Long Beach Herald 01-19-2023

By JAMes BeRNsTeIN jbernstein@liherald.com

In an unexpected move at Tuesday night’s City Council meeting, council President Karen McInnis announced that she was stepping down, and would be replaced by council member John Bendo. McInnis, who will remain on the council, served as its president for one year. She replaced Bendo, who had led the group for two years.

McInnis is the second person to resign from a top city post this month. On Jan. 3, City Manager Donna Gayden stepped down.

McInnis declined to discuss the reasons for her resignation. Her tenure included the set-

tlement of a decades-old, $130 million lawsuit again the city by developer Sinclair Haberman, who agreed to be paid $75 million. McInnis also helped oversee a turnaround in the city’s finances, which led to higher credit ratings from Wall Street firms.

In a statement Wednesday morning, she said, “It has been my honor and privilege to serve as City Council president over the course of the past year. We have made some tough but prudent decisions, accomplished some great things and the City is on a positive trajectory.

“The demands of my day job have increased of late,” the statement continued,

Mourning an athlete who died too young

By BReNDAN CARPeNTeR bcarpenter@liherald.com

“Any time anybody was feeling down or out, he was the kind of person that put his arm around you and made you a better person,” Jason Pearl, Long Beach High School’s lacrosse coach, said of Gerrin Hagen. “He was such a wonderful young man. Everybody loved him. Well, actually, everyone loves him.”

Hagen, 18, was a lifelong hockey and lacrosse player in Long Beach. On Jan. 12 he was riding his skateboard along Cantiague Lane in Hicksville after finishing classes for the day at Nassau BOCES’ Joseph M. Barry Career & Technical Education Center, when he was struck by a Honda SUV driven by a 19-year-old. Hagen was rushed to a hospital, where he was initially listed in critical condition, but he died the next day.

At a candlelight vigil outside the Emile Francis Memorial Ice Arena Saturday night, there was an outpouring of support for Hagen’s family members and friends. Standing at a lectern in

front of the crowd, Parks Commissioner Joe Brand held up two fingers, symbolizing the number Hagen wore on his LBHS hockey jersey.

The members of both teams were there to show their support. Hagen started on the varsity lacrosse team for a year, but was in the program for a few years.

“The guys on the team were really close to him,” Pearl said. “Coaches were really close to him. He just did what he had to do. He played hard. And he was a great human being, and he had a plan to do a lot of things in his life. Unfortunately, it was cut short.”

Outside the arena on a chilly night, there was music and there were tears, as teammates, friends and family members stood shoulder to shoulder on a crowded sidewalk, saying prayers and remembering Hagen.

Brand knew Hagen and his family for years, having coached him in hockey both as a youth player and in high school. Hagen also worked at the arena, and as a

Bob Arkow/Herald

KAReN McINNIs ResIgNeD as City Council president on Tuesday night.

gerrin Hagen

Nassau GOP calls on George Santos to resign

By MICHAEL MALASZCZYK mmalaszczyk@liherald.com

U.S. Rep. George Santos has faced stiff opposition from his colleagues since arriving at Capitol Hill at the start of the new year. It looks like he won’t have an easy time at home, either.

Republican leaders from across the county gathered at GOP headquarters in Westbury last week calling on Santos to resign immediately amid his trail of fabrications on his work and education history, as well as the growing questions surrounding how he financed his campaign.

In fact, those in attendance — led by Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman — went as far as declaring they would not work with Santos. Instead, they would direct constituent issues to newly minted U.S. Rep. Anthony D’Esposito or U.S. Rep. Andrew Garbarino. And if they can’t go there, local Republicans would reach out to U.S. Sens. Chuck Schumer or Kirsten Gillibrand — both Democrats.

“I am joined here with my colleagues in calling on George Santos’s resignation, because he cannot serve anymore,” Blakeman said, calling the congressman a “pathological liar.”

“My office will have no interaction with George Santos or his staff until he resigns. “

D’Esposito — who joined Congress the same time as Santos — made it clear through a video link from Washington

that Santos is not fit to serve.

“I think that what’s most important as a public servant is treating the public with respect and gaining authority — something that all of you behind that podium have done,” D’Esposito said, referring to his fellow Republicans at the news conference. “George Santos does not have the ability to serve here in the House of Representatives, and should resign.”

State Sen. Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick took particular issue with one of the claims Santos made during his campaign — that he was Jewish, and that he was descended from Holocaust survivors. Investigations by a handful of news outlets have questioned those claims, not finding any evidence of his grandparents being anything other than Catholic, and finding no record of them being in Europe during the World War II era.

“It is a great stain on the Republican Party of Nassau County that he worked with us,” Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick said. “I am particularly offended also, as a representative of the Five Towns and the Orthodox community. What he did regarding his religious status was exceptionally offensive.”

But even as his fellow Republicans were delivering these calls for him to be removed, Santos told reporters outside his Washington office that he had no intention of leaving his position. He maintains that if the 142,000 voters who elected him decide he should go, then he

will go — but they won’t get the chance to express that until 2024.

“George Santos has no business serving in Congress,” Hempstead town supervisor Don Clavin said. “On behalf of all the board members — and frankly, the 750,000 residents living in the Town of Hempstead — it’s time to go. He’s a national joke. He’s an international joke. But this joke’s got to go. Not tomorrow. Not next week. Today.”

Those were sentiments shared by Clavin’s counterpart in Oyster Bay.

“George, I’m speaking to you,” town supervisor Joe Saladino said. “It’s time to step down.”

Santos has been under fire since a New York Times expose last month challenged pretty much everything he has said about himself throughout this recent campaign, and his 2020 unsuccessful run against Tom Suozzi. Everything from education, employment, philanthropic activity, and salaries simply don’t check out.

Nassau GOP chair Joseph Cairo has taken some heat through all this, with a number of people questioning how much he knew of Santos’ past, and why there wasn’t better vetting. Cairo believed the Republican establishment there had already checked out his claims.

“He’s disgraced the House of Representatives, and we do not consider him one of our congress people,” Cairo said.

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy won’t personally take action to have Santos removed, saying it’s a decision voters should make. However, the congressman is under investigation at multiple levels — including potential criminal investigation about campaign finance.

Over the weekend, U.S. Rep. James Comer — the new House Oversight Committee chair — said if Santos is found to have broken campaign finance laws, he will be removed

Michael Malaszczyk/Herald NASSAU COUNTY EXECUTIVE Bruce Blakeman says his office will have no dealings with U.S. Rep. George Santos.

Community comes together for MLK Day

Annual march took people down Park Avenue to the center

By BRENDAN CARPENTER bcarpenter@liherald.com

A sizable crowd marched Monday, listening to some of Martin Luther King Jr.’s most memorable speeches, including his “I Have a Dream” speech, delivered on Aug. 28, 1963, on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. Monday featured the traditional march to honor King, starting at 11:30 am at Laurelton Boulevard and West Park Avenue and ending in front of the MLK Center. There was also a short rally outside the center after the march with a few keynote speakers.

“We were extremely happy with the turnout,” said Melissa Spleen, the center’s executive director. “Of course, we would love to have had more supporters and more people come participate. But we understand it’s a process in getting our community to understand what it is we’re doing so that we can gain support and trust and get them to be involved in what we’re doing at the MLK Center.”

Several speakers highlighted the day, including James Hodge, the former chairman of the center, and Harvey Weisenberg.

This MLK Day march was a little lighter, after 2021’s was marked by memories of one of the most painful years in recent American history, including the killing of Black people at the hands of police, a pandemic that has taken the lives of more than 400,000 people, a president who was impeached for the second time, high unemployment and the mob attack on the Capitol. This time, they could focus solely on the day.

“We were and are very appreciative of all the keynote speakers and everyone that got up to share words of encouragement,” Spleen said.

“People came up to encourage and reflect on how we’re giving back and how we’re coming together as a community to help push for our cause of being able to provide for our community and bring services and awareness. A lot of things have been going on and the community coming together to show support means a lot.”

The city has also worked with the Long Beach School District on an MLK poster and essay contest to encourage all elementary, middle and high school students to reflect on King’s impact on the community. Elementary students were invited to enter the poster contest; high school students, the essay contest; and middle school students, either.

ACTiNg CiTy MANAgER Ron Walsh was one of the speakers after the march Monday, addressing residents about the importance of the day.

MARChERs wERE hAPPy to get started and eager to continue the annual tradition in the city.

ThE LoNg BEACh Martin Luther King Jr. Center led the march, taking all those in attendance through Long Beach.

Bob Arkow/Herald photos

REsiDENTs AND CiTy officials alike took to Park Avenue to take part in the annual MLK Day march.

care insurance or can’t afford it, the Medicaid Asset Protection Trust (“MAPT”) can protect your assets from the high cost of long-term care in your home or in a facility.

The MAPT sets up two roadblocks that Medicaid cannot break through. First, you cannot be your own trustee. Usually, one or more of the adult children act as trustee.

Secondly, you, as the creator of the MAPT, are entitled to the income only, not the principal. If you don’t have access to the principal (your home or other assets in the trust), then Medicaid doesn’t have access to the principal. The MAPT makes good sense for assets you’re not going to spend – like your home and investments you’re not using. As we often say, if you don’t need it to live on, then why not protect it for your family instead of losing it to pay for long-term care.

When you apply for Medicaid for nursing home care, if you’ve transferred any assets in the past five years, you are ineligible. The full protection of the trust only takes place five

years after you establish the trust. This is why you want to plan ahead. Under new rules to take effect in the next year or two, you will also need to have the MAPT in place two and half years in advance to be eligible for care in your own home.

The MAPT does not affect your lifestyle. You still receive your pension, social security checks, minimum distributions on your retirement plans, interest and dividends. You have the exclusive right to use and enjoy your home. You keep all your property tax exemptions. You can sell your house, buy a new one, or invest the proceeds, which remain in the trust, still protected.

The MAPT is also flexible. You can change trustees and you can change who you leave it to.

Although the MAPT is an irrevocable trust, not only does it have the flexibility mentioned above, but in New York there is a mechanism to revoke an irrevocable trust. All that is required is for all parties, you and your children, to sign. We even have a workaround just in case one of the children refuses to sign.

District had help available to those needing counseling

lifeguard on the beach during the summer.

When the service outside the arena came to an end, many of those who knew Hagen placed candles in front of a poster of him, and a pair of hockey sticks were displayed in front of a banner featuring a photo of Hagen in his LBHS hockey uniform.

Hagen has family members in the New York City Fire Department. His father and uncle are both lieutenants. The FDNY Hockey Team, a nonprofit organization that plays around Long Island, released a statement on Facebook Saturday in support of the family. The team also changed its profile photo to his jersey number, 2.

“Thoughts and prayer to the Hagen Family for the tragic loss of their son Gerrin,” the statement read. “Gerrin was a big part of the hockey community on Long Island, especially Long Beach.”

Hagen also played in the New York Islanders High School Hockey League. The league changed its Facebook profile picture as well, to one of Hagen.

On Sunday, the Rangers observed a moment of silence in honor of Hagen before their game against the Montreal Canadians.

