.

The Baldwin High School Wind Symphony was chosen to perform at the 86th annual con ference of the New York State School Music Association on Dec. 2 — the only school on Long Island to be selected. The group was hon ored as a featured ensemble, which the school district said is a major accomplishment after over two and a half years of restrictions and social distancing during the coronavirus pan

demic.

As the student musicians prepared to board two buses to Rochester on Dec. 1, parents and members of the Baldwin Fire Department cheered them on. As the buses headed down Grand Avenue for the five-and-a-half-hour journey, they were escorted by a motorcade of fire trucks and police vehicles.

According to the school district, perform ing at the conference is one of the highest hon ors a school ensemble can receive, because the selection recognizes exemplary demonstra tions of music education and performance.

School ensembles are selected based on a recording and a biography of the ensemble,

Students at the technical school came to class on Nov. 29 with one goal — to cut and style wigs and cre ate care packages for women being hosted by Bethany House, a nonprofit group of domestic shelters that pro vide safe, support ive emergency and transitional hous ing and services for homeless women as well as victims of domestic violence and their children.

Gabriella Franza, the Bald win School District’s assistant director of instructional pro grams, said the project came about when barbering students told their teachers that they would like to give back to the community last November. She said that this moved the district to form a relationship with

Since then, Franza said, the barbering students have had the chance to learn haircutting skills and get handson experience with an organization called Hair We Share, a familyowned nonprofit based in Roslyn Heights that creates and donates custom wigs to those who experience hair loss — burn victims, patients undergoing chemotherapy and those who suffer from alopecia, a dis ease that targets hair follicles.

Barbering stu dents were given donated wigs from Hair We Share, Franza explained, and learned how to measure them to fit the woman who signed up for the program at Bethany House. A major focus of the program, she added, was to help the women toward a life of freedom and independence

Courtesy Mit Bark Photography

SCOTT DUNN, BALDWIN High School’s wind ensemble teacher, with the Wind Symphony, which was selected to play at the 86th annual NYSSMA conference on Dec. 2.

I t felt good to put smiles on the faces of people that needed it

Brayden Castro plans for his own barbershop

by “providing them with a care package for success.”

As part of the package, the school district donated blazers to Bethany House, and students from Shubert’s Police Science class interviewed some of them to create resumes for job inter views.

Braydon Castro, 17, a high school senior and a barbering student, said he enjoyed helping woman in need with his hair-cutting skills.

He has been a barbering student since September 2021, and was happy to meet with Bethany House residents, whom he found to be genuine and strong people, he said.

“It felt good to put smiles on the faces of people that needed it,” Castro said.

After high school, he said, he plans to continue honing his haircutting skills, and to open a barbershop one day. For now, Castro plans to intern at Prestige Grooming Lounge, on Grand Avenue in Baldwin, after he graduates in June.

“First I want to work in a barber shop, then, if I’m successful, open up some more,” he said. “Eventually I hope to create a franchise of barbershops here in Baldwin.”

Although Castro said he has little business experience, he believes his haircutting skills will be enough to get him started in the business until he has enough experience to open a shop.

Photos courtesy Baldwin School District TENTH-GRADER HAROLD GOMEZ cut and styled the hair on a wig made for a homeless woman staying at Bethany House.

BRAYDON CASTRO, A Baldwin High School@Shubert senior, and sophomore Harold Gomez styled wigs and prepared care packages for homeless woman and children staying at one of the Bethany House homes.

Young students start collecting for holiday drive

By ANDRE SILVA asilva@liherald.com

Brookside Elementary School students celebrated the start of their holiday donation drive with a Turkey Trot the day before Thanksgiving.

Each year the Baldwin school district and students from the elementary schools celebrate the coming holi days with a Turkey Trot event, where students would collect and organize food donations for Island Harvest — a Melville based food bank dedicated to ending hunger and food waste on Long Island. This year however, the students focused their dona tion efforts elsewhere.

ARELIN RODRIGUEZ

On a sunny Wednesday after noon on Nov. 23, students at Brookside Elementary School neatly exited the school building in single file lines, escorted by their teachers, on to the grass fields outside of the school, marking the start of their Tur key Trot food drive. This year, students are learning the impor tance of giving, and helping those in need by raising dona tions for Bethany House.

Brookside students are col lecting paper towels, toiletries, napkins, paper plates, laundry detergent pods, and dish soap for the woman and children at Beth any House — a non-profit orga nization, which provides shelter to homeless woman and woman with children in Long Island. The organization operates five different homes located in Baldwin, Bell more, and Roosevelt, and services up to 85 people every night.

Students from kindergarten to fifth grade lined up in rows on the grass field, and sat down in front of cones, as they sorted themselves into teams. They celebrated the start of the food drive with an array of Turkey Trot games — including a relay race, where young students handed off a rubber turkey to their teammates instead of a typical baton.

As the children played, a crowd of supporting parents gathered to cheer for their kids from the sidelines of the field. Parents like Arelin Rodriguez, of Baldwin and

mother to Brookside elementary student Jadeleyn Peralta, said she came out to the school to offer her support for the drive and help her daughter the meaning of Thanksgiving.

“I’d like her to understand how to be grateful, and thankful for all that she has, and the family and friends that love her,” said Rodriguez.

Ayanna Moore-Ellis, of Baldwin, moth er of students Autumn and Noah MooreEllis, said she excited to see children take pride in themselves, while helping others over the holiday season.

“It’s always nice to see the kids at Brookside having fun and appreciating the holidays,” said Moore-Ellis.

The students will continue to collect and deliver donated items into the school until Dec 9., where hygienic and laundry items will be delivered to woman and children living with Bethany House.

BROOKSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL students celebrated the start of their holiday donation drive with a Turkey Trot the day before Thanksgiving

KINDERGARTNER KELSEY NEMBHARD just before she hands off the rubber turkey to her

I ’d like her to understand how to be grateful, and thankful for all that she has, and the family and friends that love her.

Of Baldwin and mother to Brookside elementary student Jadeleyn Peralta

Photos by Tim Baker/Herald

BROOKSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL’S teachers and staff participated in the Turkey Trot games.

THIRD-GRADER JAYMAR FERGUSON running with the rubber turkey during the Turkey Trot race on Nov. 23.

Man sentenced to 20 years in prison for attempted murder

A Hempstead man was sentenced to 20 years in prison for the attempted murder of a man at a Baldwin nightclub this week.

Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly announced that a Hempstead man was sentenced on Dec. 2 to 20 years in prison for firing seven shots at a D’Ambiance Night club in Baldwin in July 2019.

Jermaine Grant, 37, was convicted in a jury trial, before Judge Helene Gugerty on Oct. 27, 2022, for one count of Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, a class B vio lent felony, and two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, a class C violent felony. He was acquitted at trial for tam pering with physical evi dence.

flee.

“Grant was shooting to kill,” said Don nelly. “My office is committed to vigorous ly prosecuting gun violence in Nassau County, taking guns out of the hands of criminals, and ensuring that they are held responsible for their crimes with sig nificant jail time.”

G rant was shooting to kill

ANNE T. DONNELLY Nassau County District Attorney

The trial began on Oct. 20, and the jury deliberated for approximate ly four hours before reaching their ver dict. Upon reaching their verdict, Grant was sentenced to 20 years in prison and five years post release supervision.

District Attorney Donnelly said Grant stalked and cornered his victim, and fired multiple shots at the man as he tried to

District Attorney Donnelly said that, on July 28, 2019, at approximately 2:00 a.m. in front of the D’Ambiance Nightclub, Grant identified a man outside of the club who was an enemy and followed him into an alleyway. She said Grant then pulled out a gun and fired seven shots toward the fleeing victim. The gun fire missed the targeted vic tim, and he was able to flee uninjured.

