Long Beach Herald 09-28-2023

Also serving Point Lookout & East Atlantic Beach

Next move for antisemitism Page 3

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City Council splits on Walsh contract ahead of election

By ANGElINA ZINGARIEllo azingariello@liherald.com

The City Council’s regular meeting on Tuesday turned out to be anything but regular. The city’s contract with Police Commissioner Ron Walsh, who is also the acting city manager, became a prominent agenda highlight.

Long Beach’s proposed three-year employment agreement with Walsh would pay him an annual salary of $220,000. Other contract terms were not disclosed to the public.

One of the primary concerns about the agreement is the timing of its release, just ahead of the November election, in which three council seats will be contested. Council Vice President Elizabeth Treston and Councilwoman Tina Posterli, who occupy two of those seats, opposed finalizing the contract.

“I want to make it clear that my intention is not to obstruct progress, or to stifle collaboration,” Treston said. “Nor do I want to dismiss those who work with the police commissioner. I truly believe that this is the right thing to do.”

Councilman Roy Lester supported the contract, highlighting ConTinueD on Page 5

At symposium, L.B. teachers focus on benefits of AI

By BRENDAN CARPENTER bcarpenter@liherald.com

Artificial intelligence is making waves everywhere. It is being used, or soon will be, in almost every realm of human activity, and there is perhaps no hotter topic than its potential to revolutionize education.

The Long Beach School District is no stranger to AI, and is working to ensure that it is used effectively, and fairly, in classrooms.

“A.I. is a big conversation in education right now,” district Superintendent Jennifer Gallagher wrote an email, “as we grapple with helping our stu -

dents to use the tool appropriately.”

A team of school district staff members headed to Hofstra University on Tuesday to give a presentation on the topic at a symposium. The event, titled “Presidential Symposium, Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education: Friend or Foe?” featured three days of panels and discussion. The representatives of Long Beach schools led a panel discussion called “The K-12 Educator and A.I.: First the teacher, then the tool.”

The panel featured teachers Matthew Jones, Cristie Tursi and Toni Weiss of Long Beach

and Patrick Kiley-Rendon of the West Islip school district. The participants were recruited by Lorraine Radice, an adjunct professor at Hofstra and the director of literacy for Long Beach schools.

Radice began the discussion with a primer on ChatGPT. Its release last year inspired a new wave of thinking about artificial intelligence in schools and classrooms. It has been used as a tool to prepare teachers and a resource for students — for better or worse. Radice’s presentation showcased ways in which teachers can use it in their planning and instruction.

“Today we’re diving into the

world of AI and education, and I promise, no AI will be grading your work today,” Radice joked. “But that basically is what Chat GPT can do. You put in a prompt based on whatever output you’re looking for. You can interact with the tool, and it generates ideas in front of you in real time.”

She compared the introduc-

tion of AI in education to that of the calculator decades ago, saying that math teachers were concerned that students were not becoming skilled in mental math because they were simply getting their answers from a calculator, but they developed new skills to get the most of their devices. The fear of AI

Herald file photo

Discussion of Long Beach’s contract with Police Commissioner Ron Walsh, who is also the acting city manager, caused a major stir at Tuesday’s City Council meeting.

Flying kites to celebrate Hispanic heritage

By ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO azingariello@liherald.com

The skies of Long Beach are set to come alive with color and culture, as the Long Beach Latino Civic Association will be hosting its annual kite-flying festival in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month.

The event will be held on Oct. 8 on the Laurelton Boulevard beach from noon to 2 p.m. Initially planned for Sept. 23, it was rescheduled due to inclement weather conditions.

The association collaborated with the City of Long Beach, which generously offered to cover the cost of 100 kites.

Since its founding in 1995, the association has been a pillar of support for health and welfare initiatives, elevating educational goals, and championing civic participation for the Latino community of Long Beach.

While visiting Puerto Rico, Nicole Fader, the vice president of the association and of Puerto Rican descent herself, found the inspiration for the upcoming event.

“I found myself on the Great Lawn of El Moro once again in Old San Juan,” she said. “Every time I go there

it’s a beautiful day, the wind is blowing and people are flying kites, People of all walks of life are hanging out together on the Great Lawn flying kites. Children, adults, Grandma’s Grandpa’s. The whole family could get in on this and it seemed like it was a beautiful outing on a beautiful day.”

“That is when I thought, why can’t we do that here in Long Beach? I don’t think anyone has ever done a kite flying event in Long Beach and I think it would be great to bring our community together.”

Marking its second year of celebration, the kite-flying festival continues to soar in popularity. In its first year, the event distributed 100 kites and drew a crowd of 300 attendees.

Fader envisions the event growing year after year, drawing more people to Long Beach for the celebrated kite-flying event.

“It’s only our second year and we hope for it to grow every year. My vision is to see people come from all over the place to go to our kite-flying festival,” she said.

Annually, from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, the U.S. commemorates National Hispanic Heritage Month. This period is dedicated to recognizing the rich histo-

ries, diverse cultures, and notable contributions of American citizens with ancestral roots in Mexico, the Caribbean, Central and South America, and Spain.

Following the kite-flying celebration, the association is set to host its 27th annual Hispanic Heritage Gala on

Oct. 19 at the Bridgeview Yacht Club in Island Park. This gala will feature Latin music, dinner, and dancing. It stands as the association’s most significant fundraising event of the year.

The kite-flying celebration welcomes everyone, encouraging participants to fearlessly soar to new heights.

Herald file photo

The Long Beach Latino Civic Association will hold its annual kite festival to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month this weekend.

hope for it to grow

NIcOLE FAdER vice president

Religious leader on Hochul’s next move

State still battling antisemitism, announces new plan to combat it

By BRENDAN CARPENTER bcarpenter@liherald.com

The battle against hate and antisemitism is still going on, seemingly with an unknown endpoint. Hateful words and images have been spoken and sound across Nassau County.

To try to mitigate the problem, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced in July more than $51 million in grants to strengthen safety and security measures at nonprofit, community-based organizations that risk being the victims of hate crimes because of their ideology, beliefs or mission. It was the largest amount of money ever made available by the state’s Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes grant program. Created in 2017, the program provides funding for the effort to prevent hate crimes against houses of worship, nonprofit civic centers, cultural museums, daycare centers, and other organizations.

Eli GooDmAN Rabbi

Last week, she announced something else.

Hochul announced comprehensive state action Sept. 19 to fight antisemitism, at the Center for Jewish History, making New York State the first state to respond to President Biden’s national strategy to counter antisemitism. Hochul also announced the creation of the New York State Anti-Hate in Education Center and Annual Convening that will combat hate, create a safe and inclusive environment and focus on eliminating antisemitism. Further, the Division of Human Rights has announced plans to improve hate and bias incident data collection and launch the agency’s firstever small grants program for community anti-bias work.

“As Governor of the state with the largest Jewish population outside the State of Israel, I feel a solemn responsibility to protect and uplift New York’s vibrant, diverse Jewish communities,” she said. “No one should have to fear for their safety while going to their place of work, going to school, or just walking the streets. It has always been my top priority to keep the people of New York safe, and we will continue taking action to fight antisemitism and use every tool at our disposal to eliminate hate and bias from our communities.”

The New York State Anti-Hate in Education Center will bring together stakeholders, as a working group, from a range of partner institutions and organizations, including CUNY, SUNY, the New York State Education Department, and The Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities in order to

combat hate, create a more safe, inclusive and equitable climate across the state.

The experts brought together will analyze, research and brainstorm potential solutions to the complex hate and discrimination issues that are still around. They will also make education and training plans for across the state, make recommendations about effective and equitable policies to combat hate crimes and discrimination and think of strategies for evaluating the effectiveness of all these anti-hate initiatives.

“I think education is key,” Rabbi Eli Goodman, of Chabad of the Beaches, said. “The grants alleviate the current

situation due to the current hatred but for the long-term goals, I think education is really key. People have to be taught the understanding of different cultures, people having different dress codes and different ways of life. I think that’s a great idea.”

Over the course of next year, the focus of the Anti-Hate Center and its inaugural convening, scheduled for next summer, will be antisemitism. The center is set to work on additional hate issues on a rotating basis. One of its objectives of the center is to define hate and its impact on education. The goal is for the center to address the hate itself and then take a deep dive into looking at

how it can be addressed through education.

The Office of Victim Services is working to offer more support to victims of antisemitism by simplifying the Victim Compensation Application, allowing them access to some sort of reimbursement. Additionally, state police will relaunch law enforcement focused Hate Crime Investigative Seminars. The New York State Office of Mental Health created the Spotlight on Jewish Campaign to recognize the unique issues surrounding Jewish Americans’ mental health.

“Committees I’m not always a fan of because sometimes it gets stuck in the committee process but if it’s something that will go beyond meetings and beyond conferences, I think that’s fantastic,” Goodman said. “If we have the right framework and the right message then I think it would be instrumental in the long run.”

Hochul announced in July more than $51 million in grants to strengthen safety and security measures at nonprofit, community-based organizations that risk being the victims of hate crimes because of their ideology, beliefs or mission. It is the largest amount of money ever made available by the state’s Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes grant program. Created in 2017, the program provides funding for the effort to prevent hate crimes against houses of worship, nonprofit civic centers, cultural museums, daycare centers, and other organizations.

Goodman said his synagogue received a state grant in 2020 for about $50,000 for the same purpose. It has been working to implement new safety and security measures.

Herald file photos

Long Beach religious leaders and city officials meet each year to show their support for each other.

Temple

Emanu-El of Long Beach, among others, frequently holds religious services.

People have to be taught the understanding of different cultures.

A Baker’s Dozen Reasons to Use a Trust

1. Trusts can shield your assets from the high cost of home care making you eligible for home health aides through the Medicaid program.

2. Trusts start the five year “look-back” for institutional care, making you eligible for Medicaid benefits to pay for a nursing home.

3. Trusts can ensure the inheritances you leave will stay in the bloodline for your grandchildren and not end up with in-laws and their families.

4. Trusts can provide who takes over if you become disabled – guaranteeing you get the person you choose instead of a court-appointed legal guardian.

5. Trusts can avoid a will contest from heirs you leave out or ones that receive less than they think they are entitled to.

6. Trusts give you immediate access to assets on death unlike wills which can take months and sometimes years to probate.

7. Trusts can provide supervision and protection for special needs and other children who have issues with handling financial matters.

8. Trusts can reduce and often eliminate estate taxes for couples with taxable estates.

9. Trusts can avoid guardianship proceedings for gifts made to grandchildren.

10. Trusts can avoid the problems of locating unknown heirs or dealing with heirs abroad.

11. Trusts can move assets out of your estate for income and estate purposes.

12. Trusts can avoid the expense, delay and publicity of a probate court proceeding for your property in New York and out of state.

13. Trusts can protect the inheritances you leave from your children’s divorces, lawsuits and creditors.

Walk to end domestic violence this weekend

The “Peace Begins with Me” Walk to End Domestic Violence Organized by The Salva Domestic Violence Project by Círculo de la Hispanidad will be held on Saturday, Sept. 30, at 10 a.m.

The meeting point is the Broadway corner with Laurelton Boulevard. The walk will take place on the Long Beach Boardwalk.

Since 1984, the Salva Domestic Violence Program has been serving the Spanish-speaking community in Nassau County. Noticing a lack of bilingual support, Círculo introduced New York State’s first English/Spanish hotline for domestic violence victims and has been aiding those in need ever since.

In a dedicated effort to confront domestic violence, Círculo de la Hispanidad launched its annual “Peace Walk to End the Silence on Domestic Violence.” This initiative, as detailed on their website, seeks to increase awareness, and provide information to combat this issue within the community.

