Bellmore Herald 12-29-2022

She’s created a space for everyone

By Jordan Vallone

The Garden at St. Francis Episcopal Church, in North Bellmore, is known around town as the place to go for local, sustainable produce.

It was founded by volunteers 12 years ago, and not much has changed in terms of who’s working in the garden — it is cared for by a staff of loyal volunteers of every faith, background, age and physical ability.

But what has changed is who is leading those volunteers: Last summer, the garden welcomed a newcomer, Kristin Talbot.

Talbot, 31, who grew up in Wantagh, said she used to drive past the church and garden, but never realized it was open to nonmembers of the church. She was interested in volunteering and gardening.

“I was always a little environmentalist at heart, and craved adults who could teach me how to work with the land and turn that into a career,” she said. “I didn’t find that in this area when I was in high school.”

Talbot earned a degree in environmental studies at the University of Vermont, and said that while she was there, she developed a passion for connecting people to the land and fostering a sense of spirituality when working with the earth.

A few years ago, she was working as a preschool teacher and looking for a parttime job to take on amid the coronavirus pandemic, when she stumbled on the job opening for a garden manager at St. Francis, just before last year’s garden season. “Though I was always really spiritual, I didn’t feel accepted in my home faith because of their anti-LGBT views,” she said. “I knew this little church around the block flew a Pride flag — and I didn’t know anything else about Episcopal churches.

“I just knew that they were different than what I had known,” she added. “And I felt like I could get behind them, and work with them, because of that.”

By all accounts, the community that Talbot now leads is a safe and welcoming one. She has preserved the garden’s values and blended them with her background and knowledge. For all her efforts, the Herald is proud to name her its 2022 Person of the Year.

HERALD

PERSON oF THE YEAR

food to veterans or seniors at no cost. Whatever is left over is donated to pantries in or near Bellmore, and to food banks that serve the needy.

“We at the Garden of St. Francis want to provide opportunities to connect with each other for a common purpose,” the church’s pastor, the Rev. Grace Flint, said. “In this case, addressing food insecurity in our neighborhood, providing a place for people to get local produce, and caring for the earth which God entrusted us.”

Meri Halem, another volunteer, said that what the garden does to combat food insecurity under Talbot’s leadership is vital.

“People are hungry — people don’t have food,” Halem said. “And I thought to myself, ‘What are we doing here?’

“People are just so attracted to (Kristin) — they realize she’s an apostle, she really is,” Halem went on. “She’s just incredible. People know — they feel the dedication, they feel like there really is something that is being done here.”

KriStin talBot

Aside from the extensive work the volunteers do to combat food insecurity, they also welcome people of all backgrounds. The garden has connections with the Helen Keller Services for the Blind and Life’s WORC, an organization that works with those with special needs.

Morales Volunteer, Garden at St. Francis

“In the short time she’s been there, she’s really transformed the entire place,” Liz Morales, a volunteer at the garden, said. “It’s an incredible, different experience than any other garden I’ve been to — and I think Kristin plays a major part, in what she brings to that garden.”

Throughout the spring and summer, the garden hosts produce pickups, giving

“People of all abilities and ages are welcome to come here,” Morales said. “Whether (you have) a sight or hearing impairment, whatever disability it is, you’re invited, and (Kristin) will work with you on that individual basis. It’s just an incredible education for everyone that steps foot there.”

Talbot, who now works full time as the church’s office and garden manager, credits a lot of its success to the people around her. “We’ve had a lot of people and community members reach out to us for many different reasons,” she said, “and we’ve kind of been saying yes to everything that we know is going to lead

Tim Baker/Herald

Kristin Talbot is the Bellmore Herald's Person of the Year.

A North Bellmore North Merrick Little League softball team had a remarkable away-game run.

Seniors at John F. Kennedy High School did themselves proud in a science competition.

A heavy rainstorm caused coastal flooding in neighborhoods along the South Shore.

In the short time she’s been there, she’s really transformed the entire place.

Liz

Kristin Talbot, an environmentalist at heart

People ‘feel the dedication’ under her leadership

us in the right direction.”

One of the things Talbot has said yes to is taking on an intern. Lily Yepez, a senior at Mepham High School, connected with Talbot this summer, and spends three school periods at the church and garden every other day. While she never imagined interning at a church, Yepez said, working with Talbot has been fulfilling.

“Everybody is like-minded and wants to help the person next to them and the community in general,” Yepez said.

“I really learned that this is exactly where I’m supposed to be — this is definitely the jumping-off point to what I want to do for the rest of my life.”

In her time at the garden, Talbot has focused on sustainability, and promoting healthy garden practices at home. The garden now participates in many programs, such as Pollinator Week, which educates volunteers and neighbors on what creates a healthy ecosystem.

“One of the reasons that we’re here is to educate our community, and also change the culture of how we view nature,” Talbot said. “St. Francis is the

patron saint of ecology, so we have a lot of liturgy that grounds us in that philosophy. We use that as how we emotionally connect with people out in the garden — and that’s what people respond to.”

She credits the Episcopal Diocese of Long Island for supporting St. Francis’s mission. “Our dioceses is very invested in creation care ministries,” Talbot explained. “They give us funding and grants to help some of our projects, and without their support, we wouldn’t be nearly as prolific in the community as we are.

Meri

“They not only give us guidance, and you know, financial support, but we also have access to a lot of different people involved in other ministries on Long Island that do similar work.”

Halem said that the community is a better place — and sees the good that comes out of the garden — because of Talbot. “We’re a neighborhood really changing history — we’re like an ecosystem,” Halem said. “I can look up and say, thank you God, for having given us this garden, and all the tools that we need to really be able to make a difference and to help others.”

We're a neighborhood really changing history.

Halem

Volunteer, Garden at St. Francis

Tim Baker/Herald

Kristin Talbot, the garden and office manager at St. Francis Episcopal Church in North Bellmore, tended to some crops at a farm stand this summer.

BELLmORE AND mERRick residents awoke to storm surge caused by a massive rainstorm Friday morning. Coastal neighborhoods experienced a lot of flooding, making travel very difficult. Residents reported that cars and buses had a hard time traveling to John F. Kennedy High School in the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District due to the floodwaters. Left, an intersection near the high school, with a car plowing through the high water levels.

South Shore slammed by coastal flooding

How county and town officials responded to a weekend of turbulent weather conditions

By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com

Bellmore and Merrick awoke to a messy scene Friday morning.

An overnight rainstorm that brought the hamlets high winds and heavy rainfall, coupled by high tide beginning around 8:40 a.m., led to flooding in neighborhoods near the coast.

Those living south of Merrick Road in Bellmore shared on community Facebook pages that the morning drop off at John F. Kennedy High School and Shore Road Elementary School was significantly complicated by the weather.

Residents living directly on the water shared photos and videos with the Herald of the canals seeping into their yards. Streets such as Sunrise Avenue, Legion Street, Shore Road, and South Centre Avenue, among several others, were affected.

In response to the damage, North Shore Auto Body of Oceanside, Lynbrook and Bellmore helped those affected by the storm.

“All of our employees are currently out recovering flood and tree damaged vehicles,” a Facebook post stated. “If this has impacted your vehicle, call any of our four locations. If anyone is in need of help, even if it’s not car related, don’t hesitate to call us.”

