Freeport Herald 12-08-2022

Old Westbury soccer captain perseveres

By MOHAMED FARGHALY mfarghaly@liherald.com

Through trial and tribula tion, Mia Almonte, captain of the SUNY Old Westbury wom en’s soccer team, battled tire lessly to achieve her dreams on the field.

Almonte has always felt as though soccer ran through her blood, having begun her athlet ic career at age 12 when she enrolled in the PAL soccer pro gram in her hometown of Free port.

“I just remember it being fun playing in PAL,” Almonte said. “I always enjoyed going to

practice and I always hated los ing, and that still stands today. I think that just has to do with my competitive nature.”

Once in high school, Almon te competed in track and field, but she felt the activity to be too confining and yearned for a more team-oriented sport. That was when she joined the Free port High girls’ soccer team, where she felt she had discov ered her genuine calling, sur rounded by her teammates on the field.

“I decided to go with soccer because it’s more of a teamrelated sport, whereas track

Freeport showcases young entrepreneurs at Rec Center expo

By MOHAMED FARGHALY mfarghaly@liherald.com

Children, teenagers and young adults experienced run ning their own businesses for a day at the Young Entrepreneurs Expo at the Freeport Recreation Center, selling everything from jewelry to hair products to cook ies.

For the past four years, Belin da Watkins, the creator of Q.B. Generational Change, a nonprof it focusing on early entrepre neurship and youth empower ment, has organized the Young Entrepreneurs Expo. It is a tradi tional marketplace packed with merchants offering various com

modities and goods, but the twist here is that these stands are operated by adolescents. These young entrepreneurs, with the assistance of their parents or caregivers, showcase to the com munity what they have to offer, and the experience can serve as a possible stepping stone for them to learn the ins and outs of establishing and managing their own business.

“We want to give them a plat form to expose their business, because kids can’t afford a build ing or storefront,” Watkins said. “So really, we just want to give them that platform.”

This year’s Young Entrepre neurs Expo was held on Dec. 3.

As dozens of vibrant and distinc tive stands filled the Rec Center, locals spread out across the unique marketplace shopping.

The young participants in Q.B. Generational Change come from all around the Long Island region, as far away as Brooklyn.

“The goal for me is for them to make sales,” Watkins said.

“So, I just want to make sure they understand the process of business, to just try to become self-sufficient. Really get by on their own and maybe they can help support their family and give back to them as well.”

In addition to the active mar ketplace, the event also featured a live DJ, face painting, and raf

fles for various prizes. Teenage girls from Young Voices, a musi cal youth organization, orga nized a dance-off in the middle of the expo and awarded themed T-shirts to the victors.

Selene Ferdinand, a ten-yearold businesswoman, was a ven dor at the event representing the Meera Empowerment brand she had founded utilizing her illus

trious beauty pageant past. Meera Empowerment is a nonprofit organization founded by Ferdinand with the help of her mother.

“We do different fun fashion shows and tea parties, we raise money at the fashion shows to stop world hunger and homeless ness,” Ferdinand said. “Mainly

Courtesy Sky Pedroza

THE SUNY OLD Westbury women’s soccer team returned to the field in 2021 after a lengthy interruption in play brought about by the coronavirus pandemic. Above, team captain Mia Almonte was on the pitch for the Panthers’ game against Sarah Lawrence College.

Grants used to educate those with disabilities

The Barry and Florence Friedberg Jewish Communi ty Center has been awarded the “Next Big Idea” grant from the Butler Endowment Fund through UJA-Federa tion of New York to begin a Teaching Assistant Develop ment Program. This new and innovative program will teach adults with disabilities the skills to work in early childhood classrooms and school-age childcare pro grams.

The curriculum will consist of classes taught by staff from the Child Care Council of Nassau County, in sub jects such as child development, health and safety, super vision, and age-appropriate activities. Students will also be given internships in childcare settings run by the Friedberg JCC and their partners. The goal is for indi viduals to learn to work with children in a supportive environment with curriculum and job placement adapt ed to their abilities.

“We believe that this program will lead to paid employment in child care programs.. This is something that is severely needed in Long Island,” said Marcy Hall erman, Friedberg JCC Senior Program Director. For more information about the TADP, those interested can contact Jose Saint-Louis, Teaching Assistant Develop ment Program Coordinator at tjsaint-louis@friedbergjcc. org or (516) 299-6527.

The Jack Fanning Memorial Foundation “Angels for Autism” fund has awarded the Friedberg JCC with a grant to provide sexuality classes to adults with Autism and other developmental delays. The funding will allow for individuals to enroll in the Elevatus Sexuality Educa tor and Trainer course.

“Sex Education is a topic that is not taught to many individuals with disabilities. As a result, they do not understand how their bodies work, and they are at a much greater risk of being taken advantage of than other people their age. Having the ability to offer these

classes to members of our community will give them accurate information and skills for making healthy deci sions about sexuality,” said Marcy Hallerman, Friedberg JCC Senior Program Director. For more information about this program, contact Marcy Hallerman at mhall erman@friedbergjcc.org or (516) 634-4173.

For more than 60 years, the Friedberg JCC has been a foundation of the South Shore community, providing social and educational programs, plus vitally needed ser

vices for individuals of all ages. Located in Oceanside with additional Early Childhood Centers in Long Beach, Lynbrook and Merrick, the JCC operates programs for new mothers/new babies, day care, nursery school, after school activities, summer camps, teen programs, adult activities, special needs programs, holiday events and cultural activities.

–Karina Kovac

THE BARRY AND Florence Friedberg Jewish Community Center has been awarded two grants that will assist adults with disabilities.

Herald photo file

Celebrating the holidays in the villlage

A day of celebration, tradition, and gratitude for Freeport famlies and visitors

Hundreds of families from Freeport and the neighboring areas lined up for an evening of holi day celebrations last Sat urday.

Freeport Village Mayor Robert T. Kennedy joined the Freeport Chamber of Commerce in launching the village’s 18th Annual Nautical Mile Holiday Boat Parade of Lights.

The night started with the lighting of the village Christmas tree at Sunrise Highway and Church Street. Santa Claus even made an appearance in the crowd on the Nautical Mile esplanade during the Christmas tree light ing before the boat show to greet visitors and take photos with children and families.

The festivities then carried over to the Nauti cal Mile, where people lined the docks to check out holiday-decorated boats for the annual Nau tical Mile Holiday Boat Parade. Several dozen boats lit up the Nautical Mile and spread holiday cheer by partici pating in a luminous hour-long proces sion down the Woodcleft Canal, past Sea Breeze Park to Randal Bay, and back.

Toys were also collected for the 24th

annual “TOYS FOR TOTS” campaign sponsored by the United States Marine Corps, the Freeport Chamber of Com merce, and the Freeport Fire Department.

–Mohamed Farghaly

FOLLOWING THE TREE lighting, Mayor Robert T. Kennedy, elected officials, and members of the fire department gathered around Santa Claus for photos.

FREEPORT HELD THEIR 18th Annual Nautical Mile Holiday Boat Parade of Lights and Christmas tree lighting.

SEVERAL DOZEN BOATS lit up the Nautical Mile and spread holiday cheer participating in the boat show.

Photos courtesy Randy Milteer/Freeport Public Relations

THE VILLAGE OF Freeport held a ceremony to light up the village Christmas tree to commence the holiday season.

An expo focusing on youth empowerment

to find a cure to cancer.”

Ferdinand did a lot of community ser vice since she was four years old when she first started competing in beauty pageants, which inspired her to launch the organization to get people her age involved in the spirit of giving back.

Her booth sold Meera Empowerment March merchandise such as t-shirts and bags, as well as the book “Road to the Crown,” which she co-wrote with 17 other girls in the beauty pageant commu nity.

“It’s about how we can empower the youth in our communities and teach them wide scale independence and to give back in the community,” Ferdinand said.

Phillip Michael, another young entre preneur at the fair, started his own cook ie selling brand at the age of 9. Phillips Cookie Shop was created as a result of Michael’s love of his Grandmother’s baked goods, which inspired him to learn to bake and sell the same cookies he enjoyed growing up.

“I love her cookies, so I told her I want to do this,” Michaels said. “ I actually wanted to like start a business.”

Michaels bakes themed cookies under the guidance of his grandmother in the kitchen. He initially reimburses his par ents and grandparents for the cost of the ingredients used to make the cookies with his earnings before determining

what to do with the remaining funds.

“I have to pay my grandma back because she bought some stuff for this, so I just have to pay her back like twenty five dollars,” Michaels said. “The rest, I’m going to maybe buy something, prob ably new shoes.”

Q.B. Generational Change offers

financial literacy courses and constructs mentoring programs sending their mem bers interested in a certain profession to local businesses to learn and assist.

“The main goal of the organization and all of this is that I want them kids to see that there’s other options to get into rather than just getting into trouble and

making money doing something that they shouldn’t be doing,” Watkins said. “So, this way, they can make money and create generational wealth for them selves and their families.”

To learn more or get involved in the organization, visit QBGenerational Change.org.

REPRESENTED the brand she created, Meera Empowerment, with pride at the Young Entrepreneurs Expo. Ferdinand promoted her book, ‘Road to the Crown,’ which she co-wrote with 17 other young women from the world of beauty pageants, as well as other merchandise for her organization.

Mohamed Farghaly/Herald photos

YOUNG BUSINESSPEOPLE GATHERED at the Freeport Recreation Center, where they exhibited and sold goods under their own brands. In the midst of the Expo, Young Voices hosted a dance competition in which winners received themed apparel.

SELENE FERDINAND

Eager to retake the field after the pandemic

and field is more of an individual sport,” said Almonte. “You have to excel with your team in order to make it somewhere, you can’t just do it all on your own. There’s no “I” in team with soccer.”

She joined the school’s traveling team to face off against other teams from opposing Nassau County high schools. Almonte felt that joining the travel team offered her a range of opportunities to hone her soccer skills while also being more challenging.

One of her most memorable triumphs during her high school soccer career was against Freeport High’s rival, Uniondale. Almonte recalled scoring the game-win ning corner shot with only twelve seconds remaining in the game.

