Bellmore Herald 05-04-2023

Gennaro Jewelers marks 100 years

Bellmore business reaches momentous milestone

By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com

If you ask Gary Hudes, the owner and president of Gennaro Jewelers in Bellmore, what’s made it possible for the business to thrive for so many years, he’ll tell you its family, personal and knowledgeable service, and a commitment to being involved in the community. His values — and those of the owners before him — have served the jewelry store, at 410 Bedford Ave., well: Last Sunday, it celebrated its 100th year of operation, with no end in sight.

Hudes, who this year celebrates a personal milestone — his 50th year as a bench jeweler — began working at Gennaro Jewelers in 1979. Today, Hudes attributes the success of the business to the people around him — his wife, Sheree; their children, Jenna, Jessica and Jason; their grandchildren, and a team of dedicated employees.

“It’s been a long road to get here,” Hudes said at Sunday’s ceremony. “Who do I thank most for our success, our longevity? Our customers that CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

H.S. seniors lead anti-hate discussion, inspire younger kids

By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com

Students, teachers and administrators in the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District are committed to making their schools welcoming and accepting, and a place where there is zero tolerance for acts of hate such as antisemitism.

For Yom HaShoah — Holocaust Remembrance Day — students across the district listened to Marion Blumenthal-Lazan, a Holocaust survivor, just before spring break in April. The program was recorded and shown in all district school buildings.

But seniors in Calhoun High

School’s leadership classes wanted to take the district’s efforts a step further. Last week, the seniors began a two-part presentation for seventh- and eighthgrade students at Merrick Avenue Middle School, teaching the importance of decision making and understanding the consequences of using hateful symbols and speech.

Christina Cone, the social studies chair at both Calhoun and Merrick Avenue, said they began leading a Holocaust lesson with seventh-grade students last year, as a way to add to the curriculum. Holocaust education is already included in the eighthgrade curriculum.

When the leadership students were asked if they wanted to participate in the lesson this year, Cone said they immediately agreed to the idea. The leadership program encourages students who take the course to become leaders in their community — by participating in projects and learning vital teamwork skills. The program is open to sophomores, juniors and seniors.

In Merrick Avenue’s seventhgrade social studies classes last week, four teams of Calhoun leadership students presented a series of PowerPoint slides. They provided examples of symbols that have a hateful meaning, emphasizing the swastika and

its origins and how it became a negative symbol when used by the Nazi party. Adolf Hitler’s regime was responsible for the atrocities of the Holocaust, which killed an estimated 11 million people, most of whom were Jewish.

Cone said that Bellmore-Merrick’s schools have a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to acts

of hate. She explained that when instances are reported, an immediate investigation is launched and a written report is sent to the state. Consequences are determined on a case-by-case basis, but usually result in a suspension.

The presentation also showed the middle school classes that CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

Tim Baker/Herald

GENNARO JEWELERS, IN Bellmore, celebrated its 100th anniversary with a special ceremony on April 30. Owner and President Gary Hudes led the ceremonies over the weekend, and walked the gathering through the history of the business.

Special visit to Merrick Avenue is well received

hateful acts do occur in their own communities or towns close to home. Calhoun’s leadership students emphasized the seriousness of using hateful speech or symbols and explained that not only could it get people in trouble in school, but also with police.

A “turn-and-talk” portion of the lesson allowed the seventh-graders to talk to one another about instances of hate they may have witnessed.

Brian Joyce, the instructor of Calhoun’s senior leadership course, said he thought the lesson coming from Calhoun students would be more meaningful to the middle school classes than if a teacher taught them.

“When students hear a message from other students, it’s more powerful, especially from older students who they look up to and they respect,” he said. “They hear from adults — their teachers — all the time. So sometimes those voices are drowned out. When it comes from their peers, I think it adds a lot more power and

“We’re leaving Calhoun, and right now, we want to make sure that the kids coming in hold up to the standard of Calhoun,” she said, “so they’re respectful of everyone, and so that everyone knows the right thing to do and to make sure that everyone’s high school experience is good.”

Leadership student Sophia Trippicione added, “We know that particularly antisemitism, but hate speech as a whole, is a really big issue right now. We want to do the best we can to make a positive impact and to try to stop it from happening in the middle schools and high schools in the future.”

Mariel Pusateri, another senior, said the leadership classes inspire change. “It’s really exciting to be part of making a change, even if it’s just within our own community, because that’s what’s important,” she said. “Little change affects big change, so we’re happy to work together and try to help the community in anyway possible.”

While the presentations for the seventh-grade concluded last week, Cal -

Calhoun’s senior leadership students led presentations last week at Merrick Avenue Middle School, showing younger students examples of hateful speech and symbols. At left, Emily Livingston in a seventh-grade classroom.

Contesting a Will

In order to contest a will, the objectant must have “standing”, meaning they would legally be entitled to a share or a greater share of the estate if the will was declared invalid. “Standing” alone, however, is insuffcient. There must also be grounds for contesting as provided below.

1. Undue Infuence: Independent caregivers and caregiver children who end up being named primary benefciaries under the will are often scrutinized for having prevailed upon the decedent to leave them the lion’s share of the estate. The various means alleged may be physical or mental abuse, threats and isolation of the disabled person. Even noncaregivers who had infuence over mom or dad may be challenged where they end up with more than their fair share. As with any court proceedings, proof of the claim will need to be made.

2. Improper Execution: The formalities for executing a will must be strictly observed. The formalities include that the witnesses believed the decedent was of sound mind,

memory and understanding. There must be two witnesses who signed in the presence of the testator and of each other. The testator must declare in front of the witnesses that they read the will, understood it, declare that it is their last will and testament and approve of the two witnesses to act as witnesses to the will.

3. Incapacity: Even if the witnesses testify they believed that the testator was capable to sign the will, a challenge may still be made that the person was not able to read the will due to a defect of sight or was unable to understand either the will, what property they owned or who their heirs were, due to mental incapacity. These latter claims will require medical proof.

Challengers should be wary of the “no contest clause”. This provides that any beneft the challenging party would have received under the will is forfeited if the challenge is unsuccessful. If the gift was substantial, even though not an equal share, the no-contest clause is a powerful disincentive to contest the will.

Courtesy Christina Cone

Ten Calhoun high School seniors took part in the presentations, which they hoped would inspire future Calhoun students to be respectful and kind to their peers.

When it comes from their peers, I think it adds a lot more power and meaning.

Brian JoyCe Calhoun High School teacher

Celebrating 75 years of Israeli independence

Merrick-Bellmore Jewish Community Council organizes annual Yom Ha’atzmaut festivities

By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com

For the 75th anniversary of Israel’s independence — celebrated on the holiday Yom Ha’atzmaut — the Merrick-Bellmore Jewish Community Council organized a joyous gathering that united the hamlets’ several synagogues for a celebration of love and hope for Israel and the Jewish people.

Some type of celebration for Yom Ha’atzmaut organized by the MBJCC has taken place every year, since 2017, though celebrations of the holiday in Merrick-Bellmore date back much longer than that. Yom Ha’atzmaut took place last week on April 26.

Ameer Benno, president of the MBJCC, said except for a two-year hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Jewish community of Merrick and Bellmore, and surrounding towns like Freeport and Wantagh, has been able to attend the event and celebrate Israel’s independence.

The founding principle of the MBJCC was to promote a strong Jewish identity among all members of the Merrick-Bellmore Jewish community, regardless of their level of observance — and that’s exactly what the Yom Ha’atzmaut celebration does.

Participating synagogues this year included

Congregation Beth Ohr, Congregation Ohav Sholom, Temple Beth Am, Young Israel of Merrick, and the Merrick Jewish Centre, which served as the host of this year’s celebration.

At the MJC, last week’s events kicked off with performances by Hebrew school students from all five synagogues, followed by a dinner of traditional Israeli cuisine in the centre’s social hall. Throughout the room, which was packed with congregants, there were several activities for children to participate in, including a silent disco and a cupcake making station.

Kids were also able to paint a Kiddush cup — an integral aspect of Shabbat and holiday meals — and write their names on a “Western Wall.” In Israel, the Western Wall is considered one of the holiest sites in Judaism and a place of pilgrimage and prayer, as it one of the last remaining walls of the Temple Mount.

And aside from performances by Hebrew school students, later in the evening, the cantors from the MJC, Congregation Beth Ohr, and Temple Beth Am, including Benjamin Warschawski, Joshua Diamond and Daniel Rosenfeld, sang a beautiful rendition of the Israeli national anthem, “Hatik-

vah,” captivating the large crowd that was still assembled in the social hall.

“We support Israel, and it is Israel’s 75th, so it’s a very special birthday,” Benno said. “It’s really important for the Jewish community to come together, and to be one, especially in today’s day and age, when there’s a lot of people who do things that are damaging to Jewish community. We’re here to help build it up, and support it, and show our support for Israel.”

“I personally love this event the most out of all the holidays and celebrations that we have,” Benno’s wife and co-organizer, Gayle added. “It doesn’t matter what shul you’re a member of — we just all are here as Jewish people, celebrating together.”

ThE ROOM wAs packed with hundreds of guests, who came together to celebrate Jewish pride, and love and hope for Israel.

EiTAN AARON, 7, of Merrick, below, painted an Israelthemed cupcake.

Tim Baker/Herald photos

ThE MERRick-BELLMORE JEwish Community Council celebrated Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day, with five of the hamlets’ synagogues at the Merrick Jewish Centre. Above, Jewish leaders from the participating congregations, with local elected officials and community leaders.

iN ThE MERRick Jewish Center’s social hall, Jordana Sugarman, 5, of Merrick, above, painted a Kiddush cup. Kiddush cups are an integral aspect of Shabbat and holiday meals.

cLARA BENNO, 10, right, with her mom, Gayle Benno, who co-organized the Yom Ha’atzmaut celebration.

