Franklin Square/Elmont Herald 04-11-2024

HERALD

A near ‘total eclipse of the sun’

Tanina Avallone, 8, of Franklin Square, watches the solar eclipse at the Franklin Square Library.

UBS Arena showers military moms-to-be with love

By NIColE WAGNER nwagner@liherald.com

When expecting the birth of a child, mothers usually have a village of friends and family rallying around them, ready to welcome their baby with open arms. For many, a baby shower brings the family together to gather gifts like onesies, bibs, cradles and more. For women in the military or partners of military personnel, a baby shower is harder to put together while being miles away from family.

In an effort to support soon-to-be moms, the Islanders Children’s Foundation, Operation

Shower and Ryan, LLC, the tax advisory partner of the Islanders, put together a baby shower for 25 active-duty service members and their partners or spouses on April 3 at UBS Arena in Elmont. The military service members and their spouses were from the metropolitan area, including personnel from Joint Base McGuire-DixLakehurst, New York National Guard, New Jersey National Guard and the U.S. Coast Guard.

“A lot of these families are stationed here in the Long Island, New York, metro area, they’re away from their families, and they don’t have a chance to have a baby shower like you would if

Continued on page 10

Students tackle local nitrogen pollution

By NIColE WAGNER nwagner@liherald.com

Solving environmental problems is something everyone can pitch in to do. Students at Elmont Memorial High School and Sewanhaka High School were moved to do just that when they submitted green infrastructure project proposals to address nitrogen pollution on their schools’ campuses.

Six students from the schools comprised two of five winning teams that submitted project proposals to the Long Island Regional Planning Council’s annual Water Quality STEM Challenge earlier this month.

Wrewarding,” John Cameron, chairman of the planning council, said in a news release. “The enthusiasm of these students is inspiring, and hopefully this experience leads to a lifelong interest in environmental conservation and protection.”

orking with young people to enhance their understanding of water quality challenges.

JoHN

CAmERoN Commissioner, Long Island Regional Planning Council

The students have the option to receive a grant for up to $2,500 to implement or partially implement their project.

“Working with young people to enhance their understanding of water quality challenges like the impact of nitrogen on Long Island’s waters is always

Nitrogen pollution is a leading cause of deteriorating water quality in Long Island’s estuaries, threatening the health of the marine ecosystem as well as the region’s economic well-being, according to the state Department of Environmental Conservation. Excess nitrogen causes toxic algal blooms that deplete oxygen, kill fish, and degrade wetlands and marine habitats. It also contaminates groundwater, the sole source of Long Island’s drinking water.

Fertilizers, aging residential septic systems, animal waste and stormwater runoff are among the sources of nitrogen pollution in Nassau and Suffolk

Continued on page 5

Nicole Wagner/Herald

Girl Scout alumna making a difference

By NICOLE FORMISANO nformisano@liherald.com

Gabrielle Fidis, of West Hempstead, was one of four women who were honored with an Impact Award at the second annual Girl Scout Legacy Brunch March 15, at the Heritage Club, in Farmingdale, hosted by the Girl Scouts of Nassau County. And though her work with the scouts reached new heights last year, the award is nearly a lifetime in the making.

Fidis grew up in the West Hempstead/Franklin Square Girl Scouts, where her mother was the leader of Troop 1739. When Gabrielle was a freshman at Manhattanville College, she became an alternate delegate, and eventually delegate, to the Nassau County Girl Scouts, representing local Girl Scouts’ interests at the county level.

It’s about “having the opportunity to actually be the one to go vote, and to just have a lot of involvement with the decisions being made,” Fidis, 29, said. “It’s just really a great way to feel like I’m making a difference in a place that feels worth making a difference in.”

The awards brunch was created when Rande Bynum, the chief executive of the Girl Scouts of Nassau County, noticed that the awards ceremonies she had attended were dominated by men. Yet she knew of so many women, like Fidis, who were making lasting impacts on their communities.

“We’re really kind of setting the pace, and we’re building the leaders of tomorrow,” Bynum said of the Girl Scouts. “We’re the next generation of the workforce. We’re the next generation of voters. We’re the next generation of change-makers here in Nassau County, and so why not take the lead and be the ones that zero in on folks doing a really good job?”

Fidis, a Creative Arts Therapist at Bellevue Hospital

Parents of young children often overlook the need to plan for death or disability. Many believe they don’t have enough assets yet or that anything they have will automatically go to their spouse. However, every young parent needs basic documents – a Will, Power of Attorney and Health Care Proxy – what we term a “Young Family Estate Plan” (YFEP), that formalize their wishes in a variety of unexpected circumstances.

Without a YFEP, if one spouse dies, any assets that were in the husband’s or wife’s name alone will be subject to a court proceeding to name an “administrator” of the estate and New York law decides who gets which assets. The first $50,000 goes to the surviving spouse and the rest is divided 50% to the spouse and 50% to the children. The court will appoint a legal guardian to manage the money for them and then, ready or not, any remaining funds would be turned over to them at age 18.

who works with adult inpatients struggling with substance abuse and disorders, has been “pivotal” in the Girl Scouts’ work, Bynum said. And she didn’t stop at the county level. Last summer she became the Nassau County delegate to the Girl Scouts’ National Council Session in Florida.

“It just sounded like a really great way to expand the reach of what I’ve been trying to do on a local level,” Fidis said, “and be involved in the making of change.”

One of the most significant accomplishments of last

If your spouse becomes disabled, and you don’t have a Power of Attorney for them, you must petition the court to be appointed as your spouse’s legal guardian to handle their affairs (such as selling or refinancing the house or drawing funds from their accounts). The court may decide against you as legal guardian and appoint someone else.

A YFEP also includes life insurance reviews and recommendations, so in the event your spouse dies you will have the financial resources to raise your children.

A YFEP (1) ensures that all of your spouse’s assets go to you and not half to your children if your spouse dies unexpectedly, (2) allows you to choose the legal guardian for your children, and at what age they will receive the unused assets, (3) avoids guardianship proceedings should your spouse have a disabling accident or illness, and (4) provides the financial wherewithal so that your children may continue to prosper and thrive.

year’s National Council Session was the addition of wording to the Girl Scouts constitution stating that it is an anti-racist organization.

At first, the delegates from across the country had varying opinions on whether such an addition was necessary. But after continued discussions, they reached a mutual understanding, and the proposal passed.

“That was something that my association definitely fought very hard for,” Fidis said, referring to the other delegates she worked with. “It got addended a little bit at the conference, but in a way that still had the integrity of what was trying to be said. It wasn’t watered down.”

“In her role, she really took on so much during the meeting,” Bynum said of Fidis. “She went to the mic a lot to correct things that were wrong in the parliamentary procedure, or to clarify things for the delegation about wording.”

Bynum got texts from other counties’ delegates who were impressed with Fidis’ work. “She was just really determined,” Bynum added. “She engaged with other delegations around the country, and just represented Nassau County really, really well.”

To help effect change on the national level — especially as a woman, for women — was empowering, Fidis said.

She is an example of what the Girl Scouts does, Bynum said: It gives girls the opportunity to find their niche, and the confidence to step up and be leaders.

“When you think about Gabby using her voice on a national platform with such confidence and consistency, that comes from the practice that you get as an older girl in the program,” Bynum said. “We serve over 12,000 girls in this county, and each one of them is their own Gabby in their own right. Each girl is really determined to make a difference in their own way.”

Courtesy Nassau County Girl Scouts Rande Bynum, left, created the Legacy Brunch to honor women who have changed their community and the world beyond. Gabrielle Fidis, of West Hempstead, is one of four people to receive the Impact Award this year.

Home renovation helps Franklin Sq. native

By REI WOLFSOHN Correspondent

When Dina Cantone first saw her new room, she waved her arms around and smiled a big smile.

Rescuing Families recently re-did Dina and her brother Michael’s house, who happen to be the siblings of the woman who runs Rescuing Families, Gina Centauro. Various companies contributed to the project for free. Twelve volunteers helped Rescuing Families gut and renovate the house for 11 months.

Dina is deaf, low-functioning autistic and developmentally disabled, so she needs around-the-clock care. She is also compulsive, so Rescuing Families needed to install locks on all of the cabinets and closets so that Dina wouldn’t eat or drink too much.

“She likes her room,” said Gina, who was using American Sign Language to talk to Dina for this interview with the Herald. “She thinks it’s beautiful. She liked having all of the volunteers here — seeing everybody every day. People would bring her snacks or buy her toys.”

Recently, Dina was hospitalized for water intoxication and almost went into a coma. With these changes, the staff will be able to better track her intake. She also needed special smoke and carbon dioxide alarms that flash so Dina can know when they are going off.

“It’s helping her because it’s making it easier for her to get around, and we can keep an eye on her easier,” Michael Cantone said. “The staff can have an easier time helping to do crafts, play games, make sure she washes, makes sure she eats properly, that sort of thing.”

The home was built in 1963 and was completely run down by last May. Originally, Dina and her father rented the property from a landlord. Later, Gina’s husband Vinny Centauro and his mother bought the home so that Dina could stay there. Since her dad passed away five years ago, she now lives with her brother who works and isn’t home a lot. The property needed a new kitchen, new bathroom, new electric, new plumbing, new siding, a new roof and more. It was fully gutted in the process of this remodel.

Keller Williams Legendary, a real estate company with an office based in Franklin Square, came to the house and demolished the deck and stairs, helped with landscaping, and did cleanup.

National Grid helped make the kitchen bigger. They dug the foundation and did the cement work.

Low Price Junk Removal Top Value Movers, Inc., a waste management servicer, took down the roof and disposed of it.

“Just the thought of helping someone, that was the big general idea,” said Benny Tirado, a project leader at Top Value Movers. “Lending a helping hand and being able to have things that they needed; to be able to provide that was a rewarding feeling.”

The project was almost entirely done

by contractors who contributed for free and volunteers. The only person they had to pay was the plumber, plus the cost of materials.

Usually, Rescuing Families raises money to pay for such things through bingo nights, luau parties and similar events. This time, Gina and Vinny paid the $80,000 cost out of pocket.

“We didn’t feel it was the right thing to do to go through the charity,” Gina said. “It’s really incredible. We always say that we help families just like ours, and we’re not kidding. My sister really needed the help.”

Another thing that was different about this project for Rescuing Families is that the work was being done without removing Dina and Michael from the

home.

“It was a pleasure to be able to work on it, and to work on it with Dina in the home,” Vinny said. “Because we got to see her reaction as we’re moving things out and bringing new stuff in. She would get excited seeing appliances come in. That’s not something we usually do. In this case, it was great to see.”

On the reveal day, Dina saw her room and her brother’s room for the first time. Contributing contractors came, along with all of the project volunteers. Kathleen Voellm, a volunteer who helped renovate Dina’s home, said that the handson experience helped her learn about home improvement projects.

“It was exciting,” said Voellm. “It was fulfilling.”

