Bellmore Herald 04-06-2023

A tEAm of Kennedy High students was named a winner in

an adaptive desk that greatly improved the life of a

phy. With him were, from left, students Preston Bowman, Cole

Students earn national titles in 2022 REACH Challenge

By JoRDAN VAlloNE jvallone@liherald.com

From creating an adaptive desk for a young boy with a disability to inventing a coin calculator for a man with Down syndrome, two teams of students at John F. Kennedy High School have earned national recognition for their inventions.

The two teams participated in the International Technology and Engineering Educators Association’s REACH

Taking a new look at teens’ mental health

By JoRDAN VAlloNE jvallone@liherald.com

In today’s society, teachers, school administrators, social workers and mental health advocates agree that, more than ever, teens need outreach and support when they battle negative thoughts and actions.

At last week’s Nassau County Youth Wellness Summit, hosted by the New Jersey-based Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide Last week, Long Island teens were encouraged to focus on conquering their toughest mental health challenges.

anxiety and depression. Through a colleague of her father’s, Brief and her family were connected to SPTS, and began volunteering and working with the organization. Seeing the success of wellness summits in New Jersey, she decided to bring one to Nassau County.

Mike Harrington, superintendent of schools in Bellmore-Merrick and a former principal at Mepham, has known Brief and her family since she was a student.

Challenge, with the goal of creating a project that greatly enhances the lives of someone in their community facing daily adversities due to a disability.

One of the teams in the school’s Advanced Science Research, or ASR, program earned first place in the national 2022 REACH Challenge, while the other was named a semifinalist.

The REACH Challenge requires students in STEM programs in middle school,

high school or college to design and create an adaptive and assistive piece of technology that helps a member of their community overcome a challenge they face in their everyday lives.

While Kennedy has had teams participate in the challenge in previous school years, this was the first year enough students showed interest, resulting in two teams actually being formed, ASR teacher Barbi Frank

Continued on page 4

Since 2019, the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District has offered the Brookside School, its district offices, as the venue for the mental health event.

Stacy Brief, 25 of Bellmore, is a 2016 graduate of Mepham High School and a licensed social worker at Calhoun High. Brief previously told the Herald that she went through a difficult time in high school, struggling with

“Stacy was one of my standouts at Mepham,” Harrington said. “A tremendous, tremendous young lady. After graduating, I knew right away that she wanted to get into mental health and pursue a social work career.

“Once I got to the central office,” he added, “her mother and Stacy reached out, expressing their interest to host a youth summit to prevent teenage suicide.”

Harrington, who was all for

Continued on page 19

Courtesy Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District

the 2022 REACH Challenge for creating

young boy, Andrew, who has spinal muscular atro-

Wasserman and Maxwell Frank.

I f you’re struggling, that’s OK, because there are others who are struggling or have struggled.

DAwN DoHERty Executive director, SPTS

News brief

Kessel steps down from Nassau County IDA

At the Nassau County Industrial Development Agency’s March 30 meeting, chairman Richard Kessel announced he would be stepping down from his position.

Kessel, 73, of Merrick, was a longtime chairman of the Long Island Power Authority, chairman of the state Power Authority and executive director of the state Consumer Protection Board. A Democrat, he was appointed to the IDA five years ago by now former County Executive Laura Curran. He continued to serve the agency under her successor, Bruce Blakeman.

The IDA, which grants tax breaks to expanding businesses and housing projects, has two vacancies with Kessel’s departure. Current board members include John Coumatos, Victor LaGreca, William Rockensies and Reginald Spinello.

Blakeman is responsible for appointing board members, who then elect IDA officers.

At the meeting, Kessel thanked both Curran and Blakeman for their support during his time as chairman, and added that despite his departure from the IDA, he hoped to remain active in government.

“I want to thank all the board members here tonight,” he said. “I am very fortunate to have worked with some ter-

richard Kessel

rific board members now, and in the past.”

Kessel also thanked union members and property developers, and called the work of the IDA a “team effort.”

“I’ve had a lot of fun,” he said. “I may go to something else, I like public service. We’ll see what happens going forward.”

The IDA is expected to elect a new chairman at its upcoming meeting on April 27. For meeting news, visit NassauIDA.org.

–Jordan Vallone

Neighbors iN the News

Spring water main flushing continues

Liberty is continuing its annual spring flushing program as part of its routine distribution system maintenance to help ensure quality water service to Liberty customers. Starting April 17, annual flushing will begin in Atlantic Beach, East Atlantic Beach, Inwood, Lawrence, Meadowmere, Merrick and South Merrick

To learn more about when flushing is scheduled to occur in a specific neighborhood, residents are asked to visit LibertyUtilities.com and click “Spring Flushing Schedule” in news and events.

“Water main flushing is an important part of our operations and maintenance programs to remove harmless mineral and sediment buildup that can cause water to become discolored,” Liberty Director of Operations Brenda Wall said. “Our flushing program positively impacts water quality while also ensuring all fire hydrants are operating properly, with the adequate flow needed in the event of an emergency.”

Water mains are flushed by opening fire hydrants in specific locations throughout each community to increase water flow to the area. While crews are performing flushing operations, residents may experience a temporary drop in water pressure and discolored water.

Liberty recommends that residents: make note on their calendar of community’s scheduled flushing times; prior to using the washing machine and dishwash-

er, check for discolored water; if discolored water stains your laundry, do not put it in the dryer — rewash clothes right away with a heavy-duty detergent and add a rust remover; draw water needed for cooking ahead of scheduled flushing time and set aside a large bottle of water in the refrigerator for drinking or future use; if water pressure or volume appears low after the flushing has finished, inspect the faucet screens for any trapped particles.

Courtesy Liberty Utilities Water main flushing will soon begin in areas of the Five Towns and Merrick.

Author Joanne Ameruoso shares her story

Inspirational evening ‘brought together by love’ dives into preventative measures for breast cancer

By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com

The feelings of courage, love and respect radiated through the Merrick Golf Course Clubhouse last week, at author Joanne Amerouso’s signing event for her memoir “Faith Over Fear: How my mom’s fear of breast cancer became my fight.”

Amerouoso, 55, was born in Brooklyn and grew up in Valley Stream before settling in Merrick with her family. Several cancers run on both sides of her family, including breast cancer. The BRCA genes, which put women at a much higher risk for developing the disease, were not found in her genetic makeup.

Amerouoso’s mother, Mary Jane, died of breast cancer nine year ago, at 73. Reflecting on her loss, Amerouso realized much of her own health mimicked her mother’s.

“I literally followed my mom’s genetic footprints,” she said. “My mom had endometriosis — I had endometriosis. My mom had four miscarriages — I had four miscarriages. My mom had a hysterectomy at 31 — I had a hysterectomy at 32.”

Ameruoso opted to undergo a preventive double mastectomy at 48 — and learned that she had Lynch syndrome, an inherited genetic disorder that puts those who have it at risk for several cancers, including stomach, colon, liver, brain, skin and endometrial cancer.

“When you look into the factors of the DNA,” she said, “you dig deep, and you find answers.”

Amerouso told the Herald in January that losing her mom to cancer was a traumatic experience. “She was a person who never saw the hope or the faith,” she explained. “She was (so) overcome by the fear that she didn’t even try to save herself, which just destroyed my heart.”

Her memoir, released in November, seeks to do just what the title implies — help women like Amerouso overcome the fear associated with cancer.

“My mom, when she discovered she had a lump, dictated her own end result,” she said, “because she let the fear stand in the way.”

Ameruoso’s narrative of her own experience became her memoir. “It’s very compelling,” she said. “Knowledge is power. I just need to get the word out there. I did the preventative measure before it got me, and I didn’t have a lot of support.

“When I look back, I wish I had more people to help me,” she added. “One of my biggest goals is to provide women with as much resources and support as I can. And the only way to do that is to get people on my side, and network with me, and get this message out.”

Since the book’s release, Amerouso has been hosting book signings and other events to help spread the wisdom she learned from her own experience.

Last week’s signing in Merrick was in partnership with Joe Baker, president of the South Merrick Community Civic Association, and featured special guest Geri Barish, executive director of the Hewlett House, a community learning resource for cancer patients and their families.

“We honored Geri for Women’s History Month,” Ameruoso said of the event. “She’s such a pioneer and a crusader for what she does for women in general — for all people with cancer.”

At the signing, Ameruoso told her mom’s story, and spoke about her mission to keep women as informed about breast cancer as possible. She added that the room was full of the feeling of love and inspiration.

“I always love meeting these woman because they inspire me to do more,” she said. “I met warriors — you

know, survivors that have been through hell and back. I was on the preventative side — I did not have cancer.

“When you hear these women, their stories of what they’ve done through, it really makes you count your blessings.”

Books were available for purchase, and Ameruoso said she swapped contacts with many attendees to stay in touch with them for future events. The efforts of many people went into the success of the night, she said.

“Someone came and donated a flower cart,” she said. “Another girl, out of nowhere, just came with these beautiful balloons. I mean, everybody was just so willing to help. It really was just all brought together by love. It was such a warm feeling in that room. There may not have

AmEROusO, LEft, mEt Linda Carter, who came down to the book signing event for Ameruoso’s memoir ‘Faith Over Fear: How my mom’s fear of breast cancer became my fight.’

shE hOpEs tO inform women about how genetics can make them more likely to get cancer, and to inspire them to put faith over fear when battling the disease.

been a whole lot of us, but whoever was there, it was beautiful. It really was.”

To learn more about Ameruoso’s story, and to obtain a copy of her memoir, visit TinyURL.com/JoanneAmeruoso.

Neil Miller/Herald photos

AuthOR JOANNE AmEROusO with Joe Baker, president of the South Merrick Community Civic Association and Geri Barish, executive director of the Hewlett House.

Not only creating, but seeing the difference

said.

Everything from research to mechanical engineering skills contribute to the success of a REACH Challenge team, and since the beginning of the school year, the two Kennedy teams worked tirelessly to bring their creations to life.

The winning team received a STEM grant of $1,000, as well as $100 each for the school’s ASR program, gift cards and additional STEM supplies. Team leaders were invited to receive their award at the educator association’s 85th annual conference from April 12-15 in Minnesota.

EasyREACH 360

The winning team comprised Maxwell Frank, Preston Bowman, Cole Wasserman, Minami Rodger, Ellie Gelman, Ella Cullin, Dylan Friedman, Ava Goldsmith, Claire Schwartz and Chris Kuhl. They developed an adaptive desk, called the easyREACH 360, to help Andrew, a 5-year-old boy with spinal muscular atrophy.

Some of this team’s members competed in the REACH Challenge last year and were named national finalists. Frank said they wanted to put their design skills to the test, to see if they could, once again, make a difference in someone’s life.

Last summer, Frank contacted the Children’s Learning Center in Roosevelt, a school that offers education and treatment to children and adults with a wide range of physical disabilities. He asked if the center knew someone who could benefit from the REACH Challenge, and the students were introduced to Andrew.

“Because of his disability, he has a very limited range of motion with his forearms,” Goldsmith said. “He has a very difficult time reaching items of his desk.”

The desk they developed incorporates a turntable, which he can control using an adaptive switch to bring objects, which are out of reach, closer to him. The adaptive desk could turn both clockwise and counter clockwise, and the switch the team created, Wasserman added, is so adaptive that it can be modified to aid in the use of other devices.

“We were able to impact his life,” Frank said. “We dropped it off and after we left, we walked by his classroom and we saw him showing it off to his friends and calling his teachers over.”

Bowman added, “It was one of the cutest things I’ve ever seen. You don’t realize when you’re making it. You hope it’s going to have an impact on this person’s life, but you don’t really understand

you’re really changing someone’s life.