“I have participated in the Walk for Peace, and I will be participating this Saturday,” Executive Assistant for Círcu-

lo de la Hispanidad, Leslie Kringel said. “I feel that my participation is part of the solution. For a change to be made, people must be proactive.”

The event kicks off with a series of talks from various speakers, leading to the symbolic walk along the Long Beach Boardwalk.

Círculo’s Salva Domestic Violence Program places posters on the boardwalk highlighting domestic violence issues in both English and Spanish. These posters, also featuring artwork from Círculo’s young participants, provide key facts and resources.

The Salva program provides a range of services including weekly Spanish support groups, case management, crisis help, court advocacy, and education. Every staff member is fluent in both Spanish and English.

Círculo’s phone numbers for services are 516-431-1135 or 516-292-2433. You can also visit at 26 West Park Ave., Long Beach.

–Angelina Zingariello

■ WEB

Courtesy Leslie Kringel

Círculo de la Hispanidad’s peace walk will be taking place this Saturday.

Council members debate Walsh’s contract

what he described as Walsh’s dedication to the city and the fulfillment of a promise the council made to him.

“We had told him, we had promised him, that we have to wait until the PBA contract is finished,” he said, referring to the city’s contract with the Police Benevolent Association — the first new agreement between the city and the organization in two decades — which was finalized at the meeting. “I don’t know if people thought that (Walsh) would actually achieve this, after 20 years since the last contract, but he actually achieved it. And to me, when you make a promise to an employee, you have to fulfill it, an election or not.”

After the remarks from council members, the floor was opened to public comments. While some attendees voiced support for the contract, citing Walsh’s positive reputation among city residents, a significant majority opposed it.

Council candidates Brendan Finn and James Hodge were among those residents who expressed reservations.

“You agreed to do these contracts back in January or February,” Finn told the council. “So you’ve had a long time to do it. But you choose to do it a month

before an election, when there may be a change” in the makeup of the council.

“I think that those people should have the ability to implement the government. I think this is sort of a repudiation of what the voters would want. Now, maybe the voters will vote a different way.”

Hodge noted that while he held Walsh in high regard based on his personal experience, he felt the timing wasn’t right to decide on a new contract.

“It’s not personal to him, but it is too close to the election,” Hodge said. “I think the City Council members that this city (will) be blessed with in November should be able to make that decision.”

Resident Alan Langer said he supported Walsh’s contract, adding that he feels safer with Walsh as police commissioner, particularly considering the rise in antisemitic incidents across Nassau County over the past year.

“Commissioner Walsh has done an outstanding job as a police commissioner keeping the city safe,” Langer said.

“With major cities crumbling today — Chicago, New York City, Los Angeles and San Francisco — it seems to be pretty simple. If the crime is down here,

file photo ron Walsh’s employment by the city was the subject of a spirited back-and-forth on tuesday, and after a 2-2 vote, it won’t be revisited until after the election in november.

why are we talking politics in regard to this contract? As a taxpayer, it’s very simple. I’m happy to pay the taxes.”

The council voted 2-2 on the resolution to finalize Walsh’s contract, with Lester and council President John Bendo voting “yes” and Posterli and Treston voting “no.” As a result, discus

sions on Walsh’s compensation would have to be tabled until after the November election.

Councilwoman Karen McInnis, who would have been the tie-breaking vote — and whose seat is the third that will be contested in November — is on vacation

Herald

It’s not personal to him, but it’s too close to the election.

James Hodge Council candidate

AvERy TESTA South Side Senior Soccer

IN HER FOURTH year as South Side’s starting goalkeeper, Testa is looking to add to an already impressive resume that includes a pair of county championships, a Long Island title, and a trip to the NYS finals. She was voted team MVP in 2021 when the Cyclones defeated East Islip for the LIC. She has earned Honorable Mention All-County as well as AllConference recognition, and has 20 career shutouts with a goals against average of 0.9.

games to watch

Thursday, Sept. 28

Boys Soccer: Kennedy at MacArthur 5 p.m.

Boys Soccer: South Side at Elmont 5 p.m.

Girls Soccer: V.S. North at V.S. South 7 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 29

Boys Soccer: V.S. South at Lawrence 5 p.m.

Boys Soccer: Hewlett at V.S. North 5 p.m.

Boys Soccer: Wantagh at Clarke 5 p.m.

Girls Soccer: V.S. Central at East Meadow 5 p.m.

Girls Soccer: Malverne/East Rock at Sewanhaka 5 p.m.

Girls Soccer: Carey at Hewlett 6 p.m.

Football: Baldwin at Syosset 6:30 p.m.

Football: Seaford at Cold Spring Harbor 7 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 30

Football: Westbury at Uniondale 2 p.m.

Football: Freeport at Hempstead 2 p.m.

Football: Massapequa at Oceanside 2 p.m.

Football: V.S. Central at East Meadow 2 p.m.

Football: East Rockaway at North Shore 2 p.m.

Football: Carey at Garden City 2 p.m.

Football: Mepham at Manhasset 2 p.m.

Football: Wantagh at Lynbrook 2 p.m.

Football: Long Beach at Sewanhaka 2 p.m.

Football: Elmont at New Hyde Park 2 p.m.

Nomimate a “Spotlight Athlete”

High School athletes to be featured on the Herald sports page must compete in a fall sport and earned an All-Conference award or higher last year. Please send the following information for consideration: Name, School, Grade, Sport and accomplishments to Sports@liherald.com.

Experienced Long Beach digs in

By ANDREW COEN sports@liherald.com

The last time Long Beach girls’ volleyball coach Kerri Rehnback returned all her starters the Marines captured a state title in 2018 and she is hoping a similar story plays out in 2023.

Rehnback brought back a veteran-laden senior starting lineup this fall looking to build off of last year’s run to the county semifinals. Long Beach will be well tested leading up to the upcoming playoffs next month competing in Conference I against the seven top programs in Nassau County.

“I knew going into it that this regular season was going to be a battle,” Rehnback said. “But I prefer to play these teams because you really get to see what the best is out there and then when you break off for the playoffs you hope that all that experience pays off.”

Long Beach is led by senior Franki Kelleher, a reigning All-County player who is one of the Marines’ biggest scoring threats as an outside and middle hitter. Kelleher recorded 16 kills in a five-set win against Syosset in the season opener on Sept. 11.

Senior outside hitter Amy Littman also brings leadership on and off the floor after receiving all-county accolades as a junior. She registered 30 assists and 16 digs in the Syosset win.

Kelleher and Littman are tri-captains with senior libero Zoe Moller, who was all county honorable mention last year. Her defensive skills were evident in the Syosset match with 24 digs.

“They each have their own special ability to connect with their teammates in their unique way,” said Rehnback of

her three captains. “They provide the team with the constant balance it needs to be successful.”

Junior Hayley Lipinski, who received All-County honors as a sophomore, is another key part of the offense who tallied 30 assists in the Syosset victory. Ivanka Priymak, a junior outside hitter, also adds experience as a returning starter.

Rehnback boasts a deep bench that features senior defensive specialists Hailey Cardiello and Lindsay Roth, who both saw plenty of court time during the 2022 season. Sophomore Jorjia Domingo has emerged as the team’s top passer on the right side of the net and junior Franky DeCicco has been a key force in the middle.

“We have a lot of depth this year,” Rehnback said.

After the Syosset triumph, the Marines dropped matches in straight sets to Wantagh, Massapequa and South Side. The only team in their league that Long Beach will compete with in the upcoming Class AA playoffs.

After Sept. 27 battle with Manhasset, the Marines travel to Mineola Friday before returning home to face Mepham on Tuesday at 6:45 p.m. in a possible county finals preview. Long Beach will then visit Syosset for a rematch on Oct. 6 and play Wantagh at home on Oct. 11 at 5 p.m.

“We’re looking forward to the second half of our season,” Rehnback said. “We’re hoping to be peaking at the right time and that after playing all these teams the game kind of slows down for us a bit during the playoffs.”

Eric Dunetz/Herald

Senior captains, from left, Franki Kelleher, Zoe Moller and Amy Littman are leaders on and off the court for the Marines.

A groovy celebration of Jazz and Blues Artists in Partnership to bring the noise this weekend

Long Beach’s Artists in Partnership, Inc. is partnering with the Long Beach Public Library in presenting an upcoming weekend of special jazz and blues performances. They will rock the stages from September 29 through October 1.

Kicking off the weekend of live music at the library Sept. 29, from 7:30 to 9 p.m., is the Miho Nobuzane Quartet, presenting a blend of original and standard jazz, Bossa Nova and Samba rhythms and lyrics sung in English and Portuguese.

Take a short walk over to Shore House Bar and Grill, 22 East Park Ave., and join Artists in Partnership, Inc. as they will have a “Ladies Sing the Blues and Jazz” event from 8:30 to 11 p.m. that same night. The event will be featuring the voices of Brittany DeVarso, Jenny Arrigo and Diane Hoffman, along with musicians John Smith, Jerry Mac and Jack Falco.

The following day, at 2 p.m., the Long Beach group will be welcoming Gail Storm, winner of the Long Island Blues Society IBC Challenge, back to the Long Beach Public Library auditorium. Storm will be presenting a live performance, a multimedia look back to the 1920s

and a history of the Women in Blues. At 7 p.m., Blues, Soul and Gospel power vocalist, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, Chanese Elifé will take the stage.

AIP is also pleased to welcome back to the Library, the New Moon Acoustic Blues Trio featuring Karl Schwarz, Jack O’Hara and Gregory Morgan at 8 p.m. for a set of traditional Blues music.

Join the Long Beach group for an enjoyable afternoon of the music of Richard Rodgers, presented by composer and pianist Paul Joseph and his jazz trio starting at 2 p.m. on Oct. 1. Everyone is invited to close out the weekend at Artists in Partnership’s Annual Blues Jam from 5 to 8:30 p.m. at Roc and Olive, 180 West Park Ave. Benoir, of Studio Noir, is our musical host and is inviting All Musicians to sign up at 4:45 p.m. and on, bring your instruments, plug into our backline and join in the fun.

All programs are free and take place in the auditorium of the Long Beach Public Library, 111 West Park Ave. Information and registration for programs can be found at LongBeachLibrary.org or by email at AIP4Arts@gmail.com.

Courtesy Artists in Partnership, Inc.

Composer and pianist Paul Joseph will be bringing his jazz trio — and some groovy tunes.

Soirée raises single-event record $1 million

By RACHELE TERRANOVA rterranova@liherald.com

It was about raising money while celebrating three outstanding community members. But above all else, this past weekend’s Soirée Under the Stars at The Lannin at Eisenhower Park was all about ensuring a strong, healthy future for all those within the reach of the Mount Sinai South Nassau hospital.

Mount Sinai South Nassau board of directors co-chair Anthony Cancellieri, radiology department chair Dr. Matthew Rifkin, and Dawn Keiley — the hospital’s senior director of nursing — were honored not just by the crowd joining them on a damp Eisenhower Park weekend, but also by many family and friends who sent their congratulations through video.

Cancellieri was singled out by the hospital for his endless dedication, leadership and selfless service he has brought to Mount Sinai ever since he first joined the board of directors in 2009. A former lieutenant with the New York Police Department, Cancellieri is also a member of the Mount Sinai Health System’s board of trustees. He has dedicated countless hours to securing and overseeing major donations to the hospital, including Mount Sinai’s $500 million capital campaign.

In addition, he is known for volunteering his time to this very event in years past, and has been just as involved with the hospital’s annual golf outing.

“Everything, everything that they promised us and more, they have delivered.” Cancellieri says of the partnership with Mount Sinai Health System.

And Cancellieri knows firsthand the importance of having a strong local hospital like Mount Sinai South Nassau right in everyone’s backyard. When a car struck his daughter more than two decades ago, the ambulance rushed her to Mount Sinai.

