Bellmore Herald 01-05-2023

Student coffee shop is a hit

Bellmore rings in the new year

Chabad raises funds for school expansion

Over $450,000 donated in two days

By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com

The Chabad of Merrick-Bellmore-Wantagh ended 2022 with a bang, raising more than $450,000 in just two days in an online campaign to benefit many of the programs it operates.

The Chabad runs a highly regarded preschool, a Hebrew school, and a summer camp at its Hewlett Avenue location in Merrick. The Chabad, through the Cindy Knoll Circle of Hope, also assists individuals and families impacted by breast cancer and other illnesses, provides food to those in need, and offers several other programs.

It is a nonprofit that is solely responsible for its own budget, Chabad officials said.

bank and Circle of Hope.

In the past two years, the Chabad added an extra component to the campaign — raising money for the expansion of its preschool. The first fundraiser last January drew more than $500,000 to help jumpstart its visions for the space.

The preschool’s administrators want to adopt the Reggio Emilia approach, an Italian philosophy that encourages learning in a non-traditional environment.

“We want it to look beautiful — we want it to be outstanding in every way,” Chanie Kramer said. “We want to make it a special place for kids to be able to learn in an optimal environment.”

By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com

At Sanford H. Calhoun High School, in the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District, teens interested in pursuing careers in health care have an opportunity to explore the field as early as ninth grade. Calhoun’s Medical Club, a studentrun group, takes part in several initiatives throughout the school year, and connects its members

with medical professionals who may be vital in helping students kick off their careers.

Athena Silver, the group’s president, told the Herald that she wasn’t sure when the club was founded, but when she joined it as a freshman, it was small, and lacked momentum. “It was kind of an unknown club,” Silver recalled. “It was out there, but no one really knew about it. And still, to this day, people come up to me and tell me

they didn’t even know there was a Medical Club.”

As a sophomore, Silver became the club’s treasurer, and then, when its senior officers graduated, she became president as a junior. “And that’s when I kind of changed everything,” she explained. “I feel like it’s a good club to have, because so many people go into health care. I promoted it more, and started making plans. And that year, we

Rabbi Shimon Kramer, who oversees the Chabad with his wife, Chanie, said typically, they end the year with a large fundraiser that generally benefits the three educational programs, the kosher food

Shimon Kramer said Chabad’s current classrooms were built with a traditional concept in mind, and the newer rooms will have added touches. The expansion will be internal and not require the

Jordan Vallone/Herald

Teens part of several health care initiatives

had about 60 people join.”

The club has been growing ever since, she added.

Now a senior, Silver said she initially joined the club because she had an interest in nursing. But her thinking changed, and now she wants to be an occupational therapist. Involved in several other clubs and organizations in and outside school, she interns at Birch Elementary School in its occupational therapy office.

Silver said she thinks the club can help students target their interest, and one of its co-vice presidents, Sofia Mescolotto, agreed.

“I knew pretty early on that I was interested in working in health care, but I didn’t know much about what that club would entail,” Mescolotto said. “I thought Medical Club would be an opportunity that could help me find my way, and set a goal for my future.

“From partaking in meetings, I’ve gained so much personally,” she added, “but I’ve also gained from putting effort toward helping others.”

Since Silver became president, the club has rolled out initiatives, one its largest being Pink Out Day. The club created and sold pink shirts for breast cancer awareness, and encouraged people to wear them to a football game.

The club sold so many shirts that it made around $800, which it donated to breast cancer research. “Football isn’t

like our big thing” at Calhoun, Silver noted. “We had so many people buy shirts, and the fact that there were so many people there was amazing.”

The club also collected money to buy gifts for teens in local hospitals. “Everyone always gets stuff for the little kids, and all the teens are stuck with Legos and teddy bears, and they don’t all really want that,” Silver said. “So we got blankets, Bluetooth speakers, fun card games, sketchbooks and markers — things that teens would like.”

Silver was also motivated to have the club raise money for multiple sclerosis research, because her mother has the disease. The club sold bags of cheddar-flavored Goldfish — which are orange, the awareness color for M.S. — and again, raised several hundred dollars.

By all accounts, the Medical Club is a community of like-minded students. Angelina Arceo, its other co-vice president, said she was happy to find that at Calhoun.

“I’m proud to be part of a collective where we get to share our passions to the betterment of patients’ lives,” Arceo said, “whether it be through interactive instruction, speaking with health professionals, fundraising for charities, or simply raising more medical awareness.”

“Throughout my adolescence, the medical field has brought me a sense of selfpurpose for my future — this club has continued to nurture my passion for the

the mediCal Club is fun yet educational, and students can learn about the fields of health care they’re interested in.

field,” Treasurer Brianna Okolie added. “Having peers by your side who understand the hard work we must put forward to achieve our goals is truly a gift given to us by this club.”

Silver said she hoped the club would soon have a shadowing program, so students can get out in the field and spend a day with professionals in their desired careers.