“I offer my sincere condolences and sympathies to the Hagen family and to all

of Gerrin’s friends,” Long Beach Schools Superintendent Jennifer Gallagher wrote in a letter to district parents. “As many in our community know, Gerrin was a wonderful student, a talented athlete and a friend to so many. His loss is a tremendous one for our school community.”

The school district activated its crisis response plan and had counselors on hand last Friday afternoon to talk with students, and will remain through the coming weeks as needed, Gallagher said.

“If you think your child would benefit from talking to someone about this loss — or just being together with friends — please feel free to come” and talk to counselors, Gallagher said. “Of course, if you believe your child needs immediate assistance or is in severe crisis at any point, the Long Island Crisis Center is a good resource.”

The Crisis Center hotline is (516) 6791111.

Hagen’s wake was held on Monday at Christopher T. Jordan Funeral Home in Island Park. His funeral mass was held Wednesday morning at St. Ignatius Roman Catholic Church in Long Beach, where his hockey teammates tapped their sticks on the ground as his casket was carried in.

Additional reporting by Michael Hinman.

continued from front page

Gerrin HaGen, a Long Beach High School hockey and lacrosse player and student, died last Friday after getting hit by an SUV in Hicksville.

Justine Stefanelli/Herald

Laurel Cleaners celebrates 60 years in L.B.

By BRENDAN CARPENTER bcarpenter@liherald.com

After growing up in Long Beach and graduating from high school in 1976, Allen Schwartz attended the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, majoring in hotel management. Upon graduating, he actually did manage hotels in Las Vegas, including the Riviera Hotel.

He would come back for a few weeks here and there for a vacation and to visit his parents, but moved back fully in 1988 when his mother became sick. His parents at the time were running Laurel Cleaners, a dry-cleaning shop located at 285 West Park Ave, which they opened in 1963. This year, the shop is celebrating its 60th year in Long Beach.

Schwartz, 65, has been involved with the shop ever since he was a young boy, sometimes going into work with his parents, but since returning home in 1988, owns and runs the shop alongside his wife, Lisa.

“I basically started taking over the store when I came back,” Schwartz recalled. “You know, my dad was getting older and my mom was sick. I just thought when my father gets better, he’d take over the store again. Then one thing led to another and I never left.”

Schwartz has seen different generations of families come into his shop, seeing kids come in with their parents and then come in themselves as adults. He’s also seen styles change. He remembers when everything coming in was cotton. Then it switched to polyester and now, he says, it has gone back to cotton a little.

The Covid pandemic impacted the cleaners, along with everything else. In fact, according to Schwartz, dry cleaners were one of the businesses that were impacted the most. Most people began working remotely and even if they had meetings, they were on Zoom, without the need of suits. And, after all, “you don’t dry clean a T-shirt.”

“Everyone started working from home and dress was casual,” he said. “Restaurants changed their outlook and started doing things like delivery or pickup or drop off. We couldn’t do that. I’m lucky because we own the building. I know many people that put in claims but were not able to stay. We were.”

Through all the challenges and changes in both dry-cleaning and Long Beach, one thing has remained the same for Schwartz – the people. He and his wife can’t go grocery shopping or out to eat without people recognizing him, the “dry cleaning guy.” He even has a booth at the Laurel Diner,

which is across the street from his shop, that’s his, although not officially, of course.

“One year, my wife and I went to Disney World in Florida,” Schwartz remembered. “We were walking on the bridge to Tomorrowland and someone stopped me and said, ‘hey, I know you. You’re my dry cleaner.’ No matter where I am, I can’t

hide. Everyone knows everyone, no matter where you go. It’s kind of neat.”

Schwartz has two daughters, Breanna, a physics teacher at Uniondale High School, and Mikaela, a forensic mental health counselor in Bay Shore. They both help out at the shop from time-totime. Schwartz has no plans to stop anytime soon.

Brendan Carpenter/Herald LAuREL CLEANERs hAs been dry-cleaning through all the styles in Long Beach, celebrating 60 years in the city this year.

Allen schwartz

EMMANUEL DEPAS, LEFT, Marie Pereira, Judith Hospedales and Nassau County Legislator Carrié Solages, gathered at the Theodore Roosevelt Executive and Legislative Building the day before the 13th anniversary of the 2010 Haiti earthquake to raise awareness for new immigration policy.

Migrating from Haiti, with a little support

By ANA BORRUTO aborruto@liherald.com

It’s been more than a decade since an earthquake devastated Haiti, killing more than 200,000 people, and leaving so many more thousands homeless. To this day, the Caribbean country continues to recover, all while facing other ongoing challenges such as limited access to health care, as well as poverty, political instability and violence.

While a lot of political talk in Washington is focused on what’s happening at the U.SMexico border, Nassau County Legislator Carrié Solages has joined immigration law professionals to share details of an expanded program under the Biden administration intended to provide legal pathways to America for migrants from Haiti, Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela as well as war-torn Ukraine.

“This is a positive development, and a humanitarian way to allow people to seek asylum,” Solages said. “We have witnessed so many people risking their lives in order to make it here in the United States.”

This new policy allows up to 30,000 individuals from these four countries to come to the United States per month for a period of up to two years —all receiving work authorization. These individuals must have an eligible sponsor, and pass a series of vetting and background checks.

To reduce overcrowding and wait times at U.S. ports of entry, those who are legal immigrants or citizens of the United

States can apply for someone in Haiti to come to America through an online application called the I-134A form, which gives that sponsor a chance to provide a declaration of financial support.

“They are basically asking you how are you going to take care of this person you are legally sponsoring, the person who is now called the beneficiary,” said Marie Pereira, founder of the Haiti Immigration Project. “Do you have the financial resources to take care of this person’s needs, from health to housing to clothing? Everything.”

Once the sponsor is approved, the beneficiary is required to submit their fingerprints and undergo an extensive background check. They also must be vaccinated for Covid-19, have a valid passport, and proof they are a Haiti native, Pereira added.

Those younger than 18 have to be accompanied by an adult who is their parent or legal guardian.

Judith Hospedales, an immigration law expert and formerly of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, said with the influx of displaced migrants in various states, the administration is trying to cut back on the issues migrants face when they arrive to the border.

Many migrants are seeking asylum — meaning they fear for their safety, or they believe they could be harmed if they stay in their home country — and want protection from another nation, like the United States.

But there are many who may not qualify for asylum status. In that case, they can

Who can become a sponsor?

Anyone who has legal status to live in the United States can sponsor a Haitian immigrant to the United States by submitting a free I-134A application.

That legal status means being a U.S. citizen, green card holder, or someone with temporary protection status.

However, sponsors should be wary of trying to bring in strangers, said Judith Hospedales. The further apart

the relationship between the sponsor and the person looking to come from Haiti, the more difficult it will be to prove that a person can be a suitable sponsor and financially responsible for the beneficiary.

To learn more, visit tinyurl.com/ SponsorHaiti.

–Ana Borruto

apply for temporary protection status, more commonly known as TPS. This status is for certain individuals who cannot return to their countries of origin because of circumstances within the country, such as those same countries not having the resources or capacity to take back their citizens at that particular time.

Emmanuel Depas, immigration attorney, founder and first president of the Haitian American Lawyers Association in New York, said prospective sponsors must take this process very seriously. Solages emphasized the importance of working with professionals like Depas when going through the sponsorship process.

“You have to say ‘yes’ with caution and understand what you’re getting into,” Depas said. “In those two years, you’re going to have to support (beneficiaries) financially, socially and help them get them acclimated to U.S. culture.

“I implore you to develop patience throughout this process.”

The Haitian American population is one of the fastest growing demographics in Nassau County, Solages said, with many living in communities like Elmont,

Freeport, Uniondale, Valley Stream and Hempstead. According to the most recent census numbers, the total Haitian population was just over 850,000 nationwide, with nearly 155,000 living in New York alone.

Haiti itself has a little more than 11 million people.

Elsie Smith has lived in the United States for 52 years, spending the last decade in Elmont. She wants to sponsor six family members who now live in Haiti — a widower father, his sister and his four kids, whose mother passed away five years ago. The children had to stop going to school last September.

Smith is grateful for the humanitarian relief program as it will give these children better opportunities in the United States.

“This is something for a country that is suffering too much, and we have so much we can offer in this country,” Smith said, through tears. “I live in a house with six bedrooms all by myself — I will provide, (the father) can get his papers for work, and the four children can go to school.”

This is something for a country that is suffering too much, and we have so much we can offer in this country.

ELSIE SMITH Haitian Elmont resident

Ana Borruto/Herald

spotlight athlete

Herald sports

Long Beach earns conference title

By toNY BellissiMo tbellissimo@liherald.com

Long Beach enters the Nassau County dual meet wrestling playoffs this week with a conference championship in tow.

The Marines defeated Herricks, 42-28, on the strength of five pins Jan. 10 to capture the Conference 2A crown for their seventh dual meet victory in eight tries.

CaYlee DeMeo

Carey Senior Basketball

a tWo-tiMe all-CoUNtY selection and last season’s Conference Player of the Year when she averaged 22 points per game, DeMeo joined elite company Jan. 7 when she scored her 1,000th career point. The milestone basket came in Carey’s win over Glen Cove and was part of a 28-point performance. She’s the third player in program history to reach 1,000 points and currently ranks second in Nassau County in scoring.

gaMes to WatCh

thursday, Jan. 19

Gymnastics: Wantagh at North Shore 6 p.m

Gymnastics: Massapequa at South Side 7 p.m.

Girls Basketball: Port Washington at Baldwin 7 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 20

Girls Basketball: Malverne at West Hempstead 5 p.m.

Boys Swimming: So. Side/Lynbrook at Long Beach 5 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Lawrence at Clarke 7 p.m.

Boys Basketball: V.S. Central at Oceanside 7 p.m.

Boys Basketball: East Rockaway at Seaford 7 p.m.

Boys Basketball: West Hempstead at Malverne 7 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Baldwin at Port Washington 7 p.m.

Girls Basketball: Seaford at East Rockaway 7 p.m.

Girls Basketball: Hicksville at Freeport 7 p.m.

Girls Basketball: Oceanside at V.S. Central 7 p.m.

saturday, Jan. 21

Boys Basketball: Jericho at MacArthur 12 p.m.

Boys Basketball: New Hyde Park at Mepham 12 p.m.

Boys Basketball: G.N. North at South Side 12 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Wantagh at V.S. North 12 p.m.

Boys Basketball: North Shore at V.S. South 12 p.m.

Girls Basketball: G.N. South at Long Beach 12 p.m.

Girls Basketball: Elmont at Sewanhaka 12 p.m.

Girls Basketball: V.S. North at Wantagh 12 p.m.

“We’re pleased with the regular season and there’s a lot of great opportunities still out there starting with the team playoffs,” coach Ray Adams said. “The kids know there’s more work to do and they’re focused on finishing strong.”

Had Long Beach not beaten Herricks, the result would’ve created a three-way tie for the conference title along with East Meadow. The showdown began at 138 pounds and senior Freedom Excel got the Marines fired up by pinning his opponent in 3 minutes and 40 seconds.

“Freedom placed in all four tournaments we’ve had and he played an important role in the middle of the lineup in every dual meet,” Adams said.