“They were supporting me not as nurses, but almost like they were parents, too,” Cancellieri said. “They understood what I was going through.”

Rifkin received the Mary Pearson Award, named for the hospital’s founding administrator, and is presented to an individual who exemplifies selflessness and extraordinary effort in advancing the hospital’s commitment to its mission of compassion and service in the community.

Rifkin is a radiology professor at Icahn School of Medicine Mount Sinai, and has nearly 50 years of medical experience. His mission has been to expand the hospital’s radiology department, improve imaging services, and include better interventional radiology services in order to help catch diseases earlier and save more lives.

A bi-plane imaging system — where two cameras rotate around a patient to provide front and side views simultaneously — is just one example Rifkin has played a key role in obtaining. The imaging system is expected to begin its service this fall.

Keiley earned the hospital’s Cupola Award, established in 2015 to be given to

a hospital employee who not only lives by the hospital’s mission, but who consistently goes above and beyond the call of duty to deliver excellence for patients.

In her 38-year nursing career, Keiley has climbed the ranks from staff nurse, to assistant nurse manager, to assistant nurse director, to where she stands today: senior nursing director. She has been with the hospital since it was called South Nassau Communities Hospital, and remains under its current Mount Sinai South Nassau moniker.

“When I first started out at South Nassau, I was asked on my interview day, what was my philosophy of nursing?” Keiley said. “I was thinking — I didn’t think I had one. But today, I truly say it’s my three C’s. Be compassionate, care, and always connect.

“You can never miss an opportunity

if you connect with heart.”

Like Cancellieri, Keiley, too, has had personal experience with Mount Sinai, when she was treated for a brain aneurysm at the hospital’s Manhattan campus. Though the commute for treatment took a toll on her and her family, the South Shore hospital will now be equipped with a new comprehensive stroke program so Keiley and her neighbors won’t have to travel so far in the future.

The cocktail event included a performance by the NYPD Pipes & Drums, as well as musical entertainment by Broadway stars Kate Baldwin and Tony

Next month, after a five-year integration period, Mount Sinai South Nassau will finalize its partnership with Mount Sinai Health System.

Yazbeck.

Tim Baker/Herald photos Steven Gold, left, Terri Gold, Karen Lipton and Wayne Lipton were among those who enjoyed the new Lannin at Eisenhower Park as part of Mount Sinai South Nassau’s annual Soirée Under the Stars.

Broadway stars Tony Yazbeck and Kate Baldwin lit up the stage at the Soirée Under the Stars, held last weekend to raise money and honor some of Mount Sinai South Nassau’s best at Eisenhower Park.

Blair Paltrowitz, a registered nurse at Mount Sinai South Nassau, sings the national anthem ahead of the hospital’s annual Soirée Under the Stars, held for the first time this year at The Lannin at Eisenhower Park.

Anthony Cancellieri, co-chair of the Mount Sinai South Nassau board of directors — and a longtime volunteer with the hospital system — was named the 2023 honoree of the hospital’s Soirée Under the Stars fundraiser event at Eisenhower Park.

The Mary Pearson Award was given to Mount Sinai South Nassau radiology department chair Dr. Matthew Rifkin for his selfless and extraordinary effort in advancing the hospital’s commitment to compassion and service in the community.

Honoring heroes with ‘humanitarian spirit’

By ROKSANA AMID ramid@liherald.com

The American Red Cross is known for being there when people need them most, but even those heroes have heroes of their own. And on Thursday, Oct. 26, the Long Island chapter will celebrate those who have taken extraordinary actions to save lives and perform unselfish and extraordinary acts to help their communities.

It’s all part of the Long Island Heroes Celebration, set to begin at 6:30 p.m., at the Cradle of Aviation Museum in Garden City. There, the Red Cross will honor Kevin Rivera of Uniondale, Barbara and Robbie Donno of Plandome Manor, and First Quality Enterprises.

Headquartered in New York City, the Greater New York Region of the American Red Cross has served more than 12 million people for a century not just in the city and on Long Island, but also in Rockland and Westchester counties, as well as Greenwich, Connecticut.

“The Long Island Heroes Celebration is an opportunity for us to recognize members in the community who really reflect the humanitarian spirit of the Red Cross,” said Desiree Ramos Reiner, the chief external affairs officer for the Greater New York Region. “We like to take this moment to really recognize people who live on Long Island, or who have companies on Long Island, and really make a difference in people’s lives every day.”

Rivera, a former Amazon driver from Uniondale, is being hailed a hero for coming to the rescue of a Syosset family during a house fire last year. He had just made his final delivery and was driving away when he noticed a small fire near the front entrance of a neighboring home.

He pulled over to call 911, but when he took a closer look, he saw a woman holding a child inside the house — completely unaware of the danger that was quickly spreading. When Rivera got to the front entrance, he

frantically knocked before breaking the door down.

Once inside, Rivera realized the woman and child were not alone, so he rushed to pull everyone outside. Despite a language barrier, Rivera led the six occupants and two dogs to safety through thick black smoke, and the sounds of windows breaking and wood cracking around them.

Rivera — who will be awarded a Good Samaritan Hero — said he hopes to one-day contact the family to see how they’ve been since the fire.

First Quality — a manufacturer of household paper,

Want to go?

The Long Island Heroes Celebration takes place Thursday, Oct. 26 at 6:30 p.m., at the Cradle of Aviation Museum, on Charles Lindbergh Boulevard, in Garden City. Tickets start at $300. For more information, visit tinyurl.com/LIHeroes.

adult, feminine, and baby care products — has been a committed Red Cross supporter for more than a decade, contributing to unprecedented disasters such as Hurricane Sandy and Hurricane Harvey, and recently supporting communities impacted by Hurricane Ida in 2021 and Hurricane Ian in 2022.

The Donnos reflect the humanitarian spirit of the American Red Cross because they have dedicated their lives to service. They serve the community through elected office and also through the education system.

Prior to her tenure as mayor, Barbara was a member of the Manhasset School District education board, leading as its president for four years. She is also a former elementary school teacher.

Robbie is the co-founder and chair of Gift of Life, which provides life-saving operations for more than 2,000 people each year. The couple also helps treat children with health ailments in 80 countries, and have a partnership with more than 300 Rotary clubs in order to support these children.

“They really have such a deep commitment to the community and to bringing people together to make a difference,” Reiner said. “They personify the work of the Red Cross.”

Courtesy American Red Cross, Long Island chapter Kevin Rivera of Uniondale rescued people from a burning house. He is one of three honorees who will be celebrated by the Long Island chapter of the American Red Cross at its Long Island Heroes Celebration.

Bringing some rhythm to a poetry festival Festival of the Spoken and Written Word to highlight, celebrate all voices

By BEN FIEBERT bfiebert@liherald.com

After being uprooted from her life in Italy in 1968, Rita Monte turned to poetry to express how she felt about leaving her home country, which led her to a world of like-minded poets.

Monte wrote her first poem, called “Italia,” upon arriving from her native land at the age of 12. She has won several poetry contests, with some of her work being featured at the annual Italian Festival at Hofstra University.

Her journey to becoming a successful poet has encouraged her to share what she has learned as a host of WHPC Radio at Nassau Community College and an upcoming co-host of the Festival of the Spoken and Written Word.

“When I came from Italy, I didn’t speak any English, I felt very lonely, and I missed my country,” Monte said. “And this prompted me to start writing and expressing what I felt.”

Monte wrote poetry about Italy when she was 12, which she referred to as her “therapy.” As she became more accustomed to American life, she started to write poetry in English, and kept a notebook with her poems, as she started to grow as a writer.

“At least 20 years ago, I joined the Long Island Writers Guild in Bellmore,” she said. “And then we used to meet in the Baldwin library for a writing class.”

Monte, who lived in Baldwin for 36 years, would frequently visit the local library for workshop sessions. She would bring a story that she wrote, and the group would critique it, she said. Although these workshop sessions stopped due to the pandemic, Monte added that she “lives in the library” and has used it frequently.

“They told me they’re going to give me a bed because they see me all the time there,” Monte said.

After seeing how helpful these work sessions were in the development of her writing skills, Monte then started joining other organizations like the Walt Whitman Society.

“Every year, the Walt Whitman Society would have an event called ‘Super Poem Sunday,’” she said. “I would go there and read my poems.”

Monte then started to submit her poetry to different groups and got accepted into about a dozen, including the Poets of Long Island and the Performance Poets Association.

“So then there’s the Princess Ronkonkoma Productions, where I received three awards from,” Monte said. “Then I started taking writing classes at Nassau Community College.”

Through the different organizations that she was part of and the classes that she took, Monte kept learning new ways to write better. As she kept surrounding herself with people who held the same interests, Monte thought about hosting a festival to get the poetry community together on Long Island. She approached Paula Curci, the 2022 Nassau County Poet Laureate, asking if she would like to help bring this festival to life.

“She said, ‘Why don’t we apply for a grant?’” Monte

said. “Because she is the Nassau County Poet Laureate, she could. So we ended up getting a grant from the Huntington Arts Council, and also the Oceanside library will be sponsoring us.”

The festival will take place on the Oceanside Schoolhouse Green, at 65 Foxhurst Road, on Oct. 14, between 10 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., with a rain date of Oct. 15. This is the first year that Monte will be co-hosting the festival.

The event is the first of its kind, boasting several established poets who will read their works throughout the day, including poets laureate from Nassau and Suffolk counties and Queens. The event will have three come-one-come-all open mics, including one designated for teenagers. The event will also feature mini workshops, and on hand will be radio station WHPC 90.3.

“I always say there’s a poet inside of us,” Monte said. “We just don’t know it.”

Monte said that poems don’t need to rhyme, and that a true poem is comprised of words and verses that come from the heart. To Monte, writing is very “cathartic,” and she expressed hope that she can encourage young people to use poetry as an outlet to express their “bottled up” emotions.

Photos courtesy Rita Monte

Poet Rita Monte at the Baldwin Public Library, where she writes stories and her poems.

When I came from Italy, I didn’t speak any English, I felt very lonely, and I missed my country. And this prompted me to start writing and expressing what I felt.

RITa MoNTE poet

Monte reciting poetry in Oceanside at the Fourth of July celebration.

Artificial intelligence is being implemented

replacing critical thinking is similar, Radice said, but the opposite is true: Students must learn to guide and prompt the new technology to find the answers they’re looking for, and in so doing they develop a new set of skills.

“When we introduced Google onto the scene, many people were probably excited and curious,” she said, “but also a little nervous, thinking that it was going to give us all the information in the world that we needed, and we wouldn’t have to fact-check.”

lem solving.”

Chat GPT and AI help his students learn problem solving, he said. As an example, Jones explained how, in his class, he had students use AI to look up things such as bearded dragons and what they eat. The students prompted the software to find the information, and then filtered it for their specific use, like recipes.

Educator

Jones, an elementary school STEM teacher in Long Beach, said he uses AI in his classroom, but the extent to which students use it varies. He acknowledged the fear that students may not learn as well when they use prompts to get automatic answers, but he added that it doesn’t have to be that way.

“In my classroom specifically, and through our STEM program, our purpose, and the kids’ purpose, in elementary school is exploring and skill building,” Jones said. “They don’t know what they’re going to do when they grow up, and I want to expose them to as many things as I possibly can. I want them to get used to a process of prob-

Weiss is an English teacher at Long Beach High School and the essay coordinator for the school’s I.B. Diploma program. She assigns 4,000-word research papers to some “very excited” students, she said, and each year she finds new technology to implement in the writing process. She said she had been thinking about how she can add ChatGPT this year.

“One of the things I’m planning to do this year with my sophomores is, before we engage in a research unit, I’m going to do this activity where we sit them down with a big piece of chart paper and ask the for students to come up with topics they would like to talk about and write about,” Weiss said. “Once we have those topics, one of the ways that ChatGPT can help me to be a more spontaneous educator is that I can pull out my

Chromebook and ask the ChatGPT to create three argumentative essay prompts.”