For volunteer Teresa Belmonte, being involved in the process of uplifting someone’s living space was a rewarding experience.

“It’s local so it’s convenient,” said Belmonte. “You see improvements and good that’s being done on a local level.”

To find families in need, Rescuing Families is usually contacted through the office of people with developmental disabilities, social workers and the veterans’ administration. It tries to do three to five houses per year, but some years can only manage two to three because it’s so much work.

To get involved with the organization, find out where to donate, or see what events will be hosted in the future, visit RescuingFamilies.org.

Cristian Paez/Herald photos

Volunteers who helped Franklin Square-based nonprofit Rescuing Families renovate Dina Cantone’s house in Franklin Square celebrate the completion of renovations.

To help with Dina Cantone’s compulsions, Franklin Square-based nonprofit Rescuing Families installed locks on the cabinets and closets in her home as part of a house renovation in Franklin Square.

Vinny Centauro, left, and Gina Centauro, reveal the renovations they completed on Gina’s sister Dina Cantone’s house in Franklin Square.

Pizzerias gear up to fundraise for slain officer’s family

By CHARLES SHAW cshaw@liherald.com

To help raise money for the family of fallen NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller, the Long Island community is doing what it does best — make pizza.

Pizzerias across Long Island are participating in an April 17 fundraiser to benefit the family of Diller, a Massapequa Park resident and Franklin Square native who was killed in the line of duty. He leaves behind a wife, Stephanie, and a 1-year-old son, Ryan. For every pizza pie sold at participating restaurants, $5 will be donated to support the slain officer’s family, as well as organizations that benefit law enforcement, such as Beyond the Badge NY, Project Thank-A-Cop and the Silver Shield Foundation.

Anthony Lombardo, owner of Lombardo’s of Seaford Pizzeria, said his restaurant is participating in the event, and hosted its own fundraiser, donating 15 percent of last week’s earnings to the Diller family. Lombardo said the pizzeria is excited to participate and help out any way it can.

Wtime of need, is organizing the April 17 event. The organization’s co-founder, Anthony Laurino, who is also owner of Phil’s Pizzeria & Restaurant in Syosset, announced on April 1 the fundraiser for Diller’s family. As of press time, more than 200 restaurants have signed up to participate, and Laurino said the list keeps growing.

“I don’t see any reason why every pizzeria wouldn’t want to do this,” Laurino said.

Laurino co-founded the pizza fundraiser with Alyssa Guidice, of LI Dine, and Jim Serpico, owner of Side Hustle Bread, last year to help the families of the victims of the Farmingdale High School marching band bus crash in September, which resulted in the deaths of 43-year-old band director Gina Pellettiere and 77-yearold retired social studies teacher Beatrice Ferarri.

“My heart broke for his wife and kids,” Lombardo said. “I have two brothers-inlaw in law enforcement in Nassau County, so it hit home a little bit. It’s a sad thing.”

Diller, 31, was shot and killed during a traffic stop in Far Rockaway on March 25. The suspected gunman, Guy Rivera, 34, was a passenger in a car driven by Lindy Jones, 41, who refused to roll down the car’s windows during the stop. Jones, according to police, was arrested and charged with criminal possession of a gun after another firearm was found in the car. Police said Rivera, who was charged with first-degree murder, as well as attempted murder for trying to fire his gun at an NYPD sergeant on scene during the altercation, had at least 21 prior arrests, according to police officials.

Long Island Pizza Strong, which raises money to aid the community during a

As a member of the Farmingdale community, Laurino was deeply touched by the tragedy. His son was aboard one of the buses that was heading to band camp in Pennsylvania, but not the one that crashed. On the night of the bus crash, Laurino spoke with Guidice and Serpico, and Long Island Pizza Strong was founded.

“We took off like a bandit,” Laurino said. “We had 140 places involved, and we raised $102,200 for most of the people that were affected by it.”

Laurino said costumers have been supportive of the fundraiser for Diller’s family, and participating pizzerias are excited to raise money. Uncle Frank’s Pizza and Cocktails in Wantagh is one of the participating pizzerias, and manager Alexandra Gardner said her employees have been touched by Officer Diller’s story and want to show their support. “A lot of our staff have family in law enforcement, and it’s an area that has a lot of cop families, so we all have ties to that,” Gardner said. “We definitely wanted to help out in any way that we can, show our support, and be there for the people in our community.”

Gardner said she grew up in Massapequa Park, where Diller lived, and the restaurant has hosted Christmas parties for Seventh Precinct police officers in Seaford.

“We’re just trying to get as much participation as we can, so we can really give as much as we can to the family,” Gardner said.

A member of the NYPD for three years, Diller had earned several honors, and was described by fellow officers at the 105th Precinct, where he worked, as a “cop’s cop.” He was posthumously promoted to detective first grade, which was announced by NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban at his funeral, held at St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church in Massapequa on March 30.

Diller’s death became a national story, and numerous organizations have shown their support through generous donations. The New York Police and Fire Widows’ and Children’s Benefit Fund, also known as Answer the Call, plans to give

$50,000 to Diller’s widow and son, as well as a $10,000 annual stipend. Achiezer, a community resource center based in Lawrence and Far Rockaway, and the Jewish Community Council of the Rockaway Peninsula, have raised more than $16,000 to help Diller’s family.

Laurino said he hopes to organize more fundraisers with Long Island Pizza Strong and is looking forward to a huge turnout for Diller’s family.

“Hopefully, we get a half a million dollars, why not?” Laurino said of the April 17 fundraiser. “You can’t put an amount of money on the loss of somebody’s life.”

As of press time, Franklin Square restaurants that are participating include Cinelli’s Pizzeria of Franklin Square and Chef Gigi’s Place of Franklin Square. In Elmont, those signed up to participate include King Umbertos of Elmont.

For more information, visit lipizzastrong.com.

Additional reporting by Nicole Wagner.

Courtesy NYPD

Long Island pizzerias are hosting a fundraiser on April 17 for the family of NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller, a Franklin Square native who was shot and killed during a traffic stop in Far Rockaway on March 25.

Student projects address nitrogen pollution

counties.

Isaiah Adelke, an eighth-grade student at Sewanhaka High School, submitted a proposal as a team of one that included planned bio-retention areas using fungi and plants, with planter boxes around a pond at a courtyard on school grounds. The plants would absorb the nitrogen that comes from rain or water runoff, effectively cleaning the pollutant from the water before it reaches stormwater drains.

Isaiah said he could not implement the project at Sewanhaka, however, because it would be difficult to install given the spatial constraints of the school’s courtyard.

“So, if one thing is missing, it’s likely the other things probably won’t work,” he said.

But, Isaiah added, he enjoyed working on his proposal. “I was really glad with how my project came out after many months of working on it,” he said. “I took pride in what I did, and I was glad at the result that I got.”

The Elmont High team was composed of freshmen Nara Clarke, Gloria EdoOsagie, Grace Gablo and Tania Trent and eighth-grader Neah Clarke. They met every Friday after school from November to February to learn about nitrogen pollution, investigate its sources on campus, and test the samples they collected at the school’s lab. They found the highest lev-

els of nitrogen on the softball field, and proposed that a series of vertical planter boxes be installed along the field’s retaining wall to absorb the pollutant.

When working on their proposal, they took into consideration the financial constraints of the grant they would receive if they won, so that the project could be implemented. It will cost $2,230 to install, and the students and their faculty adviser, Kathryn Farley, a science teacher at the high school, hope to do so before the

end of the school year, pending approval from the planning council.

Working on the project inspired Nara to consider a future working in environmental conservation and protection. She said she learned a lot about how nitrogen affects the soil.

“It just made me want to learn more about it, and I would love to do this in the future,” she said.

Grace enjoyed taking part in the challenge, and said it made her more aware

of the pollution issues Long Island faces.

“Usually the more pressing issue would be climate change or other major oil pollutions,” she said. “But just learning a little bit more about the place where I live and the place where I usually spend most of my time is very informational for me.”

A panel of water quality experts from across Long Island served as judges of the proposals, and awarded grants not only to Elmont and Sewanhaka, but also to West Hempstead High School, Island Trees Memorial Middle School, in Levittown, and Walt Whitman High School, in Huntington Station, for their teams’ projects.

In a news release, one of the judges, Sara Cernadas Martin, water quality program manager for the Peconic Estuary Partnership, described the competition as an “invaluable resource for empowering the next generation.”

Another judge, Derek Betts, district manager of the Nassau County Soil and Water Conservation District, emphasized the importance of fostering an appreciation among young people for the region’s ecosystems.

“The LIWQC provides a creative way for children to understand nitrogen pollution and identify projects that can help mitigate its negative effects at the local level,” Betts said in the news release.

To learn more about the Long Island Regional Planning Council, visit LIRPC.org.

Courtesy Kathryn Farley elmont memorial High School freshman nara Clarke, eighth-grader neah Clarke and freshmen gloria edo-osagie, grace gablo and tania trent, above with their faculty adviser, science teacher Kathryn farley, spent months researching where nitrogen pollution levels were highest on the school’s campus.

Will armed civilian deputies help county?

By ROKSANA AMID ramid@liherald.com

Nearly 100 people stood on the steps of the Nassau County legislature building in Mineola on Monday afternoon, clutching signs reading, “Blakeman is a liar! Armed militants are not the answer” and “Eclipse Blakeman’s militia”’ while chanting “no militia, no way.”

The protest came on the heels of Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman jumpstarting a program allowing civilians with gun permits — especially retired law enforcement or military veterans — to step forward as provisional special deputy sheriffs during times of crisis.

The program, Blakeman said, aims to bolster emergency response capabilities within the county. Applicants are required to be U.S. citizens between 21 and 72 who live in the county, and possess a pistol license. Additionally, they must consent to thorough background checks, random drug testing, and provide medical certification of fitness for duty.

The position offers a daily stipend of $150 when activated during declared emergencies, but these special deputies would have no other policing authority outside of such circumstances.

Laura Burns, a Rockville Centre resident and volunteer with Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, opposes Blakeman’s program, citing concerns about escalating gun violence and the lack of necessity for additional firearms in Nassau County, which boasts one of the lowest gun death rates in the country.

She expresses trust in the well-trained Nassau County Police Department, and questions the rationale behind distrusting existing law enforcement agencies.

“We are trying to keep guns out of the hands of people who shouldn’t have guns,” Burns said. “We understand that gun violence increases with the more people who are carrying guns. We think it’s a reckless idea to put more guns in the hands of more untrained people on the streets.”

Allison Dzikowski of Bellmore suggests that existing county police training is more reliable than expecting civilians to effectively respond to heightened stressful situations.

“We should trust our police department to do their jobs that they’re trained for,” she said. “They go through training. They go through (the) academy. They are trained to deal with highly stressful situations. That’s not something that we can guarantee that they’ll be able to act under a heightened, stressful situation.”