Customer service is at the core of historic business

supported us, that supported a small business on a side street in Bellmore by recommending generations of their friends, generations of their relatives and generations of their neighbors. That’s why Gennaro Jewelers has, and always will, give back to our community.”

Gennaro’s history

Longtime Bellmore residents may remember the days when Gennaro was known as Von Der Heydt Jeweler, and owned by Erwin Von Der Heydt, an expert watchmaker who was known for installing the famous clocks at Jones Beach State Park.

From 1923 to 1962, Von Der Heydt and his wife, Betty, owned and operated the jewelry and gift shop before it was purchased by watchmaker Louis Gennaro in 1962. When Von Der Heydt, who was born and raised on a farm in North Bellmore, retired in 1968, the store’s name changed.

“While Mr. Gennaro was operating Gennaro Jewelers in 1973,” Hudes said, “another person’s career started — mine.”

Hudes said he started with nothing, using plumbing and barbecue tools to make jewelry in the basement of the New Jersey home where he grew up. He attended Montclair State University to perfect his craft, learning the industrial and technical aspects of using machines, as well as how to design pieces.

In 1979, Hudes said, he was living in Queens, and picked up a copy of Newsday, in which he saw an advertisement for a jewelry store manager at Gennaro. “I came out here, I interviewed with Mr. Gennaro, and he hired me,” Hudes recounted. “He always told me that he hired me because I wore this three-piece suit, and nobody ever came for an interview dressed up as well as I did.”

A few years after he was hired, Hudes became a junior partner in the business, and suggested to Gennaro that they start designing and repairing jewelry in the storefront. Louis agreed, and the business grew into what it is today — a place where people can come in, buy items, have pieces designed and get jewelry repaired, no matter where it was originally purchased.

“The biggest part of our business is the fact that all diamond work is done while you wait and watch,” Hudes said. “Whether you need a repair or whether you want to redesign your piece, it’s all done right in front of the customer.”

And it’s not just diamonds, he added. If the piece is of value to the customer — like a gold or silver chain — they can watch it being repaired.

“The other niche part of our business is the fire- and police-related jewelry that we manufacture here,” Hudes said. “We started doing that about 40 years ago, and then we expanded tremendously into that area, because we’re able to design things here. So now we do work for police departments and fire departments across the country.”

Von Der Heydt and Gennaro — who retired in 1998 — were both deeply involved with the Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores, and Hudes followed in their footsteps. President of the organization five times, he helped found the annual family street festival, which he chaired for 15 years. Hudes was also a Hempstead town councilman for 17 years, until 2017.

Into the future

Last month, Gennaro Jewelers was accepted into the state’s Historic Business Preservation Registry, which honors and preserves historically significant businesses around New York. A 100th anniversary marker was unveiled in front of the shop during last weekend’s ceremonies.

The business was also honored by the Town of Hempstead and Nassau County. And on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, Rep. Anthony D’Esposito congratulated Gennaro Jewelers on its momentous anniversary. A video of his speech can be found on Gennaro’s Facebook page.

“This is a mainstay in the community, ladies and gentleman,” Town Supervisor Don Clavin said on Sunday. “He’s a wonderful individual, and to know Gary is love him.

“There is nothing better than going into that store, feeling the friendship and camaraderie of everybody there,” Clavin added. “It’s a great business, because they’re all dedicated to this community.”

“Your passion, your dedication to community and to what’s in the best interest of Bellmore is at the heart of the success of your business,” State Sen. Steve Rhoads told Hudes. “I want to thank you for everything that you’ve meant to me, and congratulate you on another 100 years of success.”

Hudes, far left, was honored by the town, county and state for the momentous anniversary. Above, he accepted a citation with his wife, Sheree, from County Legislator Michael Giangregorio and Assemblyman Dave McDonough.

The celebration kicked off “100 Days of Gennaro.” Over the next 100 days, customers will be treated to specials, first responders will be recognized, and there will be a number of giveaways and contests. For more, go to GennaroJewelers.com, or call (516) 785-0134.

Hudes, who is also a past president of the Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce, said he is used to giving advice to small businesses to help them succeed.

“Small businesses (don’t) realize that while they didn’t have the square footage the big-box stores have, they (do) have something that the big-box store could never give their customers, and that’s personal, friendly attention,” he said. “David can beat Goliath — and it can be done with friendly, personal, knowledgeable service. That’s what I’ve always tried to instill in our staff.”

Tim Baker/Herald photos

A crowd of Gary Hudes’ family and friends, elected officials and generations of Gennaro Jewelers employees unveiled a new historical marker embedded in the stone walkway in front of the store.

Larceny

■ On Bayberry Lane in Levittown, a man reported that his catalytic converter was stolen on April 18.

■ On Seaman’s Neck Road in Wantagh, an individual reported that their Amazon package was stolen on April 18.

■ Another catalytic converter was stolen on Waverly Avenue in Seaford — a man reported it on April 21.

■ Rite Aid, located on Sunrise Highway in Bellmore, reported that an unknown man stole various items from its store on April 21.

A

Driver’s

license,

credit cards

stolen from car in N. Bellmore

Police say a victim had multiple items stolen from a car in North Bellmore, on April 14 around 3:20 a.m.

According to Nassau County Police Department detectives, and unknown male entered the victim’s parked 2021 Volkswagen on Elderberry Road. The male — described as black, with black hair and a medium build — removed a driver’s license and multiple credit cars from the victim’s bad, which was located

in the vehicle.

The subject was wearing dark pants, a dark sweatshirt, a surgical mask and a hate with a “lotto” insignia.

Detectives ask that anyone with information regarding the crime contact the police department at (800) 244-8477 or call 911.

All callers will remain anonymous.

—

CULINARY PERFECTION IS COMING TO Sands New York

Where would you like to dine tonight? At one of New York’s trend-setting establishments like Rao’s, Jean-Georges, or estiatorio Milos? Or possibly the culinary creations of celebrity chefs like Lorena Garcia and Tetsuya Wakuda will be more to your palette’s delight. Whatever exceptional culinary experience you can imagine, you’ll fnd it at the Sands’ planned Long Island destination resort.

Combined with the local restaurant scene, the Sands New York culinary experience will transform Long Island to a must-experience dining destination. Plus, Sands New York’s fvestar concierge service will be directing visitors to local restaurants, bars and attractions, beneftting the entire region.

■ A Levittown woman reported that her front and rear license plates were stolen while parked on Cotton Lane on April 22.

■ At the Field of Dreams, on Old Sunrise Highway in Massapequa, an individual reported that their car keys and key fob were stolen on April 23.

■ On Wagner Street in Wantagh, a man reported that $11 were stolen from his car while it was parked on April 25.

■ Walgreens, located on Hempstead Turnpike in Bethpage, reported that an unidentified woman stole various items

from the store on April 25.

Arrests:

■ Frandy Vasquez, 22, of Levittown, was arrested for allegedly shoplifting from BJ’s Wholesale Club on Hempstead Turnpike in Levittown on February 14.

■ Michelle Melisaratos, 46, from Bellmore, was arrested for allegedly shoplifting from Walmart on Hempstead Turnpike in East Meadow on April 21.

■ Christopher Gallagher, 54, of Wantagh, was arrested for allegedly shoplifting from Wantagh Park on April 24.

■ Augusto Pozu Pachecho, 38, from Jackson Heights, was arrested for allegedly shoplifting from Macy’s at the Sunrise Mall in Massapequa on April 24.

■ Robert Ditizio, 56, of Syosset, was arrested at the intersection of Wantagh Avenue and Merrick Road in Wantagh for alleged DWI on April 21.

Criminal Mischief:

■ On Garfield Place in Massapequa, a man reported that unidentified subjects damaged his PVC fence on April 21.

People named in Crime Watch items as having been arrested and charged with violations or crimes are only suspected of committing those acts of which they are accused. They are all presumed to be innocent of those charges until and unless found guilty in a court of law.

Jordan Vallone

Courtesy Nassau County Police Department

video cAmerA captured who police believe to be the man responsible for stealing several items, including a driver’s license and credit card, from a car in North Bellmore.

BELLMORE HERALD

spotlight athlete

Calhoun holds off Long Beach

By toNY Bellissimo tbellissimo@liherald.com

The Nassau County boys’ lacrosse postseason is still nearly three weeks away, but Calhoun and Long Beach brought playoff-like intensity, quality play and more than its share of muscle to a Conference B matchup April 26.

JUlia paRise

East Meadow Junior Softball

paRise aND the Jets have their sights set on the Nassau Class AA championship after finishing runners-up last spring. Parise was Honorable Mention

All-County as a sophomore pitcher in 2022 and appears to be peaking at the right time as East Meadow makes its push. Over a four-game stretch between April 15-22, she posted three shutouts and struck out at least 10 opponents three times, lowering her ERA to 0.91.

games to watch

thursday, may 4

Baseball: Hewlett at V.S. North 4:30 p.m.

Baseball: Floral Park at Carey 4:30 p.m.

Softball: Freeport at North Shore 4:30 p.m.

Baseball: Mineola at Clarke 4:45 p.m.

Baseball: East Meadow at Oceanside 5 p.m.

Baseball: MacArthur at Calhoun 5 p.m.

Baseball: Lawrence at Elmont 5 p.m.

Baseball: Roslyn at South Side 5 p.m.

Baseball: Sewanhaka at Kennedy 5 p.m.

Baseball: Wantagh at North Shore 5 p.m.

Baseball: West Hempstead at V.S. South 5 p.m.

Girls Lacrosse: Lynbrook at Oceanside 5 p.m.

Friday, may 5

Boys Lacrosse: Carey at Malverne/East Rock 5 p.m.

Boys Lacrosse: Long Beach at Lynbrook 5 p.m.

Girls Lacrosse: Long Beach at South Side 5 p.m.