The presentation, and the presenters, showcased ways in which AI can be a useful tool for students, and how they can use it responsibly. The panelists also addressed how it may challenge some of the traditional tasks in class-

rooms and expand on the importance of critical thinking, “intentional” questioning and “metacognition” when students set up prompts or program the software.

The presentation focused on pre-college education, but the panelists said the ideas are applicable to many highereducation settings as well.

Herald file photo teachers from Long Beach public Schools led a panel discussion on artificial intelligence at Hofstra university on tuesday.

You can interact with the tool, and it generates ideas in front of you in real time.

Lorraine r adice

Lung Force walk debuts on Long Island

By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com

More than 500 walkers are expected to test their lungs — and help others by defeating lung disease and improving lung health — with the inaugural Lung Force Walk on Long Island.

Set for a 9:30 a.m., start at Eisenhower Park, the American Lung Association-sponsored event is intended to raise awareness — and funds — for vital lung disease research, education and advocacy.

There also will be a range of activities and informational tents set up around Lot 6 to learn about lung health and lung disease. An opening ceremony will kick off the walk at 11 a.m., with routes of a mile and three miles. Afterward, walkers will be welcomed back with a barbecue in the park.

Since the campaign began in 2014, it has grown into a larger awareness and communication project, culminating in walks across the country. Participants walk for all impacted by chronic lung diseases — from cancer, to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, to asthma and pulmonary fibrosis.

For the Eisenhower Park event, the local band from Acoustic Overlook will perform live music. Event speakers include Dr. Nagashree Seetharamu of Northwell Health, and lung cancer survivor Carol Silva.

Funds from the Lung Force Walk will support the lung association’s annual work in research, educational initiatives, and its advocacy work on state and federal levels.

Emily Amitin, a development director with the lung association’s metro New York and Northern/Central New Jersey area, says the Lung Force Walk came about when organizers realized many people didn’t know how dangerous some lung inflictions — especially cancer — are.

“Through a lot of our surveying, we realized that

while cancer was top of mind for individuals, people don’t know that it’s the number one cancer killer nationwide of both men and women,” Amitin said. “Anyone with lungs can get lung cancer. It’s not just a smoker’s disease.”

Next year, New York City will host its 10th annual Lung Force Walk. Its debut on Long Island came after the organizers noticed a large number of participants from the Manhattan event actually came from Long Island.

“It only makes sense to bring the community that brings a groundswell of support their own event,” Amitin said. “We see participation in these events from a range of people who’ve been affected by lung cancer, COPD, asthma, and a range of health conditions — or people that simply care about clean air.”

Touching on awareness about healthy lungs, Hewlett High School students Daniel Tkach and Ryan Weinman started their own New York chapter of the organization For Future Lungs last spring. The parent organization seeks to promote the risks associated with smoking and tobacco use for teens, and promote events dedicated to discussing the risks of tobacco.

Throughout the summer, the two 16-year-olds actively collaborated with an array of organizations, including the American Lung Association. They worked together to create a website, and got involved with a fundraiser that will ultimately benefit the lung association.

They also host a podcast online intended to help spread awareness about the harms of smoking, and how it affects mental health.

Tkach and Weinman will bring a representative from the Nassau County health department to the Lung Force Walk, educating participants about the detrimental effects of smoking.

Suzanne Vo is the development coordinator locally for the lung association, and was the Tkach and Weinman’s

Want to go?

Walk Long Island — set for Saturday, Oct. 7 at Eisenhower Park — is free. To learn more, visit LungForce.org/longisland.

first contact when they sought to collaborate.

“Ryan and Daniel email me every day,” Vo said. “Since it’s a larger organization that was started on the west cxoast, they wanted to bring it to the east coast and into their high school to get more students involved.”

In the meantime, the teen duo are working with the lung association to plan a school presentation after the Lung Force Walk about vaping and other lung diseases.

“It takes some time out, but we’re doing it for a good cause,” Tkach said. “If it’s going to result in us staying up an extra hour or two in addition to our schoolwork and everything else we have going on in our lives, that’s totally fine.”

The New York City walk saw 1,000 people participate, raising $275,000. The Long Island walk wants to raise $110,000, and is on track to exceed that goal.

It’s not very often students reach out directly, and Amitin commends the Hewlett teens for taking the lead on these important health issues.

“Within schools, requests to come into and work with students usually come from the administration,” Amitin said. “The fact that these students are taking it upon themselves is unique for us, at least for the metro New York program. I think it’s very encouraging to see people taking action and recognizing the issue.”

STEPPING OUT

Momix’s Alice

He’s king of the neighborhood

Leaps from screen to stage

See Alice in Wonderland as you never have before. Seamlessly blending illusion, acrobatics, magic, and whimsy, Momix Dance Co., will send you flying down the rabbit hole in Moses Pendleton’s newest creation, Alice. You’ll be taken on a mind-bending adventure inspired by Lewis Carroll’s classic, ‘Alice in Wonderland.’ Alice encounters time-honored characters, including the undulating Caterpillar, a lobster quadrille, frenzied White Rabbits, a mad Queen of Hearts, and a variety of other surprises. Filled with visual splendor and startling creative movement, Alice reveals that nothing in Momix’s world is as it seems. As with every Momix production, you never quite know what you are going to get. Audiences will be taken on a journey that is both magical, mysterious, fun, eccentric, and much more. As Alice falls down the rabbit hole and experiences every kind of transformation, so will you.

STEPPING OUT

By Karen Bloom

Creative advocacy

Saturday, Sept. 30, 8 p.m. Tickets start at $45. Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville. (516) 299-3100, or TillesCenter.org.

t always turns out to be a beautiful day in the neighborhood when Daniel Tiger and his friends welcome families into their world. The latest stage show, based on PBS’s acclaimed long running hit series “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood,” arrives at Tilles Center on Oct. 14. For those who may need a refresher, the pint-sized tiger in the familiar red sweater is actually the “son” of the original Daniel the Tiger who appeared on the beloved “Mister

The stage production, along with the PBS series, certainly resonates with families, just as the original Mister Rogers did for so many parents now sharing the “neighborhood” with their kids. Many of the same (or similar) characters — including King Friday, O the Owl (X the Owl’s “nephew”) Mr. McFeely — and songs continue to delight.

“Anyone who watched Mister Rogers as a kid will feel right at home,” Lupacchino says. “Yet, it’s also thoroughly modern for today’s generation. In this tale, the audience follows along with Daniel and his friends through a school day, their lessons, and different activities.”

Pat McGann

Ben Folds

the

Roger’s Neighborhood.” day.

By Karen Bloom

In this modern makeover, Daniel and his friends are involved in a new adventure in the Neighborhood of Make-Believe, where Daniel learns just what it takes to be king. New songs, a lively story, and surprise guests captivate the preschool set as Daniel finds out there’s more to being king than being powerful. In this tale, goodness and friendship rule the day.

“Our story is all about kindness, and we need that now more than ever — especially after the last three years,” says Amanda Lupacchino, who commands the show as Daniel. “This is a wonderful honor to Mister Rogers, and I’m so

It ends with a “school performance” with all the characters — What Lupacchino describes as her favorite moment.

WHERE

• Saturday, Oct. 14, 2 p.m.

• Tickets start at $30.60; available at DanielTigerLive. com or TillesCenter.org

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

• Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, LIU Post

• 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville

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

“Daniel and his classmates put on a ‘play within a play.’ It takes pieces of their journey and brings everything together in a way that’s joyous and meaningful. I walk away with a lot of joy.”

In fact, more than joy. Her character’s relationship with her young audience brings her to tears.

proud to be a part of it. and collaboration.”

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

“I love experiencing it all with the kids. At the end of every show, I‘m crying. The kids sing with me and blow me kisses. I just live for that. My connection with them all is truly special.”

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

“Fred Rogers left behind a legacy that’s incomparable. One of inclusivity, kindness, love Lupacchino, 32, caught on to Mister Rogers as a child.

From the moment everyone hears “Do you want to make-believe with me?” you know you’ve arrived in that special Neighborhood of Make-Believe.

Pat McGann is quickly rising as of the sharpest stand-ups on the comedy scene. A relative latecomer to comedy, he began doing standup at 31 after realizing he was very good at selling packaging. He hustled his way to become house emcee at Zanies Chicago, where he distinguished himself especially adept at working the crowd. A husband and father three young children, McGann’s appeal stems from his quick wit and relatable take on family life and marriage. In 2017, McGann began touring as the opening for Sebastian Maniscalco, moving with him from clubs to theater, to arenas, including four soldout shows at Madison Square Garden. McGann’s relatively short, but impressive resume, includes Montreal’s famed Just For Laughs Festival, Gilda’s LaughFest, The Great American Comedy Festival, and more. McGann still calls Chicago home.

Dancing and performing since she’s been young, she’s come full circle now.

“I truly feel the connection,” she says. Based in New York City, she’s been charming audiences as Daniel since she joined the show in December 2018.

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

“Expect a lot of singing and dancing, and interactive moments with all the characters,” Lupacchino says. “Plus you’ll leave in good spirits — and filled with love.”

Indie icon and National Symphony Orchestra artistic advisor Ben Folds visits Long Island on the heels of his recently released What Matters Most. Folds says his first full-length studio album in eight years is his most ‘true’ to date. ‘There’s a lifetime of craft and experience all focused into this one record,’ Folds explains. ‘Sonically, lyrically, emotionally — I don’t think it’s an album I could have made at any other point in my career.’ One of the major music influencers of our generation, Folds’ body of genrebending music includes a string of classic albums with Ben Folds Five and a glorious mix of collaborations and special projects. He takes success in stride and continues to be the humble musician he was been for so many decades. A self-confessed enigma, he prefers to stay out of the limelight, except when touring — but can easily claim credit for some of music’s most unlikely trends.

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

Monday, Oct. 2, 8 p.m. $99.50 $79.50, $69.50, $59.50, $39.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. (800) 7453000 or Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY.com.

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

Courtesy Mills Entertainment Daniel Tiger, O the Owl, Miss Elaina, Katerina Kittycat, Prince Wednesday, and more familiar friends welcome everyone join them as Daniel becomes King for a Day.

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

THE

Suzanne Vega

Sept. 29

Legends of Hip-Hop concert

Oct. 6

Acclaimed as a masterful storyteller, the singersongwriter visits the Landmark stage, Friday, Oct. 6, 8 p.m., for “An Intimate Evening of Songs and Stories.” She will be joined on stage by her longtime guitarist, Gerry Leonard, performing a career-spanning show including favorites like Tom’s Diner, Luka, and more. Vega emerged as a leading figure of the folk-music revival of the early 1980s when, accompanying herself on acoustic guitar, she sang what has been called contemporary folk or neo-folk songs of her own creation in Greenwich Village clubs. Since the release of her self-titled, critically acclaimed 1985 debut album, she has given sold-out concerts in many of the world’s best-known venues. Known for performances that convey deep emotion, Vega’s distinctive, “clear, unwavering voice” (Rolling Stone) has been described as “a cool, dry sandpaper-brushed near-whisper” by The Washington Post, with NPR Music noting that she “has been making vital, inventive music” throughout the course of her decades-long career. Bearing the stamp of a storyteller who “observes the world with a clinically poetic eye” (The New York Times), Vega’s songs have tended to focus on city life, ordinary people and real-world subjects. Notably succinct and understated, her work is immediately recognizable — as utterly distinct and thoughtful $195 and $99 premium VIP packages, $61, $51, $41. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. (516) 767-6444 or LandmarkOnMainStreet.org.