“This is a struggle he has been facing his entire life,” Bowman continued, “and we were able to just make it a little bit easier for him.”

The Coin Calculator

The semifinalist team was made up of Mark Prainito, Jaclyn Cohen, Zoe Friedman, Autumn Tienauchariya, Jack Levitt, Mason Tso, Evan Kolberg, Gabriella Elliott, Jayden Simon, Max Guo and Morgan Beers. They worked with Matt, a 38-year-old man with Down syndrome, who was unable to differentiate coins while shopping, and thus they created the Coin Calculator.

gest issues he has is the ability to go to the store and count coins, so he always has to go with his parents,” he said.

The team created a plastic device that consisted of color-coded slots that could dispense coins. Using several computercoded software, they developed an app in which whenever the users put in an amount of money that they need, the device indicates which coins to pull based on color.

Simon said Matt’s parents were overwhelmed with how useful the tool would be.

“It was amazing just to see their reaction even before we gave it to them,” he added. “They were already so excited.”

Levitt said the team learned about his struggles from Jamie Kanner, a Kennedy High School graduate and teacher in the Merrick School District, who runs an athletic program, Shooting Stars, for children and adults with special needs. Levitt volunteers with Shooting Stars and was introduced to Matt’s parents.

“His parents said that one of the big-

Seeing him use the device was incredibly rewarding, the team members said.

“Obviously we had the goal of helping someone but we didn’t really realize the extent to which something as minimal as this can actually make a difference in someone’s life,” Prainito said. “We could tell it was actually going to make a difference.”

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Meeting offers tips to keep community safe

By MALLORY WILSON mwilson@liherald.com

Residents from Legislator Tom McKevitt’s 13th district made their way to the East Meadow Library last month for a public safety meeting. Nassau County police officers from the first and third precincts were in attendance as well.

McKevitt represents portions of North Merrick, North Bellmore and North Wantagh, along with East Meadow. Those who attended the meeting were encouraged to ask questions.

Topics discussed included current crime trends and steps that residents can take to better protect themselves, their home and property, and their family.

McKevitt started off the meeting by joking with the attendees about how his wife begged him for years to get ring doorbell. “From my perspective, the worst device invented for a politician in this universe was the ring doorbell,” McKevitt joked.

But, not feeling safe anymore is what ultimately led him to get one. McKevitt reminded residents that this meeting, while important, was not meant to scare them, just to provide some tips.

Major crime in Nassau County is up 41 percent from 2021-22, McKevitt said, with grand larceny up 43 percent, and auto thefts up 72 percent.

“Over $1.1 billion a year on the (Nassau County) police department,” he said. “From my perspective, the most important thing government does is keeping people safe, and we have the best department to do that to keep it safe.”

Inspector Joseph Guerra, commanding officer of the first precinct, pointed out that Nassau County is the safest county in America. “Comparatively speaking to other counties, compared to New York City, our bordering

counties and stuff,” Guerra said, “we still have crime very low, and you are in a very safe county. The thing is that we want to keep it that way.”

Guerra pointed out that residents should not leave their cars unlocked and keys in their cars. He also mentioned the uptick in catalytic convertor thefts and said that he has his detail officers and problem-oriented police on the case.

Guerra discussed bail reform as part of the problem. “People think that you have to show that you got larceny arrests,” Guerra said. “No, it’s the drug arrests. The drugs bring the crime. A lot of this stuff is people supporting habits.”

In terms of repeat offenders, he said that his officers keep track of them, and have files on them.

Michael Shea, an officer from the first precinct, told

the audience about some recent arrests, including shoplifters, gas station robberies, and more. He said to make sure to turn off your car at gas stations, lock them, and take your keys with you.

“We’re good people,” he said. “But the bad guys are out there let’s not make it easy on them.”

Another crime that residents should be on the lookout for, he said, is phone scams.

Shea said that the first precinct’s biggest tip is when residents call in to report crimes. “Tell your neighbors,” he said, “that if they call the precinct, they don’t have to leave a name.”

At the end of it all, Guerra reminded residents that he’s committed to their safety. “I won’t retire because it’s a passion for me,” he said. “I will tell you this right now, we have committed to use whatever tools we have.”

Mallory Wilson/ Herald LegISLAtOR tOM McKevItt speaks to the residents in the crowd at the public safety meeting.

Herald newspapers honored with state awards

Herald Community Newspapers took home nine state awards at the New York Press Association’s annual Better Newspaper Contest last weekend in Albany.

Long-time sports editor Tony Bellissimo earned first place in the sports feature category for his touching story of Dunia Sibomana’s amazing path from a victim of a near-fatal wild chimpanzee attack in the Congo, to an honor roll student — and a Nassau County wrestling champion — from Long Beach Middle School.

“Amazing story,” said one of the judges from the Colorado Press Association, which judged this year’s competition. “I couldn’t believe it as I read it. An incredible journey the young kid has been on.”

Sibomana was just 6 when the chimpanzees attacked his family near Virunga National Park, killing both his brother and cousin. Sibomana survived, but his lips were torn off, his cheek was lacerated, and he suffered muscle damage that made it hard to swallow or talk.

He has since undergone more than a dozen surgeries, beginning at Stony Brook University Children’s Hospital in 2016, to restore his appearance and facial functions.

Herald photo editor Tim Baker won two awards for his pictures — feature photo and sports feature photo, both for the East Meadow Herald.

SOmE OF ThE winners who were in Albany for this past weekend’s New York Press Association Better Newspaper Contest awards include, from left, photo editor Tim Baker, sales vice president Rhonda Glickman, executive editor Michael Hinman, Glen Cove Herald senior editor Laura Lane, Long Beach Herald senior reporter Brendan Carpenter, Franklin Square/Elmont Herald senior reporter Ana Borruto, and Riverdale Press editor Gary Larkin.

Baker’s photo of Andy Butera, captured in an emotional moment as the East Meadow Fire Department and American Legion Post 1082 celebrated his 100th birthday with a drive-by parade.

“Just perfect composition. Great lighting, and (Butera’s) face tells a story all itself. Raw emotion.”

Baker also earned honors for his photo of Peter Hawkins and Greg Waxman, who raced 50 miles through Malverne as part of “Operation Hero,” a charity event for veterans and first responders.

The Long Beach Herald — edited by

mention for the Past Presidents’ Award for General Excellence.

“The classified layout was very nice, as was the emphasis on community and culture,” judges said. “The pictures and art were very good.”

Laura Lane, senior editor for the Glen Cove Herald, won second place for her obituary coverage.

“Wonderful ledes take a reader straight into the stories of these two people’s lives,” the judges said about Lane’s stories high lighting the lives of Teddy Roosevelt re-enactor James Foote as well as Glen Cove teenager Penny Doerge.

The Franklin Square/Elmont Herald team of Robert Traverso, Ana Borruto, Brian Pfail and Kepherd Daniel earned an honorable mention for education coverage.

“The stories do not shy away from controversial issues, reporting them well and providing context and depth as to why the community should care,” the judges said. “The energy and thoughtfulness of the reporting shows in the coverage. Keep up the great local journalism.”

Herald art director Jeffrey Negrin won a pair of first places for best special section cover for the chain’s Great Homes special section, and best multi-advertiser pages for a Halloween-themed section for the Merrick Herald.

And the Nassau Herald won third place for advertising excellence, honoring Herald sales vice president Rhonda Glickman.

“The press room, production, finance, editorial, marketing and sales team all together put out great newspapers 52 weeks a year,” Glickman said. “So great for our team to be recognized for the work we do, and bring home awards.”

Stuart Richner, publisher of Herald Community Newspapers, said it’s “always a great honor to be recognized by our peers in the newspaper industry.”

“Congratulations to all our winners. But our real reward is making sure our readers get the best and most complete news in their neighborhood each and every week.”

Karen Bloom/Herald

Hofstra sets sights on CAA softball crown

By ANDREW COEN sports@liherald.com

Hofstra softball entered year two of the Adrienne Clark era determined for a better finish after a heartbreaking end to the 2022 season.

Clark, former standout softball player for the Pride from 2002 to 2005, led her alma mater to a second place finish in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) before the season ended suddenly with two one-run losses in the conference playoffs. This spring the Pride will have a chance to compete for the program’s first CAA title and automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament since 2018 in front of its home fans when Hofstra hosts the league’s tournament for the first time in 10 years.

“There’s nothing lat Pride Rock and getting that home field advantage,” said Clark, who was an assistant coach at Hofstra from 2012 to 2014 before holding coaching positions at Connecticut and Purdue. I do think it adds a little bit of extra motivation to want to make sure that we’re doing everything we can to put ourselves in a position to be there at the conference tournament.”

The Pride jumped out to a 5-1 start in league play this season beginning with a

sweep of CAA newcomer Stony Brook on March 18-19. Hofstra then took two of three against another CAA addition, Monmouth last weekend capped with a 3-0 home win on March 26.

The bulk of last year’s roster returned led by senior center fielder Chelsea Manto, who led the team with a .358 batting average along with 21 stolen bases to earn First-Team All CAA accolades. Graduate student shortstop Meghan Giordano, brings power to the lineup after smashing seven home runs last season

Graduate student second baseman Kasey Collins leads the team in hitting with a .309 average in her final season of collegiate baseball. Junior catcher Becca Vaillancourt, a UMass-Lowell transfer, and graduate student first baseman Angelina Ioppolo were also among Hofstra’s leading hitters heading into April.

Hofstra’s lineup has a strong local presence that includes the sister duo of junior Brianna Morse and freshman Alanna Morse, who both starred at Mepham High School in North Bellmore. Brianna Morse knocked in four runs in Hofstra’s 6-5 win over Monmouth on March 24 while Alanna registered two RBIs in the team’s 4-1 victory at Stony Brook on March 19.

“I remember having them come to games when I was an assistant coach here and they they loved everything about the game of softball and Hofstra so it’s so cool to now see them living out what was once a childhood dream to them,” Clark said. “They are phenomenal athletes and even better people.”

Amanda Maffucci, a graduate student outfielder and Kennedy High School (Bellmore) product, is coming off a senior season in which she batted .300 to earn Second Team All CAA honors. Sophomore Anna Butler, a former three-time All Nassau County selection at Seaford High School, is also playing college softball in her backyard and recorded a pinch-hit RBI in a 3-2 win against Holy Cross on March 4.

The pitching staff is led by Nikki Mullin, Haley Venturini and Julia Apsel. All three are capable starters who Clark can turn to for key games based on who is pitching their best.

“We are really fortunate to have a staff of some really phenomenal pitchers that all bring something different to the table,” said Clark, who was a standout pitcher for the Pride in her playing days. “We spend a lot of time focusing on the staff element and not the individuality behind it, which we do because the message and the mindset and philosophy behind that is that it’s going to take all of them to be able to win a conference championship and all of

them will contribute along the way.”

After a road series at CAA newcomer North Carolina A&T, Hofstra returns to Bill Edwards Stadium on April 7 for a doubleheader against Towson starting at 1 p.m. Hofstra will also be home for a three-game series versus Elon on April 22-23 and Delaware April 29-30.

Hofstra will host the CAA Tournament for the first time since winning the conference title in 2013 from May 9-13.

Photos courtesy Hofstra Athletic Communications

GRADuAtE stuDENt shORtstOp Meghan Giordano, brings power to the lineup after smashing seven home runs last season.

MEphAM pRODuCt BRiANNA Morse drove in four runs in the Pride’s win over Monmouth March 24.

Imagine Awards honors Long Island nonprofits

A couple dozen groups and community leaders are set to be honored later this month as finalists for the 11th annual Long Island Imagine Awards.

Created by Ken Cerini, managing partner of Cerini & Associates, the Imagine Awards honor nonprofit organizations of all types and sizes, as well as the people behind them.