Senior Jack Valentin has more than 20 wins on the season and three tournament titles (Hewlett, South Side, Massapequa) under his belt. He’s ranked fourth in the county at 145 pounds and also pinned his Herricks foe.

Junior Gregory Milone (152), who along with senior Luke Anfossi ranks at the top of the team wins leaders, is also ranked No. 4 in the county in his weight class. Milone won a 13-8 decision over Herricks’ Landon Lee to give Long Beach more cushion.

“Greg’s having a great season and has faced a lot of tough competition along the way,” Adams said of Milone, who has 24 wins entering the stretch run.

Anfossi has competed at 172 and 189 and captured both the Battle at the Beach and Massapequa tournament titles. He’s ranked second in the county at 172 behind Clarke’s Justin Soriano. “Luke has a goal of winning a county title and he’s definitely in the mix,” Adams said.

The Marines were dealt a blow in late December when senior heavyweight Ben Shapiro suffered a knee injury in the

South Side Tournament, ending his season. “It’s a big void and we hope Ben has a speedy recovery,” Adams said.

Long Beach has been nothing short of dominant at the lower weights, led by defending state champion Dunia Sibomana at 110. Sibomana, a freshman, is ranked No. 1 in the county and carries a record of 20-5, with none of his defeats coming to a New York-based opponent within his weight class.

Seventh-grader Ethan Andreula is starring at 102 as a varsity rookie. “His losses are to some of the best kids in the state and he’s ranked second in the county,” Adams

said. “Nobody knew about him coming into the season, but our coaches and kids did.”

Freshman Brody Franklin is ranked second behind Sibomana and won three matches at last year’s county tournament. Franklin and sophomore Greg Walpole (118) have also reached the 20-win mark.

“This is the time of year when kids make a name for themselves,” Adams said. “We’re excited.”

Clarke hosts the dual meet quarterfinals, semifinals and finals this Saturday. Long Beach hosts one of five county qualifier tournaments on Feb. 4.

Donovan Berthoud/Herald

FreshMaN DUNia siBoMaNa, top, is ranked No. 1 in Nassau at 110 pounds after winning the 99-pound state championship last winter.

Council also seeks to revitalize ethics board

“and while I’ve the utmost confidence in my ability to fulfill my duties as a Councilperson, I want to be sure the role of President is given the time it deserves. This will allow me to focus my energy on helping to launch and execute a principled City Manager search while continuing to be a fierce advocate for responsible budgeting and ethical and inclusive governance.”

McInnis, 51, is chief financial officer at the Association of American Publishers, a nonprofit that represents book, journal and education publishers on law and policy.

Gayden’s resignation, after almost three tumultuous years as city manager, was equally unexpected. She did not attend the Jan. 3 meeting at which it was announced.

Gayden’s contract runs through Dec. 31, 2023, but city spokesman John McNally said that Gayden and the city had agreed that “It was time.” Police Commissioner Ron Walsh has replaced her temporarily, and until a permanent replacement is found, he will hold both positions.

McInnis received a host of congratulations from other council members.

“Karen has been an amazing person,” council member Roy Lester said. “I never saw anyone work harder.”

“Quoting Yogi Berra, ‘It’s déjà vu all over again,’” Bendo said. “People think this is a part-time job, but the council puts in a lot of hours. It’s like a council on steroids.”

In other action Tuesday night, the council appointed Vice President Liz Treston to fill a vacant seat on the city’s dormant Board of Ethics, which has not held a meeting in years. The council decided to revitalize the board after hearing complaints at previous meetings that it was inactive. The body is supposed to have eight members. With Treston’s appointment, there are now two other vacancies to fill.

The board’s purpose is to deal with conflict-of-interest issues separate from the conduct of city employees and issues

with salaries or hirings and firings. Bendo said there had been “a misconception” about the purpose of the board.

“It’s a conflict-of-interest board,” he said. “It’s not about whether someone saw someone else doing something wrong.”

The board is empowered only to render advisory opinions.

In a statement, Treston said, “Reinvigorating the Ethics Board is something the Council has been focused on for quite some time. While the charge of the Ethics Board is legally limited to only reviewing potential conflicts of interest, this administration will continue to enact policies and programs that ensure more transparent and virtuous government here in Long Beach.”

Lester said he had been pushing for a more active board for years. “It’s a compliance board,” he said, adding that a city consultant had recommended that the board be more active.

In September 2020, when then Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas wrote a scathing opinion on the Long Beach payout scandal two years earlier, she said the city needed an “active” Board of Ethics.

Singas wrote, “I call upon the City of Long Beach to ensure that its board of ethics is constituted, active, and prepared to educate employees and officials regarding the Code of Ethics, conflict rules and disclosure requirements to guard against future abuses and conflicts of interest.”

But in 2012, when the City Council created the eight-member board, then council member Mike Fagen complained that half of the appointees had made political donations to the Long Beach Democrats.

One of those appointees was Helen Dorado Alessi, who is now the executive director of the Long Beach Latino Civic Association. “The board hasn’t met in all of the years I’ve been a member,” Dorado Alessi said before Tuesday night’s meeting. “I was voted in and it was a big thing. But I never heard from them again. I made phone calls. I asked, ‘Shouldn’t we be meeting?’” But, she said, she heard nothing.

For Immediate Release: December 13, 2022

Nassau County Bridge Authority Announces Greater Discounts for Barrier Island Residents

Lawrence, NY - The Nassau County Bridge Authority is proud to announce the implementation of an Electronic Tolling System, E-ZPass® on the Atlantic Beach Bridge. Set to take place in the Spring of 2023, this significant improvement will make the customer’s driving experience safer and timelier.

In addition to the implementation of E-ZPass®, the Authority has proposed significant discounts for Barrier Island residents, shown in the chart below. These proposed rates are scheduled to be voted on by the Board of Commissioners. NCBA tolls remain among the lowest in the region and deliver support for critical infrastructure improvements for the Atlantic Beach Bridge.

“After a public hearing and consultation with elected officials and community leaders, I am recommending to the board that we adopt our initial plan amended with a further reduction in the annual fee for Barrier Island residents who use the bridge on a daily basis.” Said Nassau County Bridge Authority Chairman Samuel Nahmias. “The bridge has not had a toll increase in 17 years, and in order to guarantee the safe operation of the bridge into the foreseeable future, in these inflationary times, it is necessary for the board to take this action.”

2022 2023

Annual Fee - Barrier Island Resident Passenger Vehicle $130.00 $162.50

E-ZPass® - Barrier Island Not Available Resident Passenger Vehicle in 2022 $2.50

Annual Fee - Nassau County Resident Passenger Vehicle $130.00 $199.00

Annual Fee - Non-Nassau County Resident Passenger Vehicle $175.00 $349.00

Pass CardPassenger Vehicle 20 trip $15.00 $30.00

All Cash Tolls Passenger Vehicle $2.00 $4.00

Note: Effective January 1, 2023 all Cash Tolls will be $3.00 until the implementation of E-ZPass®, at which time all Cash Tolls will increase to $4.00.

Decals will be phased out in 2023. Decals will be replaced by unlimited E-ZPass®, which will provide the same function as the decal.

Bob Arkow/Herald

John Bendo, who preceded Karen McInnis as council president, will take over the leadership once again, after she chose to step down.

Baron inspires children, one poem at a time

By MARK NOLAN mnolan@liherald.com

Lindamichelle Baron wrote her first poem when she was 6. And it was a hit piece, making fun of her cousin Gerard’s big ears.

“I have a cousin named Gerard, I think his ears are very odd.”

Upon hearing those words, Gerard grew out his hair to cover his ears.

With that first venture into slant rhyme, Baron discovered the thrill — and impact — of the written word. “That’s when I saw the power of poetry.”

Poetry has been embedded in Baron’s life ever since. She leaned on writing to support her through teasing in elementary school, and ultimately made a career through verse.

Now 72, she is the first poet laureate for the Town of Hempstead. Her mission is to bring poetry to every corner, including Malverne — where she presented previously — and West Hempstead — where she has yet to recite her poems.

“This is just absolutely amazing,” said Baron, the author of three poetry books and an associate professor at York College.

She was ahead of her time, throwing shade at childhood rivals decades before social media existed. She eventually developed poetry that inspires. Blessed with an infectious laugh and sense of humor and wonderment about the world,

Baron infuses verse into just about everything she does.

Poetry has been the constant throughout her life.

“People who know me know I’ve been in the community and library and organizations for decades,” she said. “They know my energy, my love of life and language and people — it’s all embedded in my poetry.”

A former New York City teacher, Baron became a professor who teaches aspiring teachers. And she insists her students understand poetry shouldn’t be relegated to English class.

“So much of what I taught used poetry,” Baron said. “Even if it was math. Teachers would say they don’t have the time. You embed poetry into everything you do.”

Budget cuts cost Baron her city teaching job, leading her to become an educational salesperson until 1988. She made a name for herself throughout the tri-state area — not as a saleswoman, but for using rhymes to sell educational materials.

“I would use poetry in my presentations to teachers,” she said. “They saw that poetry can be used to extract contextual knowledge and get students to think critically. They kept asking me back.”

One of her books, “The Sun is On,” is recommended for middle schools by the state, and has sold more than 100,000 copies.

“So many people of so many different

backgrounds have embraced my poetry, and that makes me so happy,” Baron said. “So much of my poetry has connections to my background as a woman of African descent, but it does capture everybody.”

Living in Hempstead village, Baron has read poetry to many local groups over the years. Her desire is to bring poetry to more than just students.

“Poetry should not be conceptualized as stagnant on the page,” she said. “My goal is to promote the power of poetry and enjoyment of the gift of poetry to the entire community.”

As the town’s first poet laureate, Baron really won’t change much, if anything. She will continue to speak to children and adults at schools, libraries — pretty much anywhere and everywhere someone will listen to the beauty of poetry.

Town councilwoman Dorothy Goosby, who recommended Baron for the non-paying position, said the appointment would lead to a greater understanding of the positive power of poetry.

“Poetry is meaningful and beautiful,” Goosby said. “It’s a creative outlet that provides a way for people to express themselves.”

Baron will continue writing poetry as she always has, while paying homage to the many people who have helped her since she was young. Her father introduced her to Langston Hughes and Gwendolyn Brooks, and the family of a child she babysat for as a teenager gave her an album of Maya Angelou reciting poetry.

Baron hopes to inspire others to enjoy poetry by honoring those literary role models and her heritage. When she sees a child’s face light up as she recites a poem, she realizes she is achieving her ultimate goal of making poetry accessible.

“That makes me so happy,” Baron said. “My poetry is for the entire community.”

Courtesy Lindamichelle Baron

LINDAMICHELLE BARON HAS been named the first poet laureate for the Town of Hempstead. She has written three poetry books, and spent a lifetime sharing the beauty of poetry with anyone willing to listen.

Latino group asks for Spanish in city documents

By JAMES BERNSTEIN jbernstein@liherald.com

The president of the Long Beach Latino Civic Association appealed to the City Council Tuesday night to expand its outreach to Hispanic residents by placing more city documents into Spanish and other foreign languages.

Helen Alessi, the organization’s president, said that about 15 percent of Long Beach’s population of about 30,000 people are now Hispanic, and many may now need translated versions of city documents.