On exhibit

View the landmark exhibition “Modigliani and the Modern Portrait,” at Nassau County Museum of Art. Devoted to the way that Modigliani powerfully re-defined the art of portraiture, the show includes his masterworks along with paintings and drawings by his Parisian contemporaries (Picasso, van Dongen, Laurencin). Modigliani’s enduring influence on artists even in our own time is shown in a selection of Contemporary paintings by such important figures as David Hockney, Eric Fischl, Elizabeth Peyton and others. The exhibition is being curated by Dr. Kenneth Wayne, founder of The Modigliani Project, which authenticates paintings and drawings (two of the works in the show have been recently approved by the committee). Through Nov. 5. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop, Mayor Waylyn Hobbs Jr. and The Village of Hempstead host a free concert featuring HipHop legends The Sugar Hill Gang, Rob Base, Hempstead native A+ and Keith Murray, Friday, Sept. 29, 6 p.m., at Denton Green. The concert in Hempstead, one of the bedrocks of early and current Hip-Hop, ncludes vendors, food and activities. Dressing in early Hip Hop-era attire encouraged. 99 James A. Garner Way, across from Village Hall, Hempstead.

Art talk

Grab your lunch and join Nassau County Museum of Art Docent Riva Ettus for her popular “Brown Bag Lecture,” now back on-site at Nassau County Museum of Art, Thursday, Oct. 19 , 1 p.m. Enjoy an in-depth presentation on the current exhibition “Modigliani and the Modern Portrait.” Participants are invited to ask questions at the end of the program and to join the 2 p.m. public tour of the exhibit. 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn

Quarter page 5.04 x 6.291

Long Island Heroes Celebration

Art classes

Nassau County Museum of Art welcomes those interested in improving their art skills or those who simply want to explore their creativity to participate in one of their many stimulating classes. The fall schedule includes Watercolor Florals: Beginner to intermediate levels (adults and teens 16+), Thursdays, 9:30 a.m.-noon, Nov. 2-Dec. 14. $300, $270 members. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. For information and to register visit NassauMuseum.org or call (516) 484-9338.

Ask the tech guy

Do you have questions about your computer or laptop? Join Long Beach Library’s Tech Guy, every Wednesday, 2-3 p.m., to get answers to your pressing tech questions. 111 W. Park Ave. For information, visit LongBeachPL.org.

Taco Tuesday

The Cabana offers having its weekly taco Tuesday specials all day long, Tuesday, Oct. 3. Tacos are available for $1, with a two-drink minimum, for all restaurant-goers, at 1034 W. Beech St. For more information, call (516) 889-1345 or visit TheCabanaLBNY.com.

An inspired concert Conductor-composer

Steven Sametz directs The Princeton Singers in “Inspirations,” a program of diverse musical selections, Adelphi’s Performing Arts Center stage, Saturday, Sept. 30, 4 p.m. They have captivated audiences and listeners for 40 years through their versatile musicianship.

Inspirations is a look at how contemporary composers take their inspiration from chant, carnival songs, and spirituals, including works by Josquin des Prez, Johann Sebastian Bach, Johannes Brahms, Steven Sametz, and Adelphi faculty member Sidney Boquire. $35. Adelphi University Performing Arts Center, 1 South Ave., Garden City. (516) 877-4000 or Adelphi. edu/pac.

Having an event?

Tribute concert

Plaza Theatricals continues its tribute series, Saturday, Sept. 30, 7:30 p.m., with “Portrait of Aretha.” CeCe Teneal honors the legacy of the Queen of Soul with personalized interpretations of both popular and lesser-known songs from this 18-Grammy-Awardwinning icon’s 50-year career, including “Chain of Fools,” “You Make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman,” “Rock Steady,” and “Until You Come Back to Me (That’s What I’m Gonna Do).” It’s performed at the Elmont Library Theatre, 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont. $40, $35 seniors. Elmont. For tickets, call (516) 599-6870 or visit PlazaTheatrical.com.

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.

Westbury House Tour

For many years visitors to Westbury House at Old Westbury Gardens asked what was beyond the first floor corridor. Now beyond the door and discover “secrets of the service wing,” during a 60-minute guided tour, Friday, Sept. 29, noon-1 p.m.; Sunday, Oct. 1, 1:30-2:30 p.m. and 3-4 p.m.; Monday, Oct. 2, noon-1 p.m.; Wednesday and Thursday, Oct. 4-5, noon-1 p.m. Be introduced to the intensive labor required to create the lifestyle experienced by the Phipps family and their guests; tour the many rooms that were “behind the scenes” to create the formal dining experiences of early 20th century. Go along the corridors to the butler’s pantry and silver cleaning room then descend the 17 steps to the kitchen, scullery, and wine storage rooms located on the ground floor. Reservations required. 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. For information contact (516) 333-0048 or visit OldWestburyGardens.org.

Spooky Fest is back

A Halloween experience not to be missed, Spooky Fest is an outdoor adventure perfect for families who don’t want to be scared — or maybe just a little. Join in the fun at the Center for Science, Teaching and Learning, every Friday, Saturday and Sunday throughout October. Along the way in the updated and beautifully lit up, Enchanted Walk you will see dinosaurs, aliens and friendly witches, costumed characters and more. Get your fortune told, make a craft and danceg with the Halloween DJ, along with face painting and the new Amazing Glow tent. For those who want to get a little scared, venture into the Dino Woods. Be on the lookout for the Zombie Robotic Dinosaurs. 1450 Tanglewood Road, Rockville Centre. Visit CSTL.org for more information.

Arts in the Plaza

Arts in the Plaza takes over Kennedy Plaza, each Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Browse among varied vendors. Handcrafted art, custom jewelry, gifts, photography and more can be seen and purchased. For more information, visit ArtsInThePlaza.com.

SCHOOLS BRIEFS

Students and teachers take the field

West Elementary School in Long Beach recently kicked off their school’s Heart Huddle Program with a kickball game featuring fifth grade students against teachers and staff. The remaining student body watched and cheered for all the participants. West

School Heart Huddle activities are held throughout the school year focusing on the following Heart Huddle values: H is for helpful, E is for empathy, A is for accountable, R is for respect and T is for trustworthy.

Your Year of Discovery

✓ ✓ ✓

Tap into hidden talents. Make new friends. Take on challenges with confidence.

Be

Elementary students celebrate Dot Day

Long Beach elementary students throughout the district participated in a global celebration of creativity, courage, and collaboration on Sept. 15 when they observed International Dot Day. This movement is inspired by the book “The Dot,” by Peter H. Reynolds, which illustrates people’s power to make their marks on the world.

Throughout the district’s four elementary schools, classes read and discussed “The Dot” and other books related to the theme. Students partici-

pated in Dot Day declarations, artwork and other activities, and many incorporated dots into their attire as well. The Long Beach students showcased their abilities to make their marks through illustrations and paper dots.

Additionally West students demonstrated the day’s message by raising funds to benefit those affected by the recent wildfires and contributing to New York for Maui through Skudin Swim Surf fundraising efforts.

gsnc.org/join

Courtesy Long Beach Public Schools Students at West Elementary School took on their teachers in a game of kickball.

Courtesy Long Beach Public Schools Lindell students making their mark on Dot Day.

Each day as a Girl Scout brings thrills and out-ofthis-world experiences. Don’t miss your chance to be part of a journey you’ll never forget! Find your squad and get ready for amazing adventures.

When a preschool becomes a ‘free school’

It’s not easy to compete with free but even as Universal Pre-K expands in the public schools, pre-schools like Saint Peter’s Early Learning Center of Baldwin continue to offer parents an alternative in early education. The ELC’s director, Maritza Lopez, acknowledges the challenge of “competing” with free full-day preschool.

“Even though our 4-yearold enrollment is down since Universal Pre-K, there are still parents (and grandparents) choosing St. Peter’s program for those children who may not be ready for a sixhour school day,” Lopez said.

Although 4-year-old enrollment may be down, 2 and 3-year-old classes are thriving. With children now entering public school at an earlier age, parents want their little ones to be ready on Day One.

“We’re a small school and that’s a great asset,” Lopez said. “It enables us to pay closer attention to the needs of our children and fine-tune teaching methods to help them adjust to a school environment. We want their first school experience to be positive.”

Parents are drawn to the smaller class sizes and child-sized spaces. Toilet training is not mandatory for any of the age groups. A six-term PTA president and mother of four Baldwin Schools students, Lopez is well-versed in the excellent educational program offered in Kindergarten and Universal Pre-K. ELC curriculum,

which incorporates all state standards including STEM and STEAM — ensures students will be up to speed for public school.

Lopez points out that St. Peter’s offers an added dimension “which is why we call it “Pre-school Plus” In addition to teaching education basics, the program offers children the chance to experience elements that build a faith foundation. Each day starts with prayer; St. Peter’s Deacon Angela visits to read and lead Bible stories. Students are encouraged to join in the free Sunday School program (including snack ‘n play socializing) and extracurricular events like singing in the Choir of Angels at the annual Living Nativity.

Enrollment is still open. Lopez will be conducting tours for parents whose waitlisted children did not make the cutoff — or if parents have not yet found a preschool. No matter what develops on the educational horizon, Lopez smiles.

“In the end, it’s all about the children,” she said. “We want to partner with our parents to ensure our students succeed. We know that our students’ passion for learning starts at the ELC.”

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: NEUROfit USA, LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York, (SSNY) on 5/22/2023. NY Office location: Nassau County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of the process to:268 East Park Avenue, Long Beach , NY 11561

Purpose: To engage in any lawful act or activity.

141504

MCCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC, 10 MIDLAND AVENUE, SUITE 205, PORT CHESTER, NY 10573

Dated: 7/27/2023 File

Number: 18-302143

RS 141740

erected, situate, lying and being in Woodmere, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, and State of New York, Block 522 and Lot 25. Approximate amount of the judgment is $7,924,441.80 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index. No. 602374/2009. COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed at the foreclosure sale.

Dated: September 6, 2023

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

DONALD X. CLAVIN, JR Supervisor KATE MURRAY

Town Clerk

142143

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON F/K/A THE BANK OF NEW YORK AS SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST TO JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR C-BASS MORTGAGE LOAN ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005-CB8 Plaintiff, Against DAVID DEFILIPPO, et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 02/04/2020, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, on the North Front Steps of the Nassau County Courthouse, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY. This Auction will be held rain or shine on 10/11/2023 at 3:30 pm, premises known as 414 East Pine Street, Long Beach, New York 11561, And Described As Follows:

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 150 Lot 11 & 12.

The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $756,247.90 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 6628/2008

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. Malachy P Lyons, Esq., Referee.

More information is available on the “Saint Peter’s Early Learning Center” Facebook page, and at StPetersBaldwin. org.

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT

COUNTY OF NEW YORK, STREET SNACKS, LLC, Plaintiff v. BRIDGE ASSOCIATES OF SOHO, INC., ET AL., Defendants.

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on April 10, 2023, I the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the portico of the New York County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, New York, NY on October 18, 2023 at 2:15 p.m., premises known as 62 Clark Steet, Long Beach, NY 11561. All that 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, State of New York, Block 13 and Lot 19. Approximate amount of the judgment is $7,924,441.80 plus interest, fees, and costs.

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index. No. 602374/2009. COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed at the foreclosure sale.