With a successful four years of high school soccer under her belt, she graduated from Freeport and sought out her future education. Almon te opted to remain close to home when she enrolled at SUNY Old Westbury as a psychol ogy major after touring the school at an open house and falling in love with the campus.

“I fell in love with the school as soon as I walked in, the campus is just beautiful,” Almonte said. “I was able to speak with the coaches the first day and they told me that they had almost made playoffs the season before so they were looking to form a good team for the upcoming season, which would be the season that I would be part of. So, I just wanted to give it a shot.”

Almonte quickly realized that playing college soccer was nothing like playing in high school after becoming an Old Westbury Panther and joining the NCAA Division 3 women’s soccer team her first semester.

“It was so much more practice,” Almonte said. “We had a preseason where we did practice in the morning and practice in the afternoon. I think it was like an 8 to 10 practice in the morning and then like 3 to 6 in the afternoon.”

Almonte swiftly progressed through the ranks during her inaugural season due to her hard work and persis tence, ending the season with nine goals and two assists. The Old Westbury Panthers earned a spot in the playoffs that season.

The Covid-19 outbreak disrupted her 2020 sports and academic seasons forcing everyone at Old Westbury to return home. Almonte assumed that this was a tempo rary incident and that her team would be back practicing on their beloved home field within a few weeks.

After a few months, she understood she wouldn’t be able to step foot on the Old Westbury campus for a long time.

Despite being unable to continue playing soccer with her team, Almonte did not allow the pandemic to impede her from staying active and in shape. She enrolled in a 24-hour gym to be fit and ready to return to school at any time. She also practiced soccer solely on her own, fre quenting local parks in the area whenever she could.

“I came in with a great first season in 2019 where we made playoffs and it was actually the first time I’ve ever made play offs,” Almonte said. “So, to come into my second season of college soccer like that, it was definitely discouraging. It was like we didn’t know when the next time would be when we would actually get together and play again.”

Things took a turn for the worse when one of her teammates who played center back died in a car accident that summer.

Despite the tragedy, the team came together every Sunday with their coach, Betty Bohringer, via Zoom video call, where they frequently spoke with one another and played games together.

When things calmed down and everyone returned to school for the 2021 season, cir cumstances were not the same as they had been during Almonte’s successful fresh man year. The Student Athlet ics Center, where they would practice and play home games, was being utilized as a Covid vaccination site; the team was forced to use a dif ferent field at Farmingdale State College. The trip from Old Westbury to Farmingdale added to the player’s already demanding routine of training and playing every day.

In addition, the women’s soccer team had just seven players at the beginning of the 2021 season as opposed to the 20 girls Almonte played with in her freshman year, rendering them undermanned. Due to the Panthers’ lack of practice time and understaffing, that season was not suc cessful.

Despite everything, Almonte did not allow it to hinder her and became a driv ing force for the team, building it back up to what it once was.

During one of the practices that fall, Bohringer announced that Almonte would take over as the team’s captain based on her abili ty to lead and her commitment. Almonte happily accept ed the role and has been in charge of the team for the past 18 months, steadily regaining their previous level of dynamism.

“Mia has been an exemplary soccer player and leader that thrives on competition, she is college quality, she plays every game as if it is her last and we will miss her positive work rate every day,” Bohringer said during senior night.

Almonte has been recognized by the Skyline Confer

ence for her tenacity in playing the midfield and forward positions, in which she has scored 27 goals and added nine assists in her career.

Almonte is not done yet and hopes to lead her team to the championship in the coming year before she gradu ates, just in time as the Old Westbury sports teams get their Student Athletics Center and field back for practice and games in the spring.

“I feel like soccer is my escape from reality because when I’m at practice, I’m fully there, when I’m at games, I’m fully there,” Almonte said. “I love when soccer sea son comes around and I anticipate the season to come.”

Courtesy Caitlin Zowak

MIA ALMONTE ALWAYS had a passion for soccer. She began playing when she was young, in the Freeport PAL program, and continued playing through high school before moving on to SUNY Old Westbury, where she is the team captain.

MIA ALMONTE Captain, SUNY Old Westbury women’s soccer team

Clavin, Khzouz, Richner honored at gala

Money raised will help Nassau Community College feed the hungry

By ANDRE SILVA asilva@liherald.com

It was a night to remember, and a night to recognize the people and businesses that help make Nassau Community College what it is.

It was the annual gala of the Nassau Community College Foundation, taking place not far from the campus at the Cra dle of Aviation Museum in Garden City.

Among those honored were Hemp stead town supervisor Don Clavin, NICE Bus chief executive Jack Khzouz, NCC administrator Charmian Smith, and Richner Communications, the parent company of Herald Commu nity Newspa pers.

Adorned in their best suits, ties and dresses, guests were immediately offered cham pagne and given a chance to pose for photos in front of a red carpet display. From there, it was a tour of the model planes and his toric aviation displays before being invited to sit at their respective tables in the main dining room.

ChARmIAN SmITh interim VP, academic student services, NCC

Leading the night off was Donna Drake of her self-titled inspirational tele vision show introducing guests like Joy Dedonato, an NCC alum, and executive director of the NCC Foundation.

“I’ll never forget the people I met and the values I learned at Nassau Communi ty College,” Dedonato said. “This place taught me to hit the wall, where you can not go further, and then go further any way.”

NCC president Maria Conzatti then introduced the honorees, selected for their support. Like Clavin and Richner Communications, both of which publi cize important notices to students, while also providing advertising and market ing.

Clavin, in fact, is a staunch supporter of the college, Conzatti said, thanking him for what he has done as an elected official. Like helping to organize The Nest at NCC — a non-profit organization that aims to alleviate hunger for stu dents, employees and their families.

“Some people say it takes a village to raise a child,” Conzatti said. “And were proud that this village raised so many students who come back to support our college.”

Baldwin’s Charmian Smith is NCC’s interim vice president of academic stu dent services, telling the crowd she was honored to know her colleagues recog nized her in such a way.

“This gala helps to bring us all togeth

er after the years of the Covid-19 pan demic,” she said. “It’s a great time to cel ebrate each other, our accomplishments, the community, and our families.”

Clavin is an NCC alum, and has count ed some of the professors there as actual members of his family.

“So many of my friends started their lives at this institution,” the town super visor said. “To be recognized is just hum bling.”

Stuart Richner talked about the importance of providing well-rounded learning experiences.

“Educating young adults takes a team of professionals and advisers, which we understand,” the Herald Community

Newspapers publisher said. “Here at Richner, we work as a team to pro vide hyperlocal news to our commu nities.”

Khzouz described his being hon ored by the foundation “amazing.” NICE Bus employs more than 1,000 people, transporting more than 70,000 each day in 450 vehicles. That’s more than a million miles a month.

“We have a mission, which we live every day,” Khzouz said. “That mission is to make sure our bus services are an asset to Nassau County institutions and its citizens.”

And now NICE is celebrating 10 years

in Nassau County.

“We use large complex vehicles to drive through Nassau County and Queens at peak rush hour with impatient New Yorkers. What could go wrong?”

Khzouz joked. “Yet, we prevail anyway.”

Proceeds from the gala will help The Nest at NCC food pantry. To make a dona tion, too, visit tinyurl.com/GiveNCC.

Tim Baker/Herald photos

ThE NASSAu CommuNITy College Foundation honored Hempstead town supervisor Don Clavin, NICE Bus chief executive Jack Khzouz, NCC administrator Charmian Smith, and Richner Communications, parent company of Herald Community Newspapers, during a fundraising gala last week.

mARIA CoNzATTI, pRESIDENT of Nassau Community College, honored Baldwin’s Charmian Smith during the Nassau Community College Foundation Gala last week.

SuppoRTERS AND INVITED guests gathered to celebrate four honorees at the Nassau Community College Foundation’s annual gala last week at the Cradle of Aviation Museum.

It’s a great time to celebrate each other, our accomplishments, the community, and our families.

Owner reunites with cat after four years

By ANDRE SILVA asilva@liherald.com

Cianna Gibson reunited with their cat Oreo, who spent four years as an office cat at Baldwin Animal Hospital this week.

“I still remember the day. It’s a gut feel ing,” said Gibson.

Four years ago Cianna Gibson, a fine art student at New York Fashion Institute of Technology from Baldwin, lost her cat Oreo in June of 2018 after installing a slid ing patio door with her three friends. She said as she and her friends walked in and out of the house to install the door, Oreo managed to escape through a crack. She said the next morning they searched for Oreo all day but couldn’t find him.

Last month Gibson finally reunited with her cat, which was adopted as an office cat by Baldwin Animal hospital after four years apart. She said it was chaotic but heartwarming to reunite with Oreo.

“It was reassuring because most of my family never got closure about what hap pened to Oreo,” said Gibson. “There was a possibility he died, or that another family took him in.”

Gibson said her parents Jody and Isaac Gibson, went to the Baldwin Animal hos pital for a last minute check up on their dog when they noticed the cat sitting in hospitals front office looked familiar. This prompted Jody and Isaac Gibson to take and post a picture in the family group chat, which spurred chaos as they

couldn’t believe the cat was alive and well in their hometown.

Gibson said she and her brother Caleb struggled to identify the cat with just pic tures so they went to the Baldwin Animal Hospital and confirmed that was their cat Oreo. She said

“As soon as we walked in Oreo jumped off his bed and onto the desk and began meowing at my brother,” said Gibson.

Debbie Rogers, an office manager at Baldwin Animal Hospital from Merrick, said the animal hospital took care of the

cat in 2018 after they received a few phone calls about a cat crying for two days in the area by some neighbors. She said a neigh bor who lived nearby brought the cat into the hospital for a scan, and the neighbor insisted they could not keep the cat because of her three dogs.

Rogers said they searched the cat — which has white colored fur with distinc tive black markings and was 5 years old at the time — for a microchip or a collar with the owner’s information. The office then named the cat Bony James, after the

American Jazz saxophonist.

Rogers said Jody and Isaac Gibson first noticed Bony James perched in the front office, unnerved by the familiar looking cat they lost four years ago. The next day Caleb and Cianna Gibson came in with pictures of Oreo as a kitten and officially reunited.