Later on Friday, County Executive Bruce Blakeman and the Department of Public Works updated residents on what to expect in the aftermath of the storm. Temperatures plummeted throughout the day, creating freezing conditions — perfect for the accumulation of black ice.

“I’m happy to report that we are through the first storm and that things are getting back to normal,” Blakeman said inside the Office of Emergency Management in Bethpage.

Blakeman confirmed that weather conditions became so turbulent because most of the rainfall Friday occurred around 7:30 a.m. — around the same time as high tide — which caused most of the coastal flooding throughout the South Shore of the county.

Flooding was under control by mid-morning. Public works cleaned the drains, pumping out water.

The second storm featured a cold snap, with a “30 degree downward swing,” according to Blakeman, with the wind chill feeling as low as negative five degrees.

The county responded to this by preparing the roads

ahead of time with salt and sand to avoid the accumulation of icy conditons.

County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder said that there was around 32 car accidents last night, which is normal amount for a storm like this. There were 104 calls for people trapped in their car due to flooding. One house in East Rockaway was evacuated, but nobody has been injured or have died.

The high wind speeds caused some power outages and downed trees as well. Around 2,000 county residents experienced outages from the first storm.

Blakeman advised residents to keep pets in doors due to the continued cold weather, and to check on any elderly neighbors.

“Please exercise extreme caution,” Blakeman said. “Keep your speed down and stay alert.”

along the water witnessed the rising canals and bays coming into their yards. Along South Centre Avenue, a backyard was flooded during the storm.

Additional reporting by Mallory Wilson.

Courtesy Jennifer Hintze

Courtesy Christopher Hill

Courtesy Jennifer Tepper

REsiDENts LiViNg DiREctLy

fLOOD wAtERs, BELOw, blanketed a residential intersection near Shore Road in Bellmore.

Herald ScHoolS

Another year, another business challenge

The Bellmore-Merrick Business Challenge on Dec. 15 invited students from all three high schools to participate in a competition. The challenge is held annually, and connects the students for a fun competition.

During this business competition, teams planned, presented and defended a position in one of the five business categories.

The categories Sports Marketing, Retail Marketing, Tourism, Entrepreneurship, and Graphic Design & Branding. Many distinguished professionals served as judges from both the academic and private sectors.

Danielle Fortune served as keynote speaker on behalf of the Energeia partnership at Molloy College.

She talked about advancing in her career and encouraged students to pay close attention when around someone they can learn from.

“It was watching [a former mentor] navigate the business

world on a daily basis where I gained the most knowledgeable experience,” she noted to students.

The day’s events also included a college fair and a virtual enterprise mini trade fair. Three firms from Calhoun, Kennedy and Mepham high schools competed for best booth and best pitch.

Calhoun’s VE team, NaturalBOWLS, is on a journey to minimizing food waste while serving innovative and delicious bowls. Kennedy’s VE team, Patch Attach, is a company that encourages consumers to express themselves through their customizable shoes via patches.

Mepham’s VE team, Environmental Apparel, serves as streetwear out of recycled polyester made from plastic waste found in oceans.

The event was organized by Mark Melkonian, an assistant principal at Calhoun and the dis-

trict business department chairperson. Teachers Kerri Frend, Linda Leonardo, Stu Litwin, Peter Palazzo, Laura Rojas, Andrew Slattery, Jenna Tumminelli and Morgan Wing also assisted.

Champ teacher Mike Digiovanni, the students of Champ and the Valenti family of Piccolo Ristorante of Bellmore provided food. Stu Stein and Bellmore-Merrick Broadcasting students provided coverage of the event. Kelly Friedmann led students from the Calhoun orchestra ensemble in a performance.

Additionally, local politicians Hempstead Town Councilman Chris Carini and Legislators Steve Rhoads and Tom McKevitt were on hand to assist with judging.

The winners for each catergories were as follows:

■ Sports Marketing- Team 2Amir Ibrahim, Sam Kalish,

Sarah Koenig

■ Entrepreneurship- Team 3Matthew Sferratore, Ben Margulies, Jenny Marmol

■ Tourism- Team 4- Jonathan Cohen-Ster, Jenna Duffey, Ethan Pariag

■ Graphic Design & BrandingTeam 3- Giavannah Posner,

Chase Krinsky, Haluk Yavas

■ Retail Marketing- Team 2- PJ Kakalos, Michael McKeon, Dean Amin

The virtual enterprise winners were as follows:

■ Best Pitch- NaturalBOWLS

■ Best Booth- Patch Attach

Courtesy Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District Kennedy’s Ve team, Patch Attach, is a company that encourages consumers to express themselves through their customizable shoes via patches.

Grade Avenue student donates cards for charity. Grand Avenue Middle School eighth-grader Luke Fischetti was recognized by the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School Board of Education on Jan. 12 for his

Melanie Tucker, whose son, Asher, was born with a congenital heart defect, wrote the children’s book ‘Super Scar’ to spread awareness.

JFK seniors sweep science competition. At John F. Kennedy High School, six students — Christopher Prainito, Shannon Su, Michelle Brown, Desiree Rigaud, Brandon Lin and Christopher Luisi — were named scholars in the Regeneron STS competition.

Jordan Vallone/Herald

Jordan Vallone/Herald

Buzz’d Express Coffee opens its doors. Buzz’d Express Coffee celebrated its grand opening on Jan. 24.

Courtesy Melanie Tucker

'Super Scar’ story spreads awareness of heart defects.

Courtesy Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District

volunteerism.

Courtesy Town of Hempstead

Wedding season for Bellmore residents! Town Clerk Kate Murray officiated the wedding of Nadine Simpson and Jonathon Held.

Courtesy Merrick Mayhem

Merrick Mayhem baseball wins big. Youth baseball club Merrick Mayhem offers a town-oriented, travel team experience for local boys and girls who play baseball or softball, and in January, they celebrated a fantastic past season, with hopes for success in the 2022 season.

Snow day fun. Nassau County was slammed by a snow storm, creating blizzard like conditions across BellmoreMerrick. The hamlets battled piles of snows and drifts, some 14 inches high. For young residents like Christopher Corsaro, it was fun to get out in the cold and have a blast in the winter wonderland.

Community cupboard gets a new name. The Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District food pantry was renamed after former Deputy Superintendent Dr. Mara Bollettieri.

Anti-Semitism combated in Nassau County. County Executive Bruce Blakeman signed a bill creating a Nassau County Anti-Semitism Task Force.

Courtesy Nassau County

Maria Cestero/Herald file

Jewish pride at the heart of Chabad Center’s lessons. The Chabad Center for Jewish Life hosted a special sermon, delivered by Rabbi Anchelle Perl, director of the Chabad of Mineola ahead of International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

Courtesy Jessi Corsaro

Courtesy Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District

Artistic talent abundant in Bellmore-Merrick. Grand Avenue Middle School eighth grader Elaine Li received a Scholastic Art & Writing Gold Key award for her selfportrait painting.

Courtesy Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District

Courtesy Town of Hempstead

Town secures funding for Shellfish Restoration. The Town Board received $300,000 in new grant funding from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to support the Town of Hempstead’s Shellfish Restoration Program.

the NCPD. Nassau County Police Officer Patrick Aquilina, with a thankyou letter that was sent to him by students in Nicole Osterhoudt’s fifthgrade class at Shore Road Elementary School.