Girls Lacrosse: Wantagh at Massapequa 5 p.m.

Softball: Oceanside at East Meadow 5 p.m.

Softball: Malverne at V.S. Central 5 p.m.

Softball: Wantagh at Herricks 5 p.m.

Softball: Island Trees at Seaford 5 p.m.

Softball: Roosevelt at V.S. South 5 p.m.

Softball: Calhoun at Clarke 5 p.m.

Flag Football: West Hempstead at Long Beach 7 p.m.

Senior Jake Lewis broke the last of four deadlocks midway through the third quarter as the Colts took the lead for good in a 9-7 home victory. Calhoun, which trailed only once, led by as many as three on several occasions in the second half on the way to its fourth win in five games while snapping the Marines’ four-game winning streak.

“It was a big one for both teams,” Calhoun coach Jim Femminella said. “We like to play fast and that really showed in the second half when we forced some key turnovers and made things happen in transition.”

Senior Jayden Finkelstein had two goals and two assists, senior A.J. Molinari added two goals and one assist, and junior goaltender Mark Restivo made 10 stops for Calhoun (7-2), which was coming off a loss to Garden City in a rematch of last year’s Nassau Class B final won by the Trojans.

“Last week’s loss to Garden City took away some of our mojo, but I liked the way we responded,” Femminella said. “Long Beach is a solid team. It was the fifth time in a row we’ve beaten them after they had beat us six in a row.”

Senior Jeff Conway had a hat trick and freshman goalie Aiden DeRupo made seven saves for the Marines, who split their first eight games.

“It was a fun game to be a part of,” Long Beach coach Jason Pearl said. “The kids followed the scouting report and played hard. I don’t think any one play made the difference. Just a few mistakes here and there that we know we can clean up. We’re playing better at the right time.”

After Calhoun senior Ryan Menghi opened the scoring, the Marines produced their lone lead of the afternoon thanks to goals from senior Jack Miller and Conway. The Colts answered with the next

pair and led 4-3 at halftime after trading goals in a close-to-the-vest second quarter, with eighth-grader Cian Donaghy tallying for Long Beach before senior Connor Faughnan notched the go-ahead score.

“They did a nice job possessing and slowing us down in the first half,” Femminella said. “We didn’t really change anything for the second half, we were just more aggressive and did a better job on groundballs.”

Conway’s second goal 5:45 into the second half pulled Long Beach even, but the Colts scored three straight (Lewis, Molinari, senior Peter Thomann) for a momentum-shifting 7-4 lead. The margin

was 8-6 entering the fourth where Calhoun’s effort in the defensive zone (Molinari and senior Matthew Baci) halted some crucial Marines’ possessions.

Like the second quarter, each team scored once in the fourth.

Thomann, Baci, Matthew Araneo and Xander Megias led Calhoun’s defense, while seniors Hayden Sofield and Jack Skarren, along with juniors Tom Cieleski and Timmy Monzon, did the same for Long Beach.

“We knew it would be back-and-forth,” Femminella said. “I thought both goalies played well and we were able to hold them off in the fourth quarter.”

Brian Ballweg/Herald photo calhoUN’s Jake lewis, left, scored midway through the third quarter to put the Colts ahead to stay in their 9-7 victory over Long Beach.

Check a box, save a life guest column

By EDEn GolDBERG Student columnist

After hearing from organ recipients share their life stories to my health class, I learned that a big decision was on its way. I never thought about being an organ donor until I heard these speakers from the Transplants Recipients International Organization. A month later, when I saw that check box staring me down I didn’t think twice before checking the box “yes.”

If I didn’t hear those speakers I would have never received the knowledge of how important being an organ donor can be. All teens should be more educated in this topic as they have to make this important decision on their permit. I love knowing that one day I can potentially save someone’s life.

Ed Linz was a heart transplant recipient in 1994. At 47 years old, Linz was diagnosed with Cardiac Sarcoidosis, and he was told he had two more years to live. Linz physicians told him “We may be able to get you a new heart, but there are few out there.”

Three months later, a miracle happened. Linz received a heart.

According to Transplants Recipients International Organization, after his recovery “Linz vowed to do everything

possible to honor the memory of his donor whose heart he was now carrying.” From then on, he continued his life traveling around the world, hiking. To hear more about Linz and other wonderful organ recipients stories, check out TrioWeb.org

The American Kidney Fund says that “By donating organs and tissues after you die, you can save up to eight lives and improve as many as 75.”

Did you know that every donor can help up to 85 lives?

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Health Resources & Services Administration says that there are currently 104,000 people on the organ transplant list waiting for their lives to be changed. It is known that 17 people die each day waiting on the transplant list for that one organ that can save their life. With such high demand for organs, more people should consider becoming a donor. Imagine you were waiting on that list for a miracle to happen? You can be that miracle.

So when you have the opportunity to become an organ donor, check that box, save a life.

Eden Goldberg is a sophomore at John F. Kennedy High School, and a student contributor to the Bellmore & Merrick Heralds.

MJC to install Rabbi Josh Dorsch

Senior Rabbi Josh Dorsch will be installed at the Merrick Jewish Centre later this month, in a special ceremony on May 20 at 7:30 p.m. The Centre asks that congregants make an effort to attend, and ‘officially’ welcome its new spiritual leader. RSVPs to the occasion are due by May 13. For more information, and to view sponsorship levels, visit MerrickJC.org or call (516) 379-8650. The Centre is located at 225 Fox Blvd., Merrick.

1 Annual Percentage Yield (APY) disclosed is effective as of May 1, 2023. The minimum balance to open the 10 Month CD is $100 and the maximum amount deposited in the 10 month CD is $500,000. Early withdrawal penalties apply on CD accounts. This special CD offer is limited to consumers who do not have a deposit account either personally or as joint owner at Ridgewood. One 10 month CD per customer and must be opened online. Rates and terms are subject to change without notice. | 2. Annual Percentage Yield (APY) disclosed is effective as of April 5, 2023, and may be changed by the Bank at any time, including after account opening. This special Smart Move Money Market offer is limited to consumers who do not have a deposit account either personally or as joint owner at Ridgewood. One Smart Move Money Market account per customer and must be opened online. A $10,000 minimum deposit is required to open the Smart Move Money Market account. Interest is earned based on the balance in the account at the end of each day in accordance with these tiers: $0 - $9,999: no interest; $10,000 – $74,999: 4.11% interest rate and 4.25% APY; $75,000 – $124,999: 4.11% nterest

Tim Baker/Herald

Very best honored at Long Island Choice Awards

By NICOLE FORMISANO nformisano@liherald.com

They were met with whistles, cheers and applause. And then they received a beautiful plaque — all a part of winning a Herald Long Island Choice award.

More than 12,000 people cast 200,000 votes for hundreds of small businesses across Long Island, all to determine who would be honored at the main gala event April 18 at the Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury. The night was hosted by RichnerLive and sponsored by PSEG Long Island, and served as a way to celebrate small businesses for their vital role in supporting the Long Island community.

“We honor the businesses that make Long Island a great place to work, live and play,” said Stuart Richner, chief executive of Richner Communications, which operates RichnerLive. “Looking at the crowd tonight, I’m reminded of the critical role you and your businesses play in making our community so special.”

The 11 categories and 264 subcategories recognized businesses from cardiologists to pet groomers and everything in between. The competition itself was broken down into two voting rounds — a nominating round, and then the actual voting. The top three finalists were then honored at the awards gala, where firstplace winners were announced.

“It’s one thing to see the names on the voting,” said David Lyons, interim president and chief operation officer of PSEG, a Long Island Choice Awards presenting sponsor. “It’s another thing to see the faces of small business owners, your teams, and their families here together. Your faces are a powerful reminder that what we are celebrating here is more than great services and products. Small businesses are the backbone of our communities.”

The gala — also sponsored by TenantBase and Easy Tax Credits — kicked off with a cocktail hour that kept more than 600 guests coming back for more. Floral arrangements and an ice sculpture centerpiece adorned tables of fresh fruit, cheese, dip, and other hors d’oeuvres. Two open bars provided refreshment.

The Elegance String Quartet was a particular hit, with many guests stopping to record the musicians as they jammed to everything from Bruno Mars to Frankie Valli.

Hundreds of winners were announced over dinner by Miss New York 2022 Taryn Smith, with some businesses taking home multiple awards. Frank’s Steaks, for one, took home all five awards they were nominated for.

“It’s beyond exciting,” said Christopher Meyer, co-owner and general manager of the restaurant. “It’s a very humbling experience. It’s a token to how wonderful my staff is and how hard we work, and also our amazing clientele. And the friends and family that voted for us.”

Winning such an esteemed award is particularly impactful to newer small businesses. East Coast Hair Studio of

Oceanside only opened 18 months ago, and its team was full of anticipation — and cautious hopefulness — before the winners were announced.’

“We’re one of three of the best,” said Irene Castello, the receptionist at East Coast. “We’re a young organization to be in that position, and I think we’re going to get it.”

When their young studio was announced as the winner of the best hair

salon award, the table erupted in cheers.

“I feel very blessed,” said Marianna Lombardo, East Coast’s owner and chief executive. “I feel that we can accomplish anything.”

Danielle Barbaro, who took over The Art Studio in Rockville Centre with her husband Mark only a year ago, received the award for best art school. To her, the award was a sign she’s doing what she is meant to do.

“I’ve always wanted to have a studio, so essentially my dream came true,” Barbaro said. “To be the winner, oh man. It’s like this was supposed to happen. Serendipity.”

To some business owners, the most important part of taking home the award isn’t the plaque or the coveted title — it’s showing the young people of Long Island what is possible.

“I hope it’s a good role model to future girls,” said Shobie Lamba, owner and founder of LeSelfie. “It’s so exciting as a female, an entrepreneur, a mom. It’s such a great feeling.”

To view this year’s winners, visit LIChoiceAwards.com.

