Bellmore Herald 05-18-2023

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PFY celebrates 30 years of pride

LGBTQ organization looks ahead to what still needs to be done

By JoRdAN VAlloNe jvallone@liherald.com

As PFY is gearing up to celebrate the month of pride in June, and the LGBTQ community in general, this year it is also celebrating its own history, as 2023 marks the 30th anniversary of the agency, which was the first of its kind in a suburban setting in the United States.

PFY, which formerly stood for Pride For Youth, is now known simply by its acronym, because a grant allowed the organization to expand the

reach of its services, and it now provides lifelong assistance to anyone who identifies as LGBTQ on Long Island and in Queens.

The Bellmore-based organization was founded 30 years ago as an offshoot of the Long Island Crisis Center, Tawni Engel, the associate executive director of the crisis center and PFY, explained, because its founders recognized the need for services for LGBTQ individuals.

The crisis center operates a 24/7 hotline for people with Continued on page 8

Liberty seeks water rate hike, angering advocates, officials

By JoRdAN VAlloNe jvallone@liherald.com

More than 100,000 customers across Nassau County’s South Shore communities may face a steep increase in their private water bills if Liberty Utilities’ planned rate hike is approved.

Some 113,000 residents between the Five Towns and Seaford receive private water — sometimes paying up to 1,300 percent more for water than Town of Hempstead Water Department customers.

Liberty Utilities, which took over operations from New York American Water in January of 2022, filed a notice with the New

York State Public Service Commission on May 5, seeking a cumulative 34.2 percent rate hike across Nassau County.

When Liberty purchased the water company, it agreed to a two-year rate freeze, as previously reported in the Herald. If approved by the state, the proposed rate increases of 42 percent and 39 percent in the Merrick and Lynbrook service areas, respectively, would take effect next year.

Liberty is seeking the increase to offset the cost of “necessary plant investments, high tax burdens, the installation of advanced metering infrastructure, proposed low-income

and arrearage management programs, and a fee-free program for electronic payment of Liberty NYW invoices,” according to the filing.

The company added that the rate hike would help cover the cost of 17 new jobs that were created at its Merrick offices, as well as “the implementation of a low-income program” to provide aid to certain customers.

Customers in the Lynbrook service area, also referred to as Service Area 1, could see an $18.32 increase per month on their water bills. This service area includes dozens of surrounding communities. In the Merrick service area, which

encompasses Bellmore, Wantagh, Seaford, Massapequa and parts of Levittown, customers’ monthly bills are projected to increase by $15.74.

The fight for public water in several Town of Hempstead communities has been a long and challenging one. Dave Denenberg, a former Nassau County legislator and co-director

of Long Island Clean Air Water & Soil, or LICAWS, an advocacy group that has been fighting for the cause, said Liberty’s request is not surprising.

“History keeps repeating itself for residents abused by a private water monopoly,” Denenberg said. Private water companies, he added, “always promise

Continued on page 10

Courtesy Tawni Engel

PFY, THe oRgANIzATIoN previously know as Pride for Youth, is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, and gearing up for Pride Month in June. It serves Long Island at Bellmore and Deer Park locations.

S’mores around the fire for Lag B’Omer

The Chabad Center for Jewish Life, which services the Jewish community of Merrick, Bellmore, Wantagh and surrounding communities, hosted its annual Lag B’Omer festivities on May 9, a joyous holiday celebrated with outings, bonfires and more.

As explained in an email from the Chabad Center, the holiday celebrates the death of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai,. Rabbi Bar Yochai is believed to be buried in Meron, Israel and many make a pilgrimage to visit his resting place on the holiday.

“Lag B’Omer is one of the most enjoyable Jewish celebrations,” Chabad Director Rabbi Shimon Kramer said. “It actually commemorates the passing of a great Jewish leader, Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, but is celebrated in a positive, upbeat way, as Rabbi Shimon willed it.”

On the day of his death, it is believed that Rabbi Bar Yochai instructed his disciples to mark the date as “the day of my joy.”

rabbi Shimon

Kramer

Each year, his life is celebrated — as well as the revelation of esoteric soul of the Torah — an inspiration to Jewish people today.

The holiday also commemorates the ending of a plague that killed thousands of disciples of another Jewish leader, Rabbi Akiva be Yosef, because “they did not act respectfully towards each other,” according to the Chabad Center.

Chabad Center for Jewish Life

On Lag B’Omer, the plague ended, and today, the holiday carries the theme of “Ahavat Yisrael,” which means the imperative love and respect to one’s fellow.

At the Chabad’s Merrick location at 2174 Hewlett Ave., there were plenty of opportunities for kids to learn about the holiday and have fun. Along with a show featuring Magic Jeff, a magician who combines comedy and nonstop entertainment in his demonstrations, there was also a Kosher barbecue dinner, fun Jewish crafts, sports with Super Soccer Stars, and s’mores and stories around a fire pit.

— Jordan Vallone

rabbi

Keith Rossein/Herald photos

The Chabad CenTer for Jewish Life hosted its annual Lag B’Omer festivities at its Merrick center on May 9. The holiday is celebrated through many fun activities, including a bonfire.

L ag B’Omer is one of the most enjoyable Jewish celebrations.

eiTan brof, 7, top left, completed crafts with Shimon Namirovski, left, and Michael Duboff, right, who were dressed in costume.

emma broS, 8, above, showed off a kite she created with Shmuel Csillag.

Shimon Kramer, near left, director of the Chabad Center, met with some of the children who were both learning about Lag B’Omer and celebrating the holiday.

reagan bondarSKy, 4, and Isla Kolisker, 4, far left, went down the slide together at the Chabad Center for Jewish Life.

Arrests made after verbal altercation, officer is struck

A verbal argument between two people led to two arrests last week in Merrick, police say.

According to Nassau County Police Department detectives, officers responded to a 911 call on May 12 around 10:45 p.m. for a disturbance on Hedge Lane, just north of Merrick Road. Upon arrival, officers witnessed a verbal altercation between Isaiah Thorne, 20 and Leona Abdylji, 18.

When an officer on the scene attempted to verbally deescalate the situation, Throne made contact with the officer. Police then attempted to place Thorne in custody, and an officer

arrest.

Abdylji then interfered by allegedly pushing officers, and attempting to prevent the arrest of Thorne. She was then placed under arrest without further incident.

Both the officer and Thorne were transported to a nearby hospital for assessment and treatment.

Thorne was charged with assault and resisting arrest. Abdylji was charged with obstructing governmental administration and resisting arrest.

Both were arraigned on May 13, and the First District Court in Hemp-

Rhoads honors Bellmore-Merrick students

State Sen. Steve Rhoads’s office honored several Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District students at the Kiwanis Club of Merrick’s Student Recognition Night.

Students were recognized from each of the four high schools for academic achievement, extracurricular activities, community service and character.

Rhoads said on a Facebook post: “These students are the complete package and are truly well-rounded individuals.”

This year’s recipients were Beverly Kleinman of John F. Kennedy High School; Damian Chou of Wellington C. Mepham High School; Jordan Nelson of the Meadowbrook Alternative Program; and TJ Morash of Sanford H. Calhoun High School.

“Congratulations,” Rhoads wrote, “and best of luck on all your future endeavors.”

–Jordan Vallone

Courtesy Office of State Sen. Steve Rhoads At the KiwAnis Club of Merrick’s Student Recognition Night, a representative from State Sen. Steve Rhoads’ office honored four students from the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District.

isaiah thorne Leona Abdylji

spotlight athlete

Mepham second to Calhoun

by tony bellissiMo tbellissimo@liherald.com

Behind an offense led by hot-hitting Kieran Kehoe, Mepham lost just two of 18 Conference A1 baseball games but 15 wins weren’t enough to overcome defending Nassau and Long Island Class A champion Calhoun for the top spot.

dylan reyer

Baldwin Senior Softball

a tWo-tiMe all-CoUnty selection and likely well on her way to a third, Reyer recently became the first player in Baldwin softball history to record 100 career stolen bases and is looking to lead the Bruins to a conference title. Dating back to last spring she has swiped 65 consecutive bags without getting caught. The star defensive center fielder and leadoff hitter batted .700 last season. “She’s the ultimate leadoff hitter,” coach Tom Llewellyn said.

softball playoffs

thursday, May 18

Class A first round at higher seed

saturday, May 20

Class AA and A quarterfinals at higher seed

Monday, May 22

Class AA, A and B semifinals Game 1 at higher seed

tuesday, May 23

Class AA, A and B semifinals Game 2 at higher seed

thursday, May 25

Class AA, A and B semifinals Game 3 at higher seed

saturday, May 27

Class AA, A and B finals Game 1 at Mitchel Complex

Monday, May 30

Class AA, A and B finals Game 2 at Mitchel Complex

tuesday, May 31

Class AA, A and B finals Game 3 at Mitchel Complex

The Colts avenged an opening-series loss to the Pirates May 8 with back-to-back victories to claim the conference title. In a winner-take-all finale May 10, Calhoun prevailed 12-3 behind Charlie Imhof’s four hits and seven RBIs.

“We’ve had an incredible season and maybe we’ll see Calhoun again in the playoffs,” Mepham coach Eric Passman said. “They’re very good and played a better series and deserved it. We just kind of ran out of pitching, but it’s hard to complain when you go 15-2-1.”

The Pirates, who last season reached the Class A quarterfinals, averaged better than eight runs per game against conference rivals and earned the No. 5 seed in this year’s playoff tournament.

Kehoe, a junior first baseman and returning starter, is expected to be among the finalists for the Nassau County Diamond Award, given to the top player. He ended the regular season with an eye-popping .650 average with 5 homers and 36 RBIs. The 6-foot-7 three-sport athlete has struck out only three times in more than 70 plate appearances.

“He had a nice season as a sophomore but I think I batted him sixth or seventh to start this year,” Passman said of Kehoe. “That quickly changed. He’s a confident athlete who works really hard. He’s pretty much been in the clean-up spot where we can protect him better.”

In the opening game against Calhoun, Kehoe went 4-for-4 with a homer and four RBIs to lead an 11-6 victory. Senior center fielder and leadoff hitter Michael Cucinella drove in three runs and pitched three innings in relief, striking out five to save the win for senior starter Bryce Bowers. “Cucinella has been exceptional out of the bullpen and is just a gamer,” Passman said. Bowers, an All-Conference selection in 2022, went 5-0 with a no-decision in six con-

ference starts. “He got the ball every Monday and is a big righty pitcher with a big lefty bat,” Passman said.