Finalists for the Bethpage Federal Credit Union Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility award are LGBT Network, Harmony Health Care Long Island, Spectrum Design Foundation, and The Viscardi Center.

Up for the Cerini & Associates Social Impact Award are ECLI Vibes, FCA-Family & Childrenb’s Associates, Girls Scouts of Suffolk County, and the North Shore Child & Family Guidance Association.

Finalists for the Certilman Balin Leadership Excellence Award are Eileen Minogue, executive director of Book Fairies; Neela Mukherjee Lockel, president and chief executive of EAC Network; Jeffrey Reynolds, president and chief executive of FCA; and Joe Salamone, founder and executive director of the Long Island Coalition Against Bullying.

For the Claire Friedlander Family Foundation Arts & Culture Award, it’s Gold Coast Arts, Landmark on Main Street, The Long Island Children’s Museum, and the Spirit of Huntington Art Center.

Up for the Signature Bank Innovation Award are ACLD-Adults & Children with Learning and Developmental Disabilities, Developmental Disabilities Institute, Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County, and United Way of Long Island.

And for the Vanguard Insurance Agency Rising Star Award, finalists are Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck, Hair We Share, Rebuilding Together Long Island, and Winters Center for

Autism.

The awards are handed out beginning at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 25 at the Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury. More than 190 nonprofit applications were submitted to win a $5,000 grant in each of the six categories. Other finalists will receive $1,000 each.

“With the addition of SterlingRisk as a platinum sponsor providing $1,000 to each of the 24 finalists, the addition of the new DEIA award, and the anticipation of more than 400 people coming together to celebrate the

nonprofit sector, this has the makings of one of the best award programs to date,” Cerini said, in a release. “With all of the struggles the nonprofit sector is grappling with, it is awesome to have a night like this to really highlight all the amazing work our incredible finalists are doing.”

To learn more about the Long Island Imagine Awards, visit ImagineAwardsLI.com, or for sponsorship information, contact Hillary Needle at hillary@hillaryneedleevents.com, or at (516) 993-4056.

Courtesy Hillary Needle

SOmE 24 nOnPROFiT groups and community leaders are ready to be honored later this month as part of the 11th annual Long Island Imagine Awards. It was created by Ken Cerini of Cerini & Associates, and honors nonprofits of all types and sizes, as well as the people behind them.

Focusing on education and freedom

recently I visited our students at the Chabad preschool — the Alan and Tatyana Forman JELC — and Hebr ew school to wish the children a happy Passover and to gift them each with a box of handmade shmura matzah, generously sponsored by a friend of Chabad. Seeing the smiles on their faces when they received the matzah and the pride in their eyes as they showed me the seder plates they made filled me with immense nachas — pride.

Many children find excitement in the latest video games and technology. However, material possessions are temporary – they may be popular today, but tomorrow everyone may lose interest. Short-lived happiness is not true happiness.

It was heartwarming to see the children’s excitement over something timeless. They were not excited about the chocolate or sugar on the matzah (matzah is almost tasteless – made only of flour and water!); their excitement was about learning the eternal significance of Passover and the message it conveys, a perpetual message that applies to all generations.

Passover symbolizes one of the greatest privileges of any society, one that we

are especially privileged to have in the United States: Freedom. Over 3,300 years ago, during this time of year, the Jewish people were freed from their enslavement in Egypt after centuries of servitude. Every year since then, Jews around the world celebrate Passover to commemorate this event and to celebrate freedom.

This past Sunday, on April 2, world Jewry celebrated the birthday of the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, the most influential Jewish leader in modern history. In his honor, President Biden designated this day as Education and Sharing Day USA.

The Rebbe rejected the belief that freedom is contingent on external factors such as possessions, wealth, and social status. According to the Rebbe, true freedom depends primarily on our inner state of mind. Freedom is a mindset that transcends any circumstance in which one may find oneself.

For this reason, we find people who live in dire circumstances with very difficult lives, yet are able to live happi-

ly and serenely. We also find others who have wealth, power, and so on, yet constantly feel trapped and imprisoned by worry and anxiety.

As parents, it is our responsibility to nurture our children’s inner freedom and instill in them a sense of pride for who they are. When I witnessed the children’s excitement and appreciation for the significance of the matzah and seder plate, I saw an expression of this freedom in their pure and joyful spirits.

As a rabbi, I have had numerous discussions with concerned parents who express a sense of unease in their children’s upbringing, despite having provided their children with everything they could desire. The essence of effective upbringing is not merely about providing material possessions.

Unfortunately, anti-Semitism and other forms of hate have been on the rise in recent years. While task forces and security measures play an important role in addressing these issues, the

root of the matter lies in education. We must instill in children the awareness that there exists a Higher Authority to whom we are ultimately accountable, and that should be of utmost importance to them. This will give the children a content, meaningful, and happy life.

The most effective approach to combating crime and hate is to impart a moral code that emphasizes the values of love, compassion, and integrity.

At the seder, we read the “Haggada,” which is rooted in the commandment in Exodus, “V’Higadita lebincha” — you shall tell your child. Passover and the seder nights in particular, is a time to impart a message of truth, freedom, and morals to the next generation. It is an opportunity to teach our children and grandchildren about the importance of values and character, which will serve them well throughout their lives. This is the essence of true education.

Best wishes for a happy Passover!

Rabbi Shimon Kramer is the director and spiritual leader of the Chabad Center for Jewish Life. For assistance, email rabbik@chabadjewishlife.org or call (516) 833-3057.

Powers of Attorney Are for Everyone

What happens if you have an accident or an illness whereby you are unable to handle your legal and financial affairs? Many people incorrectly believe their spouse is legally able to handle their affairs. Similarly, a parent has no legal authority to handle the affairs of a child, once the child attains the age of majority – eighteen years.

Without a power of attorney, you would have to apply to a court to be named a legal guardian. These proceedings are expensive, time-consuming and fraught with peril. The judge has no obligation to name the spouse or parent as legal guardian and may appoint a stranger. For example, the judge may feel that the spouse or parent has a conflict in that they are the beneficiary of the incapacitated person’s assets, or the judge may decide that someone else has more knowledge and experience in handling such matters.

Who should you choose as your “agent”? In our experience, the vast majority of powers of attorney name the spouse first and one or more of the children second. While on its face this seems reasonable, experience has shown it may not

be a good idea. We often need to use the power of attorney when the client is quite elderly and infirm. Often, so is the spouse at that time. Son or daughter wants to step in and help out with bill paying, etc. only to find they are unable to use the power of attorney for dad unless they can prove that mom can’t.

How do you prove she can’t? First you have to get the doctor to write a letter that mom is unable to handle her legal and financial affairs. Will the doctor write the letter? Will the letter be clear and unequivocal? Will each of the third parties you have to deal with accept the letter? These are not easy hurdles to overcome.

We believe there is a better way. We simply say either mom, or son, or daughter may act as agent. The problem is eliminated. You are protected from son or daughter misusing the power of attorney by the fact that they do not have the document – you keep it in your possession and make it available if and when they need to use it. Bottom line: all adults should have a power of attorney.

R abbi

S himon K R ame R

Herald Sc H ool S

Broadcasting program competes in STN Convention

at nearly 4 p.m. on March 18, Wellington C. Mepham High School seniors Lily Yepez and Hannah Broxmeyer emerged from the edit room at the 2023 Student Television Network’s National Convention to the cheers and applause of on their Bellmore-Merrick Broadcasting teammates and smashed the “uploaded” button on the team’s final contest submission of the weekend.

It was a journey of over 2,800 miles and four years in the making. Student Television Network is a nationwide organization of more than 600 schools that exists to support and encourage scholastic broadcasting.

“It was back in March of 2020 that BMB’s first trip to the STN convention in Washington, D.C. was the first event canceled because of the then just breaking pandemic,” explained program director Stu Stein. “Since then BMB students have participated in the event virtually but this was their first time actually making it to a convention in person.”

BMB’s students competed in seven onsite competitions including Crazy 8’s where the entire group working as a team had eight hours to produce an eight-minute “Morning Show.”

Teams of BMB students immediately set to work dissecting the prompt and searching for stories to report.

The “hub team” headed off to the iconic Long Beach Lighthouse to stakeout and set up a backdrop for the BMB anchors, sports report and weather.

The “What is That?” team got an education on the financial system at a local Long Beach bank to prepare a

report on the recent Silicon Valley Bank collapse and the live reporting team set off on foot from the Convention Center for Cambodia Town on foot for a three-mile walk for a story on the upcoming Cambodia Town restaurant week that celebrates the contributions the largest population of Cambodians outside Cambodia in the world.

Lisa Kalish, a BMB teacher and one of the trip leaders, discussed the educational value of the experiential learning that took place on the STN trip.

“The challenges these kids are surmounting the memories that they are making and the lessons they are learning out here will stay with these students for their entire lives,” she said. “The skills they’re building will be the skills that carry them to success in high school, in college and beyond because these are not lessons to be learned, these are experiences that were made.”

She continued that “for three straight days these kids willingly reported stories, wrote and rewrote scripts and built dozens of graphics and they didn’t receive a grade for any of it.”

All of BMB’s contest submission will be available to view on the next two episodes of BMB’s weekly news magazine, Midweek Update, which can be found on the BMB YouTube.

The episodes will post on March 22 and Wednesday, March 29. While at the convention BMB learned that their two weekly broadcasts, the BMB Morning Announcements and its news magazine, Midweek Update, both earned bronze medals in the competition for STN’s prestigious Broadcast Excellence Award.

The next big event on BMB’s calendar is the annual Broadcast Awards for Senior High moving to Hofstra this year on May 15.

Sponsored by Hofstra’s Lawrence Herbert School of Communication, WABC 7 and Newsday, BASH celebrates the accomplishments of the growing Long Island High School Broadcast community. BMB will be co-hosting this year’s event along with the Manhasset Broadcasting Company from Manhasset High School.

PRINTING PRESS OPERATOR OVERNIGHT SHIFT

The Printing Press Operator will be responsible for operating all machinery in the printing of newspapers/other products in a safe and sound condition. Responsible for regular maintenance/upkeep of the presses, roller settings, and maintaining the quality of product being produced off the presses.

Key Responsibilities: Setup/operate web printing presses to produce high-quality printed materials with speed, accuracy, and within established waste parameters; Monitor/adjust 4-color ink flow, registration, and pressure settings during production to ensure consistent quality output; Troubleshoot/resolve printing issues and folder operations to minimize downtime and maximize production efficiency.

Requirements : Must have knowledge of printing techniques, understanding basic ink/water balance, press quality standards; Three (3) years of Press Operator experience is preferred; Demonstrated mechanical ability; Able to climb ladders to 2nd level of press repeatedly and work long hours on feet performing repetitive tasks.

Qualified candidates can send their resume to careers@liherald.com or call (516) 569.4000 x239

Courtesy Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District Senior producer HannaH Broxmeyer and BMB news director Sean McQuillan made last minute changes in the edit room as the submission clock ticks down.

STEPPING OUT

‘Little’ films in the spotlight

Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo

Forty

years with the Asbury Short Film Concert

STEPPING

By Karen Bloom

Creative advocacy

Roll out that red carpet. After a three-year pandemic-imposed hiatus, those “small” films are back on the local stage, as presented by the Asbury Short Film Concert.

If you’re looking for that tentpole blockbuster, then Hollywood’s got you covered. But for those who crave films with a bit more heart and soul that strike an emotional chord, Asbury’s “concert” is for you. This national touring showcase makes it way to the Madison Theatre on the Molloy University campus on Friday, April 21.