MAIdENBAuM PROPERty tAx Reduction Group LLC.

thE LIvE BANd, Elegance Quartet, featured electrified string instruments. PRESENtINg SPONSOR OF the Long Island Choice Awards, PSEG of Long Island.

Tim Baker/Herald photos thE CROwd duRINg the Oscar-style awards ceremony where the winners were announced LIVE!

Keith Rossein/Herald

Christine Rivera/Herald

Christine Rivera/Herald

Tim Baker/Herald photos

Christine Rivera/Herald

1. The RizzuTo Law Firm.

2. Bagel Boss.

3. NaTuRal Remedies Merrick.

4. love aNd Honey Boutique.

5. maRlaiNa Teich Designs.

6. RaiNfoResT med Spa.

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8. BellmoRe uNiTed Methodist Nursery School.

9. law office of Marina Moreno.

10. all access Chimney & Fireplace Inc. 10

Liberty New York Water invests in infrastructure improvements

Liberty New York Water has invested $265 million in infrastructure improvements, to deliver safe and reliable water services to its customers across Long Island.

Over the last year, Liberty has replaced more than 30,000 feet of water mains that help maintain water quality and prevent main breaks, along with 500 service connections, 2,300 meters, and 40 fire hydrants.

The Village of Island Park’s water main replacement was done in conjunction with the village’s extensive draining project, which will mitigate flooding, and provide peace of mind to customers during future storms.

“At Liberty, our reason for coming to work each day is keeping our customers’ water flowing,” Chris Alario, Liberty’s president said. “To do so, and to do so well, we continuously look for ways to improve reliability and quality, build resiliency and find innovative solutions that allow us to better serve our customers.”

In addition to improving the water distribution system, Liberty has also focused on bringing new treatment facilities online to improve quality and ensure compliance with new and emerging water quality standards.

Last year, it complete construction and began operation of a two milliongallon-per-day Granular Activated Carbon treatment system for the Glen Head Well Station for removal of Perfluorooctyl Sulfonate and Perfluorooctanoic Acid.

This year, the company is beginning instruction on a six million-gallon-per-

day Advanced Oxidation Process plant for the removal of 1,4 Dioxane at the Seamen’s Neck Treatment Plant in Levittown.

In Mill Neck, a treatment facility was built that provides safe, easy access for operation, to be protected against tidal flooding and continue to have a natural gas emergency generator, which will allow continuous reliable service during power outages.

A three million-gallon-per-day water supply well at the Newbridge Road Treatment Plant was completed in North Bellmore, and this year, an iron removal facility will be completed at a plant on Charles Street in Merrick.

“We can assure customers that we are meeting and exceeding the newest regulations and investing the resources needed to do that,” Brenda Wall, director of operations said. “We work diligently to ensure we provide safe and reliable water to all customers, and this is a responsibility and commitment we are very proud to make.”

In the coming months, Liberty is focused on replacing 6,000 water meters for customers who have not yet been upgraded to the advanced metering system.

The new meters will provide customers with the power to monitor their own water usage in real-time, and identity leaks before they cause structural damage and higher water bills. Once installed, customers can download the EyeOnWater app from Liberty’s website, LibertyEnergyAndWater.com.

–Jordan Vallone

STEPPING OUT

Caissie Levy

Catch Broadway powerhouse Caissie Levy when she visits the Landmark stage for a night of song, stories and laughter before she embarks across the pond to star as Diana Goodman in ‘Next to Normal’ in the West End. Fresh off her powerful role in this season’s must-see production of ‘Leopoldstadt,’ this is a rare opportunity to spend an evening with Levy singing some of her favorite tunes. She created the role of Elsa in Disney’s Broadway production of ‘Frozen,’ and recreated the iconic role of Fantine in the Broadway revival of ‘Les Misérables.’ She also is known to Broadway audiences for originating the roles of Sheila in the Tony award-winning revival of ‘Hair,’ and Molly in ‘Ghost,’ among her many Broadway and off-Broadway credits. A thrilling and versatile performer, Levy finds time to delight audiences with her solo appearances across the United States, United Kingdom and Canada.

Long Island team’s season is under way

By Jeffrey Bessen

t is unknown if anyone will recite the movie line, ”you’re killing me, Smalls,” but former Major League Baseball player Daniel Murphy — a Mets playoff hero — said he is just looking for a sandlot to play in. The 2015 postseason record breaker is part of the 2023 Long Island Ducks, the team’s 23rd season.

STEPPING OUT

Creative advocacy

”The Ducks have been gracious enough to let me use it,” said Murphy, an infielder, referring to Fairfield Properties Ballpark in Central Islip, where the team plays. “You get the most of joy out of it when you find ways to unweight yourself.”

Long Island is one of 10 teams in the Minor League Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, an MLB partner. Murphy, who played second base for the Mets, hit seven home runs as New York marched to the 2015 World Series, and hit homers in six consecutive games in the National League playoffs.

Before the 122-game season got underway on May 2, the Ducks hosted its annual media day where owner Frank Boulton, president and general manager Michael Pfaff, manager Wally Backman, Murphy, pitcher Ian Clarkin and outfielder and hitting coach Lew Ford shared their expectations of the upcoming season with reporters.

Disappointed with how last season ended with a 64-68 record and in third place of the North Division, Backman said the ball club rededicated itself to winning.

By Karen Bloom

”We’ve gone back to kind of the way we had the team, maybe even better,” he said. “When you see our Opening Day roster, you’ll be shocked to see how many Major League players are on this roster.”

Murphy, Al Alburquerque, Adeiny Hechavarria, Ty Kelly and Ruben Tejada are the former Major Leaguers that aim to win Long Island’s fifth league championship. The 26-man roster is expected to be split evenly between pitchers and position players.

WHERE WHEN

in attendance last season, and has sold out an Atlantic League record of 699 games. However, Pfaff said the team is always looking to do things better.

Friday, May 5, 8 p.m. $61, $51, $41. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Visit LandmarkOnMainStreet.org or call (516) 767-6444 for tickets.

• Fairfield Properties Ballpark 3 Courthouse Dr., Central Islip

• Saturday and Sunday, noon-4 p.m.; Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

“We set a lot of records in terms of attendance, did a lot of great things off the field,” he said. “We’re very proud of it. A lot of teams would have been pleased with the 2022 season. There were a few things in our operation that we knew we could improve upon.”

• For more information and schedule, go to LiDucks.com.

• Emily Lowe Hall Gallery, South Campus, Hempstead. For information and to RSVP, call (516) 463-5672, or visit Hofstra.edu/museum

Being a partner with Major League Baseball translates into the Atlantic League being the laboratory where new rules are experimented with that are now in use at the higher level.

The team was not the only thing overhauled during the off-season as the ballpark received several upgrades. A new high-resolution scoreboard 30-foot high-by-36’-foot wide was installed nearly in the precise space of the previous scoreboard, but the new one has four times the resolution. To enhance the ballpark experience, more than 75 new speakers were also installed.

“When We All Stand,” Hofstra University Museum of Art’s new exhibition, examines the collective power of the arts in society.

Curated by Alexandra Giordano — the museum’s assistant director of exhibition and collection — the exhibit underscores artists’ civic responsibility and influence.

‘You’ll see the improvements around the ballpark,” Pfaff said, highlighting the video scoreboard. “We’re cheaper than the movies at this point. You’re talking $15 tickets. So it is sort of the last bastion of affordable entertainment.”

A new wrinkle for Long Island will be live-streaming audio and video of the games through Flo Sport’s at FloSports.tv. Selected Monday, Wednesday and Friday heard games will be broadcast on Hofstra University’s WRHU radio station at 88.7 FM.

Jeffrey Bessen/Herald photos

Pat McGann is quickly rising as one of the sharpest stand-ups on the comedy scene. A relative latecomer to comedy, he began doing standup at 31 after realizing he was not very good at selling packaging. He hustled his way to become the house emcee at Zanies Chicago, where he distinguished himself as especially adept at working the crowd. A husband and father of three young children, McGann’s appeal stems from his quick wit and relatable take on family life and marriage. In 2017, McGann began touring as the opening act for Sebastian Maniscalco, moving with him from clubs to theater, to arenas, including four soldout shows at Madison Square Garden. McGann’s relatively short, but impressive resume, includes Montreal’s famed Just For Laughs Festival, Gilda’s LaughFest, The Great American Comedy Festival, and more. McGann still calls Chicago home.

Temptations and The Four Tops

13 BALDWIN HERALD — February 9, 2023

Two Motown legends join forces for one unforgettable performance. The Temptations and The Four Tops have cemented their places in music history as pioneers of the R&B genre and trailblazers for African-Americans in the entertainment industry. Hailed by Billboard as the Greatest R&B/ Hip-Hop Artists of All Time, The Temptations are renowned for their prolific career and contributions to the global music landscape. The five-time Grammy award winners topped Billboard’s Hot 100 chart 53 times, and scored four No. 1 hits, including, of course,’My Girl.’ The Four Tops rocketed to overnight fame in 1964 with their breakout hit ‘Baby I Need Your Loving.’ Relive all their classic tunes in a soulful evening with these musical superstars.

The Ducks continue their big draw status and led all MLB Partner Leagues

“It highlights the vital role that artists have in activating democratic values that promise equality and freedom, encouraging civic engagement, and cultivating unity,” Giordano says. “Artists often lead the charge and expose truths that may otherwise be ignored. The artists in this exhibition take a stand and call out injustices through their art and activism on issues such as immigration, gender, reproductive rights, mass incarceration, voting rights, racial bias, gun violence, and promises unfulfilled. They all combine the making of art with public service that has a grassroots approach in the hope of mobilizing their communities and the nation

Top: Former Major Leaguer Daniel Murphy warms up before batting practice.

Bottom: Infielder Daniel Murphy fielding a ground ball at warm ups on April 22.