The club also hosts panel discussions with health care providers, allowing students to learn directly from them.

There are opportunities to join all

clubs early in the school year, Silver said, but to get in touch directly with the Medical Club, visit its Instagram page, @CalhounMedClub.

Its adviser, Kristine Fico, a science teacher at Calhoun, said the club helps students develop their personal and professional goals. “Students participating in the club will gain knowledge and real life experiences in the health care field,” Fico said. “The current senior officers have done an incredible job, and have paved the way for our club to have incredible success in the future.”

Courtesy Athena Silver

Town’s Mulchfest to benefit goats at Levy Park

By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com

Ever wonder what the Norwegian Dwarf goat population at Norman J. Levy Park and Preserve eats?

Aside from all the weeds and plant life the goats freely feast on when they’re released into the park at night, one thing — common around the holidays — may be surprising to some Town of Hempstead residents.

Christmas trees, despite all their piney needles, are quite the delicacy for the goats, and this weekend, residents will have the opportunity to discard of their trees in a safe way, that will not only benefit the environment, but in some cases, give Levy Park’s only permanent residents a great meal, at the town’s annual Mulchfest.

“Residents in the town are great — we care about environment,” Supervisor Don Clavin said last week at a news conference in Levy Park. “Everyone cares. One of the great things that we’ve introduced in the last couple years is the Mulchfest.”

During Mulchfest, town residents are able to bring their old Christmas trees and cardboard boxes to be made into mulch that they are welcome to take home and use in their own gardens. The town said the mulch can be used for several purposes, including soil moisture and as a way to prevent week growth.

Surplus mulch will be used in various town parks for future planting and landscaping plans.

“We enjoy looking for new and creative initiatives that result in progression,” Clavin stated in a release to the Herald. “The commencement of this program took place two years ago, and its success has inspired us to bring Mulchfest back to the Town of Hempstead for a fun and organic way to repurpose Christmas trees.”

But this year, Clavin explained that the annual festivities would have an extra, special twist, that would directly benefit Levy Park in Merrick. The park boasts the highest summit on the South Shore of Long Island, and has picked up the local nickname of “Merrick Mountain.”

“Many people don’t know, but Levy preserve has some really fun stuff,” Clavin said. “It’s not only a great place to come walk and enjoy nature, but we have our Nigerian

goats here.

and where is Mulchfest?

if

on people’s faces,” he said. “You’re either going home with a smile knowing that your tree is now mulch and you’re taking it home, or you’re feeding the goats here, and that’s great.”

“These goats are great,” he added. “They graze right here on the mountains. This year, we’re giving residents a choice. You can take the tree that you brought down, have it mulched and take it home, or you can donate right to our goats — they love these trees.”

Clavin also announced that Pasqaule Tuosto, owner of the grocery store Pat’s Farms, would be donating 20 trees, specifically for the goats to eat. The town said pine needles are safe for the goats to digest, and are a good source of vitamins.

Clavin said what he loves most about Mulchfest is seeing the positive reaction residents have. “It puts a smile

Mulchfest won’t be taking place in Merrick, but rather at Baldwin Park on Jan. 7 and 8, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. both days. Any residents who can’t attend next weekend are welcome to drop off their trees ahead of time, Clavin said. The park is located at 3232 Grand Ave., Baldwin.

“The Town of Hempstead proudly stands for greener and environmentally friendly programs,” Clavin stated. “We firmly believe in providing residents with the proper resources and programs to bring an abundance of benefits to the (town) — so b ing your Christmas

trees down to Baldwin Park and participate in the Mulchfestivities.”

PAsquALE TuOsTO, OwNER of Pat’s Farms, donated 20 unbought trees to the town, and the goats at the park happily enjoyed a meal.

Mulchfest will take place at Baldwin Park located at 3232 Grand Ave., Baldwin on Jan. 7 and 8.

when

Jordan Vallone/Herald photos

TOwN suPERVisOR DON Clavin, left, announced last week that residents in the town would have the opportunity to provide the Norwegian Dwarf goats at Normal J. Levy Park and Preserve a tasty treat at the town’s annual Mulchfest.

GOATs cAN EAT, and safely digest Christmas trees, the town said. At Mulchfest, if a resident doesn’t need or want mulch, their tree will be provided to the goats as food.

A TOwN resident wants mulch, they can bring their Christmas tree to Baldwin Park this weekend, where it will be put through a chopper, like the one above.

Herald ScHoolS

There’s coffee for all Calhoun’s Coore Fee store

The Coore Fee store began in 2019 at Sanford H. Calhoun High School as a student run coffee shop that offered opportunities for students in the special education program to experience an in-house vocational setting.

During the pandemic, however, business was put on hold due to health and safety concerns. They reopened this fall and revamped their mobile Coore-Fee Store by creating a pop-up shop outside in the building’s B-wing hallway.