Citing New York State County Law 655 — which grants sheriffs the authority to deputize additional personnel for emergency situations — Blakeman justifies the initiative to safeguard life and property during crises. Special deputy sheriffs, while not typically responding to 911 calls, assume full police authority when activated, and are tasked with executing warrants, serving court orders, and conducting other law enforcement duties.

Talking to reporters last week at the county’s Holocaust Memorial & Tolerance Center, Blakeman said he would require these special deputies to have a firearms license and undergo background and mental health checks. The county will provide basic police training.

Blakeman added he will call up these deputies in only the most extreme situation, like a natural disaster — with the mission being not to police, but to guard hospitals and other infrastructure to free up sworn county police officers.

“I didn’t want to find myself in a circumstance where we’d have an emergency in a very significant event like Superstorm Sandy, and scramble to get volunteers,” Blakeman said. “All we’re doing here is pretraining, and vetting those individuals, and creating a database and a list.”

However, the rollout of this program has sparked controversy, with county legislators like Delia DeRiggi-Whitton expressing reservations, claiming she and other officials were not adequately informed of the initiative. The Democrat also says she feels confident the Nassau County Police Department can handle any job — and if they can’t, then Blakeman should hire more police officers.

“He hasn’t been transparent,” DeRiggi-Whitton said. “He never told us if there was going to be any training. In fact, that was never part of the ad, which was the first we heard of this.”

This is something the county executive should have brought to local lawmakers, she said.

“The county would be on the hook for anything that goes wrong,” DeRiggi-Whitton said. “We will be responsible financially. So, you know, that could be a lot of money, and then it’s taxpayer money that would pay for anything that went wrong with the deputy.”

Citing an email she said she received from a Jewish resident in Massapequa, DeRiggi-Whitton comparing

Blakeman’s call for special deputies to the paramilitary wing of the early Nazi Party, the lawmaker told another news outlet that the proposal is creating “a lot of anxiety.”

“It reminds them not only of the Wild West, but of times in Europe with uncertainty,” DeRiggi-Whitton said. “There was something called the Brownshirts, which was basically having civilians suddenly become part of law enforcement without the training.”

More formally called the Sturmabteilung, this group was founded in 1921 and led attacks against Jewish people and other minority groups and businesses in Germany.

Making such a comparison outraged Blakeman, who called on DeRiggi-Whitton to resign, citing the 100 people who have applied for the deputy program so far are veterans and first responders who already have training in weapon use.

“Equating these men and women who would be willing to devote their time to protecting our county — who have prior experience in law enforcement and the military — we’re calling them ‘Brownshirts,’” Blakeman said. “This is not only a personal insult to me, as a Jew, but it is a personal insult on humanity, and to those men and women, civic minded individuals who stepped up and said they would serve in an emergency.”

Supporters of the program — like Jeff Weissman, a former FBI agent — said he found DeRiggi-Whitton’s comparison “deeply disturbing.”

“The county executive, from the point of view of those of us who live here, is trying every day to provide the maximum extent of protection for our citizens.” Weissman said. “He’s allowing the police to be freed up in, God forbid, a county emergency where these deputies would be able to perform other tasks for them.”

DeRiggi-Whitton said she would not resign. In a phone call to the Herald, she expressed concern with transparency over training deputies, and said Democrats in the legislature proposed hiring 100 new police officers instead — but that Republicans voted that down.

“I still have a fundamental problem with this county executive being able to declare an emergency and then summon these people to go wherever he wants,” DeRiggi-Whitton said. “It’s not a good fit and not a good direction for where we should be with Nassau County.”

Tim Baker/Herald photos

Laura Burns, a volunteer with Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, says Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman’s initiative to deputize civilians would put more guns on the county’s streets, potentially increasing crime rates. Blakeman maintains the plan would free up police resources in emergencies by putting more trained personnel in action.

Nassau County Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton opposes County Executive Bruce Blakeman’s plans to deputize civilians for emergencies — saying the existing police force is more than enough to handle such situations.

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SPOTLIGHT ATHLETE

HAILEY TRAPANI

MacArthur Junior Softball

AN ALL-STATE SELECTION last spring, Trapani helped lead the Generals to the Nassau Class A championship. As a sophomore and No. 2 hitter in the lineup, she batted .440 (44-for100) with 5 homers, 24 RBIs and 44 runs scored. She also had 11 doubles and stole 3 bases and served as MacArthur’s starting right fielder. She’s in her third varsity campaign after handling the team’s designated hitter duties in 2022 and finishing with a .292 avg.

GAMES TO WATCH

Thursday, April 11

Baseball: Hewlett at Kennedy 4:30 p.m.

Baseball: Freeport at Oceanside 4:30 p.m.

Baseball: Mepham at Long Beach 5 p.m.

Baseball: Wantagh at Lynbrook 5 p.m.

Baseball: Uniondale at V.S. South 5 p.m.

Softball: Seaford at Wantagh 5 p.m.

Softball: Oceanside at MacArthur 5 p.m.

Girls Lacrosse: South Side at North Shore 5 p.m.

Girls Lacrosse: Garden City at Long Beach 7 p.m.

Friday, April 12

Girls Lacrosse: Freeport at Hewlett 5 p.m.

Boys Lacrosse: East Meadow at Oceanside 5 p.m.

Boys Lacrosse: Clarke at Lawrence 5 p.m.

Boys Lacrosse: Lynbrook at Wantagh 5 p.m.

Girls Lacrosse: Sewanhaka at Clarke 5 p.m.

Saturday, April 13

Softball: Kennedy at Calhoun 10 a.m.

Softball: V.S. Central at Malverne 10 a.m.

Softball: Long Beach at Carey 10 a.m.

Softball: Lynbrook at Baldwin 10 a.m.

Girls Flag Football: Valley Stream at Freeport 11 a.m.

Girls Lacrosse: South Side at Manhasset 12 p.m.

Nominate a “Spotlight Athlete”

High School athletes to be featured on the Herald sports page must compete in a spring sport and have earned an AllConference award or higher last season. Please send the following information:

Name, School, Grade, Sport and accomplishments to Sports@liherald.com.

Carey has pieces to succeed

By ANDREW FANTUCCHIO sports@liherald.com

A season is full of highs and lows, and the Carey softball team is learning that early on to begin its 2024 campaign.

Through four games, Carey is 2-2, with each win as exhilarating as its losses have been frustrating.

The Seahawks’ offense was unstoppable in wins against Valley Stream North and Clarke, where they won by a combined total of 27-15. However, both offensive onslaughts were followed up by a shutout loss.

“The kids are resilient,” Carey coach Anthony Turco said. “A lot of kids have experienced it and have been around it. They know what to expect, how to approach it and how to get after it. They have the varsity experience and know how to handle the situation right now.”

While the offense has been largely hit-and-miss, Andrea Arias is off to a torrid start. While she hasn’t cemented her own role in the field quite yet, she’s left Turco no choice but to keep her in the lineup by hitting close to .400 to begin the year.

Arias is just one of a few players the Seahawks have in their lineup who is a home run threat every time she steps to the plate. Overall, Turco feels the pieces are there for Carey throughout the order but is still looking for the right balance between power and contact.

Grace Leimburger sets the table as the leadoff batter as she has each of the last three seasons. Along with co-captain Lauren Peers and Sabrina Chapman, the trio sets the tone for the rest of the team.

“They’re not very boisterous leaders. They just lead by example,” said Turco. “They come every day, they work hard and they do the right thing. That’s the culture that we have. We have a culture of kids that care for each other, that look out for each other and want to be successful whether they’re in the lineup that day or not.”

Even without consistent run support, pitching has remained steady for the Seahawks. Emily Lehane has started

Eric Dunetz/Herald Co-captain Lauren Peers, left, and leadoff hitter Grace Leimburger look to lead Carey to a successful spring in Nassau Conference 2.

three of Carey’s first four games, accruing eight strikeouts while pitching mostly to contact.

“She throws strikes,” said Turco. “She’s not a power pitcher at all. She won’t throw the ball by people, but she does have some movement on her pitches. She throws some offspeed stuff, which gets batters off balance.”

Adrianna Barragan has also been serviceable when given the ball, as too has Peers. She earned the win in her one start thus far but her talents are needed much more at the plate than they are in the circle.

Although conference play is already underway, the Seahawks still have time to sort themselves out.

“We always talk about there being three seasons,” said Turco. “There’s preseason, the regular season and then there is playoffs. Right now, we just started season two. Hopefully, we can get after it.”

Carey plays a stretch of six straight games within Conference 2 with matchups against Seaford, Plainview-Old Bethpage JFK, Herricks and Division before a brief non-conference reprieval against Long Beach.

Belmont Park grandstand demolition begins

Efforts made to preserve the historic Elmont racetrack’s rich history

The initial stages of the demolition of the current Belmont Park grandstand and clubhouse began on April 5, according to the New York Racing Association.

The demolition is expected to take place over the next four to six months, bringing down the 1.25 million-squarefoot building. The project will require a host of engineers and experts who have been “tasked with deliberately removing usable materials to honor the legacy of a building opened to the public in 1968,” according to a news release from NYRA.

Seventy five percent of the materials will be recycled including concrete, steel copper and aluminum. The material will be processed on-site by NYRA, which the organization said “will significantly reduce truck traffic and emissions.”

The new Belmont Park, which is being designed by architectural firm Populous in conjunction with NYRA, will be centered around a roughly 250,000-square-foot building featuring the modern amenities and hospitality offerings sports fans now expect.

NYRA has developed a project plan that will allow the Belmont Stakes to return to Belmont Park in June 2026

prior to the full opening of the new building, which is scheduled for September 2026.

Throughout the last year of the redevelopment project, NYRA has preserved and stored Belmont’s extensive collection of racing artwork and murals that adorned the walls of Belmont’s interior spaces.

NYRA has also preserved well-known artifacts at Belmont, such as the wrought-iron gates of the late, great Jerome Park Racetrack in the Bronx, which were donated to the organization by August Belmont Jr.’s son, Perry Belmont, in 1937.

The wrought-iron fencing from the clubhouse entrance and the paddock featuring the colors of each of the 13 Triple Crown winners have been safely removed and will be stored for future use, according to NYRA’s news release.

Our goal as an organization is to create an open and accessible space that balances history while moving Belmont Park into

goal as an organization is to create an open and accessible space that balances history while moving Belmont Park into the future,” said David O’Rourke, NYRA president and chief executive.

The Japanese White Pine, which has seen 13 horses win the Triple Crown and elevated the paddock experience for generations of fans, will be surveyed and protected “to the greatest extent possible” throughout the demolition and construction phases.

the future.

DaviD O’ROuRke president and chief executive, NYRA

“NYRA is the steward of this historic New York State property, and our

With over 50 undergraduate degree programs, Molloy University combines academic excellence and leadership with personal mentoring. Molloy’s programs in healthcare, education, business and arts and sciences will lead you to an exciting career. Here, you’ll think about your future in a whole new way.