A passion for giving back. Mia Monzidelis, a young inventor from Bellmore, with her creation, the Power Pony. She was honored by the Family and Children’s Association — a Long Island nonprofit that serves vulnerable children, families and seniors, for her generous donation of $5,000.

Purim celebrated, in-person once again. The 27th annual Mel Polay Purim Carnival returned to the Bellmore-Merrick community in March. Organized by Evelyn Polay, in honor of her late husband Mel, she was joined by her family members to celebrate the Jewish holiday.

Bellmore-Merrick Broadcasting wins excellence award. The BellmoreMerrick Broadcasting program remains a fixture in the district for experiential learning. The program was a Broadcast Excellence Award winner by the Student Television Network.

Courtesy Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District

Courtesy Christine Monzidelis

Courtesy Bellmore Public Schools

Shore Road students sent thanks to

Courtesy PSEG Long Island

Electric vehicle are the way to go. Todd Leibowitz of Bellmore was one of five winners in the PSEG Long Island ‘I Love My EV Video Contest.’

Courtesy Michael Walsh

A shamrockin’ St. Paddy’s Day. Bellmore and Merrick residents celebrated St. Patrick’s Day, dressing up in all things green. Bridget and Clare Walsh couldn’t contain their excitement on everyone’s favorite, lucky day.

Jordan Vallone/Herald

Bellmore native Dory Levinter helped open Pickleball Plus, which attracted thousands of members.

Choppin’ locks and raising funds.

Anthony Gomez, with his mom, Carmela, at the Chop Your Locks For Charity event, which is hosted annually by Wellington C. Mepham High School. Gomez had his head shaved in honor of his friend Dylan Murphy, who died of pediatric cancer when they were in seventh grade.

Chabad leader remembered on his 120th birthday. Town of Hempstead officials and rabbis from across Nassau County got together at the Chabad Center for Jewish Life in Merrick to honor the late Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson.

A successful Clean Sweep. Merokeans gathered at the Merrick gazebo to participate in the South Merrick Community Civic Association’s annual Spring Clean Sweep. A beautification project, the task for volunteers was simple: to clean up trash and debris that accumulated near the gazebo, and northbound on Merrick Avenue.

Jordan Vallone/Herald

Courtesy Jackie Luciani

An EGGcellent Easter celebration. Jackie and Will Luciani hosted their 2nd Annual Easter Egg Hunt at Fraser Park. Over 300 kids and their families came out to celebrate Easter early, to collect eggs and goodies throughout the park.

Courtesy Carmela Gomez

Courtesy Dory Levinter

Paddling around at Pickleball Plus.

Jordan Vallone/Herald

Courtesy Office of State Sen. John Brooks

EMS Recovery Act was included in state budget.

State Sen. John Brooks announced the inclusion of the EMS Cost Recovery Act in the state budget, which allowed volunteer fire departments to recover costs for emergency medical services rendered.

Artist picked up award for his

work.

Joseph Solorzano-Ruiz, a seventh-grader at Merrick Avenue Middle School, showed off one of his creations, a costume mask he made of the Marvel Comics character Venom. He’d earned awards for his work throughout the year.

eight-month long stretch without a leader, St. Francis Episcopal Church welcomed the Rev. Grace Flint

Awardwinners once again . Bellmore-Merrick Broadcasting took home four first place awards and one for third place at this year’s Broadcast Awards for Senior High.

A grand slammin’ parade. The North Bellmore/North Merrick Little League celebrated the start of their season with an opening day parade.

Courtesy Town of Hempstead

Jordan Vallone/Herald

Eagle Scout created new reading space. Christopher Dubon of North Bellmore built Martin Avenue Elementary School an outdoor library and reading patio, to be enjoyed by students of all ages for his Eagle Scout project.

Jordan Vallone/Herald

New leader welcomed to St. Francis Church. Following an

to its ministry.

Jordan Vallone/Herald

Neil Miller/Herald

Remembering the fallen on Memorial Day. Bellmore-Merrick celebrated Memorial Day by participating in or watching parades, which passed through a number of neighborhoods throughout both towns.

Courtesy Bellmore-Merrick Broadcasting

Oh, the places they’ll go. Bellmore-Merrick’s graduating seniors graduated in separate ceremonies for John F. Kennedy High School, Wellington C. Mepham High School and Sanford H. Calhoun High School. Matthew Basso, Brian Chin, Nicholas Tripiccone, Alec Edwards and Jonathan Knox of Calhoun.

Bellmore-Merrick

its pollinators. At the Garden at St. Francis Episcopal Church in Bellmore, its manager Kristin Talbot, the Rev. Grace Flint and its volunteers celebrated Pollinator Week, with community activities geared towards recognizing the importance of local pollinators.

A great summer for drill. At the Four Town’s Fireman’s Training Center in Merrick, drill season returned during the North Bellmore Invitational Tournament.

Moving on up. Eighth graders in the BellmoreMerrick Central High School District said goodbye to middle school, and moved up to high school. Meaghan Daly, Lauren Elefante and Isabella Clayton at the Grand Avenue Middle School ceremony.

Food truck Sundays!

The Merrick Chamber hosted their “Street Food Sunday Market Place” throughout the summer. Bryce Feehan, 7, Avery Feehan, 8, Colin Feehan, 5, of Wantagh enjoyed a sweet treat.

Courtesy Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District

Tim Baker/Herald

protects

Courtesy Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District

Bill Kelly/Herald

Tim Baker/Herald

Courtesy Bellmore-Merrick

Central High School District

Congrats to the Class of ‘22. Madison Yeh and Jeniana Willner at John F. Kennedy High’s graduation ceremony.

Calhoun captured its second Nassau Division II boys’ volleyball title Nov. 8 with a sweep of Roslyn.

Calhoun captures state title. The Colts’ girls’ volleyball team made history Nov. 20 by winning the New York State Class A championship with a sweep of Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake.

Liss Phillips/Herald

Donovan Berthoud/Herald

Flag football title for Bellmore-Merrick. BelmoreMerrick captured the first-ever Nassau County girls’ flag football title May 26 with a 12-7 victory over Lynbrook.

Three-peat for Mepham softball. The Pirates celebrated a third straight Nassau Class A softball crown after defeating Calhoun in the finals.

Donovan Berthoud/Herald

Calhoun regains county championship.

Eric Dunetz/Herald

Calhoun runs to cross-country crown. Junior Logan Schaeffler cruised to the Nassau Class 2 championship as the Colts won a third straight county title.

World

War 1 Memorial restored. Brandon Goldstein, 16, a junior at John F. Kennedy High School in Bellmore and a Boy Scout working toward his Eagle rank, made it his mission to upgrade the 98-year-old landmark.

Bellmore-Merrick 'roots' for trees. Students Giving Trees, a nonprofit organization with a mission to plant trees in Bellmore and Merrick, had its first tree planting in July at Wynsum Avenue Park.

Jordan Vallone/Herald

Courtesy Geoffrey Bassett

Realtor made debut on television. Nancianne Genduso, a realtor at Coldwell Banker in Merrick, was chosen to be featured on a new season of the TV show 'The Negotiators,' available on Reveel.