Senior Kyle Knowles stepped up as a third-year varsity pitcher and held the No. 2 spot all spring. He’s a southpaw with good pop and movement, Passman said. “Kyle improved during the offseason and has done a really nice job getting ahead of hitters,” the coach noted.

Junior Kiran Paingankar was the third regular in the starting rotation and earned some quality wins, including one on the road against MacArthur.

Senior Thomas Coyne has enjoyed a

bounce-back season behind the plate, Passman said, and batted .350 while also being one of the team’s emotional leaders. In addition to Kehoe, the infield features seniors Troy O’Neill, who made a smooth transition from second base to shortstop, Sean Seligman (second base) and Nick Walker (third.) Senior Jeff Decina (right) and junior Steven Mulqueen (left) flank Cucinella in the outfield.

The Pirates swept three games from New Hyde Park, Jericho, Long Beach and MacArthur and had two wins and a tie against Great Neck South prior to the Calhoun series.

Ron Manfredi/Herald photo

JUnior Kieran Kehoe has been raking at the plate all spring and closed the regular season with a .650 batting average and 36 RBIs.

Voted Long Island’s Best Sports Camp two years in a row.

Hofstra’s Sports Academy Camps offer boys and girls in grades 2-12 the opportunity to learn from Hofstra’s Division I coaching staff while playing in state-of-the-art stadiums, fields, and practice facilities. In any of our 13 sports camps, players improve on the fundamentals in their chosen sport through a variety of instructional clinics, drills, and competitive gameplay. Camps are run in one-week sessions so you can customize the summer around your schedule.

Learn more about our award winning Sports Academy Camps by visiting the website at hofstra.edu/licamp or by calling (516)-463-CAMP

As Pride Month approaches, PFY celebrates

mental health crises, and in the early 1990s, Linda Leonard, its former executive director, noticed an influx of calls from members of the LGBTQ community, Engel said.

In 1993, Leonard secured a grant from the Paul Rapoport Foundation, which at the time was one of the oldest LGBTQ foundations in the country. The grant paved the way for the foundation of PFY, and now, 30 years later, it is still growing, and working to be a comprehensive facility that offers a wide range of services.

One of the first was its Friday Night Coffee House, which provides a safe and substance-free environment for LGBTQ youth and allies to come together, socialize and learn, and it is still operating to this day.

“Really over the years, it’s grown exponentially into what it is today,” Engel said of PFY. “And back then, with society, the climate was very different — things were very different.”

The crisis center actually lost funding from private and public donors in the 1990s because they didn’t want to support organizations catering to the LGBTQ community, Engel said.

“I will say that we did the right thing, obviously,” she said. “What we’re sort of known for is just saying, no, we want to meet the needs, and the needs that we are seeing. There’s obviously a gap in services, and we want to be the ones saying we’re filling that gap.”

Devon Zappasodi, PFY’s director, said that as the organization celebrates the momentous anniversary, it is also important to reflect on the work that still needs to be done.

“It’s really exciting when we’re growing and creating these new, innovative programs that are really meeting needs and helping folks,” Zappasodi said. “But there’s also, like, this somber tone, because, you know, we’re

growing and growing, but then there are still needs that are just unmet.”

Some of the problems facing the LGBTQ community today include food insecurity, the inability to obtain consistent housing and job insecurity, among others. Many people struggle with their mental health, and with accessing and understanding health care services, and

Register for the Ettinger Estate Planning Seminar

Melville Marriott, Saturday, June 3rd, 10:00 a.m. 1350 Walt Whitman Road, Melville

Michael and Suzanne Ettinger will present their free seminar:

“Four Major Reasons Why Trusts Are Preferred over Wills for Seniors” In plain English, we will explain in detail about these topics:

1. Planning for who will control your legal and medical affairs if you become disabled and what legal tools they will need.

2. Wills vs. Trusts – which should you choose and why.

3. Revocable and Irrevocable Trusts – pros and cons of each type of trust and how they work.

4. Protecting inheritances you leave from children’s divorces and creditors and having those assets pass by blood to your grandchildren instead of to in-laws and their families.

It can be difficult to get correct information on these subjects – especially on the internet. At the seminar you will find out what techniques have worked well for our clients for over thirty years. Misconceptions you may have gathered from well-meaning friends and even other professionals will be cleared up and a lively question and answer session will follow.

Please join us at the Melville Marriott, 1350 Walt Whitman Road, Melville on Saturday, June 3rd at 10:00 a.m. by registering at EttingerPlan.com. Seating is limited.

PFY works constantly to make sure those issues are addressed.

At the organization’s 2050 Bellmore Road location and at its Suffolk County center in Deer Park, it offers rapid HIV and syphilis testing. PFY recently partnered with the Suffolk County Department of Health to run a mobile medical clinic, where things like free Covid-19 and HPV vaccinations were offered. HPV is a sexually transmitted disease that can cause long-term issues such as cancer if untreated.

Educational tools offered to the community include making sure that the use of PEP and PrEP — medications that help prevent HIV transmission — are understood, Zappasodi explained.

To celebrate the anniversary and Pride Month, the organization has an upcoming Pride Gala on June 13 at the Westbury Manor. Ninety-four percent of all proceeds will be devoted to helping the LGBTQ community through PFY’s services.

Attendees will hear from award-winning actor Maulik Pancholy, who is openly gay and known for his role in the sitcom “30 Rock,” among other series. There will be drag performances and other entertainment, and overall, Engel said, the event will offer a chance to reflect on how far PFY has come. For information on the gala, visit TinyURL.com/PFYEvent2023, and for more on the agency, visit LICCPFY.org.

“I think the gala is going to be a time for us to kind of get together and reflect on where we have come (from) as an agency, where we need to go as an agency, and really honor the pioneering leadership and spirit that has laid the groundwork that has made PFY what it is,” Zappasodi said. “(We’re) always keeping the community close to us, because without them, we’re nothing — it’s really coming from them — 30 years of working with and in collaboration with the community.”

Courtesy Tawni Engel

The organizaTion is known for its wide range of services, which include mental health assistance, health screenings, and a safe space for LGBTQ people to interact.

SUMMER YOUTH EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM

Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) is the nation’s largest youth employment program, connecting the Town of Hempstead (TOH) and City of Long Beach youth between the ages of 16 and 20 with career exploration opportunities and paid work experience each summer.

By participating in structured project and work-based opportunities, Long Island youth are better prepared for careers of the future.

WHAT THE PROGRAM OFFERS

Career Exploration: Hone your research skills and uncover exciting new career possibilities.

Structured Work-based Opportunities: If you're a TOH and City of Long Beach youth between the ages of 16 and 20, you can get paid to learn about different careers and make a positive impact in your community through work-based activities.

Work Experiences: TOH and City of Long Beach youth between the ages of 16 and 20 can develop job readiness skills and explore diverse career pathways through paid summer jobs in various industries throughout Nassau County.

Earn Money: Don't miss out on the chance to earn money while gaining valuable experience and exploring your career options!

WORKSITE PARTNERS

Partner with the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) at HempsteadWorks and provide valuable work experience to youth while expanding your business's staff at no cost. The program pays participant wages in full, so there's no financial burden on the hosting employer. As a SYEP worksite, you can play a vital role in the region's economic development and access a pool of talented, hyperlocal youth who are the future workforce.

Please review the important information below for details on this summer's program.

SYEP 2023:

Participants can work up to 30 hours per week

Rate of pay is $16 per hour, paid by the TOH Participants go through physical clearance and drug screening

Worksite Responsibilities:

Ensuring youth time and attendance procedures are followed, and the timesheets are complete and accurate Supervision of participants, along with guidance and training as appropriate Monitoring youth attendance, punctuality, and job performance

Don Clavin Supervisor

Fight for public water authority continues

to hold rates for the first year or two, and then they go for these dramatic rate increases.”

In November 2021, Gov. Kathy Hochul signed a bill creating the South Nassau Water Authority, a public entity with the sole purpose of taking over Liberty. The bill required the town to appoint three board members to the SNWA, while the Nassau County legislature was tasked with naming the other two.

By March of last year, five board members were named — Joseph Baker, John Reinhardt and Laura Ryder, each appointed by the town, and Robert Gizzi and Mark Plumer, who were county-appointed.

Ryder resigned from the position to become a town councilwoman, and a new board member, Ella Stevens, was named on May 9. Baker has also stepped down from the board, and his seat has yet to be filled.

Claudia Borecky, co-director of LICAWS, said she expressed her frustrations at the last town board meeting. She added that she would like to see someone like Denenberg fill the vacant seat.

“No one will fight harder than Dave,” she wrote in an email to the Herald. “No one will be more effective in negotiating a public takeover of Liberty water.”

For the state to approve a rate increase, a public hearing must be held, during which a smaller rate hike could be negotiated. A date for the hearing has not yet been set.

Town of Hempstead Supervisor Don Clavin said he was “outraged” by the threat of an increase.

“Only 16 months after buying American Water Company, Liberty Utilities filed for a rate increase of nearly 35

percent with the Public Service Commission,” he said in a statement on May 5. “If approved, the rate increase will allow Liberty to pad the value of the company by foisting this outrageous increase on its customers who are already overpaying for water.

“I, along with the newly formed South Nassau Water Authority, urge the Public Service Commission to reject this unconscionable rate increase,” he added. “Liberty water ratepayers deserve better.”

Reinhardt said he supports Clavin’s rejection of the requested rate increase. “Drinking water is a vital resource and should not be used to generate excessive profits,” he said.

While takeover efforts on the South Shore have been slow, Denenberg said similar public takeovers on the North Shore and in Massapequa are moving along successfully. Liberty has requested to raise the rates in the Sea Cliff service area by 13 percent.

Long Island CAWS said it wants a public meeting addressing the situation with Liberty and immediate action toward a public takeover.

A spokesperson from the Town of Hempstead confirmed that the SNWA would hold public meetings in the upcoming weeks regarding the matter. An announcement will be made once the dates are locked in.

“The reason for this increase, the reason why we’re paying so much, and the reason why we still have this problem,” Denenberg said, “is the Nassau and Hempstead elected officials, who refuse to take advantage of the opportunity that this water authority has for a public acquisition.

“We want to see a public acquisition,” Denenberg added, “and we want to see action towards that immediately.”