Secretariat’s statue, made by John Skeaping, has been transported to Saratoga Race Course to welcome spectators at the venue. It will be placed in a public area adjacent to the Walk of Fame through the duration of the project in Elmont.

Glen Kozak, executive vice president of operations and capital projects at NYRA, has been deeply involved with the project over the last two years, set-

ting the stage for the construction of a new building.

“The NYRA team has approached this process with great care from the very beginning,” he said in the news release. “Belmont Park is a special place, and we are racing fans who have a deep respect for what this property means to the history of the sport. Sustainability is not just about being environmentally responsible by reducing emissions and waste. It also means that the new Belmont Park will quite literally contain materials that have been part of the site for decades.”

In August of 2023, NYRA transported the remains of Hall of Fame filly Ruffian from the Belmont Park infield to the grounds of Claiborne Farm in Paris, Kentucky, where the 1970s-era champion was foaled and raised. Ruffian now rests at Claiborne’s Marchmont Cemetery, the final resting place of numerous legends of the sport.

NYRA also transported the remains of Timely Writer, winner of the 1981 Hopeful and Champagne, from the infield area at the top of the stretch at Belmont to Old Friends Farm in Georgetown, Kentucky.

–Nicole Wagner

Sunday, April 14 at 1 PM

Baby shower helps uplift expecting moms

you were living at home surrounded by your family and friends,” said Ann Rina, executive director of community relations for the Islanders. “So this gives us an opportunity to bring them all together and to really show them our appreciation.”

Operation Shower is a nonprofit organization that helps support military moms-to-be by providing baby showers in efforts to ease the stresses of deployment. It was founded in 2007 in St. Louis, and has showered more than 9,000 military moms from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and National Guard since its inception.

Sarah Buckley, an expecting mom from Carmel, New Jersey, said the event helped her as her husband, Spc. Sean Buckley, is stationed overseas in the Army until next year.

“I’m really appreciative that they thought of us, especially since he’s overseas,” Buckley said. “Even though we do have family and friends, but this is nice to have the support.”

Her husband won’t be home for their baby’s birth, which she said was the hardest part about being a part of an expecting military family.

The 25 moms-to-be enjoyed a catered lunch, interactive games, raffle prizes, and Operation Shower’s signature “Shower in a Box.” These boxes included essential baby products for new parents, which were donated by Diaper Genie, Romp and Roost, Delta Children and Stella and Dot.

Staff Sgt. Anthonette Adewale, who is expecting her first baby, was happy to attend the event.

“I’ve been looking forward to it,” Adewale said.

Staff Sgt. Victoria Pinkley, who is expecting her second baby, brought her son Atticus, 3, with her to the event.

“Everything is always a help,” she said of the baby shower.

MSG broadcaster Shannon Hogan served as the baby shower, welcoming all of the families to UBS Arena. Everyone in the room learned a bit more about each other through a poem Hogan read, asking questions such as what military moms have had two or more bases to call home, who at each table had been serving in the military the longest, and more.

Amy Bell Isle, chief creative officer for Operation Shower, spoke to the audience about her organization’s mission and what it means to be able to help.

“We know that every day you all represent our country and you fight for something greater than yourselves, but again, today is about you,” Bell Isle said. “Our hope is that at the end of the time together, that you know you’re loved, you feel celebrated, and that you have some great gifts for you and your little baby — and you’ll know that you’re not alone and that you’ve made a new friend.”

In response to a question about what the hardest part of being a part of an expecting military family is, several moms answered that “We are always too far from our friends and our family for support.” Active-duty moms or dual military families answered that the uncertainty and worry of times when they’re not able to be there for their family are the hardest part.

Daniel Etna, marketing manager of global events for Ryan LLC, congratulated all of the expecting moms at the baby shower.

“We talk so much about the sacrifices that our service members make, and I think it goes without saying that that extends to the family members too,” Etna said.

She read from a survey passed out to the expecting moms before the shower that asked about their experiences in the military or as a service member’s partner, connecting everyone in the room through their shared experiences.

Colleen and mark rian, both veterans of the u.S. Coast guard, were one of 24 expecting families at a baby shower for military moms-to-be held at uBS arena on april 3. they brought their newborn daughter Shannon along for the festivities

Staff Sgt. Victoria pinkley, who is expecting her second baby, brought her son atticus, 3, with to the baby shower to support 25 military moms-to-be.

Staff Sgt. anthonette adewale, who is expecting her first baby, was happy to attend the baby shower, thrown for her and 24 other expecting military moms at uBS arena.

Nicole Wagner/Herald photos

petty officer first class mike gleeson, allison gleeson, master Sgt. Colin Lee-Lam and Kelly Cowan enjoy catered food at a baby shower for military moms-to-be at uBS arena on april 3.

hosted by the islanders Children’s foundation, operation Shower and r yan, LLC.

By Danielle Schwab & Tim Baker

Lori Lang, Malverne

“I have all the kids go through their closets and see what’s donatable to either a church or Big Brothers Big Sisters. Spring cleaning can be a great way to give back to the community.

What is your spring cleaning ritual?

Karen Richards, East Meadow

“When winter is over, spring means starting over with a clean slate. I follow what my mom and grandma did with their spring cleaning, so it’s been passed down the generations.”

Patti Elliott, Seaford

“I get the outside ready as soon as possible. The backyard is our ‘other room’ that we get to use in the spring/summer.

Lisa LoGuidice, Merrick

“I love to entertain in the spring and summer outside, so spring cleaning is a great way to feel a sense of coziness for myself and my guests.”

Nicky Lutsky, Long Beach

“Being stuck inside for the winter, you want to make everything fresh and exciting come spring. My mother was a big cleaner, so I gained my cleaning skills and routine from her.”

Business supports Elmont holiday lights

Staff

Elmont man pleads guilty to manslaughter

An Elmont man pled guilty on April 2 to manslaughter charges for strangling a woman to death and leaving her body next to a dumpster behind an Advanced Auto Parts in South Hempstead on Valentine’s Day last year, according to Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly.

Andrew Avila, 26, pled guilty to manslaughter before Judge Caryn Fink last Tuesday.

According to the indictment and investigation, Donnelly said in a news release Avila met with 39-year-old Rebecca Carlson in his vehicle in Mineola in the early morning hours of Feb. 14. He had contacted her through a website and they agreed to meet in person to perform a sex act, according to the release.

“Andrew Avila met with Rebecca Carlson in his car in the early morning hours of Valentine’s Day for a sex act,” Donnelly said in the release. “When the victim refused his demands for more, he strangled her and discarded her body next to a trash bin.”

A store employee discovered Carlson’s body later that morning.

“Carlson was a mother who had trag-

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ically fallen on difficult times and met a cruel end because of this defendants violent outburst,” Donnelly said in the release. “Her family remains in our thoughts.”

Avila was arrested by the Nassau County Police Department’s Homicide Squad on March 2 in Hewlett. He is due back in court on June 3, where he is expected to be sentenced to 25 years in prison.

–Nicole

Wagner

Herald file photo

Andrew Avila, 26, of Elmont, pled guilty on April 2 to manslaughter charges for strangling a woman to death and leaving her body beside a dumpster in South Hempstead on Valentine’s Day last year.

Courtesy Julie Marchesella

members of Ridgewood Savings Bank, board member of the Elmont Chamber of Commerce Pat Boyle, and Branch Manager Domenico Ciaccio present a grant check to Julie Marchesella, president of the Elmont Chamber of Commerce, as cosponsor of the Elmont Chamber of Commerce’s Holiday Lighting Event.

STEPPING OUT

Comic showcase

By Karen Bloom

Spring beckons with the first burst of blooms. While signs of the season are all around us now, there’s no place better than to welcome the season than at the always-glorious Old Westbury Gardens.

The landmark 200-acre estate, which officially re-opened April 1, is ready to delight visitors with its glorious gardens, a refurbished Westbury House, and a busy schedule of programs and activities.

This year promises to be especially exciting for President Maura Brush (in her first full season heading the beloved landmark), staff and visitors, as the estate — the former residence of lawyer John Shaffer Phipps, an heir to the Phipps family fortune — marks its 65th anniversary as a public home and garden.

“When the gardens opened to the public, Peggy Phipps and her friends probably carried it through many of those first years, that transition from private to public,” Brush says. “Sixty-five years is a big deal for an organization. I feel a great deal of energy going into this year. We’re really hitting our stride now.”

Brush describes her organization as an independent nonprofit that’s managed to hold its own in a place like Long Island that has so many things to offer people.

“So, the fact that we’re still here 65 years later with higher attendance — a higher rate of membership than ever before — speaks to people’s support of us,” she says. “We have our own special place in Long Island history, and our own special place in the horticultural world.”

That “specialness” is evident from the moment visitors enter through the gates. The first signs of the season have made their presence known.

“April is so exciting, with so many flowers ready to appear,” Brush says, enthusiastically. “Every type, size and signs of blooms are so cherished.”

The lake area is a favored place to check out in early spring.

“In the beginning of the year, it’s those outlying areas around the lakes where the waterline sort of meets the grass that’s so pleasant to visit,” Brush says. “It’s contemplative. With the trees not leafed out yet, the sun kind of shines off the water. I’ve noticed people are looking to get the sunlight. In the later months, they want to escape the sunlight. But in April, they want to turn their faces up and bask in that sun after winter.”

Old Westbury Gardens is reinvigorated for a milestone year ahead

• Old Westbury Gardens

• 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury

• For more information and program/events schedule, visit OldWestburyGardens. org or call (516) 333-0048

Path, Brush’s favorite spot at the start of the season.

“It’s at its best from April through midMay,” she says. “It’s particularly interesting from a horticulturalist standpoint. There are so many things that naturalize on their own in there, and its nice to see nature having a part of the painting. You know the Walled Garden is beautiful, but it’s done by man, whereas the Primrose Path is a nice merge between man painting with our brush and mother nature painting with hers.”

Of course, its namesake — the showy, early blooming primrose — is certainly the star of that spot. Also forget-me-not and other spring ephemerals add to the springtime display.

“It’s a wild counterpart to the more formal gardens,” Brush adds.

She notes that the landscape is ever-changing and continuously bursting with color.

“Every week there’s a rollout,” she says.

From the cascades of cherry blossoms, the delicate frittillaria, daffodils, cheerful viola to, of course, tulips, shrubbery and trees, it’s all carefully conceived and executed by Brush’s team.

“We have a really well-curated display of bulbs that you’ll not see elsewhere,” she says. “So much time and care has been put into curating these bulbs. We utilize them in such a way that the combinations are so interesting. The Walled Garden is particularly exciting.”

Along with the colorful blooms, the extensive schedule of programming springs forth. This month’s highlights include the season’s first concert by Old Westbury Gardens’ resident chamber ensemble, Poetica Musica, April 13, at Westbury House. Dog lovers can look forward to the popular Dog Friendly Weekend, including the Spring Dog Festival, April 20-21. Pooches and their pet parents enjoy exploring the grounds (leashed of course), and meeting up with fellow four-legged visitors.