Thomas R. Kleinberger, Esq., Referee LaRocca Hornik Rosen & Greenberg LLP, 40 Wall Street, 32nd Floor, New York, NY 10005, Attorneys for Plaintiff. 141824

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT

COUNTY OF NEW YORK, STREET SNACKS, LLC, Plaintiff v. BRIDGE ASSOCIATES OF SOHO, INC., ET AL., Defendants. Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on April 10, 2023, I the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the portico of the New York County Courthouse, 60 Centre Street, New York, NY on October 18, 2023 at 2:15 p.m., premises known as 619 Bridge Steet, Woodmere, NY 11598. All that that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon

Thomas R. Kleinberger, Esq., Referee LaRocca Hornik Rosen & Greenberg LLP, 40 Wall Street, 32nd Floor, New York, NY 10005, Attorneys for Plaintiff. 141822

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT. NASSAU COUNTY. L&L ASSOCIATES HOLDING CORP., Pltf. vs. JAMES DOOLAN, et al, Defts. Index #617256/2022. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered Aug. 2, 2023, I will sell at public auction on North Side steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on October 23, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. premises k/a Section 58, Block 99, Lot 49. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale and the right of the United States of America to redeem within 120 days from the date of sale as provided by law.

HAROLD F. DAMM, Referee. LEVY & LEVY, Attys. for Pltf., 12 Tulip Drive, Great Neck, NY. #100778 142062

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD LOCAL LAW NO. 59-2023

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that, pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and the Municipal Home Rule Law of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing was duly called and held September 6th, 2023 , by the Town Board of the Town of Hempstead on the proposed adoption of Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 59-2023, and following the close of the hearing the Town Board duly adopted Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 59-2023, amending Chapter 202 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, to include and repeal “REGULATIONS & RESTRICTIONS” to limit parking at various locations.

SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU BARRAGE PROMOTERS, LLC, Plaintiff -against250 NEW YORK AVE LLC, et al Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered herein and dated January 20, 2022, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on November 1, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. premises situate, lying and being in the City of Long Beach, County of Nassau and State of New York, bounded and described as follows: BEGINNING at a point on the easterly side of New York Avenue 65 feet southerly from the corner formed by the said easterly side of New York Avenue and the southerly side of West Walnut Street; being a plot 55 feet by 86.54 feet by 55 feet by 85.14 feet.

Section: 59 Block: 4 Lot:

213

All bidders must wear a face mask/shield at all times and social distancing must be observed by all bidders at all times. Bidders who do not comply with the face mask and/or the social distancing mandate will be removed from the auction.

Said premises known as 250 NEW YORK AVENUE, LONG BEACH, NY Approximate amount of lien $237,257.39 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale.

If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee or the Mortgagee’s attorney. Index Number

JARED

KASSCHAU,

–Kepherd Daniel

Courtesy Betsy Transom ELC director Maritza Lopez volunteered her time to teach and play with the pre-K class at St. Peter’s Vacation Bible School in August.

In the end, it’s all about the children.

MarItza Lopez director, ELC

All

EMPLOYMENT

Help Wanted

AUTO MECHANIC: Village of Malverne.

Full Time. Experienced. Must have CDL. www.malvernevillage.org/job-postings

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.

Salary Range is $15 per hour to $23 per hour. For consideration, please send resume & salary requirements to: careers@liherald.com

DRIVERS WANTED

Full Time and Part Time

Positions Available!

Busy Print Shop in Garden City is Hiring Immediately for

Full Time and Part Time Drivers.

Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience.

Hours Vary, Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $21 per hour

Night Availability is a Must.

Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239

DRIVING INSTRUCTORS WANTED

Will Certify And Train HS Diploma

NYS License Clean 3 Years

$20 - $25/ Hour

Call 516-731-3000

Fax your ad to: 516-622-7460 E-mail your ad to: ereynolds@liherald.com E-mail Finds Under $100 to: sales@liherald.com

Monday, 11:00

EDITOR/REPORTER

Part Time & Full Time. 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. Salary range is from $20K to $45K

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

MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP

Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges fromo $15 per hour to $20 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com

MULTI MEDIA ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT

Inside Sales

Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $31,200 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286

OUTSIDE SALES

Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $31,200 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on Full Time hours Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off. Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250

PRINTING PRESS OPERATORS

FT & PT. Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for Printing Press Operators in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges from $20 per hour to $30 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com

P/T CUSTODIAL WORKER FOR ISLAND PARK LIBRARY

Afternoon and evening shifts. MonSat. Drivers license req.. High school graduate. Able to lift 40 lbs., Cleaning inside and outside of library. Program set up. Snow removal, run errands, able to climb ladder. $16-$17 per hour. email: jkoenig@islandparklibrary.org..

RECEPTIONIST

Receptionist needed for Publisher and Self-Storage Facility located in Garden City. The ideal candidate should have excellent communications and customer service skills, be professional, dependable and have reliable transportation. Candidate should have computer knowledge and working knowledge of MS Office. Candidate MUST be reliable, punctual and be able to work a CONSISTENT schedule: Job Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Answering phones and greeting customers, assisting new customers by showing storage facility options and pricing, collecting payments from customers, contacting customers for late payments, applying payments and updating the customer files /data base and other general administrative responsibilities on an as needed basis. Hourly pay $15 to $17 plus eligible for Holiday Pay, PTO, Medical, Dental, 401k with company matching, plus other benefits. Qualified candidates should email their resume, cover letter and salary requirements. No phone calls please. Email your resume to: careers@liherald.com

RESTAURANT

Hostess & Server

Positions Available

(646) 830 4987 email: mc_brando@yahoo.com

Rockville Centre

Quaint Colonial

OPEN HOUSE Rockville Centre

69 Raymond Street

Thursday 9/28 4:00pm-6:00pm Saturday, 9/30 11:00am-1:00pm.

Do I really need my sprinkler system?

Q. I’m wondering about my home sprinkler system, the one in my ceilings, and whether I have to do anything with it. I’ve lived in the house for six months. When I bought it, they told me about the system, but I’m not clear on whether there’s standing water in the pipes, and what to do. Also, I wonder if the pipes can freeze, and whether they need more insulation and maintenance. Frankly, I’m wondering whether the sprinklers will even work. Do I really need them? What can you tell me?

OPEN HOUSES SUNday, 10/1/23

HEWLETT Bay Pa RK

190 Meadowview Ave, BA, Ever Dream of Living in A Castle?

This 8000 Sq Ft Mansion is Full of Character. Amazing Architectural Details, Soaring Ceilings, Stained Glass Windows. 5 BR, 6.55 Bths. Sprawling 1.3 Acre Prop with IG Gunite Pool. SD#14. Near All. Must See This Unique Home! REDUCED $2,700,000 HEWLETT

1390 Broadway #102,BA, Move Right Into This Magnificent

Newly Renovated 2 BR, 2 Bth Coop in Prestigious Hewlett Townhouse. Open Layout. NEW State of the Art Kitchen & Bths, HW Flrs, Windows, HVAC, Recessed LED Lights, Doors, W/D. Community Pool. Full Service 24 Hr Doorman, Valet Pkg, Elevator, Priv Storage. Gar Pkg. Near Shops, Trans & Houses of Worship $579,000

1534 Broadway #205, BA, Extra Large 2000 Sq Ft, 2 Bedroom (Originally 3 BR), 2 Bath Condo in Prestigious Jonathan Hall with Doorman & Elevator. Updtd Wood/Quartz Kit, LR & DR. Washer/ Dryer in Unit. Underground Pkg. Loads of Closets. Terrace Faces Back. Easy Ranch Style Living BIG REDUCTION!! MOTIVATED SELLER! $579,000

WOOdMERE

504 Saddle Ridge Rd, BA, Move Right Into This Renovated 4 BR, 2 Bth Split with Open Layout in Prime Location! Granite/ Wood EIK Opens to Dining Room & Living Room. Lower Level Den. HW Flrs, Gas Heat, CAC. Oversized Property! SD#14. Near All! REDUCED! $950,000

CE da RHURST

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

storage space. Outside, enjoy a spacious backyard with a patio and a two-car detached garage. This charming home is a must-see. MLS# 3505456. $998,000.

Scott Wallace, CBR Real Estate Salesperson Gold Circle of Excellence 516.248.6655 Cell: 516.521.4065 scottwallace@danielgale.com scottwallace.danielgale.com

A. Home sprinklers are required for homes over 2½ stories tall, and were partly the reason that insulation became required in attic ceilings instead of just floors. The piping needs to be on the warm side of insulation. Water stagnates in pipes over time, and putrid water, in a stand-alone system, must have a backflow device to prevent stagnant water from getting into the municipal system.

Stand-alone water testing and back-flow device testing was nixed by most water authorities, because homeowners had the responsibility to arrange for tests (and they could not be relied on to do so), and neglected systems could end up poisoning the neighbors. You’ll need to contact a residential fire sprinkler installer for testing to avoid property or system damage.

Local water departments in many municipalities have higher authority than building codes when it comes to domestic sprinklers. The latest arrangement is a mix of multi-purpose fixtures and a stand-alone system in which the water supply branches after the water service enters the home, directed to the most used toilet water lines (the master bathroom toilet). It is connected to the sprinkler line, where flushing regularly advances enough water to purge standing water in the sprinkler line to keep it from becoming putrid and dangerous, which may preclude testing. A certified installer can look at your installation and see right away if this was done.

Water departments still weren’t satisfied, and insisted on a check valve in the fire sprinkler pipeline as a backup solution to protect the domestic water if the passive solution of water flow and purging to the most used fixture didn’t work as planned. This device ends up in a location where the water company can check your system’s function annually, and certify its continued use. New homeowners might be surprised when they see that the water bill has an additional fee for “backflow prevention device certification.”

Some people don’t disclose the particulars, and it’s good that you’re asking questions. If there is anything faulty about your system or its operation, it could be a serious problem for your household and for neighbors who share the water supply in your immediate area. A negative pressure backup from purging the street lines or any other malfunction could be deadly. Be sure to follow up and ask more questions of your water department and an installation and testing company. Good luck!

© 2023 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

HomesHERALD

This Robin won’t rest until you are in your new NEST!

How’s the market?? Please contact me for your free market report and personalized service!

REAL ESTATE

Open Houses

CEDARHURST BA, 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...$449,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299

HEWLETT BA, 1390 Broadway #102,

NEW! Move Right Into This Magnificent

Newly Renovated 2 BR, 2 Bth Coop in Prestigious Hewlett Townhouse.Open Layout.

NEW State of the Art Kitchen & Bths,HW

Flrs, Windows, HVAC,Recessed LED

Lights, Doors, W/D. Community Pool. Full Service 24 Hr Doorman, Valet Pkg, Elevator, Priv Storage. Gar Pkg. Near Shops, Trans & Houses of Worship...$579,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman

516-238-4299

HEWLETT BA,1534 BROADWAY #205, BIG REDUCTION!! MOTIVATED SELLER!!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...$579,000

Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman

516-238-4299

Open Houses

HEWLETT BAY PARK BA,.190 Meadowview Ave Ever Dream of Living in A Castle? This 8000 Sq Ft Mansion is Full of Character. Amazing Architectural Details, Soaring Ceilings, Stained Glass Windows.

5 BR, 6.55 Bths. Sprawling 1.3 Acre Prop with IG Gunite Pool. SD#14.Near All. Must See This Unique Home!..REDUCED

$2,700,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas elliman 516-238-4299

WOODMERE BA, 504 Saddle Ridge Rd.,Move Right Into This Renovated 4 BR,

2 Bth Split with Open Layout in Prime Location! Granite/Wood EIK Opens to Dining Room & Living Room. Lower Level Den. HW Flrs, Gas Heat, CAC. Oversized Property! SD#14.Near All!..$950,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299

Apartments Wanted

RESPONSIBLE PERSON SEEKING Studio In Wantagh Or Seaford. Non-Smoker, No Pets. Call 516-800-6343

Apartments For Rent

CEDARHURST NO FEE Private Entrance, Modern 1BR, 2BR, 3BR, CAC, W/D, Storage, Wall To Wall Carpeting, Indoor Parking Space. Starting At $1450 For One Bedroom When Available.