Jordan Vallone/Herald

Tim Baker/Herald

Produce for all at St. Francis Garden. The Garden at St. Francis had its first farm stand of the season.

Courtesy Karenlynn Stracher

A pig’s tale. Howard, A factory farm pig, was rescued by a team of wildlife rehabilitators, including Karenlynn Stracher, of Merrick, and John Debacker, of Bellmore, after he was found stuck behind a fence in Howard Beach, Queens.

Courtesy Wendi Murphy

Softball team had remarkable away-game run. The North Bellmore North Merrick Little League 10-and-under Lady Rebels made it to the New York State Little League Championships.

Athletes returned from Israel, medals in hand. Athletes from Bellmore-Merrick who competed in the Maccabiah Games, an international sporting competition in Israel, returned home in August with several medals. Swimmer William Siegel, a rising sophomore at Sanford H. Calhoun High School, won a gold in the boys’ 1,500-meter freestyle.

Book highlight’s triathlete’s journey. Hilary Topper, a triathlete from Merrick, published her book “From Couch Potato to Endurance Athlete — A Portrait of a Non-Athletic Triathlete,” in an effort to inspire fellow runners.

New teachers welcomed to local schools. The North Bellmore School District hosted a new teacher orientation during August. Kristin Giris, the district’s newest Spanish teacher, identified her areas of strength as an educator as part of gettingto-know-you activities during orientation.

A summer full of sharks. Jacob D’Arrigo, 17, of Bellmore, caught 43 sharks this summer while working with a few of his coworkers from Jones Beach Bait and Tackle.

A ‘Wicked’ show had at Merrick Avenue Middle School. Students in the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District’s Extended School Year program put on a grand show in August, turning the musical “Wicked” into a movie, with students and teachers in the starring roles.

Courtesy Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District

Courtesy Andy Siegel

Courtesy North Bellmore School District

Courtesy Hilary Topper

Courtesy Jacob D’Arrigo

Tim Baker/Herald

Laughs for charity at Bourbon & Brews. Bourbon & Brews, a craft beer and bourbon bar in Merrick, hosted a charity comedy night to raise funds for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

New beginnings at the Merrick Jewish Centre. The Merrick Jewish Centre welcomed Rabbi Joshua Dorsch. Dorsch, with his daughter Ziva.

A prize worthy of true champions. The BellmoreMerrick Central High School District’s flag football team, who won the first Long Island Championship earlier this year, received championship rings from the New York Jets.

One remarkable journey in the

books. Ian Randman, of North Bellmore, finished a daunting journey. He biked over 6,000 miles, from the southernmost point of Florida, to the northernmost point of Alaska accessible by road, to raise money in honor of his cousin who died from cancer.

Another successful Eagle

Scout

Project.

All of 12, he was live from Citi

Kraus lived out his sportscasting dreams this summer — he was selected to be the 2022 SNY Kidcaster, and got to call half an inning in the broadcast booth.

Joseph Ciniglio, an aspiring Eagle Scout from Merrick, worked with his troop to bring some refurbishments to the outside of the VFW Hall in Bellmore for his project.

Bellmore Street Fair was an absolute blast. The Bellmore Family Street Festival returned this fall for its 35th year. Families and businesses from all over came out to enjoy all it had to offer.

Tim Baker/Herald

Tim Baker/Herald

Courtesy Ian Randman

Courtesy Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District

Courtesy Jennifer Kraus

Field. Eddie

Katrina O’Brien/Herald

A

Work that came from the heart. Julianna Tand of Julianna’s Works of Heart has been raising money for years for the Ronald McDonald House Charities, and looked ahead to an upcoming paint night in October.

A haunted Halloween in Bellmore-Merrick. Homes across BellmoreMerrick displayed the creepiest and kookiest Halloween displays, celebrating everyone’s favorite scary holiday.

Courtesy Thomas Graziano

Tim Baker/Herald

spooky, but not scary Halloween display. The Long Island Monster Gallery reopened its doors in October for horror fans. Owned and operated by Jason Kloos of Merrick, the seasonal gallery features spooky and scary characters from Halloween movies and stories.

Another year of collecting foods for Long Island Cares. Josh Brown and his daughter Tara, of Merrick, raised money and collected food for the third year in a row.

Courtesy Josh Brown

Courtesy Jennifer Tand

Courtesy Nickolas Mascary

Calhoun’s Racial Equity Club raised money for Haiti. The Racial Equity Club at Sanford H. Calhoun High School raised money to support Haiti, and its members sold bracelets and raffles for the cause. Above, Nickolas Mascary, Jillian Grossberg, Tobias Seabold, Bryce Gould-Anderson and Ayana Mascary with Calhoun Principal Nicole Hollings.

Courtesy Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District

Robosoccer competition a success at JFK High. Students in Deanna Ocampo’s Principles of Engineering classes competed in an after-school robosoccer tournament.

Let’s talk about hair and makeup. The BellmoreMerrick Central High School District’s cosmetology program celebrated the grand opening of its new salon suite, the centerpiece of its cosmetology program. Vanessa Monteleone styled her sister Ashlee’s hair.

Thank you, Jack, for 50 years of service. Jack Dziedzic of Merrick’s Hook and Ladder Company No. 1, was honored for 50 years of service to the community. Dziedzic with his wife, Emily.

Julianna’s Works of Heart raises over $5,000.

Julianna Tand — a charitable 10-year-old from North Merrick — hosted a paint night with her organization, Julianna’s Works of Heart, raising over $5,000 for charity.

Community met its candidates. It was the 16th annual Meet the Candidates night, organized yearly by the South Merrick Community Civic Association. Organizers, from left, Berta Weinstein, Joe Baker, and Francine and Lenny Goldstein.

Joe Abate/Herald

Jordan Vallone/Herald

Israel’s chief rabbi visits Merrick. The chief rabbi of Israel, David Lau, met the Chabad Center for Jewish Life’s members and offered some wisdom on issues facing the greater Jewish community.

Courtesy Sue Moller

Reflecting on NYC’s toughest race. Sue Moller, a breast cancer survivor, finished her second New York City marathon in November.

Tim Baker/Herald

Courtesy Bellmore-Merrick

Central High School District

Tim Baker/Herald

A chance to celebrate, no matter your ability.

Lauren Budd, a former Merrick resident who now lives in East Meadow, started As Burgers Go Inc. as an offshoot of her speech pathology practice. A birthday party business, it gives kids with special needs the opportunity to celebrate their birthdays in safe, sensory-friendly setting.

‘A Walk in the Park’ with Mepham’s band. Mepham High School’s Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble played two songs during their winter concert worth noting — the first, called ‘Christmas in Kyiv,’ written by senior Samantha Nadler, and the second, ‘A Walk in the Park,’ written by composer Carl Strommen, a Mepham alumnus.

Grace Reform is ‘blessed’ with new playground. Ian Conlon’s Eagle Scout project benefited the Grace Reform Baptist Church in Merrick. After raising the necessary funds, the church received a new, much needed playground.

$100,000 raised for Janie’s Fund. Jam Dance Studio, in Bellmore, participated in a fundraiser with several other studios, to raise money for Janie’s Fund, an organization founded by Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler to benefit abused and neglected girls.

John G. Dinkelmeyer Elementary School fourthgraders constructed a model of a Native American village as part of their study.