Members of the Hemp stead Police and Nassau County Police departments arrested Grant later that morning in the Village of Hempstead. Donnelly said Senior Litiga tion Counsel Stefanie Palma of the Homi cide Bureau prosecuted the case, and Joseph LoPiccolo, Esq, represented Grant, the defendant.

— Andre Silva

Lenox students explore engineering through STEAM

Fifth graders at Lenox Elementary School displayed their earthquake proof building creations, after learning about how to solve problems through engineer ing last month.

Approximately 45 fifth grade students at Lenox Elementary School finished con structing Earthquake-Resistant Building models, to explore how to tackle real world problems through engineering and encourage young students to work in STEAM — an education focused on sci ence, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics.

Lynette O’Brien, Elementary STEAM Educator, worked with students on creat ing earthquake resistant building models after learning about the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that struck the Caribbean nation of Haiti in 2010.

Using the earthquake in Haiti as an example, the students examined how poorly enforced building codes affected the construction of homes and other structures, which contributed to the mas sive destruction and loss of life during the 2010 earthquake in the nation.

“Its important to learn to solve prob lems that exist globally, that don’t affect our daily lives directly,” said O’Brien. “Here you can see them working together to better understand and learn to solve these problems.”

O’Brien said over the last few weeks, students worked on building towers out of straws, pens, toothpicks, and paper, to work in teams and develop solutions to this real-world challenge together. She said they used a program called Engineer ing is Elementary from the Boston Muse um of Science, which helps kids to learn the engineering design process to better understand how to apply it.

Students showcased their designs on Nov. 18, and took turns rotating around the gym with clipboards, asking ques tions about their classmates’ designs, and the improvements they made to create a successful structure.

Alisha Cadet, a 10-year-old fifth grader, said she found the engineering design process, and the construction of her team’s tower to be a difficult but stimulat ing challenge.

“I think I might want to be an engineer one day, and design buildings and struc tures for a construction team,” said Cadet.

O’Brien said through communication and teamwork, students successfully wrote building codes and created an earthquake resistant building that show cased their creative thinking skills. As a culminating event, students combined their shake tables to make a “city” that experienced a 7.0 magnitude earthquake.

Ava Drinkwater-Louverture and Liya Lyttle, two 10-year-old fifth graders said they had a lot of fun creating and build ing their structure, along with exploring all of the different ways they can approach the buildings designs. Liya Lyt tle said this project reminded her of how she used to build and design homes on the popular video game Roblox, which reminded her how much passion she has for engineering and design.

Ava Drinkwater-Louverture said she’s also considering engineering but is more inclined towards becoming an inventor.

“I’d like to design and invent new things to make our lives better at home,” said Louverture.

O’Brien said she feels strongly that showing learners that they are capable of engineering technologies that make a global impact, is important. She said with continued exposure to STEAM, she hopes that students are encouraged to go down the engineering pathways in the future.

FIFTH GRADERS AT Lenox Elementary School displayed their earthquake proof building creations, after learning about how to solve problems through engineering last month

Clavin, Khzouz, Richner honored at gala

Money raised will help Nassau Community College feed the hungry

By ANDRE SILVA asilva@liherald.com

It was a night to remember, and a night to recognize the people and businesses that help make Nassau Community College what it is.

It was the annual gala of the Nassau Community College Foundation, taking place not far from the campus at the Cra dle of Aviation Museum in Garden City.

Among those honored were Hemp stead town supervisor Don Clavin, NICE Bus chief executive Jack Khzouz, NCC administrator Charmian Smith, and Richner Communications, the parent company of Herald Commu nity Newspa pers.

Adorned in their best suits, ties and dresses, guests were immediately offered cham pagne and given a chance to pose for photos in front of a red carpet display. From there, it was a tour of the model planes and his toric aviation displays before being invited to sit at their respective tables in the main dining room.

ChARmIAN SmITh interim VP, academic student services, NCC

Leading the night off was Donna Drake of her self-titled inspirational tele vision show introducing guests like Joy Dedonato, an NCC alum, and executive director of the NCC Foundation.

“I’ll never forget the people I met and the values I learned at Nassau Communi ty College,” Dedonato said. “This place taught me to hit the wall, where you can not go further, and then go further any way.”

NCC president Maria Conzatti then introduced the honorees, selected for their support. Like Clavin and Richner Communications, both of which publi cize important notices to students, while also providing advertising and market ing.

Clavin, in fact, is a staunch supporter of the college, Conzatti said, thanking him for what he has done as an elected official. Like helping to organize The Nest at NCC — a non-profit organization that aims to alleviate hunger for stu dents, employees and their families.

“Some people say it takes a village to raise a child,” Conzatti said. “And were proud that this village raised so many students who come back to support our college.”

Baldwin’s Charmian Smith is NCC’s interim vice president of academic stu dent services, telling the crowd she was honored to know her colleagues recog nized her in such a way.

“This gala helps to bring us all togeth

er after the years of the Covid-19 pan demic,” she said. “It’s a great time to cel ebrate each other, our accomplishments, the community, and our families.”

Clavin is an NCC alum, and has count ed some of the professors there as actual members of his family.

“So many of my friends started their lives at this institution,” the town super visor said. “To be recognized is just hum bling.”

Stuart Richner talked about the importance of providing well-rounded learning experiences.

“Educating young adults takes a team of professionals and advisers, which we understand,” the Herald Community

Newspapers publisher said. “Here at Richner, we work as a team to pro vide hyperlocal news to our commu nities.”

Khzouz described his being hon ored by the foundation “amazing.” NICE Bus employs more than 1,000 people, transporting more than 70,000 each day in 450 vehicles. That’s more than a million miles a month.

“We have a mission, which we live every day,” Khzouz said. “That mission is to make sure our bus services are an asset to Nassau County institutions and its citizens.”

And now NICE is celebrating 10 years

in Nassau County.

“We use large complex vehicles to drive through Nassau County and Queens at peak rush hour with impatient New Yorkers. What could go wrong?”

Khzouz joked. “Yet, we prevail anyway.”

Proceeds from the gala will help The Nest at NCC food pantry. To make a dona tion, too, visit tinyurl.com/GiveNCC.

Tim Baker/Herald photos

ThE NASSAu CommuNITy College Foundation honored Hempstead town supervisor Don Clavin, NICE Bus chief executive Jack Khzouz, NCC administrator Charmian Smith, and Richner Communications, parent company of Herald Community Newspapers, during a fundraising gala last week.

mARIA CoNzATTI, pRESIDENT of Nassau Community College, honored Baldwin’s Charmian Smith during the Nassau Community College Foundation Gala last week.

SuppoRTERS AND INVITED guests gathered to celebrate four honorees at the Nassau Community College Foundation’s annual gala last week at the Cradle of Aviation Museum.

It’s a great time to celebrate each other, our accomplishments, the community, and our families.

Baldwin community turned the lights up

Typically after Thanksgiving, residents across Long Island hurry to hang up the Christmas lights, the same is true in Baldwin.

The Chamber of Commerce invited the Bald win community to join them at their annual tree lighting ceremony on Dec. 4 at the Baldwin His torical Society located 1980 Grand Ave. from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The chamber invited the Baldwin community to share the day together and enjoy free refresh ments, entertainment, and a visit from Santa. Guests were invited to bring in toys to donate to Toys for Tots — a nationwide toy drive ran by the United States Marine Corps Reserve, who provide gifts for children whose parents cant afford to purchase gifts for the holidays.