(516)860-6889/ (516)852-5135/

(516)582-9978

BETTER WAY

Rob Kolb

Licensed Real Estate Salesperson

Tripodi Shemtov Team

Douglas Elliman Real Estate

30

To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5 • To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5 1230572

Parking Space Available

COMMERCIAL PARKING VANS, TRUCKS, TRAILERS, STORAGE CONTAINERS, OVERNIGHT, DAYTIME 516 996 5818

Florida Real Estate

DELRAY BEACH, FL: For Sale, opportunity before it hits the market! Single Story Ranch Condo. Beautifully appointed in desirable Emerald Pointe gated community, Approx 1800 Sq Ft. Furnished, All Appliances, 2 Bed / 2 Bath, Eat-In Kitchen, Walk-In Closets, Great Interior Storage and Exterior Storage Room, Screened-In Porch with Dual Interior Access, New Rheem HVAC Jan 2019, Ceiling fans throughout, 4 Private Parking Spots, Clubhouse with Auditorium, Pool, Gym, Tennis, Pickleball (TBD), Game and Card Rms, Interior Walking-Paths, Pet Friendly, 55+ Community, Easy access to Palm Beach International and Ft Lauderdale Airports. Exciting Downtown Delray offers beautiful Beaches, Shopping, Restaurants, and Nightlife. Asking $309,999. Call David at 248-240-8154 SWCGRPMI@gmail.com

Baldwin $610,000

Field Place. Cape. 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Finished basement. Eat-in kitchen. Formal dining room. Den/family room and exercise room. First floor bedroom.

Taxes: $11,754.57

Bellmore $785,000

Shore Road. Splanch. 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms. Eat-in kitchenwith granite countertops. Formal dining room. Den/family room and home office. Updates include cathedral ceiling.

Taxes: $14,637

East Meadow $725,000

Jeffrey Avenue. Split Level. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Finished basement. Eat-in kitchen with granite countertops. Den/family room and home office. Updates include cathedral ceiling.

Taxes: $11,440.95

Long Beach $855,00

E. Park Avenue. Duplex. 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms. Eat-in kitchen with granite countertops. L-shaped dining room. First floor master bedroom with walk-in closet.

Taxes: $13,156.70

Malverne $700,000

Lawrence Avenue. Colonial. 5 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms. Eat-in kitchen with granite countertops. Formal dining room. Den/family room.

Taxes: $23,481

Merrick $892,000

Commonwealth Avenue. Colonial. 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms. Partial finished basement. Chef’s eat-in kitchen with custom cabinets, granite countertops and stainless steal appliances. Banquet-size formal dining room. Spacious den and home office. Ultra king ensuite master bedroom. Attached garage and large fenced yard. All large rooms with many updates, including custom moldings.

Taxes: $19,594.14

Oceanside $700,000

Fortesque Avenue. Colonial. 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Partial finished basement. Eat-in kitchen. Formal dining room. Den/family room and home office. First floor bedroom. Updates include skylight. Security system.

Taxes: $13,704.41

Rockville Centre $965,000

Strathmore Lane. Tudor. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Finished basement. Eat-in kitchen. Formal dining room. Den/family room.

Taxes: $19,830.80

West Hempstead $570,000

Robin Court. Cape. 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Finished basement. Eat-in kitchen. Den/family room and exercise room. First floor master bedroom.

Taxes: $10,938

Woodmere $1,300,000

South End. Colonial. 6 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms. Gourmet eat-in kitchen with granite countertops. Formal dining room. Den/family room and home office. High end finishes include vaulted ceiling and skylight. First floor bedroom. Security system.

Taxes: $28,269.93

A

TO BUY AND SELL REAL ESTATE!

“Call A Realtor With Proven Experience!”

“Leading Edge Award Winner”

MERCHANDISE MART

Antiques/Collectibles

We Buy Antiques, Fine Art, Coins & 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

FINDS UNDER $100

Finds Under $100

12- 8" SNACK Plates w inserts to fit 10 matching Teacups $40. 516 445-7390

BOYS' CLOTHES: SIZE 4/4T, New with tags; $8 each piece. 917-420-5814.

GOLF BAG W 3 Woods and 8 Iron, $50. (516) 445-3212

TEENAGE BOYS CLOTHES: sweatshirts, pants, long sleeve-Tshirts. $1-2 each piece. 917-420-5814.

TWA MENUS, 3 1970's, 2 Geneva, 1 Paris, plus Antoine's 1940 Centennial Menu, $30. 516-379-2511.

TWIN XL BED, with mattress and sheets. Like new. Baldwin. $50 (516) 254-3640

VAN GOGH SUNFLOWER painting hard case iPhone 11 $20, Separate clear case $15, 516 445-3212

Finds $100-$350

SUKKAH 6FTX8FT, frame steel pipes, curtain heavyweight plastic; roof bamboo; decorations wax fruit. $350.00.

516.295.1647

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

SERVICES

Brick/Block/Concrete/Masonry

*MICHAEL LO BAIDO CONSTRUCTION*

Cement Specialist, Brickwork, Interlock Bricks, Belgium Blocks, Stoops, Patios, Driveways, Sidewalks, Basement Entrances, Pavers, Waterproofing. Quality Work, Lic./ Ins. Owner Always Onsite Free Estimates 516-354-5578

Electricians

E-Z ELECTRIC SERVICES, INC. All

Sprinkler Syst./Irrig.Wells

BATH & SHOWER UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Affordable prices - No payments for 18 months! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & Military Discounts available. Call: 866-393-3636

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

Privacy Hedge! Arborvitae 6-foot Reduced to $125/each. Free Installation, Free Delivery. Fast growing, High-quality Beautiful & Bushy! Order now to reserve for early Fall delivery. LowCostTrees.com 518-536-1367

SECURE YOUR HOME with Vivint Smart Home technology. Call 866-601-1219 to learn how you can get a professionally installed security system with $0 activation.

Miscellaneous

BEST SATELLITE TV with 2 Year Price

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

Power Washing

POWERWASHING ALL SURFACES: Houses, Fences, Concrete/ Brick, Decks/Sealing. . ANTHONY & J HOME IMPROVEMENT, INC. 516-678-6641

Tree Services

T&M GREENCARE TREE SERVICE

*Tree Removal *Stump Grinding *Pruning

*Roof Line Clearing. Residential and Commercial. "We Beat All Competitors' Rates." Lowest Rates. *Senior Discount. Free Estimates. *516-223-4525, 631-586-3800 www.tmgreencare.com

Satellite/TV Equipment

DIRECTV Sports Pack – 3 Months on Us! Watch pro and college sports LIVE. Plus over 40 regional and specialty networks included. NFL, College Football, MLB, NBA, NHL, Golf and more. Some restrictions apply. Call DIRECTV 1-888-534-6918

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Health & Fitness

ATTENTION OXYGEN THERAPY USERS! Discover Oxygen Therapy That Moves with You with Inogen Portable Oxygen Concentrators. FREE information kit. Call 888-514-3044

HEARING AIDS!! HIGH-QUALITY rechargeable, powerful Audien hearing aids priced 90% less than competitors. Tiny and NEARLY INVISIBLE! 45-day money back guarantee! 855-598-5898

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We’ve had great people working for us at the U.N.

Every September, the annual opening of the United Nations General Assembly wreaks havoc, confusion and congestion for everyone who must travel to and from Manhattan. I was reminded of this when it took me a half-hour in mid-afternoon to drive the five and a half blocks from the FDR Drive’s 49th Street exit to a parking garage on 48th Street on my way to co-hosting “Cats and Cosby” at the WABC-AM studio.

Arriving at the studio, however, I received no sympathy or compassion from station employees, who told me about their experiences earlier in the day with endless gridlock or being unable to call an Uber or hail a taxi.

All of this made me think back on some of my experiences with the United Nations during my time in Congress and the question of the efficacy of this international body.

The General Assembly is a security nightmare for New York, as world leaders from far and wide descend on Manhattan. They include friends and foes; democratically elected leaders and tyrannical despots; serious players and dilettantes. It

takes carefully coordinated efforts by all levels of law enforcement, including the FBI, the Secret Service and, most significantly, the NYPD, to provide the necessary security and transportation arrangements for all these leaders.

Not surprisingly, the one who generates the most attention is the president of the United States. I have been at General Assembly events for Presidents Clinton, Bush 43 and Trump. No matter how jaded you might become after years in politics and government, and no matter the president’s political party, it is always exhilarating to watch our president on the world stage.

I had significant interactions with several of the American ambassadors to the U.N., beginning with Madeline Albright, in the first Clinton administration. Albright and I developed a friendly relationship from the start, sharing memories of Long Island, where she lived in Garden City during the early years of her marriage.

She was a true foreign policy expert, and I distinctly recall her comparing the successful Irish peace process with the inability to get Balkan leaders to follow that example. My last in-depth meeting with Albright was on a visit to Sarajevo with Clinton in 2015, when we reminisced

about bipartisan foreign policy efforts.

Albright was succeeded by New Mexico Congressman Bill Richardson, who had an international reputation as a hostage negotiator. I got to know Richardson well when we were in Congress together, particularly when we traveled to Ireland, Britain and Israel. Bill combined educational knowledge with solid street smarts to find ways to work through insoluble problems and achieve common-sense results.

My wife, Rosemary, and I have a great memory of when we and our daughter, Erin, had dinner with Bill and his wife, Barbara, at his ambassador’s residence in the Waldorf-Astoria. He went on to become governor of New Mexico, and then continued his work as a hostage negotiator until he died on Sept. 1.

Richard Holbrooke, a career diplomat who served as Clinton’s second-term U.N. ambassador, was a larger-than-life force who took no prisoners. I met Holbrooke when he was ambassador to Germany, and then he was assistant secretary of state for Europe, where I saw up close his efforts to resolve the wars in the Balkans, first in Bosnia and then in Kosovo. As a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, I accompanied him to Sarajevo in 1996 to observe Bosnia’s first free elections.

Holbrooke brought the same energy and drive to the United Nations. He was later appointed special representative to Afghanistan and Pakistan by President Obama. Holbrooke died during heart surgery in 2010.

I have great regard for Trump’s first U.N. ambassador, Nikki Haley. A former governor of South Carolina, she was a tough, strong and articulate defender of the U.S. at the U.N., unafraid to face down America’s adversaries such as Russia and China. Haley was particularly effective in defending Israel, our strongest ally and the only real democracy in the Middle East, from hypocritical, biased resolutions. I visited her at her U.N. office with my family, and she couldn’t have been more gracious. Haley is currently running for president, and I wish her well. If elected, she would do an outstanding job. Our presidents have appointed very able and dedicated Americans to represent us at the U.N. Unfortunately, while the U.N. has done effective humanitarian work, it has never fulfilled its potential as a force for peace because Russia and China have veto power, and have prevented meaningful action. Nonetheless, our ambassadors have used the U.N. as a forum for defending American values.

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

No more delays in distributing opioid settlement funds

With our children back in classrooms and the leaves beginning their autumnal change, the nation is highlighting another vital milestone as we observe September as National Recovery Month.

Since being established in 1989 by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, National Recovery Month has become a powerful vehicle for promoting and supporting new treatment and prevention practices, honoring the hard work and courage of Americans in recovery, and recognizing the countless service providers, communities and organizations that make recovery available for all who seek it.

In Nassau County and across the country, the perils posed by the disease of addiction are more severe than I can ever remember. As if the fentanyl crisis wasn’t frightening enough, drugs like “tranq” are adding a new kind of danger. Formally known as xylazine, tranq is an animal

tranquilizer that is increasingly being used as an additive to heroin, cocaine and fentanyl. It’s beginning to appear in drug tests at Nassau County treatment centers, and its effects on users are truly horrific. Worse yet, we’re learning of an emerging group of synthetic opioids that may be even more powerful than fentanyl.