In particular, Alessi said, Long Beach needs to update its Language Access website page to include 2020 census demographic data and other pertinent information. Additionally, she said the city needs to make its website accessible and more easily translatable into other languages on smart phones.

It needs also, Alessi said, to provide the calendar for regular city council meetings in Spanish at each meeting, and it should translate community updates into Spanish and “share widely at city council meetings.”

Finally, she said, the council’s form for “good and welfare” sessions, in which residents are given three minutes to speak on any topic they choose, should be translated into Spanish.

Alessi handed the council a petition she said contained 247 names of people asking for the changes.

In a statement, the association noted that in 2015, the city council established a Language Access Policy to “ensure the provisions of appropriate translation

and interpretation services for Long Beach residents with limited English proficiency.”

Yet, the statement continued, the policy “has not been enforced during city council meetings.” During discussions as to whether the city would decided to opt into a state program allowing retail marijuana sales, “No information was provided in Spanish,” the organization said.

Alessi asked for a meeting with city council members.

John Bendo, who Tuesday night was selected as city council president to replace Karen McInnis, who decided to step down from the post but will remain on the council, asked Alessi how many of the 15 percent Spanish population are unable to “get by” in English?

Alessi said the number could vary, depending on how long a person has been in the United States. But, she added, the translations are needed

Liz Treston, the council’s vice president, said the city had just obtained a new copier and that it has the capability to translate into Spanish.

Acting City Manager Ron Walsh said in a statement, “Long Beach is already well ahead of the language access curve, with solutions like Language Line, a website that translates into more than 100 languages, and a multi-language emergency alert system.”

“We are always looking to do better, though, and will gladly explore other opportunities with the Long Beach Latino Civic Association that make Long Beach more inclusive and accessible to all,” Walsh said.

News brief

LBHS students relate internship experience

Jasmin Beltran and Ava Liguori of Long Beach High School shared their recent internship experience with school board members at the Jan. 10 meeting.

Beltran, a junior, interned at GWB Architect and Design, while Liguori, a senior, completed her internship at Park Avenue Extended Care Facility.

Throughout their time working with the Long Beach companies, the students felt they were able to apply relevant classroom learning in areal-world setting.

Beltran said shared she can now confidently read and trace blueprints, as well as maintain and conserve blueprints, among several other related tasks.

She is considering a future career in architecture or civil engineering.

Liguori handled many clerical tasks but also had the opportunity to shadow an attending physician, a physical therapist, a wound care nurse and a social worker. As a result, , Liguori wishes to pursue a career in the medical field.

The Long Beach High School Student Internship Program is available to students in11th and 12th grade. Participating students commit to working 54 hours after school and/or on weekends for a full semester. Upon successful completion and meeting all the requirements of the program, students earn elective credit.

PRESS

Chairman of the Nassau County Bridge Authority Issues Response to Decal Concerns

Dear Atlantic Beach, Long Beach and Neighboring Resident Communities: The Nassau County Bridge Authority (NCBA) is a separate functioning Authority. Unlike other bridges, the NCBA does not receive Tax Payer, Property Tax, County and State Funding. The NCBA funds 100% of its operations through toll revenue. The Atlantic Beach Bridge spans 1173 feet (40%+ greater than its neighboring Long Beach Bridge)

When I was nominated for this role, I was honored to give back to the communities. Unfortunately, timing is not something we can all control.

My first initiative as Chairman was to review the status of our finances, revenues and capital needs. My second initiative was to work with our engineers at Hardesty & Hanover and our auditor to ensure that we have adequate capital to address our required infrastructure needs. My third initiative and quite an important one, was to address the public outcry on the failing toll plaza.

Over the past three-years, the Authority has lost nearly $1M per year (excluding goodwill). One can assume that this was due to the COVID pandemic and loss of toll revenue. While the Authority was hoping for a return back to profitability, unfortunately this proved impossible at our current revenues.

Just like all American businesses, citizens and public authorities, we are not immune to inflation. We have encountered inflation unlike anyone has seen in 40+ years. This has affected all aspects of the Authority’s finances. We are scheduled to lose over $2M in 2023 and headed towards a path of insolvency unless we address the issues.

In my learnings, I discovered that our prior toll increase took place roughly 17 years ago and the study at the time, indicated that it was only good for about 5 years. The prior board did as much as they could to extend this until now. However, no-one could have predicted the pandemic and subsequent high inflation.

After a vigorous review, our auditor and board determined that a toll increase is required for the viability of the Bridge Authority. As a point of reference, bridges are rated 7 to 1, 7 being in excellent new condition and 1 being the opposite. The Atlantic Beach Bridge is rated a 5, which is incredible for a 70-year-old bridge. Make no mistake, this is because we were setup as a separate Authority from the start, in order to maintain our own bridge. The decision to raise tolls does not come lightly, especially at a time when our residents are hurting due to high inflation. That is why we made the decision to raise the residents at a much lower amount vs. non-residents and commercial vehicles. While going from $2.00 to $3.00 seems excessive, until EZ-Pass is implemented, it is still far below what $2.00 would be worth 17 years later with inflation.

The implementation of EZ-Pass was sound and logical considering the latter. The board could have simply spent similar amounts to upgrade the failing system and keep it as a cash toll. This seemed counterintuitive given the number of complaints ranging from pedestrians not having cash, commercial vehicles having to pull to the side, delivery drivers not knowing what to do and of course the dangerous conditions it causes when vehicles must back out. This is on top of the heavy summer traffic build-up on the 878, that occurs due to only accepting cash.

The biggest issue I want to clarify, is the circulation of ongoing misinformation (see figure #1 below). Misinformation has been circulating that the Decal system and its benefits are being completely eliminated. This could not be farther from the truth. In fact, we are upgrading how we treat Decals. While we are phasing out the Decal “stickers” by mid-2023, we are incorporating the Decal benefits into the EZ-Pass system. Travelers will be able to enjoy all of the benefits of their prior Decals with the current EZ-Pass Reader/Transponder. Travelers will be able to login to their EZ-Pass account and add the Atlantic Beach Bridge to their annual unlimited use for $199 (residents) and $349 (non-residents).

As our commitment to the Atlantic Beach, Long Beach and Neighboring Resident Communities, presently we do not plan to raise tolls again until at least January 2028 and beyond. We are looking towards other revenue streams to help offset our costs and to date are pursing the following:

1. Placing our liquidity in higher interest-bearing accounts at today’s rates. This will result in a financial benefit of roughly $200K annually.

2. Restricting overnight openings for the drawbridge to a schedule which will decrease costs by roughly $100K.

3. We have explored refinancing the bonds and are waiting for the right opportunity to save significantly.

4. Exploring the use of vacant land.

Lastly, with the EZ-Pass upgrade, the security gates in the toll lanes will remain in place. We are planning to add better LED lighting to the bridge, security cameras and having more of a police presence at the Bridge Authority. Rest assured that we are working for the benefit of the people.

Sincerely,

Figure #1: Misinformation:

***Please Note The Bridge Authority of Nassau County is*** changing the prices of the Atlantic Beach Bridge from $2 to S3 for all Nassau County Residents, and $4 for all Non-Nassau County Residents. They are also planning to remove the Atlantic Beach Bridge pass entirely in 2024. This means that the price will rise from $130. a year (the current decal price for nassau county residents), to approximately $4000. per car per year, because in 2024 the decals will be eliminated. We need to have a meeting with the Nassau County Bridge Authority to determine what can be done to minimize damage to residents and businesses in Atlantic Beach, Long Beach, Lido Beach, Point Lookout, and the entire Barrier Island who rely on using the Atlantic Beach bridge for work, school, shopping, and life’s activities.

Helen Alessi

Ava Liguori

Samuel Nahmias Chairman of the Nassau County Bridge Authority.

Sands casino coming to Nassau Coliseum?

By JEFFREY BESSEN jbessen@liherald.com

A touch of Las Vegas could soon make its way to Uniondale’s Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum with hotels, performance stages, and even a casino.

The Las Vegas Sands, a resort company founded by late billionaire Sheldon Adelson, wants to develop what it calls a “multibillion-dollar flagship hospitality, entertainment and casino project” at the former home of the New York Islanders off the Hempstead Turnpike near the Meadowbrook Parkway. But the acquisition of up to 80 acres of the site would require state approval.

“The plan would include a casino accounting for 10 percent of the total project, outdoor community spaces, four- and five-star hotel rooms, and a world class live performance venue honoring the legacy of live music at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum,” Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman shared on Twitter.

There also would be celebrity chef restaurants, convention space and ballrooms, along with a luxurious day spa, a swimming pool, and a health club.

“We strongly believe Long Island can be home to one of the region’s great entertainment and hospitality developments,” said Robert Goldstein, Las Vegas Sands chair and chief executive, in a news release.

Sands, which is worth more than $42 billion on the New York Stock Exchange, says it wants to collaborate with the surrounding communities to create a plan as a way to maximizes economic opportunity while protecting the quality of life. Part of that plan would include creating 12,000 construction jobs, and then employing 5,000 people.

But making such a collaboration work will require Sands to listen, County Legislature Minority Leader Kevan Abrahams said.

“It is imperative for Sands resorts to conduct extensive community outreach, and then incorporate the feedback they receive into their proposal,” Abrahams said. That means not only talking to the people who live in the area, but also talking to officials at Hofstra University, Nassau Community College, as well as both Hempstead town and village.

Sands also needs to reach out to local fire departments, school districts, civic associations, chambers of commerce and others as a “necessary first step for addressing concerns and identifying opportunities.”

Scott Rechler is optimistic about a Sands development after nearly two decades of working to overhaul the Coliseum site.

“The plan envisioned by Sands is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create the kind of world-renowned entertainment and hospitality destination that has been

VEGAS

sought after by Long Islanders,” said Rechler, chief executive and chair of RXR Realty, in the release.

But not everyone shares that enthusiasm. Protesters have gathered outside the Coliseum opposing the casino component, which they say promotes multiple addictions. Others believe such a development would add to the existing traffic logjam while creating a blight on the environment.

And then there are people like Jay Goldmark from Woodmere who is OK with the plan.

“Surprisingly I have no absolutely no issue with them building a casino as long as they have absolutely no exemptions granted under any circumstances as far as any construction, sales or use taxes,” Goldmark posted on social media. “If they can afford to build for millions of dollars and fees etc., they surely can afford to pay the sales taxes. It will also create hundreds of jobs.”

THE LAS

Sands resort company is considering the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum property as a site for a new upscale casino. It’s championed by Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, but being met with cautious optimism by others, like County Legislature Minority Leader Kevan Abrahams.

Herald file photo

STEPPING OUT

those

Monster trucks invade Long Island

By Karen Bloom

onster truck madness is back on Long Island this weekend when for two action-packed days at Nassau Coliseum. In this version, families can watch their favorite Hot Wheels trucks come to life when the Hot Wheels ‘Glow Party’ lights up the arena, Jan. 21-22.

While geared to the younger generation of monster truck fans, there is nothing tame about this version. You’ll still experience all the action of the 12-foot-tall, 10,000-pound machines will that bring audiences to their feet, racing and ripping up a customdesigned track full of obstacles to soar over — or smash through — delighting onlookers. A laser light show adds to the spectacle — the trucks maneuver their way through their stunts in a darkened arena.