Likewise, on Nov. 25 the day after Thanksgiv ing, the Giles family tree located on the corner of Irving Pl. and Harte St. turned on its Christmas lights for the community to enjoy. The Baldwin Fire Department visited the house on their Santa route, and entertained a crowd of guests who showed up to take pictures.

The Giles family started the tradition of light ing their 85-foot tall tree in 1971, when Nathaniel Giles passed away. Since then Katherine and Eliz abeth Giles, Nathaniel Giles’ daughters, have car ried on the tradition but are struggling to afford to maintain and pay for the tree lighting service since their mother Joan Giles passed away in August of 2021. They are still raising funds to ensure they can afford to carry on the tradition into the future. To donate go to TinyURL.com/ pbts2k2n.

— Andre Silva

Maureen Lennon/Herald

THE CHAMBER OF Commerce invited the Baldwin community to join them at their annual tree lighting ceremony on Dec. 4 at the Baldwin Historical Society like members from the Baldwin Fire Department, Hose 1 & Hose 3.

LELIANA THOMPSON, 5, had a lot of fun on the pony rides with Moose the pony at the Chamber of Commerce tree lighting on Dec. 4 at the Historical Society.

THE BALDWIN FIRE Department visited the Giles family tree located on the corner of Irving Pl. and Harte St. on their Santa route on Nov. 25

Rachel Lyons wins Scholar Artist award

Baldwin High School senior Rachel Lyons was recognized as one of the ten Long Island’s scholar artists.

Baldwin High School senior, Rachel Lyons, has been recognized as a Long Island High School Scholar Artist for the 2022-2023 school year by the Long Island Arts Alliance.

The Long Island Arts Alliance — a non profit arts and culture organization focused on promoting awareness and par ticipation in Long Island’s artistic institu tions — developed the Scholar-Artist awards program to recognize student achievement in the arts and academics and present exceptionally accomplished high school seniors to the public in monthly pro files published in Newsday.

A total of 40 Scholar–Artists were cho sen from a pool of students from across Long Island in five disciplines: Visual Arts, Music, Theater, Dance, and Media Arts. The school district said Lyons was one of ten to be honored in the discipline of music and will be featured in Newsday for the month of June, highlighting both her aca demic and artistic successes.

“Rachel has been a very productive stu dent throughout her time in Baldwin Schools,” said Andre Poprilo, Baldwin Union Free School District’s director of fine and performing arts. “A pianist, cellist, vocalist, scholar, leader and an amazing person; she adds to whatever organization to which she is a member. On behalf of the music department, we congratulate her on

a well-deserved recognition, as she embod ies the essence of the Long Island Scholar Artist program.”

The school district said students are first nominated by Long Island’s public, independent and parochial schools. From these nominees, the Scholar-Artist selec tion committees choose one monthly award winner from Nassau and one from Suffolk for ten consecutive months throughout the school year.

To earn an award in the Scholar-Artist program, students must demonstrate the highest level of artistic excellence, as well as superior academic achievement, a grade point average of 90 or above. Over the sum mer, the committee, which is composed of art educators, uses review process to judge the submitted works.

The school district said Lyons has always been an exceptional student of aca demia and music and is currently set to be the Class of 2023 valedictorian. Her music career began at the young age of four, when she started taking piano lessons.

She then picked up the cello while at Meadow Elementary School at just nine years old. She most recently was designat ed a NYSSMA All-State musician, she’s a National Merit Scholarship Program Com mended Student, and is Baldwin High School’s Tri-M Music Honor Society presi dent.

Lyons will appear in the June issue of Newsday’s monthly public profiles.

— Andre Silva

Courtesy Baldwin School District BALDWIN HIGH SCHOOL senior, Rachel Lyons, has been recognized as a Long Island High School Scholar Artist for the 2022-2023 school year by the Long Island Arts Alliance.

Dowling most influential health care leader

Michael Dowling, who championed innovation to combat the Covid-19 pan demic as president and chief executive of Northwell Health, has been selected as America’s most influential leader in

It’s one that has worked to upend health inequalities Dowling has said were laid bare by the pandemic. One of those initiatives was the Center for Maternal Health, unveiled earlier this year, focused on under served communities addressing health con ditions that can occur before conception through the first year after a baby is deliv ered.

The magazine’s ranking is deter mined by peers and the publication’s editors based on leadership and impact. Dowling has now appeared on the list 16 times, earning a second-place national ranking in 2020, and third last year.

Northwell is New York’s largest health care provider and private employer with 21 hospitals, 850 outpa tient facilities and more than 12,000

“This remarkable recognition truly is a reflection of the col laboration and work ethic elicited by thou sands of Northwell team members who deliver compassionate care to our patients each and every day,” Dowling said, in a release.

“Of course, our daily focus is on our sickest patients. But to serve our broad er community, we also look at health trends both looming on the horizon, and lurking under the cover of darkness.

“That’s why we’ve taken a stand against gun violence. That’s why we’ve opened Northwell’s Center for Maternal Health to reduce maternal mortality — especially among Black Americans.”

Michael Dowling

STEPPING OUT

arrives on local stages

The festive tradition continues to delight

By Karen Bloom

Neil deGrasse Tyson

How real is what you’re seeing up on the big screen? Astrophysicistlecturer Neil deGrasse Tyson knows and he’ll clue us in, separating fact from fiction — in a new installment of ‘An Astrophysicist Goes to the Movies: The Sequel.’ Derived from yet another set of 30 films/television shows that range from ‘The Wizard of Oz’ to ‘Mary Poppins’ to ‘Game of Thrones’ to ‘Harry Potter’ to ‘The Lion King,’ this lecture is an entertaining and enlightening review of all the science that our favorite entertainment got wrong, combined with some of the stuff they got right. This lecture also incorporates the latest films as well as some classics that you may not have known had any science in them at all.

Friday, Dec. 9, 8 p.m. $250 (VIP), $100, $75, $50. $250 VIP ticket includes a post-show Q&A. Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, LIU Post, Route 25A, Brookville. (516) 299-3100, or TillesCenter.org.

New York

offers its 40th season of the holiday classic, presented in the style of the legendary George Balanchine, on the John Cranford Adams Playhouse stage at Hofstra University.

The dance theatre closely follows the Balanchine tradition — from storyline through choreography, as well as sets and costumes. It is the largest production on Long Island, according to new artistic director, — and dance theatre alum Nicole Loizides Albruzzese.

The dance theatre’s version keeps to the tone set by company founder Frank Ohman, which remains true to the spirit of New York City Ballet’s Lincoln Center production. As a former student and New York City Ballet soloist under George Balanchine, Ohman was one of a select few authorized to use the original pas de deux choreography of his mentor, which continues to distinguish this production.

Through the years, Ohman created original dances and scenes to enhance Balanchine’s iconic vision. Now Albruzzese — who was a student at the dance theatre’s Ohman School of Ballet under Ohman and performed most of the children’s roles in “The Nutcracker” during her time there — returns as a professional dancer in the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy before her international dance career, follows in her mentor’s footsteps in keeping to the Balanchine standard.

Special guest artists New York City Ballet principal dancers Indiana Woodward and Daniel Ulbricht take on the roles of Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier, joining a cast of Ohman School students to bring the holiday classic to the stage.

With the elegant Christmas party scene, the battle of the toy soldiers and giant mice, the intense snow storm, and elaborate dancing in the Land of the Sweets, this “Nutcracker” is sparkling treat that maintains its enduring appeal.

Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 17-18, noon and 5 p.m. $42, $32 seniors and children 12 and younger. Hofstra University, John Cranford Adams Playouse, Hempstead. For tickets, call (631) 462-0964, or visit OhmanBallet.org.

Curry’s interpretation at Tilles Center stars New York City Ballet soloist Miriam Miller as the Sugar Plum Fairy and New York City Ballet principal Tyler Angle as her Cavalier. Also of note, Fox Weather meteorologist (and Instagram and TikTok sensation) Nick Kosir joins the cast of more than 60 students and professional dancers as Dr. Stahlbaum, Clara’s father.

The Park Avenue Chamber Symphony, under the baton of maestro David Bernard, performs Tchaikovsky’s glorious score.

“This year, I’ve taken some elements and changed them to keep the production fresh,” Curry says. “Our professional dancers, along with our incredibly talented academy students, have accepted the challenge of these new variations and character developments. I’ve enriched the production with more theatricality and many new dramatic elements.

“Having our guest artists from New York City Ballet and the wonderful Nick Kosir is like having a very sweet cherry on top of an already decadent sundae.”

Company member Briana Laman dances the role of Clara, with fellow company member Ryan Cavaline as Nutcracker Prince. For this production, Curry has reinterpreted the central first act pas de deux in the prelude to Waltz of the Snowflakes (usually danced by a Snow Queen and a Snow King) for Clara and the Nutcracker Prince.

“Having this pas de deux danced by these two characters intensifies the connection between the two,” he says. “We see the arc of their relationship and gives the opportunity for Clara’s dream to have a more poignant and personal effect on our audiences.”

Saturday, Dec. 17, 1 and 6 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 18, 2 p.m. Tickets are $89, $69, $59, $49. Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, LIU Post, Route 25A, Brookville. For tickets, call (516) 299-3100 or visit TillesCenter.org or EglevskyBallet.org.

Kenny G’s

The Miracles Holiday & Hits

Ring in the holiday season with smooth jazz saxophonist Kenny G. The crossover jazz icon has enjoyed phenomenal success across the pop, jazz and R&B charts for more than three decades. Known for his lyrical and emotive style, his music has garnered a devoted fan base and made him one of the biggest-selling instrumentalists of all-time. The sound of his sax is as iconic as his curly coif. Indeed, both are instantly recognizable. Expect an evening filled with a festive spirit and contemporary classics. A reprise of last year’s successful outing,’The Miracles Holiday & Hits Tour’ features a mix of holiday hits and fan favorites infused with his captivating and distinctive blending of genres. The tour follows the release of his 19th studio album, ‘New Standards,’ and the acclaimed HBO documentary ‘Listening to Kenny G.’

Thursday, Dec. 15, 8 p.m.

NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Road., Westbury. TheTheatreAtWestbury.com or LiveNation.com, or (516) 247-5200.

New York Dance Theatre’s ‘The Nutcracker’

Dance Theatre

Those

sugar plum fairies and various figments of a young girl’s imagination come alive this month. The beloved holiday confection never goes out of style.

Courtesy New York Dance Theatre

Photo: Clara is enchanted with her nutcracker in the party that opens the ballet.

Eglevsky Ballet’s innovative ‘The Nutcracker’ Long Island’s professional dance company is known for its inventive staging of Clara’s delightful journey, featuring additional choreography by Executive Artistic Director Maurice Brandon Curry.

Courtesy Eglevsky Ballet

Photo: The enchanting snow scene is a shimmering showstopper.

THE SCENE

Shrek The Musical

See the uplifting tale of an unlikely hero who finds himself on a life-changing journey, presented by Nassau Community College Theater Department, now through Sunday, Dec. 11, 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m. are brought to life on stage for an incredible adventure that includes a wisecracking donkey and a feisty princess who resists her rescue. Throw in a short-tempered bad guy, a cookie with an attitude and over a dozen other fairy tale misfits, and you’ve got the kind of mess that calls for a real hero. Luckily, there’s one on hand — and that’s Shrek, of course. Nassau Community College’s Mainstage Theatre, Garden City. Tickets $18; NCC students free with valid ID; $15, veterans, alumni, seniors 60+, students and NCC employees. For tickets/information, visit NCC.edu or call (516) 572-7676.

Christmas Tree of Lights celebration

Mercy Medical Center Council of Leagues invites the community to its annual Christmas Tree of Lights celebration, Tuesday, Dec. 13, 5:30 p.m. Enjoy some of your favorite holiday songs sung by Mercy’s carolers and refreshments. Festivities take place in front of the hospital, 1000 N. Village Ave., Rockville Centre. Proceeds from the event will support the Endowment for Nursing Leadership and Education at Mercy Hospital. For information visit CHSLI.org/ mercy-hospital.

Board of Education Meeting

The Baldwin Union Free School District is holding a board of education meeting , Wednesday, Dec. 14, at 8 p.m., at the Lenox Elementary School, located on 551 Lenox Road. For more information contact the district office at (516) 4346000.

A Winter’s Tale Concert

Join Michelle LaPorte and Gerry Saultner, for a performance celebrating the holiday season, Sunday, Dec. 11, 2 p.m., at Baldwin Public Library, 2385 Grand Ave. With their flute and guitar, the pair will perform holiday music from around the world. Tickets are available at the Reference Desk.

Sugar Plum Ball/ Galactic Gala

Bring the kids to celebrate the season at festivities hosted by the Cerebral Palsy Association of Nassau County, Sunday, Dec.11, noon-4 p.m., at the Chateau Briand in Carle Place. Kids ages 4-12, accompanied by their adult guest (Mom, Dad, grandparent, etc.), will enjoy a unique party featuring food, fun and some special guests including princesses, fairies and visitors from a Galaxy Far Far Away. With lunch, DJ, magic show, dancing, raffles, games, photo ops, and more. Cost is $75 per child, $100 per adult. Advance reservation only. All proceeds benefit CP Nassau. Register online at CPNassau.org or call CP Nassau at (516) 3782000 ext 651.

Having an event?

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, Thursday and Friday, Dec. 8-9, 10:15 a.m. and noon; Sunday, Dec. 11, 2 p.m.; Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 14-15, 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. Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 2245800 or LICM.org.

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. 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) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.

LI Warriors Sock Hockey Clinic

Add some skills to your sock skating game with members of the LI Warriors recreational hockey league at Long Island Children’s Museum, Saturday, Dec. 10, 10 a.m.-noon. Learn about stick handling and passing as you master wrist and slap shots on the LICM “ice” in a hockey clinic for ages 3 and up. Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or LICM.org.

Board of Education Meeting

The Baldwin Union Free School District holds a board of education meeting, Wednesday, Dec. 14 , 8 p.m. at the Lenox Elementary School located on 551 Lenox Road. For more information contact the district office at (516) 434-6000.

Matinee time

Join crafty Jack Frost on a magical, musical winter adventure, in Plaza Theatrical’s production of “Jack Frost,” Saturday, Dec. 10, 11 a.m.; Sunday, Dec. 12, noon. The story, narrated by the groundhog Pardon-MePete, tells about the immortal winter sprite, who falls in love with a human girl named Elisa after rescuing her. Tickets are $15. Bring the kids to the Plaza stage at The Showplace at Bellmore Movies, 222 Pettit Ave., Bellmore. For tickets, call (516) 599-6870 or visit PlazaTheatrical.com.

Balloon Mission is up and away to save

In its early stages, nonprofit sets tone for future

By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com

Where do helium-filled bal loons go when they’re released into the sky?