Herald File

Liberty UtiLities, which provides drinking water to several South Shore communities, is proposing a rate increase. Advocacy groups fighting for a public takeover of companies like Liberty are opposed to the increase — and putting pressure on the South Nassau Water Authority to facilitate takeover efforts.

history keeps repeating itself for residents abused by a private water monopoly.

dave denenberg Co-director, LICAWS

By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com

Around the Town of Hempstead, some recycling trucks might look different this year, because painted on the side of them are several pieces of artwork, drawn by students who are Hempstead residents, for the 2023 Recycling Poster Contest, an annual competition held in partnership with Covanta Energy.

At an outdoor ceremony on April 21 at Norman J. Levy Park and Preserve, which is tucked behind the town’s sanitation facilities in Merrick, the young artists were congratulated by elected officials and representatives of Covanta for their submissions which reflected pro-recycling and Earth Day themes.

And Levy Park was the perfect spot for the ceremony to take place, because the landfill-turned-preserve, colloquially known as “Merrick Mountain,” is the epitome of recycling. Named after a longtime Merrick resident and environmental advocate, State Sen. Norman J. Levy, the park has been open since 2000 and offers nature enthusiasts and hikers panoramic views of Long Island’s bays and beaches.

“This place is fantastic,” Town Supervisor Don Clavin said at the ceremony. “I grew up in Valley Stream, and when I would drive by this facility on my way to the beach, what would be here is a giant pile of garbage with garbage trucks. Then

some 30 years ago, they transformed it into the greatest preserve on Long Island.”

One of the park’s most popular attractions are Nigerian dwarf goats, which, during the day, are kept in a small pen at the entrance of the park. At night, however, they are released, and serve as a natural form of weed control.

The honored artists received gift bags and certificates, and their artwork, plastered on the side of two recycling trucks, served as a backdrop for the ceremony adjacent to Levy Park’s amphitheater.

The children honored were, Nazeela Ally, Nancy Benny, Dennis Beaudry, Isabella Beaudry, Leyton Martin, Sophia Munero-Osorio, Iris Romero, Ayesha Sher and Nicole Sokolowska.

“I love this contest,” Clavin said, “because it gets a lot of our younger individuals who care about the environment, who care about preserving it, or who care about recycling — it gets them involved.”

Speaking on the addition of the artwork to the side of the recycling trucks, Clavin added: “We cover a lot of territory, and we want everybody to appreciated your work, to appreciate your efforts and to raise awareness and the importance of protecting our environment.”

Ed Sandkuhl, facility manager of Covanta Energy, spoke a little on what the corporation does.

“We’re processing a million tons of solid, municipal waste a year and convert ing that waste that would otherwise go to

landfills, into enough electricity to power 75,000 homes and businesses right here on Long Island,” he explained. “None of that waste is going into the landfill and contributing to global warming.

did an amazing job,” he added. “It’s very inspirational.”

Levy Park and Preserve is open year round at 1600 Merrick Road, Merrick. From May through August, it is open daily

Jordan Vallone/Herald TOwN SupERViSOR DON Clavin honored young artists last month for their recyclingthemed pieces that placed in the 2023 Recyling Poster Contest, an annual competition held in partnership with Covanta Energy.

Task force hears personal stories of Jewish hate

By HERNESTO GALDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com

“Being here and sharing what has happened is a very important step.”

Those words were shared by Avi Posnick. He’s the Oceanside-based executive director of StandWithUs Northeast & New England, an international nonprofit Israel education organization. The “here” he mentioned? It was a public forum held by the Nassau County’s Special Legislative Task Force to Combat Antisemitism, a group first assembled in 2021 made up of six county legislators, five members of the public, and a representative from the county executive’s office.

The recent meeting at the county legislative building in Mineola was designed to allow those from the community to share their experiences involving antisemitism.

“We hear about it, we read about it, and some of us may be experiencing it,” said Rabbi Eli Weinstock of the Jewish Center of Atlantic Beach, who chairs the task force. “It could not be ignored without trying to take some action.”

There were 580 antisemitic incidents reported in New York last year, according to the Anti-Defamation League — a record high since 1979, and the highest in the country. Half of those incidents occurred in public spaces, while others took place at Jewish institutions, private residences, secular schools, and business establishments.

The most alarming number, however, was 42: the number of antisemitic incidents reported in Nassau County. There were found in a number of places, and include flyers that circulated last year in communities like Rockville Centre, Oceanside, Long Beach and Huntington reportedly promoting Jewish hate. There were also reports of students experiencing antisemitic bullying at school, and finding swastikas in buildings and parks. Students across the county came forward to share

their stories.

Sofie Glassman says she’s experienced antisemitism since she was 5 and on the school playground.

“A girl told me I wasn’t allowed to play with her because I was Jewish,” she said.

Glassman is now a sophomore at East Meadow High School, but the level of hate is still there. Like one time when she was eating lunch in the school cafeteria and overheard a group of students saying they wanted to throw things at her so they could “knock out my Judaism.”

Glassman told her mother about what happened, who in turn, called the school demanding the situation be addressed.

The punishment? Two months of in-school suspension.

Most recently, Glassman was informed that swastikas were found in the school’s boys bathroom. They’ve also

CAROLiNE KRONENfELD, A senior at Plainview-Old Bethpage John F. Kennedy High School, joined junior Yoav Muscal to share their experiences of antisemitism in their school district to members of Nassau County’s Special Legislative Task Force to Combat Antisemitism, during a public forum held earlier this month in Mineola.

been found elsewhere in the county, including in a Five Towns-area public school.

Another student, Caroline Kronenfeld, says the Holocaust is taught in schools like hers — Plainview-Old Bethpage John F. Kennedy High School — but very little is discussed about the racism Jewish students face. The senior recounted one experience in the school library where she overheard a group of students saying “Kanye was right.” That Kanye being rapper Kanye West — now known as Ye — who was accused of making antisemitic statements on social media platforms that some say outright threatened violence against Jews.

“We learn about the Holocaust and the severity of that,” Kronenfeld said. “We don’t learn about the severity of casual antisemitism.”

And that’s important, East Meadow’s Glassman said. “School is a place that I am supposed to feel safe in,” she said, “and feel supported by the administration.”

Hernesto Galdamez/Herald

STEPPING OUT

Galway to Broadway

Acclaimed singer/actor Ciarán Sheehan and his friends appear on the Tilles Center stage for an intimate musical journey, Beautiful, soaring Broadway favorites balanced with heart-tugging Irish melodies and humor are on full display with Dublin-born Sheehan, whose rich tenor voice and performances have been described as touching the soul. Sheehan made his Broadway debut as Babet, Marius in ‘Les Miserables,’and shortly thereafter in ‘The Phantom of the Opera.’ After a year of playing Raoul on Broadway, he moved into the coveted starring role of The Phantom, which he sang in more than 1,000 performances. His performances easily capture an audience, with the requisite charisma and magnetic stage presence. Don’t miss this lovely evening of Broadway, Irish music and mirth! This concert will lift your spirits and have you humming along to your favorite tunes.

By Karen Bloom

If the idea of longer, warmer days has you reaching for the tongs, you’re certainly not alone. Whether it’s a graduation party, a Memorial Day celebration, or simply to while away the hours with your gang, get outside and get your grilling game on.

From versatile chicken to meats, tender seafood, veggies, and even fruit, it’s never been more fun to incorporate new flavors into grilled cuisine. Find some inspiration with these recipes.

Skirt Steak with Roasted Corn Salad

• 1-1/2 pounds skirt steak, cut into 4-inch pieces

• 1/3 cup Tabasco Chipotle Pepper Sauce

• 1 tablespoon ground cumin

• 1 large garlic clove, crushed

In a large bowl, combine chipotle pepper sauce, cumin and garlic; add skirt steaks. Toss to mix well; cover and refrigerate at least 30 minutes or overnight.

Preheat grill to high. Grill skirt steak about 5 minutes, or until of desired doneness, turning once. To serve, plate steak with corn salad.

Corn Salad:

• 4 ears corn on the cob, shucked

• 2 large tomatoes, chopped

• 1 small red onion, diced

• 1 ripe avocado, peeled, pitted and diced

• 2 tablespoons fresh chopped basil

• 2 tablespoons lime juice

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

• 1 tablespoon Tabasco Chipotle Pepper Sauce

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

To prepare corn salad: Preheat grill to medium. Grill corn about 5 to 10 minutes, turning frequently, until tender-crisp. When cool enough to handle, cut corn from cob. In medium bowl, combine corn, tomatoes, red onion, avocado, basil, lime juice, olive oil, chipotle pepper sauce to taste, and salt; toss to mix well.

Chicken Skewers with Mango and Pineapple

• 3/4 cup ranch dressing

• 1 canned chipotle chile in adobo sauce, seeded and finely chopped

• 2 teaspoons adobo sauce (from can above)

• 1 tablespoon honey

Saturday, May 20, 8 p.m. $59. LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville. TillesCenter.org, or (516) 299-3100.

• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 pound chicken tenders, each cut into 3 equal pieces

• 1/2 pineapple, rind and core removed, cut into 1-inch chunks

• 1 large mango, peeled, cut into 1-inch chunks

• 1 small red onion, quartered and separated into layers

• Oil for grilling (about 2 tablespoons)

• 1/4 cup roughly chopped cilantro

• 1 lime, quartered

In medium bowl, combine dressing, chipotle chile, adobo sauce, honey, lime juice and salt for marinade. Stir well.

Assemble 4 skewers from ingredients in following order: onion, chicken, mango, chicken, pineapple, chicken, onion. Repeat twice more to complete skewer.

Lay skewers in shallow pan. Pour 1/4 cup marinade into small dish; set aside. Brush remaining marinade over skewers, coating all sides evenly. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate about an hour.

Set the grill to medium-high heat. When grill is quite hot, remove skewers from marinade (discard excess); brush lightly with oil. Lay oiled skewers on hot grates and grill until marked on all four sides and cooked through, 10 to 12 minutes total.

Arrange skewers on serving platter, drizzle with reserved 1/4 cup marinade, garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges.

Spiced Sweet Potatoes

• 4 medium sweet potatoes (about 3 pounds), scrubbed well

• 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon chipotle powder

• 2 tablespoons cider vinegar

• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Cover potatoes with cold salted water in a large pot, then bring to a boil. Simmer until slightly resistant when pierced with a sharp small knife, 5 to 7 minutes. Drain well. When cool, slice potatoes lengthwise. Mix together salt, spices and apple cider vinegar; add oil in a slow stream. Brush this mixture on sweet potatoes.

Grill potatoes on a lightly oiled grill rack over medium heat, until grill marks appear and potatoes are cooked through, about 15 minutes. Serve potatoes warm.