Their names — Gunkster, Race Ace, Mega Wrex, Bone Shaker, Tiger Shark, Bigfoot and Demo Derby — reflect the outrageous mix of racing and showmanship that enthrall both the drivers and their fans.

WHERE WHEN

• Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 21-22; times vary

• Tickets start at $40 adult, $24 child; $10 additional for Crash Zone (prices are subject to change); available at HotWheelsMonsterTrucksLive. com or NassauColiseum.com

• Located at Nassau Coliseum, Uniondale

“Big trucks, big engines, crushing cars, hanging out with the fans, I love it all,” says Eric Steinberg, 22. “It’s an indescribable adrenaline rush.”

It’s clear Steinberg loves his job. In fact, he doesn’t describe his role as a “job.” It’s his passion — what he was born to do.

Like his fellow drivers, Steinberg became enthralled with the big trucks at a young age. Missouri-born and raised, he was 3 years old when he went to his first monster truck event. From that moment on he was hooked.

“I just knew this is what I wanted,” he says. “Monster trucks are amazing, and caught my attention more than anything else. I looked up to the drivers as my heroes. I remember how I felt and that helped me transition to being a driver.”

Branford Marsalis

After some scheduling delay — in part due to the pandemic — the renowned saxophonist makes his long-awaited appearance at the Madison Theatre with his quartet. The NEA Jazz Master, triple-Grammy Award winner and musical polymath with his stellar ensemble — pianist Joey Calderazzo, bassist Eric Revis and drummer Justin Faulkner — bring the brilliance that has made this quartet one of the most revered and influential in jazz. Marsalis is equally at home performing concertos with symphony orchestras and sitting in with members of the Grateful Dead, but the core of his musical universe remains the Branford Marsalis Quartet. After more than three decades of existence with minimal personnel changes, this celebrated ensemble is acclaimed for its uncompromising interpretation of a kaleidoscopic range of both original compositions and jazz and popular classics.

Friday, Jan. 20, 8 p.m. $40-$95. Madison Theatre, Molloy University campus, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre. (516) 323-4444 or MadisonTheatreNY.org.

Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company

monster truck world, was Steinberg’s entrée into the circuit. He debuted Gunkster, first created by Hot Wheels for its 2021 Monster Trucks Series collectibles, in 2022.

He’ll be in high gear with all his tricks, driving Gunkster through all the non-stop action, which includes a wheelie competition, long jumps, freestyle, and even motocross. And if that is not enough, there’ll be a special appearance by the car-eating, fire-breathing transforming robot Megasaurus.

Steinberg encourages everyone to come to the Crash Zone pre-show, Saturday, at 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., and Sunday, at noon. Crash Zone gives fans access to the arena floor where they can view of the trucks up-close and meet the drivers, get autographs and take photos and, of course, check out some toy versions of the big trucks.

“Fans love it,” says Steinberg. “The kids are excited to see the trucks before the show. It’s all for them. For me, I always wanted to meet the drivers as a kid. I always looked up to them as my heroes. And now I want to be that hero. Meeting the fans is truly special and encourages us.”

hooked up with the Bigfoot

Determined to follow his dream, he enrolled in State Technical College of Missouri’s Automotive Technology HighPerformance Program. After his 2021 graduation, he hooked up with the Bigfoot team. Bigfoot, a name synonymous with the

Top photo: Gunkster, driven by Eric Steinberg, and other popular trucks, including Tiger Shark, will thrill fans with exciting car-crunching feats as they fly more than 35 feet in the air. Three stories tall and weighing more than 50,000 pounds, Megasaurus — at left — roars into the arena ready to chomp.

The Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company welcomes the coming of spring, the Year of the Black Water Rabbit. It’s a spectacular experience for all ages, combining traditional Chinese dance with modern flair. The Red Lions dance to a hip hop beat. The Golden Dragon brings good luck and fortune for the coming year. The ensemble also showcases a contemporary dance work, ‘Ashes of A Dead Frog,’ choreographed by legendary Polish Choreographer Jacek Luminski that was commissioned by Nai-Ni Chen almost a decade ago. Guest artists from the Chinese Music Ensemble of New York provide traditional and contemporary music on classical and folk Chinese instruments. Dancers, acrobats and musicians perform in festive costumes in red, gold, blue and purple colors symbolizing their prayer for a peaceful and harmonious New Year with plenty of prosperity and good fortune for everyone to enjoy and share.

Sunday, Jan. 29, 7 p.m. $52, $42, $32. Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville. (516) 299-3100 or TillesCenter.org.

Courtesy Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live

THE SCENE

Feb. 23 Art talk

Grab your lunch and join Nassau County Museum of Art Docent Riva Ettus for her popular “Brown Bag Lecture” live, via Zoom, Thursday, Feb. 23, 1 p.m. She’ll discuss the current exhibition, “The Big Picture: Photography Now.” Participants are invited to ask questions at the end of the program. Register at least 24 hours in advance to receive the program Zoom link. Also Feb. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.

Game of Thrones

Trivia

The Long Beach Brewing Company will be calling all Game of Thrones fans for a trivia night on Thursday, Feb. 2. Teams can be made for the competition and food and drinks will be available to buy throughout. The night starts at 7 p.m. at the brewery, at 3350A Lawson Blvd. in Oceanside. For more information, call (516) 554-0800 or visit LongBeachBrew.com.

Friends of the Brothers

Friends of the Brothers visits the Landmark stage with their dynamic tribute to the Allman Brothers, Friday, Jan. 27, 8 p.m. Their powerful celebration of the Allman Brothers, featuring musicians closely associated with the original band, continues the brotherhood with passion, committed to the ideals of every night being special and unique. Their first-hand experience with the Allman Brothers Band and their deep knowledge of the repertoire and the music’s roots and heritage allows them to play with an unrivaled depth. Hear songs from every stage of the Allman Brothers’ career, backed by a band of inspirational, veteran players. $33, $28. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. (516) 767-6444 or LandmarkOnMainStreet.org.

Low-Impact Cardio

The Long Beach Public Library will have a low-impact cardio class to on Tuesday, Jan. 24 . All levels are welcome, including beginners. The class will be held in the auditorium and on zoom from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm. For more information, visit LongBeachPL. LibraryCalendar.com.

Gentle Yoga

Participate yoga class for health and peace, Saturday, Jan. 21, at the Long Beach Public Library, 111 W. Park Avenue. The class is designed to build strength and flexibility along with a calmer mind. The class will be in the public library’s auditorium and on Zoom, for those you cannot go in person, from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. Poses will be a combination of standing and seated. For more information, visit LongBeachPL. LibraryCalendar.com.

Jan. 26 Feb. 12

Polar Bear Splash

The Long Beach Polar Bears will make their annual splash into the ocean on Sunday, Feb. 12 The splash will take place on Laurelton Blvd., starting at1:30 pm. For more information, visit LongBeachNY.gov.

Mindful Meditation

Relax and unwind at the Long Beach Public Library during a meditation class on Thursday, Jan. 26. Re-center while focusing on your senses and aliveness in the auditorium and on zoom from 2:15 to 3 pm. For more information, visit LongBeachPL.LibraryCalendar. com.

Pop-Up Eats

The Cabana Restaurant continues its weekly Pop-Up Eats, Monday, Jan. 16, in their parking lot, 1034 W Beech St. Various vendors serve up delicious bites; the bar will be open as well. Pop-Up Eats starts at 4 p.m.; no reservations are necessary. For more information visit TheCabanaLBNY.com.

Forest Bathing

Take a meditative Forest Bathing walk, led by certified guide Linda Lombardo, Saturday, Jan. 21, 2-4 p.m. Based on the Japanese tradition of ShinrinYoku, a wellness practice developed in the 1980s, the walk, on the grounds of the former summer residence of Howard Gould and later Daniel and Florence Guggenheim, inspires mindful connections with the natural elements of the woods for a range of healthful benefits. $40, $35. Pre-registration required. Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Road. For information, visit SandsPointPreserveConservancy. org or call (516) 571-7901.

The Best of the Eagles

Get into the Eagles’ groove when the tribute band visits The Paramount stage, Thursday, Jan. 26, 8 p.m. With special guest Fleetwood Macked. This authentic recreation features individual bandmates taking on the persona of the original Eagles members. $39.50, $29.50, $19.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. (800) 745-3000 or Ticktmaster.com or ParamountNY.com.

Snowflake 4-Mile Race

The City of Long Beach will have its annual Long Beach Recreation 4-mile Snowflake Race, Saturday, Feb. 4 Registration begins at the Long Beach Catholic Regional School Gymnasium at 6:30 a.m.; the race begins at 9 a.m. For more information, call (516) 431-3890.

Having an event?

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.

The Pigeon Comes to Long Island!

Step into activities pulled directly from the pages of Mo Willems’ books, during opening weekend of Long Island Children’s Museum’s new exhibit, Sunday, Jan. 22, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., in residence through May 14. Step into activities pulled directly from the pages of Mo Willems’ books, make art inspired by his work, engage in dramatic play and learn about the rich social and emotional lives of the author’s characters. Interact with Willems beloved characters: best friend duo Elephant and Piggie, faithful companion Knuffle Bunny, and The Pigeon. Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or LICM.org.

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

BY THE BOARD OF

APPEALS

Pursuant to New York State Town Law Article 16, New York State Public Officers Law Article 7, and the Town of Hempstead Building Zone Ordinance, NOTICE is hereby given that the BOARD OF APPEALS of the Town of Hempstead will hold a public hearing in the Old Town Hall, 350 Front Street, Room 230, Second Floor, Hempstead, New York on 1/25/23 at 9:30 A.M. to consider the following applications and appeals:

THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 9:30 A.M. 78/23. - 79/23. POINT LOOKOUT - Bernard & Lisa Kennedy, Variances, lot area occupied, front yard average setback, construct wood deck attached to dwelling; Maintain 8’ 2” high arbor., W/s Garden City Ave., 130’ N/o Beech St., a/k/a 93 Garden City Ave. ALL PAPERS PERTAINING TO THE ABOVE HEARING ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THE BOARD OF APPEALS, TOWN HALL, 1 WASHINGTON STREET, HEMPSTEAD, NY 11550. This notice is only for new cases in Point Lookout 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 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.

136768

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORKCOUNTY OF NASSAU HSBC BANK USA NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR DEUTSCHE ALT-A SECURITIES INC., MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES 2006-AR3, V. ABRAM DUSOWITZ A/K/A ABRAM I. DUSOWITZ, ET AL.

NOTICE OF SALE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure dated October 20, 2022, and entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau, wherein HSBC BANK USA NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR DEUTSCHE ALT-A SECURITIES INC.,

MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES 2006-AR3 is the Plaintiff and ABRAM DUSOWITZ A/K/A ABRAM I. DUSOWITZ, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on February 21, 2023 at 2:30PM, premises known as 122 WALNUT STREET W, LONG BEACH, NY 11561: Section 59, Block 72, Lot 30-32:

ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE CITY OF LONG BEACH, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 012306/2011. Joseph N. Armao, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 136732

rain or shine. COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed at the foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the Court Appointed Referee will cancel the sale.