“The calendar is so full this year there’s barely a blank square,” Brush says. “We consider this a year-long celebration of everything old Westbury

Laugh the night away when the Long Island Comedy Festival returns to the Madison Theatre with new edition of its popular show. This entertaining evening of stand-up, hosted by Paul Anthony, features a top tier lineup of creative talent on the comedy circuit. Eric Tartaglione, John Ziegler and Baker & Mark (pictured) keep the laughs coming all evening long. Tartaglione’s high energy is complemented by physically expressive act. Whether he’s poking fun at his Italian background, his shortcomings or his married life, his performance is totally relatable to all audiences. Ziegler realized his childhood dream when he entered stand-up comedy at 40. Growing up in a large Jewish family in an Italian/Irish Catholic Long Island neighborhood has given him a unique perspective for his comedy. Finally, Scott Baker and Vinnie Mark, known as ‘The Quickest Thinkers in Comedy,’ are acclaimed for their fast-paced, off-the-cuff improv act. No two performances are ever alike.

Saturday, April 13, 8 p.m. Molloy University, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre. For tickets and information, visit MadisonTheatreNY. org, or call (516) 323-4444.

The Wallflowers

Over by the lake, you’ll find early blooming shrubs like Cornelian Cherry and Viburnum, along with Flowering Quince, the multi-stemmed deciduous thorny shrub that produces short-lived red, orange, white or pink flowers and shiny, dark-green foliage.

“They are beautiful this time of year,” Brush notes.

Plus, an early spring visit to the lake area is an ideal opportunity to observe the estate’s wildlife.

“The lake is fun this time of year,” she says.“The ducks are there and you see turtles in the early part of the season sunning themselves on the logs and on banks. They congregate around the lake areas on the property. They really seem to enjoy being there.”

Also don’t miss the Primrose

“We always like to consider that you are guests in our home. We invite everyone to join us in celebrating this milestone as we showcase the beauty and splendor that have defined Old

Westbury Gardens

Grab your leather jackets and get ready to rock! The Wallflowers have hit the road with their epic sound. Expect to hear fan favorites, including the Billboard 100 charter ‘Sleepwalker.’ Formed in 1989 by Jakob Dylan and guitarist Tobi Miller, the band has seen many changes over the years. The current line-up consists of Steve Mackey on bass, Stanton Adcock on lead guitar, Lynn Williams on drums, and Dylan on lead vocals and guitar. For the past 30 years, it’s stood as one of rock’s most dynamic and purposeful bands — a unit dedicated to and continually honing a sound that meshes timeless storytelling with a hard-hitting and decidedly modern musical attack. That signature style has been present through the decades, baked into the grooves of smash hits like 1996’s ‘Bringing Down the House,’ as well as more recent and exploratory fare like ‘Glad All Over.’ While it’s been nine long years since we’ve heard from the group with whom he first made his mark, The Wallflowers are silent no more.

Thursday, April 17, 8 p.m. $75, $45, $35, $25. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY.com.

Old Westbury Gardens is ready to burst out with a brilliant display of color.

Photos courtesy Old Westbury Gardens

blooming shrubs like Cornelian Cherry and Gardens has to offer.

for generations.”

THE Your Neighborhood

Melissa Errico

April 19

Melissa Errico takes the stage with pianist-arranger Billy Stritch for her new show “The Life and Loves of a Broadway Baby.” She arrives at the Landmark on Friday, April 19, at 8 p.m., for this theatrical tour de force. Errico sets her own life to the Broadway songs that she has sung and owned — and offers both a sensational set of beloved standards and a series of witty and sometimes wicked stories about an ingenue’s life passed on the Great White Way. A sexy, sublime study of American songs, ranging from Cole Porter to Harold Arlen, Lerner & Loewe to Taylor Swift, with a substantial peek at Melissa’s new Sondheim album, “Sondheim In The City,”, with songs like “Everybody Says Don’t,” “Take Me To The World,” and “Being Alive.”

A woman of stage, screen and song, she’s a great interpreter of classic musicals and modern music alike, as well as a sparkling writer, recording artist, and film/television actress. Opera News has called her “the Maria Callas of American musical theater,” referencing both her silken voice and dramatic, expressive intensity, first came to attention for her starring roles on Broadway. She has since become a concert, cabaret and recording artist as well. Errico has starred on Broadway in such musicals as My Fair Lady where The New York Times called her Eliza Doolittle “beguiling,” White Christmas in the Rosemary Clooney role of Betty, and as Cosette in Les Misérables. Come hear for yourself why Broadway World says, “The way Melissa Errico immerses herself in every moment, the technical brilliance of her vocal abilities, and the sheer star power that the lady exudes, makes her a take-no-prisoners performer, offering a leave-it-allon-the-floor show. $63, $53, $43. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. (516) 767-6444 or LandmarkOnMainStreet.org.

All Kids Fair

The family extravaganza returns to Samanea New York Mall (formerly The Source Mall), Sunday, April 14, 10 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. Enjoy varied activities along with over 80 kidcentered exhibitors. New activities this year include Be a Biker for a Day, and Ninja Warrior obstacle course, along with soft play (ages infant to 5), mixed martial arts and pickleball, featuring two fullsize pickleball courts with expert instruction.

Also three large bounce houses, DJ with Mr. and Mrs. Mouse, Face painting, balloon animals, photo booth, sensory play, putting green, arts and crafts, and more. $10 for children ages 2 and up, $5 for adults; all tickets $5 advance purchase. 1504 Old Country Road, Westbury. For tickets and more information, visit AllKidsFair.com.

Franklin Square BOE meets

The Franklin Square Board of Education meets, Tuesday, April 16, 7 p.m., at Washington Street School in Franklin Square. 760 Washington St. For more information, contact (516) 4814100.

On exhibit

Nassau County Museum of Art’s latest exhibition, “Urban Art Evolution,” is a comprehensive exhibit featuring a diverse range of compositions from the 1980s through the present by creators who were based in the rough and tumble downtown area of New York City known as Loisaida/LES (Lower East Side/East Village) and close surrounding neighborhoods.

Artists pushed the boundaries of what was considered “art” with a primary focus on street/graffiti art. The exhibit’s scope, guest curated by art collector/gallerist Christopher Pusey, offers an even broader view from other creative residents, who worked inside their studios but still contributed to the rich fabric of the downtown art scene from different vantage points and aesthetics.

Works include sculpture, paintings, photography, music, and ephemera from many noted and influential artists. On view through July 7. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.

April 19

Film presentation

Join Mel Haber for “Fred Astaire & Gene Kelly – Two Masters of Song & Dance, Friday, April 19, 12:30 p.m., at Elmont Memorial Library. Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly were two very different types of dancers; Astaire was the more graceful, while Kelly was the more athletic. It’s unfair to say one is better than the other, because they both were masters at what they did.

There were, of course, other singers and dancers who appeared on stage and in films, but none were the equal of those two. In this presentation, we will learn a bit about their lives, and we’ll see many videos of them performing in films. Among the Astaire films will be “Top Hat,” “Swing Time,” “The Band Wagon,” and “Funny Face.” Among the Kelly films will be “For Me and My Gal,” “Anchors Aweigh,” “Brigadoon,” and “Singin’ in the Rain.”

Registration is not required. Limited seating. 700 Hempstead Turnpike. For more information, visit ElmontLibrary.org or call (516) 354-5280 ext. 223.

Art explorations

Converse, collaborate and create at Family Saturdays at Nassau County Museum of Art, Saturday, April 13, noon-3 p.m. Get inspired by the art and objects in the galleries and then join educators at the Manes Center to explore and discover different materials to create your own original artwork.

Kids and adults connect while talking about and making art together. A new project is featured every week. $20 adult, $10 child. For ages 2-14. Registration required. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. Visit NassauMuseum.org for to register or call (516) 484-9337.

Baldwin Homemakers Annual Auction

All are welcome to join Baldwin Homemakers for their annual auction, Wednesday May 1, 7 p.m., at Baldwin Middle School. $5 admission includes 1 front table raffle ticket. With coffee, cake and door prize. Additional raffle tickets will be available for sale. 3211 Schreiber Place, Baldwin.

Having an event?

Poetica Musica in concert

Enjoy a delightful musical tour exploring the history of France from Medieval times to the present, with Old Westbury Gardens’ chamber music artists-in-residence, Saturday, April 13, 7:30-10 p.m. in Westbury House’s Red Ballroom. Explore the works and styles of Mozart, Chopin, Ravel, Debussy, and Rameau, among others, with pianist Hayk Arsenyan, mezzo soprano Eleanor Valkenburg and guest artist Christopher Preston Thompson (tenor and harpist).

With pre-concert discussion, 7:30 p.m., and Meet the Artists reception immediately following concert on the West Porch. $30 general admission, $24 members, $25 Seniors (62+) and students.

71 Old Westbury Road. Old Westbury. $For information, visit OldWestburyGardens.org or call (516) 333-0048.

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

On stage

Plaza Theatrical continues its season with “Til Death Do Us Part… You First,” directed by Chazz Palminteri, Sunday, April 14, 2:30 p.m. Peter Fogel wrote and perfroms his hilarious autobiographical tale. An eternal bachelor, Fogel has major commitment issues as the love of his life has just broken up with him on Valentine’s Day. He senses his own mortality and after much soul searching, he decides to revisit the scene of all his romantic disasters.

Fogel’s signature wit, along with riotous relatable characters, takes us on a whirlwind comedic journey of searching for his soul mate and the meaning of a real commitment. Fogel laments: “The longest relationship I’ve had in my entire life…is with T-Mobile!” $40, $35 seniors. See it at Plaza’s stage at the Elmont Library Theatre. 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont. For tickets, call (516) 599-6870 or visit PlazaTheatrical.com.

Celebrate Holi

Long Island Children’s Museum invites families to celebrate Holi, the Festival of Colors, Sunday, April 14, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Originating in India, this Hindu festival marks the end of winter and the arrival of the colorful spring season. During this joyous celebration, families eat sweets, dance to traditional folk music and throw colorful powder made from flowers called gulal.

Crafts, color throwing and dancing will be part of this vibrant event. Welcome spring’s arrival with Holi. Participants are encouraged to wear clothes that they won’t mind getting messy. Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 2245800 or LICM.org.

Baby shower for moms-to-be

Mercy Hospital hosts this free event for expecting moms-to-be, Saturday, May 11, noon to 2 p.m., in the lower level cafeteria. With raffles, giveaways for mom and baby, and meet and greets with physicians, lactation specialists, mother/baby nurses, games and more. For moms only. 1000 N. Village Ave. Email Elizabeth.Schwind@chsli. org to register. For more information, visit CHSLI. org/mercy-hospital or call (516)-626-3729.