Saturday, Feb. 11, 8 p.m. $40, $35, $30, $25. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. (800) 745-3000 or Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY.com.

Sunday, May 14, 7 p.m. NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Road, Westbury. TheTheatreAtWestbury.com or LiveNation.com or call (516) 247-5200.

Pat McGann

Can art change the world? It’s a question that’s been at the focus of our collective culture for centuries. Now as society navigates the complexities of modern life, art as a path for social change is at the forefront of artistic expression.

are quacking, again

THE SCENE

May 4

Meet State Senator Steve Rhoads

State Senator Steve Rhoads continues his mobile office hours around Bellmore and Merrick. Visit North Merrick Public Library, Saturday, May 6, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Call (516) 882-0630 for additional information.

In concert

On exhibit

The Guess Who and Orleans

The Tilles Center stage will be rocking, Friday, May 19, 8 p.m. Enjoy The Guess Who, is a group that’s long connected with the masses throughout a exultant hit parade including “These Eyes,” “Clap For the Wolfman,” “Hand Me Down World,” “No Time,” “Star Baby” and “Share the Land.” Add in fellow classics like their #1 rock anthem “American Woman” and “No Sugar Tonight,” and the Canadian-bred hitmakers are eternally etched within the very fabric of pop culture history. Together with pop-rockers Orleans, who are forever in our consciousness with “Still the One,” “Dance with Me” and “Love Takes Time,” their tunes still hold up today. LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Boulevard, Brookville. Tickets are $70, $60, $50, $40; available at TillesCenter.org or (516) 299-3100.

Nassau County Museum of Art’s exhibition, “Eye And Mind: The Shin Collection,” highlights the extraordinary collection masterworks assembled by 31-year-old connoisseur Hong Gyu Shin, an internationally recognized figure in the global art world. He shares his treasures, including works by Whistler, Lautrec, Boucher, Daumier, Delacroix, Klimt, Schiele, Balthus, Warhol, de Kooning, Gorky and many other important names from art history provocatively juxtaposed with the painting and sculpture of our own time from both Asia and the West. On view through July 9. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.

Rhett Miller, Old 97 frontman performs, Friday, May 5, at My Father’s Place supper club. The alt country-pop power pop singer-songwriter is acclaimed for his compelling melodic tunes Doors open at 6 p.m., concert is at 8 p.m. The Metropolitan, 3 Pratt Blvd., Glen Cove. For tickets/information, visit MyFathersPlace.com or call (516) 580-0887.

Passion for Pride

Support PFY, a division of Long Island Crisis Center, at a 30th Anniversary Benefit celebration, Tuesday, June 13, 6-10 p.m. With drag bingo and performances by Ivy Stalls and Syn; also special guest honoree actor-authoractivist Maulik Pancholy. The event, honoring PFY’s 30 years serving Long Island/Queens’ LGBTQ+ communities, is at Westbury Manor, 1100 Jericho Turnpike, Westbury. For more information and tickets, go to tinyurl.com/pfyevent2023.

Art talk

Join Nassau County Museum

Director Charles A. Riley II, for a Director’s Seminar, Tuesday, May 23, 4 p.m. He’ll discuss ‘Balthus and Neo-Classicism,” in a session that is keyed to Balthus, along with Derain and such figures as Nijinsky and Prokofiev, who were experimenting with the re-invention of classical forms and motifs, notably those of the Renaissance. A decadent in the manner of Wilde, an Old Master painter among the Cubists (Picasso considered him a great talent), Balthus also became associated with the fiction of Nabokov, a literary connection that will also be considered. Participation is limited; registration required. $40, $20 members. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. Visit NassauMuseum.org or call (516) 484-9337.

Bingo and Lucky Number Auction

The Ladies Auxiliary of the Bellmore Fire Department hosts its Bingo and Lucky Number Auction, Friday, May 5. Doors open at 6 p.m. and game starts at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $10, $5 children under 10. 230 Pettit Ave., Bellmore. Call Denise Cotter with questions at (516) 673-6622.

Cultural exploration

Bring the kids to Long Island Children’s Museum to celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month, Sunday, May 7, 11 a.m.-p.m.

Kids will learn about Jewish contributions to American culture and make a chai necklace, at the drop-in program, suitable for ages 4 and up. Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or LICM.org.

Walk with a Doc

Storybook Stroll

On stage

Back by popular demand, families will enjoy a musical adventure, ripped from the pages of Mo Willems’ beloved children’s books, on the Long Island Children’s Museum stage, Thursday and Friday, May 4-5, noon; Sunday, May 7, 2 p.m.; Wednesday through Friday, May 10-12, 10:15 a.m. and noon. Elephant and Piggie storm the stage in a rollicking musical romp filled with plenty of pachydermal peril and swiney suspense perfect for young audiences. Together with nutty backup singers, The Squirrelles, the comedic duo even gets the audience involved in the action. $9 with museum admission ($7 members), $12 theater only. Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or LICM.org.

May 27

Join Dr. Linda Mermelstein, associate director of Community Outreach and Engagement at the Stony Brook Cancer Center for ‘Walk with a Doc,’ a free community walking event, Saturday, May 27. 11 a.m., at Camman’s Pond Park in Merrick. Visit EventBrite.com for more information, and search ‘Walk with a Doc: Merrick.’

Having an event?

Bring the kids to Old Westbury Gardens for a storybook adventure, Saturday, May 6, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Stroll the gardens and listen to Jory John’s “The Bad Seed.” Later create a unique take home craft. For ages 3-5. Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. For information visit OldWestburyGardens.org or contact (516) 333-0048.

S.T.O.P. Collection

Dispose of hazardous materials such as antifreeze, drain cleaners, pesticides, fluorescent bulbs,and more, at the Town of Hempstead’s collection, Saturday, May 13, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. 2600 Newbridge Road, South Bellmore, Visit HempsteadNY.gov for more.

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.

Cinco de Mayo Supermarket Bingo

Support Last Hope Animal Shelter in Wantagh, at their supermarket bingo fundraiser, Friday, May 5, 7 to 9:30 p.m., at Levittown Hall. $25 admission includes four games of bingo, dessert, and coffee or tea. 201 Levittown Parkway, Hicksville. For more information call (631) 332-6606.

Jerry Herman tribute

A cast of Broadway and concert stars salute the life of the Broadway iconlyricist-composer on Adelphi University Performing Arts Center stage, Saturday, May 13, 8 p.m. Hear tunes from “Hello, Dolly!,” “Mame,” “La Cage Aux Folles,” “Mack and Mabel,” and more. Tickets are $45, with discounts available to seniors, students, Adelphi alumni and employees. Adelphi University Performing Arts Center, 1 South Ave., Garden City. (516) 8774000 or Adelphi.edu/pac.

Relay For Life returns, seeking $$ for walkers

By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com

For the first time since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, the popular cancer awareness walk Relay For Life comes back to Hofstra University, looking to raise money — and ultimately defeat cancer — during an event on Saturday, May 6.

Beginning at 6 p.m., 20 teams have already registered to walk the intramural fields track at the 1000 Hempstead Turnpike campus. Teams and individuals celebrate cancer survivors through the walk, while also remembering and honoring those who lost their battle with cancer.

While this year’s Relay For Life is in-person, it’s not that events haven’t been happening in recent years. If they weren’t canceled, some events were conducted virtually.

“Luckily, we were able to maintain ourselves through some very generous donors,” Chelsea Whitney, senior development manager at the American Cancer Society, said. “We were able to bring all of our programs back — including Relay For Life — to cancer patients and their families. And to communities as a whole.”

Relay For Life has raised $6.8 billion across the country, invest more than $3 billion toward cancer research. It’s fundraising like that which has reduced cancer deaths by 3.5 million, according to the society.

Aside from attendees walking around the track, the relay will feature music, food, and a variety of activities including team fundraisers, carnival games like Pie a Professor in the Face and tug-of-war, as well as performances by Danceworks and Hofstra’s a cappella group.

“Hofstra University specifically is such a pillar of the Long Island community,” Whitney said. “Everyone’s connected in some way to this terrible disease. So, having this event at Hofstra gives the students an opportunity to come together as a community that’s already so strong.”

president for the American Cancer Society at her school — was not yet a student in 2019 when the last relay was held in-person. But she’s no stranger to the event.

“I think it’s really important that this is returning to Hofstra because it gives people a space,” Robbins said. “Especially people who had cancer affect their lives personally, just like me.”

The Syracuse native and mass media major lost a family friend, Emily Ponto, to ovarian cancer in 2018. Robbins’ family has had a long personal history with Relay For Life, with her mother Kelly sponsoring an event through her job at Lockheed Martin when Robbins was younger.

“It was pretty severe by the time they caught it,” Robbins said of her friend, Emily. “She ended up passing away that May. I have a lot of family members who have survived or passed away from cancer, and now I relay for her.

And in the past, I relayed for my family members, my grandma, and some of my cousins who have all survived cancer.”

After dark, relay participants will share an emotional moment during the luminaria ceremony. There, bags filled with lights will be decorated with the name of an individual who lost their battle with cancer. Or a survivor. Or someone who is currently battling cancer.

Each luminaria will be lit, and participants will take a silent lap around the track together.

“Usually, that is one of those times where a lot of people get very emotional,” Robbins said. “We are always there to support each other, and you can feel that connection with people.”

To learn more about this particular event, visit RelayForLife.org/HofstraNY.

To learn more about Paws With A Cause and to find out how you help, just download this app and watch the story come to life!

out how you help, just download this app and watch the story come to life!

To learn more about Paws With A Cause and to

To learn more about Paws With A Cause and to find out how you help, just download this app and watch the story come to life! Provided as a community service by this civic minded publication in conjunction with the Association of Community Publishers and Community Papers of Michigan

as a community service by this civic minded publication in conjunction with the Association of Community Publishers and Community Papers of Michigan

Courtesy American Cancer Society

LumINARIEs wILL sHINE bright as Hofstra’s Relay For Life returns to campus on Saturday, May 6.