Tim Baker/Herald

Courtesy Lori Berger

Chamber spreads holiday cheer. The Merrick Chamber of Commerce hosted a Santa Claus meet-up at the Merrick Golf Course. The Ayo family stopped by to meet everyone’s favorite man in red.

Tim Baker/Herald

Courtesy Ian Conlon

Courtesy North Bellmore School District

Dinkelmeyer students learned about Native American culture.

Tim Baker/Herald

A look back at 2022

RichnerLIVE Events, Expos & Programs

By Alexa Anderwkavich

Oh what a year 2022 has been! RichnerLIVE has been honored to CONNECT, COLLABORATE and, of course, CELEBRATE hundreds of incredible people and businesses on Long Island — from healthcare heroes, top lawyers, premier business women and family businesses to the highly anticipated senior expos and the Long Island Choice Awards.

It’s RichnerLIVE’s mission to produce top-level business and community events celebrating members of the vibrant and diverse communities in which we live. Our events highlight Long Island’s industry professionals, economic opportunities, community leaders, and local unsung heroes. This year we accomplished that through our Premier Business Women of Long Island Gala, Excellence in Healthcare Awards, the First Annual Herald Long Island Choice Awards, Top Lawyers of Long Island Awards, Family Business Awards, Tory BurchxRichnerLIVE Women’s Night Out Networking Event, Senior Health & Beyond Expo series and webinars that helped the community stay engaged, informed and connected.

“Although it was a challenge to go back to live events, we are so glad that we did,” Amy Amato, executive director of corporate relations at RichnerLIVE, said. “We made a conscious decision not to do virtual awards events during the height of the pandemic, because one of the greatest values in earning recognition at our ceremonies is to be able to network face-to-face and really celebrate together in person. I’m thrilled that we will be growing and expanding the RichnerLIVE division by adding new and exciting programs. I feel blessed to have a great team that brings years of experience, integrity and can effectively deliver results and produce a gala worthwhile for Long Island.”

Community is at the core of our events and thanks to our your engagement, the launch of the Herald Long Island Choice Awards presented by PSEG Long Island in 2021— the official community choice awards of Long Island — has been a resounding success. This contest highlights Long Island’s top businesses, people and places in a myriad of categories. We’re getting ready to release the 2022 Top 3 finalists next week leading up to the Oscar-style awards gala where the winner is announced live on April 18, 2023!

As part of all of the gala festivities, RichnerLIVE donates a portion of ticket sales proceeds to a local charity. We are grateful to be able to support organizations such as The Moxxie Mentoring Foundation, FealGood Foundation, Nassau County Bar

Association’s We Care Fund, the Family & Children’s Association (FCA) and the EAC Network, to name a few, in their missions. To find out how you can donate to these deserving organizations visit www. richnerlive.com/community.

RichnerLIVE’s success is largely due to the support of our partners and sponsors. A special thank you to PSEG Long Island, FirstNet built with AT&T, Grassi Accountants and Advisors, UnitedHealthcare, Vishnick, McGovern & Milizio, Investors Bank, Mount Sinai South Nassau, and many more.

So without further ado, let’s commemorate the year together and all of our collective accomplishments — we will see you next year and hope you join us for one of the many events to come. For more information visit richnerlive.com

RICHNER

1

- Keynote speaker Stew Leonard Jr. at the Family Business Awards.

2 - Custom crystal awards from the Excellence in Healthcare.

3- Sara Director from Barasch McGarry celebrates as she walks up to receive her award at Top Lawyers.

4 - An acrobat dancer performing at Herald Long Island Choice Awards presented by PSEG Long Island.

5 - Dr. Kimon Bekelis, neurosurgeon receives Excellence in Healthcare award

6 - Moxxie Mentoring Foundation was the beneficiary of the Premier Business Women event.

7

- Honoree Retha Fernandez at the Premier Business Women Event.

8

- Honorees Luciane Serifovic and Amy Flores enjoy a Champagne toast. 9 - Anthony Postiglione and Evelisis S. Valentin from FirstNet built with AT&T.

RichnerLIVE file photos

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

BY THE BOARD OF APPEALS

Pursuant to New York State Town Law Article 16, New York State Public Officers Law Article 7, and the Town of Hempstead Building Zone Ordinance, NOTICE is hereby given that the BOARD OF APPEALS of the Town of Hempstead will hold a public hearing in the Old Town Hall, 350 Front Street, Room 230, Second Floor, Hempstead, New York on 1/4/23 at 9:30 A.M. to consider the following applications and appeals:

THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 9:30 A.M. 5/23. BELLMORE - Joseph & Susan Caliendo, Renewal of grant to maintain pool & pool equipment in the front yard & 6’ high solid vinyl fence forward of dwelling & larger than pool installation area., S/E cor. Robert La. & White St., a/k/a 2810 Robert La. 6/23. BELLMOREMichael Vitale, Install pool & pool equipment not permitted in side yard & with less than required side yard setback., S/E cor. Hewlett La. & Williams Ct., a/k/a 2641 Hewlett La. 10/23. BELLMORECatherine & Stanley Dolingo, Variance, lot area occupied, maintain wood deck attached to dwelling., N/s Frederick Ave., 170.07’ W/o Centre Ave., a/k/a 306 Frederick Ave.

ALL PAPERS PERTAINING TO THE ABOVE HEARING ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THE BOARD OF APPEALS, TOWN HALL, 1 WASHINGTON STREET, HEMPSTEAD, NY 11550. This notice is only for new cases in Bellmore within Town of Hempstead jurisdiction. There are additional cases in different hamlets, towns and villages on the Board of Appeals calendar. The full calendar is available a t https://hempsteadny.gov/ 509/Board-of-Appeals

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

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

136357

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR FREMONT HOME LOAN TRUST 2005-D, MORTGAGE-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005-D Plaintiff, Against MICHAEL BROWN, et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 10/09/2018, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501. This Auction will be held rain or shine on 1/17/2023 at 2:00pm, premises known as 1855 Madison Avenue, Bellmore, New York 11710, and described as follows:

ALL that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Bellmore, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Section 56 Block L Lot 21. The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $992,729.74 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 5261/09. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the then Court Appointed Referee will cancel the Foreclosure Auction.

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

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR HARBORVIEW MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2005-16, MORTGAGE LOAN PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005-16, V. CHARLES PLOTNICK, ET AL.

NOTICE OF SALE

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

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

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

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD LOCAL LAW NO. 85-2022

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that, pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and the Municipal Home Rule Law of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing was duly called and held December 6th, 2022, by the Town Board of the Town of Hempstead on the proposed adoption of Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 85-2022, and following the close of the hearing the Town Board duly adopted Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 85-2022, amending Section 197-5 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, to include “ARTERIAL STOPS” at various locations.

Dated: December 6, 2022

Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD

DONALD X. CLAVIN, JR Supervisor

KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 136344

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD LOCAL LAW NO. 87-2022

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and the Municipal Home Rule Law of the State of New York, as amended, a public hearing was duly called and held on the 6th day of December, 2022, by the Town Board of the Town of Hempstead, on the proposed adoption of Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 87- 2022, the following the closed of the hearing the Town Board duly adopted Local Law No. 87-2022, to amend Section 202-53 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead by the addition of a location in North Bellmore.

