East Meadow Herald 04-06-2023

FoR tHE PAst eight years, Tom Lynch, an amateur astronomer, has worked with Nassau County libraries, helping them purchase and maintain easy-to-use telescopes. Now a telescope is available for East Meadow residents, too.

Library patrons go stargazing Tom Lynch helps Nassau facilities get telescopes

By AMA NKRUMAH Intern

Self-described amateur astronomer and NASA Solar System Ambassador Tom Lynch has been interested in outer space since he was 10 years old. He took that love and ran with it, and has now helped more than 15 Nassau County libraries obtain telescopes and teach their residents how to use them.

On March 29, it was the East Meadow Public Library’s

Barnum Woods gets all pie’d up Page 9

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Clarke H.S. musicians play on Tilles stage

By MAlloRY WIlsoN mwilson@liherald.com

Five W.T. Clarke High School students from the orchestra program got the experience of a lifetime after being chosen to play with a professional theater troupe at the Tilles Center for Performing Arts in Brookville.

last April, and eagerly waited for the show ever since.

“We thought it would be a cool opportunity for the kids to play with a professional group,” Gregory Krajci, the school’s orchestra teacher, said. “They got to be featured on the Tilles Center’s main program.”

turn to learn how to use a telescope that was donated by the Amateur Observers Society of New York. It can be lent out to cardholders the same way they take out books.

Residents gathered in the auditorium while Lynch talked about the telescope, how to use it, tips and tricks on how to view a distant object, and information about the stars.

Lynch is a retired accountant from Lynbrook who now works with the International Library Telescope Program.

The program was founded in 2008 by Marc Stowbridge and the New Hampshire Astronomical Society. Stowbridge’s goal was to make the telescope simple, easy to transport and use, hard to lose and hard to damage.

The Orion StarBlast telescope at the library, Lynch said, is easy to operate and perfect for beginners. There are additional attachments available, like a zoom eye -

Continued on page 2

Seniors Samantha Berrios and Ryan Giannitelli, juniors Hailey He and Bernard Kim, and sophomore Brayden Chan performed as part of “Meeting Mozart.” The show, produced by CDP Theatre in Sydney, Australia, featured two professional musicianactors as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart — Conor Neylon —and his wife, Constanza — Emily Taylor — who introduce the works of the renowned composer to young children.

Orchestra director, W.T. Clarke High School

The Tilles Center and the East Meadow School District have partnered for years. The school found out about this opportunity

“Meeting Mozart” introduces kids to a range of Mozart’s music, from variations on “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” to his large-scale orchestral pieces. The production explored the instruments, scores and themes behind the music and the life of the musician who wrote them. It aims to instill a love and appreciation of classical music through a fun atmosphere that is participatory and inclusive. Audiences were introduced to all the instruments and the ensemble along the way and discovered some of Mozart’s best-known and most beloved music.

Making the show unique is Continued on page 4

Mallory Wilson/Herald

I t wasn’t just like another school event, it was something more prestigious and had professional expectations.

GREGoRY KRAjcI

Promoting stargazing with easy-use telescopes

continued from

piece, astronomy books, planisphere, and Moon map, to enhance a user’s experience.

“Some of the more inexpensive telescopes can be really horrible telescopes because they are shaky, it’s really hard to look at things, and if you don’t know what you are doing, they are almost impossible to use,” Lynch said. “I can’t tell you how many people I heard of that have bought a telescope, brought it home, couldn’t get it to work, threw it in the closet, and then 20 years later, they threw them out.”

Once a library acquires the telescope with Lynch’s help, he then makes modifications to it to ensure that pieces don’t detach which makes it easier for residents to use and nothing gets lost.

Lynch told attendees to make sure that they never look at the sun with the telescope, and to carry it by wrapping

their arm around the base. He said to always start at the least magnification to find the object, to increase magnification once the object is in view, and then readjust focus after the object in sight.

“I do not work with telescopes, but I want to learn about them,” East Meadow resident Maryanne Pinzler said. “I have

always been fascinated by them. And now, I have free time to focus on them.”

A packet called, “The Evening Sky Map,” was given out to attendees showing all of the constellations in the sky for the month of March 2023.

“With the telescope, you can see Andromeda galaxy, which is 2.5 million

Want to borrow the telescope?

Head to the circulation desk at EMPL to reserve the Orion StarBlast Telescope for 14 days at a time. A library worker will teach you how to use and care for it.

light-years away, but it is a little hazy,” Lynch said. “You can see Globular clusters, which are balls of stars that are tens of thousands of light years away and you can see them pretty clearly. You can see the planets, you can see the moon.”