Niklas Sivelöv

Renowned Swedish pianistcomposer-teacher Niklas Sivelöv gives a rare New York-area recital. He has an extemsive repertoire that highlighs works by a number of contemporary Swedish composers along with the classics. He continously enchants audiences with his artistic temperament, impeccable technique, and spellbinding stage presence. Sivelöv describes himself as a bridge builder and part of a living tradition. He challenges both himself and that tradition by extending its cornerstones, for example by entering into unusual collaborations, such as with the jazz pianist Carsten Dahl. Sivelöv is one of the few classical pianists to master the art of improvisation. A sought-after soloist, his repertoire ranges from Bach, Beethoven and Schubert to Bartók, Prokofiev and Per Nørgård, in addition to his own compositions.

Sunday, May 21, 5 p.m. $25. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. (516) 767-6444, or LandmarkOnMainStreet.org.

Get fired up! Memorial Day weekend is fast approaching, and with it barbecue season is upon us.

Skirt Steak with Roasted Corn Salad

Chicken Skewers with Mango and Pineapple

Spiced Sweet Potatoes

It’s time for some sizzle

‘round the

THE SCENE

Niklas Sivelöv

Renowned Swedish pianistcomposer-teacher

Niklas Sivelöv visits the Landmark stage, Sunday, May 21, 5 p.m. This is a rare New York-area recital by Sivelöv, who enchants audiences with his artistic temperament, impeccable technique and spellbinding stage presence. He has a repertoire extending from Beethoven to Lutoslawski and Ligeti, also including works by a number of contemporary Swedish composers. Sivelöv describes himself as part of a living tradition. He challenges both himself and the tradition by building upon its cornerstones, for example entering into unusual collaborations, such as with the jazz pianist Carsten Dahl. He is one of the few classical pianists to master the art of improvisation. This program includes Beethoven, Bach and Skriabin, also compositions by Queens College professor Dr. Edward Smaldone. Smaldone offers commentary during the concert. $25. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. (516) 767-6444 or LandmarkOnMainStreet. org.

May 18

Whale of a Drink fundraiser

On exhibit

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

Support The Whaling Museum by participating in Sandbar restaurant’s Whale of a Drink, Whale of a Cause fundraising effort, now through June 21. Enjoy the Sandbar’s iconic cocktail, the Whalebone, and a portion of the purchase will be donated to the museum. A “mocktail” version is also available. To help promote the fundraiser, mixologist Dan Leopold will offer a mixology demonstration and Whalebone tasting at the Museum’s Whales & Ales event on June 3, 2:303 p.m. Funds will support the Whaling Museum’s community education programs during its 2023 summer season. 55 Main St, Cold Spring Harbor. For information, visit SandbarColdSpringHarbor.com.

Passion for Pride

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

Art talk

Join Nassau County Museum

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

Mobile office hours

Steve Rhoads is hosting mobile office hours at the Bellmore Memorial Library, Saturday, June 10, from 1 to 3 p.m. 2288 Bedford Ave., Bellmore. To schedule an appointment, call (516) 882-0630. Appointments are required, but walk-ins, if times permits, are welcome.

May 27

Native Plant Sale

Reintroducing native plants to your garden can help make your outdoor space more colorful and also attract native pollinators. Stop by the native plant sale for the Fr. Jeremiah J. Reilly Council Knights of Columbus on Memorial Day Weekend at the Sacred Heart Church parking lot to pick up new additions for your garden, Saturday, May 27, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.;

Sunday,May 28, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

720 Merrick Ave., Merrick. Call (516) 662-5069 for more.

Walk with a Doc

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

Having an event?

Terrific turtles

Bring the kids to Long Island Children’s Museum to learn fascinating facts about turtles and meet the museum’s special “resident” Franklin the box turtle, Saturday, May 20, 12-2 p.m. Also make a turtle friend to take home at the drop-in program. Suitable for ages 3+ Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or LICM.org.

Temple B’Nai Torah Garden Party

Wantagh’s historic Temple B’Nai Torah is part of the cause to provide pantries and shelters with fresh produce, Mark your calendar and join in a garden party on June 10. For more information send an email to rfauci@gmail.com.

Annual Plant Sale

The Merrick Garden Club of the Federated Garden Clubs of New York is having its annual plant sale, Saturday, June 3, with a rain date of June 4. Primarily perennials areavailable for purchase. The sale will occur at 150 Woodpecker Lane in Merrick.

Items on The Scene page are listed free of charge. The Herald welcomes listings of upcoming events, community meetings and items of public interest. All submissions should include date, time and location of the event, cost, and a contact name and phone number. Submissions can be emailed to thescene@liherald.com.

On 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, Friday, May 19, 10:15 a.m. and noon; Sunday, May 21, 2 p.m.; Wednesday and Thursday, May 24-25, 10:15 a.m. and noon. Elephant and Piggie storm the stage in a rollicking musical romp filled with plenty of pachydermal peril and swiney suspense perfect for young audiences. Together with nutty backup singers, The Squirrelles, the comedic duo even gets the audience involved in the action. $9 with museum admission ($7 members), $12 theater only. Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 2245800 or LICM.org

Westbury House Tour

For many years visitors to Westbury House at Old Westbury Gardens asked what was beyond the first floor corridor. Now beyond the door and discover “secrets of the service wing,” during a 60-minute guided tour, Friday, May 19, noon-1 p.m.; Monday, May 22, noon1 p.m.; Wednesday, May 24, noon-1 p.m. and 1:30-2 p.m.. Be introduced to the intensive labor required to create the lifestyle experienced by the Phipps family and their guests; tour the many rooms that were “behind the scenes” to create the formal dining experiences of early 20th century. Go along the corridors to the butler’s pantry and silver cleaning room then descend the 17 steps to the kitchen, scullery, and wine storage rooms located on the ground floor. Reservations required. 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. For information contact (516) 333-0048 or visit

the voices of St. Agnes WITH MICHAEL BOWER, ORGANIST

SUNDAY JUNE 4, 2023 • 7:00 PM

Scott Jackson Wiley, in his final appearance as Music Director and Conductor of the South Shore Symphony, leads the orchestra of over 100 musicians and singers in a performance of one of the most spectacular symphonies ever written. Everyone is invited to join us for this special event.

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

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

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

Saw Mill Girl Scouts send cookies overseas

By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com

Three Girl Scouts with North Bellmore roots participated in Operation Hometown Hero, an initiative by the Girl Scouts of the USA that helps scouting groups give back to heroes at home, and overseas.

Members of Brownie Troop 961 and Daisy Troop 969, including Aria Williams, 8, Arianna Coutu, 7 and her sister, Gemma Coutu, 6, all students at Saw Mill

Road Elementary School in the North Bellmore School District, attended a cookie send off at the Girl Scouts of Nassau County headquarters in Garden City on May 3, where they met members of the military, Nassau County Police Commissioner Pat Ryder, veterans, state legislators and county, New York City and state police officers. Other Girl Scouts from different troops also attended the event.

The girls’ donated over 100 cookie boxes, and a truck was loaded at the event with some of their donations, to be shipped to a military base in Djibouti, Africa. All of the girls spoke highly of their experience participating in the drive, and of their time thus far in the Girl Scout organization.

The way the troops collected so many cookies for the donation was simple, Arianna explained. “So people bought cookies from us, but if they didn’t really want the cookies, they would say that they want to donate it to the troops,” she told the Herald. “And if you donate a certain amount of cookies, you get to go to one of the (cookie send offs).”

Two additional Girl Scouts from North Bellmore, Nina Hendershot and Lila Radigan, also donated over 100 cookies, but both either attended or are planning to attend a different cookie send off.

Nicole Coutu, Arianna and Gemma’s mom, who’s also a leader in Troop 969, said considering the girls are so young, the concept of military troops is a little hard to understand.

“Events like this really let the girls see who these cookies are going to and allow us to have a conversation about the military, local law enforcement and our hometown heroes,” she said. “They loved being able to hand the cookies directly to our Nassau County police commissioner and hear from the veterans who have received coolies while stationed abroad.”

Krystal Williams, Aria’s mother, said her husband and Aria’s father is a Marine Corps veteran, alongside Aria’s godfather. They both served two tours in Afghanistan, and were honorably discharge with Purple Hearts after surving an IED explosion.

“They often tell Aria stories about receiving the Girl Scout cookies while serving in Afghanistan and the joy it brought to all of them their ‘brothers’ on dark days,” she explaind. “Many of Aria’s cookie donations to the hometown heroes were made by the hometown heroes in our life — veterans, active military and police officers. It was a very special, first circle moment for our family.”

“It’s really fun,” Aria said of the experience. “When you load them into the truck and you’re all next to each other shoulder to shoulder, you feel like you’re an elf loading up Santa’s sleigh.”

The girls recommended that others their age get involved with Girl Scouts, and start taking part in projects that help the community. “It’s super fun and you get to do all these cool activities,” Aria said, “and you get to help the community while you’re at it. You’re doing good and having fun.”

Courtesy Nicole Coutu

thREE GiRL ScOutS from North Bellmore, Aria Williams, Arianna Coutu and her sister, Gemma Coutu, bottom right, participated in a cookie collection for Operation Hometown Hero. They got to meet members of the military, elected officials and dozens of police officers at the Girl Scouts of Nassau County headquarters in Garden City on May 3.

Guest Column

Invest in your future: Take an AP exam

For everyone else there are 4 sea sons, but for some high school students there are 5: AP exam season. According to the College Board, the purpose of AP Exams is to evaluate a students’ level of mastery of the knowledge and skills covered in a particular AP course. They are classified as standardized tests that have either an end of year exam or alternative methods to evaluate what a student has been taught over the course of the year.

In reality, what does this “season” entail? In principle, AP exams are designed to benefit the students later in life. They allow students to take a more intense and vigorous class in high school. Furthermore, once they enroll in college, they may be able to earn college credit and/or skip some gen eral education requirements if they do well on the corresponding AP exam. For example, I am took the AP Biology exam on May, 10, and if I score higher than the certain standard for the schools I apply to, then I can be exempt from a beginner Biology class in college.

Now, the new question stands: Are they truly worth it?

To develop a better view of if these exams are worth it for the general stu-

If someone has the resources, capability, and guts, then I would definitely recommend it. Investing in yourself can go a long way.

Talya Lippman is a student contributor for the Bellmore and Merrick Heralds.

Francine Goldstein is still walking for a cause

Francine Goldstein, and her husband Lenny, have long been advocates for the AIDS Walk, raising over $845,000 for AIDS research.