Sewanhaka Board of Education Meets

Sewanhaka Central High School District holds its monthly Board of Education meeting, Wednesday, April 17, 8 p.m. Meetings are held on the fourth Tuesday of the month unless otherwise indicated. Meetings will be held in the library at Floral Park Memorial High School until further notice. For more information, contact (516) 488-9800.

Public Notices

LEGAL

In accordance with Section 103 of the General Municipal Law of the State of New York, notice is hereby given that the Board of Education of the Elmont Union Free School District will accept sealed offers at the Elmont Road School, Business Office, 2nd floor, 135 Elmont Road, Elmont, New York 11003, until Thursday, May 9, 2024 at the specified times shown below, at which time said bids will be opened and publicly read aloud, for the furnishing of the following:

Specifications and bid forms for the above items may be secured at the School Lunch Office between the hours of 8:45 a.m. and 3:45 p.m. on weekdays starting April 15, 2024

Bids must be submitted in a sealed envelope. The outside of the envelope must be clearly marked with the Bid # and Description.

If you should require additional information, please contact Ms. Diane Tool at (516) 326-5500 extension 42013. The Board of Education reserves the right to reject any and all offerings in part or whole and to waive any informality and to accept the offering which is in the best interest of the Elmont Union Free District.

By Order of the Board of Education

Dated: April 15, 2024

Diana Delahanty District Clerk 146072

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT

COUNTY OF NASSAU, ISANTHES, LLC, Plaintiff, vs. URSULE PLAISIMOND, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order

Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on June 22, 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 April 30, 2024 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 157 Hendrickson Avenue, Elmont, NY 11003. 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 32, Block 354 and Lots 30-32. Approximate amount of judgment is $730,888.72 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #602171/2022. 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.

Peter Famighetti, Esq., Referee Vallely Law PLLC, 6851 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 165, Syosset, New York 11791, Attorneys for Plaintiff 145668

Foreclosure and Sale dated March 7, 2024 and entered on March 12, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court “Rain or Shine” located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on May 2, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. premises situate, lying and being at Valley Stream, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, known and designated as Section 35 Block 496 Lot 83. Said premises known as 815 FRANKLIN AVE, UNIT 4, FRANKLIN SQUARE, NY 11010

Approximate amount of lien $613,074.75 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale.

Index Number

LYONS, JR., ESQ., Referee

described in the complaint herein, MIN CAPITAL CORP. RETIREMENT TRUST; MAUREEN O’CONNELL IN HER CAPACITY AS NASSAU COUNTY CLERK., GEORGE ASSENZA, as heir and distribute of the Estate of ADELE ASSENZA; ANDREW PETER ASSENZA, as heir and distribute of the Estate of ADELE ASSENZA; ROBERT ASSENZA as heir and distribute of the Estate of ADELE ASSENZA; GWYNN R. ASSENZA A/K/A

GWYNN R. DESSI as heir and distribute of the Estate of ADELE ASSENZA; JENNIFER MARTIN COLLINS A/K/A

BUT SOLELY

TRUSTEE FOR RCF 2 ACQUISITION TRUST, Plaintiff -againstUNKNOWN HEIRS TO THE ESTATE OF JOSEPH TANTALO, as if they be dead, etc..., et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of

LEGAL NOTICE SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS Supreme Court of New York, Nassau County. WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS CERTIFICATE TRUSTEE OF BOSCO CREDIT II TRUST SERIES 2010-1, Plaintiff -against- Keith Lavalle Esq as Guardian ad Litem for the respective heirs-at-law, next-of-kin, distributees, executors, administrators, trustees, devisees, legatees, assignees, lienors, County: Nassau creditors and successors in interest and generally all persons having or claiming under, by or through ADELE ASSENZA who may be deceased by purchase, inheritance, lien or otherwise, any right, title or interest in the real property

wherein U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE OF LSF9 MASTER PARTICIPATION TRUST is the Plaintiff and CHANTALE TERLONGE, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on May 7, 2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 2255 PARKHURST ROAD, ELMONT, NY 11003; and the following tax map identification: 32-714-24.

239/24. FRANKLIN SQUARE - Karoline Yilmaz, Variances, side yard, side yards aggregate, maintain roofed over patio attached to dwelling., S/s Laidlaw Ave., 170’ E/o Doris Ave., a/k/a 1169 Laidlaw Ave.

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

JENNIFER COLLINS ASSENZA as heir and distribute of the Estate of ADELE ASSENZA; LINDA MARIE ASSENZA as heir and distribute of the Estate of ADELE ASSENZA; THEA C. ASSENZA as heir and distribute of the Estate of ADELE ASSENZA; IAN LAWRENCE ASSENZA as heir and distribute of the Estate of ADELE ASSENZA, “JOHN DOE #1” through “JOHN DOE #12,” the last twelve names being fictitious and unknown to plaintiff, the persons or parties intended being the tenants, occupants, persons or corporations, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the premises, described in the complaint, Defendants Index No. 000320/2018. Mortgaged Premises: 88 Emporia Avenue, Elmont, NY 11003, Section: 32 Block: 455 Lot: 87 Mortgage Servicer: Franklin Credit Management Corporation Mortgage Servicer Phone: 800-255-5897 TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in the above captioned action and to serve a copy of your Answer on the Plaintiff’s attorney within twenty (20) days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service, or within thirty (30) days after completion of service where service is made in any other manner than by personal

delivery within the State. The United States of America, if designated as a Defendant in this action, may answer or appear within sixty (60) days of service hereof. In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF, WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS CERTIFICATE TRUSTEE OF BOSCO CREDIT II TRUST SERIES 2010-1, AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. FRIEDMAN VARTOLO, LLP 1325 Franklin Avenue, Suite 160 Garden City, NY 11530, Attorneys for Plaintiff. 145842

LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE OF LSF9 MASTER PARTICIPATION TRUST, -againstCHANTALE TERLONGE, ET AL.

NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on May 25, 2023,

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

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 006363/2012. Mark Ricciardi, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES.

145839 LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BY THE BOARD OF APPEALS

Pursuant to New York State Town Law Article 16, New York State Public Officers Law Article 7, and the Town of Hempstead Building Zone Ordinance, NOTICE is hereby given that the BOARD OF APPEALS of the Town of Hempstead will hold a public hearing in the Old Town Hall, 350 Front Street, Room 230, Second Floor, Hempstead, New York on 4/17/2024 at 9:30 A.M. to consider the following applications and appeals:

THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 9:30 A.M. 236/24. ELMONTManuel Guerrero, Variances, front yard average setback, lot area occupied, side yard, maintain vestibule and open porch, both attached to dwelling., S/s Ludlam Ave., 100’ W/o First St., a/k/a 62 Ludlam Ave.

This notice is only for new cases in Elmont & Franklin Square within Town of Hempstead jurisdiction. There are additional cases in different hamlets, towns and villages on the Board of Appeals calendar. The full calendar is available a t https://hempsteadny.gov/ 509/Board-of-Appeals The internet address of the website streaming for this meeting is https://hempsteadny.gov/ 576/Live-Streaming-Video Interested parties may appear at the above time and place. At the call of the Chairman, the Board will consider decisions on the foregoing and those on the Reserve Decision calendar and such other matters as may properly come before it. 146069

LEGAL NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that a license “111824” for beer, cider, and wine has been applied for by Alex Martinez, to sell beer, cider, and wine at a Retail in a restaurant under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 916 Hempstead Tpke, Franklin Square, NY 11010, for on premises consumption. LA TAQUERIA EXPRESS CORP 146083

LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK INDEX NO. 614702/2018 COUNTY OF NASSAU

THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON AS TRUSTEE FOR CWABS, INC. ASSETBACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-2, Plaintiff, vs. CHRISTOPHER J. BRODIE JR., AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF CHRISTOPHER

J. BRODIE; CORDELL BRODIE, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF CHRISTOPHER J. BRODIE; COREY BRODIE, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF CHRISTOPHER J. BRODIE, if living, and if she/he be dead, any and all persons unknown to plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or general or specific lien upon the real property described in this action; such unknown persons being herein generally described and intended to be included in the following designation,

namely: the wife, widow, husband, widower, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees of such deceased, any and all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real property by, through or under them, or either of them, and their respective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors and assigns, all of whom and whose names, except as stated, are unknown to plaintiff; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND DISTRIBUTEES OF THE ESTATE OF CHRISTOPHER J. BRODIE, any and all persons unknown to plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or general or specific lien upon the real property described in this action; such unknown persons being herein generally described and intended to be included in the following designation, namely: the wife, widow, husband, widower, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees of such deceased, any and all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real property by, through or under them, or either of them, and their respective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors and assigns, all of whom and whose names, except as stated, are unknown to plaintiff; NCOP XI LLC; ARROW FINANCIAL SERVICES, LLC A/P/O GE

the day of service, or within thirty (30) days after service of the same is complete where service is made in any manner other than by personal delivery within the State. The United States of America, if designated as a defendant in this action, may answer or appear within sixty (60) days of service. Your failure to appear or to answer will result in a judgment against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. In the event that a deficiency balance remains from the sale proceeds, a judgment may be entered against you.

NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT

THE OBJECT of the above caption action is to foreclose a Mortgage to secure the sum of $345,000.00 and interest, recorded on January 18, 2006, in Liber 29978 at Page 93, of the Public Records of NASSAU County, New York., covering premises known as 295 TRAVIS AVENUE, ELMONT, NY 11003. The relief sought in the within action is a final judgment directing the sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the Mortgage described above.

NASSAU County is designated as the place of trial because the real property affected by this action is located in said county.

NOTICE

YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME

If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home.

Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to the mortgage company will not stop the foreclosure action.

YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A

Dated: March 22nd, 2024

NY

a copy of your Answer on

plaintiff’s attorney within twenty (20) days of the service of this Summons, exclusive

CSC Holdings, LLC seeks a Lead Network Engineer to support network connectivity for internal business function and for Altice USA customers. Design and implement processes, procedures, policies, and standards related to the enterprise network. Deploy network gear to support new projects and be responsible for the technical success of such projects. Migrate network gear from legacy to new. Resolve complex issues within network environment and develop automation routines. #LI-DNI Position requires a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology or a related field, and 5 years of experience in the design and implementation of Cisco route, switch, VPN, and firewall in large 1000+ node Enterprise environments. Experience must include a minimum of: 5 years of experience monitoring, troubleshooting, and configuring network routers, switches, wireless access points, and firewalls; 5 years of experience troubleshooting, diagnosing, and resolving network outages; 5 years of experience maintaining network environment by applying best practices and performing code upgrades; 5 years of experience with working directly with customers to resolve network connectivity issues; 5 years of experience documenting network changes; 5 years of experience with TCP/IP; 5 years of experience with OSPF; 5 years of experience with BGP; 3 years of experience with Firewalls; 3 years of experience with Load Balancers; 3 years of experience with Linux Servers; and 2 years of experience with Python Scripting. Part-time telecommuting may be permitted. Job location: Bethpage, NY. Rate of Pay: $172,515.00 – $182,515.00 per year. To apply, please visit https://www.alticecareers.com, and enter Job Requisition ID 5223. Alternatively, please send your résumé, cover letter, and a copy of the ad to: Altice USA, Attn: Erin M. Berry, One Court Square West, Long Island City, NY, USA 11101. Altice USA is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to recruiting, hiring and promoting qualified people of all backgrounds regardless of gender, race, color, creed, national origin, religion, age, marital status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law. Altice USA, Inc. collects personal information about its applicants for employment that may include personal identifiers, professional or employment related information, photos,

work authorization, FCRA-compliant background screening, human resource administration and compliance with federal, state and local law.

and three writing samples to mhinman@liherald.com

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DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL (DSP)

Abilities, Inc. is looking for Direct Support Professionals to provide support services to successfully integrate individuals with developmental disabilities into their communities. Transport and accompany Program Participants to recreational activities — bowling, movies, volunteering — and other socialization activities. Additional duties, such as assisting with personal care needs, may be required. $20.00/hr.