Lynch said some of the best places on Long Island to view the night sky are Robert Moses State Park or Jones Beach. Although, he said, you need a New York State stargazing permit to use a telescope at both locations. He recommends using the telescope anywhere the sky is not heavily affected by light pollution

After his presentation, everyone was allowed to try out the telescope to make sure that they could successfully focus on an object. Then, for the main event, Lynch took the telescope outside to the front of the library to look at the moon and the stars.

Mallory Wilson/Herald

In Tom Lynch’s opinion, the Orion StarBlast Telescope is the best option for local libraries to purchase. It’s easy to use and offers the most bang for the buck.

I have always been fascinated by them. And now, I have free time to focus on them.

maryanne PInzLer resident

Traveling around the world and back again

East Meadow resident Rosa Yordan reflects on her time on the road and abroad

By MALLORY WILSON mwilson@liherald.com

When Rosa Yordan was a young child growing up in the Bronx she would spend hours looking at the books that her parents had in their huge living room library.

Out of all the books that were there, though, the ones about travel intrigued her the most. “I wanted to read every single book, and I did,” Yordan, now 69, said. “But my main books were the ones about travel — I was so fascinated about it.”

Yordan’s love for travel was sparked by the trips that her parents would take her and her siblings on two to three times a year. And, in 2018, she finished her world tour having visited all 50 states and seven continents.

Growing a love of travel

“My mother who was the driver, she would say, ‘Okay everybody, let’s get in the car, we’re going to take a trip,’” Yordan recalled. “We would travel across the country, by car, or we would go up north into Canada or down south into Mexico.”

Yordan said that they never even knew where they were going to wind up, it was wherever her mother wanted to drive to. “My father would drive too,” she said. “But my mother was the one who loved to drive.”

Those trips instilled in her that traveling was a way of life. “You have to get up, and move around, see, experience and enjoy life,” she said. “That was the backbone.”

Two books in her parents’ library in particular focused on the continents, and Yordan said that it created a deep interest inside of her. She wanted to see all that the continents had to offer herself.

“I was dazzled,” she said. “To see a pyramid, to see pagodas, to see things that are not here in the United States.”

She would always go back to specific pages in the books, she said. “I just had this visual of what my life would be like.”

Even though her parents were not college educated, they emphasized reading and learning. Her father, originally from Puerto Rico, learned how to speak English from her mother, who is African American.

Yordan remembers one birthday when she got a bicycle and a dictionary. Where most kids would’ve grumbled about the idea of a dictionary as a present, Yordan was thrilled. “I was so happy to have that dictionary,” she said. “It traveled with me as a child to an adult to a married woman to a married woman with children.”

As she got older, and the family started to branch out from the tri-state area more into the country, Yordan said, she would be the one that would help navigate when her father drove.

With them, she visited at least 40 out of the 50 states.

A love for culture and scenery

Yordan said that Colorado would be her pick for her favorite state that she’s visited. She loves the scenery and the mountains and has been there more than once.

She recalled a time when she brought her children to Colorado, and they saw a family of chipmunks just flittering about. “I just thought it was fascinating,” she said. “I’m glad my children got to enjoy that as well.”

Yordan believes that every state has something to offer, but she doesn’t think she could live down South. “I’m a Northern girl,” she joked. “Born and raised in New York.”

After everywhere she’s been, she’s chosen to stay in New York — and she wouldn’t have it any other way.

“I do love New York,” she said. “It’s multicultural and it has everything to offer in its own way.”

She said she loves the talent, art, music, and options that New York has to offer, and how it has four seasons.

The last two states that completed her big 50, were Washington and Alaska.

Beyond the states

With her parents, she traveled to Canada and Mexico, and she’s frequently gone to Puerto Rico to visit her father’s side of her family. But after that, the first place she set her sights was Egypt. For most of her trips abroad, she was either with family or a tour group.

“When I went there, it was the best of times yet the worst of times,” Yordan said. “When I got off the plane, I did not expect to see a military base.”

Yordan visited Egypt in the late 1970s, around the time that then-Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli

Prime Minister Menachem Begin signed the Egypt-Israel peace treaty in March of 1979 in Washington, D.C.

“There were armed soldiers there to make sure that there weren’t any terrorists or people who were antigovernment,” she recalled. “But the trip itself was oh my goodness.”

She got to go inside pyramids and tombs and learn about the Coptic Orthodox Church, which is the main Christian church in Egypt.

“I wanted to go to the most exotic place in the world at that time in my mind,” she said. “But also because there was a display at a museum in New York with different stuff from their country, and it really pushed me to want to experience that.”