“There was no mistaking it. The cat had really distinctive markings,” said Rogers. “Once the cat looked at the Caleb in a familiar manner, we knew the cat rec ognized him.”

Rogers said they brought the cat to the exam room and confirmed the cat had no tags, microchip or collar. They noticed the cat was not fearful of humans but rather calm, and well mannered, so they decided to keep it as an office cat.

Rogers said the cat was spoiled and adored in the animal hospital office. She said the animal hospital celebrated Bone Day on every year on June 18, its make shift birthday, and celebrate with black and white cakes from Sugarberry Bak ery Café in Rockville Centre. She said she believes the cat is believed is nine years old.

Rogers said the car had a tendency to notice people in emotionally distressed states, for example when a client has to put down a pet, and would purposefully approach them and purr loudly and soothingly. She said the cat will be missed but she’s glad it reunited with its original family.

Courtesy of the Baldwin Animal Hospital

THE BALDWIN ANIMAL Hospital took care of Oreo for four years as an office cat before reuniting with its original owner Cianna Gibson.

The Friends of Freeport Memorial Library hold election

informational needs.

At their recent annual meeting, the Friends of Freeport Memorial Library elected new officers to its Board of Direc tors. Jennifer Rechner, a long-time devo tee, will be the next president, along with Daniel Vaggi acting as vice president, Marc Josloff, secretary and Judy Trujillo who will be appointed trustee. Larry Gumbs, who has been president for almost 20 years, has stepped down and will now serve as the club’s treasurer. All officers in the organization will serve a

The Friends are an all-volunteer orga nization whose goal is to support and expand the Library’s services while also advancing the community’s cultural and

“I look forward to working together to make a positive impact for the Library and the Freeport community,” Rechner said. Following the election, Ms. Rech ner presided over the remainder of the meeting.

The next “Friends” event will be held on Dec. 11 at 2:30 p.m. The Perfect Pitch Project will present a concert inspired by Art Blakey’s jazz messengers. These Grammy Award winning artists, who have played all over the world, will pro vide a one-of-a-kind musical experience.

The Friends of Freeport Memorial Library will have its next meeting on Jan. 11 at 6:30 p.m. at 144 W Merrick Rd. All are invited to participate. Contact mpignataro@freeportlibrary.org for more information.

Families at village Christmas celebration

Courtesy Freeport Memorial Library secretary Marc Josloff , club president Jennifer Rechner, Daniel Vaggi acting as Vice President and Judy Trujillo who will serve as the new trustee.

Courtesy Randy Milteer/Freeport Public Relations

STEPPING OUT

arrives on local stages

The festive tradition continues to delight

By Karen Bloom

Neil deGrasse Tyson

How real is what you’re seeing up on the big screen? Astrophysicistlecturer Neil deGrasse Tyson knows and he’ll clue us in, separating fact from fiction — in a new installment of ‘An Astrophysicist Goes to the Movies: The Sequel.’ Derived from yet another set of 30 films/television shows that range from ‘The Wizard of Oz’ to ‘Mary Poppins’ to ‘Game of Thrones’ to ‘Harry Potter’ to ‘The Lion King,’ this lecture is an entertaining and enlightening review of all the science that our favorite entertainment got wrong, combined with some of the stuff they got right. This lecture also incorporates the latest films as well as some classics that you may not have known had any science in them at all.

Friday, Dec. 9, 8 p.m. $250 (VIP), $100, $75, $50. $250 VIP ticket includes a post-show Q&A. Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, LIU Post, Route 25A, Brookville. (516) 299-3100, or TillesCenter.org.

New York

offers its 40th season of the holiday classic, presented in the style of the legendary George Balanchine, on the John Cranford Adams Playhouse stage at Hofstra University.

The dance theatre closely follows the Balanchine tradition — from storyline through choreography, as well as sets and costumes. It is the largest production on Long Island, according to new artistic director, — and dance theatre alum Nicole Loizides Albruzzese.

The dance theatre’s version keeps to the tone set by company founder Frank Ohman, which remains true to the spirit of New York City Ballet’s Lincoln Center production. As a former student and New York City Ballet soloist under George Balanchine, Ohman was one of a select few authorized to use the original pas de deux choreography of his mentor, which continues to distinguish this production.

Through the years, Ohman created original dances and scenes to enhance Balanchine’s iconic vision. Now Albruzzese — who was a student at the dance theatre’s Ohman School of Ballet under Ohman and performed most of the children’s roles in “The Nutcracker” during her time there — returns as a professional dancer in the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy before her international dance career, follows in her mentor’s footsteps in keeping to the Balanchine standard.

Special guest artists New York City Ballet principal dancers Indiana Woodward and Daniel Ulbricht take on the roles of Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier, joining a cast of Ohman School students to bring the holiday classic to the stage.

With the elegant Christmas party scene, the battle of the toy soldiers and giant mice, the intense snow storm, and elaborate dancing in the Land of the Sweets, this “Nutcracker” is sparkling treat that maintains its enduring appeal.

Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 17-18, noon and 5 p.m. $42, $32 seniors and children 12 and younger. Hofstra University, John Cranford Adams Playouse, Hempstead. For tickets, call (631) 462-0964, or visit OhmanBallet.org.

Curry’s interpretation at Tilles Center stars New York City Ballet soloist Miriam Miller as the Sugar Plum Fairy and New York City Ballet principal Tyler Angle as her Cavalier. Also of note, Fox Weather meteorologist (and Instagram and TikTok sensation) Nick Kosir joins the cast of more than 60 students and professional dancers as Dr. Stahlbaum, Clara’s father.

The Park Avenue Chamber Symphony, under the baton of maestro David Bernard, performs Tchaikovsky’s glorious score.

“This year, I’ve taken some elements and changed them to keep the production fresh,” Curry says. “Our professional dancers, along with our incredibly talented academy students, have accepted the challenge of these new variations and character developments. I’ve enriched the production with more theatricality and many new dramatic elements.

“Having our guest artists from New York City Ballet and the wonderful Nick Kosir is like having a very sweet cherry on top of an already decadent sundae.”

Company member Briana Laman dances the role of Clara, with fellow company member Ryan Cavaline as Nutcracker Prince. For this production, Curry has reinterpreted the central first act pas de deux in the prelude to Waltz of the Snowflakes (usually danced by a Snow Queen and a Snow King) for Clara and the Nutcracker Prince.

“Having this pas de deux danced by these two characters intensifies the connection between the two,” he says. “We see the arc of their relationship and gives the opportunity for Clara’s dream to have a more poignant and personal effect on our audiences.”

Saturday, Dec. 17, 1 and 6 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 18, 2 p.m. Tickets are $89, $69, $59, $49. Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, LIU Post, Route 25A, Brookville. For tickets, call (516) 299-3100 or visit TillesCenter.org or EglevskyBallet.org.

Kenny G’s

The Miracles Holiday & Hits

Ring in the holiday season with smooth jazz saxophonist Kenny G. The crossover jazz icon has enjoyed phenomenal success across the pop, jazz and R&B charts for more than three decades. Known for his lyrical and emotive style, his music has garnered a devoted fan base and made him one of the biggest-selling instrumentalists of all-time. The sound of his sax is as iconic as his curly coif. Indeed, both are instantly recognizable. Expect an evening filled with a festive spirit and contemporary classics. A reprise of last year’s successful outing,’The Miracles Holiday & Hits Tour’ features a mix of holiday hits and fan favorites infused with his captivating and distinctive blending of genres. The tour follows the release of his 19th studio album, ‘New Standards,’ and the acclaimed HBO documentary ‘Listening to Kenny G.’

Thursday, Dec. 15, 8 p.m.

NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Road., Westbury. TheTheatreAtWestbury.com or LiveNation.com, or (516) 247-5200.

New York Dance Theatre’s ‘The Nutcracker’

Dance Theatre

Those

sugar plum fairies and various figments of a young girl’s imagination come alive this month. The beloved holiday confection never goes out of style.

Courtesy New York Dance Theatre

Photo: Clara is enchanted with her nutcracker in the party that opens the ballet.

Eglevsky Ballet’s innovative ‘The Nutcracker’ Long Island’s professional dance company is known for its inventive staging of Clara’s delightful journey, featuring additional choreography by Executive Artistic Director Maurice Brandon Curry.

Courtesy Eglevsky Ballet

Photo: The enchanting snow scene is a shimmering showstopper.

THE SCENE

Christmas Village Fair & Market

Shrek The Musical

See the uplifting tale of an unlikely hero who finds himself on a life-changing journey, presented by Nassau Community College Theater Department, now through Sunday, Dec. 11, 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m. All the beloved characters you know from the film are brought to life on stage for an incredible adventure that includes a wisecracking donkey and a feisty princess who resists her rescue. Throw in a short-tempered bad guy, a cookie with an attitude and over a dozen other fairy tale misfits, and you’ve got the kind of mess that calls for a real hero. Luckily, there’s one on hand — and that’s Shrek, of course. Nassau Community College’s Mainstage Theatre, Garden City. Tickets $18; NCC students free with valid ID; $15, veterans, alumni, seniors 60+, students and NCC employees. For tickets/information, visit NCC.edu or call (516) 572-7676.

Christmas Tree of Lights celebration

Mercy Medical Center Council of Leagues invites the community to its annual Christmas Tree of Lights celebration, Tuesday, Dec. 13, 5:30 p.m. Enjoy some of your favorite holiday songs sung by Mercy’s carolers and refreshments. The festivities take place in front of the hospital, 1000 N. Village Ave., Rockville Centre. Proceeds from the event will support the Endowment for Nursing Leadership and Education at Mercy Hospital. For information visit CHSLI.org/mercy-hospital.

Visit Freeport Recreation Center for its annual Christmas Village Fair and Market, Saturday, Dec. 10, 10 a.m- 4 p.m. Meet Santa, take part in a variety of arts and crafts activities, and even receive free gifts for their children. This free event, at 130 E. Merrick Road, features over 60 vendors selling everything from home decor to jewelry to Christmas gifts.

4th Grade Chorus Performance

Fourth graders from Archer St. School will entertain the community, with seasonal songs, Monday, Dec. 12, in the senior lounge room #105, in the Freeport Recreational Center, 130. E Merrick Road.