Therapy pup makes her rounds

By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com

The bond between Anna Dobkowksi and Finch, an American Labrador Retriever, was truly a match made in heaven — and one that wouldn’t have been possible without Dobkowski’s former teacher at Sanford H. Calhoun High School, Beth Johnson.

Dobkowski, 20, of Merrick graduated from Calhoun High School in 2021. She met Johnson when she was in 11th grade and taking part in the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District’s Twilight Program. That late-afternoon program is designed for students who may need extra help with assignments, employment and other ventures, and who may succeed better in a non-traditional high school setting.

“We formed a really nice bond, and she became very interested in animal studies,” Johnson said. “She wanted to go to BOCES part of the day — she’s an amazing horse rider — and then discovered this real love of animals.”

Dobkowski told the Herald that in her youth, she struggled with mental health issues, and said working with animals helped her overcome some of the things she was dealing with. A self-taught dog trainer, now with a business called The K9 Warrior, Dobkowski has developed programming to help dogs at every stage of life become better trained and understand cues from their owners.

Her dog training efforts started locally, with Dobkowski helping some of her neighbors train their dogs. Then, Johnson introduced her to Finch.

Johnson said Finch was initially her son Greg’s dog. Greg unexpectedly passed away last year, when Finch was four months old.

“I decided I couldn’t properly manage this puppy,” Johnson explained. “I didn’t know what to do about the puppy. And then I remembered that Anna, who was close to me, was starting this dog training thing, so I reached out and said, ‘Can you help me?’”

Dobkowski stepped in and found an instant bond with Finch, she said.

“She was actually the first dog that I started training off leash, and it was perfect,” she said. “We had a beautiful connection, and it really helped me with my training methods and perfecting them. I would take her out to stores in the beginning, and I could see how she really wanted to work with me.”

Dobkowski said people around Merrick would see her and Finch and would compliment her on how well-behaved the Lab was. “I would say, ‘It’s actually not my dog, I am training her for someone,’” she explained. “Finch became my model dog, because if something really worked for Finch, I’d do it with another dog.”

Dobkowski’s name quickly circulated in her neighborhood. “There’s like 20 houses maybe,” she said, “and out of those 20 houses, I think like 90 percent of

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE

them have dogs. And I literally trained every single dog.”

Finch has been trained by Dobkowski to help people in need. Bringing her into larger stores, like Walmart and Stop & Shop, Dobkowski said Finch learned how to help someone shop by picking things up and getting items from shelves. Around a house, she can turn lights on and off, and is even able to recognize the sign of a health ailment, such as a heart attack. Finch’s skills gave her the therapy dog title, which she proudly displays on either a bandana or vest in public.

Dobkowski said she slowly started integrating the excitable puppy into settings with kids, such as the children’s room of the North Merrick Public Library, which she now regularly visits. While at first she wasn’t allowed to be petted by children while she was still learning, Finch is now socially adapted to the rules of the library and knows how to behave there around kids.

While Dobkowski hasn’t yet been able to do a group session at the North Merrick library, she plans to in the future when insurance requirements get sorted out.

“I would be dealing with a group of little kids, young adults, and I want to work with parents of the kids,” she said. “I would be teaching them the difference between a service dog, a therapy dog and an emotional support animal and how to react to them when you see them in public, and how to deal with a normal dog, like normal petting behaviors.”

Finch still lives with Johnson, who also resides in Merrick, but spends a lot of time out with Dobkowski, embracing her therapy dog status. And when she’s not working with Finch, Dobkowski works at the North Shore Saddlery, an equestrian shop in East Norwich.

Johnson said she’s impressed by Dobkowski’s ability, and how far she’s come.

“I’m so proud of her accomplishments,” Johnson said. “The true gift is this ability to really connect with animals.”

Dobkowski would like the reach of her business to expand beyond Merrick. To learn more about The K9 Warrior, find out what dog training packages are available, and read reviews from previous dog owners, visit TheK9Warrior.org.

NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC AUCTION Supreme Court of New York, Nassau County. U.S. BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS LEGAL TITLE TRUSTEE FOR TRUMAN 2016 SC6 TITLE TRUST, Plaintiff,against- HENRY OSORIO, JR.; MARITZA OSORIO A/K/A MARITZA A. OSORIO; JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA O/B/O INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE; MIDLAND FUNDING LLC; MIDLAND FUNDING OF DELAWARE LLC; AMERICAN EXPRESS CENTURION BANK; FORD MOTOR CREDIT COMPANY LLC. Index No. 611370/2018. Pursuant to an Order Confrming Referee Report and Judgement of Foreclosure and Sale duly dated March 17th, 2023 and entered with the Nassau County Clerk on March 22nd, 2023, John G. Kennedy, Esq., the CourtAppointed Referee, will sell the premises known as 1294 Poplar Street, Bellmore, New York 11710 at public auction at North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, New York 11501, on the 15th of May, 2023 at 02:00 P.M. The sale will occur, rain or shine. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health concerns, then the Referee will cancel the foreclosure auction. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being in North Bellmore in the Township of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York known as Section: 56; Block: 220; Lot: 19 will be sold subject to the provisions of fled Judgment, Index No. 611370/2018. The approximate amount of judgment is $243,284.88 plus interest and costs.

FRIEDMAN VARTOLO LLP

85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff.

138778

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT. NASSAU COUNTY. HARVEY WEISMAN, Pltf. vs. REYNALDO BERRIOS, et al, Defts. Index #019536/2010. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered Dec. 12, 2022 and order dated Feb. 28, 2023, I will sell at public

auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on May 23, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. prem. k/a 2476 Hart Avenue, North Bellmore, NY 11710 a/k/a Section 51, Block 536, Lot 7 a/k/a and by Lot Nos. 10 and 14 inclusive and part of lots 22 and 23 as shown on a certain map entitled “North Bellmore Terrace, situated at Bellmore, N.Y. August 1926, Birdsall Jackson, Inc. Civil Engineer and Surveyor, Wantagh, N.Y.” and fled in the Offce of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on July 17, 1928 under fle number 655, Case Number 778. Sold subject to terms and conditions of fled judgment and terms of sale and the right of the United States of America to redeem within 120 days from the date of sale as provided by law. 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.

MALACHY LYONS, JR., Referee. LEVY & LEVY, Attys. for Pltf., 12 Tulip Dr., Great Neck, NY. #100212 138936

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU M&T BANK, Plaintiff, v. CHARLES ROOCKE A/K/A

CHARLES A. ROOCKE, ET AL, Defendant. NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT

In pursuance of a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the Offce of the County Clerk of Nassau County on January 19, 2023, I, Charles Casolaro, Esq., the Referee named in said Judgment, will sell in one parcel at public auction on May 30, 2023 at The North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501, County of Nassau, State of New York, at 2:00 PM the premises described as follows: 4 Bay Street Bellmore, NY 11710 SBL No: 63.-40-22, 26, 123, & 125

ALL THAT TRACT OR PARCEL OF LAND situate in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York.

The premises are sold subject to the provisions of the fled judgment, Index No. 001958/2017 in the amount of $509,161.81 plus interest and costs.

Foreclosure Auctions 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 foreclosure auction.

Woods Oviatt Gilman LLP

Plaintiff’s Attorney 500 Bausch & Lomb Place Rochester, NY 14604 Tel.: 855-227-5072 139094

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

BY THE BOARD OF APPEALS

Pursuant to New York State Town Law Article 16, New York State Public Offcers 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 5/10/23 at 9:30 A.M. to consider the following applications and appeals:

THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 9:30 A.M. 272/23. BELLMOREFreeport Tax c/o Warren Gruberger, Relocate 8’ high fence within property lines., S/E cor. Sunrise Hwy. & Mildred Pl., a/k/a 2584 Sunrise Hwy.

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 Bellmore 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.

139299

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR FREMONT HOME LOAN TRUST 2005-D. MORTGAGE-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES

2005-D

Plaintiff, Against MICHAEL BROWN, et al.

Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 10/09/2018, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501. This Auction will be held rain or shine on 6/7/2023 at 2:00 PM, premises known as 1855 Madison Avenue, Bellmore, New York 11710, And Described As Follows:

ALL that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Bellmore, Town Of Hempstead, County Of Nassau And State Of New York. Section 56 Block L Lot 21

The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $992,729.74 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 5261/09

If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the then Court Appointed Referee will cancel the Foreclosure Auction. Louis B. Imbroto, Esq., Referee. McCabe,

Jordan Vallone/Herald

At thE NORth Merrick Public Library, Finch, a therapy dog, sits with her trainer, Anna Dobkowski, a Calhoun graduate who runs The K9 Warrior, a dog training business.

CLASSIFIED

Fax your ad to: 516-622-7460

E-mail your ad to: ereynolds@liherald.com E-mail Finds Under $100 to: sales@liherald.com

H ebrew Academy of Long Beach seeks educators to join our exceptional school faculty in fostering a culture of academic exploration and excellence and dedication to spiritual, intellectual, and personal growth of all students. We are currently looking for candidates in the following divisions:

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DRIVING INSTRUCTORS WANTED

FULL-PART TIME BOOKKEEPER:

EDITOR/REPORTER

DRIVERS WANTED

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Autostat Corporation is seeking an experienced Accounts Receivable/ Payable Bookkeeper, minimum 5 years experience working for small/ medium business in Manufacturing, Wholesaling, or Bookkeeping Fields. Must be Windows proficient, experienced with Quick Books, Bank Reconciliations, Comfortable Handling Phones, Speaking to customers, vendors. Hours Flexible- 3 days (M,W,F Pref.) 20 hours minimum per week. Full Time off Benefits include: all major holidays (8) plus 5 Sick Days. Vacation time accrues after one year. Liberal salary based on experience, Serious/ Qualified only need apply. Qualified Retirees welcome. Forward resume w/References & Salary History: orders@autostatcorp.com

HAIRDRESSER FT/PT: Zippity Doo's Of Roslyn Heights Is Looking For A Licensed Hairdresser. Contact 516-965-4972

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Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286

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Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships.