The reopening has been a great success. Students are busy creating seasonal treats, working at the hot chocolate bar

and of course, serving coffee.

“Coore Fee also provides opportunities for socialization for our Coore students and, more importantly, work-based learning opportunity in-house for them,” explained Melissa Rohr, a special education chairperson. “I will say, this small business has become very popular around the building and the teachers and students are really grateful for everyone’s support.”

The store is open Tuesdays and Thursdays first and second period. Items start at just $1.

— Jordan Vallone

Photos courtesy Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District

Jose Castillo, above, worked the cash register at the Coore Fee store.

axavier tobias, Christina Strezenec, Christian Canny, Jose Castillo and Lisa Loonie, left, manned the coffee shop.

Carini stops by Autism Society party

The Nassau/Suffolk Autism Society has its holiday part at the Merrick Golf Club, and Councilman Chris Carini, center right, stopped by to meet with Camille Morvay Raia of Merrick, Nina Lanci of Bellmore, Joseph Murphy of West Hempstead and Teri and Steve Oster, also of West Hempstead.

Congrats to the newlyweds

Merrick residents Aaron Valentine and Samantha Rodriguez were married last month in a ceremony officiated by Town Clerk Kate Murray. Residents interested in obtaining their marriage license or scheduling a wedding ceremony can call the clerk’s office at (516) 812-3014.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Courtesy Town of Hempstead

Courtesy Town of Hempstead

spotlight athlete

Herald sports

Calhoun sets high standard

By MarC BerMaN sports@liherald.com

The graduation loss of 12 would usually deal a program a devastating blow. Calhoun wrestling is looking to come through it unscathed.

Peter Marques started his fifth season as head coach at the Merrick school after long stints at Plainedge and Great Neck South.

aNDie aDaMs

Lawrence Senior Basketball

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

gaMes to WatCh

thursday, Jan. 5

Gymnastics: Oceanside at South Side 7 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 6

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

Boys Basketball: Syosset at Freeport 7 p.m.

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

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

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

Wrestling: Mepham at MacArthur 7 p.m.

Wrestling: Roosevelt at Hewlett 7 p.m.

saturday, Jan. 7

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

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

Boys Basketball: Jericho at Mepham 12 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Roslyn at Elmont 12 p.m.

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

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

Boys Basketball: Manhasset at Hewlett 12 p.m.

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

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

Girls Basketball: Mineola at Lynbrook 12 p.m.

Girls Basketball: Hewlett at Lawrence 12 p.m.

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

Boys Basketball: Seaford at Lawrence 4 p.m.

Led by last season’s state standout Ray Adams, Marques is vying to overcome the losses with honors. Last season’s powerhouse squad finished unbeaten in conference 3A (5-0) and was voted “Most Improved Team in Nassau County.’’

“Last year was the first group we had (that started) as freshmen,’’ Marques said. “There was a time we were climbing and climbing. We’ve established what the standard is. Even though we did graduate a lot, we have guys who’ve come through our program that will fill in those spots.’’

And in Calhoun’s new wrestling culture, it likes to do it with flash and panache. it is a team filled with three-sport guys who are athletic and fit in.

“We try to put an exciting product on the mat,’’ Marques said. “We don’t try to hang out and win by 1 point. We want to score a lot of points and put guys on their back. We’re aggressive in all positions. That lends itself to more winning.’’

The two key losses from last season’s 15-5 squad were Michael Patti, an AllCounty performer who is wrestling at RIT, and Jordan Burr.

Remaining to anchor the Colts at 126 pounds is Adams, already named “Outstanding Wrestler’ of the two early-season tournaments - “Battle on the Beach’’ and the Springfield Garden’s affair. In the duel meet opener vs. Southside/East Rockaway, Adams won on a pin in 2:30 as Calhoun romped 60-10 on Dec. 14th.

“He’s very good offensively on his feet from neutral,’’ Marques said of Adams. “It’s his No. 1 thing. He continues to improve at his strengths and got better on the bottom.’’

The comeback story this season is senior Andrew Foy at 215. Foy broke

his ankle last December at the start of the 2021-22 season in a tournament after being ranked in Nassau County. In the prior year, the season was Covid-19-shortened.

He’s back from injury and trying to show his full star potential. “It’s good to have him for a full season,’’ Marques said.

At 172 pounds, Denzel Folgar is one to watch after the coach praised his “great offseason’’ of work. Junior Brian Nicholson, at 18 pounds, qualified for counties last season and could emerge further. He works out with Adams every day and placed in the two early-season events.

Then there’s sophomore 102-pounder Sean Gallagher, a lightweight who already has shown potential after earning a starting berth as a freshman. In the duel meet opener, he pinned his man in 56 seconds.

Despite the dozen graduate losses, Calhoun is only looking up. It faces a conference shift to 2B where Mepham and McArthur loom as threats. Perhaps the Colts won’t be unbeaten this year in conference play but remain formidable.