Thomas R. Scanlon, Esq., Referee Knuckles, Komosinski & Manfro, LLP, 565 Taxter Road, Suite 590, Elmsford, NY 10523, Attorneys for Plaintiff 136409

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU BANK OF AMERICA, NA, Plaintiff, AGAINST JAMES E MULVANEY, JR., BARBARA FISCHKIN, et al. Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a judgment of foreclosure and sale duly entered on December 3, 2019.

I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on January 26, 2023 at 2:00 PM premises known as 85 Dalton St, Long Beach, NY 11561.

N.J. man arrested for attempted extortion

A 28-year-old New Jersey man has been arrested for trying to extort an 88-year-old Long Beach man out of $5,500, stating that the Long Beach man’s grandson was in an accident and needed money, Nassau County police said.

Fourth Squad detectives said that the 88-year-old received a telephone call from “an unknown man,” regarding the accident and the need for money. The attempt to extort the older man took place Jan. 17 at 3:10 pm in Long Beach.

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, MTGLQ INVESTORS, L.P., Plaintiff, vs. CARMEN JAQUE, ET AL., Defendant(s).

Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee’s Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on December 10, 2019, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on February 2, 2023 at 4:00 p.m., premises known as 565 East Olive Street a/k/a 565 Olive Street, Long Beach, NY 11561.

All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the City of Long Beach, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 59, Block 171 and Lots 69 & 70.

Approximate amount of judgment is $669,824.95 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #009689/2014. Cash will not be accepted. This foreclosure sale will be held on the north side steps of the Courthouse,

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, D/B/A CHRISTIANA TRUST, NOT INDIVIDUALLY BUT AS TRUSTEE FOR HILLDALE TRUST, Plaintiff AGAINST MARY MARKS, RON MARKS AKA RON EVAN MARKS, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered September 16, 2022, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on January 30, 2023 at 2:30PM, premises known as 47 EAST BEECH STREET, LONG BEACH, NY 11561. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the City of Long Beach, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 59, Block 99, Lot 61-64. Approximate amount of judgment $1,405,702.49 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #600924/2018. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the NASSAU County COVID-19 mitigation protocols 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”. Fay Mattana, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 19-005692 74404 136311

Please take notice that this foreclosure auction shall be conducted in compliance with the Foreclosure Auction Rules for Nassau County and the COVID 19 Health Emergency Rules, including proper use of masks and social distancing.

All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the City of Long Beach, in the County of Nassau and State of New York. Section 59, Block 181 and Lot 25 and 26.

Approximate amount of judgment $371,916.17 plus interest and costs.

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment. Index #611496/2017.

Gerald Chiariello, Esq., Referee, Aldridge Pite, LLPAttorneys for Plaintiff - 40 Marcus Drive, Suite 200, Melville, NY 11747 136322:

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU

INDEX NO. 603991/2019

U.S BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE FOR J.P. MORGAN MORTGAGE TRUST 2006-A4, Plaintiff, Plaintiff designates NASSAU as the place of trial situs of the real property vs.

SUSAN GONZALES; VINCENT GONZALES if living, and if he be dead, any and all persons unknown to plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or general or specific lien upon the real property described in this action; such unknown persons being herein generally described and intended to be included in the following designation, namely: the wife, widow, husband, widower, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees of such deceased, any and all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or

firm that his grandson was not in an accident. Detectives said when “Richard” arrived and asked for the package, the victim handed it to him. Police identified themselves and “Richard” fled.

As the Detectives were placing the subject into custody he began to resist being handcuffed. No injuries were reported.

Larry Urtarte

Detectives said the caller instructed the man to put $5,500 in cash in a package, label it M2125 and that a person named Richard wearing a brown hat would come and pick it up.

Police said the victim was able to con-

Detectives arrested Defendant, 28, of 953 E. 28th Street Paterson New Jersey. He is charged with Attempted third-degree Grand Larceny, fourthdegree grand larceny and Resisting Arrest. He was issued an Appearance Ticket returnable on February 1, 2023 to First District Court 99 Main Street Hempstead.

Oceanside man arrested on assault charges

After a physical confrontation between detectives and Anthony Parella of Oceanside, Parella, 22, was arrested on Jan. 12 and charged with two counts assault, criminal mischief and criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation.

According to detectives, Parella was involved in a domestic dispute with a family member and left the house before police arrived on the scene.

Anthony Parella

Later, Parella returned home and was told he was under arrest.

He attempted to run from officers, got into a physical altercation with officers and continued resisting arrest until his hands were restrained.

Two detectives suffered injuries to their shoulders and backs as a result of the squabble.

–Karina Kovac

Public Notices

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; CAPITAL ONE BANK, USA NA; THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK; THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, “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.

SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS

Mortgaged Premises: 345 LIDO BOULEVARD LONG BEACH, NY 11561

Section: 60 Block: E Lot: 750

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 Attorney within 20 days after the service of this summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after the service is complete if this summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York) in the event the United States of America is made a party defendant, the time to answer for the said United States of America shall not expire until (60) days after service of the Summons; 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 OF NATURE OF

ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT

THE OBJECT of the above caption action is to foreclose a Mortgage to secure the sum of $516,000.00 and interest, recorded on December 20, 2005, at Liber M 29857 Page 659, of the Public Records of NASSAU County, New York, covering premises known as 345 LIDO BOULEVARD LONG BEACH, NY 11561.

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: January 6, 2023 ROBERTSON, ANSCHUTZ, SCHNEID, CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC Attorney for Plaintiff MERVE KATI, ESQ. 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310 Westbury, NY 11590 516-280-7675 136800

ADMINISTRATIVE

Richner Communications - a rapidly growing multimedia company and publishers of the Herald newspaper grouphas several administrative job openings: Receptionist (P/T), Accounts Receivable/Billing Collections Clerk Multi-Media Coordinator (Hours Flexible) Qualified candidates are fast learners with good organizational and people skills - entry level ok.

Role requires working knowledge of Microsoft Office and ability to learn custom software programs. If you would like to join a communitydriven, fast-paced environment, please send your resume to: careers@liherald.com.

CIRCULATION ASSOCIATE

Full Time/Part Time

Richner Communications, publisher of Herald community newspapers has an excellent opportunity for a FT/PT Customer Service Clerk in our busy Circulation Department. Basic customer service and administrative responsibilities include: heavy computer work, answering phones, making phone calls, entering orders, faxing, filing, etc.

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

CLEANING PERSON FT Needed For Local Cleaning Company. Will Train. If Interested Call Bill 516-678-5943

CONSTRUCTION WORKERS Assist General Contractor. Drivers License. Knowledge Of Construction. Call Mike. 516-887-8877.

DRIVERS WANTED

Full Time and Part Time Positions Available! Busy Print Shop in Garden City is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers. Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience. Hours Vary, Night Availability is a Must. Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239

DRIVING

FULL CHARGE BOOKKEEPER :

Proficiency Quickbooks, 2/ 3 Days/ Week, Flexible. Send resume: Catalina Beach Club, 2045 Ocean Blvd. Atlantic Beach, NY 11509; Call 201-417-9940

MEDICAL ASSISTANT

REAL ESTATE

Open Houses

CEDARHURST 1/22, 2-3:30, 332B Peninsula Blvd. Move Right Into This Updated 3 Br, 2.5 Bth Coop Townhouse. LR, DR, Gran/Wood Kit w/ Stainless Steel Appl. Trex Deck Off LR.Primary Ste Features Updtd Bth & WIC. Att Gar Plus 1 Pkg Spot incl in Maintenance. W/D in Unit.Pull Down Attic.SD#15. Convenient to Shops, Trans & Houses of Worship...$449,00 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299

HEWLETT BA, 1608 RIDGEWAY Dr, NEW Move Right Into This Completely Gut Renovated 4 BR, 3.5 Bth Col on 1/4 Acre Prop. New Kosher EIK, FDR, LR w/ Fpl, Den & Enclosed Porch. Full Fin Bsmt. 2 Car Att Gar. SD#20...$1,469,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299

OUTSIDE SALES

HEWLETT 1/22, 12-1:39, 257 Willard Dr, NEW TO MARKET!! Spacious 5 BR, 3 Bth Exp Ranch With Open Layout.Main Floor Mstr Ste Plus Potential Mstr Ste on 2nd Flr.LR/Fpl, FDR, EIK & Sundrenched Family Rm w/ Doors to Deck. Fin Bsmt. Att Gar. Loads of Updates!! SD#20(Lynbrook)No Flood Insurance Req. MUST SEE THIS!..$1,098,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299

Open Houses

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

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

Houses For Rent

BALDWIN GORGEOUS COLONIAL 2/3 Br. $3200. LOVELY RANCH 3 Br. 2 Ba. $3000. BEAUTIFUL TUDOR 3 Br., RVC Schools. $3300. Call Nancy Scarola Real Estate. 516-286-4310. 516-633-5300.

PRESS-ROOM/WAREHOUSE HELP

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

NYS License Clean 3 Years Call 516-731-3000

EDITOR/REPORTER

The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to mhinman@liherald.com

Health Care/Opportunities

estate

IN BRIEF

V.I.Properties Welcomes Zina Israelov!!

We are happy to welcome Zina Israelov to Team Rozana and Sara at V.I.Properties. Zina Israelov is an accountant with over 15 years of experience, in a well-known and prestigious real estate company. She holds degrees from Queens College and Hunter College in accounting and psychology, respectively. What Zina loves most is spending time with her grandson and watching basketball with her two boys. She moved to the Five Towns about 15 years ago and it has been nothing but home since day 1. One of her beliefs is that honesty, reliability, and being personable are essential when building trust with clients. This philosophy has driven her to be motivated and committed in finding the perfect home for youwith an easy and smooth experience throughout. Contact Zina at 347-836-1907 or by email zi@rozana-sara.com

Realtors are encouraged to send briefs and photographs to: Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd.., Garden City, NY 11530.

Col on 1/4 Acre Prop. New Kosher EIK, FDR, LR w/ Fpl, Den & Enclosed Porch.Radiant Heated Flrs. Full Fin Bsmt. 2 Car Att Gar. MUST SEE!! SD#20 DRASTIC REDUCTION! $1,469,000 1534 Broadway #103, BA, Magnificent New Renovation! One of a Kind Ranch Style Living in Luxurious Jonathan Hall Condominium with Doorman & Elevator. Just Move into This Gut Rvated, Spacious 2 BR, 2 Bath Apt with Open Layout. Large Designer

INTRODUCING.… 2697 Morton Avenue. This completely renovated and rebuilt, all new construction 4 bedroom, 2 full bathroom home features an all new eat in kitchen with quartz countertops, shaker cabinets and stainless steel appliances. This home boasts two brand new bathrooms, custom moldings, crown moldings and hardwood floors throughout. There is also a full finished basement with high ceilings, all new windows, siding, roof, electric, plumbing along with gas fired hydronic heating system, central air conditioning and driveway. You will enjoy low taxes and no flood insurance is required. $749,000.

A zoning variance for a bigger den?