Sugar Plum Ball/ Galactic Gala

Bring the kids to celebrate the season at festivities hosted by the Cerebral Palsy Association of Nassau County, Sunday, Dec.11, noon-4 p.m., at the Chateau Briand in Carle Place. Kids ages 4-12, accompanied by their adult guest (Mom, Dad, grandparent, etc.), will enjoy a unique party featuring food, fun and some special guests including princesses, fairies and visitors from a Galaxy Far Far Away. With lunch, DJ, magic show, dancing, raffles, games, photo ops, and more. Cost is $75 per child, $100 per adult. Advance reservation only. All proceeds benefit CP Nassau. Register online at CPNassau.org or call CP Nassau at (516) 3782000 ext 651.

Having an event?

Arts Film Festival:

Tchaikovsky’s

‘The Nutcracker,’ Hybrid

Freeport Memorial Library offers an amusing and instructive Watch Party on Kanopy or Medici highlighting various artistic themes, Saturday Dec.17, 1-3:30 p.m. Enjoy Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker ballet from home or at the library, 144 W. Merrick Road. To register or find out more information visit FreeportLibrary.info or call (516) 379-3274.

Sparkle on Stage presents The Nutcracker

Enjoy the holiday season with a performance of The Nutcracker, presented by Sparkle on Stage, Saturday, Dec. 10, at 195 Woodcleft Ave., Freeport. The classic tale is retold in this entertaining and creative rendition as tea crackers dance and candy canes come to life. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased online at SparkleOnsStage.org. Call (516) 240-1188 or email sparkleonstage17@gmail.com for more information.

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 exhibit

Photography’s ascent in the art world is an international phenomenon. Nassau County Museum of Art’s star-studded exhibition spans the historical roots of the medium. View works by Ansel Adams and his generation and the thrilling, large-format color works of such contemporary masters as Cindy Sherman, Thomas Struth, James Casebere and Gregory Crewdson, among others. From the documentary to the painterly, images bear witness to the times. On view through March 5. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.

Matinee time

Join crafty Jack Frost on a magical, musical winter adventure, in Plaza Theatrical’s production of “Jack Frost,” Saturday, Dec. 10, 11 a.m.; unday, Dec. 12, noon. The story, narrated by a groundhog name Pardon-Me-Pete, tells us about the immortal winter sprite, who falls in love with a human girl named Elisa after rescuing her. Tickets are $15. Bring the kids to the Plaza stage at The Showplace at Bellmore Movies, 222 Pettit Ave., Bellmore. For tickets, call (516) 599-6870 or visit PlazaTheatrical.com.

Balloon Mission is up and away to save

In its early stages, nonprofit sets tone for future

By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com

Where do helium-filled bal loons go when they’re released into the sky?

Cynthia Seibold had that same question. And she discovered that the old axiom was true: What goes up must come down. But not in ways people might like.

The North Merrick resident with a background in insurance underwriting, spent a lot of time outdoors at the start of the coronavirus pandemic. She noticed, however, that among all the litter found in the various parks, preserves and beaches she visit ed, one category stood out: bal loons.

Or rather, shreds of bal loons. Seibold found their strings and what was left of their plastic or rubber bodies impacting trees and plants and, of course, wildlife — animals that could easily mistake bal loon pieces for food.

It’s not that bal loon releases — or how they poten tially threaten the environment — is something new. But the pandemic created a new surge of such helium-intensive events as a different way to share birth days, graduations and retirements.

“Balloons are (a) leading cause of pol lution in our waters and our air,” Seibold said. “They break down into microplas tics and nanoplastics. I kept saying to myself, ‘There has to be a better way.’”

She found it with her nonprofit, Bal loon Mission.

“Our program is to collect balloons before they end up on the land and in oceans, reducing our carbon footprint and the harmful microplastics that are gener ated from balloons,” Seibold said. “And for every balloon that is sold and respon sibly collected, we feel it’s going to be one less piece of litter that’s harming our wildlife.”

Still, Seibold wants to make one thing very clear: She is not “anti-balloon.”

“This is a growing issue,” she said. “I think people need to know that there are options of ballooning responsibly. We’re not telling you to not have your balloons, but discard them in an appropriate man ner.”

Although the nonprofit is in its early stages, Seibold has already received a great deal of support while building rela tionships with local and statewide organi zations. That includes the Hempstead town sanitation department, and the state environmental conservation department.

One of Seibold‘s primary goals is to

the get the message out that Balloon Mis sion is collecting balloons with plans to set up collection bins as early as January so people can properly dispose their holi day balloons.

Those bins will be cardboard boxes with Balloon Mission signage, Seibold explained. Locations are still being deter mined, but she hopes to have them in community-oriented locations like fire houses, Veterans of Foreign Wars halls and libraries.

On a national level, Seibold said, peo ple are noticing the effects balloons have on the environment.

“There was actually a New York Times article that came out in March of 2022 that talks about this surge in balloon fren zy,” she said. “We couldn’t celebrate and we couldn’t do things when we were in lockdown.

“We did these big balloon displays, and they’ve gotten even bigger, and it’s not going away. People want this — they want a balloon collection. They want options. They want to feel like they’re part of the solution, not part of the problem.”

Through her research and communica tion with Hempstead town officials, Sei bold learned the municipality actually passed a local law prohibiting the inten tional release of balloons in 2019. Yet, bal loon releases still happen, she said, mak ing it important that signage goes up — perhaps sometime next spring — advising

against such activities.

Seibold is working closely with ACDS, an organization that offers lifetime services to people of all ages with intellectual disabilities. Formerly the Association for Chil dren with Down Syndrome, the organization has locations in North Merrick and Plainview.

Jane Cohen, the day habilita tion services supervisor at ACDS, says it’s important for her group to offer volunteers to various envi ronmental organizations, and that its members are excited about helping Seibold’s nonprofit.

“In January, we’re going to start collecting (balloons) from various pickup sites, and then we’re going to bring them back to our hub sites and sift through them,” Cohen said. Volunteers “can work on their office skills and note-taking, so they can feel like they’ve accomplished some thing. It’s very rewarding for our individ uals.”

ACDS plans to provide some 200 volun teers to Balloon Mission.

“We feel this is a symbiotic relation ship,” Seibold said, adding it “works in keeping with ACDS’s goal of increasing life and social skills, and work readiness for their participants.”

She also hopes to educate people on alternatives to balloons.

MANy ARE uNAwARE the helium-filled balloons they release can harm the environment. Sea turtles and other animals can mistake the balloons for food.

past.

“I’m not looking to get rid of balloons — they make people light up,” she said. “I would like to start thinking of alterna tives. Can we blow bubbles? Can we send up a nice waft of smoke or sage into the air? It’s about finding these other ways of commemorating those moments in our life.”

Seibold hopes her nonprofit will get people thinking about ways to help find solutions.

“There are people that are smarter than me out there,” she said, “and I need those people in on the Balloon Mission.”

Photos courtesy Cynthia Seibold

CyNthiA SEiBOLD, fOuNDER and executive director of the nonprofit Balloon Mission, found an abandoned balloon at Lido Beach, a Hempstead town park. Seibold is on a quest to raise awareness about how damaging to the environment helium-filled balloon releases are, with hopes of making that a practice of the

we’re not telling you to not have your balloons, but discard them in an appropriate manner.

CyNthiA SEiBOLD Founder, Balloon Mission

Freeport High School names top 10 seniors

By MOHAMED FARGHALY mfarghaly@liherald.com

The top ten seniors for the Class of 2023 have been announced by Freeport High School. The valedictorian and salutatorian are among the top students with the highest cumulative grade point average.

Following the announcement, students were treated to breakfast with Superintendent of Schools Kishore Kuncham, high school principal Giselle Campbell-Ham, assistant principals, and guidance counselors.

“We are extremely proud of the outstanding academic achievements of our Class of 2023 Top 10 students,” Kuncham said. “Through hard work and dedication, they have risen above the challenges of the pandemic that impacted their early high school years to achieve this presti gious distinction. They are truly role models for our students and changemakers for the future. I am confident they will continue to achieve their goals and become leaders in the future.”

“The commitment to academic achievement of the top 10 of the Class of 2023 is truly remark able,” Campbell-Ham said. “Each of these stu dents has worked incredibly hard to reach this academic milestone and they have made the most of the many education opportunities through their four years at Freeport High School.”

NY 11793

Tel. (516) 221-0871 Fax. (516) 781-0474

Five Towns Head Start

Five Towns Community Center 270 Lawrence Avenue Lawrence, NY 11559 Tel. (516) 239-6244 Fax. (516) 239-9246

Freeport Head Start

74 North Main Street Freeport, NY 11520

Tel. (516) 546-8251 Fax. (516) 546-8255

Hempstead Head Start 65 Dartmouth Street Hempstead, NY 11550

Tel. (516) 538-8292 Fax. (516) 478-6741

Long Beach Head Start

1 East Pine Street Long Beach, NY 11561

Tel. (516) 544-4051 Fax. (516) 544-4054

Rockville Centre Head Start

Currently Located at 1309 Wantagh Avenue Wantagh, NY Tel. (516) 221-0871 Fax. (516) 781-0474

Roosevelt Head Start 281 Babylon Turnpike Roosevelt, NY 11575 Tel. (516) 378-5960 (516) 378-5961 Fax. (516) 868-9413

Westbury Head Start 163 Hopper Street Westbury, NY 11590 Tel. (516) 334-3839 Fax. (516) 334-3829

Iris A. Johnson

Brian G. Staley, Sr

Giblyn students Adopt-a-Cop for the year

Fourth graders from Leo F. Giblyn Elementary School introduced to annual program

The fourth grade classrooms at Leo F. Giblyn Elementary School invited Free port Village police officers to the school on Nov. 28 for a special assembly during which they formally adopted cops as part of the school’s annual Adopt-a-Cop pro gram.

School principal Amy Lederer wel comed the officers and commended them for their involvement in the program, which the fourth grade kids demonstrated by singing “Peace, Love, and Happiness.”

Each class had a student representa tive speak about the Adopt-a-Cop program and thank the police for everything they do in the Freeport community. Two kids from each classroom revealed who would be their class’s adopted officer for the school year. After the event, the students returned to their classrooms with their adopted cop to get to know one other bet ter and to talk about the importance of police officers and their role in keeping the community safe.