Dated: December 6, 2022 Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD

DONALD X. CLAVIN, JR Supervisor

KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 136346

COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORKCOUNTY OF NASSAU

PRESS-ROOM/WAREHOUSE CLASSIFIED Fax your ad to: 516-622-7460 E-mail your ad to: ereynolds@liherald.com E-mail Finds Under $100 to: sales@liherald.com DEADLINE: Monday, 11:00 am for all classified ads. Every effort is made to insure the accuracy of your ad. Please check your ad at the first insertion. Credit will be made only for the first insertion. Credit given for errors in ads is limited to the printed space involved. Publisher reserves right to reject, cancel or correctly classify an ad.

HELP To pLACE your AD CALL 516-569-4000 - press 5

EXPERIENCED bellmore-merrick chsd MERRICK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT Send cover letter & resume to: hr@merrick.k12.ny.us In the email subject line please include the job title for which you are interested in applying. EOE

ings Employment HERALD 1197399

Pressroom/wareImmedIate OpenIngs: paraprOfessIOnals, f/t regIstered nurse, f/t (10 am – 5 pm) Salary Commensurate with School Related Experience Other avaIlable pOsItIOns: substItute teachers: $120 - $130 per day NYS Certification required fOOd servIce helper p/t substItutes: $15.09/hr. securIty aIdes days and evenIng f/t (7 hours): $21.63/hr. NYS Security Guard License required, law enforcement background preferred Send Cover Letter & Resume to: egomez@bmchsd.org or mail Eric Gómez Assistant Superintendent – Personnel & Administration 1260 Meadowbrook Road N. Merrick, NY 11566 Additional information can be found on our website at www.bellmore-merrick.k12.ny.us EOE

NEW

Big Bus $27.18/hr. Non-Benefit Rate

BUSDRIVERSWANTEDDoN’T MISS The Bus! EDU c ATI o NAL BUS TRANS po RTATI o N 516.454.2300

STARTING SALARIES Van $24.41/hr. Non-Benefit Rate

EMPLOYMENT

Help Wanted

ADMINISTRATIVE

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

Multi-Media Coordinator (Hours Flexible)

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

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

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

CIRCULATION ASSOCIATE

Full

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

DRIVERS WANTED

Seasonal. Jan- Mid April. Franklin Square. CALL: 516-358-9455. 1197642

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

MERRICK BEFORE/AFTER SCHOOL

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

1197564

Malverne UFSD Long Island, New York Security Guard $20.40 per hour Required: NYS Certification w/security photo ID 1198210 1197761

OUTSIDE SALES

Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Salary, Commission, Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off.

Email or mail resume to my attention:

dlawlor@malverneschools.org Malverne, UFSD Administration Building, HR Dept 301 Wicks Lane, Malverne, NY 11565

LAWRENCE PUBLIC SCHOOLS POSITIONS IMMEDIATELY AVAILABLE SCHOOL NURSE PART-TIME CLEANERS TEACHER AIDES Fingerprint clearance required Contact human resources for further information 515-295-7037 and 516-295-7036 5th_floor • Clients • m-Clients • Malverne • 44862 Malverne Richner Communications 3.125x 3" Richner Communications

$2,500.00 for CDL driver bus and van $500.00 for non CDL drivers. Will train qualified applicants Sign On Bonus *Some restrictions may apply. EOE One phone call, one order, one heck of a good price to run your ad in any state, or across the country Call the USA Classified Network today! 1-800-231-6152

Malverne Union Free School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Applications may be picked up at:

SPANISH SPEAKING Malverne Union Free School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Malverne UFSD Long Island, New York 1198194

RESUME: 516-358-9483. E MAIL: ed@loturco.com. Elementary School Nurse (10 Months, school calendar) $60, 000 and benefits NYS Licensed Required Part-Time Teacher Aide (4 hours per day) $13,378 – 10 months, school calendar Teaching Assistant (6.25 hours per day) $29,979 – 10 months, school calendar NYS Teaching Assistant or NYS Teacher Certification required Maintainer (Evenings Monday–Friday, 3:00–11:00PM) Electrical, Plumbing, Carpentry and/or HVAC preferred $59,733 and benefits Bus Driver Full Time (10 Month, school calendar position, plus 30 Summer Days) $38, 000 and benefits NYS Commercial Driver’s License P & S and 19A 5th_floor • Clients • m-Clients • Malverne • 44870 Malverne Richner Communications 3.125x 3" Richner Communications

In Early Childhood Education. Teacher's Salary $32K. EMAIL RESUME: kgreene@fivetownsmail.org 516-239-6244 School Monitors Part Time $15.61/Hour. 17 ½ to 25 Hours/Week. Starting Immediately! Malverne UFSD Office of Human Resources 301 Wicks Lane, Malverne, NY 11565 or Call 516-887-6419 dlawlor@malverneschools.org

Coming Soon…On the Ocean

Welcome to a bright, spacious and completely renovated direct oceanfront unit in the desirable Westholme area of Long Beach. Enjoy stunning views from your picture window directly on the beach and boardwalk and capture the breathtaking sunset from your southwest corner terrace. This desirable corner oceanfront, 2 bedroom, 1.5 bath unit features an ocean view from every room, a high-end renovated kitchen featuring quartz counter tops, brand new flooring, several closets including a custom walk-in, recessed lighting and new air conditioners. This pristine buildng offers on-site laundry, secure bulk-storage, bicycle, chair and surf board storage, a private outdoor entertaining area with cooking grills and seating and a set of dedicated parking spots for residents. Close proximity to both the West End, Central Business District, and the LIRR with 27 daily trains to NYC in under an hour. Come see how life is best enjoyed at the beach! $699,000.

Am I being singled out?

Q. I just rented a retail space, and I’m planning changes with my architect. The architect says I have to “upgrade” the restroom to handicapped-accessible, which will cost at least $8,000 and maybe more, depending on whether the old pipes can be reused where they are. I don’t understand why other stores around me have original restrooms but I have to change mine. We were only moving a couple of walls and installing a new ceiling. Can you tell me if the architect is right about the change?

Kelly Forman Licensed RE Salesperson

COMPASS Real Estate

780 Long Beach Blvd. Long Beach NY 11561 516.297.3308 Kelly.forman@compass.com

Open Houses

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

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

Apartments For Rent

MoneyTo Lend

Ask The Architect

Monte Leeper

A. You would think the answer is an easy one, that it would be either yes or no. Unfortunately, the answer is that the decision in these matters is discretionary, left to the plans examiner, who either strictly interprets the code and the federal and state laws based on the Americans with Disabilities Act (which was signed into law by President George H.W. Bush in 1990), or determines that the physical upgrade of the restroom isn’t necessary. The law states that businesses with 15 or more employees must comply, but is overridden by the fact that establishments cannot discriminate against people with disabilities, patrons or employees.

I once had a meeting at which the attorney for my client was challenging my advice to our mutual client that an upgrade — a renovation — would be necessary. The attorney appropriately pointed out exactly the same argument that you’re making, that nobody else has had to upgrade, and therefore you shouldn’t have to, either. My guess is that your neighbors may have been in that location for many years, and as long as nobody brings their location up to an official, we leave well enough alone, or that the official interpreted that the upgrade wouldn’t be necessary. I’m willing to bet that your neighbors, for the most part, moved in without anyone filing anything formally, with plans and permits, so the proprietors think they have no issue to deal with. You, on the other hand, operating honestly and legitimately, probably feel that even though you can’t discriminate against a person with a disability, you’re being unfairly discriminated against.