HS Diploma/equivalent, prior work experience with adults having disabilities required. Valid NYS Driver’s License required. FULL-TIME

For more information, call (516) 465-1432 or email humanresources@viscardicenter.org

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ADVERTISING SALES REPRESENTATIVE PART-TIME

FULL-TIME DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL (DSP)

Abilities, Inc. is looking for Direct Support Professionals to provide support services to successfully integrate individuals with developmental disabilities into their communities.

accompany Program Participants to recreational activities — bowling, movies, volunteering — and other socialization activities. Additional duties, such as assisting with personal care needs, may be required. $20.00/hr.

Transport and accompany Program Participants to recreational activities — bowling, movies, volunteering — and other socialization activities. Additional duties, such as assisting with personal care needs, may be required. $20.00/hr.

HS Diploma/equivalent, prior work experience with adults having disabilities required.

HS Diploma/equivalent, prior work experience with adults having disabilities required.

Valid NYS Driver’s License required.

Valid NYS Driver’s License required.

For more information, call (516) 465-1432 or email humanresources@viscardicenter.org

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ADVERTISING SALES REPRESENTATIVE PART-TIME

ADVERTISING SALES REPRESENTATIVE PART-TIME

Viscardi Center publishes a monthly print/digital newspaper and website that serves the New York City

MULTI MEDIA ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT

GOODYEAR AUTO CENTER

AUTO MECHANIC (F/T or P/T)

$2000.00 HIRING BONUS

Starting Salary $75,000

The Viscardi Center publishes a monthly print/digital newspaper and website that serves the New York City and Long Island disability community and is looking for an energetic, highly motivated sales representative. Sell print and digital advertising, assist with growth and management of the subscription base. Be able to learn quickly, multi-task, and work effectively to meet deadlines. This is a part-time position with a flexible schedule; $25-$30/hr. + commission.

Inside Sales

Experience in General Repairs

Long Beach And Queens

Call (516) 661-8471

Send Resume: yonab@autofix.com

Join the Village of South Floral Park team as our new Deputy Clerk!

Are you self motivated and good with being the go-to person for an organization? Do you thrive in managing a variety of tasks from social media updates to crucial village operations? If so, we want you! Bring your experience, Microsoft and QuickBooks skills, and top-notch communication abilities to a role where no two days are alike. Dive into a part-time position where you'll make a real impact, from handling important documents to leading in the Administrator's absence.

Ready to make a difference?

Email your resume and salary expectations to villageclerk383@optimum.net or fax to 516-352-0651.

Only selected candidates will be contacted for interviews. Thank you for considering a career with us!

MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP

Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for 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. Salary Ranges fromo $16 per hour to $20 per hour.

Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com

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. Compensation ranges from $33,280 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286

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. Earning potential ranges from $33,280 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation

The Viscardi Center publishes a monthly print/digital newspaper and website that serves the New York City and Long Island disability community and is looking for an energetic, highly motivated sales representative. Sell print and digital advertising, assist with growth and management of the subscription base. Be able to learn quickly, multi-task, and work effectively to meet deadlines. This is a part-time position with a flexible schedule; $25-$30/hr. + commission.

For more information, call (516) 465-1432 or email humanresources@viscardicenter.org

Long Island disability community and is looking for an energetic, highly motivated sales representative. Sell print and digital advertising, assist with growth and management of the subscription base. Be able to learn quickly, multi-task, and work effectively to meet deadlines. This is a part-time position with a flexible schedule; $25-$30/hr. + commission.

For more information, call (516) 465-1432 or email humanresources@viscardicenter.org

EOE

TQ. My neighbor loves animals, so much that they have constructed little houses for feral cats and stray dogs. Although I haven’t said anything because we have a tall fence, and I don’t have to look at the menagerie of wildlife — including many ducks, squirrels and raccoons that also eat the food scraps my neighbor puts out — I wonder if this is allowed, and now that they’re starting to build very large bird “hotels” that I can see, I’m thinking this is really getting to be too much. Do they need approval to attract all of these animals, a permit or something?

A. There are restrictions, such as section 152-8 of Town of Hempstead code, prohibiting dogs at large. You can check your municipality code regulations, online, by typing in the name of your municipality followed by “ecode360.” Many communities restrict the number of pets and the containment of pets, and have a restriction that pets can’t be constrained for more than two hours to a stationary object, like a post.

Ask The Architect Monte Leeper

Stray dogs and cats are prohibited, even though many people take care of them. I wrote about this 25 years ago, and received hate mail for my insensitivity to these cats and dogs, even though I was quoting the ordinances, in addition to writing about how to keep strays from wandering into your yard. If the strays become a problem for you, there are regulations that your neighbor may be subject to.

Birdhouses seem fairly innocent, and unless they’re built to an abundant size, like the “hotel” you describe, there are no limits. When there are a number of birdhouses, or they become large enough to fall under the regulation of treehouses and sheds, the regulations become relevant, and the construction of these “accessory structures” falls under the zoning codes. I’ve seen birdhouses with 25 units in them, which is large enough to make it necessary to regulate. It brings new meaning to Airbnb. I’m not sure if the local governments that placed prohibitions on renting out homes to transients also included the bird population, since most birds have no place to carry cash or a credit card, but it may be worth looking into in your spare time.

A call to either your local building inspector or to animal and wildlife control centers can confirm the handling of the animals, and whether your neighbor is creating a nuisance. The biggest concern may be health considerations, since some species may carry diseases that can be harmful to other species or to you. For example, raccoons, cats and squirrels are known to carry rabies, and an even more dangerous disease called toxoplasmosis. They endanger dogs in particularly, since these diseases cause ailments that can cripple or destroy their immune systems. Cats are also in danger, and the droppings from each of these animals may also cause sickness in humans, but to a lesser degree. You are not wrong to be concerned. Good luck!

© 2024 Monte Leeper

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

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The heartbreaking death of an NYPD hero

The tragic murder of 31-year-old New York City Police Officer Jonathan Diller has had a devastating impact not just on his Massapequa Park community, but across Long Island, New York and indeed the country.

I represented Massapequa Park, and my district office was located there for all 28 years I was in Congress. Almost immediately after the news of Diller’s murder broke, blue ribbons appeared on local businesses and residences throughout Massapequa and Massapequa Park. Two nights later, there was a candlelight vigil at Brady Park that was attended by over 1,000 residents, who gathered in a steady rain to honor Diller’s memory.

The rain continued the following day, but that didn’t deter a long line of mourners from attending Diller’s wake at the Massapequa Funeral Home. Among those attending and showing

his respects was former President Donald Trump, who met with and consoled Diller’s 29-year-old widow, Stephanie, and other members of his family. Trump demonstrated great dignity and respect, and clearly had a reassuring and calming effect on these good people.

I had the privilege of being there, and thanked Trump for giving strength to the Diller family and to the community. I also spoke briefly with Stephanie Diller, and was struck by her youth and her strength of character, which she will surely need after losing her husband so tragically and having to raise their 1-year-old son, Ryan, without his father.

My lasting memory will be of Stephanie Diller’s moving eulogy.

was bright and clear for Diller’s funeral at St. Rose of Lima Church in Massapequa. Rosemary and I drove to the service with Sid Rosenberg, from WABC radio’s “Sid and Friends”; his wife, Danielle; and Bill O’Reilly. Merrick Road was a seemingly endless sea of blue, as thousands of police officers lined the street in both directions for as far as the eye could see.

arms, were truly heartbreaking.

The steady stream of mourners continued the following day, Good Friday, when there was the controversial incident involving Gov. Kathy Hochul, who, by some accounts, was asked to leave the funeral home by Diller family members. I’ve heard various versions of what happened, but all of them made it clear that it wasn’t the amicable discussion Hochul claimed.

The weather on Saturday morning

We assembled across the street from St. Rose, in a group that included many strong supporters of the police, such as Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, former NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell and Congressmen Anthony D’Esposito and Andrew Garbarino. There were also those who didn’t belong, such as state Attorney General Letitia James and city Comptroller Brad Lander, who are shamefully anti-police.

The arrival of the hearse, the sound of muffled drums, a lone piper playing the haunting tones of “Amazing Grace,” the flag-draped coffin being carried into the church, followed by Stephanie Diller, holding Ryan in her

Inside, the church was filled to overflowing with men and women in blue. My lasting memory will be of Stephanie’s courageous eulogy, in which she described her husband’s goodness and love, and then demanded that elected officials at long last correct the laws and policies that keep violent criminals on the streets and result in the senseless deaths of brave police officers. The church erupted in sustained applause, and there were tears everywhere.

Then mourners filed silently from the church and reassembled across Merrick Road. The coffin was carried from the church, and a bugler played taps. The flag was taken from the coffin and presented to Stephanie. The NYPD Pipe Band played “America the Beautiful.” The coffin was placed in the hearse, and the cortège began the journey bringing Jonathan Diller to his final resting place in St. Charles Cemetery. His life was over. His memory lives on.

NYPD hero Jonathan Diller, R.I.P.

Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.

Washington: where bipartisanship goes to die

It has never been a secret among my political friends that I have always been a strong supporter of bipartisan government. I practiced that philosophy during my 23 years in Albany, and I continue to believe that when the two parties work together, remarkable things can get done.

When I was a part of the Democratic leadership in Albany, I was frequently asked to sit down with Republican members with the goal of getting important legislation passed and signed into law. I recall, during one late-night session, a small group of us walked the corridors behind the chambers to meet with the State Senate Republican leader, Warren Anderson. We went for the purpose of discussing a number of major bills that had not been acted on in the closing hours of the session.

Bill by bill, issue by issue, we had an open and frank discussion of the pros and cons of the legislation, and after a few hours of talking, we all shook

hands. Hours later, the agreed-on package of proposals was on the floor of both houses, and by the time the morning sun was peeking through the chamber windows, all of the bills had been passed and were on their way to the governor to be signed.