Throughout the school year, the offi cers will serve as mentors by visiting schools, writing letters to students in their assigned classes, and conducting virtual meetings in order to foster a longterm connection with the Freeport Vil lage Police Department.

LIJ Medical Center is in the top 10% of hospitals nationally for oncology, according to U.S.News&WorldReport.

Our doctors are raising health by pioneering innovative approaches to cancer — from novel chemotherapy techniques to first in the nation robotic mastectomies with minimal scarring. Because when it comes to cancer, there’s no status quo. There’s only “how far can we go?”

–Mohamed Farghaly

Courtesy Freeport Public Schools

A STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE from each of the Leo F. Giblyn Elementary School fourth grade classes spoke about the Adopt-a-Cop program and expressed their gratitude for the hard work and dedication the officers do protecting the Freeport community.

Driscoll Holds Tax Forum in Freeport library

Hempstead Town Receiver of Taxes Jeanine Driscoll held a tax forum at the Freeport Memorial Library on Nov. 19.

At the event she offered a summary of new payment options, paperless billing, payment reminders, tax reductions, and improvements made to the STAR Pro

gram in addition to explaining how peo ple may minimize their property tax pay ments by submitting applications for tax exemption programs.

Arrests

■ Freeport Police made an arrest follow ing an investigation into a single-car col lision on Dec. 4. The investigation revealed signs that the individual had been drinking alcohol while operating a motor vehicle. The subject was taken into custody without incident at the scene.

■ During a domestic altercation on Dec. 1, Freeport Police officers detained a sus pect for breaking a stay away order of protection issued by Nassau County’s 1st District Court. Prior to being sent to Nas sau County Detention to await arraign ment, the subject was taken to Freeport Station House for arrest processing.

■ Police detained a suspect on Nov. 9 who had allegedly stolen more than $1,000 worth of goods from a nearby store. After a brief foot chase at the scene, the subject was further arrested and sent to Freeport Station House for processing.

Property Damage

■ A large tree that had fallen on a resi dent’s home due to the weather and caused significant property damage was the subject of a report that Freeport Police had completed on Dec. 3. The inci dent was documented in a report that was concluded.

Identity Theft

■ Police prepared a report on Nov. 30 for a complainant who claimed that without their knowledge, someone had obtained credit in the amount of $1,000 in US dol lars in their name from their financial institution in another state. Report for documentation was completed.

Petit Larceny

■ The reported theft of a television from a car parked in front of the victim’s house was documented by Freeport Police on Nov. 29. The victim does not know the perpetrator and requested doc umentation of the incident only.

People named in Crime Watch items as having been arrested and charged with violations or crimes are only suspected of committing those acts of which they are accused. They are all presumed to be innocent of those charges until and unless found guilty in a court of law.

Courtesy Mike Russo

FREEPORT RESIDENTS KARL and Trudy Steingruebner were greeted by Hempstead Town Receiver of Taxes Jeanine Driscoll during a Town of Hempstead Taxpayer Forum on Nov. 19 at the Freeport Library.

–Mohamed Farghaly

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

BY THE BOARD OF APPEALS

Pursuant to New York State Town Law Article 16, New York State Public Officers Law Article 7, and the Town of Hempstead Building Zone Ordinance, NOTICE is hereby given that the BOARD OF APPEALS of the Town of Hempstead will hold a public hearing in the Old Town Hall, 350 Front Street, Room 230, Second Floor, Hempstead, New York on 12/14/22 at 9:30 A.M. & 2:00 P.M. to consider the following applications and appeals:

THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED

STARTING AT 9:30 A.M. 836/22. NR FREEPORTOak Street Developers, LLC, Variances, subdivision of lot, lot area, front width from & on street line to front setback line, lot area occupied, construct dwelling - Lot A (demolish existing dwelling)., S/s Oak St., 320’ E/o Ray Ave. 837/22. NR FREEPORTOak Street Developers, LLC, Variances, subdivision of lot, lot area, front width from & on street line to front setback line, lot area occupied, construct dwelling - Lot B., S/s Oak St., 360’ E/o Ray Ave.

THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED

STARTING AT 2:00 P.M. 841/22. ROOSEVELTRodney Powell, Variances, subdivision of lot, front width from & on street line to front setback line, maintain dwelling & detached garage on a lesser lot., N/s East Fulton Ave., 332.81’ E/o Babylon Tpke., a/k/a 119 East Fulton Ave. 842/22. ROOSEVELTVerdeland Homes Inc., Variances, subdivision of lot, lot area, front width from & on street line to front setback line, side yards aggregate, construct dwelling with garage., N/s East Fulton Ave., 372.81’ E/o Babylon Tpke.

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

This notice is only for new cases in Freeport and Roosevelt 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 at 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

135814

PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES…

Printed in this publication can be found online. To search by publication name, go to: www.newyorkpublicnotices.com

LEGAL NOTICE

SURROGATE’S COURTNASSAU COUNTY PROBATE CITATION

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK

By the Grace of God Free·and Independent File No.2020-2157/a

ToVera Foster, James T. Egan Jr., Michael J. Morrissey, Daniel Morrissey, Kevin Morrissey, Eileen Morrissey, James Morrissey and paternal Aunt Ruth Egan and or her heirs at law, and any and all unknown persons whose names or parts of whose names and whose place or places of residence are unknown and cannot after diligent inquiry be ascertained, distributees, heirs-at-law and next-ofkin of the said WILLIAM EGAN, deceased, and if any of the said above distributees named specifically or as a class be dead, their legal representatives, their husbands or wives, if any, distributees and successors in interest whose names and/or places of residence and post office addresses are unknown and cannot after diligent inquiry be ascertained.

GREETINGS

A PETITION having been duly filed by Dean Geoge Pappas.residing at 9994 Beach Club Drive #504, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572

YOU ARE HEREBY CITED TO SHOW CAUSE before the Surrogate’s Court, Nassau County, at 262 Old Country Road, Mineola, New York, on: January 11, 2023 at 9:30 o’clock in the fore noon of that day, why a decree should not be made in the estate of WILLIAM EGAN , lately domiciled at 69 Lester Ave, Freeport NY admitting to probate a Will dated September 11, 2009 a copy of which is attached, as the Will of WILLIAM EGAN deceased, relating to real and personal property, and directing that [ X ] Letters Testamentary to DEAN

GEORGE PAPPAS

] Letters of Trusteeship to

] Letters of Administration c.t.a. issue to

] Further relief sought (if any):

HON. MARGARET C. REILLY HON. MARGARET C. REILLY, Surrogate Dated, Attested and Sealed, October 24, 2022 (Seal)

Debra Keller Leimbach, Chief Clerk

This Citation is served upon you as required by law. You are not obliged to appear in person. If you fail to appear, it will be assumed that you consent to the proceedings, unless you file written verified objections thereto. You have a right to have an attorney-at-law appear for you.

Name of Attorney: BARTON L. SLAVIN ESQ Address 3000 MARCUS AVE NEW HYDE PARK, NY 11042 Phone No. 646-233-0656

A TRUE COPY OF THE WILL OFFERED FOR PROBATE MUST BE ATTACHED TO THIS CITATION

Note: 22 N.Y.C.R.R. 207.7

(c): Proof of Service shall be filed on or before the second day preceding on the return date.

In computing such period of two days, Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays shall not be taken into account 135610

Search for notices online at: www.newyorkpublicnotices.com

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU UNITED MORTGAGE CORPORATION, Plaintiff AGAINST OUDIT BUSGEETH, MOHINI BUSGEETH, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered September 19, 2018, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on December 15, 2022 at 2:30PM, premises known as 824 South Ocean Avenue, Freeport, NY 11520. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Freeport, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section: 62 Block: 180 Lot: 431.

Approximate amount of judgment $331,480.43 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #006309/2015. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the NASSAU Cou nty COVID-19 Protocols located on the Office of Court Administration (OCA) website (https://ww2.nycourts.gov /Admin/oca.shtml) and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the court appointed referee will

cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine”. John M. Brickman, Esq., Referee McMichael Taylor Gray, LLC 7 Wells Street, Suite 205B Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 15-313308 73713 135463

Search for notices online at: www.newyorkpublicnotices.com

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: Serenity Stems, LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York, (SSNY) on 08/08/22 NY Office location: Nassau County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of the process to: Serenity Stems LLC Purpose: To engage in any lawful act or activity. 135413

LEGAL NOTICE

CASE NO.21527

RESOLUTION NO.1176-2022 Adopted: November 22, 2022 Councilmember Muscarella offered the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING AND SETTING ASIDE CERTAIN PARKING SPACES FOR MOTOR VEHICLES FOR THE SOLE USE OF HOLDERS OF SPECIAL PARKING PERMITS ISSUED BY THE COUNTY OF NASSAU TO PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED PERSONS AND THE REPEAL OF CERTAIN OTHER LOCATIONS, WHICH WERE PREVIOUSLY, SET ASIDE AS PARKING SPACES FOR PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED PERSONS.

WHEREAS, pursuant to Resolution No.1160-2022 adopted October 3rd, 2022, a public hearing was duly held on the 22nd day of November, 2022, at the Town Meeting Pavilion, Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, on the proposed establishment and setting aside of certain parking spaces for motor vehicles for the sole use of holders of special parking permits issued by the County of Nassau to physically handicapped persons, in accordance with Section 202-48 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, all as set forth in said resolution; and WHEREAS, after due consideration, this Town Board finds it to be in the public interest to establish and set aside certain parking spaces for motor vehicles for the sole use of holders of special parking permits issued by the County of Nassau to physically handicapped persons; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT

RESOLVED, that in accordance with Section 202-48 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, the following parking spaces be and the same hereby is set aside for the sole use of holders of special parking permits issued by the County of Nassau to physically handicapped persons:

FRANKLIN SQUARE GRANGE STREET - west side, starting at a point 300 feet south of the south curbline of Fenworth Boulevard, south for a distance of 20 feet.