One of Yordan’s favorite places that she’s been to is Italy, and even though she said that she doesn’t like to visit the same place more than once, she’s traveled there multiple times.

“The food, the culture, the art, the music, and all types of classical music, I just love it,” Yordan said. “I love Italy.”

Her “greatest adventure,” as she described it, was her exploration of Antarctica.

In December 2018, she headed to Antarctica with Quark Expeditions, a company that invites “citizen scientists” to join professional researchers in explorations of the Earth’s polar regions.

“For twice a day we went out and explored the peninsula of Antarctica,” she said. “You had to wear certain garments including rubber boots because the water can be as high as a foot and a half when you were stepping off, and it’s rocky water.”

Yordan recalled seeing penguins up close, and she described them as friendly. She also loved seeing the icebergs, seals, and whales.

When she came back from her trip, she took all of the knowledge that she learned and put it into a presentation, which she has now shared with several different groups of people.

Continuing her travels

Yordan was ready to head to Israel and Bali in 2020, but the pandemic stopped her from getting there, and she hasn’t traveled abroad since.

She’s looking to travel to Israel, Japan, France, and England when the time allows.

“The whole thing is just to keep it going,” she said. “Enjoy the beauty, the art, the talents, and the conversation that people have to offer.”

Photos courtesy Rosa Yordan

She CONSIdeRed ANtARCtICA to be her greatest adventure. She loved seeing the penguins that would get up close and personal.

YORdAN hAS BeeN to all 50 states and seven continents. In 2014 she took her trip to Myanmar in Southeast Asia.

From the high school stage to Tilles Center

continued from front page

that whatever city or location it’s in, it looks for local string artists to play the part of the quintet — two violinists, a violist, a cellist and a bassist. So for Long Island, the five string artists were plucked from Clarke.

The students were given an archival recording to match the varying needs of the show, attended one rehearsal with the music director and performed a total of three shows from March 17 through 18 as a part of the Tilles Center’s 2022-23 seasons. Kindergarten classes in all five elementary schools were treated to the March 17 performances.

“I thought it was really cool,” Berrios, the bassist, said. “I’ve done the high school musicals here, and it’s kind of different going into seeing how the professionals actually do it.”

These selected students, Krajci said, have been playing together for about two years so they were pretty familiar with each other’s skill and style. Practices started about a month ago. The quintet rehearsed about four times. They had to learn two larger pieces and three smaller add-on parts. A few modern-day kids TV show themes were thrown in as well.

“The music itself wasn’t too hard, we just rehearsed together to make sure we were together with the pianists and the singer and just within our group,” He, one of the violinists, said. “But it was different having to be professional with the singer on stage.”

Since the group received an archival recording, they used it to practice. The show is interactive with the audience, so the students had to learn which parts of the pieces they needed to play louder, or softer, faster or slower.

“(The musical director) did rehearse with them,” Krajci said. “But he even made a couple of comments that they came really well prepared, and that they knew exactly what they were supposed to do.”

East Meadow is a very musically active district, Krajci said, so the students have a lot of opportunities to fine tune their instrumental skills. But, this show added something more.

“It’s really nice that they were able to do this and not just play as like background music,” he said. “It wasn’t just like another school event, it was something more prestigious and had professional expectations, which these kids can handle.”

The students said that it was cool to see the kindergarteners from their district in the audience.

“It felt really good to see them in the audience,” He said. “I remember when I was in elementary school and I heard high school players playing in an orchestra, it was really mind blowing to me. It was nice to be, like, inspirational for the elementary schoolers.”

Receptionist

■ WEB SITE: www.liherald.com/eastmeadow

■ E-MAIl: Letters and other submissions:

HOW TO

Fax: (516) 569-4643

HELP WANTED

Five W.T. Clarke High School students, above, in black, from left, Ryan Giannitelli, Brayden Chan, Hailey He, Bernard Kim and Samantha Berrios, played in ‘Meeting Mozart’ alongside Emily Taylor, far left, and Conor Neylon.

The sTudenTs perFormed in three shows on March 17 and 18.

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

Responsibilities include, but not limited to: Answering phones, greeting customers, assisting new customers by showing storage facility options and pricing, collecting payments from customers, contacting customers for late payments, applying payments, updating the customer files/data base and other administrative responsibilities on an as needed basis.

For immediate consideration, please send cover letter and resume to careers@liherald.com

Photos courtesy East Meadow school district

Herald newspapers honored with state awards

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Loved this photo,” the judges said of

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

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

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

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

The Long Beach Herald — edited by James Bernstein —

mention for the Past Presidents’ Award for General Excellence.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Karen Bloom/Herald

Hofstra sets sights on CAA softball crown

By ANDREW COEN sports@liherald.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

them will contribute along the way.”