Q. I wanted to add on to the den on the side of my house. The den has been there since 1930. The problem I’m having is that if I want to make the addition so that it’s in alignment with the current den, the side distance to my property line is too close, by 12 inches, according to my building department. They say that I have to match the code requirement that was adopted in 1938, so instead of having a straight wall going all the way back, I either need to make a jog in the wall or go for a zoning variance. It just doesn’t make sense. I’m not adding a monster-sized addition, just 10 feet by 10 feet on the side of my house, behind tall hedges. My neighbor doesn’t mind, so what can I do about this?

A. Not much, except decide whether you want a ridiculous-looking room with a jog in the wall or want to spend the money and time to go through the zoning variance process. When I see cases like this, I understand the intent of the law, but not the “spirit” of the law. The intent is to prevent the construction of buildings too close to a property line, based on historical catastrophes such as the London fire and the Chicago fire, both of which saw hundreds of lives lost and tens of thousands of buildings destroyed, mainly because of their closeness to one another and their ability to burn easily.

We live in a modern age in which materials have been tested, analyzed, certified and regulated to limit flame spread, and communities have been set up with strict guidelines to leave spaces between buildings for safety and appearance. But knowing, or not remembering, this, communities may invoke the strictness of the law like a stern punishment, or look at the separate conditions and merits of each case, deciding that your straight wall versus a jogged wall isn’t going to hurt anyone and, being located on the side or behind your house, isn’t going to detract from the character of the community.

Some building departments have been given the flexibility to make these decisions, to avoid throwing the baby out with the bathwater, and have the authority to give approval for minor issues. Some municipalities have even gone so far as to pass ordinances allowing the discretion of building departments to allow for the alignment of built structures, previously approved, on the first story. It makes sense not to put homeowners through an unnecessary hearing process, sometimes costing thousands of dollars and many months of delay, just so they can have a straight wall.

Allowing alignment with a previously approved part of a building isn’t the same as having a flammable wall too close to a property line or another building. In the long run, a variance will be worth it. Otherwise the weird wall shift won’t be understood or be beneficial to you. Good luck!

Apartments For Rent

CEDARHURST

MoneyTo Lend

© 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.

Ask The Architect Monte Leeper

MERCHANDISE MART

Antiques/Collectibles

We Buy Antiques, Fine Art & Jewelry Same Day Service, Free In-Home Evaluations, 45 Year Family Business. Licensed and Bonded, Immediate Cash Paid.

SYL-LEE ANTIQUES www.syl-leeantiques.com 516-671-6464

Miscellaneous For Sale

TORO POWER-MAX SNOWBLOWER: Model #826OAE. New. Original $1300. Asking $900. Call Arnold 516-432-1492

FINDS UNDER $100

Finds Under $100

ADULT TRICYCLE: VERY good, with a few rust spots, valued at $250. $99.00 firm. 516-458-6729

ANTIQUE BLACKBOARD, FREE standing with carving, rolling scroll pictures, flip down desk, $99. 516 295-1548

ANTIQUE GOLD DECORATIVE mirror 19" x 45" wide ,carved crest. $50 (516) 295-1548

BOYS GAP FLEECE Hoodie: Camo, Size 12: New with tags. $15 917-420-581

CHRISTMAS DECOR: HUGE assortment. Call for details and pics $40 & under. 516-225-919

CRYSTAL STEMWARE (MACY'S). Gorgeous Wine , Water, Champagne. Brand new original boxes $95. 516-225-9191

Finds Under $100

DOUBLE HUNG WOOD WINDOW: with screen. 52 X 29 1/2" Marvin Integrity, $45. 516-537-3941

GIRLS CLOTHES SIZES 5, 8, & 10: New with tags. Tops, Jeans. $8-9 each. 917-420-5814

KNITTED SKI BANDS One Size Fits All "BELLMORE" White lettering, Navy acrylic, New, $5. 516-320-1906

MULTI MEDIA OAK Storage Cabinet, "New in Box" Half Price at $50 Firm. 516-486-7941

NEW HYUNDAI SUV adjustable roof rails. cost $319- Selling for $99 firm (516)524-3617

PREVAIL PADS XTRA long super absorbent pack- 39, $12 ea. Box of 4 $38. 516-546-0275

WALL SAFE: HEAVY Steel "New in Box," Mount Surface or in Wall. $50 Firm. 516-486-7941

Finds $100-$350

Cleaning Services

MARINA'S CLEANING SERVICES: Cleaning Homes, Apartments, Condos, Offices. Experienced. FREE Estimates. Serving Long Island. 516-670-7764

Electricians

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

Handyman

HANDYMAN

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

Home Improvement

Home Improvement

HANDY DANDY

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

* Full Or Partial Kitchens/ Baths *Painting *Sheetrock *Taping/ Spackling *Installations Ceramic/ Vinyl Tile *Carpentry *Alterations *Repairs/ More. FREE ESTIMATES. Dan 516-342-0761

Miscellaneous

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Plumbing

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BAR

KITCHEN

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WHEEL

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Tile

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Satellite/TV Equipment

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Education

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& MARINE Autos For Sale

OpINIONS

The Republicans have sent in the clowns

One of my all-time favorite comedians was Groucho Marx. He always had the right response to the question of the moment. He used to say, “No matter what you ask for, the answer is no.” That describes the crazy new Republican majority in the House of Representatives.

can candidates who have run for Congress have campaigned on the promise to make government smaller. They made it a point never to explain which programs they were after, because they knew specifics would kill them.

Democratic Senate will no doubt vote against such changes, but that would leave the country without a budget.

of the House majority.

JERRY KREMER

For decades, the federal government has been providing funds for Social Security, Medicare, Homeland Security and the Department of Defense. Most rational people will tell you that these are crucial parts of the government, but various members of the new majority have targeted these programs for extinction.

When asked why they would seek to end one of these key programs, the individual Republican members would answer, “Because I don’t like it.” The idea that many members of the new majority want to bring government to its knees should be a warning sign to every American.

The Republican effort to dismantle American government is nothing new to political observers. Hundreds of Republi-

Eliminating programs goes along with the entire package of rules that were just adopted by the House of Representatives under the leadership of its new speaker, Kevin McCarthy. McCarthy has wanted to be speaker for over a decade. In 2015 he lost the job to John Boehner, and Boehner gave it to Paul Ryan. This year, for McCarthy, the speakership was now or never.

To avoid never, he agreed to a set of rules changes that at best could be described as insane. At the top of the list is a rule that will allow any one of the 435 House members to make a motion to take away the speakership from McCarthy.

Another rule allows members to single out any federal agency and vote to eliminate its budget. Because the House is empowered to craft the government’s spending plan, this rule could wipe out the entire budget of the Defense Department or the allocation for Medicare, with little or no debate in the House. The

What spells more trouble is a requirement that any increase in the debt ceiling must be matched by reductions in federal spending, which could target Social Security and Medicare. What is the next ugly byproduct of McCarthy’s failure to give into the far-right mob?

Spending limits, counterbalanced by cuts in programs, would create the possibility that Congress would default on its requirement to pay the nation’s debt. A debt default could lead to a global meltdown and a downgrading of America’s credit rating. The Republican House majority threatened debt default under President Barack Obama, but in the end, the Republicans came to their senses and approved the borrowing to keep the government functioning.

Apparently, rules changes weren’t enough for the 20 or so fringe House members as McCarthy sold his soul. In addition to giving in to them on rules, he agreed to appoint them to key committees, including the powerful Rules Committee. In effect, the group of 20 will have more power than the other 202 members

It is important to explain the significance of the appointment of troublemakers to the Rules Committee. The committee has the authority to do virtually anything during the course of consideration of a measure, including deeming it passed. It can rewrite parts of a bill, or the entire measure. House members such as Lauren Boebert, of Colorado, can hold the committee hostage. It’s a recipe for disaster.

Some readers might call these observations partisan, but any student of government will tell you that all of these changes are a recipe for disaster. As an example of the thinking of this power cluster, Rep. Jim Jordan, of Ohio, was asked why he favored cuts in the Defense Department, and he answered that there are too may generals in the military, and we have to get rid of many of them.

When all of these so-called reformers announced their plans, I thought of the word “clowns,” and then the song “Send in the Clowns” popped up in my thinking. Clowns are funny, but not this group of them.

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

Playing hide-and-seek with top secrets

Imagine my surprise when I opened my toaster oven to slide in a meatloaf and found a bunch of classified documents inside. Wow, I thought, secret docs are really popping up all over the place.

the documents were his because, well, just because. His team resisted turning them over, although the law demands that important papers get returned to the government after a president leaves office.

wizards.

People wondered if spies were hanging around Mar-a-Lago, hoping to read our nuclear codes over the dessert buffet. Or maybe someone was thinking about selling information to the other side, a kind of monetizing of the outgoing presidency.

Let me retreat a bit. After all, I did lose my most precious Covid-19 vaccine card just a week after I got the jab in January 2021. I awoke in the middle of the night and couldn’t remember where I had put it for super-safekeeping. I began to toss the room and the closet.

fight the government’s request to return the papers to safekeeping.

I once forgot to turn off the stove. Another time, I misplaced the code for my bicycle lock. Nearly every day I forget why I jumped up to run upstairs.

But shouldn’t the Secret Service, Homeland Security, the FBI, the president’s briefers and the CIA do better?

RANDI KREISS

The papers were in a folder that said Top Secret, so I read them immediately. Showing up in my oven makes them mine, right? Also, I took the extra precaution of declassifying them by chanting the order of the planets according to their distance from the sun, even Pluto, which is officially a nano planet. I mean, I don’t want to break any laws.

Just a few months ago, everyone was talking about a former president possessing bundles of classified documents, which he or someone close to him stuffed in various cabinets and closets in and around Mar-a-Lago, his golf club and happy place. The Justice Department, not known for leaping into action, actually raided the premises — that’s how worried it was that secrets may have fallen into the hands of spies. The former prez said

A special counsel was appointed by the DOJ to investigate the case of the purloined papers. Think: a kind of Wizard of Oz operating behind a screen.

Starting in early November, more secret documents were discovered, this time in offices and homes owned or formerly occupied by President Biden. He said he was surprised that classified material turned up under his watch, and his people did move with alacrity to give the paperwork back to the proper authorities in the government. Still.

Who is minding the store? How do secrets get passed around and land in somebody’s garage? A second special counsel was appointed. Now we have two

HAfter two days of misery, I tried to contact someone at the vaccine location. Someone there told me I had to appear in person, and even then I might not be successful. So I started all over again, searching my room and closets and, in case I really misplaced it, the fridge and the inside of my sneakers. On Day 4 I found the card exactly where I had put it originally, in a drawer. So I understand these lapses, but my vaccine card isn’t a nuclear code.

Biden apparently set down some papers and then forgot where they were, or when they needed to be returned to the government archives. More likely, he didn’t think about it all, and it was his staff that messed up.

Not so much with the other guy, who claimed possession of what were clearly classified papers and hired lawyers to

Hell, I did better hiding my diary from my sister when I was 12. No way MI-5 or the code breakers of Bletchley Park would have stashed spy secrets under a cushion.

I was surprised, but not really shocked, to find the eyes-only documents in my toaster oven. How to get rid of them? Roast? Convection bake? Air fry? I tried them all, and now I have a pile of ashes in my oven that I probably have to bake into another meatloaf, for security reasons.