Over 30 years ago, a close friend of the couple was diagnosed with AIDS, after giving birth to her daughter. The only organization at the time that was willing to offer assistance was the Gay Men’s Health Crisis, and it supported her by providing legal services, caregivers, support group services and helped her obtain medication at a substantial discount.

When their friend died 2 ½ years later, Goldstein was determined to do everything she could to ensure that no one else would suffer the way she did.

Now, 35 years later, Goldstein is still walking and keeping her promise. Last year alone, she raised $80,000, and is seeking donations to help her cause this year.

“Contrary to popular belief, he epidemic is not over,” Goldstein wrote in a release to the Herald. “Each year, thousands of people in New York City are

newly infected. Newer drugs have extended the life expectancy of those affected by HIV/AIDS leading to a host of new concerns. Many long term survivors are dealing with isolation and require special help to meet their needs.”

Goldstein is walking May 21, and donations can be made on GMHC.AIDSWalkNY.org/FrancineGoldstein.

–Jordan Vallone

Herald file photo

Francine Goldstein is in her 35th year participating in the AIDS Walk.

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK

COUNTY OF NASSAU

M&T BANK, Plaintiff, v.

CHARLES ROOCKE A/K/A

CHARLES A. ROOCKE, ET AL,

Defendant. NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE

THAT

In pursuance of a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the Office of the County Clerk of Nassau County on January 19, 2023, I, Charles Casolaro, Esq., the Referee named in said Judgment, will sell in one parcel at public auction on May 30, 2023 at The North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501, County of Nassau, State of New York, at 2:00 PM the premises described as follows:

4 Bay Street Bellmore, NY 11710

SBL No: 63.-40-22, 26, 123, & 125

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

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

Foreclosure Auctions will be held Rain or Shine. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the Court Appointed Referee will cancel the foreclosure auction.

Woods Oviatt Gilman LLP

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

139094

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU

HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR FREMONT HOME LOAN TRUST 2005-D.

MORTGAGE-BACKED

CERTIFICATES, SERIES

2005-D Plaintiff,

Against MICHAEL BROWN, et al.

Defendant(s)

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

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

Section 56 Block L Lot 21

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

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

appointed referee will cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine”. For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832. Georgia Papazis, Esq, Referee Frenkel Lambert Weiss Weisman & Gordon, LLP 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 11706 01-087658-F00 75937

139367

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE TO BIDDERS SEALED PROPOSAL WILL BE RECEIVED by the Division of Purchasing of the Town of Hempstead, 350 Front Street, Room 122, Hempstead, N.Y. 11550-4037 until 11:00

AM prevailing time Thursday, June 1, 2023 at which time the following Formal Bids and Contracts will be publicly opened, read and approved as soon thereafter as practicable

FB#21-2023

Making history comes alive!

Want to keep your gray matter active? Looking for fascinating facts, not dull ones, like which year a war began? Look no further than learning the origin of old expressions. Here are picturesque phrases that originated centuries ago in early England that we still use:

body’s wrist, snake it up through the ground and tie it to a bell. The person who had “the graveyard shift” would listen for the bell. The person was either “saved by the bell” or was considered “a dead ringer.”

Isn’t history fascinating? Aren’t you glad you didn’t live way back then?

Isn’t it strange that some phrases stick around even when countries, cultures, and technologies change?

LEGAL

NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BY THE BOARD OF APPEALS

Labor And Material To Repair/Replace Parts For TOH Existing Dust Collector

FB#22-2023

*Furnish & Install 3”

Louis B. Imbroto, Esq., Referee. McCabe, Weisberg & Conway, LLC, 10 Midland Avenue, Suite 205, Port Chester, NY 10573

Dated:

4/6/2023 File Number: 17-300073 LD 139258

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT

COUNTY OF NASSAU Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, as Trustee for Freddie Mac Seasoned Credit Risk Transfer Trust, Series 2017-2, as Owner of the Related Mortgage Loan, Plaintiff AGAINST The Estate of Antonio Aliberti a/k/a Anthony Aliberti, et al., Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale

duly entered March 15, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on June 13, 2023 at 2:00PM, premises known as 106 Marle Place, Bellmore, NY 11710. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Bellmore, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, SECTION: 56, BLOCK: 345, LOT: 67, Lot Group 67-68.

Approximate amount of judgment $723,582.11 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #613754/2018. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the NASSAU County COVID-19 Protocols located on the Office of Court Administration (OCA) website (https://ww2.nycourts.gov /Admin/oca.shtml) and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the court

Pursuant to New York State Town Law Article 16, New York State Public Officers Law Article 7, and the Town of Hempstead Building Zone Ordinance, NOTICE is hereby given that the BOARD OF APPEALS of the Town of Hempstead will hold a public hearing in the Old Town Hall, 350 Front Street, Room 230, Second Floor, Hempstead, New York on 5/24/23 at 2:00 P.M. to consider the following applications and appeals:

THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 2:00 P.M. 348/23. - 349/23.

BELLMORE - Viav Pub, Inc. d/b/a Cassidy’s Restaurant & Bar, Variance in off-street parking, insufficient stall size & back-up space; Special exception to park in front yard setback on Haff Ave., maintain addition attached to existing building; Maintain 8’ high fence & which is greater distance forward to the street than front building line on Haff Ave., S/E cor. Newbridge Rd. & Haff Ave., a/k/a 1367 Newbridge Rd. S.E.Q.R. determination not made.

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

This notice is only for new cases in Bellmore within Town of Hempstead jurisdiction. There are additional cases in different hamlets, towns and villages on the Board of Appeals calendar. The full calendar is available a t https://hempsteadny.gov/ 509/Board-of-Appeals

The internet address of the website streaming for this meeting is https://hempsteadny.gov/ 576/Live-Streaming-Video

Interested parties may appear at the above time and place. At the call of the Chairman, the Board will consider decisions on the foregoing and those on the Reserve Decision calendar and such other matters as may properly come before it.

139585

Thick Foam Insulated Patio Roof and Two (2) Dry Wells

FB#23-2023

Complete Restoration Of Courtroom Benches

FB#24-2023

Purchase And Installation Of Two (2) AC units For DGS Printshop YEARLY REQUIREMENTS FOR: *TOWN BOARD TO MAKE AWARD Bid/RFP/RFQ packets may be picked up only between the hours of 9:00 A.M. to 4:15 P.M. Bid/RFP/RFQ Packets may also be obtained via email request to Paul J. LoRaso paullor@hempsteadny.go

v

Please include Firm name, address, contact person and contact telephone number. Also include Bid/Offer number that you are requesting. All Bids/Offers must be made on bidding sheets furnished by the Division of Purchasing of the Town of Hempstead and subject to all specifications, terms and conditions stated therein. The Division of Purchasing and or the Town Board reserves the right to reject any and all Bids/Proposals and to accept the Bid/Proposal(s) that is deemed most favorable to the interests of the Town ATTENTION VETERANS: You have certain rights under Section 162 of The New York State Finance Law in connection with public contracts for the purchase of commodities or provision of services. Specifically, This law may authorize acceptance of a bid submitted by a “Qualified Veteran’s Workshop” provided that the bid shall not exceed the lowest responsible bid by greater than 15%. It is incumbent on you to submit all required documentation to the Town, demonstrating your qualification for treatment under that section. You should consult your attorney to determine your qualification for treatment under this provision.

Piss Poor: When urine was used for tanning animal skins, families used to pee in a pot that they then sold to a tannery. If this is what you had to do to survive, you were “piss poor.” Even poorer than you, however, were those who “didn’t have a pot to piss in.”

It’s Raining Cat and Dogs: Many houses had thatched roofs without wood support. Small animals would discover that the roof was a warm place to live. With heavy rain, the straw became slippery. Cats and dogs (as well as mice and bugs) would soon fall off the roof.

Bring Home the Bacon: What a special occasion it was when people could obtain pork! To show off, they’d hang up their slab of meat. It was a sign of comparative wealth to be able to “bring home the bacon.” People would then invite guests to sit around the fire and “chew the fat.”

Holding a Wake: Centuries ago, lead cups were used for drinking whiskey. Lead and alcohol, wow what a combination. It could knock out drinkers for days! When their bodies were found along the road, no one was sure whether they were dead or alive. So they were laid out on the kitchen table for a few days. The family would come round to discover if they’d wake up.

Saved by the Bell: In some areas of old England, they ran out of places to bury people; hence they’d reuse a grave. When old coffins were opened, some had scratch marks on the inside! What a shock to realize that they’d been burying people alive. To prevent this, they’d tie a string on the

to Person

Now, let’s look at a few words whose origins are familiar to you if you grew up before the digital age. If you’re in that age category, it’s time for you to provide a few explanations to the younger generation. Here’s why:

■ Kids don’t know what you’re talking about when you tell them they “sound like a broken record.”

■ They don’t understand why you ask them to “hang up” the phone or “dial” a number.

■ Tell them to “roll” up the window in the car, and watch them roll their eyes.

■ “Clockwise” makes no sense to them if their clocks are digital.

■ And though they may use “cc” on their e-mails, it’s likely they have no idea what those letters stand for. Tell them it’s “carbon copy,” then explain to them what that was!

Yes, dear pre-digital readers, it’s up to you to bring the younger generation up to speed. Teach them the origin of these phrases and take pride in the culture of your youth.

©2023

Linda Sapadin, Ph.D., psychologist, coach and author specializes in helping people improve their relationships, enhance their lives and overcome procrastination and fear. Contact her at DrSapadin@aol.com. Visit her website at www.PsychWisdom.com.

Linda Sapadin

Person

EMPLOYMENT

Help Wanted

AUTO TECHNICIAN FT 4 Day Work Week

Experienced And Reliable. NYSI A Plus. Busy Merrick Shop. Call 516-781-5641

BEACH MANAGER : Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday 10am-6pm. Handle Chairs/ Umbrellas/ Towels Accomodations Of Members. 516-835-2819

CIRCULATION ASSOCIATE

Full Time/Part Time

Richner Communications, publisher of Herald community newspapers has an excellent opportunity for a FT/PT Customer Service Clerk in our busy Circulation Department.

Basic customer service and administrative responsibilities include: heavy computer work, answering phones, making phone calls, entering orders, faxing, filing, etc.

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

CLERK FULL TIME

Needed For Garden City Law

Firm. Responsibilities Include Filing, Ordering And Stocking Office Supplies, Mail Distribution, Photocopying, Scanning, And Errands To Banks, Post Office And Courts.

Must Have A Vehicle And Valid N.Y. Driver License.

Please Email Resume To mjagnandan@albaneselegal.com Or Call 516-248-7000 Ext.2212

DRIVERS WANTED

Full Time and Part Time Positions Available!