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

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

Photos courtesy Hofstra Athletic Communications GRADuAtE stuDENt shORtstOp Meghan Giordano, brings power to the lineup after smashing seven home runs last season.

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

Barnum Woods raises money through Pi Day contest

On March 14, the student council at Barnum Woods Elementary School in East Meadow celebrated Pi Day with a thrilling pie-eating contest.

Barnum Woods Principal Gregory Bottari, along with several staff members, took the stage in the school’s allpurpose room to see who could eat the most pie. Students were asked to bring in their donations to raise money for scholarships to support students at East Meadow High School. Classes from each grade who raised the most money cheered on their teachers in the all-purpose room, while all of the other classes viewed the event via live stream.

Fifth-grade teacher Lissette Pellegrino emerged as the winner of the competition, and Barnum Woods raised $3,515 to support East Meadow High School’s students.

Powers of Attorney Are for Everyone

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

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

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

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

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

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

Courtesy East Meadow School District

On March 14, the student council at Barnum Woods Elementary School in East Meadow celebrated Pi Day with a thrilling pie-eating contest.

Imagine Awards honors Long Island nonprofits

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Autism.

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

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

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

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

Courtesy Hillary Needle

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

chosen for the Town

Town Supervisor Don Clavin, Receiver of Taxes Jeanine Driscoll, and Councilman Dennis

Liz Fries honored with Pathfinder award

Liz Fries was chosen for the Town of Hempstead Pathfinder Award. Fries has been an East Meadow resident for the past 40 plus years. She was the second woman to serve as president in the East Meadow Kiwanis’ history. In recent years, she took on the role of Lieutenant Governor of the Long Island South Central Division of Kiwanis International. Fries’s long list of accomplishments include the Kiwanis Distinguished Service award,

Kiwanian of the Year and even the East Meadow Chamber of Commerce “Marvin Bernstein Humanitarian” award. She commits to organizing the Holiday Tree, Menorah and Creche Lighting Ceremony as well as the East Meadow Memorial Day parade for the past 20 plus years. She also coordinates the East Meadow Pride Day. She is an alumnus of the Nassau County Civilian Police Academy and served as Secretary for CEMCO.

Vardakis recognized as a Pathfinder

Allison Vardakis was chosen for the Town of Hempstead’s Pathfinder Award. Vardakis assisted Clavin and Murray with bringing back the Town of Hempstead “Do Not Knock” program during the pandemic. She is also actively involved in the McVey Elementary School PTA and her daughter’s Girl Scout Troops. During the pandemic, she worked with the Town to hold the first socially distanced drive-thru Girl Scout cookie

sale at Veterans Memorial Park. Vardakis does all of this while raising three daughters while her husband, Andrew, is currently serving in the Middle East with the United States Coast Guard. She also volunteers her time to provide support and resources to Coast Guard families like hers that are adjusting, including a Long Island Coast Guard families Facebook page to encourage them to share experiences.

Courtesy Town of Hempstead

East MEadow rEsidEnt Liz Fries, center, was

of Hempstead Pathfinder Award. She was joined by, from left, Town Clerk Kate Murray,

Dunne.

Courtesy Town of Hempstead East MEadow rEsidEnt Allison Vardakis, center, was presented with the Town of Hempstead Pathfinder Award. She was joined by, from left, Town Supervisor Don Clavin, Receiver of Taxes Jeanine Driscoll, her daughter, Holly, and Town Clerk Kate Murray.

STEPPING OUT

‘Little’ films in the spotlight

Forty years with the Asbury Short Film Concert

Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo

STEPPING

By Karen Bloom

Creative advocacy

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

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

By Karen Bloom

WHERE

Pat McGann

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

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

WHEN

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

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

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

• Friday, April 21, 7:30 p.m.

• All seats $15

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

‘Come Sail Away ...’

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Now in its 18th year, Adelphi University’s ‘new music’ series welcomes Yarn/Wire.

The Waiting Room -

Six Foot Scoundrel

THE SCENE Your Neighborhood

April 6

Breastfeeding Support Group

On exhibit

Wish You Were Here

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

April 15

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

Mercy Hospital offers a peer to peer meeting for breastfeeding support, facilitated by a certified breastfeeding counselor, every Thursday, 10:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m. Bring your baby (from newborn to 1 year) to the informal group. All new moms are welcome, regardless of delivering hospital. Registration required. Call breastfeeding counselor, Gabriella Gennaro, at (516) 705-2434 to secure a spot. Mercy Hospital, St. Anne’s Building, 1000 North Village Ave., Rockville Centre. For information visit CHSLI.org.