By Karen Bloom

WHERE

Pat McGann

The Benatar/Giraldo partnership is acclaimed as an unstoppable force. Pat Benatar’s staggering vocals and take-no-prisoners attitude, along with Neil Giraldo’s trailblazing artistry as a guitarist, producer and songwriter forged the undeniable chemistry and unique sound that created some of rocks most memorable hits: ‘We Belong,’ ‘Invincible,’ ‘Love Is A Battlefield,’ ‘Promises In the Dark,’ ‘We Live For Love,’ and of course, ‘Heartbreaker.’ Together they have created two multiplatinum, five platinum and three gold albums, as well as 19 Top 40 hits — selling more than 30 million records worldwide, and winning an unprecedented four consecutive Grammy awards. Their stage presence is as undeniable as their more than three-decade rock-and-roll love affair. Benatar and Giraldo continue to share their special relationship on stage, selling out concerts everywhere. Their chemistry will undoubtedly be thrilling music fans for a long time to come.

His formula certainly has resonated with its audience. Asbury Shorts is celebrating its 40th anniversary season with an ever-growing national presence.

WHEN

With a diverse, yet focused lineup — in many cases featuring up-and-coming filmmakers — the audience gets a look at smaller efforts you generally won’t find on the big screen.

And, yes, think “concert,” not festival.

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.

• Friday, April 21, 7:30 p.m.

• All seats $15

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

“We certainly have demonstrated that we are entertaining and blessed to have fans that keep coming back,” LeClaire says, while also reaching out to new audiences.

• Madison Theatre, Molloy University, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre. For tickets, visit MadisonTheatreNY. org or call the box office at (516) 323-4444

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

The two-hour show moves along briskly. Up to a dozen films are on the program, ranging from the shortest of shorts at three minutes, to 20 minutes.

“A good short film is to the point, fast paced and most important of all is the ending,” LeClaire says. “It must make sense.”

Thursday, April 13, 8 p.m. $159.50, $99.50, $69.50, $69.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. (800) 745-3000 or Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY. com.

“We present the best in comedy, drama, animation and the occasional documentary,” says Doug LeClaire, Asbury Shorts’ founder and director. “We call it a concert rather than a festival because there are no awards, no Q&A or panel discussions. It’s all about entertainment value for the audience.”

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

As in previous years, Asbury Shorts offers up an eclectic mix of films, what LeClaire describes as a “potpourri of the short film world.”

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

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.

‘Come Sail Away ...’

LeClaire, who’s been involved in commercial and film production for more than two decades, has been passionate about short films since his student days at New York Institute of Technology.

“Our No. 1 priority is the enjoyment of our audience,” he says. “We’re proud to provide an outlet for the filmmakers’s product. For us, it is all about the theatrical experience, showing these films to an audience. We give them the opportunity to experience great films on a big screen the way they were meant to be seen.”

“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 to ignite movement, create awareness, and inspire others to stand with them.”

And these films sure do stick that ending. Among the highlights, LeClaire points to “Six Foot Scoundrel,” a brief comedy about two women who suspect foul play regarding a man’s death. “A widow is mourning her deceased husband, but there’s more going on than you might think. It moves along very quickly, but there’s a great payoff at the end.”

Another standout is “The Waiting Room,” produced, directed and written by former Nassau County film commissioner Debra Markowitz. The multiple festival award-winning 12-minute dramatic comedy reunites a woman and her ex-husband in heaven.

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.

“It’s a performance piece with smart dialogue,” LeClaire notes. “The ensemble cast does a great job.”

He and his team cull these films from the film festival circuit — including the prestigious South by Southwest, Sundance, Toronto International Film Festival, and Tribeca Festival, among others.

This exhibit, which runs through July 28, is in conjunction with Hofstra’s 13th presidential conference on the Barack Obama presidency coming up in April.

As for the rest, well, you’ll have to attend and see for yourself. LeClaire doesn’t like to reveal too much, promising some “unannounced surprises” in celebration of Asbury’s 40th anniversary.

Join L.I. Cabaret Theatre for a ‘Musical Cabaret Cruise,’ in this spirited show about a group of cabaret singers and dancers on a world cruise who encounter a rogue captain, a tropical island, a band of pirates, and many other surprises. ‘Cruise directors’ Barry Greenfield and Erica Iacono — with Capt. Keith, and a cast of 30 — keep the action moving along, with a live band. The ensemble of singers and dancers performs current hits, oldies and also tunes from the Broadway stage. It’s a lively afternoon that will take you away on a fantastic voyage.

“We were interested in the idea that the artist has a civic responsibility,” says museum director Karen Albert. “The initial idea for this exhibition was inspired by an Obama Administration White House briefing that took place on May 12, 2009, where more than 60 artists and creative organizers met with administration officials to discuss the collective power of the arts to build community, create change, and chart a pathway for national recovery in the areas of social justice, civic participation and activism.”

“To get an award at one of these festivals is just as good as an Oscar nomination,” LeClaire says. “These young filmmakers are so happy to get that wreath. They collect them the way we would collect baseball cards back in the day.”

Think of this show as your personal film festival experience. As LeClaire puts it: “We’re bringing these films to folks who can’t get to film festivals.”

To that end, unlike other recent exhibits that showcased the museum’s permanent collection, Giordano reached out to contemporary artists who loaned

This is the Madison Theatre’s 10th year hosting Asbury, and LeClaire is grateful to have finally returned to what he considers their Long Island home.

“We’re very heartened by the audience at Madison,” he says. “It’s been a terrific relationship and we welcome everyone back after the hiatus, in true Asbury style. To celebrate our 40 years on Long Island means a lot. It’s where the show was born, and so to be here is extra special to us.”

Saturday, April 15, 2 p.m. Free admission. Elmont Memorial Library Theater, 700 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont. (516) 354-5280, or licabaret@aol.com.

Adelphi University’s ‘new music’ series welcomes Yarn/Wire.

its

The Waiting Room -

Six Foot Scoundrel

THE SCENE

April 6

Spring Flowers

Bring the kids to Long Island Children’s Museum to celebrate National Garden Month, Saturday, April 8, noon-2 p.m. Create a beautifully blooming paper flower to take home at the drop-in program, suitable for ages 3 and up. Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 2245800 or LICM.org.

Rock for SIBS

On exhibit

Wish You Were Here

Go over the moon with Wish You Wer Here’s celebration of 50 years of the groundbreaking and iconic musical masterpiece “The Dark Side of the Moon,” on the Tilles Center stage, Saturday, April 15, 8 p.m. With the iconic album as its anchor, the 10-piece band, known as “The Sight and Sound of Pink Floyd,” continues its 28-year tradition as a leading Pink Floyd tribute act, combining sight and sound to capture the mood, emotions, and intensity of the Floydian theatrical concert experience. The multi-media show’s unique setlist includes Floyd classics and obscurities of all eras — from “Syd” to “The Division Bell.” LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Boulevard, Brookville. Tickets are $59, $49, $39: available at TillesCenter.org or (516) 299-3100.

April 15

Nassau County Museum of Art’s new 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.

Bellmore Playhouse is hosting a Rock for SIBS concert, Friday, April 21, 7 to 10 p.m. SIBSPlace is a free, therapeutic support program for children ages 5-17 who have a sibling with cancer or another severe illness, or a parent with cancer, affliated of Mount Sinai South Nassau. Tickets for the benefit concert and dinner are $50. This event, at 525 Bedford Ave., is for adults only. Call (516) 374-3000 for more or email sibsplace@snch.org.

Volunteer Opportunity

During The Garden at St. Francis’ off season, there is still an opportunity to volunteer and give back. Join the church on Saturdays, from 10 a.m. to noon, at their Charity Crafting Circle. Email stfrancisec@gmail. com for more or call (516) 6791184. Church is located at 1692 Bellmore Ave., North Bellmore.

Art talk

Join Nassau County Museum

Director Charles A. Riley II, for a Director’s Seminar, Tuesday, April 18, 4 p.m. He’ll discuss ‘Oscar Wilde and Decadence,” in a session that is keyed to Wilde’s influence on a generation of painters, poets and playwrights, including Lautrec, Aubrey Beardsley and the poet Algernon Swinburne, based on his reputation as a decadent aesthete. Reading his critical writings and excerpts from The Picture of Dorian Gray, along with the writings of Whistler, Swinburne and the journalists of the infamous Yellow Book, Riley examines Wilde’s place in the Modernist movement. 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.

Dead of Winter Dance Party

Following a mild winter, The Loft 525 hosts a Dead of Winter Dance Party, Friday, April 14, 7 p.m.-2:30 a.m. With great visuals, DJs and a mix of alternative and electro sounds of various genres, as well as exotic vendors and sideshows, plus a special live act to be announced. 525 Bedford Ave., Bellmore. Tickets start at $15. Call (631) 933-1299 for more.

‘The Wizard of Oz’ Journey down that Yellow Brick Road when the beloved story springs to life, presented Plaza Theatrical Productions, Wednesday, April 12, 11 a.m. All the ingredients that have made this story a perennial favorite are here. Join Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion as they make their way to Oz not knowing what awaits them. Share Dorothy’s epic adventure as she flees from the wicked witch and learns that there’s no place like home. Tickets $15; performed at Plaza’s stage at the Elmont Library Theatre, 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont. Visit PlazaTheatrical.com or call (516) 599-6870.

April 15

Junior Golf Clinic

The Merrick Golf Course is holding spring Sunday junior clinics for kids ages 6-9 interested in golf, starting, Saturday, April 15, continuing for sixweeks, 10:15-11:15 a.m. The program is designed to helped kids learn the basics of a full swing, playing a full game and putting. Life skills will be addressed through the etiquette and safety. Two PGA coaches instruct the class. 2550 Clubhouse Road. Class costs $125. Please call (516) 868-4650.

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.

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, Monday through Friday, April 10-14, 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Elephant and Piggie storm the stage in a rollicking musical romp filled with plenty of pachydermal peril and swiney suspense perfect for young audiences. Carefully cautious Gerald and spirited playful Piggie share a day where anything is possible in an imaginative exploration of the meaning of friendship. 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 6

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.

Easter Bunny Class

The Nesting Place is hosting an Easter-themed parent and me class with circle time, movement and crafts, Saturday, April 8, 1:30 and 3 p.m. The class, for ages 1.5 to 5, includes crafts and a juice box, and end with a visit from the Easter Bunny. 2150 Merrick Ave., Merrick. Visit TheNestingPlaceLI.com for more information.

LI’s largest hospital fundraiser tees off May 15

By JAMES BERNSTEIN jbernstein@liherald.com

There’s nothing bigger on Long Island — at least as far as annual hospital golf fundraiser goes, and it kicks off Monday, May 15 at three Nassau County courses.

Sponsored by Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital, the 39th Annual Golf Outing raises money to serve patients and communities across the South Shore. And it will honor both the Long Beach fire chief, and a longtime facility vice president with the hospital.

Scott Kemins has spent more than 40 years as a civil servant, growing up in Long Beach “as a nice Jewish boy” whose mom wanted him to become a lawyer or a doctor. She did not conceive of him becoming a firefighter or a police officer. But that’s exactly what he did.

Now 60, Kemins, has been chief of the Long Beach Fire Department for more than two decades, joining the force in 1980. He was the youngest chief elected at the age of 26.

Kemins joined the Long Beach building department in 1995, becoming its commissioner in 2002. Kemins also earned Nassau County’s Bronze Medal of Valor for helping rescue someone from a burning apartment at an assisted living facility in Long Beach in the late 1980s. He also spent 40 years as a lifeguard.

Kemins — who is receiving the hospitals community service award at the event — shares twin 14-year-old daughters, Casey and Hailey, with his wife, Gayle. Both were born at Mount Sinai South Nassau, spending two weeks in the hospital’s neonatal care unit.