Busy Print Shop in Garden City is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers.

Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience. Hours Vary, Night Availability is a Must.

Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239

DRIVING INSTRUCTOR

Company Car/ Bonuses. Clean Driving Record Required, Will Train. Retirees Welcome! Bell Auto School 516-365-5778

Email: info@bellautoschool.com

DRIVING INSTRUCTORS WANTED

Will Certify And Train

HS Diploma

NYS License Clean 3 Years

Call 516-731-3000

Help Wanted

EDITOR/REPORTER

The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team!

This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry.

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

FRONT DESK

Summer Weekend Position Available at Howard Hanna | Coach Realtors 1315 Broadway, Hewlett Saturday Hours 10am-1pm Sunday Hours 10am-3pm Call 516-374-0100 Today To Schedule A Meeting!

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

w/References & Salary History: orders@autostatcorp.com

JOB FAIR! NOW HIRING BARTENDERS * WAITERS ALL RESTAURANT STAFF! Sunday May 21st 10:00-12:00 (please arrive by 9:45). Come and be interviewed on the spot and stay for orientation. Those offered positions will have specific position orientation at 1:00pm! Come work with the best team on the beach at Long Island's premier private beach club here in Atlantic Beach NY.

Make this a summer to remember!! (516) 371-0750 New York Beach Club 1751 Ocean Blvd Atlantic Beach NY www.newyorkbeachclub.com newyorkbeachclub@gmail.com

MULTI MEDIA ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT Inside Sales

Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. We offer salary, commission, bonuses, health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Will consider part time.

Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com

Call 516-569-4000 X286

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

Lev Chana Early Childhood: Early Childhood Assistant Teachers

HALB Elementary School: Assistant Teachers

Part Time Morah Middle School Morah Full Time Rebbe Middle School Math Teacher

DRS Yeshiva High School for Boys: English Teacher Science Teacher Learning Center Teacher Assistant College Guidance Counselor

SKA High School for Girls: Graphic Design Teacher Ivrit Teacher

Halacha Teacher AP Computer Science Teacher

Multiple IT Positions : Software Developers needed to design, develop, and maintain software solutions and applications.

Database Administrators needed to conduct requirements gathering, feasibility study, design preparation and effort estimation for database architecture and data migration supporting Oracle,MS SQL, PostgreSQL, and MySQL server databases. Systems Administrators needed to conduct end-to-end administration of enterprise backup and recovery environments. Positions based in Hicksville, NY, but require travel and/or relocation to unanticipated locations throughout U.S. Email resume to sridhar@mahimasoft.com, Srivin Infosystems, Inc. dba Mahima Soft, 25 Newbridge Rd, Suite # 303, Hicksville, NY 11801. No walk-ins.

OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR

Cedarhurst,

Center Hall English Colonial-style home located in the desirable Bryn Mawr neighborhood. The property boasts an oversized lot and features an elegant and gracious design. The large eatin kitchen includes an island and a spacious breakfast area, while the banquetsized dining room has an original stainedglass window. Other notable features of the home include a den, 3-season room, and a new powder room. The primary bedroom is an en-suite and there are three additional generous-sized bedrooms. Plus a bonus third floor with finished rooms and a large finished lower level. Additional amenities include new central air conditioning and a 2-car garage.

Open Houses

WOODMERE BA, 504 Saddle Ridge Rd., FIRST TIME ON MARKET!Move Right Into This Renovated 4 BR, 2 Bth Split with Open Layout in Prime Location! Granite/Wood EIK Opens to Dining Room & Living Room. Lower Level Den. HW Flrs, Gas Heat, CAC. Oversized Property!

SD#14.Near All!..$1,149,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299

House For Sale

POINT LOOKOUT: WATERFRONTLargest Selection of Beach Homes, Sale/ Rent. Our Home Listings Sell FA$T! VIDEOS. HUG R.E. 516-431-8000 www.hugrealestate.com

Help Wanted

RECEPTIONIST - FULL TIME

Receptionist (full-time) needed for Publisher and Self-Storage Facility located in Garden City. The ideal candidate should have excellent communications and customer service skills, be professional, dependable and have reliable transportation. Candidate should have computer knowledge and working knowledge of MS Office. Candidate MUST be reliable, punctual and be able to work a CONSISTENT schedule:

Monday and Wednesday 8am to 4pm

Tuesday and Thursday 8am to 6pm Friday 8am to 5pm

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

Salary: $15.00 /hour

Email your resume to: careers@liherald.com

Help Wanted

Shapiro & Assocs. seeks Project Engineer to work w/contractors/construction mgrs on high rise buildings/structures, primarily in NY Metro. Duties: lead/oversee/plan/manage/perform assignments involving mean/methods for construction/demolition per NYC/local building codes, modeling/analysis of existing/alt. load paths in historic structures, conduct on-site training/supervision for staff engrs/interns, communicate w/architects/engrs/ construction mgrs to plan/execute projects & troubleshoot. Reqs: M.S. Civil Eng/Structural Eng/sim + 2 yrs’ training/internship/exp.(or B.S. +5 yrs’ exp.) w/eng. design/analysis for demolition & means/methods incl. AutoCAD/RISA-3D/analytical models/programs to analyze stresses/loads. Lynbrook, NY worksite. Resumes: hiring@hisassoc.com; Ref: HR/VS

UP TO $20.70 NYC, $20.00 L.I., $16.20

Upstate NY! If you need care from your relative, friend/ neighbor and you have Medicaid, they may be eligible to start taking care of you as personal assistant under NYS Medicaid CDPA Program. No Certificates needed. 347-713-3553

Eldercare Offered

EUROPEAN ELDERCARE Takes Special Care Of Loved Ones. Full Month Livein L.I. Stroke, Parkinson, Alzheimers. Jean Or Eka 914-357-0398; 845-567-6359

REAL ESTATE

Open Houses

EAST ROCKAWAY BA,101 EMMET101 Emmet Ave NEW TO MARKET! WATERFRONT BEAUTY! Rebuilt in 2010 This 4 Bedroom, 3.5 Bth Split Features Open Layout. 2 Story EF, Soaring Ceilings, LR,DR, Gran/Wood EIK & Family Rm Overlooking Water View.Resortlike Yard Has Pool, Deck, Outdoor Kit, Dock & 110'Bulkhead. Priv Primary Ste w/ Marble Bth &WICs. SD#20..$1,250,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299

HEWLETT BA, 1599 Lakeview Dr, NEW! 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...$799,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299

Open Houses

HEWLETT Ba, 257 WILLARD Dr, MUST SEE NEW KITCHEN UPDATES!! Spacious 5 BR, 3 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 516-238-429

HEWLETT BAY PARK BA,190 Meadowview Ave Ever Dream of Living in A Castle? This 8000 Sq Ft Mansion is Full of Character. Amazing Architectural Details, Soaring Ceilings, Stained Glass Windows. 5 BR, 6.55 Bths. Sprawling 1.3 Acre Prop with IG Gunite Pool. SD#14.Near All. Must See This Unique Home!..$3,200,00 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas elliman 516-238-429 ba

Apartments For Rent

CEDARHURST NO FEE Private Entrance, Modern 1BR, 2BR, 3BR, CAC, W/D, Storage, Wall To Wall Carpeting, Indoor Parking Space. Starting At $1450 For One Bedroom When Available. (516)860-6889/ (516)852-5135/ (516)582-9978

MoneyTo Lend

ARE YOU BEHIND $10k OR MORE ON YOUR TAXES? Stop wage & bank levies, liens & audits, unfiled tax returns, payroll issues, & resolve tax debt FAST. Call 888-869-5361 (Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-5pm PST)

A leak in a corner, and adding a half-bath

Q. We just moved into our first home on a hilly property, and now we see that the bottom of the wall in the corner of our walkout basement is wet. I opened the drywall, and the bottom wood is black, rotted, crumbling and soaking wet, too. While we’re fixing this problem, we want to add a half bathroom and take out the columns to make the family room open and larger. What should we do to stop the water in the corner of the basement, and what do we need to know about taking out the columns? The contractor says he can put in mi-lams, which I think are some kind of wood beam.

A. The water problem, the bathroom, and the changing of structure are three different issues that can be addressed at the same time but require more than a little knowhow. First, water getting in is caused by openings, and it was helpful that you included pictures with your question. On the outside of the basement, where the floor of the basement is actually about five inches above the ground, I notice a raised planting bed. The soil and fresh mulch hides an avoidable problem: The edge of the floor is now at or just under the height of the planting bed.

I am certain the artistic intentions did not take into account the fact that water seeks its own level, and most people don’t realize that when we get heavy rain like we’ve been experiencing lately, it can’t flow away as fast as it accumulates, meaning that you can have, temporarily, 2- to 4-inch-tall walls of moving water at a given location. You must lower the flowerbeds and slope the land away from the foundation so a pond of rain can’t work its way under the wall base plate — that rotted wood sill you now see.

After clearing back the mulch and soil, clean the exposed concrete and siding, cut out the wood sill plate as long as you temporarily support the wall. As far to each side as you can, remove the wood and bottom of the siding, then install a new wood sill over a polystyrene sill sealer on the concrete with a copper termite shield above the sill sealer. Then apply liquid roll-on waterproofing membrane so that it bridges the gap of the concrete and wood wall base.

The internet has contradicting details showing sill sealer foam incorrectly above the copper shield. Logically, the foam sealer fills rough concrete surface gaps. Copper sheet flashing, called the termite shield, goes over the foam.

The half-bath may require an ejector pump. You need a licensed plumber who knows what permit requirements must be met for your building permit. Never guess what beam is required. Without a professional applying load paths, material and people weight, snow and wind loads, guessing is going to cause extra cost, either from overbuilding or replacing the wrong choice beam. Be safe!

Monte Leeper

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Garage Sales

BELLMORE 2638 Hewlett Lsne. Sat. 5/20.

Rain Date Sun 5/21.10am-4pm. Clothes, Home Goods, Furniture, Televisions, Books, Children's Items & More.

LONG BEACH Proceeds To Benefit Homeless Cats and Dogs. 330 W. Olive Street. Sunday 5/28, Monday 5/29. 11am-4pm. Something For Everyone!

ROCKVILLE CENTRE: FAMILY TAG

SALE!! SATURDAY 5/20, 9AM-4PM. 397 Hempstead Avenue. China, Furniture, Comic Books, Linens, Electronics, Video Games.

WANTAGH: SATURDAY 5/20/23

9am-4pm 1276 Holiday Park Drive. Something For Everyone!