“Our goal was to be top 10 in county last year and we just missed,’’ Marques said. “It’s still our goal - a top-10 county finish.’’

Donovan Berthoud/Herald seNior ray aDaMs, a returning state qualifier and county title hopeful, leads a revamped Colts’ lineup at 126 pounds.

Echo Park closing doors for $2 million renovation

By MARK NOLAN mnolan@liherald.com

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

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

potentially save on energy bills.

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

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

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

DON CLAviN Hempstead town supervisor

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

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

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

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

reopened in January 2018 after a $208,000 renovation that included resurfacing several indoor areas and refinishing the diving boards. The year before, Echo Park was part of a town-wide $1.26 million rec

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

Other than this brief closure each win-

Herald file

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

lights, camera, 2023. The Forgione and Ansalone families, above, celebrated the start of 2023 rocking big, sparkly and light up glasses.

Jackie and nico Taylor, left, said goodbye to 2022, as they welcomed 2023.

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

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

Northwell.edu/NoLimits

Courtesy Julie Martorella

Courtesy Jena Elizabeth

Courtesy Jackie Taylor

Jameson martorella, top left, rang in the 2023 in style — donning a Happy New Year hat, and cheering on the festivities with a noise maker.

There’s

calm, it’s 2023

Courtesy James O’Hagan

The O’hagans were practically ‘glowing’ with excitement as 2022 turned into 2023.

whaT beTTer way to start the new year, then by taking a trip to the beach. Charlotte Chambers of Merrick bundled up, above, and headed to the shore at Jones Beach.

Cali and Charlie Bowers, left, attended the Long Island Children Museum’s New Year’s Eve party to celebrate the start of 2023.

Courtesy Melissa Taylor

Courtesy Johanna Bowers

STEPPING OUT

Dancing With The Stars Live

Heroism unfolds in an epic adventure

By Karen Bloom

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

WHERE WHEN

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

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

• UBS Arena, 2400 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

indeed.

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

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

Literary Luncheon

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

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

Photos courtesy Feld Entertainment

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

THE SCENE

America

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

Art talk

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

In concert

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

Tracy Locke

See Tracy Locke, a standup comedian for 15 years, who has done everything from selling out shows at Radio City Music Hall to comedy clubs across the nation, when she performs at the Brokerage, Saturday, Jan. 14, 2797 Merrick Road, Bellmore Doors open at 5 p.m., show is at 7 p.m. Admission is $22, must be 16 or older to enter.. Visit Brokerage.govs.com for tickets and more info.

Jan. 7 Jan. 8

Kids’ Dance Classes

Nieves Latin Dance Studio, at 1389 Jerusalem Ave., North Merrick, offers a new session of kids’ dances classes, starting Saturday, Jan. 7. Schedule includes ballet and hip hop classes. Low monthly payments, no contract and free trial classes for all new students. A uniform purchase will be required with registration. A recital takesplace twice a year. Visit NievesDanceStudio.com for more information.

On exhibit

Meet author

Graham E.E. Bailey

Long Island Author Graham E.E. Bailey will be at the Bellmore Memorial Library, Saturday, Jan. 21, noon. Event includes the reading of an except from the book, a question and answer session with the audience, and opportunity to purchase a signed book. 2288 Bedford Ave., Bellmore. Call (516) 785-2990 to learn more and to register.

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

Having an event?

Indoor Flea Market

The Merrick Chamber of Commerce is hosting an indoor flea market, dedicated to antiques and collectibles. Visit Temple Israel in Merrick, at 2655 Clubhouse Road, Sunday, Jan. 8, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Comics, toys, trains, action figures, jewelry and more will be sold. Want to be an early buyer? There’s a $20 admission fee that allows for shopping beginning at 7 a.m. Easy and free parking. More dates to follow, on Jan. 22, Feb. 12 and 26, and March 12 and 26. Visit MerrickChamber.org 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.

Forest Bathing

Take a meditative Forest Bathing walk, led by certified guide Linda Lombardo, Saturday, Jan. 21, 2-4 p.m. Based on the Japanese tradition of Shinrin-Yoku, a wellness practice developed in the 1980s, the walk, on the grounds of the former summer residence of Howard Gould and later Daniel and Florence Guggenheim, inspires mindful connections with the natural elements of the woods for a range of healthful benefits. $40, $35. Pre-registration required. Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Road. For information, visit SandsPointPreserveConservancy.org or call (516) 571-7901.

Skate on

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

Preschool prepares for extensive expansion

actual building on Hewlett Avenue to be made larger, with some offices to be converted into new classrooms.

Chanie Kramer said the classrooms would encourage students to utilize their learning space almost like an additional instructor.

“We don’t focus so much on bright, splashy carpets and colorful walls, and things like that,” she said. “The work of the children is more of what’s displayed. We set up provocations for the children to get their minds curious, to be engaged, and to want to learn.