Although I agree that you are being unfairly judged differently than your neighbors, your architect and any licensed professional, including the attorney, swore to uphold the laws of the state they practice in. If officials choose not to investigate every location, that is the governing bodies’ choice. Your architect is only trying to do what is right under the law.

Coincidentally, that very morning, when the attorney was making the case that others were not in compliance, there was an incident in lower Manhattan in which an attorney had his heels slashed by a homeless man on a subway platform, and was instantly debilitated. I pointed out to the attorney that that poor guy was now disabled, and that we humans are all vulnerable, by age or accident, and need to be considered. He answered, “You should have been an attorney.”

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

SNOW

Antiques/Collectibles

We

KING

SYL-LEE

COLE

DOG

DOLLS,

FRANKLIN

ROLLER

SKI

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

Heating

AROUND THE CLOCK REFRIGERATION INC. Specializing In Gas Furnaces/ Ductless Heat Pump Installations/ Repairs. $99 Annual Gas Furnace Maintenance/ Inspection. FREE Estimates. Gregory 516-214-0178 gregory@clockhvac.com

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

CARPENTRY & PAINTING: Residential/ Commercial. All Phases. Licensed/Insured. FREE ESTIMATES! Anthony & J Home Improvements 516-678-6641

DON'T PAY FOR Covered Home Repairs Again! American Residential Warranty covers ALL MAJOR SYSTEMS AND APPLIANCES. 30 DAY RISK FREE/ $100 OFF POPULAR PLANS. 833-398-0526

Home Improvement

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

Miscellaneous

BEST SATELLITE TV with 2 Year Price Guarantee! $59.99/mo with 190 channels and 3 months free premium movie channels! Free next day installation! Call 888-508-5313

Plumbing

PLUMBER!

Tile

TILE INSTALLATION: 25 Years In Business. FREE Estimates. We Specialize In Quality Work. Broadway Tile Company. Call Jeff 516-647-2604 Or email estimating@broadwaytileco.com

Satellite/TV Equipment

DISH TV $64.99 For 190 Channels + $14.95 High Speed Internet. Free Installation, Smart HD DVR Included, Free Voice Remote. Some restrictions apply. Promo Expires 1/21/23. 1-866-595-6967

GET DIRECTV FOR $64.99/mo for 12 months with CHOICE Package. Save an additional $120 over 1st year. First 3 months of HBO Max, Cinemax, Showtime, Starz and Epix included! Directv is #1 in Customer Satisfaction (JD Power & Assoc.) Some restrictions apply. Call 1-888-534-6918

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

8am-6pm ET). Computer with internet is required

Health & Fitness

& MARINE

Autos For Sale

The

masthead

The box at the far left side of the page is called the masthead. It contains the newspaper’s flag, or nameplate. The masthead offers important information about the paper, including the names of the staff members who are responsible for producing it each week.

Publisher Stuart Richner guides the business and news operations of the 23 newspapers in the Herald Community Newspapers group, including the Nassau Herald, which serves the Five Towns, and Heralds for Baldwin, Bellmore, East Meadow, Franklin SquareElmont, Freeport, Glen Cove, Long Beach, Lynbrook-East Rockaway, Malverne-West Hempstead, Merrick, Oceanside-Island Park, Oyster Bay, Rockville Centre, Sea Cliff-Glen Head, Valley Stream, Wantagh and Seaford.

Each paper’s editor is responsible for the assignment, selection and placement of stories, most of which the editors and reporters write. The executive editor, MIchael Hinman, oversees news operations for all the papers in the group, with the help of Jeffrey Bessen, the deputy editor.

The production department is responsible for the papers’ general design. The advertising and art departments produce the large, oftenillustrated display advertisements that appear throughout the papers. The classified department produces the smaller advertisements at the back of the papers.

The masthead also lists each paper’s age, the names of its founders, its address, email, and telephone and fax numbers, and provides notice that all contents of the paper are copyrighted.

Editorial comment

Editorials offer the opinions of the Herald. Editors write them. Editorials do not necessarily reflect the views of the individuals who write them; rather, they are the institutional voice of the news organization.

That is why they are unsigned.

Herald editorial department heads meet regularly to plan the editorials. Independent reporting by our staff often helps inform our editorials. We might also speak with experts and advocates to gain their perspective before sitting down to write an editorial.

We are proud to say that we have won many state awards for our editorial writing over the years.

There are times we might use this space to endorse candidates in local elections. We take this responsibility seriously. Editorial staff members sit down with candidates to question them about their views on major issues before offering the paper’s opinions about which candidates would best represent our readers.

Editorial cartoon

Editorial cartoons are almost as old as newspapers themselves. They date back to 18th century England, and are a staple of the modern American opinion section. Yet, opinions here do not necessarily represent the opinions of the Herald or its staff.

Advertising, call Rhonda Glickman, vice president of sales, at (516) 569-4000, ext. 250. For

Subscriptions,

call Dianne Ramdass, circulation manager, at ext. 231.

For your information

Editorial page

. . .

Remembering for those who no longer can

Where were you when Kennedy was shot?”

Many of us remember asking that, or being asked. That question has since been supplanted by ones like “Where were you when the Challenger exploded?” or “Where were you on Sept. 11?”

But those singular tragedies were hardly the first to dominate our everyday lives on such a massive scale. That is a tragedy remembered for decades with its own question: “Where were you when Pearl Harbor was bombed?”

Yet there are very few people left who can answer that. Not surprising, since the stunning attack that officially brought the United States into World War II happened over 80 years ago. Without those living witnesses, however, we risk the possibility that the attack, the war itself, and atrocities like the Holocaust will become mere footnotes in history.

And that’s simply not acceptable.

This was the time of what NBC anchor Tom Brokaw coined the Greatest Generation. People who lived through the suffering of the Great Depression, only to find themselves fighting for something greater: freedom. Not for Americans, but for people on a global scale. We fought to destroy fascism as well as its key components, totalitarianism and authoritarianism, as well as hate.

Not that we were perfect in doing so —

far from it. But if anything good came from that period, it was the fact that our global society at least took some significant steps forward.

Conflict has been a part of human history, but never on the scale we saw in World War II. Never in the numbers of people lost. The outright attempted genocide of an entire religious ethnicity. We have to take time to remember because, as Winston Churchill said, “Those that fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.”

Part of that education comes from exploring what happened at Pearl Harbor — a place thousands of miles away, practically across an ocean, on a group of islands that, at the time, were merely an American territory. The attack killed 2,403 U.S. personnel and destroyed or damaged 19 ships — nearly half of them battleships.

By the time World War II ended in 1945, American deaths would reach nearly 420,000, while globally, 15 million soldiers and 45 million civilians would lose their lives.

The pain from that war — and World War I, “the Great War,” before it — was felt for generations, to the point where governments worked as hard as they could not to let any other conflict balloon to such a global scale. But memories fade, hastened by the loss of those who experienced that suffering firsthand.