In two major recent drug busts in our region, 30 people were arrested in Suffolk County, and illegal guns, two kilograms of cocaine and one kilogram of fentanyl — enough to kill 380,000 people — were seized. A day later, a dozen more people were indicted for their alleged involvement in a South Shore Nassau drug ring. There, three kilograms of cocaine and 430 grams of fentanyl were recovered and confiscated.

All of these disturbing new developments illustrate how high the stakes are in the ever-evolving battle against addiction. Now more than ever, if there is a potentially life-saving resource that we can add to our toolkit, we must avail ourselves of it. That’s why my office was one of the first in Nassau County to begin hosting Narcan training sessions years ago, and I have continued to work closely

with stakeholders since then to expand on these tools.

During this legislative term, my minority caucus colleagues and I have cosponsored legislation that would require the county to add fentanyl-detecting test strips to all Narcan kits that we distribute. A second proposed law would facilitate the distribution of kits that safely destroy and dissolve unwanted prescription drugs at home. While I’m disappointed that the legislative majority hasn’t even held a public hearing on these proposals, I won’t give up in the fight to enact common-sense, low-cost and, most important, potentially life-saving policies.

I also remain concerned about the manner in which the county is distributing tens of millions of dollars that we have received from various settlements with opioid manufacturers, distributors and sellers. While significant sums have been earmarked for an array of worthwhile entities that are serving on the front lines of the addiction crisis, we have received little, if any, information from the administration on whether the county has distributed the funds. In fact, our most recent available budget data

shows that only $2.24 million of the $30 million appropriated for the last two years — and nearly $83 million overall — has been delivered. With so many threats on the horizon, it is essential for these resources to be delivered in as expeditious and transparent a manner as possible.

As new proceeds arrive from future settlements, I believe that Nassau County would be well served by using those funds to expand Nassau University Medical Center’s detox and in-patient rehab facilities to ensure that no one is ever prevented from getting treatment for addiction because there isn’t a bed available. Our unique relationship with NUMC offers the county a golden opportunity to establish ourselves as a regional leader in the delivery of recovery opportunities, and it is one we should take full advantage of.

Never forget that people who are in recovery very seldom do it alone — and if you are struggling as you read this, I want you to know that there are people out there who care about you and are eager to extend a helping hand. If you need assistance with substance abuse or a mental health crisis, I encourage you to call the Nassau County Crisis Helpline, at (516) 227-8255, and take that first step toward reclaiming your life.

Delia DeRiggi-Whitton represents Nassau County’s 11th Legislative District.

How about using some of them to fund NUMC’s detox and inpatient rehab?

But traffic, security challenges, and Russia and China work against us.

Deadly Wild West in our backyard

drive a mere exit or two on any of long Island’s main thoroughfares, and you are sure to see at least one roadside shrine remembering the victim of a fatal car crash.

These memorials — already too commonplace — will only become more ubiquitous if nothing is done to stem the rising tide of dangerous drivers on these roads. In fact, just last week, Peninsula Boulevard was sadly the site of two separate fatal accidents. On the same day.

We all have seen the tricked-out cars and motorcycles that zig and zag through traffic — exceeding the speed limit in spades — with no concern about repercussions from law enforcement or consequences to the lives of others.

That sickening feeling you get when your heart skips a beat and you thank heaven to be alive because yet another vehicle comes out of nowhere at 100

Letters

Are we sure Trump’s guilt would be enough?

To the Editor:

mph to cut you off, and then does the same thing to the next car? And the next car? All of us, especially on long Island, know this feeling all too well.

reckless (and noisy) drivers — threatening both public safety and community tranquility — are operating with impunity. And they know it.

Their cars are hard to miss with their illegally modified mufflers that can be heard miles away at all hours of the day and night. Illegal license plate covers and fake temporary tags protect their callous disregard for law and order by making it impossible for anyone to catch their plate, including law enforcement tools like speed cameras. And their friends are now sometimes even setting up lawn chairs on the side of the road to watch cars race in broad daylight — missing the irony that a crash victim’s memorial is often just over their shoulders.

More than 75 people lost their lives

and another 13,000 were injured in nearly 37,000 traffic accidents in our county last year. Those are unacceptable numbers.

It’s difficult to find law enforcement on these central thruways. We need more — not less — patrolling of our roads.

We need more — not less — enforcement of sensible laws already on the books.

We need more — not less — coordination between state and local law enforcement.

And we need more stringent laws and harsher penalties coming out of Albany so that we can make these reckless drivers as scared to continue these dangerous activities as we are to witness them. We implore all jurisdictions to work together to reign in the scourge of irresponsible, dangerous and selfish drivers. Because even one more roadside shrine is one too many.

In his column “Sometimes you just may be guilty until proven innocent,” Jerry Kremer is, I fervently hope, correct in his conclusion that all the facts in the Trump indictments go against him, so he will not escape conviction by some “Houdini” trick. I agree that inside the courtroom, with its rational procedures, Trump’s lawyers will not save him. However, he is not there yet, and outside there is latitude, and time, for manipulation, and for many of his allies to assist. My concerns include:

■ The “delay” escape. It’s temporary, but it allows other interventions to ripen. It’s in the attorneys’ motions.

■ The “electoral” escape. Should Trump, or any MAGA candidate, become president, the get-out-ofjail-free card will be played. This is well under way, from the Freedom Caucus to the Wisconsin legislature to the intimidation tactics of the NY Citizens Audit Civil Fund and Trump’s busy campaign.

■ The “hung jury” escape. It only needs one to succeed. Trump’s “colossal chutzpah” does not shrink from gangsterism, intimidation, bribery, extortion or falsehood. We have seen it. Trump’s recent speeches invite volunteers, his militia-trained thugs remain loyal, deluded acolytes persist, and polls indicate large reservoir of fervent ideologues. These too, are facts — less rational than Mr. Kremer’s, but active for years now, and thus well-practiced. The Houdinis are busy.

Sometimes you may be guilty, but just not convicted.

BrIAN KEllY Rockville Centre

Trump’s guilty?

What about Biden?

To the Editor:

As long as we still have free speech in this country, I would like to address Jerry Kremer’s accusations against Donald Trump in “Sometimes you just may be guilty until proven innocent.” The Democratic Party has put up a strong smoke-

screen to avoid the bigger and more important issue of how ineffective Joe Biden has been as leader of our country.

Biden undid everything Trump achieved as an act of spitefulness. He opened the borders, millions of unvetted illegals are here, and the schools are inundated with non-English-speaking children. He shut down the Keystone X l pipeline, many people lost their jobs, and the price of gas soared to over $4 per gallon. He ran out of Afghanistan and gave

To serve its riders, the MTA needs proper governance

the Metropolitan Transportation Authority is, unfortunately, usually in the news for billion-dollar boondoggles. But local issues and corporate governance problems plague the agency that affects the daily lives of so many riders in Nassau County. The MTA needs some corporate governance and a renewed focus on the commuters it serves, and only then will it be able to lead us out of the pandemic era and into a robust recovery.

The MTA is the largest public transit system in America, shuttling over 11 million passengers on an average weekday, covering 14 counties, employing 70,000 people and serving over 850,000 vehicles across seven bridges and two tunnels. Because of its importance to New Yorkers’ livelihoods and the economy, it is critical that it functions efficiently and serves its constituency well.

The agency has certainly hit some big milestones recently, including increased ridership, back to pre-pandemic levels, and registering over 2 million OMNY fare-payment taps in one day. But at the

same time, the MTA is failing my constituents in the 15th Assembly District, as well as the hundreds of thousands of daily LIRR riders across the MTA’s Long Island footprint.

My district stretches along the eastern border of Nassau, from Farmingdale to Locust Valley, a large portion of which is served by the notoriously problemplagued Oyster Bay line. For years, commuters in this area have had to choose between leaving work ridiculously early in order to make it home to their families, or staying at work longer and missing activities at home.

At first, the excitement over the recent East Side Access project was palpable among Oyster Bay line commuters. After years of unreliable service and difficult train schedules, it seemed like more options were finally becoming available. To our dismay, it turned out that, once again, the line will suffer the brunt of bad schedule changes. The few popular peak trains available are now even fewer and farther between, and require changing in Jamaica.

The situation has become so dire that many people are opting to drive to other stations on other lines. This not only defeats the purpose of commuter rail, it

Letters

the Taliban a gift of billions of dollars of equipment to use against us, and left soldiers and civilians to die.

Trump was accused of colluding with Russia, and was exonerated, but where is the outcry? He recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and moved our embassy from Tel Aviv, as other previous presidents failed to do. He kept North Korea at bay, and kept Putin from invading Ukraine. Now look at the mess we’re in!

As Teddy Roosevelt said, “Walk softly and carry a big stick.”

PAT KINg Merrick

We’re weary of ‘dense housing’ proposals

To the Editor:

Re Alan Singer’s column, “New housing on L.I.? Not in my backyard” (Sept. 7-13): greedy developers and passive local government have resulted in Long Island being bulldozed over for nearly 100 years. Nassau County is now virtually

devoid of open fields, natural woodlands and marshes, and the working farms I remember as a child. Traffic clogs our roadways, and critical aquifers are being depleted. For example, one mega-development, Riverside Rediscovered, in Suffolk County, is being held up due to a lack of sewage capacity.

These are just some of the reasons many are weary of “dense housing” proposals — not because all Long Islanders are inherently racist, as Mr. Singer quickly concludes. It’s true that most low-cost housing is being constructed in Black and Latino locations. It’s also true that those areas have the greatest need for housing of this kind.

Long Islanders are tired of the false choice being foisted upon us by non-residents: giant multi-story structures that no one here wants, or no affordable housing, period. Our residents, elected officials and developers should work together to find forward-looking, creative solutions to our housing crisis that are scaled appropriately. “Build, baby, build” just doesn’t cut it anymore.

ROBERT KENNEY Sea Cliff

also negatively affects small business owners around the Oyster Bay line train stations who are there to serve commuters.

The problems LIRR riders are facing are a direct result of corporate governance failures at the top.

When Phillip Eng retired as LIRR president over a year ago, the MTA announced that MetroNorth Railroad President Catherine Rinaldi would serve as president of both the LIRR and Metro-North. While Rinaldi may be a capable transit executive, the very nature of this dual role divides her focus and allegiance, which is not fair to Metro-North or LIRR customers, especially those who use the Oyster Bay line.

This arrangement would be untenable in any other arena of government, nonprofit or private business, and we need to get a fast and thorough executive search under way now. The fact that ridership is climbing to pre-pandemic levels means we needed a dedicated and focused LIRR president months ago.

But it’s no surprise that this structure isn’t sounding any alarm bells within the MTA. The same problem exists at the very top of the organizational chart.

Janno Lieber, the chairman of the MTA,

Framework

by Tim Baker

also serves as its chief executive officer. Much like the dual-president role, giving the same person the chairman and CEO powers is an inherent conflict of interest, and runs counter to the transparency and accountability that is supposed to be the bedrock of a public authority.

The private sector has for years now recognized this conflict, and more corporations are splitting the functions of the chairman and CEO. This allows the chair and the board to perform their vital oversight duties, including establishing budgets, ensuring transparency and accountability, engaging in shortand long-term planning, and evaluating executive performance, among other functions, independent of conflict.

These are problems with clear solutions. If the MTA had a better corporate structure, it would be a more transparent, accountable and efficient public authority that serves its customers better. Projects would be delivered closer to on time and on budget, and closer attention would be paid to customers throughout the system.

A clear organizational chart, with dedicated roles and talented executives, including a separate LIRR president, is the first step toward an efficient and responsive MTA. New Yorkers deserve nothing less.

Jake Blumencranz represents the 15th Assembly District.

the agency is failing hundreds of thousands of LIRR riders across the Island.

Jake BLUmenCranZ

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