Art talk

Join Nassau County Museum Director Charles A. Riley II, for a Director’s Seminar, Tuesday, April 18, 4 p.m. He’ll discuss ‘Oscar Wilde and Decadence,” in a session that is keyed to Wilde’s influence on a generation of painters, poets and playwrights, including Lautrec, Aubrey Beardsley and the poet Algernon Swinburne, based on his reputation as a decadent aesthete. Riley examines Wilde’s place in the Modernist movement. Participation is limited; registration required. $40, $20 members. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. Visit NassauMuseum.org or call (516) 484-9337.

Craft Beer, Cocktails, Wine & Spirits. Lunch & Dinner Menu, Sushi and Brunch with Weekly Specials!

Trivia Tuesday Nights & Taco Tuesday Specials. Happy Hour ½ off Apps 4-6pm Weekdays. Inquire for Your Next Private Event on our Website. Tasting Room & Dining Room with dock & dine access. Visit Us on Open Table to make a reservation.

Taproom Hours: Mon-Thurs: 2pm-9pm | Friday-Saturday: 12pm -11pm | Sunday: 12pm-9pm

Bingo at Beth-El

Get your game on at a weekly bingo game at East Meadow Beth-El Jewish Center at 1400 Prospect Ave., in East Meadow, starting at 6 p.m. Prizes, progressive games, bell jar prizes and refreshments will be provided. Proof of vaccination is required. For information, contact (516) 483-4205

Spring Flowers

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

Learn to salsa

Head to Salsa Latina Dance Studio, 388 Merrick Ave., Wednesdays, for beginner salsa, 7:30 p.m.; bachata, 8:30 p.m. Free trial class for new students. Contact (516) 902-7368 or email edwinguerrero352@ gmail.com.

Casino night

Enjoy a fun evening at La Novella, Wednesday, April 19, 7 to 11 p.m. With open bar, Italian buffet, 400 chip vouchers, an Elvis impersonator, and auctions, 364 East Meadow Ave., East Meadow. With many prizes, including a flat screen TV. Tickets are $150. For tickets/ information, call La Novella at (516) 794-6248.

Learn to dance HipHop

Head to Salsa Latina Dance Studio, 388 Merrick Ave., Thursdays, for Latin Hip-Hop class with Matt, 6:30 p.m. Free trial class for new students. No partner or experience needed.For more information, contact Edwin at (516) 902-7368 or email edwinguerrero352@gmail.com.

All Kids Fair

The 12th annual All Kids Fair returns to Samanea Mall, Sunday, April 23, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., 1504 Old Country Road, Westbury. With bounce houses, petting zoos, face painting, balloon animals, cotton candy, child ID kits, and more. To purchase tickets in advance visit allkidsfair.com/tickets.

‘What’s your best guess’

Join creator and host, East Meadow resident Rosa Yordan for an interactive trivia game that will take you down memory lane, Thursday, April 27, 1 to 3 p.m., at East Meadow Library. Topics include films, Broadway plays, celebrities, music, famous places, sports and more. Dancing is permitted! 1886 Front St. For information, visit EastMeadow.info.

Mobile office hours with Steve Rhoads

State Senatpr Steve Rhoads will host mobile office hours at East Meadow Library, Saturday, April 29, 11-1 p.m. Rhoads wants to hit the road, to get to know his constituents. Visit EMPL at 1886 Front St., in East Meadow. Call (516) 882-0630 for additional info.

On stage

Back by popular demand, families will enjoy a musical adventure, ripped from the pages of Mo Willems’ beloved children’s books, on the Long Island Children’s Museum stage, Monday through Friday, April 10-14, 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Elephant and Piggie storm the stage in a rollicking musical romp filled with plenty of pachydermal peril and swiney suspense perfect for young audiences. Carefully cautious Gerald and spirited playful Piggie share a day where anything is possible in an imaginative exploration of the meaning of friendship. Together with nutty backup singers, The Squirrelles, the comedic duo even gets the audience involved in the action. $9 with museum admission ($7 members), $12 theater only. Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or LICM.org.

‘The Wizard of Oz’

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

largest hospital

By JAMES BERNSTEIN jbernstein@liherald.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

essential contributions to our community.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

Last year’s outing broke records, grossing just under $640,000, with $435,000 of that going directly to expand and improve hospital services across the South Shore. Sponsorships, journal ads and foursomes are available for the outing, as well as a pickleball tournament for those who don’t golf. To learn more about sponsorship, or to register for golf or pickleball, call (516) 377-5360, or email lynne.nordone@snch.org.