(TH-446/22) McKINLEY AVENUE - east side, starting at a point 236 feet south of the south curbline of Roosevelt Street, south for a distance of 20 feet. (TH-449/22)

ROOSEVELT

EAST PENNYWOOD AVENUE - south side, starting at a point 150 feet east of the east curbline of Nassau Road, east for a distance of 20 feet.

(TH-468/22)

UNIONDALE NEWPORT ROAD - east side, starting at a point 390 feet north of the north curbline of Braxton Street, north for a distance of 20 feet. (TH-445/22) and on the repeal of the following locations previously set aside a parking spaces for physically handicapped persons:

ROOSEVELT

EAST PENNYWOOD AVENUE - south side, starting at a point 150 feet east of the east curbline of Nassau Road, east for a distance of 20 feet.

(TH-030/17 - 2/28/17 (TH-468/22)

SOUTH HEMPSTEAD IRENE STREET - north side, starting at a point 148 feet west of the west curbline of Grand Avenue, west for a distance of 33 feet.

(TH-415/88 - 12/20/88) (TH-444/22) ; and, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk shall enter this resolution in the minutes of the Town Board and shall publish a copy of this resolution once in a newspaper having a general circulation in the Town of Hempstead, and shall post a copy hereof on the signboard maintained by her, and file in her office affidavits of such publication and posting.

The foregoing resolution was seconded by Councilmember D’Esposito and adopted upon roll call as follows:

AYES: SIX (6) NOES: NONE (0) 135792

PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES…

Printed in this publication can be found online. To search by publication name, go to: www.newyorkpublicnotices.com TO PLACE AND AD CALL 516-569-4000 x 232

LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK INDEX NO. 617968/2019 COUNTY OF NASSAU ___________________\

BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A. AS TRUSTEE FOR MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT SERIES I TRUST

Plaintiff, vs. FELICIA BENN AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE TO THE ESTATE OF MARGARET M. BENN; KIM BENN-GURUNG AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE TO THE ESTATE OF MARGARET M. BENN; MICHAEL BENN AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE TO THE ESTATE OF MARGARET M. BENN; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND DISTRIBUTEES OF THE ESTATE OF MARGARET M. BENN, 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; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE; SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, “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 Plaintiff designates NASSAU as the place of trial situs of the real property

SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS

Mortgaged Premises: 189 EVANS AVENUE, FREEPORT, NY 11520 Section: 55, Block: 23, Lot: 183

To the above named Defendants

YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in the above entitled action and to serve a copy of your Answer on the plaintiff’s attorney within twenty (20) days of the service of this Summons, exclusive of 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 $600,000.00 and interest, recorded on January 08, 2009, in Liber M 33415 at Page 399, of the Public Records of NASSAU County, New York., covering premises known as 189 EVANS AVENUE, FREEPORT, NY 11520.

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 COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT.

Dated:October 28, 2022 ROBERTSON, ANSCHUTZ, SCHNEID, CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC

Attorney for Plaintiff Nadine D. Smith, Esq. 900 Merchants

Concourse, Suite 310 Westbury, NY 11590 516-280-7675 135300

PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES… Printed in this publication can be found online. To search by publication name, go to: www.newyorkpublicnotices.com TO PLACE AND AD CALL 516-569-4000 x 232

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORKCOUNTY OF NASSAU INDEX # 601100/2022 FILED 1/27/2022

SUMMONS

Plaintiff designates Nassau County as the place of trial based on the location of the mortgaged premises in this action.

Plaintiff’s principal place of business is c/o Celink, 3900 Capital City Boulevard, Lansing, Michigan 48906.

REVERSE MORTGAGE

FUNDING LLC, Plaintiff, Cristobal A. Vasquez as heir at law and next of kin to Maximiliano Vasquez, Marta Isabel Romero as heir at law and next of kin to Maximiliano Vasquez, John Doe and Jane Doe 1 through 50, intending to be the Unknown heirs, distributees, devisees, grantees, trustees, lienors, creditors, and assignees of the Estate of Maximiliano Vasquez, who was born in 1941 and died on April 21, 2020, a resident of Nassau County whose last known address was 11 Mount Avenue, Freeport, New York 11520, their successors in interest if any of the aforesaid defendants be deceased, their respective heirs at law, next of kin, and successors in interest of the aforesaid classes of person, if they or any of them be dead, and their respective husbands, wives or widows, if any, all of whom and whose names and places, are unknown to Plaintiff, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, United States of America o/b/o Internal Revenue Service, “JOHN DOE #1” to “JOHN DOE #10,” the last 10 names being fictitious and unknown to plaintiff, the persons or parties intended being the persons or parties, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the mortgaged premises described in the complaint, Defendants. To the above-named defendants: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the complaint is not served with this summons, to serve a notice of appearance, on the plaintiff’s attorneys within twenty (20) days after the service of this summons, exclusive of the day of service (or

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.

Public Notices

within thirty (30) days after the service is complete if this summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York); and 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 (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. McCabe, Weisberg & Conway, LLC, Attorneys for Plaintiff, 145 Huguenot Street, Suite 210, New Rochelle, NY 10801. 914-636-8900. 914-636-8901 facsimile.

HELP FOR HOMEOWNERS IN FORECLOSURE New York State requires that we send you this notice about the foreclosure process. Please read it carefully. SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT You are in danger of losing your home. If you fail to respond to the Summons and Complaint in this foreclosure action, you may lose your home. Please read the Summons and Complaint carefully. You should immediately contact an attorney or your local legal aid office to obtain advice on how to protect yourself.

SOURCES OF INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE The State encourages you to become informed about your options in foreclosure. In addition to seeking assistance from an attorney or legal aid office, there are government agencies, and non-profit

organizations that you may contact for information about possible options, including trying to work with your lender during this process. To locate an entity near you, you may call the toll-free helpline maintained by New York State Department of Financial Services’ at 1-877-BANK-NYS (1-877-226-5697) or visit the Department’s website at WWW.BANKING.STATE.N Y.US. RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO LEAVE YOUR HOME AT THIS TIME.?You have the right to stay in your home during the foreclosure process. You are not required to leave your home unless and until your property is sold at auction pursuant to a judgment of foreclosure and sale. Regardless of whether you choose to remain in your home, YOU ARE REQUIRED TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR PROPERTY and pay your taxes in accordance with state and local law.

FORECLOSURE RESCUE SCAMS Be careful of people who approach you with offers to “save” your home. There are individuals who watch for notices of foreclosure actions in order to unfairly profit from a homeowner’s distress. You should be extremely careful about any such promises and any suggestions that you pay them a fee or sign over your deed. State law requires anyone offering such services for profit to enter into a contract which fully describes the services they will perform and fees they will charge, and which prohibits them from taking any money from you until they have completed all such promised services.

File# 21-300498 135433

CORA LEE HIGGS, CLAUDINA BILBO, ALBERTO HIGGS, VICTSENINA HIGGSJACKSON, BERNADETTE LAWSON, LELAND HIGGS and OCRUN HIGGS, if they be living, if they be dead, their respective heirs-at-law, next of kin, distributees, executors, administrators, trustees, devisees, legatees, assignees, lienors, creditors, and successors in interest, and generally all persons having or claiming under, by, or through CORA LEE HIGGS, CLAUDINA BILBO, ALBERTO HIGGS, VICTSENINA HIGGSJACKSON, BERNADETTE LAWSON, LELAND HIGGS and OCRUN HIGGS, if they be dead, whether by purchase, inheritance, lien or otherwise, including any right, title or interest in and to the real property described in the complaint herein, all of who and whose names and places of residence are unknown to the plaintiff, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; NASSAU COUNTY TREASURER; JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., SUCCESSOR TO THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK; REYNOLDS ALUMNUM CREDIT CORP.; 341 EAST LLC; BO CHANG; ROBERT FISENE, “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.

summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York), and in case of failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the complaint.

TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: The foregoing Summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an Order of the Hon.

David P. Sullivan, a Justice of the Supreme Court, Nassau County, entered Nov. 30, 2022 and filed with the complaint and other papers in the Nassau County Clerk’s Office.

THE OBJECT OF THE ACTION is to foreclose a tax lien and to recover the amount of the tax lien and all of the interest, penalties, additions and expenses there on to premises known as Section 55, Block 370, Lot 230.

Plaintiff designates Nassau County as the place of trial. The basis of venue is the location of the subject property.

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 tax lien holder 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 tax lien holder will not stop this foreclosure action.

Dowling most influential health care leader

Michael Dowling, who championed innovation to combat the Covid-19 pan demic as president and chief executive of Northwell Health, has been selected as America’s most influential leader in health care by Modern Healthcare magazine.

Dowling was chosen as No. 1 as part of the magazine’s annual list of the 100 most-influen tial people in health care, putting him ahead of national brand lead ers like CVS Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Moderna as well as President Joe Biden and U.S. Department of Health and Human Ser vices secretary Xavier Becerra.

The magazine’s ranking is deter mined by peers and the publication’s editors based on leadership and impact. Dowling has now appeared on the list 16 times, earning a second-place national ranking in 2020, and third last year.

Northwell is New York’s largest health care provider and private employer with 21 hospitals, 850 outpa tient facilities and more than 12,000 affiliated physicians.

It’s one that has worked to upend health inequalities Dowling has said were laid bare by the pandemic. One of those initiatives was the Center for Maternal Health, unveiled earlier this year, focused on under served communities addressing health condi tions that can occur before conception through the first year after a baby is delivered.

“This remarkable recognition truly is a reflection of the collabo ration and work ethic elicited by thousands of Northwell team mem bers who deliver com passionate care to our patients each and every day,” Dowling said, in a release.

“Of course, our daily focus is on our sickest patients. But to serve our broad er community, we also look at health trends both looming on the horizon, and lurking under the cover of darkness.

“That’s why we’ve taken a stand against gun violence. That’s why we’ve opened Northwell’s Center for Maternal Health to reduce maternal mortality — especially among Black Americans.”

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU INDEX NO.: 611195/2020

DATE FILED: 10/13/2020

SUMMONS

L&L ASSOCIATES HOLDING CORP., Plaintiff, -against-

TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the complaint in this action, to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the complaint is not served with the summons, to serve notice of appearance, on the plaintiff’s attorney within twenty (20) days after the service of this summons, exclusive of the date of service (or within thirty (30) days after the service is complete if this

YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (TAX LIEN HOLDER) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT.