MERCHANDISE MART

Antiques/Collectibles

We Buy Antiques, Fine Art & Jewelry

Same Day Service, Free In-Home Evaluations, 45 Year Family Business. Licensed and Bonded, Immediate Cash Paid. SYL-LEE ANTIQUES www.syl-leeantiques.com 516-671-6464

Wanted To Buy

FREON WANTED: Certified buyer looking to buy R11, R12, R22 & more! Call Clarissa at 312-535-8384.

FINDS UNDER $100

Finds Under $100

BATHROBE: UNISEX 100% Turkish Cotton, Garden City Hotel Embroidery, One Size. Tags On, $90. 516-320-1906

516-785-3121

MOUNTAIN BIKE, IRON Horse, Mens or Ladies, new tires, cushioned seat, $75, #516-816-7383

WOMEN'S BICYCLE FOR sale $ 99.00 excellent condition light blue color. (516) 569-7104.

SERVICES

Brick/Block/Concrete/Masonry

Cement Specialist, Brickwork, Interlock Bricks, Belgium Blocks, Stoops, Patios, Driveways, Sidewalks, Basement Entrances, Pavers, Waterproofing. Quality Work,

Decks

DECKS DECKS Our Only Business COMPOSITES/WOOD Excellent References & Many Photos Lic./Ins. Free Estimates C & S DECKS 516-729-5859

Electricians

E-Z ELECTRIC SERVICES, INC. All Types Residential/Commercial Wiring, Generators, Telephone/Data, Home Entertainment, Service Upgrades, Pools, Spas. Services/Repairs. Violations Removed. Free Estimates Low Rates. 516-785-0646 Lic/Ins.

Handyman

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

Home Improvement

BATH & SHOWER UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Affordable prices - No payments for 18 months! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & Military Discounts available. Call: 866-393-3636

BRIAN CONNELLY

SEAMLESS GUTTERS

Cleaned, Repaired & Replaced Also Specializing in Roofing & Siding No job too big or small Lic. #H2709920000. Ins. Free Est. 516-234-4388 or 516-623-8447

Home Improvement

DON'T PAY FOR Covered Home Repairs

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HANDY DANDY HOME IMPROVEMENTS

* Full Or Partial Kitchens/ Baths *Painting

*Sheetrock *Taping/ Spackling *Installations Ceramic/ Vinyl Tile *Carpentry *Alterations *Repairs/ More. FREE ESTIMATES. Dan 516-342-0761

LITO CONSTRUCTION

Home Improvement/ Construction 10% OFF ANY JOB OVER $2,000 Masonry, Brick Work, Stone Decor, Pointing, Tile, Driveways, Sidewalks, Steps, Framing, Foundations, Remodel Interiors, Extensions, Bathrooms, Basements. Licensed/ Insured. Free Estimates. 516-564-8315, 516-376-9365

ROOFING GREAT PRICES ! NEW ROOF SPECIALS SIDING- Best Prices RENOVATIONS & ALL REPAIRS SUPER COMPETITIVE PRICES! Licensed / Insured. Free Estimates Nassau License. # H-0102710000 Call John - 516-852-9830

Painting OLD SALT PAINTING Small Job Specialist Great Rates, Free Estimates 516-312-9643

Power Washing

POWERWASHING ALL SURFACES: Houses, Fences, Concrete/ Brick, Decks/Sealing. . ANTHONY & J HOME IMPROVEMENT, INC. 516-678-6641

Sprinkler Syst./Irrig.Wells

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Education

COMPUTER & IT TRAINING PROGRAM!

Train ONLINE to get the skills to become a Computer & Help Desk Professional now! Grants and Scholarships available for certain programs for qualified applicants. Call CTI for details! 844-947-0192 (M-F 8am-6pm ET). Computer with internet is required.

TRAIN ONLINE TO DO MEDICAL BILLING! Become a Medical Office Professional online at CTI! Get Trained, Certified & ready to work in months! Call 855-543-6440. (M-F 8am-6pm ET). Computer with internet is required

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AUTOMOBILE & MARINE

Autos For Sale

DODGE 1995 STEALTH R/T CLASSIC Red, Auto, P/S, P/B, Good Condition $3500. 516-236-2565.

Autos For Sale

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*MICHAEL LO BAIDO CONSTRUCTION*

The George Santos of then, now, and what might’ve been

He called us the “Herald Firing Squad.” That was fair, I guess. When Republican congressional candidate George Santos first visited our Garden City office last fall, there were nine reporters — including me — sitting around the conference table waiting for him.

This time, however, it was just three of us. A senior editor, Laura Lane. A senior reporter, Michael Malaszczyk. And me. We didn’t meet on Long Island. Instead, we traveled on May 5 to Queens, where now-U.S. Rep. George Santos works when he’s not in Washington. A few days later, he would face federal charges — charges he reportedly did not know about when he sat with us.

Unlike his office on Capitol Hill, there were no reporters waiting outside his door trying to ask questions. Instead, it was just the three of us, walking into a cramped space, past a sign on the door warning against using audio devices and video equipment. Staff members had to move around a bit just to seat us at a conference table outside the congressman’s office.

Santos arrived just moments after we did, wearing a fresh suit and a light blue tie, and carrying a small food pack from Starbucks that he called his breakfast. A lot had happened to him between that October afternoon he visited our offices, and this chilly Friday morning.

Reporters spent months asking Santos questions about his past. Where he worked. Where he went to school. What happened with his mother. Whether he was ever arrested. Whether he was truly “Jew-ish,” as he had previously claimed.

Law enforcement officials at all levels announced investigations into different aspects of Santos’s life. Even the Republican-controlled House Ethics Committee wanted a chance to weigh in.

But sitting there, across from George Santos, none of that seemed real. The congressman outlined what seemed very much like a busy schedule dealing with constituents, introducing bills, and even seeking a place in history that didn’t make him an easy target for latenight talk show hosts and banter for news outlets.

There’s his bill intended to cap state and local tax exemptions beginning at $50,000 instead of $10,000. Or the bill

intended to waive the early withdrawal penalty for certain types of distributions from a retirement plan.

And then there’s a bill Santos said I’d personally appreciate, because it would prohibit the United States from providing any sort of financial aid to countries that target members of the LGBTQ community.

“Some of them kill you just for liking someone of the same sex,” Santos said. “That’s not an American value, right? That’s not something we share.”

In fact, in his first four months on Capitol Hill, Santos has introduced nearly a dozen bills. An impressive slate that almost makes everything else happening around the congressman feel like background noise you can tune out. That is until you realize that he doesn’t have a single co-sponsor for any of these bills. Not one.

“Usually people work one bill at a time, and then go work the floor,” Santos said. “I’m too impatient to do it that way. So I just put the first set of ideas in the first quarter down, and now this quarter, I’m going to be doing less of bill introduction and more of working these bills.”

The congressman’s Republican colleagues have indeed stepped up to offer

initial support for these bills, Santos said. But he wouldn’t share who any of them were, because he feared “the firing squad” would “do follow-ups” — like reporters ought to do — putting those House members “under pressure.”

“And then they might buckle,” Santos said, “and then you’ll ruin my bill.”

It’s surprising, with the walls closing so tight around Santos, that he hasn’t buckled. He’s already looking toward reelection — at least before federal criminal charges, although that may not deter him now. And there are many who truly don’t believe he’ll survive his first term.

But then again, few expected he would still be donning his congressional lapel pin in May — six months after the original New York Times exposé that punched significant holes in Santos’ claims in the first place.

It’s hard not to be impressed with that perseverance. It’s a trait that is far less common in Congress than it should be, and something Santos apparently has in abundance.

Yet, the rocky road he has had to traverse was one of his own making. Which is unfortunate, because if he hadn’t built such a house of cards around himself, who knows what kind of good George Santos might have done in Washington?

Michael Hinman

is

executive editor of Herald Community Newspapers. Comments? mhinman@liherald.com.

Books are an exception to the lending rule

In “Hamlet,” Polonius said to Laertes, “Neither a borrower nor a lender be; For loan oft loses both itself and friend, and borrowing dulls the edge of husbandry.”

I have always thought books were an exception to the lending rule, since they offer an opportunity to share the immense joy of a great read, but I may have to turn the page on that.

Someone out there has a copy of my “Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead,” by Olga Tokarczuk. For a year I thought it was my friend Sharon, but she’s an upright sort of woman, and she swears she searched her house and does not possess, nor did she ever possess, my book. I would like to believe her. The novel is a mind-bending challenge, translated from the Polish. But it did land the Nobel Prize in literature, and I want it back.

The book is MIA, and Sharon has a history. She has borrowed other books,

and returned most of them. Once she “found” a book of mine in her house that she had borrowed two years before. See what I mean by wanting to believe her?

I can’t quite go with Shakespeare on being neither a borrower nor a lender because sharing a much-loved book weaves a powerful connection. And it adds to my pleasure to know that someone I care about will be reading the same book without having to pay for it. There is a particular pleasure in having my friends or loved ones read the very pages I read, as if the laugh I laughed or the tear I shed might linger in the spaces between the words, also to be shared.

The experience has become even more precious in the days of e-books, when most of what we read is on our devices.

Years ago, I lent books out all over the place. I never even wrote my name inside the cover. Then I realized that my book collection was dwindling, and it was all my favorites that were gone and forgotten. I had no idea who had them or

for how long.

A friend of mine who borrows books frequently and always returns them promptly suggests that I keep a list of my lending, so I can ask for a book back after a reasonable amount of time. That works when I remember to jot down the transaction, but more often it’s a casual deal and soon forgotten by both the borrower and me.

That’s the other thing. I’m not a really responsible borrower, although I try very hard. I’m pretty good about books, because they’re so important in my life. But I’m terrible with, say, wrenches. I have a collection of wrenches in my basement that I borrowed over the years and never returned because I have no idea who they belong to. Somewhere out there I have friends to whom wrenches are very dear, aggravating their hearts out because they lent them out and haven’t gotten them back.

Still, a wrench is just a wrench. Sharing a book is like holding hands and jumping onto a fast-moving train, seeing the same words and feeling them differ-

ently.

On rare occasions I’ve borrowed a shawl or gown for an event. Most times, though, I don’t like to borrow clothing, because I’m bad with red sauce. I don’t borrow money (except when I forget my wallet), and I never borrow jewelry.