“We of course have a curriculum,” she added. “But it’s child-centered rather than teacher-centered. If the children are interested in exploring a certain unit of interest, the teacher dives in with them, and they go a step further.”

The preschool runs a pre-kindergarten, toddler and nursery program and has a large, outdoor playground. One of the classrooms isn’t even in a permanent space, the Kramers explained, but is rather separated from a communal area with room dividers. The expansion would allow for about three or four new classrooms to be built, increasing the total to around eight classrooms, they said.

The Chabad said it plans to convert one of these new spaces into an infant room, and also create an immersive indoor playground.

This additional space should benefit the Hebrew school and Chabad’s summer camp, and the Kramers estimated that once the renovations are completed, they’ll be able to accommodate around 150 more children across all three programs.

Marianna Borets, the preschool’s director, expressed excitement for the expansion because it meets the demands of the community.

“We have lists into 2024, maybe into 2025, of kids that want to come, and we’ve been really jam-packed, so we have no

room,” Borets said. “So it’s super exciting to give more and more children an opportunity to come to the program, and experience all the wonderful teachers and programming that we have here.”

Shimon Kramer said the Chabad would like to offer scholarships for the preschool, and help families who may not be able to afford it. “Living on Long Island is very expensive,” he said. “(The campaign) raises money for those families that need that extra help.”

A committee would determine who is awarded these scholarships and how much money would be given after assessing the needs of a family.

“We care about these families,” Shimon Kramer said. “And if someone can’t pay, we try to do our best to make it feasible for them to come in.”

The fundraising campaign took place online beginning on Dec. 20, when potential donors could read what their donation would benefit and choose an amount to give. A few families part of the Chabad offered to match donations, propelling the campaign to its final amount. A total of around 350 people donated to the campaign.

“I just want to say that I am pleasantly surprised, and I think we live in a great, great community,” Shimon Kramer said. “For 350 people to come out and to give charity at the end of the year — whatever touched their heart, Chanie and I are very touched.

“It’s not even the fact that we have the funds, and now we’re able to build,” he added. “It’s that fact that we have the support of the community, and that we have such good people in our community.”

The Town of Hempstead has already approved the plans for expansion, and the Kramers are hopeful the renovations would be completed by September.

To learn more about the plans, and the Chabad in general, visit ChabadJewishLife.org.

Courtesy Chabad of Merrick-Bellmore-Wantagh

The Chabad of Merrick-Bellmore-Wantagh ran a successful campaign to raise funds for the expansion of its preschool. Above, Rabbi Shimon Kramer, left, looked over plans with an architect.

ConTinued from fronT page

BEAUTY HEALTH & WELLNESS

www.LiChoiceAwards.com!

ORTHOPEDIC GROUP: Mirza Orthopedics

Orlin & Cohen Orthopedic Group

The Central Orthopedic Group

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

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

Pain Institute of Long Island

PEDIATRIC DENTIST: Charles Pillar, DDS

Denise Cohen, DMD

Jennifer S. Zuckerman, DDS

PEDIATRICIAN: Matthew S. Cohen, MD

Roberto N. Marchitelli, MD

Stuart Schiff, DO

Vicki Ellin Jetter, MD

New York Brain Center

NSPC Brain and Spine Surgery | Long Island

The Stroke & Brain Aneurysm Center of Long Island

CARDIOLOGIST: Beevash Ray, MD

David Hersh, MD, FACC

Thierry Duchatellier, MD

CBD STORE: Curaleaf NY Carle Place

Natural Remedies - Merrick Sea Cliff Hemp Co.

CHIROPRACTOR: Adam Kritzberg, DC

Jill Feldhurn, DC

Matthew E. Goldschmidt, DC, PC

COSMETIC SURGEON: Antonio L. Uria, MD

Ari Hoschander, MD

James C. Marotta, MD

COSMETIC SURGERY GROUP: KH Plastic Surgery

Long Island Plastic Surgical Group, PC

Marotta Plastic Surgery Specialists

DENTIST: Alina Bergan, DDS, PC

Joshua S. Rolnick, DDS

Yefim Khanimov, DDS

DERMATOLOGIST: Elie B. Lowenstein, MD

Suzanne J. Sirota Rozenberg, DO

Tina Funt, MD

GENERAL PRACTICE DOCTOR: Carolyn M. Castiglia, DO

Ralph K. Della Ratta, MD

Sarah Marie Spadafina, MD

HAIR SALON:

Ambiance Salon

Belle Beauty Salon Spa

East Coast Hair Studio

HEALTH INSURANCE AGENCY: Grober Imbey Insurance Agency

JLS Insurance Solutions

UnitedHealthcare

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

Michael Krantz - UnitedHealthcare

Calla Lily Rose Beauty Spa

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

MEDICAL SUPPLY: Health Mart Pharmacy LifeVac LLC

Long Beach Surgical Supply

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

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

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

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

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

Thomas Erhart, DO

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

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

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

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

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

PEDICURE: Beach Nails Belle Beauty Salon Spa

Bewitched at Cheveux Salon

PHYSICAL THERAPIST: Joseph Cottone

Michael DeFeo, DPT Timothy Stauder, DPT

PHYSICAL THERAPY: Metro Physical & Aquatic Therapy

NY Physical Therapy & Wellness

Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy

PODIATRIST: Gideon P. Tarrash, DPM

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

REHABILITATION CENTER: Beach Terrace Care Center

Grandell Rehabilitation and Nursing Center

South Shore Rehabilitation and Nursing Center

SPA/MEDICAL SPA: Clarity Spa

Dolce Aesthetics

Rainforest Med Spa

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

SPINE CENTER: New York Spine Institute

Spine Medicine & Surgery of Long Island

The Central Orthopedic Group

URGENT CARE CENTER:

AFC Urgent Care

CityMD Urgent Care

Northwell Health - GoHealth Urgent Care

VEIN/VASCULAR CENTER: Island Vein Specialists of Mineola

Long Island Heart & Vascular Specialist

USA Vein Clinics

WAXING: Calla Lily Rose Beauty Spa

European Wax Center

Wax Addictss

WEIGHT LOSS CENTER: New York Bariatric Group

Nu Med - Med Spa & Integrative Wellness

Ultra Body Weight Loss Centers

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

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

top?

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

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

BY THE BOARD OF APPEALS

Pursuant to New York State Town Law Article 16, New York State Public Officers Law Article 7, and the Town of Hempstead Building Zone Ordinance, NOTICE is hereby given that the BOARD OF APPEALS of the Town of Hempstead will hold a public hearing in the Old Town Hall, 350 Front Street, Room 230, Second Floor, Hempstead, New York on 1/11/23 at 2:00 P.M. to consider the following applications and appeals:

THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED

STARTING AT 2:00 P.M. 64/23. BELLMORE - 318 Bedford Ave. Corp., d/b/a International Delight Café, Waive off-street parking (maintain expansion to existing restaurant)., S/W cor. Bedford Ave. & Wilson Ave., a/k/a 322 Bedford Ave.

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

This notice is only for new cases in 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. 136503

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT NASSAU COUNTY

WILMINGTON SAVINGS

FUND SOCIETY, FSB, AS TRUSTEE OF UPLAND

MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST

A, Plaintiff against LAWRENCE PESCE, et al Defendant(s)

Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Fein Such & Crane, LLP, 1400 Old Country Road, Suite 103N, Westbury, NY 11590. Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered January 22, 2019, I will sell atpublic auction to the highest bidder at North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on February 7, 2023 at 2:00 PM. Premises known as 2726 Clarendon Avenue, Bellmore, NY 11710. Sec

56 Block 345 Lot

57,58,59. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York.

Approximate Amount of Judgment is $511,724.23 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 005308/2013.

The foreclosure sale will be conducted in accordance with 10th Judicial District’s Covid-19 Policies and foreclosure auction rules. The Referee shall enforce any rules in place regarding facial coverings and social distancing. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the Court Appointed Referee shall cancel the foreclosure auction.

Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.”

Jennifer Ettenger, Esq., Referee CARN298 136486

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, AS TRUSTEE OF STANWICH MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST A, Plaintiff, AGAINST KEVIN PACHECO, JACKELINE PACHECO, et al. Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a judgment of foreclosure and sale duly entered on February 16, 2022.

I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on February 2, 2023 at 2:00 PM premises known as 123 Mitchell Street, Bellmore, NY 11710.

Please take notice that this foreclosure auction shall be conducted in compliance with the Foreclosure Auction Rules for Nassau County and the COVID 19 Health Emergency Rules, including proper use of masks and social distancing.

All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being Bellmore, Town of Hempstead, in the County of Nassau, State of New York. Section 56, Block 162 and Lot 26.

Approximate amount of judgment $583,487.15 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment. Index #004618/2014.

Mark S. Ricciardi, Esq., Referee, Aldridge Pite, LLPAttorneys for Plaintiff - 40 Marcus Drive, Suite 200, Melville, NY 11747 136453

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as Trustee for the Certificateholders Park Place Securities, Inc., Asset-Backed PassThrough Certificates Series 2004-WCW1, Plaintiff AGAINST Jeanne L. Yandolino, et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered April 3, 2018, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on February 3, 2023 at 2:00PM, premises known as 3058 Susan Road, Bellmore, NY 11710. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Bellmore in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, SECTION: 63, BLOCK: 312, LOT: 3. Approximate amount of judgment $907,810.62 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #003312/2012. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the NASSAU County COVID-19 Protocols located on the Office of Court Administration (OCA) website (https://ww2.nycourts.gov /Admin/oca.shtml) and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the court appointed referee will cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine”. Irene V. Villacci, Esq., Referee Frenkel Lambert Weiss Weisman & Gordon, LLP 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 11706 01-026095-F01 74346 136443

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE OF THE CHALET SERIES IV TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. ROGER F. LANGAN A/K/A ROGER LANGAN, ET AL., Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale and Other Relief duly entered on November 3, 2022, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on February 7, 2023 at

2:30 p.m., premises known as 2575 Natta Boulevard, Bellmore, NY 11710. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 56, Block S03 a/k/a 503 and Lots 918-919. Approximate amount of judgment is $435,731.19 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #6933/2015. This foreclosure sale will be held on the north side steps of the Courthouse, rain or shine. COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed at the foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the Court Appointed Referee will cancel the sale.