“My wife and I are eternally grateful to the hospital and its staff for the expert care they provided to our twins,” Kemins said, in a release. “We will never forget the kindness and expertise we witnessed first-hand when our girls were in the NICU.”

Dr. Adhi Sharma, the hospital’s president, said in a statement that Kemins’s leadership has helped emergency services on the barrier island improved significantly.

“He always works to better coordinate services in the field with area hospitals,” Sharma said. “He is an asset to our community, and it is our pleasure to recognize his

essential contributions to our community.”

Also earning recognition at the charity event is Andrew Triolo, Mount Sinai South Nassau’s vice president of facilities, design and construction.

“A builder, collaborator and problem-solver, Andy is always available to lend a helping hand, and has been essential to the growth of the hospital and the continuation of its excellence in the delivery of quality health care,” said Jeff Greenfield, co-chair of the golf committee, in a release. “And Scott is a first responder of the first order. He shows up whenever his community calls.”

Triolo also oversees construction of the hospital’s $130 million, four-story, 100-square-foot Feil Family Pavilion in Oceanside. Expected to be completed next year, the pavilion will double the size of the Fennessy Family Emergency Center, increase the critical and intensive care inpatient capacity to 40 beds, and add nine new operating rooms equipped with the latest surgical technologies.

Mike Sapraicone, who co-chairs the golf committee with Greenfield, says Kemins and Triolo are cut from the same cloth.

“They are built to serve,” he said, “and their service makes a measurable difference in the lives of our patients.”

The tournament itself will be held at three venues: The Seawane Club in Hewlett Harbor, the Rockaway Hunting Club in Lawrence, and the Rockville Links Club in Rockville Centre,

Last year’s outing broke records, grossing just under $640,000, with $435,000 of that going directly to expand and improve hospital services across the South Shore.

Sponsorships, journal ads and foursomes are available for the outing, as well as a pickleball tournament for those who don’t golf. To learn more about sponsorship, or to register for golf or pickleball, call (516) 377-5360, or email lynne.nordone@snch.org.

Courtesy Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital ScoTT KEMINS, chIEf of the Long Beach Fire Department, will earn Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital’s community service award at its 39th Annual Golf Outing, with hopes of topping the $640,000 raised last year for health care on the South Shore.

PRESENTS

FIGHTING AGAINST FRAUD:

the 411 on Recognizing a Scam

Help protect yourself from fraud and scams! This FREE webinar series will cover identity theft, elder fraud abuse and how to recognize the warning signs. Representatives from AARP Long Island and United States Postal Inspectors will also provide information about scams targeting people age 50-plus and their families, tactics fraudsters use, and resources available to help prevent fraud.

Advance registration is required.

THURSDAY, APRIL 13, 2023

12-1PM

IDENTITY THEFT:

Each year thousands of Americans fall victim to Identity (ID) Theft. Consumers reported losing nearly $8.8 Billion to scams in 2022. This webinar will focus on:

• Understanding Personal Identifiable Information (PII)

• Scams that target your PII

• Tips to safeguard your identity

REGISTER at www.LIHERALD.com/identity

THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2023

12-1PM

ELDER FRAUD ABUSE:

Con artists don’t really care about your age or your needs. Their only goal is to separate you from your hard-earned money. Learn how to recognize scams. We’ll cover:

• Grandparent or Relative in Need scams

• Lottery and Sweepstakes Scams

• Investment Scams

REGISTER at www.LIHERALD.com/elder

FREE AARP LONG ISLAND IN-PERSON SHREDDING EVENTS

Shred your personal and financial documents at a location near you. Register and reserve your spot for a FREE drive-through contactless shredding event. (Limit 3 bags per car)

SATURDAY APRIL 22, 2023

10AM-1PM • IN-PERSON

LOCATION:

Nassau Community College

One Education Drive • Garden City, NY (Entrance to parking lot at Miller Place)

REGISTER at https://bit.ly/ShredGardenCity

SATURDAY MAY 6, 2023 9AM-12PM • IN-PERSON

LOCATION: Michael J Tully Park 1801 Evergreen Avenue • New Hyde Park, NY

REGISTER at https://bit.ly/ShredNewHydePark

SATURDAY MAY 20, 2023

• IN-PERSON

LOCATION: Farmingdale Library 116 Merritts Road • Farmingdale, NY

REGISTER at https://bit.ly/ShredFarmingdale

Michael Hinman Executive Editor Herald Community Newspapers SPEAKERS

Michael V. Del Giudice Postal Inspector Team Leader New York Division

Bernard Macias Associate State DirectorLong Island AARP New York

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AVISO SOBRE LA REUNIÓN EXTRAORDINARIA DE DISTRITO SOBRE LA BIBLIOTECA BELLMORE MEMORIAL

PUEBLO DE HEMPSTEAD CONDADO DE NASSAU, NUEVA YORK

POR MEDIO DEL PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA que se realizará una reunión extraordinaria de distrito con los votantes calificados del Distrito Escolar Bellmore Union Free en el pueblo de Hempstead, condado de Nassau, Nueva York, en la biblioteca Bellmore Memorial, sita en 2288 Bedford Avenue, Bellmore, Nueva York, el miércoles 26 de abril de 2023 a la 1:00 p. m., hora en vigor, con el objetivo de votar, con boleta electoral impresa y urna, sobre los siguientes asuntos:

(1) Adoptar el presupuesto anual de la biblioteca Bellmore Memorial para el año fiscal 2023-2024 y autorizar que la parte requerida de este se recaude con impuestos sobre la propiedad sujeta a tributación del distrito escolar.

(2) Elegir un

(1) fideicomisario para la junta de la biblioteca Bellmore Memorial a fin de que ocupe el cargo durante un período de cinco años, que comenzará el 1 de julio de 2023 y finalizará el 30 de junio de 2028.

POR EL PRESENTE TAMBIÉN SE NOTIFICA que, para la votación en dicha reunión el 26 de abril de 2023, las urnas estarán abiertas entre la 1:00 p. m. y las 8:00 p. m., hora en vigor, y que la votación se realizará en la biblioteca Bellmore Memorial, sita en 2288 Bedford Avenue, Bellmore, Nueva York.

ASIMISMO, SE NOTIFICA que cualquier residente del distrito escolar podrá obtener de la biblioteca, sita en 2288 Bedford Avenue, Bellmore, Nueva York y durante el horario de atención habitual, una copia de la declaración de la cantidad de dinero que será requerido por la biblioteca Bellmore Memorial para el año siguiente, exclusivamente a los fines de fondos públicos, durante los catorce (14) días inmediatamente anteriores a dicha reunión, excepto los domingos.

POR EL PRESENTE TAMBIÉN SE NOTIFICA que las solicitudes para nominar candidatos para el cargo de fideicomisario de la biblioteca Bellmore Memorial se presentarán ante el UFSD de Bellmore, Oficina del Distrito, 580 Winthrop Avenue, Bellmore, Nueva York, antes de las 5:00 p. m., hora en vigor, del lunes 27 de marzo de 2023.

Cada solicitud debe estar dirigida a la Secretaría del

Distrito, contar con la firma de al menos veinticinco (25) votantes calificados del distrito e incluir la residencia de cada suscriptor y el nombre y la residencia del candidato.

POR EL PRESENTE TAMBIÉN SE NOTIFICA que, en virtud de las disposiciones de la Ley de Educación, se requiere la inscripción personal de los votantes. A su vez, ninguna persona tendrá el derecho a votar en la reunión si su nombre no aparece en el registro del distrito escolar en el que se preparó. Todas las personas que se hayan inscrito anteriormente para alguna reunión anual o extraordinaria del distrito, y que hayan votado en una reunión anual o extraordinaria del distrito llevada a cabo en cualquier momento durante los cuatro (4) años calendario previos al 26 de abril de 2023, tendrán el derecho al voto en esta reunión extraordinaria del distrito. Además, todas las personas inscritas para votar en la Junta de Elecciones del condado de Nassau en virtud del artículo 5 de la Ley de Elecciones tendrán derecho a votar en dicha reunión extraordinaria del distrito.

POR MEDIO DEL PRESENTE, TAMBIÉN SE NOTIFICA que las solicitudes de boleta electoral por ausencia para la elección de la biblioteca Bellmore Memorial y el voto del presupuesto se deben completar en un formulario elaborado por la Junta Electoral de su estado, el cual se puede obtener en el sitio web del Departamento de Educación del estado de Nueva York (http://www.counsel.nyse d.gov/common/counsel/fil es/absentee-ballotapplication-andinstructions-english.pdf, http://www.counsel.nysed .gov/common/counsel/file s/absentee-ballotapplication-andinstructions-spanish.pdf), el sitio web del UFSD de Bellmore (www.bellmoreschools.or g) o poniéndose en contacto con la Secretaría del Distrito por correo electrónico (ryee@bellmoreschools.or g) o por teléfono (516-679-2910). Las solicitudes completas deben recibirse al menos siete (7) días antes de la elección si la boleta electoral se enviará por correo al solicitante o hasta el día anterior a la elección si la boleta electoral se entregará personalmente al solicitante o a la persona que designe. La Secretaría del Distrito no aceptará solicitudes de boleta electoral por ausencia antes del 27 de marzo de 2023. Habrá una lista de todas las personas para las que se emitieron boletas electorales por

ausencia, que estará disponible en la oficina de la Secretaría del Distrito durante los cinco días previos a la elección, excepto el domingo, y únicamente con cita entre las 9:00 a. m. y las 12:00 p. m. del sábado anterior a la elección.

POR MEDIO

DEL PRESENTE, TAMBIÉN SE NOTIFICA que los votantes militares que sean votantes calificados de la biblioteca Bellmore Memorial pueden pedirle una solicitud de boleta electoral militar a la Secretaría del Distrito de la biblioteca por correo electrónico (ryee@bellmoreschools.or g) o por teléfono (516-679-2910). En dicha solicitud, el votante militar puede indicar su preferencia sobre la recepción de la solicitud por correo, fax o correo electrónico. El votante militar debe devolver la solicitud original de boleta electoral militar por correo a la oficina de la Secretaría del Distrito en la biblioteca Bellmore Memorial. Las solicitudes de boleta electoral militar recibidas conforme a lo mencionado anteriormente se procesarán de la misma manera que las solicitudes de boletas electorales no militares, en virtud de la sección 2018-b de la Ley de Educación. La solicitud de boleta electoral militar debe incluir la preferencia del votante militar de recibir dicha boleta por correo, fax o correo electrónico.

POR MEDIO DEL PRESENTE, TAMBIÉN SE NOTIFICA que la boleta electoral militar original de los votantes militares debe devolverse por correo a la Secretaría del Distrito de la biblioteca, sita en 580 Winthrop Avenue, Bellmore, Nueva York. Las boletas electorales militares se escrutarán si el secretario electoral de la biblioteca las recibe: (1) antes del cierre de las urnas el día de la elección y con una marca de cancelación del servicio postal de los Estados Unidos o de un país extranjero, o con un endoso fechado de recepción por otra agencia del gobierno de los Estados Unidos, o (2) antes de las 5:00 p. m. del día de la elección, firmadas y fechadas por el votante militar y un testigo del acto, con una fecha que comprueba que no son posteriores al día previo a la elección.

POR EL PRESENTE TAMBIÉN SE NOTIFICA que, de conformidad con lo dispuesto por la Ley de Educación, los votantes calificados que se vean gravemente imposibilitados de comparecer personalmente en el centro de votación debido a una enfermedad permanente o una discapacidad física, y cuya acta de registro

incluya la designación “con discapacidad permanente” de la Junta Electoral, podrán recibir una boleta electoral por ausencia, de conformidad con las disposiciones de la Ley de Educación, sin necesidad de presentar una solicitud por separado para dicha boleta electoral por ausencia.