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

Celebrating Easter at St. Francis

Head down to St. Francis Polish National Catholic Church at 1752 Harton Ave., in East Meadow for their array of Easter services.

April 6 at 7 p.m. will be Holy

Thursday Mass. Good Friday Mass will be at 7 p.m. on April 7. Easter Resurrection Mass will be at 9 a.m.

on April 9.

For the families on April 8, at 1 p.m., Father Andrew Koterba will be blessing Easter baskets. All are welcome. Bring your eggs, candy, cooked foods, uncooked foods, in a basket or not, and it will be blessed in a short, cheerful service.

PRESS OPERATOR OVERNIGHT SHIFT

PRINTING

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

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

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

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

PRESENTS

FIGHTING AGAINST FRAUD: Learn the 411 on Recognizing a Scam

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

Advance registration is required.

THURSDAY, APRIL 13, 2023

12-1PM

IDENTITY THEFT:

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

• Understanding Personal Identifiable Information (PII)

• Scams that target your PII

• Tips to safeguard your identity

REGISTER at www.LIHERALD.com/identity

THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2023

12-1PM

ELDER FRAUD ABUSE:

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

• Grandparent or Relative in Need scams

• Lottery and Sweepstakes Scams

• Investment Scams

REGISTER at www.LIHERALD.com/elder

FREE AARP LONG ISLAND IN-PERSON SHREDDING EVENTS

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

SATURDAY APRIL 22, 2023

10AM-1PM • IN-PERSON

LOCATION:

Nassau Community College

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

REGISTER at https://bit.ly/ShredGardenCity

SATURDAY MAY 6, 2023

9AM-12PM • IN-PERSON

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

REGISTER at https://bit.ly/ShredNewHydePark

SATURDAY MAY 20, 2023

• IN-PERSON

LOCATION: Farmingdale Library 116 Merritts Road • Farmingdale, NY

REGISTER at https://bit.ly/ShredFarmingdale

Michael Hinman Executive Editor Herald Community Newspapers SPEAKERS

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

Bernard Macias Associate State DirectorLong Island AARP New York

Donna Harris Public Information Representative United States Postal Inspection Service Headquarters

Education and freedom

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

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

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

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

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

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

For this reason, we find people who live in dire circumstances with very difficult

lives, yet are able to live happily and serenely. We also find others who have wealth, power, and so on, yet constantly feel trapped and imprisoned by worry and anxiety.

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

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

Unfortunately, anti-Semitism and other forms of hate have been on the rise in recent years. While task forces and security measures play an important role in addressing these issues, the root of the matter lies in education. We must instill in children the awareness that there exists a Higher Authority to whom we are ultimately accountable, and that should be of utmost importance to them. This will give the children a content, meaningful, and happy life.

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

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

Best wishes for a happy Passover!

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

NEwS bRiEf

Flashfood rolling out at a Stop & Shop near you

Stop & Shop is continuing its partnership with Flashfood, a digital marketplace that significantly reduces food waste at the retail level by connecting consumers with discounted food nearing its best by date. It has expanded the availability of the program, with over 30 new Flashfood participating locations on Long Island.

Since partnering with Stop & Shop in

2021, over 30,000 shoppers across the northeast have used Flashfood, resulting in nearly $500K in grocery savings and over 233,280 pounds of food being saved from ending up in landfills. With over 30 stores in Long Island now offering Flashfood, sales through the app will further decrease food waste in the region.

To learn more, visit Flashfood.com.

LEGAL NOTICE Notice of formation of Comics In The Classroom, LLC. Articles filed with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY on 8/20/2022. Office located in Nassau County. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail a copy of any process served against the LLC to P.O Box 246 East Meadow NY 11554. Purpose: any lawful purpose

137641

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON FKA THE BANK OF NEW YORK, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE CERTIFICATEHOLDERS CWALT, INC., ALTERNATIVE LOAN TRUST 2005-11CB, Plaintiff, vs. SALVATORE SALTALAMACCHIA AS ADMINISTRATOR AND HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF JACQUELINE SALTALAMACCHIA, ET AL., Defendant(s).

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORKCOUNTY OF NASSAU LOANCARE, LLC, V. JOSE S. MENDEZ, ET AL.

NOTICE OF SALE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure dated January 12, 2023, and entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau, wherein LOANCARE, LLC is the Plaintiff and JOSE S. MENDEZ, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on April 25, 2023 at 2:00PM, premises known as 1054 ADAMS STREET, UNIONDALE, NY 11553: Section 36, Block 151, Lot 502, 503 & 504: ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL, OF LAND, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING AT UNIONDALE, UNINCORPORATED AREA, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 613085/2019. Mark S. 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 ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES.