PRESS-ROOM/WAREHOUSE HELP

Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME Pressroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for a motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com

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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 CON-

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Salary: $15.00 /hour

Email your resume to: careers@liherald.com

Hewlett Harbor

One Acre of Park-Like Grounds

This elegant and spacious 5000 square feet classic colonial is situated on one of the most desirable streets in Hewlett Harbor. It features 5+ bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, huge formal dining room, and an extralarge living room with outside exit to screened porch. The expansive property includes an in-ground gunite pool, koi pond, two car garage and an extra-large driveway. Call Alissa today to schedule your private viewing!

Alissa Lurie Licensed Real Estate Salesperson 516-967-8828 alurie.coachrealtors.com

Coach Realtors 1315 Broadway Hewlett, NY 11557 P: 516.374.0100 F: 516.374.6990 www.CoachRealtors.com

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MarketPlace HERALD

So what do we do about the housing crisis?

Q. Gov. Kathy Hochul’s attempt to force towns to allow more buildings or doubling up living units on properties may go down in flames. I have mixed feelings about it, since I wouldn’t want to see more congestion, but I know my grown kids can’t afford to buy a home near us, and the so-called “affordable” housing around us isn’t so affordable. What do you think is the solution?

A. In two recent columns, I addressed the intention of Governor Hochul to force municipalities to accept zoning changes in an attempt to develop more affordable housing and allow for doubling up on single-family properties with more living units, a method now available in California, where housing has become a crisis due to the high cost of real estate. As I previously stated, her proposal was not well received. It was rejected by most local communities.

Unfortunately, the problem will not go away, and a master plan is needed to incorporate how to address housing costs, traffic congestion, proximity of housing to commercial and industrial districts — it’s a long list. A county master plan, to make any difference, requires gathering information on what needs to be addressed.

For example, roadways are jammed, with no way to widen main thoroughfares or divert traffic. A future solution could be to place sensors in the pavement, coordinated with car technology to take over and control traffic speed so slow drivers can’t control everyone else’s speed, causing traffic jams. That combined with sensors in traffic lights would detect the number of cars and buses, and allow larger volumes of traffic to flow through intersections more efficiently. Since these systems are already used in California, Europe and Israel, their success is documented. Many larger cities with populations similar to our local area implemented planning solutions decades ago.

As I worked on my thesis for city planning in college 45 years ago, we were required to choose model cities to study. I chose Toronto and New York City. Both required traffic movement improvements to disperse massive volumes of traffic. They also developed housing zones coupled with large open spaces and a number of different sizes of residential buildings to create affordable housing.

Open space-to-building ratios are one of many problems with our local communities. For example, setting stores right on a sidewalk, with no on-site parking and homes directly behind them, was just an invitation to conflicts. Visible parking, wider roads, large-volume housing units with large surrounding open space, parking fields and single-family housing, separated and without their driveways backing directly onto busy boulevards, would have been a much better long-range solution.

It still can be, at a huge cost, because there has been no master plan or intention to implement change to solve conflicts. As long as local governments reject any attempt to solve these many problems and move us all forward, we will just have to live, and complain. These problems have solutions. Good luck!

Monte

MERCHANDISE MART

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Biden’s decision was an easy one

To no one’s surprise, President Biden has announced that he will seek a second term. That announcement has stirred up oceans of talk about his ability to serve another four years, because he is 80 years old. Considering the fact that I’ve served in public life for over 30 years and have reached age 80, I feel comfortable expressing my views about his candidacy.

Biden’s decision to run for reelection was the result of many factors, which I understand and can easily explain. First of all, as difficult as the most important job in the world is, with its myriad headaches, it is impossible to just walk away from it. Is being president a boost to your ego? You bet it is. Having musicians play “Hail to the Chief” virtually every time you walk into a room has to be a pretty cool experience. Traveling on Air Force One is also hard to dismiss.

But putting ego aside, Biden has plenty of reasons to defy his biological clock and seek office again. Whether

you like him or not, he has had a highly successful four years, and working with both Democrats and Republicans, he has gotten a number of major pieces of legislation passed that will have a dramatic impact on the lives of all Americans.

His infrastructure bill is responsible for the planned reconstruction or replacement of approximately 3,800 bridges. Billions of dollars have been distributed to local governments to rebuild their aging highways. Thousands of public buildings that are in dangerous condition are being rebuilt with infrastructure funding.

America’s major shortage of microchips will be attacked thanks to a multibillion-dollar program to create American-manufactured chips. Think about the vehicle you drive, or your smartphone. Cars and phones need microchips, most of which come from Taiwan and China. Our country needs to make more of them, and the process to do that is happening thanks to the Biden administration.

Senior citizens have much to be thankful for due to Biden’s efforts. Ask any senior who needs insulin injections

what it cost them annually in 2021. Many will acknowledge that the cost of insulin has resulted in less food on the table. Biden pledged to reduce its price to $35 per month, a pledge he has kept.

Four years ago, the alliance of European nations was in total disarray. Many that were once our friends were disenchanted by our lack of communication, and our disrespect. Biden has brought the members of NATO together, and for the first time in many years, the organization is prepared to fight any attempt by Russia to expand its territory.

There is no doubt that Ukraine would be under total Russian control if not for Biden’s determination to protect it from becoming a Russian colony. Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine wasn’t just an effort to take over another country. Russia would like to swallow up all of the previous parts of the former Soviet Union. A winning takeover of Ukraine was intended to be the first in a series of takeovers of country after country.

The 2023 version of the Republican Party is enough to encourage any Democratic incumbent to run again. Red

state after red state is passing laws to deprive women of their personal rights, and finding ways to deprive minorities and college students of their voting rights. The GOP has abandoned all of its founding principles, and has been captured by the Marjorie Taylor Greenes and other zealots.

Has Biden made America into Pleasantville? No, that hasn’t happened. To date, there has been no bipartisan solution to the border crises. The Democrats want a rational way to let migrants enter the country. Many Republicans want the border forever sealed so that no one, not even those fleeing anarchy and crime, can walk on American soil.

If the Republican Party had a roster of moderate and impressive candidates for the White House, Biden might have hesitated to seek a second term. But sadly, Republicans have no Ronald Reagan type waiting in the wings. Their alternatives will not make America great again.

So if I were Joe Biden, I’d go for it.

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

Dispatch from a four-legged 5-year-old

Dear Kathi: I turned 5 years old this winter, and I promised that I’d drop you a note and tell you how my life is with the Kreiss family. Mother’s Day is appropriate: As the breeder who helped bring me into the world, you’re one of my cherished moms.

My birth mom is Mountain Ivy of Chilowee Cotons. My birth grandmother is Destiny’s Rogue Breeze. My human mom is Randi of Brooklyn, and my pedigree is better than hers.

Now, don’t expect one of those heartwarming Lassie stories or a brave-dog-fightsbear story of my life. Think of this more like a Jerry Springer-spaniel (may he rest in peace) sort of tale. I know you thought I was an easy-going puppy, but it was all an act. I’m an alpha all the way, babe.

The Kreisses are OK, as owners go.

Clearly Randi and Don (they don’t know I call them by their first names) wanted a replacement for their beloved Zoe, the long-lived pup who trotted over the Rainbow Bridge six months before I was born. I hate when that happens. I want to be wanted just for myself.

By the way, I resent that you sold me. I mean, it was a great price, and in dog dollars it was a killing, but I don’t like to think of myself as a commodity. And you could have been a little more thorough in interviewing the Kreisses. They do not — I repeat, do not — have the fenced-in yard they promised.

I don’t mind that you sent me away from Tucson, where I was born, but I just cannot get used to doing my business in the snow. The ice really freezes up the works, if you know what I mean. The Ms. is out there in wool pants, a down coat, hat and gloves. I’m out there in my birthday suit, and she wants me to hurry up. When I hear “hurry up!” know what I do? I take my sweet time, pretending that I found something great to sniff. Or

I raise my ears and stare just behind her, to give her the creeps. Oh, yeah. One thing I’m happy about is that there are no kids around to share the attention. When we walk past kids at the bus stop, I wag my tail like crazy and pretend to love the little dribblers. The Ms. eats it up. She always says the same thing to the moms and dads: “Oh, Lillybee loves children. Of course they can pet her.” Let me tell you, it takes a lot of self-control not to take a bite out of those fat little fingers.

It’s a pretty easy gig I have. In the beginning, the Mr. didn’t like me at all. He didn’t want me, he didn’t want to walk me, and he didn’t like the fact that I barked in his ear for no good reason for 15 minutes straight every night when he turned on the TV. But he just needed to be trained. I’ve trained him to throw my Frisbee every time I bring it to him. I could bring it to him a hundred times and he just keeps throwing it. And he thinks I eat out of his hand?

The Ms. started out strict, making me

sleep in a crate in the kitchen every night, and I pretended to love it. I kept quiet, kept my nose clean and, sure enough, within six months they were discussing the fact that I was bonding more with the crate than with them. Within eight months I was in bed with them.

I know this is a process of give and take, but I did hold my ground in several areas. I refused to be housebroken overnight. I saw no reason to relieve myself outside in the freezing cold when there were perfectly good area rugs in the nice warm dining room.

I will not sit on the floor when everyone else is on the couch, and I won’t eat unless the Ms. keeps me company. From time to time, I bring a small dead bird into the house and deposit it on someone’s bed. I’m a dog, after all, and I won’t let them disrespect my native culture.