ASIMISMO, POR MEDIO DEL PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA que se llevará a cabo una audiencia pública informativa en la biblioteca Bellmore Memorial, sita en Bellmore, Nueva York, el martes 18 de abril de 2023 a las 7:00 p. m., con el objetivo de debatir el gasto de los fondos para el año fiscal 2023-2024.

POR ORDEN DE LA JUNTA DE FIDEICOMISARIOS BIBLIOTECA BELLMORE MEMORIAL

Randy Yee, secretario del distrito FECHADO: marzo de 2023 BELLMORE, NUEVA YORK 137674

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SPECIAL DISTRICT MEETING OF THE BELLMORE MEMORIAL LIBRARY

TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD COUNTY OF NASSAU, NEW YORK

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Special District Meeting of the qualified voters of the Bellmore Union Free School District, Town of Hempstead, Nassau County, New York, will be held in the Bellmore Memorial Library, 2288 Bedford Avenue, Bellmore, New York, on Wednesday, April 26, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. prevailing time, for the purpose of voting, by paper ballot and ballot box, upon the following items:

(1) To adopt the Annual Budget of the Bellmore Memorial Library for the fiscal year 2023-2024, and to authorize the requisite portion thereof to be raised by taxation on the taxable property of the School District; and

(2) To elect one (1) Trustee to the Bellmore Memorial Library board to fill a five year term commencing July 1, 2023 and ending June 30, 2028.

FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that for the purpose of voting at such meeting on April 26, 2023 the polls will be open between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. prevailing time, and the voting will be held in the Bellmore Memorial Library, 2288 Bedford Avenue, Bellmore, New York; and

FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that a copy of the statement of the amount of money which will be required for the ensuing year for the Bellmore Memorial Library’s purposes, exclusive of public

monies, may be obtained by any resident of the School District during the fourteen (14) days immediately preceding said meeting, except Sunday, from the Library, located at 2288 Bedford Avenue, Bellmore, New York, during regular business hours; and

FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that petitions nominating candidates for the office of Trustee of the Bellmore Memorial Library shall be filed at the Bellmore U.F.S.D. District Office, 580 Winthrop Avenue, Bellmore, New York not later than 5:00 p.m. prevailing time Monday, March 27, 2023. Each petition must be directed to the District Clerk, must be signed by at least twenty-five (25) qualified voters of the District, and must state the residence of each signer and the name and residence of the candidate; and

FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that pursuant to the provisions of Education Law, personal registration of voters is required, and no person shall be entitled to vote at the meeting whose name does not appear on the register of the School District prepared thereof. All persons who shall have been previously registered for Annual or Special School District Meetings and who shall have voted at any such Annual or Special Meeting held or conducted at any time within the four (4) calendar years prior to April 26, 2023 shall be entitled to vote at this Special District Meeting. In addition, all those who are registered to vote with the Board of Elections of Nassau County pursuant to Article 5 of Election Law shall be entitled to vote at this Special District Meeting.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that absentee ballot applications for the Bellmore Memorial Library election and budget vote are to be completed on a form prescribed by the state board of elections by visiting the NYS Education Department’s website (http://www.counsel.nyse d.gov/common/counsel/fil es/absentee-ballotapplication-andinstructions-english.pdf, http://www.counsel.nysed .gov/common/counsel/file s/absentee-ballotapplication-andinstructions-spanish.pdf), the Bellmore UFSD website, (www.bellmoreschools.or g), or by contacting the District Clerk by email (ryee@bellmoreschools.or g) or phone (516-679-2910). Completed applications must be received at least seven (7) days before the election if the ballot is to be mailed to the

applicant, or the day before the election if the ballot is to be delivered personally to the applicant or to his or her designated agent. Absentee ballot applications will not be accepted by the District Clerk before March 27, 2023. A list of all persons to whom absentee ballots have been issued will be available in the District Clerk’s office on each of the five days prior to the election except Sunday, and by appointment only from 9:00 to 12:00 noon on the Saturday prior to the election.

NOTICE IS FURTHER

GIVEN, that military voters who are qualified voters of the Bellmore Memorial Library may request an application for a military ballot from the District Clerk by email (ryee@bellmoreschools.or g) or phone (516-679-2910). In such request, the military voter may indicate his/her preference for receiving the application by mail, fax or email. A military voter must return the original military ballot application by mail to the Office District Clerk at Bellmore Memorial Library. Military ballot applications received in accordance with the foregoing will be processed in the same manner as a non-military ballot application under Section 2018-b of the Education Law. The application for a military ballot should include the military voter’s preference for receipt of the military ballot by mail, fax or email.

FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that a military voter’s original military ballot must be returned by mail to the District Clerk, 580 Winthrop Avenue, Bellmore, New York Military ballots shall be canvassed if they are received by the District Clerk: (1) before the close of the polls of election day and showing a cancellation mark of the U.S. postal service or a foreign country’s postal service, or showing a dated endorsement of receipt by another agency of the U.S. government; or (2) not later than 5:00 p.m. on election day and signed and dated by the military voter and one witness thereto, with a date which is ascertained to be not later than the day before the election; and

FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a qualified voter whose ability to appear personally at the polling place is substantially impaired by reason of permanent illness or physical disability and whose registration record has been marked “permanently disabled” by the Board of Elections pursuant to the provisions of the Election Law, shall be entitled to receive an

absentee ballot pursuant to the provisions of the Education Law without making separate application for such absentee ballot.

FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public information hearing will be held at the Bellmore Memorial Library, Bellmore, New York on Tuesday, April 18, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. for the purpose of discussion of the expenditure of funds for the 2023-2024 fiscal year.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

BELLMORE MEMORIAL LIBRARY

Randy Yee, District Clerk

DATED: March 2023 BELLMORE, NEW YORK 137672

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

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORKCOUNTY OF NASSAU WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, AS TRUSTEE OF FINANCE OF AMERICA STRUCTURED SECURITIES ACQUISITION

TRUST 2019-HB1, V.

VASILIOS

THEODORAKATOS, ET AL.

NOTICE OF SALE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure dated November 1, 2019, and entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau, wherein WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, AS TRUSTEE OF FINANCE OF AMERICA STRUCTURED SECURITIES ACQUISITION

TRUST 2019-HB1 is the Plaintiff and VASILIOS THEODORAKATOS, 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 April 26, 2023 at 2:30PM, premises known as 3200 LYDIA LANE, BELLMORE, NY 11710: Section 63, Block 312, Lot 18: 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

SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES.

138139

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORKCOUNTY OF NASSAU OCWEN LOAN SERVICING LLC, V. EVAN LEFKOWITZ, ET AL.

NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure dated December 13, 2018, and entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau, wherein OCWEN LOAN SERVICING LLC is the Plaintiff and EVAN LEFKOWITZ, 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 May 2, 2023 at 2:30PM, premises known as 1841 DECATUR AVE, BELLMORE, NY 11710: Section 50, Block 277, Lot 51: ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATED, LYING AND BEING AT NORTH MERRICK, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU, STATE OF NEW YORK

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 001326/2015. Anthony Francis Altimari, 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 ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES.

138382

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 602638/2018. John G. Kennedy, 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

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT. NASSAU COUNTY. L&L ASSOCIATES HOLDING CORP., Pltf. vs. ELSIE ARCOS, et al, Defts. Index #611979/2021. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered March 7, 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 1, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. prem. k/a Section 63, Block 205, Lot 185. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are

Students, staff are taught coping skills

the idea, said the topic was introduced at the Bellmore-Merrick Community Parent Center, and a planning committee was established to create the summit. In 2019, its first year, around 20 school districts attended. The most recent summit, which took place on March 28, attracted 35 schools from Nassau and Suffolk counties, including the first Catholic institution, Chaminade High School.

Six students and two staff members from each school took part in panels and discussions throughout the day, all geared toward understanding more about their mental health, managing anxiety and learning how to cope with negative thoughts.

“Every year we try to feature a new coping skill workshop, just to be introducing the teenagers to new concepts, as far as what they can do to cope with stress,” Brief explained. “Last year we did Movement Genius, and this year the students (did) a Tibetan singing bowl sound healing workshop.

“I think it’s something very different,” she added. “They don’t often have access to something like sound healing.”

Lunch was provided to all the attendees, and afterward they walked through a resource fair, where students could gather information about local organizations that offer mental health services.

Dawn Doherty, executive director of SPTS, said that there is a correlation between mental health struggles and the coronavirus pandemic. Social media, she said, also plays a huge role in how teens

view themselves.

“There can be very positive aspects of it,” Doherty said of social media. “But then, unfortunately, you know, much of it can be negative, with the cyber-bullying and even just the comparison of yourself with everyone else.”

A point of emphasis, Doherty said, is the concept that your friends and others your age are often going through the same thing. “If you’re struggling, that’s

Public Notices

other health or safety concerns, then the court appointed referee will cancel the sale. FAY

MATTANA, Referee. LEVY & LEVY, Attys. for Pltf., 12 Tulip Dr., Great Neck, NY. #100246 138380

LEGAL NOTICE

BELLMORE-MERRICK

CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT NOTICE TO BIDDERS

VENDOR_____________

Sealed proposals will be received by the Board of Education, BellmoreMerrick Central High School District, Town of Hempstead, Nassau County, Merrick, New York, at the Business Office, 1260 Meadowbrook Road, North Merrick, New York ll566-1500, for the following categories up to the times on the dates indicated:

BUILDING AND GROUNDS EQUIPMENT

BID

GROUNDS SUPPLIES -

ATHLETIC MIX BID

VENETIAN BLINDS -

REPAIR & PURCHASE BID

April 18, 2023 at 9:30

a.m. Bid Room

and then at said office publicly opened and read aloud. All information for bidders, specifications and bid forms may be obtained at the abovementioned address. The Board of Education, Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District, reserves the right to waive any informalities in, or to reject any or all bids, or to accept that bid, or any part of that bid, which in its judgment is for the best interests of the School District. All bid awards are pending budget approval. The School District may receive bids for the above listed items periodically during the 2023-2024 school year, if necessary. These bids will not be readvertised for this purpose. The frequency of bid solicitations will be determined by operating requirements.

Detailed specifications may be obtained at the above address. Contact Mr. Jon Simpkins at 516-992-1032 with any questions regarding this bid.

Bellmore U.F.S.D. North Bellmore U.F.S.D. North Merrick U.F.S.D.

Merrick U.F.S.D.

By:Jon Simpkins Director

of School Facilities & Operations 138503

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT

COUNTY OF NASSAU US Bank National Association, as Trustee for Credit Suisse First Boston Mortgage Securities Corp., Home Equity Asset Trust 2006-7, Home Equity

Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2006-7, Plaintiff

AGAINST Robert Cullen a/k/a

Robert J. Cullen; Barbara Cullen

certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the west side of Bergen Street, Bellmore, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York, Section 56 Block 142 Lots 819 & 820. Approximate amount of judgment $867,267.40 plus interest and costs.

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 011407/2014. The auction will be conducted pursuant to the COVID-19 Policies Concerning Public Auctions of Foreclosed Property established by the Tenth Judicial District. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.” Jane Shrenkel, Esq, Referee LOGS Legal Group LLP

OK, because there are others who are struggling or have struggled,” she said. “We really use the day to enhance coping skills and strategies, and certainly educate on the resources available.”

The commitment to wellness doesn’t end with the summit, Brief said. This year, SPTS is again hosting a panel for parents, on a date yet to be announced, to teach them to recognize the signs of mental health struggles and how to connect their kids to the appropriate services. Brief added that she was also starting another program on Long Island in September called the Youth Council, open to high school students.