Cynthia Seibold had that same question. And she discovered that the old axiom was true: What goes up must come down. But not in ways people might like.

The North Merrick resident with a background in insurance underwriting, spent a lot of time outdoors at the start of the coronavirus pandemic. She noticed, however, that among all the litter found in the various parks, preserves and beaches she visit ed, one category stood out: bal loons.

Or rather, shreds of bal loons. Seibold found their strings and what was left of their plastic or rubber bodies impacting trees and plants and, of course, wildlife — animals that could easily mistake bal loon pieces for food.

It’s not that bal loon releases — or how they poten tially threaten the environment — is something new. But the pandemic created a new surge of such helium-intensive events as a different way to share birth days, graduations and retirements.

“Balloons are (a) leading cause of pol lution in our waters and our air,” Seibold said. “They break down into microplas tics and nanoplastics. I kept saying to myself, ‘There has to be a better way.’”

She found it with her nonprofit, Bal loon Mission.

“Our program is to collect balloons before they end up on the land and in oceans, reducing our carbon footprint and the harmful microplastics that are gener ated from balloons,” Seibold said. “And for every balloon that is sold and respon sibly collected, we feel it’s going to be one less piece of litter that’s harming our wildlife.”

Still, Seibold wants to make one thing very clear: She is not “anti-balloon.”

“This is a growing issue,” she said. “I think people need to know that there are options of ballooning responsibly. We’re not telling you to not have your balloons, but discard them in an appropriate man ner.”

Although the nonprofit is in its early stages, Seibold has already received a great deal of support while building rela tionships with local and statewide organi zations. That includes the Hempstead town sanitation department, and the state environmental conservation department.

One of Seibold‘s primary goals is to

the get the message out that Balloon Mis sion is collecting balloons with plans to set up collection bins as early as January so people can properly dispose their holi day balloons.

Those bins will be cardboard boxes with Balloon Mission signage, Seibold explained. Locations are still being deter mined, but she hopes to have them in community-oriented locations like fire houses, Veterans of Foreign Wars halls and libraries.

On a national level, Seibold said, peo ple are noticing the effects balloons have on the environment.

“There was actually a New York Times article that came out in March of 2022 that talks about this surge in balloon fren zy,” she said. “We couldn’t celebrate and we couldn’t do things when we were in lockdown.

“We did these big balloon displays, and they’ve gotten even bigger, and it’s not going away. People want this — they want a balloon collection. They want options. They want to feel like they’re part of the solution, not part of the problem.”

Through her research and communica tion with Hempstead town officials, Sei bold learned the municipality actually passed a local law prohibiting the inten tional release of balloons in 2019. Yet, bal loon releases still happen, she said, mak ing it important that signage goes up — perhaps sometime next spring — advising

against such activities.

Seibold is working closely with ACDS, an organization that offers lifetime services to people of all ages with intellectual disabilities. Formerly the Association for Chil dren with Down Syndrome, the organization has locations in North Merrick and Plainview.

Jane Cohen, the day habilita tion services supervisor at ACDS, says it’s important for her group to offer volunteers to various envi ronmental organizations, and that its members are excited about helping Seibold’s nonprofit.

“In January, we’re going to start collecting (balloons) from various pickup sites, and then we’re going to bring them back to our hub sites and sift through them,” Cohen said. Volunteers “can work on their office skills and note-taking, so they can feel like they’ve accomplished some thing. It’s very rewarding for our individ uals.”

ACDS plans to provide some 200 volun teers to Balloon Mission.

“We feel this is a symbiotic relation ship,” Seibold said, adding it “works in keeping with ACDS’s goal of increasing life and social skills, and work readiness for their participants.”

She also hopes to educate people on alternatives to balloons.

MANy ARE uNAwARE the helium-filled balloons they release can harm the environment. Sea turtles and other animals can mistake the balloons for food.

past.

“I’m not looking to get rid of balloons — they make people light up,” she said. “I would like to start thinking of alterna tives. Can we blow bubbles? Can we send up a nice waft of smoke or sage into the air? It’s about finding these other ways of commemorating those moments in our life.”

Seibold hopes her nonprofit will get people thinking about ways to help find solutions.

“There are people that are smarter than me out there,” she said, “and I need those people in on the Balloon Mission.”

Photos courtesy Cynthia Seibold

CyNthiA SEiBOLD, fOuNDER and executive director of the nonprofit Balloon Mission, found an abandoned balloon at Lido Beach, a Hempstead town park. Seibold is on a quest to raise awareness about how damaging to the environment helium-filled balloon releases are, with hopes of making that a practice of the

we’re not telling you to not have your balloons, but discard them in an appropriate manner.

CyNthiA SEiBOLD Founder, Balloon Mission

—

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

LEGAL NOTICE

BOARD OF EDUCATION

BALDWIN UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT

SPECIFICATIONS FOR PUPIL TRANSPORTATION

SECTION 1

ADVERTISEMENT

The Board of Education of the Baldwin Union Free School District, County of Nassau, hereafter invites the Submission of sealed bids for the Southwest Quadrant Consortium PUPIL TRANSPORTATION

Tuesday, DECEMBER 20,2022 at 9:00 A.M.

At the Office of the Board of Education Baldwin Union Free School District 960 Hastings Street Baldwin, N.Y. 11510

At which time and place All bids will be publicly Opened and read aloud.

Specifications and bid Forms may be obtained by telephone 516-434-6040

Between the hours of 8:30 A.M. and 3:30 P.M. weekdays. The Board of Education reserves the right to reject any or all bids, or to accept any bid which in the opinion of the Board of Education will be in the best interest of the School District.

Board of Education Baldwin Union Free School District

By: Pamela Pratt District Clerk 135804

PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES…

Printed in this publication can be found online. To search by publication name, go to: www.newyorkpublicnotices.com TO PLACE AN AD CALL 516-569-4000 x 232

LEGAL NOTICE

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 12/14/22 at 2:00 P.M. to consider the following applications and appeals:

THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 2:00 P.M. 851/22. BALDWIN - Farm Pointe New York, LLC, d/b/a Farm Stores, Install one, detached, doublefaced, illuminated, pylon sign, setback 10’ 6” from Grand Ave. & 10’ 6” from Atlantic Ave., N/E cor. Grand Ave. & Atlantic Ave., a/k/a 2885 Grand Ave.

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. 135799

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 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 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

Place a notice by phone at 516-569-4000 x232 or email: legalnotices@liherald.com

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK INDEX NO. 606716/2022 COUNTY OF NASSAU

Wind ensemble accompanied by a community motorcade

reviewed by NYSSMA lead ership

The theme of the confer ence was “Connect, Belong and Create,” and it featured a variety of works and com posers. Scott Dunn, Baldwin High’s wind ensemble teacher, said this was the first time the Wind Sympho ny was invited to take part, which he considers a tre mendous accomplishment.

Dunn said he was proud to perform music by more diverse composers this year — like “Montuno,” by Roberto Sierra, a Puerto Rican-American composer. Dunn said was excited to showcase the group’s rendi tion of the work, which he said incorpo rates classical music and Puerto Rican styles.

“Most of classical music is written by dead white males,” Dunn said, “so we were focusing on composers that create artistic music, not because they’re from an under-represented community, but because we think their music is good.”

Dunn said he was invited to present a workshop called “Diversity in Wind Band Repertoire” at the conference to bandlead ers across the state — with the help of Greg Sisco, the band director at Manhas set High School and graduate of Baldwin High School. Dunn and Sisco spoke about promoting diversity in wind ensembles and incorporating the music of underrepresented composers.