138145

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on February 8, 2017, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on April 25, 2023 at 3:00 p.m., premises known as 253 Merrick Avenue, East Meadow, NY 11554. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 50, Block 462 and Lot 9. Approximate amount of judgment is $415,598.75 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 009186-2013. This foreclosure sale will be held on the north side steps of the Courthouse, rain or shine. COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed at the foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the Court Appointed Referee will cancel the sale.

Ronald Pollio, Esq., Referee Pincus Law Group, PLLC, 425 RXR Plaza, Uniondale, New York 11556, Attorneys for Plaintiff 138143

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS LEGAL TITLE TRUSTEE FOR TRUMAN 2016 SC6 TITLE TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. JANET ROBERTS, ET AL., Defendant(s).

Pursuant to an Order

Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on January 11, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the

Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on May 1, 2023 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 1167 Warwick Street, Uniondale, NY 11553. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 50, Block 7 and Lots 91-92. Approximate amount of judgment is $408,344.99 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 616060/2019. This foreclosure sale will be held on the north side steps of the Courthouse, rain or shine. COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed at the foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the Court Appointed Referee will cancel the sale.

Ellen Durst, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.: 201214-1 138388

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU

U.S. Bank Trust National Association, not in its individual capacity but solely as owner trustee for RCF 2 Acquisition Trust c/o U.S. Bank Trust National Association, Plaintiff AGAINST

Brenda J. Waynes a/k/a

Brenda Waynes a/k/a

Brenda J. Weeks a/k/a

Brenda Weeks; Edward Weeks a/k/a Edward N. Weeks, Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale

duly entered January 30, 2023 I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on May 8, 2023 at 2:30PM, premises known as 852 Smith Street, Uniondale, NY 11553. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in Uniondale, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York, Section 50 Block 395 Lot 32. Approximate amount of judgment

$156,934.84 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to

provisions of filed Judgment Index# 607834/2019. The auction will be conducted pursuant to the COVID-19 Policies Concerning Public Auctions of Foreclosed Property established by the Tenth Judicial District. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.” Mary Ellen Divone, Esq., Referee LOGS Legal Group LLP f/k/a Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792

Dated: March 6, 2023 138603

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK TRUST, N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR LSF9 MASTER PARTICIPATION TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. SALVATORE J. VALLONE, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on May 26, 2022, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on May 11, 2023 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 2469 Cypress Avenue, East Meadow, NY 11554. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 51, Block 273 and Lot 28. Approximate amount of judgment is $569,286.75 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #001492/2008. Cash will not be accepted. This foreclosure sale will be held on the north side steps of the Courthouse, rain or shine. COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed at the foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the Court Appointed Referee will cancel the sale.

John Boklak, Esq., Referee Knuckles, Komosinski & Manfro, LLP, 565 Taxter Road, Suite 590, Elmsford, NY 10523, Attorneys for Plaintiff 138605

Rabbi Shimon KRameR

DRIVING

Monday, Wednesday 12-6 Tuesday,Thursday, Friday 9:30-3:30 Will Train Right Candidate Email Resume To: jwpersonal@ wilsoncollegeconsulting.com No Phone Calls Or In-Person Inquiries

AUTO TECHNICIAN FT IMMEDIATE

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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

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

Email: info@bellautoschool.com

DRIVING INSTRUCTORS WANTED Will Certify And Train HS Diploma NYS License Clean 3 Years Call 516-731-3000

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

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

Hebrew 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 Head Teachers

Early Childhood Assistant Teachers

Administrative Assistant

HALB Elementary School:

Assistant Teachers

Part Time Morah

Middle School Morah

Full Time Elementary School Rebbe

DRS Yeshiva High School for Boys:

English Teacher

Science Teacher

Ivrit Teacher

Math Teacher

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SKA High School for Girls:

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To learn more about our school community, please visit www.halb.org. We look forward to hearing from you! Please send resumes or inquiries to resumes@halb.org

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.

Will Consider Part Time.

Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250

PRESS-ROOM/WAREHOUSE HELP

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

PROPERTY and OPERATIONS MANAGER WANTED Freeport. Experienced

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EMAIL eagertoserve@verizon.net

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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

Letter/Resume/Certification: Dr. Joseph S. Famularo, Supt. of

580 Winthrop Avenue, Bellmore, NY 11710 Fax 516-679-3027

bellmore@bellmoreschools.org or apply directly on OLAS

Salisbury Entertainer's Dream

Stunning

within East Meadow school district. Oversized meticulously manicured 70x110 lot includes expansive 5 bedroom, 3 bath, turn-key modern farmhouse. There is a designer custom kitchen with stainless steel appliances, wine refrigerator, and gorgeous quartz counter tops. You will love the primary bedroom with spa-like en-suite and hardwood floors throughout. The living area includes vaulted ceilings, fireplace and sliders to the resort style backyard with fully permitted outdoor kitchen and diamond pavered entertainment area. This home also boasts central air-conditioning, a 1 car garage and security system with so much more.