“I’ll be running monthly meetings where they’re going to develop more skills, insight, education and awareness on everything to do with mental health and suicide prevention,” she said. “That’ll be a year-round, to develop leaders so they can take (what they learn) back to their communities and develop more structural change.”

Applications for the youth council opened immediately after the summit. For more, visit SPTSUSA.org/NassauSummit.

Stacy’s mother, Lisa, a co-organizer of the summit, said that everyone who attended said they loved it. “The Suffolk attendees asked us when we could do a summit in Suffolk,” she said. “A lot of the staff said they were going to incorporate some of what they learned and experienced into their own classrooms.”

By

order:Board

of Education

Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District

f/k/a Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792 Dated: March 10, 2023

Doherty credited Brief for the success of the summit, and said the society was pleased with all she had done. “We are just so proud of her for everything she’s accomplished personally and professionally,” Doherty said, “but really, just in awe of the success that she and the committee have really had with expanding the reach of this event.”

the gym At the Brookside School in Merrick, the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District’s offices, was packed for the energetic keynote presentation by J.D. Wilson, founder of ‘Lead U.’

stACy Brief, A Mepham High graduate and a social worker at Calhoun, who brought the summit to Nassau County, with Dawn Doherty, executive director of the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide, which hosted the summit.

Tim Baker/Herald photos

At the NAssAu County Youth Wellness Summit, Calhoun sophomore Nicholas Senese watched the keynote presentation, ‘Lead U.’ The summit gave students across Long Island new insight into their mental health.

KAt peCK ANd Danielle Schulman, staff representatives of Calhoun, stopped by the Long Island Crisis Center’s booth. LICC is based in Bellmore.

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Salisbury Entertainer's Dream

fireplace and sliders to the resort style backyard with fully permitted outdoor kitchen and diamond pavered entertainment area. This home also boasts central air-conditioning, a 1 car garage and security system with so much more.

Open Houses

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

HEWLETT BA, 1267 Peninsula Blvd, BA, NEW TO MARKET! 5 BR, 2 Bth Exp Cape in SD#14 (Hewlett-Woodmere) Living Room, DR & Updtd Gran/Wood EIK & Bths. Det 1.5 Gar & Driveway for 4/5 Cars. HW Floors. Gas Heat. Near LIRR, Shops, Trans & Schools. A Steal!

.....$599,000 RONNIE GERBER 516 238-4299

HEWLETT BA, 1534 Broadway #103, REDUCED AND MOTIVATED! 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 and the Garage Parking is Incl..$699,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299

HEWLETT BA, 1599 Lakeview Dr.,

FIRST SHOW! 4 BR, 3 Bth Exp Ranch on Tree Lined St in SD#14. Spacious LR,DR & Family Rm, EIK & Fin Bsmt. Att Garage. HW Flrs. Near Park, Trans, Shops & Houses of Worship...$829,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-429

Open Houses

HEWLETT BA 257 WILLARD Spacious 5 BR, 3 , open house 12-1:30, 4/2, Bth Exp Ranch With Open Layout.Main Floor Mstr Ste Plus Potential Mstr Ste on 2nd Flr.LR/Fpl, FDR, EIK & Sundrenched Family Rm w/ Doors to Deck. Fin Bsmt. Att Gar. Loads of Updates!! SD#20(Lynbrook)No

Flood Insurance Req. MUST SEE THIS!..$1,025,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299

HEWLETTE 1608 RIDGEWAY Dr, BA, Drastic Reduction! Motivated Seller!Move Right Into This Completely Gut Renovated 4 BR, 3.5 Bth Col on 1/4 Acre Prop. New Kosher EIK, FDR, LR w/ Fpl, Den & Enclosed Porch. Radiant Htd Flrs. Full Fin Bsmt. 2 Car Att Gar. MUST SEE!! SD#20...$1,399,000

Stonegate Real Estate 2a Poole Street Oceanside, NY 11572 516-740-2777

info@stonegatere.com www.stonegatere.com

Ronnie Gerber 516-238-4299 1211059 happy holidays!

DR, Family Rm, EIK & Fin Bsmt. Att Garage. HW Flrs. Near Park, Trans, Shops & Houses of Worship $829,000

1608 Ridgeway Dr, BA, Move Right Into This Completely Gut Renovated 4 BR, 3.5 Bth Col on 1/4 Acre Prop. New Kosher EIK, FDR, LR/ Fpl, Den & Enclosed Porch. Radiant Heated Flrs. Full Fin Bsmt. 2 Car Att Gar. MUST SEE!! SD#20 DRASTIC REDUCTION! MOTIVATED SELLER! $1,399,000 ALSO FOR RENT $6,500 per month

1267 Peninsula Blvd, BA, NEW TO MARKET! 5 BR, 2 Bth Exp Cape in SD#14 (Hewlett-Woodmere) LR, DR & Updtd Gran/Wood EIK & Bths. Det

1.5 Gar & Driveway for 4/5 Cars. HW Floors. Gas Heat. Near LIRR, Shops, Trans & Schools. A Steal! $599,000

1534 Broadway #103, BA, Magnificent New Renovation! One of a Kind Ranch Style Living in Luxurious Jonathan Hall Condominium with Doorman & Elevator. Just Move into This Gut Rvated, 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 REDUCED & MOTIVATED!! $699,000

1534 Broadway #205, BA, 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 BIG REDUCTION!! MOTIVATED SELLER!$699,000 CE da RHURST

332B Peninsula Blvd, BA, Move Right Into This Updated 3 Br, 2.5 Bth Coop Townhouse. LR, DR, Gran/Wood Kit w/ Stainless Steel Appl. Trex Deck Off LR. Primary Ste Features Updtd Bth & WIC. Att Gar Plus 1 Pkg Spot incl in Maintenance. W/D. Pull Down Attic. SD#15. Convenient to Shops, Trans & Houses of Worship $449,000

Making an old home newer

Q. Our new home is pretty old, from 1920. We want to update it and have a lot of concerns, with taxes if we enlarge it, cost if we get rid of walls, widening our driveway to park more cars and what you think about getting rid of our garage for more room instead of building up. It’s a one-story with low ceilings on the second floor that are really too small for bedrooms. My parents have been reading your column for many years and suggested you could help. What can you tell us?

A. It’s hard for me not to feel as old as your house when you put it that way, but after writing this column for 32 years, I’m often doing work for children of former clients, and have gotten your question thousands of times. First, almost anything you do that adds space to your home also adds value, and value increases taxes. Cosmetic changes like siding, windows or an asphalt or concrete driveway generally don’t affect the value, but luxury materials, such as stone facing or interlocking pavers, will.

Most of the time, people complain about taxation but rarely, if ever, do they collectively attempt to do anything about it. The methods for deciding value, or even using value as a gauge for tax increases, are questionable, especially because we used to be taxed based on square feet. As we transition into not leaving our homes, communicating digitally, the tax system perpetuates without challenge.

In many villages and towns, garages are required, and hard surfaces for any kind of paving are considered “impervious,” not replenishing groundwater. There are limits on how much of your total property you can cover. You will need to investigate your specific jurisdiction’s requirements. Sidewalks, patios and driveways are all impervious, but pools and decks generally are not.

You’ll need your property survey, which is a map of your lot, house size and location, but you’ll also discover that surveyors generally don’t provide the dimensions of porches, sidewalks, driveways or steps. Get out a tape measure and accurately document the property’s hard surfaces if you’re in a community that requires impervious-area information. When you hire an architect or engineer, that’s what we have to do.

The only way to answer questions about removing walls is to assess the whole house: where to disperse loads, how to brace exterior walls against wind shear, how to handle snow loads and wind uplift, where pipes and wires would be relocated, how the spaces function and will be finished.

Package all this to be reviewed by building officials and receive permission to build — sounds simpler than it is, especially when workers leave details out or change something and we start adjusting all over again, only after much discussion, time and money. That’s also part of the age-old process. Avoid changes once you decide, save money doing so and your old house will be like new again.

© 2022 Monte

Ask The Architect

Monte Leeper

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New York is going to pot, very slowly

New York state is a big and complex entity. It provides services that meet the needs of millions of people, and at the same time, it creates law after law that is supposed to meet those needs. Sometimes the state trips over its own regulatory feet and falls flat on its face.

When it comes to the Marihuana Regulation and Taxation Act, you can toss a coin as to whether it is a hiccup or a major bureaucratic headache. The MRTA law turned 2 years old last week. When you create a massive statewide undertaking, there are always fits and starts. But sooner or later, the whole process gets on track and almost everyone is happy.

There is no doubt that the legislators who sponsored the original MRTA law had the best of intentions, and were hopeful that the law would be in place and slowly but surely be producing rev-

enue for the state and creating hundreds of thousands of new jobs. Regrettably, the state has gotten zero dollars from the program, and you can count the number of new jobs with your fingers.

I’m not pointing one of mine in blame at any officials in particular, because they have a tough and thankless job. But the visions of success have been premature. At present, there are hundreds of licensed growers around the state who will very soon have a product that is available, but no one to sell it to. There are only a handful of legal dispensaries, and they can’t handle the amount of cannabis that is being grown. So what should a pot grower do with tons of mature plants? Farmers must have a place to sell their products, but New York’s cannabis growers don’t. While the state has been in the process of getting the system functioning, one group has done very well. If you take a drive around New York City or many other parts of the state, you’ll see

an enormous number of mini-stores that call themselves “smoke shops.” You can be sure that they aren’t surviving on the proceeds from the sales of $12 packs of Marlboros. They do sell nicotine products, but their money comes from the sale of marijuana.

These days there is so much pot on the streets of our state that you can smell it on many street corners. I recently took our granddaughter to the American Museum of Natural History and smelled pot near the dinosaur exhibit. Gov. Kathy Hochul has introduced a bill that would shut down all of the smoke shops and impose massive fines on those that fail to comply.

When I was a member of the Assembly, we had an old adage: Where there’s a new law, there’s a lawsuit to follow. So far, the state has been sued twice by companies and individuals claiming that the licensing process for selling pot has either been “unfair” or “arbitrary.” Because my law firm represents some prospective licensees, I won’t comment

on the merits of those claims.

But suffice it to say that not everyone is in love with MRTA. Friends complain to me frequently about the legalization of pot, but I explain to them that it is now legal in more than 20 states, both red and blue. In its first year of legalization, the state of Colorado collected over $250 million in revenue, and now that revenue is closer to $1 billion annually. What state wouldn’t want to cash in on the pot business?

Sooner or later, the New York Legislature will help implement the MRTA more effectively, and the state might even see a few dollars that are now going to the smoke shops.

And if you think the pot law got off to a slow start, watch how the casino licensing process goes forward. No doubt that new headache will be like turning an aircraft carrier around, not once but multiple times.

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.

America, where have all the flowers gone?

We ponder big themes this week. Biblical plagues, miracles, resurrection, insurrection, and the elevation of false gods. And that’s just our political world.

We also mark the days of Passover and Easter. For those who observe, this religious week reminds us that nothing in our lives is unique. Kings have risen and kings have fallen. Democracies have triumphed and then failed, in cycles that repeat themselves over the ages.

TRUMP INDICTED.

The road ahead is unclear. The wheels of justice love a well-worn path, and this time around there is none. The presumption of innocence supersedes all other aspects of the case, but how the process unfolds, with Donald Trump exonerated or convicted, will grab headlines and social media attention for years to come.

tive spoke of the little girl’s favorite activities in her preschool days. That is how the lives of 9-year-olds are eulogized.

Nashville, of course, is just the most recent crime scene where murdered children were laid to rest. More than 6,000 American children were hurt or killed by gunfire in 2022, according to ABC News. No single issue in our lives is more important, and more demanding of our action than this: The leading cause of death among children in the United States is gun violence.

the deaths from firearms for those ages 1 to 18 are homicides, with about a third being suicide. In 2020 in particular and in recent years more generally, the number of firearm homicides within this age range spiked.”