Louis B. Imbroto, Esq., Referee

Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No. 192380-1 136488

Six teens named Students of the Quarter

Six students from the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District were named Students of the Quarter at Nassau BOCES Barry Tech and GC Tech career and technical education high schools.

Students of the Quarter are honored for their grades, attendance, work ethic and preparedness.

These students have taken the initiative on class projects and are role models for their fellow students, in both the classroom and the workplace.

Skills.

About Nassau BOCES

Nassau BOCES offers state-of-the-art programs for learners of all ages and abilities as well as cost-effective services for school districts and municipalities.

Nassau BOCES works to empower students to achieve their maximum potential in alternative, artistic, outdoor, special education, virtual, and career and technical environments.

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 1/17/2023 at 2:00pm, 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

The students were Larsen Nicholas, of Kennedy High School, studying Police Science; Dashiell Chen, of Mepham High School, studying Aviation Operations; Natalia Fasitta, also of Mepham, studying Animal Care; Will Fischetti, of Kennedy, studying Animal and Digital Media Skills; Andrew Foy, of Calhoun, studying welding; and John Mansourati, also of Calhoun, studying Construction Trade

It also offers adult education and a variety of programs that are vital to improving the Long Island regional economy. In addition, BOCES’s technology services form the backbone of many school districts’ infrastructure.

As the county’s educational leader in implementing the state’s reform efforts, it helps to shape the future of education.

To learn more, visit NassauBoces.org.

Public Notices Public Notices

are other health or safety concerns, the then Court Appointed Referee will cancel the Foreclosure Auction.

Louis B. Imbroto, Esq., Referee.

McCabe, Weisberg & Conway, LLC, Suite 205, 10 Midland Ave, Port Chester, NY 10573 Dated: 11/3/2022 File Number: 17-300073 PCO 136260

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORKCOUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR HARBORVIEW MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2005-16, MORTGAGE LOAN PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005-16, V. CHARLES PLOTNICK, ET AL.

NOTICE OF SALE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure dated April 26, 2019, and entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau, wherein U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR HARBORVIEW MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2005-16, MORTGAGE LOAN PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005-16 is the Plaintiff and CHARLES PLOTNICK, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on January 31, 2023 at 2:30PM, premises known as 2785 LEN DRIVE, BELLMORE, NY 11710: Section 63, Block 276, Lot 20:

ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING AT BELLMORE, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 009469/2015. Mark Ricciardi, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 136378

LEGAL NOTICE

Notice of Regular Meetings

Bellmore Fire District Please take notice that the Bellmore Fire District of the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, New York, will hold its regular meetings for the year 2023 on the second Wednesday of each month at 8:00 pm. All meetings start at 8:00 pm on such day at the District Office 2450 Newbridge Road, Bellmore. All meetings of the Bellmore Fire District are open to the public. This notice is being posted in accordance with the provisions of Section 94 of the Public Officers law of the State of New York.

By order of the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Bellmore Fire District.

John M. Fabian Secretary Bellmore Fire District 136516

Courtesy Nassau BOCES

NAtAliA FASittA wAS just one of the six students named Students of the Quarter by Nassau BOCES. Fasitta a Mepham student, is studying Animal Care.

EMPLOYMENT

Help Wanted

Administrative Assistant For Five Towns Law Office

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

ADMINISTRATIVE

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

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

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

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

CIRCULATION ASSOCIATE

Full Time/Part Time

Richner Communications, publisher of Herald community newspapers has an excellent opportunity for a FT/PT Customer Service Clerk in our busy Circulation Department. Basic customer service and administrative responsibilities include: heavy computer work, answering phones, making phone calls, entering orders, faxing, filing, etc.

STRONG knowledge of EXCEL a must! Knowledge of DATABASE maintenance or postal regulations a big plus. Qualified Candidates must be computer literate, able to multitask, dependable, reliable, organized, energetic, detail oriented and able to work well under deadlines. For consideration, please send resume & salary requirements to: careers@liherald.com

CONSTRUCTION WORKERS Assist General Contractor. Drivers License. Knowledge Of Construction. Call Mike. 516-887-8877.