“Baldwin is a diverse community that’s been making music at the highest level for many, many years,” Dunn said.

“This year we’re playing music from a diverse range of composers, which I think will land well with the audience in Roch ester.”

The Wind Symphony previewed some of what the musicians performed in Rochester at the high school’s winter con cert on Nov. 30.

Elissa Kirchner, the Baldwin Civic Association’s Beautification chair and the mother of 16-year-old Logan Kirchner, who plays trumpet in the group, said she was proud to see her son be a part of this accomplishment.

“All of the hard work and dedication from the Wind Symphony and the teach ers was beautiful to see at their concert Wednesday,” Elissa Kirchner said. “It fills my heart to know that they will get to experience this, a memory that will last a lifetime. Especially the way the communi ty and firehouses came together to send them off.”

PHH

Public Notices Public Notices

MORTGAGE CORPORATION

Plaintiff, vs. EDWARD ARMELLINO; ROBYN ARMELLINO; THREE G’S CORPORATION, its successors and/or assigns; THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA; “JOHN DOE” AS “JOHN DOE #1”; “JANE DOE” AS “JOHN DOE #2”, “JOHN DOE #3” through “JOHN DOE #12,” the last eleven names being fictitious and unknown to plaintiff, the persons or parties intended being the tenants, occupants, persons or corporations, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the premises, described in the complaint, Defendants.

Plaintiff designates NASSAU as the place of trial situs of the real property

SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS

Mortgaged Premises: 2984 WESTERN

BOULEVARD, BALDWIN AKA BALDWIN HARBOR, NY 11510

Section: 54, Block: 415, Lot: 2854-2858

To the above named Defendants YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in the above entitled action and to serve a copy of your Answer on the plaintiff’s attorney within twenty (20) days of the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service, or within thirty (30) days after service of the same is complete where service is made in any manner other than by personal delivery within the State. The United States of America, if designated as a defendant in this action, may answer or appear within sixty (60) days of service. Your failure to appear or to answer will result in a judgment

against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. In the event that a deficiency balance remains from the sale proceeds, a judgment may be entered against you.

NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT

THE OBJECT of the above caption action is to foreclose a Mortgage to secure the sum of $280,000.00 and interest, recorded on February 06, 2006, in Liber M30066 at Page 480 , of the Public Records of NASSAU County, New York., covering premises known as 2984 WESTERN BOULEVARD, BALDWIN AKA BALDWIN HARBOR, NY 11510.

The relief sought in the within action is a final judgment directing the sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the

Mortgage described above.

NASSAU County is designated as the place of trial because the real property affected by this action is located in said county.

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 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 the mortgage company will

not stop the 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.

Dated:October 28, 2022 ROBERTSON, ANSCHUTZ, SCHNEID, CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC Attorney for Plaintiff Matthew Rothstein, Esq. 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310 Westbury, NY 11590 516-280-7675

135360

PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES… Printed in this publication can be found online. To search by publication name, go to: www.newyorkpublicnotices.com TO PLACE AN AD CALL 516-569-4000 x 232

Andre Silva/Herald PARENTS STOOD OUTSIDE the school, cheering the Wind Symphony as its members prepared to head to Rochester on Dec. 1.

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More complications from Superstorm Sandy

This unique home boasts 2,494 livable interior square feet with 4 bedrooms and 4 full bathrooms. The main floor offers a primary bedroom with ensuite, additional bedroom and full hall bathroom, bright living room with woodburning fireplace, eat-in kitchen with brick oven cooking, laundry room, den/family room with access to backyard patio and 2 car attached garage. 2 Additional bedrooms, den/office/exercise room and shared bathroom are found on the second level. There is also a full basement with utilities, storage, full bathroom, wet bar and endless possibilities. This home also boasts wood floors throughout, ample closets/storage on a 116 x 63 lot. Call for a private showing.

Q. We purchased our home with minor damage from Hurricane Sandy, and were told that because there was little or no damage, just mold in the unfin ished basement and new boiler, the house was fine, no title problems. But when we tried getting a permit for a shed, we were told we needed a permit for stormrelated repairs, including proof of our home’s value. We decided not to get the shed because of this, but we got a letter saying we still need the storm repair per mit, regardless. None of the neighbors we spoke to ever got this permit. It seems we’re being punished for being honest and trying to do the right thing. Is there a way around this problem? What if we do nothing?

A. My answer may be as confusing as your situ ation. I have seen no con sistency in this dilemma as I go from one munici pality to another, and I’ve asked why some impacted jurisdictions don’t require as much paperwork and scrutinizing as others. The answer from officials was generally that each jurisdiction made assess ments of the specific properties, and then recorded which ones were uninhabitable compared to which ones had various levels of needed repairs.

It may have been that at the time, when people were so devastated by their personal property loss es, it seemed like a bad policy to hurt homeowners further with permit requirements and lots of administrative paperwork. The concerns for peo ple’s emotions at that time have, seemingly, dimin ished. Your jurisdiction chose to notify people to submit estimates and property value statements, over a decade later, mostly when they apply for per mits for unrelated projects.

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I sat down to a Sunday-morning breakfast chat in a diner with the top elected official in your juris diction in February of 2013, four months after the storm, as a concerned citizen as well as a licensed professional and columnist. It was nice that they paid for breakfast, but I’m not sure they acknowl edged the level of problems I was seeing, from the lack of communication and enforcement with the public. I suggested that it was better to notify every one with specifics, not randomly ambush people when they applied for other things in the future, like you’re now experiencing.

I advised that everyone damaged by the storm could file basic repair letters, be contacted by block and lot numbers instead of all at once, and put the effects of the storm behind us all as quickly and painlessly as possible, but in a way that officially recorded people’s repairs in letter form and in a simple way. Building departments were extremely helpful in assisting people to get backup docu ments, and I saw an earnest effort to help the pub lic. But many homeowners ignored letters, did nothing and seem not to be affected by require ments.

Your story is an example of the result I predict ed. I wish I knew the answer. It may take another decade to figure this out. 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.

Ask The Architect

Monte Leeper

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OPINIONS

Facing life — and death — with peace and love

John Casciani died last weekend. You don’t know him, but trust me, he wouldn’t want anyone to fuss over him. He came into this world quietly 88 years ago, and I’m sure would prefer the same exit now.

But you can’t have such a profound effect on someone’s life — to the point that you almost single-handedly changed it for the better — and expect them to experience your passing as an afterthought.

Casciani doesn’t deserve to be remem bered, but because I simply don’t know how to express my sadness that someone who touched and transformed so many lives as a teacher over the years no longer shares the same plane of existence we do.

with “peace and love” — something you always felt around him. Peace and love.

I can usually write a column like this practically in my sleep, but nothing seemed right to honor this man who did so much for everyone, yet didn’t want anyone to notice.

So, that’s what I did. I cried. Tears of sadness. Tears of happy memories. Tears of who I am. Tears of what I might have been if it weren’t for Mr. Casciani.

MICHAEL HINMAN

Writing isn’t just a profession for me. It’s how I cope. And the moment I learned of Mr. Casciani’s passing, I put pen to paper, sharing an anecdote from the very first time I met this fascinating chemistry teacher and photography club adviser from my high school days, and how he introduced me to the magical world of the darkroom.

I talked about the value of teachers, who are key to our self-discovery of who we are. I even shared Mr. Casciani’s way of making even the most mundane interest ing, like when he would wager his chemis try classes he could drink a glass of boiling water — and then actually do it.

But the moment I typed the final words of that piece, I closed the document and then dumped it in the trash. Not that Mr.