Dated: October 12, 2020 LEVY & LEVY Attorneys for Plaintiff 12 Tulip Drive Great Neck, NY 11021 (516) 487-6655

BY: JOSHUA LEVY, ESQ. #99962 135829

Freeport seniors show off at robotics contest

Four seniors from Freeport High School, participated in the “Girl Pow ered” VEX robotics workshop held at Google’s headquarters in New York City on Nov. 1. Yuleydy Cortorreal, Vanessa Marroquin, Alexandra Rodriguez, and Kimberly Rosa, were among just 100 stu dents in grades 6 through 12 across the tri-state area participating in this work shop.

Students had two days to complete the design, construction, and programming of a robot that would later compete in a mini tournament of the VEX Spin Up engineering challenge. With the robot they created to compete in the mini tour nament, the Freeport High School stu dents came in third out of 25 teams.

Michael Dowling

Courtesy Freeport Public Schools

FREEPORT HIGH SCHOOL Assistant Principal Mirabel Maia, (left) and Robotics Club adviser Kevin Harrison (right) with, from left, Yuleydy Cortorreal, Kimberly Rosa, Vanessa Marroquin and Alexandra Rodriguez who attended the “Girl Powered” VEX Robotics Workshop at Google’s New York City headquarters.

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More complications from Superstorm Sandy

This unique home boasts 2,494 livable interior square

Q. We purchased our home with minor damage from Hurricane Sandy, and were told that because there was little or no damage, just mold in the unfin ished basement and new boiler, the house was fine, no title problems. But when we tried getting a permit for a shed, we were told we needed a permit for stormrelated repairs, including proof of our home’s value. We decided not to get the shed because of this, but we got a letter saying we still need the storm repair per mit, regardless. None of the neighbors we spoke to ever got this permit. It seems we’re being punished for being honest and trying to do the right thing. Is there a way around this problem? What if we do nothing?

A. My answer may be as confusing as your situ ation. I have seen no con sistency in this dilemma as I go from one munici pality to another, and I’ve asked why some impacted jurisdictions don’t require as much paperwork and scrutinizing as others. The answer from officials was generally that each jurisdiction made assess ments of the specific properties, and then recorded which ones were uninhabitable compared to which ones had various levels of needed repairs.

It may have been that at the time, when people were so devastated by their personal property loss es, it seemed like a bad policy to hurt homeowners further with permit requirements and lots of administrative paperwork. The concerns for peo ple’s emotions at that time have, seemingly, dimin ished. Your jurisdiction chose to notify people to submit estimates and property value statements, over a decade later, mostly when they apply for per mits for unrelated projects.

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I sat down to a Sunday-morning breakfast chat in a diner with the top elected official in your juris diction in February of 2013, four months after the storm, as a concerned citizen as well as a licensed professional and columnist. It was nice that they paid for breakfast, but I’m not sure they acknowl edged the level of problems I was seeing, from the lack of communication and enforcement with the public. I suggested that it was better to notify every one with specifics, not randomly ambush people when they applied for other things in the future, like you’re now experiencing.

I advised that everyone damaged by the storm could file basic repair letters, be contacted by block and lot numbers instead of all at once, and put the effects of the storm behind us all as quickly and painlessly as possible, but in a way that officially recorded people’s repairs in letter form and in a simple way. Building departments were extremely helpful in assisting people to get backup docu ments, and I saw an earnest effort to help the pub lic. But many homeowners ignored letters, did nothing and seem not to be affected by require ments.

Your story is an example of the result I predict ed. I wish I knew the answer. It may take another decade to figure this out. Good luck!

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

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OPINIONS

Facing life — and death — with peace and love

John Casciani died last weekend. You don’t know him, but trust me, he wouldn’t want anyone to fuss over him. He came into this world quietly 88 years ago, and I’m sure would prefer the same exit now.

But you can’t have such a profound effect on someone’s life — to the point that you almost single-handedly changed it for the better — and expect them to experience your passing as an afterthought.

Casciani doesn’t deserve to be remem bered, but because I simply don’t know how to express my sadness that someone who touched and transformed so many lives as a teacher over the years no longer shares the same plane of existence we do.

with “peace and love” — something you always felt around him. Peace and love.

I can usually write a column like this practically in my sleep, but nothing seemed right to honor this man who did so much for everyone, yet didn’t want anyone to notice.

So, that’s what I did. I cried. Tears of sadness. Tears of happy memories. Tears of who I am. Tears of what I might have been if it weren’t for Mr. Casciani.

MICHAEL HINMAN

Writing isn’t just a profession for me. It’s how I cope. And the moment I learned of Mr. Casciani’s passing, I put pen to paper, sharing an anecdote from the very first time I met this fascinating chemistry teacher and photography club adviser from my high school days, and how he introduced me to the magical world of the darkroom.

I talked about the value of teachers, who are key to our self-discovery of who we are. I even shared Mr. Casciani’s way of making even the most mundane interest ing, like when he would wager his chemis try classes he could drink a glass of boiling water — and then actually do it.

But the moment I typed the final words of that piece, I closed the document and then dumped it in the trash. Not that Mr.

I was going through a bad time when I first met Mr. Casciani. We all remember being teenagers, and few of us can say it was easy. But Mr. Casciani truly changed my life. Not just teaching me the skills that helped me land my first newspaper job — the fact that I could devel op my own film and print my own pictures helped get me through the door of a daily newspaper when I was still in high school — but being someone who taught me it was OK to be fascinated by the world around us. That we shouldn’t be ashamed of that sense of wonder.

Yet I simply couldn’t find the words to express any of that. Outside of a few Face book interactions, I hadn’t had a direct conversation with Mr. Casciani since I graduated from high school in the early 1990s. But he would occasionally send me a note, usually asking me to help him remember some details about projects we worked on — like our school’s television program in the days when creating televi sion at the high school level wasn’t so easy to pull off — so he could reminisce.

He would sign each of those messages

But then I remembered something else Mr. Casciani taught me. Strength doesn’t come from not needing to ask for help — it comes from seeking help when you need it. Something pride inter feres with all too often.

So, I sought that strength inside of me and asked for help. Marcie Schellhammer is the assistant managing editor of the Bradford Era in north-central Pennsylvania, about 30 miles from where I grew up. She’s written so many beautiful columns about people that I cite her work to my own reporters when we need examples of the best way to honor people with our words.

I did everything I was supposed to do. I shared a favorite memory, and how what I learned from it changed my life. I shared the moment my eyes opened, and even talked about how Mr. Casciani helped mold me into the man I am now. But it still wasn’t working.

“That’s because you wrote it to write a column,” Marcie told me. “You didn’t write it with your heart. At least that’s my pro cess. I can’t write a memorial column with out crying.”

As always, Marcie was right. And the more I thought about it, the more I realized I couldn’t take the traditional approach in honoring Mr. Casciani. I can scream from the hilltops how important our educators are — and they indeed are. But the truest way to honor a man like Mr. Casciani is to put what he taught me into practice.

To admit when I’m struggling. To face it. To seek out help. And to never, ever be ashamed of it. I joke from time to time that Mr. Casciani would tell me the skills I was learning in the darkroom would be skills that would help me the rest of my life. And then, in my mid-20s, darkrooms went extinct in the shadow of digital pho tography.

But that has changed my life. I haven’t stepped inside a darkroom in about two decades, but the skills I learned there opened the doors at the beginning of my career that allowed me to sit here and write these words today. And for that, I will be forever grateful to Mr. Casciani.

We all have a Mr. Casciani in our lives. And we can never thank them enough for making the impact they did. So, if you can still thank them, please take a moment and do it now.

Peace and love.

Michael Hinman is executive editor of the Herald Community Newspapers. Com ments? Execeditor@liherald.com.

No, Gwyneth, I will not buy your face cream

In this season of marathon shopping, I started wondering why I buy what I buy. There are millions of choices when it comes to our cosmetics and cars and food and OTC meds and clothing and shoes and TV series and movies and furnishings and technology, and travel and education.

So why do I scan the shelves and pick out one sneaker among the many sports shoes for sale?

celebrity flogs a product, my avoidance mode kicks in. I love Matthew McCo naughey, but I’m not buying a Lincoln because he looks dreamy sitting behind the wheel in the TV commercials. I am not buy ing Gwyneth Paltrow’s skin cream thinking it will make me look like her.

I mean, why would I buy a Dior product because Charl ize Theron is their public face? She’s a gorgeous 8-foottall South African beauty. My life, inside this body of mine, bears no resemblance to her existence. Dior face cream will not help. I resist.

does she know about shoes or me or the value of her product? As for the Kardashi ans, well, how much time do you have? Who are they, exactly, and how many of them are in the public eye, and what is their skill set? They endorse various hair products, and I imagine their pitch is to young people, but why? They are the most famous people who are famous just for being famous.

ing crosses, and stigmata. After an outcry from religious groups, Pepsi canceled its ad.

My friends are my greatest influencers. I buy what they tell me to buy; I watch the TV that they suggest; I read the books they send my way.

I also take seriously consumer reviews from reliable websites. I have found new doctors by reading online reviews.

We think we have the power of choice, but we are bedazzled by influ encers. Psycholo gists say that we are especially moti vated by celebrity endorsements that suggest we can acquire good looks, wealth, friends and celebrity itself by buying the car that George Clooney drives or wearing the ath letic shoes that Selena Gomez wears or drinking the Coke that LeBron James, Penelope Cruz or Michelle Kwan drinks.

RANDI KREISS

I’m crazy about Reese Witherspoon and I love Crate & Barrel products, but I’m not buying a new couch because she’s their “brand ambassador.”

Various media put enormous money into advertising campaigns that feature celebrities touting their products. For me, it’s a waste of their time and money. When a

I can’t argue that celebrity endorsements don’t work, because apparently they pay off big time, or companies wouldn’t seek out famous people to push their products. I just don’t think it works for me, and I would urge others to look at their prospective pur chases in a clear-eyed way, setting aside the celebrity glam factor.