DRIVERS WANTED

EDITOR/REPORTER

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

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

HOSTESS/PHONE PERSON PARTTIME, Customer Experience necessary, Evenings, 4pm-8:30pm $16/hr. La PiazzaPlainview. Call Maria or Toni 516-938-0800

MERRICK BEFORE/AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM seeking mature individuals to supervise elementary school aged children from 2:45 pm to 5:00 or 6:00 pm weekdays. Experience helpful. If interested email merrickbasp@aol.com or call (516)379-4245

OUTSIDE SALES

vary, so flexibility is key. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com

Open Houses

HEWLETT 1534 BROADWAY #103, OPEN HOUSE BY APPT, REDUCED! Magnificent New Renovation! One of a Kind Ranch Style Living in Luxurious Jonathan Hall Condominium with Doorman & Elevator. Just Move into This Gut Renovated, Spacious 2 BR, 2 Bath Apt with Open Layout.Large Designer Eat in Kitchen with Sep Pantry & Laundry Rm.Master BR Boasts Gorgeous Bth & Walk in Closet. Terrace Faces into Courtyard. Garage Parking Incl...$699,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299

HEWLETT 1534 BROADWAY #205, Open House By Appt! Extra Large 2000 Sq Ft, 2 Bedroom(Originally 3 BR), 2 Bath Condo in Prestigious Jonathan Hall with Doorman & Elevator. Updtd Wood/Quartz Kit, LR & DR. Washer/Dryer in Unit. Underground Pkg. Loads of Closets. Terrace Faces Back. Easy Ranch Style Living...$699,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299

Open Houses

HEWLETT

My building’s in need of a tenant

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ask The Architect

Monte Leeper

Handyman

HANDYMAN

Repairs and Installations for the Household. Careful and Reliable and Vaccinated. Licensed and Insured. 30-Year Nassau County Resident. Friendly Frank Phone/Text 516-238-2112 E-mail-Frankcav@optonline.net

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The ups and downs of 2022

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

JERRY KREMER

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happiness is a reach, but we have long arms

Happiness is a reach, but we have long arms

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

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

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

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

RANDI KREISS

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

human-rights and voter-rights legislation through Congress.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Phone: (516) 569-4000 Fax: (516) 569-4942 Web: www.liherald.com E-mail: belleditor@liherald.com

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

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

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

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

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

Less than a year after Sandy, New York state — under the direction of then Gov. Andrew Cuomo — established the Governor’s Office of Storm Recovery to centralize the rebuilding and recovery efforts. One of its programs, New York Rising Community Reconstruction, empowered local communities to provide input into resiliency projects. Sandy was one of three storms — along with Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee in 2011 — that were under the storm recovery office’s umbrella.

Roughly $4.4 billion was made available to the state through federal funding for an assortment of resiliency projects as well as for residential home rebuilding. For the NYRCR program, communities assembled committees of civic leaders. There were public meetings. Engineers were consulted. Ideas were exchanged. Public comment

letters

Does the columnist understand the waves?

To the Editor:

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

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

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

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

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

Adarichev goes on to say that there’s no

was collected.

From the list of NYRCR projects provided by the storm recovery office, 45 have been completed in Nassau County, while 30 others are in progress. These projects total nearly $334 million. GOSR has done a heck of a job.

However, getting to this point is one thing, but finishing is something else. What started as a well-run program looks as if it’s going to be a tough haul to complete.

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

One of the problems appears to have been self-inflicted. As local officials pushed to move the projects forward, not only were there too many personnel changes in the state storm-recovery office, but the incoming officials, based in New York City, were unfamiliar with Long Island. Some projects went through nearly 10 iterations. It seemed that the process had to start from scratch any time there was a change in GOSR leadership.

Storm recovery representatives were also constantly interpreting federal language differently, creating more bumps in the road. The large volume of paperwork that moved back and forth between municipalities — requirements put in place by federal agencies as a response to the rampant fraud, waste and abuse of funds after Hurricane Katrina —slowed projects down.

Then, in 2020, the world shut down because of the coronavirus pandemic. Projects that were in the works were given extensions because of unforeseen conditions that created supply-chain issues. That was understandable.

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

Cuomo’s idea of having one central entity to oversee the projects was a good one. And the grass-roots NYRCR program won numerous national awards. But as more projects move forward, the state’s execution needs to be better. Now that there is a record of what was done — good and bad — there should be an audit, and what is learned from it should be applied as soon as possible.

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

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

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

Does Kirsten Gillibrand care about Long Islanders?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Letters

crime wave, and that it’s OK to steal your catalytic converter. These thieves aren’t looking for their next meal or hanging out at soup kitchens. They are highly organized criminals, along with a few complicit junkyard owners, netting hundreds of thousand of dollars a year.

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

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

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

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

MICHAEL APPICE

Government shouldn’t control energy on L.I.

To the Editor:

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

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

MIKE TARTAGLIA Franklin Square

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Framework by Tim Baker

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

the senator may visit every once in a while, but she doesn’t know us, and never has.

Westbury

ronaLd J. rosenBerG

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