I was going through a bad time when I first met Mr. Casciani. We all remember being teenagers, and few of us can say it was easy. But Mr. Casciani truly changed my life. Not just teaching me the skills that helped me land my first newspaper job — the fact that I could devel op my own film and print my own pictures helped get me through the door of a daily newspaper when I was still in high school — but being someone who taught me it was OK to be fascinated by the world around us. That we shouldn’t be ashamed of that sense of wonder.

Yet I simply couldn’t find the words to express any of that. Outside of a few Face book interactions, I hadn’t had a direct conversation with Mr. Casciani since I graduated from high school in the early 1990s. But he would occasionally send me a note, usually asking me to help him remember some details about projects we worked on — like our school’s television program in the days when creating televi sion at the high school level wasn’t so easy to pull off — so he could reminisce.

He would sign each of those messages

But then I remembered something else Mr. Casciani taught me. Strength doesn’t come from not needing to ask for help — it comes from seeking help when you need it. Something pride inter feres with all too often.

So, I sought that strength inside of me and asked for help. Marcie Schellhammer is the assistant managing editor of the Bradford Era in north-central Pennsylvania, about 30 miles from where I grew up. She’s written so many beautiful columns about people that I cite her work to my own reporters when we need examples of the best way to honor people with our words.

I did everything I was supposed to do. I shared a favorite memory, and how what I learned from it changed my life. I shared the moment my eyes opened, and even talked about how Mr. Casciani helped mold me into the man I am now. But it still wasn’t working.

“That’s because you wrote it to write a column,” Marcie told me. “You didn’t write it with your heart. At least that’s my pro cess. I can’t write a memorial column with out crying.”

As always, Marcie was right. And the more I thought about it, the more I realized I couldn’t take the traditional approach in honoring Mr. Casciani. I can scream from the hilltops how important our educators are — and they indeed are. But the truest way to honor a man like Mr. Casciani is to put what he taught me into practice.

To admit when I’m struggling. To face it. To seek out help. And to never, ever be ashamed of it. I joke from time to time that Mr. Casciani would tell me the skills I was learning in the darkroom would be skills that would help me the rest of my life. And then, in my mid-20s, darkrooms went extinct in the shadow of digital pho tography.

But that has changed my life. I haven’t stepped inside a darkroom in about two decades, but the skills I learned there opened the doors at the beginning of my career that allowed me to sit here and write these words today. And for that, I will be forever grateful to Mr. Casciani.

We all have a Mr. Casciani in our lives. And we can never thank them enough for making the impact they did. So, if you can still thank them, please take a moment and do it now.

Peace and love.

Michael Hinman is executive editor of the Herald Community Newspapers. Com ments? Execeditor@liherald.com.

No, Gwyneth, I will not buy your face cream

In this season of marathon shopping, I started wondering why I buy what I buy. There are millions of choices when it comes to our cosmetics and cars and food and OTC meds and clothing and shoes and TV series and movies and furnishings and technology, and travel and education.

So why do I scan the shelves and pick out one sneaker among the many sports shoes for sale?

celebrity flogs a product, my avoidance mode kicks in. I love Matthew McCo naughey, but I’m not buying a Lincoln because he looks dreamy sitting behind the wheel in the TV commercials. I am not buy ing Gwyneth Paltrow’s skin cream thinking it will make me look like her.

I mean, why would I buy a Dior product because Charl ize Theron is their public face? She’s a gorgeous 8-foottall South African beauty. My life, inside this body of mine, bears no resemblance to her existence. Dior face cream will not help. I resist.

does she know about shoes or me or the value of her product? As for the Kardashi ans, well, how much time do you have? Who are they, exactly, and how many of them are in the public eye, and what is their skill set? They endorse various hair products, and I imagine their pitch is to young people, but why? They are the most famous people who are famous just for being famous.

ing crosses, and stigmata. After an outcry from religious groups, Pepsi canceled its ad.

My friends are my greatest influencers. I buy what they tell me to buy; I watch the TV that they suggest; I read the books they send my way.

I also take seriously consumer reviews from reliable websites. I have found new doctors by reading online reviews.

We think we have the power of choice, but we are bedazzled by influ encers. Psycholo gists say that we are especially moti vated by celebrity endorsements that suggest we can acquire good looks, wealth, friends and celebrity itself by buying the car that George Clooney drives or wearing the ath letic shoes that Selena Gomez wears or drinking the Coke that LeBron James, Penelope Cruz or Michelle Kwan drinks.

RANDI KREISS

I’m crazy about Reese Witherspoon and I love Crate & Barrel products, but I’m not buying a new couch because she’s their “brand ambassador.”

Various media put enormous money into advertising campaigns that feature celebrities touting their products. For me, it’s a waste of their time and money. When a

I can’t argue that celebrity endorsements don’t work, because apparently they pay off big time, or companies wouldn’t seek out famous people to push their products. I just don’t think it works for me, and I would urge others to look at their prospective pur chases in a clear-eyed way, setting aside the celebrity glam factor.

Drew Barrymore has associated herself with Crocs. What the heck? Should I buy a clutzy shoe because she tells me to? What

Epic flops and scandals have haunted the celebrity endorsement industry. Kanye West recently unraveled with his nonstop antisemitic rants. He lost Adidas, Balen ciaga, Foot Locker, Gap, and others. Michael Phelps was dropped by Kellogg’s years ago, after a photo circulated of him smoking marijuana. Today, with a net worth of some $80 million, he can boast associations with Intel, Sub way, Under Armor, Beats and Visa. The weed factor is passe.

Years back, according to E-News, Madon na landed a one-year contract as the celebri ty spokesperson for Pepsi. A two-minute family-friendly ad premiered wherein the singer revisited her eighth birthday. But the next day, Madonna’s video for “Like a Prayer” debuted. The video featured burn

I have one friend whom I love who has mysterious powers over my purchasing decisions. When we’re together, we some times shop. I find myself buying what she tells me to buy — even the outsized blouse with a geometric print that makes my eyes burn. Sometimes there’s a pricey item I don’t need, but if she tells me I need it, boom, it’s in the shopping bag. I don’t know what it is. My only defense is not to go shop ping with her too often. Because if she tells me I need the striped balloon pants in neon green, it’s circus time for me.

As we go about our Christmas and Hanukkah shopping, it might be wise to consider who is influencing our purchases. One of the oldest and longest-running celeb rity endorsements was launched by Jell-O in the early 1970s, when they hired a 37-yearold actor named Bill Cosby. Presumably JellO has wiggled onward without him.

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

I can’t argue that celebrity endorsements don’t work. Apparently they pay off big time.

W e all have a Mr. Casciani in our lives, and we can never thank them enough.

Roosevelt’s address to the nation, Dec. 8, 1941

Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speak er, members of the Senate, and of the House of Repre sentatives:

Yesterday, Dec. 7, 1941 — a date which will live in infamy — the United States of America was suddenly and deliber ately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.

The United States was at peace with that nation, and at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with its government and its emperor, looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific.

Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in the American island of Oahu, the Japa nese ambassador to the United States and his colleague delivered to our secre tary of state a formal reply to a recent American message. And while this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or of armed attack.

It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time, the Japanese gov

ernment has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false state ments and expressions of hope for con tinued peace.

The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. I regret to tell you that very many Ameri can lives have been lost. In addition, American ships have been reported tor pedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu.

Yesterday, the Japanese government also launched an attack against Malaya.

Last night, Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong.

Last night, Japanese forces attacked Guam.

Last night, Japanese forces attacked the Philippine islands.

Last night, the Japanese attacked Wake Island.