I will definitely keep in touch, Kathi, but let’s keep this just between us. The Ms. thinks she’s the only one in the family who writes. And neither of them has any idea that I know how to use the computer.

Love, Lillybee

Copyright 2023 Randi Kreiss. Randi can be reached at randik3@aol.com.

RANDI KREISS

When we walk past kids, I wag and pretend to love the little dribblers.

Whether you like him or not, he has had a highly successful four years.

JERRY KREMER

HERALD

A principal’s buyout is worth discussing

the Sewanhaka Central High School district has proposed a budget of nearly $245 million for the 2023-24 academic year, funding a number of projects beginning this fall, including the expansion of a real estate education program that could prepare students to take the state real estate licensing exam, and the restoration of Sewanhaka High School’s iconic clock tower.

But one thing you won’t find highlighted in that budget — at least not in the part presented to the public — is a payout of more than $400,000 to a beloved principal who disappeared on a sudden sabbatical last fall, only to later reveal that his absence will be permanent.

It’s the kind of omission that remains ever so common among a large number of elected bodies where transparency is paramount. And it’s the kind of unnecessary omission that can fuel distrust between leaders and constituents — just when trust is needed most, when school district residents go to the polls in a couple of weeks to give a school budget their blessing, or to cast a vote against it.

It’s hard to blame now-former Elmont Memorial High School principal Kevin Dougherty for collecting as much as he can for an employment separation it appears he didn’t volunteer for. But even in the shadow of a budget worth nearly a quarterbillion dollars, it could certainly be a real head-scratcher how the district justifies such a significant golden parachute, using taxpayer money — and why it felt that such a deal wasn’t fit for public consumption.

It wasn’t discussed at a school board

letters

An open letter to Rep. Anthony D’Esposito

Dear Congressman D’Esposito:

meeting or made part of a budget presentation. We know about it only because a Newsday reporter filed a public-records request and then patiently waited for the school district to hand the documents over.

Now, the school board will say this was not trumpeted across the district because the dispute between Dougherty and the trustees could be classified as a personnel issue — and that’s fair. We know there was a dispute, because one was hinted at in the paperwork obtained through the records request. And the nature of that dispute could very well fall under “personnel.”

But the payout — one involving money every property owner pays into the Sewanhaka district’s coffers — is something that deserved a bit more scrutiny. Or, at the very least, a “for your information.”

Dougherty’s payout appears to consist of both his $200,000 salary and an equal amount in unpaid bonuses. It’s not clear what the bonuses represented, but accrued time off and other elements the board is contractually obligated to pay out were most likely a part of it.

In fact, while it’s a lot of money, an open discussion could have easily benefited the school board, explaining the financial particulars of the payout, why it was necessary, and the fact that $400,000 represents barely two-tenths of 1 percent of the district’s total budget.

The school board also could have boasted how well it manages money, with an example that while Superintendent James Grossane earns the district’s highest salary, at just over $275,000 a year, there are 115 other school administrators in the state

who make more than he does.

Yet that discussion never happened. It didn’t even come up. And if someone hadn’t dug deeper to find out what was going on, we wouldn’t be talking about it now.

Teachers are vital to the makeup of our society. It’s why we spend our entire childhood — and the early part of our adulthood — in front of them, learning everything we can about the world around us. And administrators like Dougherty are important, too, because they build and maintain the framework where education happens.

But if the school board is going to negotiate an exit that ultimately pays someone a full year’s salary, along with additional benefits that essentially doubles that salary, it deserves a discussion. A public discussion. It won’t be fun — not by a long shot. But it is necessary.

So the discussion is happening now. And at the moment, parents seem more upset about losing someone who they believe is a great principal than about how much he’s taking as he walks out the door. And that’s perfectly fine — sometimes it’s not about the money.

In the end, however, these are still taxpayer dollars. And taxpayers have a right to know how every dollar is being spent. While no one is asking the school board to publicize how each dollar is spent, when there’s a payout that’s outside the norm, it’s worth a discussion.

And we hope all government bodies — not just the Sewanhaka Central High School District — will remember that.

As you claim to be committed to serving and protecting your constituents and your brothers and sisters in law enforcement, I write to request that you act on that promise and write legislation that will ban military-style rifles and large-capacity magazines, institute universal background checks and red-flag laws and close the gun show loopholes.

From the writing of the Constitution until 2008, the Second Amendment was widely interpreted as providing for a state militia. The National Rifle Association successfully convinced Americans that the amendment gave individuals a right to bear arms. In 2008, in D.C. v. Heller, the ultra-conservative Supreme Court, for the first time in the country’s history, ruled that the Second Amendment “protects a personal right to keep and bear arms for lawful purposes, most notably for self-defense within the home.”

There have been 377 school shootings in the United States since Columbine, according to The Wash-

Seeking leadership, and equity, for a better tomorrow

Igrew up as a Reagan Republican, and I have some opinions on our current political paradigm. Reagan, whose flaws are perseverated over in our time, had some great traits that are applicable to our current environment. He had leadership and vision. He understood that we could be more than we were, and that America was created to be the greatest nation ever known by meeting the needs and desires of all of its people. True Republicans should follow his path, and people of other views should reconsider the intent of his policies.

My views on how to address society’s ills have evolved since my youth. I hope that would be true of any lifelong learner, but my core principles and goals are unchanged. Opportunity is the key to success, and the respect for liberty — for yourself and for your fellow members of society — is a sacred responsibility. That was Reagan’s vision through my 16-yearold eyes in the 1980s, and it’s a vision that is still applicable to those seeking equita-

ble opportunities for all.

Success is found in increasing economic growth, not in fighting over the distribution of a diminishing pool of resources. Collaboration in our country can spur a new generation of leadership for us, and for our ideas. Tearing one another down weakens us both nationally and internationally.

Remember, America is predominantly a collection of immigrants, including my ancestors, who fled static societies for new opportunities. We are still a collection of immigrants. Our combined skills and perspectives are a unique and powerful force.

I believe in equity, because it means giving people what they need to succeed, and most often, all they need is a fair chance. Each person’s path is different, and those differences should be respected. The most important ingredient for success will always be the will of the individual. The goal of equity is to remove, or mitigate, systemic barriers to enable people to reach their potential.

In education there is an accepted belief that we need to differentiate instruction. Differentiation of instruction is an acknowledgment that individu-

Letters

ington Post. Other countries have people with mental health issues, yet this is a uniquely American problem. The next highest number of school shootings during this time period is Mexico, with eight. More than twice as many Americans own guns, per capita, than the nextranked country, which is Yemen.

Today it isn’t uncommon for someone to have lived through more than one school shooting within a few years. During the 10-year ban on assault weapons, school shootings decreased markedly. Since the ban was lifted, mass shootings have increased dramatically.

As someone who was disciplined by the NYPD for carelessly leaving your gun in a car that wound up in the hands of criminals, you must be aware that there are over 400,000 guns stolen every year. Thus the argument for responsible gun ownership applies specifically to you, and to the hundreds of thousands of Americans who allow their guns to fall into the wrong hands.

Over 48,000 people are killed by guns each year. Guns are the leading cause of death of children and teens in this country, more than car accidents, drug over-

doses or cancer.

President Biden passed the Bipartisan Safe Communities Act, which is the most significant gun legislation in decades. However, it is just a first step. We need congresspeople who believe that the lives of our children are more important than the absurd notion that a civilian should be able to own a weapon of war. And we cannot forget what happened in Uvalde, where 19 law enforcement officers waited outside a classroom for 50 minutes for fear of being outgunned by one AR-15. If you really wanted to ensure that police officers are safe, you’d end the sale of weapons of war to civilians.

You have the ability to end mass shootings in this country.

On behalf of Democrats and the vast majority of your constituents, we demand that you pass sensible gun legislation. Put an end to the uniquely American phenomenon that has parents and children in your district fearing for their lives.

CLAUDIA BORECkY President, Bellmore-Merrick Democratic Club

als have their own educational needs. Equity is similar to that concept, because each person has his or her own needs to meet their full potential. Equity is meeting each individual where they are and creating a path forward consistent with their abilities and ambition. Creating an environment where individual have the opportunity to succeed is a very Reaganlike initiative.

Equity 4 LI Youth is a forum for identifying opportunities, with volunteers helping young people see possible paths to success. We are not a governmental agency, and we have not raised any money — we are just people from all political perspectives trying to help. We do so by partnering with altruistic groups representing a wide array of causes, and providing resources to help promote equitable opportunities for anyone who is interested. Their race, religion, gender or politics don’t matter to us; all deserve a fair chance to reach their goals.

We are open to all points of view. Books written from any perspective must be respected, not feared. Canceling another person’s ability to experience lit-

erature based solely on one’s own political perspective indicates a fear that there is weakness in that perspective. Fear drives hate, and hate brings more fear.

We believe in reading and analyzing works from multiple perspectives, listening to all positions and engaging in factbased debate. Hearing and respecting a different point of view doesn’t mean you are capitulating to it. Reagan stressed self-reliance, not the destruction of other members of the American experiment in democracy. There is room in the shining city on the hill for people of all beliefs.

I like to study and evaluate all points of view. No single perspective has all the best ideas, or only bad ideas; there is always information to glean from listening to, and learning about, others. Even if all you learn is how to refine your argument, you’ve still gained knowledge and understanding of another’s position. And the experience forces you to critically evaluate your own views. All gain from a sharing of ideas.

Reagan wasn’t always right, but he wasn’t always wrong, either.

Patrick M. Pizzo II, Ed.D., is the assistant superintendent for business and finance in the East Meadow School District, the president of Equity 4 LI Youth and the Education Committee chair for the Hempstead branch of the NAACP.

Framework by Tim Baker

Celebrating Israel’s 75th anniversary — Merrick Jewish Centre

ronald Reagan had some ideas that are well worth reconsidering.

patrICk m. pIZZo II