Now we live in a time when fears of a

worldwide conflict are stronger than they have been in decades. It’s not just political polarization, but also what has become a broader tolerance of intolerance and outright hate — something that can never be allowed to normalize, whether it’s antisemitism, racism, sexism or homophobia. Attacking where someone is from, how they worship — or if they worship — or even how they identify gender-wise.

History is fading, and with it its lessons. And we can’t let that happen.

That’s why Dec. 7 is so important. Or Jan. 27 — International Holocaust Remembrance Day — as well as spring’s Yom Hashoah. Because you can’t even begin to talk about loss during this period without talking about the 6 million Jews who were killed — a third of Jews worldwide. Or the 2 million ethnic Poles.

Or 500,000 Roma. Or thousands more who were gay, or who were political or religious prisoners.

The late Elie Wiesel, a Holocaust survivor himself, once said, “To forget a Holocaust is to kill twice.” And that can be applied to any tragedy we try to forget.

Next week, we have a chance to remember on the 81st anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor. There might be few left to ask where they were when this tragedy took place, but remembering means we’re learning. And learning gives us a fighting chance to never repeat those horrors again.

LETTERS

O’Connell sure didn’t pull any punches

To the Editor:

Don’t you love freedom of the press? That basic right enables people like John O’Connell, former executive editor of the Heralds, to blatantly cast aspersions on public figures without including specific evidence to support his claims.

In his op-ed last week, “I’ll take the GOP agenda — without Trump — any day,” O’Connell refers to Hillary Clinton as a “backstabbing, secretive, supercilious, lying, characterless cypher.” While I don’t love Hillary, I question what purpose such unsupported name-calling achieves, except perhaps to justify why O’Connell opted to vote for Trump, despite his “unappealing, obnoxious,” “insufferable” and “bullying” behavior.

O’Connell goes on to blast our sitting president, vice president, transportation secretary and governor,

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Opinion pages

OPINIONS

‘Energy efficient’ may become a contradiction in terms

Hearings are getting under way on a proposal to socialize energy on Long Island. It would make the Long Island Power Authority the region’s sole entity responsible for keeping our lights on. Its structure would replicate virtually every government agency, bureau or department that you have cursed as inept, incompetent or indifferent.

why capitalism is always better, and why it provides for more-efficient creation and distribution of goods and services than any government-controlled or socialized economy.

Opinion columns

We publish three columns every week. Columns represent the views of the writers themselves, not of the Herald. Each writer works independently and chooses his or her own subjects. Among our regular contributors are the Heralds’ executive editor, Michael Hinman, and the Nassau Herald’s former executive editor, Randi Kreiss, both of whom have won numerous awards for their opinion writing. We also feature columns by prominent political figures, including former Assemblyman Jerry Kremer, who is now a consultant. And we regularly invite guest columnists to offer their views.

What is instructive about this forced march to complete government control is that these hearings were mandated by law to be held by the end of September, but are just beginning now. The government commission couldn’t even get its act together to hold them on time. Good thing it isn’t responsible for directing our electrical future.

Oh, wait. It is.

Hanley has identified the ideological underpinnings of this power grab. It has little to do with the efficiency, innovation and accountability demanded of PSEG Long Island under a strict don’t-screw-up contract with LIPA. Rather, it is about a progressive agenda of growing government whenever it can, assuming authority over infrastructure that it has no competence running and operating costs it has no interest in cutting.

agement structure would balloon with executives making six-figure salaries. There would be no financial incentives for any of them to work smarter, better, more efficiently.

The hearings, by a special commission, are the result of legislation signed into law by Gov. Kathy Hochul. It directs the review of a plan to convert the existing public-private partnership that manages our electrical grid to one that would, in essence, make the governor ultimately responsible for its operation and maintenance.

RONALD J. ROSENBERG

To set the stage for these hearings, you need to understand that LIPA currently owns most of the Long Island electrical grid, including the bulk of our power plants. It has an incentive contract with PSEG Long Island, which actually runs the system. If PSEG does well and hits certain performance criteria, it is financially compensated. If it fails, it will take a financial bath. This is the essence of

James Hanley, a fellow with the Empire Center for Public Policy, is a seasoned observer of Albany’s political stinkpot. “It’s hard to predict what will come of this proposal,” Hanley has written. “Public power (left wing) advocates clearly want to eliminate any role for a private utility in operating LIPA’s grid. They don’t have any evidence that LIPA could improve upon PSEG’s management; they seem to think the word `public’ is a magical incantation that will make everything better.”

In truth, it makes everything worse. An example? Which delivery service is more reliable, the government controlled U.S. mail, or the privately owned Federal Express? The answer is obvious.

among others, again without a logical explanation. He cites the GOP agenda, familiar to most of us. However, he does not mention the many Americans who suffer from a housing shortage, food insecurity, climate change, or a lack of adequate gun control. He also exhibits no concern for the recent increase in racist, antisemitic and homophobic violence against fellow human beings.

Will these people merely be casualties of war as the GOP tries to stifle the voices of its opposition? Surely a nation as great as ours must be able to find a way to achieve compromise so that the needs and safety of so many of its citizens are not ignored.

PAM SINGER Malverne

24-30 column that he doesn’t like Donald Trump, but that the former president accomplished “great things.”

What in the world would those “great things” be?

His disrespect for the country’s courts and its diplomatic and intelligence services? His refusal to accept the results of an election? Deepening political divisions and encouraging racial bigotry?

O’Connell’s column derides potential Democratic candidates for president and vice president, but omits any mention of the many GOP members of Congress who have gone along with Trump’s lies about a rigged election. Nor is there any mention of Trump’s attempt to defy the will of American voters by backing a coup.

What makes this power play particularly toxic is that LIPA had been tasked with running the grid before. It failed, miserably, when Superstorm Sandy came ashore a decade ago.

As a result, then Gov. Andrew Cuomo required LIPA to engage private industry in running the grid, and to use financial incentives and penalties that are employed in the real world. Having had such a raving success with cashless bail, today’s progressive powerbrokers seem quite content to ignore those lessons, and now seek the keys to the power grid.

How would that work? For starters, the people currently working for PSEG would probably be asked to transfer their skills and expertise to LIPA, a government entity. As LIPA employees, they would be given salaries, benefits and pensions that you and I would pay for. The LIPA man-

Compare that with a recent J.D. Power survey that found dissatisfaction with PSEG Long Island among businesses on the Island. That could mean a financial hit for the utility management company, because its compensation is directly tied to customer opinions of its performance. Were LIPA in charge, and faced with such a report, its response would undoubtedly be “Feh,” for there would be no accountability under a socialized structure. That would be good news for those who feast on political patronage, because one suspects someone’s brother-in-law would be in charge of consumer complaints.

We can assume that it will be Hochul’s decision as to whether Long Island’s power goes progressive. She needs to, but probably doesn’t, appreciate, or care, that if that’s the future of LIPA, her office number will be on speed dial for 2.7 million Long Islanders the next time a hurricane takes down the grid. And if last month’s elections proved anything, it’s that those LIPA customers vote.

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

FRAMEWORK by Fatima Lasso

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Trump’s

‘great’ accomplishments?

To the Editor:

John O’Connell asserted in his Nov.

O’Connell even claims there is a “GOP agenda.” And what would that be? More stunts such as votes to end Obamacare?

LARRY McCOY Rockville Centre

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I n Albany, a potential plan to gut the public-private management of our electricity.