Open Houses

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

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

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

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

HEWLETT BA, 1599 Lakeview Dr.,

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

Open Houses

HEWLETT BA 257 WILLARD Spacious 5 BR, 3 , open house 12-1:30, 4/2, Bth Exp Ranch With Open Layout.Main Floor Mstr Ste Plus Potential Mstr Ste on 2nd Flr.LR/Fpl, FDR, EIK & Sundrenched Family Rm w/ Doors to Deck. Fin Bsmt. Att Gar. Loads of Updates!! SD#20(Lynbrook)No Flood Insurance Req. MUST SEE THIS!..$1,025,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299

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

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

info@stonegatere.com www.stonegatere.com

Ronnie Gerber 516-238-4299 1211059 happy holidays!

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

1608 Ridgeway Dr, BA, Move Right Into This Completely Gut Renovated 4 BR, 3.5 Bth Col on 1/4 Acre Prop. New Kosher EIK, FDR, LR/ Fpl, Den & Enclosed Porch. Radiant Heated Flrs. Full Fin Bsmt. 2 Car Att Gar. MUST

SEE!! SD#20 DRASTIC REDUCTION! MOTIVATED SELLER! $1,399,000 ALSO FOR RENT $6,500 per month

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

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

1534 Broadway #103, BA, Magnificent New Renovation! One of a Kind Ranch Style Living in Luxurious Jonathan Hall Condominium with Doorman & Elevator. Just Move into This Gut Rvated, Spacious 2 BR, 2 Bath Apt with Open Layout. Large Designer Eat in Kitchen with Sep Pantry & Laundry Rm.Master BR Boasts Gorgeous Bth & Walk in Closet. Terrace Faces into Courtyard. Garage Parking Incl REDUCED & MOTIVATED!! $699,000

1534 Broadway #205, BA, Extra Large 2000 Sq Ft, 2 Bedroom

(Originally 3 BR), 2 Bath Condo in Prestigious Jonathan Hall with Doorman & Elevator. Updtd Wood/Quartz Kit, LR & DR. Washer/Dryer in Unit. Underground Pkg. Loads of Closets. Terrace Faces Back. Easy Ranch Style Living BIG REDUCTION!! MOTIVATED SELLER!$699,000 CE da RHURST

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

Making an old home newer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

©

Ask The Architect

Monte Leeper

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Tag Sales

FREEPORT: FRIDAY 4/7/23 And SATURDAY 4/8/23 10am- 3pm. 270 North Columbus Avenue. Something For Everyone!

Garage Sales

MERRICK INDOOR SALE Saturday 4/15, Sunday 4/16. 10am-4pm. Sunrise Yacht Club. 1980 Bayberry Avenue. Multi Family.

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Antiques/Collectibles

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Miscellaneous For Sale

MEDICAL EQUIPMENT: EXCELLENT Condition. Joerns Hoyer Journey 340, Sara Stedy And Upright Walker. Negotiable. 516-593-6687

FINDS UNDER $100

Finds Under $100

CRYSTAL STEMWARE (WATER, wine, champagne). Macys, brand new, original boxes $99. (516)225-9191.

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SERVICES

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Autos For Sale

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New York is going to pot, very slowly

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

on the merits of those claims.

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

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

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

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

America, where have all the flowers gone?

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

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

TRUMP INDICTED.

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

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

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

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

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

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

RANDI KREISS

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

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

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

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

Mr. Bump went on to write, “Most of

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

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

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

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

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

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

JERRY KREMER

E-mail:

East mEadow

Kids will lead, if we let them

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

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

HERALD

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

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

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

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

Certainly, there were other people

letters

Where do you stand, Congressman D’Esposito?

To the Editor:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

make the world a better place.

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

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

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

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

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

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

It’s time to rethink windstorm insurance coverage

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

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

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

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

But if you have a policy where wind

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

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

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

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

This is hardly a new problem, and

Letters

lic safety issue of our time?

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

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

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

DIANE CArACCIoLo West Hempstead

The lives those Nashville 9-year-olds missed

To the Editor:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

windstorm damage.

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

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

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

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

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

Framework by Tim Baker

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

rICHArD SIEGELMAN Plainview

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

GarY sLaVin

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

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