Perhaps we need to track our books with digital tags so we can find them when they go missing. Or perhaps I shouldn’t be a lender if I can’t deal with the occasional delinquent borrower. The funny thing is, I was hounding Sharon so much that she offered to buy me another copy of “Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead.” She doesn’t get it. I don’t want another one. I want that one, the one with the spaghetti sauce stains on Page 35 and the dog’s paw print on the back cover, the one I remember reading while lying on the beach. For me, the books I have read and loved have a life, memories of which linger in the mind and heart.

There may be a gazillion copies of “Drag Your Plow” out there, but there’s only one copy that shared my pillow and my comforter for three weeks last summer.

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

RANDI KREISS

Sharing a book is like holding hands and jumping onto a fastmoving train.

If he hadn’t built such a house of cards, who knows what kind of good he might’ve done?

MICHAEL HINMAN

HERALD

How they avoid saying the dirtiest word

in politics, the word “tax” is dirtier than the most graphic four-letter words you can think of. Any politician who plans to last in office longer than his loafers knows that you only say “tax” to blame someone else for every new tax or increase — no matter the reason — or when you boldly claim to be holding the line.

HERALD

So it should come as no surprise that municipalities across the country have, for decades, found creative ways to “increase revenue streams” and “offset projected spending,” instead of “raising taxes.”

One popular backdoor tax is a fee municipalities tack on to tickets. A redlight ticket in Nassau County is significantly more expensive than in New York City or Suffolk County. In Nassau, getting caught on camera for running a red light costs $250, plus an additional $88 surcharge. In New York City, the fine is $50. In Suffolk, a red-light ticket costs $50, with an administrative fee of $30.

Why is the same violation almost six times more expensive in Nassau than in the city? And four times more expensive than Suffolk?

Red-light cameras violations aren’t meant to be cash cows — they’re supposed to make the roads safer. That’s why there are signs alerting drivers to the presence of a red-light camera. A quick search

letters

Kremer’s way too soft on Biden

To the Editor:

Jerry Kremer and I are on opposite sides of the political aisle, but I enjoy reading his opinions. His most recent column, “Biden’s decision was an easy one” (May 4-10), however, was quite one-sided.

I do agree there have been accomplishments Biden should be very proud of. The infrastructure bill was great and well overdue! America needs to be a global leader in microchip production, and his efforts to get us there are needed, too.

The effort to control insulin pricing is another wonderful thing. Unfortunately, Kremer and his fellow Democrats neglect to point out that it’s only for seniors on Medicare. This isn’t helping the working class, or young kids whose families still struggle with those bills.

Now let’s talk about the obvious things Kremer ignored. Biden’s Afghanistan withdrawal — my goodness, could that have gone any worse? The chaos, loss of lives, loss of equipment and abandoning our allies was unconscionable. Don’t say that was Trump’s doing.

Decades-high inflation? The Biden administration told us it was transitory. Biden’s spending has helped inflation increase to its highest rate in over 40 years. That affects the working class every

online yields the locations of the cameras. This isn’t a sting operation — it’s a deterrent, in the interest of saving lives.

The exorbitant cost of a red-light ticket in Nassau compared with the rest of the region leads us to question whether the fines and fees are being used as a backdoor tax.

Not completely dissimilar to red-light ticket administrative fees are the proposed water rate increases unveiled by Liberty Utilities last week.

Liberty wants to raise water rates throughout south Nassau by an average of 34 percent. In Lynbrook, the average monthly water bill would jump by $18.32. The increase sought by Liberty in Merrick is 42 percent. And in Sea Cliff, 13 percent.

While Liberty is a private company, it is ostensibly overseen by a governmentappointed, nonpartisan body. Private companies don’t raise taxes. Private companies that provide public services, such as utilities, have the same taxing impact on families through rate hikes.

In a statement, Liberty said the proposed rate hikes are needed for plant investments, new infrastructure and other things.

Modest increases from time to time are to be expected, and are understood. But rate hikes of 34 percent, and more, are unacceptable. At best, it’s a sign of mismanagement.

So it’s no surprise that Hempstead town officials are howling about Liberty’s rate hikes, despite not taking earlier action.

Supervisor Don Clavin said that the increases are “outrageous,” and that customers were already “overpaying” for water.

Hempstead water Commissioner John Reinhardt said that Nassau residents shouldn’t be forced to pay for drinking water so that Liberty can “generate excessive profits.”

In 2021, the state created the South Nassau Water Authority as an independent body to oversee Liberty, whose predecessor, New York American Water, was roundly criticized for excessive rates. The water authority has not held a single public meeting.

Call it what you want — administration fee heaped on excessively overpriced tickets, rate hike, or a tax — it still costs us money. It doesn’t matter to a single mom working two jobs to put food on the table. It still costs money.

Red-light cameras save lives. Clean drinking water is essential. But that doesn’t mean we should be ridiculously overcharged for basic rights of citizenship.

Reduce or eliminate backdoor taxes. Force utility companies to cut unreasonable rate hikes. Give working-class people a break.

minute of the day.

We can’t forget the border crisis! Biden put Vice President Harris in charge, and that hasn’t worked out well. Border communities are overwhelmed.

Biden declared war on fossil fuels at the beginning of his administration. That’s fine — no one wants global warming. Unfortunately, there wasn’t a plan in place. Thanks to that,

gas prices skyrocketed, and at one point were higher than they had ever been.

Finally, we all can see his cognitive decline. It’s downright scary. He has held fewer news conferences per year than any president since Ronald Reagan, and gave fewer interviews during his first two years in office than any president in even longer. It’s sad, and at times hard to watch.

Something’s going wrong in Florida

there are so many things to write about these days, so many new headlines. But I can’t help writing about the state of Florida, because it seems more detached from America than any of the other 49 states.

I keep thinking it must be the water that’s making the state’s politicians go crazy, but I’m convinced that the issue is much bigger than H2O content. And the craziness doesn’t begin and end with Gov. Ron DeSantis, because he needs a state legislature to go along with his daily menu of new laws that make Florida look more and more like Russia.

The six-week ban on abortions is designed to help DeSantis win Republican primaries for the White House. I know DeSantis is married, but any clear-minded politico should know that the average woman has no idea that she is pregnant during the first six weeks. In addition, every poll taken by either the far right or the far left shows that the majority of Americans don’t want abortion banned.

It’s almost as if there are no television stations or other forms of media in Florida, because if there were, DeSantis would have learned that a bipartisan group of South Carolina women legislators were blocking a bill that would ban all abortions. In addition, many red states are being told by the courts that their bans are going too far. To show how crafty DeSantis thinks he is, he signed the abortion ban late on a Thursday night, apparently with the hope that the media wouldn’t find out about his latest political gambit.

Another issue is DeSantis’ battle with Disney World, which is the state’s second-largest tourist attraction, after the cruise industry. The theme park accounts for more than 20 million visitors a year and billions in tourism dollars. When you have such a good thing going, why would any sane governor start a fight that he is destined to lose?

DeSantis’ battle with Disney began when Disney spoke out against the governor’s fight with the LGBTQ community. The First Amendment protects free speech, and Disney is entitled to the same protections as any ordinary citizen.

Letters

It’s time to move on from Biden, from Trump, from Pelosi and McConnell and Maxine Waters. America needs new leadership, young blood to lead us going forward. Tell Joe it’s time to go home.

PAuL WAGneR Island Park

A month to focus on mental health

To the editor: May is Mental Health Awareness

Month, a time set aside for reflection on mental illness and things that might be done to improve the lives of those afflicted.

It’s been said before: The brain is an incredibly complex organ — one we still know so little about. Just as things can go wrong with the thyroid gland or the pancreas or the liver, the human brain is periodically subject to any number of ailments.

The situation may be complicated by a variety of behavioral or social factors. The underlying reality, however, remains true: Things can go wrong with the human brain.

We can only be thankful that in 2023, much is known about how to treat such forms of illness. A broad range of effective prescription drugs is now available. Yes, there is a lot of money in it, but it is for this reason that the improvements continue. These medications are there to be helpful.

One of the first, and perhaps most influential, was lithium carbonate, used to treat bipolar disorder — or, as it was then known, manic-depression. This was the very same clay found in the european springs where the suffering regularly went to “take the waters.”

The clay was packaged for easier use. This natural substance was no less effective in that form.

Certainly, all forms of psychiatric medication must be treated with the highest degree of respect. Increasing or decreasing the dosage amounts without the assistance of a trained professional is the highest form of recklessness.

Still, help does exist.

The case can also be made that our own human emotions carry a corresponding power to alter our own brain chemistry. Fits of anger, worry, blame or fear can alter the chemical makeup of the human brain. Here, too, however, psychiatry is making great advances. With hard work and commitment — and the assistance of a psychotherapist — it is possible to maintain a more hopeful and humorous outlook, day by day.

We don’t have all the answers. Still, many good men and women are working to improve our understanding of this most human form of affliction, and to find help for those in need. If the rest of us can set aside our unnecessary prejudices and open ourselves to the help already available, we can all come out ahead.

JOSH GReenFIeLD Bronx

Angered by Disney’s position, DeSantis has tried to strip it of its special tax district status, to stop Disney from having a say over the sprawling community that lives off of the entertainment empire’s success. Without Disney, hundreds of thousands of people would lack adequate fire, police or sanitation services.

To add to the craziness in Florida, the governor has announced that a whole series of textbooks will be banned from use in the state’s public schools, because of his and school parents’ objections to some of the content in those books. He has further ordered that a number of books have their language revised, because the words “are not truthful.” Mentions of the murder of George Floyd and the Black Lives Matter movement have been removed from one middle school textbook. Apparently, DeSantis believes that the Floyd tragedy was some sort of fake news.

If you’re not out of breath yet, here’s another scary fact of Florida life. Thousands of schoolteachers have left the state for other regions, out of fear of prosecution for accidently discussing some sub-

ject that the governor thinks is objectionable. It is estimated that Florida will need thousands of new teachers to make up for those losses, and it doesn’t look like those new teachers will be coming in the near future.

Recent opinion polls show former President Donald Trump with a wide lead over DeSantis early in the race for the Republican nomination for president. That lead isn’t a tribute to Trump, but rather a sign of growing dissatisfaction with DeSantis, which could leave the door open to any number of candidates, many of whom have yet to announce their availability.

Many Republicans are hungering for a fresh face to take on Trump next year. But the events in Florida over the past two years make it seem as if voting for DeSantis could be the equivalent of voting for Vladimir Putin. Somehow, the only people who haven’t caught on to DeSantis’ weaknesses are Florida residents. Maybe it is the water.

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.

Framework by Tim Baker

It seems as if voting for Ron DeSantis could be like voting for Vladimir Putin.

JerrY kremer