And this morning, the Japanese attacked Midway Island.

Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area.

The facts of yesterday and today speak for themselves. The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the impli

cations to the very life and safety of our nation.

As commander-in-chief of the Army and Navy, I have directed that all mea sures be taken for our defense. But always, will our whole nation remember the character of the onslaught against us?

No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute vic tory.

I believe that I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend our selves to the uttermost, but will make it very certain that this form of treachery shall never again endanger us.

Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory and our interests are in grave danger.

With confidence in our armed forces, with the unbounding determination of our people, we will gain the inevitable triumph, so help us God.

I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, Dec. 7, 1941, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese empire.

LETTERS

Taking the air out of balloon releases

To the Editor: Thank you to Senior Reporter Jordan Vallone for her well-written piece, “Balloon Mission is up and away: Planning initial projects, nonprofit sets tone for future” (Bell more and Merrick Heralds, Dec. 1-7, liherald.com/merrick/stories/bal loon-mission-is-up-and-away, 152602). And bravo to Cynthia Sei bold, of North Merrick, for using the pandemic to start a nonprofit group, Balloon Mission, committed to stopping the inane practice of releasing balloons into the environ ment as a form of celebration.

Balloons are made of rubber, latex or nylon fabric, which does not break down easily — a polyure thane balloon can take up to 450 years to decompose, according to the University of Melbourne. In the wild, balloons get caught in trees and underbrush, where they are shredded by branches. Over time, they appear to disintegrate, but what is really happening is the bal loons are further breaking down

into microplastics, which then become ingrained in soil and water systems. From there, they are ingest ed by animals and marine creatures — and then by we humans at the top of the food chain. In 2019, the Town of Southampton passed a law

banning the intentional release of balloons — with a fine of $350 or imprisonment for up to 15 days for a first offense. Subsequent offenses would receive harsher penalties. The Town of Hempstead has a similar ordinance on the books, also passed in 2019,

OPINIONS

The red wave that wasn’t, and the crime wave that isn’t

Despite expectations, Republi cans ended up underperform ing on Nov. 8. Although Republi cans narrowly captured the House, Democrats kept the Senate and even managed to flip multiple state cham bers blue, including capturing the gover nor’s office in Arizona, of all places.

ing on the good people of Nassau County. For their part, the Democrats, as usual, were yet again unable to show a spine and attack the Republican narrative. But at any rate, it seems the Republican assault on our collective psyche was successful.

your chances of being a victim of grand larceny are? About 0.002 percent.

So what can we do?

MATTHEW ADARICHEV

Peculiarly, however, Republicans had one of their best nights in none other than the deep-blue Demo cratic stronghold of New York. They flipped a stagger ing one-fifth of all Democratic con gressional seats here, and nearly unseated Demo cratic Gov. Kathy Hochul.

How did they pull it off? Fear of crime. While in most of the nation, inflation and preserving democracy were the top two issues, poll ing from New York City in May showed that the No. 1 issue on people’s minds was crime — and it wasn’t even close.

Leading up to the election, the Republi cans unleashed a barrage of fear-monger

LETTERS

There’s just one problem. There’s no actual crime wave.

It’s completely normal to be worried about crime; we all deserve to be safe in our neighborhoods. But the facts just don’t bear it out. Did you know that the num bers of murders, rapes and sexual crimes have all gone down this year compared with last, according to offi cial Nassau County Police Department data? Surpris ing, I know. And all things considered, we’re actually in one of the safest periods ever in our county.

There have been increases in crime, but they’ve been related to property, not violent crimes. And even with the increase in property crimes, it is still exceedingly rare for a Nassau resident to be a victim of such a crime. The most common crime defined as “major” this year was grand larceny. You know what

But I can definitely understand the claim that we all feel an air of crime here in Nassau. Blame the media: 2022 saw a spike in the media coverage of shootings in New York City that went far beyond the actual num ber of shootings.

It sickens me. You turn the page, a shooting. Anoth er page, a corpse. The third page, a guy arrested for beating his girlfriend. The media fills us with dread, all to make money. And I see how my neighbors increas ingly construct their own fortresses, replete with video cameras, dogs and floodlights, all out of fear of passersby.

This fear has serious consequences, increasing anxiety, social withdrawal, and unraveling the social fabric of neighbor hoods. This is no way to live.

At the same time, I don’t want to live in a county where we see an increasing number of desperate people turning to theft to survive. After all, if you can’t work, you go hungry, and stealing catalyt ic converters beats going hungry.

Let’s start with a price cap on gas in Nassau County, to fight inflation and bring relief to millions at the pump. Next, the county should put people to work at a good wage to finally fix these damn pot holes. And thirdly, let’s keep kids off the streets by fully funding schools, and lower violent crime by having Nassau replace our lead pipes, which contribute to lead poisoning, which researchers have tied to aggressive and impulsive behavior.

Too bad the Republican-led County Legislature won’t do any of that. In fact, when adjusted for inflation, Nassau’s 2023 budget actually has less funding for spe cial education and early-intervention pro grams. Nothing about lead pipes, or gas price caps. Don’t the Republicans care about preventing crime?

It’s OK to have a healthy fear of crime, and it’s OK to take measures to keep your self safe. But I implore my friends: Don’t let politicians and the media manipulate you. It is imperative that we do not fear our neighbor.

Matthew Adarichev is a public policy major at Hofstra University, a political activist and an aspiring journalist whose work has appeared in the Hofstra Chroni cle and the Anton Media Group.

FRAMEWORK by Tim Baker

but the fine for intentional release cannot exceed $100, and there is no provision for jail time. I would like to see Hempstead pass an ordinance with stronger teeth.

As a town resident, though, I am heartened to see Hempstead working with Balloon Mission to educate the public about the myriad dangers that balloon releases present — particularly to the 17,000 acres and 180 miles of coastal waterways under the town’s jurisdiction.

Finally, each of us can play our part in helping to reduce plastics in the environment. When you see a plas tic bottle or rubber balloon on the street in your neigh borhood, pick it up and throw it away. I’m a runner. When you run and collect garbage, it’s called plogging, a Swedish fitness term. Hempstead would do well, though, to add more trash cans for recyclables at its parks, like those at the Levy Preserve in Merrick. This way, when folks are out collecting garbage, they could easily recycle plastic bottles and aluminum cans.

SCOTT A. BRINTON Merrick

Randi nailed it on air travel

To the Editor:

I really love Randi Kreiss’s columns in the Herald, and the one that I specifically liked was “Flying the notso-friendly skies” (Nov. 24-30), about JetBlue and the way they’ve changed their system so that they don’t really accommodate people very well.

I went on a trip about three weeks ago, and it was really hard to book a flight because I had a couple of problems, and, like you said, to reach somebody, it’s like reaching God. And yes, the snacks are pretty sad.

Thank you so much for your articles, Randi.

JUDITH WEITZ Long Beach

Here’s hoping they’re bundled up out there — Sea Cliff Yacht Club

The numbers of major crimes in Nassau County have actually gone down this year.

Buy a Brick

Celebrate or honor your loved ones this holiday season and give the gift of a lasting legacy in the Mount Sinai South Nassau garden, located at the corner of Oswald Court and One Healthy Way. Purchase an engraved brick, tree, or garden bench, or name the entire plaza and garden space that thousands of patients, visitors, and employees will see every year as they enter and exit the hospital’s front entrance

Honor a loved one or someone who made a di erence in your life. Remember a special person or celebrate a special occasion. Support Mount Sinai South Nassau’s mission and vision for a healthier tomorrow.