Drew Barrymore has associated herself with Crocs. What the heck? Should I buy a clutzy shoe because she tells me to? What

Epic flops and scandals have haunted the celebrity endorsement industry. Kanye West recently unraveled with his nonstop antisemitic rants. He lost Adidas, Balen ciaga, Foot Locker, Gap, and others. Michael Phelps was dropped by Kellogg’s years ago, after a photo circulated of him smoking marijuana. Today, with a net worth of some $80 million, he can boast associations with Intel, Sub way, Under Armor, Beats and Visa. The weed factor is passe.

Years back, according to E-News, Madon na landed a one-year contract as the celebri ty spokesperson for Pepsi. A two-minute family-friendly ad premiered wherein the singer revisited her eighth birthday. But the next day, Madonna’s video for “Like a Prayer” debuted. The video featured burn

I have one friend whom I love who has mysterious powers over my purchasing decisions. When we’re together, we some times shop. I find myself buying what she tells me to buy — even the outsized blouse with a geometric print that makes my eyes burn. Sometimes there’s a pricey item I don’t need, but if she tells me I need it, boom, it’s in the shopping bag. I don’t know what it is. My only defense is not to go shop ping with her too often. Because if she tells me I need the striped balloon pants in neon green, it’s circus time for me.

As we go about our Christmas and Hanukkah shopping, it might be wise to consider who is influencing our purchases. One of the oldest and longest-running celeb rity endorsements was launched by Jell-O in the early 1970s, when they hired a 37-yearold actor named Bill Cosby. Presumably JellO has wiggled onward without him.

Copyright 2022 Randi Kreiss. Randi can be reached at randik3@aol.com.

I can’t argue that celebrity endorsements don’t work. Apparently they pay off big time.

W e all have a Mr. Casciani in our lives, and we can never thank them enough.

Roosevelt’s address to the nation, Dec. 8, 1941

Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speak er, members of the Senate, and of the House of Repre sentatives:

Yesterday, Dec. 7, 1941 — a date which will live in infamy — the United States of America was suddenly and deliber ately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.

The United States was at peace with that nation, and at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with its government and its emperor, looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific.

Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in the American island of Oahu, the Japa nese ambassador to the United States and his colleague delivered to our secre tary of state a formal reply to a recent American message. And while this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or of armed attack.

It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time, the Japanese gov

ernment has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false state ments and expressions of hope for con tinued peace.

The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. I regret to tell you that very many Ameri can lives have been lost. In addition, American ships have been reported tor pedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu.

Yesterday, the Japanese government also launched an attack against Malaya.

Last night, Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong.

Last night, Japanese forces attacked Guam.

Last night, Japanese forces attacked the Philippine islands.

Last night, the Japanese attacked Wake Island.

And this morning, the Japanese attacked Midway Island.

Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area.

The facts of yesterday and today speak for themselves. The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the impli

cations to the very life and safety of our nation.

As commander-in-chief of the Army and Navy, I have directed that all mea sures be taken for our defense. But always, will our whole nation remember the character of the onslaught against us?

No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute vic tory.

I believe that I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend our selves to the uttermost, but will make it very certain that this form of treachery shall never again endanger us.

Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory and our interests are in grave danger.

With confidence in our armed forces, with the unbounding determination of our people, we will gain the inevitable triumph, so help us God.

I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, Dec. 7, 1941, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese empire.

LETTERS

Taking the air out of balloon releases

To the Editor: Thank you to Senior Reporter Jordan Vallone for her well-written piece, “Balloon Mission is up and away: Planning initial projects, nonprofit sets tone for future” (Bell more and Merrick Heralds, Dec. 1-7, liherald.com/merrick/stories/bal loon-mission-is-up-and-away, 152602). And bravo to Cynthia Sei bold, of North Merrick, for using the pandemic to start a nonprofit group, Balloon Mission, committed to stopping the inane practice of releasing balloons into the environ ment as a form of celebration.

Balloons are made of rubber, latex or nylon fabric, which does not break down easily — a polyure thane balloon can take up to 450 years to decompose, according to the University of Melbourne. In the wild, balloons get caught in trees and underbrush, where they are shredded by branches. Over time, they appear to disintegrate, but what is really happening is the bal loons are further breaking down

into microplastics, which then become ingrained in soil and water systems. From there, they are ingest ed by animals and marine creatures — and then by we humans at the top of the food chain. In 2019, the Town of Southampton passed a law

banning the intentional release of balloons — with a fine of $350 or imprisonment for up to 15 days for a first offense. Subsequent offenses would receive harsher penalties. The Town of Hempstead has a similar ordinance on the books, also passed in 2019,

OPINIONS

The red wave that wasn’t, and the crime wave that isn’t

Despite expectations, Republi cans ended up underperform ing on Nov. 8. Although Republi cans narrowly captured the House, Democrats kept the Senate and even managed to flip multiple state cham bers blue, including capturing the gover nor’s office in Arizona, of all places.

ing on the good people of Nassau County. For their part, the Democrats, as usual, were yet again unable to show a spine and attack the Republican narrative. But at any rate, it seems the Republican assault on our collective psyche was successful.

your chances of being a victim of grand larceny are? About 0.002 percent.

So what can we do?

MATTHEW ADARICHEV

Peculiarly, however, Republicans had one of their best nights in none other than the deep-blue Demo cratic stronghold of New York. They flipped a stagger ing one-fifth of all Democratic con gressional seats here, and nearly unseated Demo cratic Gov. Kathy Hochul.

How did they pull it off? Fear of crime. While in most of the nation, inflation and preserving democracy were the top two issues, poll ing from New York City in May showed that the No. 1 issue on people’s minds was crime — and it wasn’t even close.

Leading up to the election, the Republi cans unleashed a barrage of fear-monger

LETTERS

There’s just one problem. There’s no actual crime wave.

It’s completely normal to be worried about crime; we all deserve to be safe in our neighborhoods. But the facts just don’t bear it out. Did you know that the num bers of murders, rapes and sexual crimes have all gone down this year compared with last, according to offi cial Nassau County Police Department data? Surpris ing, I know. And all things considered, we’re actually in one of the safest periods ever in our county.

There have been increases in crime, but they’ve been related to property, not violent crimes. And even with the increase in property crimes, it is still exceedingly rare for a Nassau resident to be a victim of such a crime. The most common crime defined as “major” this year was grand larceny. You know what

But I can definitely understand the claim that we all feel an air of crime here in Nassau. Blame the media: 2022 saw a spike in the media coverage of shootings in New York City that went far beyond the actual num ber of shootings.

It sickens me. You turn the page, a shooting. Anoth er page, a corpse. The third page, a guy arrested for beating his girlfriend. The media fills us with dread, all to make money. And I see how my neighbors increas ingly construct their own fortresses, replete with video cameras, dogs and floodlights, all out of fear of passersby.

This fear has serious consequences, increasing anxiety, social withdrawal, and unraveling the social fabric of neighbor hoods. This is no way to live.

At the same time, I don’t want to live in a county where we see an increasing number of desperate people turning to theft to survive. After all, if you can’t work, you go hungry, and stealing catalyt ic converters beats going hungry.

Let’s start with a price cap on gas in Nassau County, to fight inflation and bring relief to millions at the pump. Next, the county should put people to work at a good wage to finally fix these damn pot holes. And thirdly, let’s keep kids off the streets by fully funding schools, and lower violent crime by having Nassau replace our lead pipes, which contribute to lead poisoning, which researchers have tied to aggressive and impulsive behavior.

Too bad the Republican-led County Legislature won’t do any of that. In fact, when adjusted for inflation, Nassau’s 2023 budget actually has less funding for spe cial education and early-intervention pro grams. Nothing about lead pipes, or gas price caps. Don’t the Republicans care about preventing crime?

It’s OK to have a healthy fearx of crime, and it’s OK to take measures to keep yourself safe. But I implore my friends: Don’t let politicians and the media manipulate you. It is imperative that we do not fear our neighbor.

Matthew Adarichev is a public policy major at Hofstra University, a political activist and an aspiring journalist whose work has appeared in the Hofstra Chroni cle and the Anton Media Group.

FRAMEWORK by Tim Baker

but the fine for intentional release cannot exceed $100, and there is no provision for jail time. I would like to see Hempstead pass an ordinance with stronger teeth.

As a town resident, though, I am heartened to see Hempstead working with Balloon Mission to educate the public about the myriad dangers that balloon releases present — particularly to the 17,000 acres and 180 miles of coastal waterways under the town’s jurisdiction.

Finally, each of us can play our part in helping to reduce plastics in the environment. When you see a plas tic bottle or rubber balloon on the street in your neigh borhood, pick it up and throw it away. I’m a runner. When you run and collect garbage, it’s called plogging, a Swedish fitness term. Hempstead would do well, though, to add more trash cans for recyclables at its parks, like those at the Levy Preserve in Merrick. This way, when folks are out collecting garbage, they could easily recycle plastic bottles and aluminum cans.

SCOTT A. BRINTON Merrick

Randi nailed it on air travel

To the Editor:

I really love Randi Kreiss’s columns in the Herald, and the one that I specifically liked was “Flying the notso-friendly skies” (Nov. 24-30), about JetBlue and the way they’ve changed their system so that they don’t really accommodate people very well.

I went on a trip about three weeks ago, and it was really hard to book a flight because I had a couple of problems, and, like you said, to reach somebody, it’s like reaching God. And yes, the snacks are pretty sad.

Thank you so much for your articles, Randi.

JUDITH WEITZ Long Beach

Here’s hoping they’re bundled up out there — Sea Cliff Yacht Club

The numbers of major crimes in Nassau County have actually gone down this year.

Buy a Brick

Celebrate or honor your loved ones this holiday season and give the gift of a lasting legacy in the Mount Sinai South Nassau garden, located at the corner of Oswald Court and One Healthy Way. Purchase an engraved brick, tree, or garden bench, or name the entire plaza and garden space that thousands of patients, visitors, and employees will see every year as they enter and exit the hospital’s front entrance

Honor a loved one or someone who made a di erence in your life. Remember a special person or celebrate a special occasion. Support Mount Sinai South Nassau’s mission and vision for a healthier tomorrow.