This may not be the end of the story. All the president’s men and women somehow thought it was OK to store spycraft information in POTUS’s sock drawer or the ottoman at Camp David. Our government, bless its confused leaders, apparently subscribes to a special protocol for keeping secret documents secret, known as L.G.

That would be Loosey Goosey.

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

ell, I did a better job of hiding my diary from my sister when I was 12.

Twenty fringe House majority members have more power than the other 202.

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ew York has lost Oyster Bay. Well, more accurately, the state has lost 300,000 people — the town’s population — in just a single year.

Only California lost more people from domestic migration in the past year, and it wasn’t by much. But at least according to census numbers, New York can only watch as an average of 820 people move to another state. Each day.

Those are the kinds of numbers you’d expect from a state that’s struggling financially. But New York is anything but. In fact, it’s hard to find a time when New York was more prosperous. It’s just a prosperity that far too many people can’t afford to take part in.

“Over the last 10 years, our state had created 1.2 million jobs, but only 400,000 new homes,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said in her recent State of the State address.

Without a robust supply of homes, prices remain high. That’s great for developers and landlords, but bad for everyone else. The simple fact is, if our family members, friends and neighbors can’t afford to live in our communities, they’ll find a neighborhood where they can.

“Many forces led to this state of affairs,” Hochul said.

“But front and center are the local landuse policies that are the most restrictive in the nation. Through zoning, local communities hold enormous power to block growth.”

There are certainly benefits to such power, like preserving neighborhoods’ suburban single-family feel. But that feel isn’t cheap. The median sales price of homes in Nassau County in 2021 was $620,000, according to the state’s taxation and finance department. Outside New York City, the closest counties are Rockland, at $550,000, and Suffolk, at $510,000.

To afford a home like that, you’d have to

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make at least $45 an hour — nearly three times the minimum wage. A typical salary in New York pays a little less than $25.

But you can’t work in New York if you can’t live in New York. And with the dearth of truly affordable housing, that just isn’t happening. It’s not that our local government officials don’t want affordable housing. It’s just that many don’t like the best way to create such housing: apartment buildings.

“Between full-on bans of multifamily homes, and onerous zoning and approval processes, they make it difficult — even impossible — to build new homes,” Hochul said. “Think about that. People want to live here, but local decisions to limit growth mean they cannot. Local governments can — and should — make different choices.”

Those choices need to begin here. Between 2010 and 2018, the governor said, counties like Nassau granted fewer building permits per capita than virtually all suburban counties across New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Northern Virginia and Southern California.

“With less supply, demand drives up prices,” Hochul said. “And who gets squeezed? Middle-income families and low-income families.”

Yet, not to fear, Hochul has a plan to fix it. She calls it the New York Housing Compact, and its intent is to build 800,000 new homes in the state over the next decade, setting “clear expectations for the growth we need, while at the same time giving localities plenty of tools, flexibility and resources to stimulate growth.”

Doing that requires downstate localities like Nassau to increase their housing stocks by 3 percent every three years. That can happen through redevelopment of dilapidated sites like old malls and office parks, incentivizing new housing produc-

She’s one grateful Person of the Year

To the Editor:

I am writing to thank you so very much for the honor of being named the Herald’s 2022 Person of the Year. “Gratitude” is the operative word for the new year, and I am truly grateful for this recognition and for the support and coverage that the Herald has given over the years to the local arts community and organizations.

I am but one of the many people who make “art work” here on the barrier Island, our City by the Sea. If you would indulge me, I would like to offer my personal list of people and organizations that are deserving of recognition for their community work and partnerships:

Susan James and the Artists in Partnership board of directors, committee chairs and volunteers; Kathryn Ramsey and the Long Beach Art League; Sammi and Ben Metzger and Arts in the Plaza; Eve Hammer, Patti Bourne

tion, or simply updating zoning rules.

We don’t need Albany’s concrete fist in Nassau N

In return, Hochul said, the state will offer new funding for schools, roads and sewers while removing some of the bureaucratic barriers standing in the way of new housing.

But failure to meet these goals on Hochul’s timetable means facing the governor’s mighty concrete fist. Albany will override local authority, and implement what she calls a “new fast-track approval process” to get home construction under way.

That’s one step too far. Forcing such change by trampling local government not only makes a bad mess worse, but also sets a bad precedent for the kind of power the governor wields over these communities.

What the concrete fist needs is a velvet glove in the form of incentives, as well as good education on what properly planned housing can bring.

There is a constant fear of city encroachment on our suburban way of life, but even a good suburb finds room for everyone from every walk of life.

How often do we hear friends talk about how much they enjoy visiting the vibrant town centers of places like Rockville Centre, Long Beach and Farmingdale? All of that is thanks to multifamily housing done right — not just for those who don’t necessarily make a lot of money, but for our young neighbors, who are just starting out in the world, and our older neighbors, looking to downsize and enjoy a simpler life.

This can happen by shining light on these successes, and how housing diversity grows neighborhoods rather than destroying them.

But let’s do it without the threats, without the negativity. Let’s provide the right incentives to make housing more affordable in our communities, and show why our Nassau County neighborhoods are indeed the best places to live.

Pence can persuade America he’s the president it needs

one thing I should have learned from my 28 years in Congress and the 15 years before that in the maelstrom of New York politics and government is that political life is very tough and all-consuming — especially at the national level. Now that I’m away from the incessant turbulence of campaigning, and can wake up in the morning knowing I can go back to sleep and not have to worry during the day about prying reporters or angry constituents, I am increasingly aware of how unnatural the political world can be — and usually is.

This was reinforced for me during a recent meeting and subsequent radio interview with former Vice President Mike Pence. The meeting was in the fifth-floor Manhattan office of the Red Apple companies headed by John Catsimatidis, one of New York’s most successful entrepreneurs and business leaders. Among John’s companies is 77WABC Radio, which has

become a major political force in New York.

(Full disclosure: I am a 77WABC contributor and co-host, and consider Mike Pence a good friend.)

The meeting with the former vice president was the latest of many that Catsimatidis has had with prospective national and statewide candidates and political heavyweights. Joining him were a number of executives, staff members and Sid Rosenberg, who hosts the station’s most popular show.

It went well from the start. Though his questions about a possible presidential candidacy were probing, Catsimatidis made clear his admiration and respect for Pence. As did the participants. Pence’s demeanor was calm and relaxed, and his answers were thoughtful and coherent.

Following the 50-minute meeting, John, Mike Pence, Sid Rosenberg and I took the elevator down to the 77WABC studio on the second floor to record interviews with Sid for “Sid and Friends,” and with John and me for “Cats at Night.” On both floors, there were the

requisite photos with staff members, studio workers and technicians. Mike Pence handled it all with smiles and good humor. Then he was off to his next engagement with his four staff assistants.

All of this sounds calm and rational. But think of how many times Mike Pence must go through this drill. How many business and political leaders, how many special-interest advocates and former politicians must Mike Pence meet, and how many radio and television interviews must he do, realizing that one word or expressed thought taken out of context could endanger — or even torpedo — his possible campaign?

How many big cities, suburban centers and small towns must he visit? How many early mornings and late nights will he have?

How will he keep to his endless schedule? I couldn’t help but notice the understandably tense looks on the faces of the Pence assistants trying to keep him at least reasonably close to his schedule without offending anyone at these meetings, while thinking about how they

Letters Framework

and the LBNY Arts Council; Kathleen Regan and the West End Art Guild; the Long Beach Chamber of Commerce; the City Council; Tara Lannen-Stanton and the Public Library; Karen Adamo and the Historical Society; Helen Dorado and Long Beach Latino Civic; Melissa Spleen, Cedric Coad, James Hodge and the MLK Center; Debbie Grattan and the Farmers Market; Dr. Joseph Smith and REACH; Luke Hennigan, Molly Allare and the Bright Eye Beer Company; the Allegria Hotel; Craig Weintraub and the Long Beach International Film Festival; County Legislator Denise Ford; Harvey Weisenberg; the Long Beach School District; the leaders and members of our local houses of worship and civic organizations, and our families, friends and supporters.

This is what makes a community work, and for all of your contributions, I say, thank you! Here’s to a year of creativity, cooperation, community, kindness and wellness.

JOHANNA MATHIESON-ELLMER Executive director Artists in Partnership Inc.

Next week, a nationwide focus on school choice

To the Editor:

You likely don’t need me to tell you that children all over the country are suffering the academic consequences of the pandemic, and New York is no exception.

A 2022 survey revealed that 52 percent of American families were looking for a new school. To put it in personal terms, in a class-

room of 25 students, 13 families are not satisfied with the education their children are receiving.

A great K-12 education for every child is no small undertaking, and we know there are many learning environments that help different students achieve their potential.

Every child is different — with different abilities, personality and needs. In a place like New York, families need the flexibility to choose the school that will set their child up for success — whether it’s a traditional public school, a public charter school, a public magnet school, a private school, online learning or home-schooling.

If it’s been a while since you had school-aged children, you may not realize just how different the landscape of options is than it was even a decade ago.

A 2022 survey by the Harris Poll revealed that since the pandemic, home-schooling and public charter schools were the first and second most popular options for parents who decided to switch their children’s schools.

What’s more, some six in 10 parents said their children were happier with the change.

On the other hand, interest in open enrollment in traditional public schools, as well as magnet schools, remains high. Private school choice programs have expanded in many states in the last few years, and learning pods and micro-schools are a new and growing option.

But time is of the essence. Due to the explosion of education options in many places, application deadlines often fall as early as January for the next academic year.

The upcoming National School Choice Week — Jan. 22-28 — will streamline things for parents through a national public awareness campaign and thousands of events hosted by

schools around the country.

would explain his lateness at the next meeting, and the meetings after that.

Mike Pence’s real challenges, though, as he thinks through a presidential run, are:

■ Figuring out how to claim justifiable credit for his real contributions to the Trump-Pence administration while disclaiming the Trump excesses — particularly the shameful events of Jan. 6, 2021, when Pence acted with courage and honor.

■ Understanding how, in a time of political anger and rage, such a sharply divided nation can be persuaded to get behind a candidate of experience, knowledge and calm demeanor.

These challenges must be met while enduring the exhausting rigors of endless travel, interminable meetings, raising campaign funds, and unexpected news stories about the latest misadventures of Donald Trump. It won’t be easy. It will certainly be difficult. But I, for one, hope that Mike Pence stays in the arena, perseveres, and makes the run.

Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. A version of this essay previously appeared in The Hill.

by Carol Vallone

Parents who have chosen a school they love can also empower others by sharing their own experiences.

All families can help their kids achieve academic success.

The first step is to choose the perfect school fit, and the best way to do that is by being aware of the local options and regulations.

To learn about the academic alternatives in New York, parents can visit

SchoolChoiceWeek.com/new-york.

While parents in New York and across the country are exploring and choosing schools next week, I hope they can count on all of our support.

SHELBY DOYLE

Doyle is vice president of public awareness of the National School Choice Awareness Foundation.

Catching Cinderella up on the news 1,100 miles away — Walt Disney World, Orlando

He should claim credit for his contributions while disclaiming Trump’s excesses.

Nashville, Tennessee