A

I remember numerous sessions in which one of my fellow Long Island Republican senators would sit down with me during an Assembly session with a list of their local priorities. The late Norman Levy, who was a hard-working legislator, often came by with a fistful of pending bills, asking for my help to get them out of the Ways and Means Committee, which I chaired. From time to time I would make the same walk to the Senate side to ask for help with my legislation.

member to invoke another rule that requires a vote to keep or oust the speaker. It has already happened once, when a small cluster of hardheaded conservatives invoked the rule, and Kevin McCarthy was kicked out of the speaker’s job.

ny attempt to pass major bipartisan legislation is considered a form of treason.

I’m taking this walk down memory lane as a way of contrasting how government once functioned at the state level, and how, today, the legislative process in Washington is a total disaster. One good example is the rule adopted by the Republican members of the House of Representatives that allows any one

A few weeks ago, maverick Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, of Georgia, asked that the House consider that option again, this time to kick Speaker Mike Johnson out. Johnson’s sin is that he collaborated with House Democrats to avoid a shutdown of the federal government.

Greene is one of a small cluster of members who came to Washington for the sole purpose of blowing up the House, and apparently the country along with it. This right-wing bomb squad has succeeded in taking away almost all of the powers of the moderate members, who have yet to put up a real fight on any issue.

There are many important issues that have been kicked aside as a result of the machinations of the ultra-conservative block. The Senate passed a bipartisan bill that would impose the stron-

gest border security laws in recent history, and at the same time provide financial assistance to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan. Johnson has refused to advance the bill, caving under pressure from former President Donald Trump, who insists that the members avoid making President Biden look good.

The idea that the House majority would refuse to approve legislation that would solve the border dilemma at the behest of a person who holds no elected office is a national tragedy. There are ample Democratic and Republican votes to pass the Senate bill and other bills that would make the current session of Congress a meaningful one, but Johnson is paralyzed and ineffective. Any attempt to pass major bipartisan legislation is considered heresy and a form of treason.

America desperately needs a good old dose of bipartisanship in Washington, but for now that is just a dream for old political souls like me.

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.

HeraLd editoriaL

The time to support local journalism is now a

few short weeks ago, we told you about the newly-formed Empire State Local News Coalition. The Franklin Square/Elmont Herald is proud to be a member of this fast-growing group of more than 150 New York local news outlets that have joined forces to protect local journalism across the state.

The work of our coalition has raised awareness of the importance of local journalism as well as the challenges facing the local news industry. (New York has lost half of its newsrooms since 2004.) We are grateful to communities across the state who have united behind us.

In just the past month, we rallied in Westchester County, where locals were stunned by the abrupt closure of three community newspapers. We went directly to Albany to appeal to lawmakers, and where we also rallied with elected officials from both the state senate and Assembly.

Numerous localities have adopted resolutions expressing their support for legislation that would support local journalism, and more municipal resolutions are in the pipeline. Even unconventional allies like Microsoft have joined our calls to save local news.

Thanks to these collective efforts, the Local Journalism Sustainability Act — which would provide tax credits to local news organizations for retaining and creating newsroom jobs — was included in the state Senate’s recent budget pro-

Letters

Larry McCoy will pick up the first dime

To the Editor:

Having had the pleasure of attending a writers’ workshop at the Oceanside and Rockville Centre libraries with the wellknown comedy writer Larry McCoy, I recognized his wit long before I even saw the name following his letter in last week’s Herald (“Let’s test these old presidential candidates”).

The humor of this talented octogenarian has been published in numerous books and articles, in case anyone needs a hearty laugh in these tumultuous times. While McCoy may doubt his own ability to take charge in the White House, I wonder if he might indeed be a better choice than the two senior gentlemen on the ballot. His insight into current events is impressive, and he employs it with dignity, charm and finesse. But the question is, can he bend over and pick up a dime on his first try?

■ Contact Gov. Kathy Hochul: (518) 474-8390

■ Contact State Sen. Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick: (516) 766-8383

■ Contact Assemblyman Ed Ra: (516) 535-4095

■ Contact Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages: (516) 599-2972

Our newspaper is a proud member of the Empire State Local News Coalition. Support the coalition at SaveNYLocalNews.com.

posal for fiscal year 2025. This is a key step for inclusion in the state’s final budget, which is currently being negotiated by the senate, Assembly and Gov. Kathy Hochul.

However, there is a lot of work to be done over the next few days — when the final budget will likely be announced — to ensure the bill is actually included in the state’s final budget. It is crucial that the Local Journalism Sustainability Act is included, otherwise, communities throughout the state risk thou-

sands of newsroom jobs being lost — and even more important, stories going untold.

The Local Journalism Sustainability Act is sponsored by state Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal with the bipartisan support of Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner and more than 70 co-sponsors. As newspapers shutter and layoffs roil the industry, the bill is a necessary measure for incentivizing job creation, returning reporters to many of the state’s emptying newsrooms.

The bill is content-neutral and designed to ensure that truly local news outlets will receive this assistance.

The leadership of the legislature’s Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Caucus has also endorsed our bill, which is a major testament to the fact that this bill will improve access to news for all communities.

New York residents are standing with local news, and now lawmakers must answer the people’s call to save community journalism. To get the Local Journalism Sustainability Act across the finish line, lawmakers must hear from you about why our newspaper matters, and why this bill is meaningful to you and your family.

So, if keeping local news alive in our state is important to you, please reach out to Gov. Hochul and your local representatives to let them know you stand with local news.

Budget negotiations are wrapping up imminently — the time to act is now!

L.I. GOP must condemn Trump’s dangerous remarks

elected officials, including many in Nassau County, regularly say they’re committed to bipartisanship — to “reaching across the aisle.” That is, of course, a worthy sentiment, especially in these hyperpolarized times.

Compromise does indeed lie at the core of politics in a democracy. Conservatives and liberals, when acting in good faith and with a shared set of values, can reach agreements that benefit both sets of constituents.

keVin J. keLLeY

But in order for politics to function in this way, politicians of differing views need to show respect for one another, and for the standards of civil discourse. Comity isn’t possible when extremism prevails. Threats of violence and attacks on people’s religious beliefs must be repudiated, regardless of where they originate on the ideological spectrum.

Calls for cooperation thus sound hypocritical when incendiary rhetoric is allowed to take the place of reasoned debate. Worse, politicians who lack the courage to condemn dangerous rantings by their own side’s leaders can be

judged complicit when unhinged speech results in criminal acts.

That’s why Long Island Republicans have a moral, as well as political, obligation to publicly condemn inflammatory remarks made by their party’s leader, Donald Trump.

We have already seen what happens when the bounds of civic decorum are breached. Trump’s unfounded insistence that the 2020 election was stolen led thousands of his followers to trash the U.S. Capitol, the citadel of American democracy.

wacknowledged, or tolerated.

This is not how democracy works. Trump’s repeatedly demonstrated disdain for the rule of law should be denounced as an unpatriotic affront to the memory of the hundreds of thousands of Americans who have lost their lives in defense of the nation’s founding principles.

ill they follow former V.P. Mike Pence’s lead, or stand by silently?

Something similar — or even more calamitous — may well occur this year. Trump recently warned, “If I don’t get elected, it’s gonna be a bloodbath.” MAGA militants are likely to take that message literally. They’ll wink and nod at the former president’s subsequent claim that he was referring only to the consequences of not curbing imports of Chinese automobiles.

Trump is also stoking racist hatred. Some of his most rabid followers may feel emboldened to physically attack migrants, whom their idol has referred to as “animals.”

Trump has said, too, that if he loses the 2024 election, that will be proof that it was rigged. In other words, the only acceptable result will be victory for Trump. His defeat would not be

Letters

Alzheimer’s caregivers need more state support

To the Editor:

Nearly 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease. In New York, 543,000 family caregivers are providing unpaid care worth almost $19 trillion to their loved ones with dementia.

Though these caregivers provide significant savings to the state, they are not getting enough support in return. The funding for New York’s Alzheimer’s Disease Community Assistance Program, or AlzCAP, which offers care consultations, support groups, educational programs and other services, has been stagnant for years, while the number of caregivers who need these services has continued to grow.

I have seen the caregiving struggle firsthand. My grandmother has Alzheimer’s, and my mother must balance caring for her from another state with helping my autistic brother and deal-

ing with the demands of her own life. She’s not alone — there are many caregivers with similar stories. It is imperative that New York support them, not only because it will mitigate their financial, emotional and physical struggles, but also because it will mean less of a financial burden for the state than nursing home care.

Taking care of someone with Alzheimer’s is extremely stressful. The Alzheimer’s Association’s recent Facts and Figures report found that 70 percent of dementia caregivers feel stressed when they are coordinating their loved ones’ care. It also found that more than half of them find it hard to navigate health care in the United States, which adds to their stress.

New York can do better in supporting people who take on this vital role. Please join me in calling on the members of the State Legislature who represent you to increase funding for AlzCAP from $5 million to $7 million.

HELENA MILLER Volunteer advocate, Alzheimer’s Association

Nassau County Republican officeholders have a responsibility to treat their impressive recent electoral victories not as an opportunity to gloat or ridicule their opponents, as Trump did throughout his term in the White House, but rather to urge their supporters to respect democratic processes, and their opponents. Similarly, local Jewish leaders — Conservative, Reform and Orthodox -should assure their congregants that it’s possible to vote for Joe Biden and still be good Jews and defenders of Israel.

Trump, of course, does not agree.

He declared on March 18 that “any Jewish person that votes for Democrats hates their religion.” Asked the following day about that comment, Trump doubled down: “Democrats have been very, very opposed to Jewish people,” he said, absurdly.

Never one to engage in temperate criticism, Trump has lately entered

Framework by Tim Baker

rhetorical realms far beyond the limits of responsible speech. He is certainly not a conservative of the Reagan variety, nor is he in sync with prominent local Republicans such as former Congressman Peter King, who has displayed the courage, in the pages of the Herald, to criticize Trump’s dangerous divisiveness.

The United States needs a credible conservative party that focuses on fundamental issues such as the role and the size of government. Liberal positions should be challenged in informed, reasoned exchanges based on facts, not fabrications. But this is not the case for the party led by Trump.

What will Congressman Anthony D’Esposito, County Executive Bruce Blakeman and Hempstead Town Supervisor Donald Clavin do? Will they follow the lead of former Vice President Mike Pence, who has termed Trump unsuited to hold the nation’s highest office? Or will they stand by silently and allow political exigency to take precedence over government of, by and for the people?

History will judge their actions — or inactions.

Kevin J. Kelly was a congressional staff member in the 1980s, and is a retired journalist and journalism professor who worked for newspapers in New York, Vermont and Kenya and taught at St. Michael’s College in Vermont. He lives in Atlantic Beach.

Honoree Tameka Wallace at the Premier Business Women of L.I. Awards, at Heritage Club at Bethpage.