Each of us has a voice and a pen and a vote. If we love our children more than we love the patronage of the NRA, we need to make those voices heard.

The people in Nashville who were murdered in cold blood with military style weapons were Evelyn Dieckhaus, William Kinney and Hallie Scruggs, all 9 years old; Katherine Koonce, 60, the head of the school; Mike Hill, 61, a custodian; and Cynthia Peak, 61, a substitute teacher.

RANDI KREISS

Still, last week was a remarkable one for those of us living on earth in 2023. After years of investigations and a multi-year media free-for-all, a former president of the United States was indicted by a grand jury in New York. I saved the front page for my grandchildren to preserve the moment, because it is historic and because I want them to know that everyone is equal under the law, even an American president. Almost all the headlines in all the big newspapers featured two words set in large bold type:

For me, the most distressing consequence of the former president’s indictment was that it wiped off the front pages the story of the shooting of six people in Nashville earlier in the week. This is how it goes these days: Horrific shootings of children have become bloody blips on our screens. The news feeds zap our devices with details of yet another crazed shooter, bodies in classrooms, police charging the killer, statements of sympathy, first ladies off to the funerals. And the world watches as tiny caskets go into the ground, and traumatized families and friends experience the first days of what will be a lifetime of longing and grief.

At one of the funerals of one of the 9-year-olds killed in Nashville, a rela-

Reflecting on the Nashville murders in The Washington Post, columnist Philip Bump quoted from a book by Ta-Nehisi Coates, remembering a child killed in a violent encounter. “Think of all the love poured into him,” Coates wrote, delineating specific ways in which parents invest in and show their love for their children: music lessons, birthday parties and kids’ books. Then, he added, “And think of how that vessel was taken, shattered on the concrete, and all its holy contents, all that had gone into him, sent flowing back to the earth.”

Mr. Bump went on to write, “Most of

If we take away anything from the last chaotic week, let it be a commitment to stop the killing of our children. This is a uniquely American abomination, our new American exceptionalism.

During this week of political drama and religious meditation, can we not use our voices and our votes to demand change in our gun laws? In my youth, we raised our voices to protest the killing of our kids in war. Pete Seeger’s lyrics resonated in that time and place.

They still ring out: “Where have all the flowers gone?”

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

Horrific shootings of children have become bloody blips on our screens.

The handful of legal dispensaries can’t handle the volume being grown.

JERRY KREMER

HERALD

Kids will lead, if we let them

What’s the best way to teach a child? The better question is, what’s the most effective way a child learns?

Lagging student achievement is not new. As schools grapple with declining test scores caused by the coronavirus pandemic lockdowns, education leaders need to find a solution.

Schools nationwide have been using project-based learning to better reach kids. Students identify real-world problems — like climate change or food scarcity — and then research solutions and present their findings. The goal is for students to acquire knowledge and problem-solving skills, instead of focusing on traditional learning by sitting in rows and memorizing facts.

Students make all the decisions. Teachers? They’re along for the ride.

Sometimes the best lesson is for adults to shut up, stand to the side and let kids take charge. Leaders in the Village of Malverne did just that when a group of high school students, following the model of project-based learning in curriculums across the country, sought to rename a street honoring a former Ku Klux Klan leader.

Over a few years, students researched the topic, petitioned school and village officials several times, and built a communitylevel outreach program. The result? Lindner Place was renamed Acorn Way in January. The new name is a nod to Malverne’s motto, “Oaks from acorns.”

Certainly, there were other people

letters

Where do you stand, Congressman D’Esposito?

To the Editor:

Every day last week, I called U.S. Rep. Anthony D’Esposito’s office, inquiring about his stance on gun violence, while the TV hummed news of another school shooting, like an excruciating soundtrack to my calls.

Days 1-3: “I haven’t had the chance to speak to the congressman about this issue, but I will pass along your concerns on the matter.”

Day 4: “I’ve heard from others in the office that the congressman is working on a statement.”

Day 5: “I haven’t had the chance to speak to the congressman about this issue, but I will pass along your concerns on the matter.”

I kept hoping to hear the leadership and independence that Congressman D’Esposito was elected by my district to demonstrate. The freshman congressman from District 4, the one made famous by the LIRR massacre that brought Carolyn McCarthy to Congress, ran on a platform of “public safety.” Why, then, was it so hard to receive a response about his position on the ultimate pub-

involved, from civic leaders to community activists. And they came from nearby Lakeview and West Hempstead as well as the village. But children were at the forefront.

This wasn’t a school assignment or an application booster for college. Students came up with the idea. They did the research and spoke to village leaders at public meetings. No one told them they had to do this. Students identified and researched a problem, created solutions, and persuaded the public they were right.

Not only was the Acorn Way renaming a great example of students learning through project-based learning, but it also improved the community. Gone is a street sign celebrating a person who believed in hate. And while Paul Lindner was influential in the village’s history, the evil he promoted cannot be overlooked.

The Acorn Way street renaming garnered national attention, a clear indication of the impact children can have on the world. There are examples of children solving problems all around us by way of PBL — from a high school girl in Bellport who raised money and then helped build a water-filtration system for an all-girls school in Pakistan, to a high school boy in Las Vegas who created a nonprofit that collects and donates shoes.

There are virtually innumerable ways kids can volunteer at almost any age. Parents can reach out to local or national and international groups for ideas. Better still, ask a child what he or she would do to

make the world a better place.

Educators are deeply concerned about learning in the 21st century. American schoolchildren continue to lag behind those in dozens of other countries in math and science. Certainly there are other measures of student learning, but the decline remains troubling.

The latest focus is on what are called the 4 C’s of 21st-century Learning: creativity, critical thinking, collaboration and communication. Project-based learning is the epitome of this concept. The Malverne students took it further by adding “community.”

Is the purpose of an education to get a job and make money? Or is it something more meaningful? By allowing students to guide their own learning, the greater Malverne community is a better place — not only now, but in the future.

More students will follow the example of those in Malverne, and more communities will be made better places. Schools can continue to expand PBL throughout all grades to encourage students to explore problems and solutions. Communities can offer competitions to entice students to solve problems. Parents can pose open-ended questions to push their child’s critical thinking.

There are more opportunities like this in every town. Schools, community leaders, and others should spread the story of Acorn Way to encourage more children to explore problems and solutions.

All we have to do is get out of their way.

It’s time to rethink windstorm insurance coverage

what is a windstorm? That might sound like a question with an obvious answer. And for the National Weather Service, it is.

But in New York, there isn’t a single answer — there are many. More than 100, in fact. And it all depends on your homeowners insurance policy. And even then, the answer might not be so clear.

This might not seem like a big deal, but it is. Which definition your policy uses could impact the amount you have to pay out of pocket if a windstorm damages your property. And really, none of the options are cheap.

A lack of a standard definition ultimately affects windstorm deductibles. If the wind speed doesn’t meet the definition of a windstorm outlined in your policy, you will likely see your standard deductible — anywhere between $500 and $2,000.

But if you have a policy where wind

speeds match its definition of a windstorm, say goodbye to that standard deductible, and instead look at opening your wallet to pay a percentage of your home’s value, typically 5 percent. That means if your home is worth $500,000, forget paying $500 or even $2,000. You’ll be on the hook for $25,000.

All while your neighbors might be paying much less, for the same storm. All because they have different policies than you.

It’s a roulette wheel of coverage — the kind where the odds remain in favor of the house. You know, the insurance companies.

New York isn’t the South, which is prone to storms like hurricanes. But that doesn’t mean our homes aren’t susceptible to wind damage. Hurricane Sandy may have taken place a decade ago, but there have been other storms since then that, while smaller, could still trigger the much higher deductible, and make it nearly impossible for many homeowners to afford the repairs they most desperately need after a storm.

This is hardly a new problem, and

Letters

lic safety issue of our time?

Despite the overwhelming pessimism and the sense that nothing will ever be done to change it, Congressman D’Esposito actually has an opportunity to make a difference and to lead on the issue of gun reform, beginning with an assault weapons ban, which a majority of the American public supports. He is a member of a narrow band of swing state representatives whom he can encourage to work in a bipartisan manner to solve this urgent problem.

All Long Islanders may not be on the same page, but our representatives owe us a clear statement of where they are on this issue so we might begin dialogue and seek solutions together. You can’t lead if nobody knows where you stand or where you are headed.

As a lifelong educator, I believe in the possibility of change and growth, and in this spirit I will keep calling the congressman’s office and hoping for a new response — a meaningful one.

DIANE CArACCIoLo West Hempstead

The lives those Nashville 9-year-olds missed

To the Editor:

As an elementary school teacher for 38 years, I taught almost 1,000 9-year-olds, so my heart goes out to the three youngest

Nashville school shooting victims, Evelyn Dieckhaus, William Kinney and Hallie Scruggs. They’ve had a combined 200 or more years of life stolen from them, and I mourn them with these numbers: None of them ever got to celebrate a double-digit birthday.

If they had lived to graduate from high school, these three children would at least have had a combined 54 years of learning and laughter. Turning 22 and graduating from college would have afforded their mothers and fathers a combined 66 years of parental pride.

Had they reached 50, besides their AA r P memberships, they would have had 150 years in which to have marriages and children, not to mention providing their own parents with grandchildren to spoil.

Had they reached the Social Security age of 62, that would have meant a combined 186 years of life, including working at jobs that would have contributed to many aspects of American life. Getting to retire and earn Medicare benefits at age 65 would have meant a combined 195 years of living life to its fullest, including award-winning careers after which they’d receive their gold watches, and never need to worry about health insurance.

Given their actuarially expected life spans of 80 years, they would have had 240 years, in which they would even have had grandchildren of their own.

there is a solution: Establish a standard definition for windstorms that would apply to all homeowners policies with a windstorm deductible.

Defining windstorms for the purposes of insurance coverage would not upend the underwriting of coastal homeowners policies. Instead, it would make it easier for New York homeowners to understand when a windstorm deductible might apply.

Albany has tried to solve this problem since long before Sandy, but simply hasn’t gotten anywhere. Bill after bill has been introduced in the Legislature, and bill after bill has died there. Last session, a bill standardizing the definition of a windstorm passed the Assembly, but couldn’t make its way out of the Senate.

This session, lawmakers are trying again. Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato and Sen. James Sanders Jr. have companion bills that are seeking a path to Gov. Kathy Hochul’s desk. A.2866 and S.4199 would require insurance companies to make clear how much financial exposure a homeowner would have to

windstorm damage.

It’s easy to mistake a 5 percent deductible as meaning a homeowner would have to pay 5 percent of the overall cost of repairs — not 5 percent of the home’s total value, which would be much more.

The bills would also standardize the “trigger” — the event that activates the policy in the first place. Uniform standards would make it easier for homeowners to compare different insurance offerings, and get the coverage they expect, and need. It’s something both New Jersey and Connecticut have recently accomplished, and it would also help make sure deductibles are reasonable, and not something that’s going to make the pain of dealing with a damaged home even worse.

Ask your elected officials if they will be a part of the solution. In the meantime, call your insurance agent and make sure you understand what triggers your windstorm deductible, and how much you could be paying out of pocket.

It’s a surprise — and an added expense — none of us needs.

Gary Slavin is president-elect of Professional Insurance Agents of New York State, and an agent with MassMutual in Massapequa.

Framework by Tim Baker

A member of the welcoming committee at Norman J. Levy Park & Preserve— Merrick

rICHArD SIEGELMAN Plainview

the odds remain in favor of the house. You know, the insurance companies.

GarY sLaVin

One of the best. Once again. Right here in Oceanside.

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