Long Beach Herald 12-15-2022

City ice arena now boasts Ranger’s name

By BRENDAN CARPENTER bcarpenter@liherald.com

Long Beach is New York Rangers country, and if there was ever any doubt, the hockey team’s presence in the city grew last Saturday with the renaming of the ice arena, now the Emile Francis Memorial Ice Arena at the City of Long Beach.

Francis played for two National Hockey League teams, the Chicago Blackhawks and the Rangers. After retiring from hockey in 1960, he joined the

Rangers’ front office as an assistant general manager, before serving as general manager and then coaching the team from 1965 to 1975.

Francis died in February, at age 95.

The Long Beach Ice Arena opened in 1973, and the next year, Francis brought the Rangers there to practice. The team worked out there for six years.

“As a young man, I watched this place being built,” Joe Brand, the city’s commissioner

Long Beach to offer contracts to four senior managers

By JAMES BERNSTEIN jbernstein@liherald.com

The Long Beach City Council has voted, 3-1, to offer contracts of up to three years to four senior administrators, a deal that has historically been reserved only for the city manager.

Councilman John Bendo voted against the proposal, saying it could “burden” future councils with administrators they did not want. Council member Tina Posterli was absent.

The council’s action came at its Dec. 6 meeting, after a public hearing. Cur-

rently, only City Manager Donna Gayden has a contract. She was hired in 2020 to help the city climb out of a deep financial hole. In November 2021, Gayden signed a new contract that extends through the end of next year.

Last month, Council President Karen McInnis appointed a committee to study a possible replacement for Gayden should she decide to leave when her current contract expires. Gayden has not indicated that she has any plans to leave.

At last week’s meeting, one attendee, Long Beach resident Eileen Hession,

questioned the need for the contracts, which will be offered to Police Commissioner Ron Walsh, Comptroller Inna Reznik, Corporation Council Rich Barrios and Public Works Commissioner Joseph Febrizio.

Council member Roy Lester, who, along with McInnis and Councilwoman Liz Treston, voted for the contracts, responded: “It’s not fair for them to be fired without notice of any kind. If I were a city resident, I wouldn’t want to see anyone gotten rid of who knows the job so well.”

The terms of the contracts have not

yet been made public, and Walsh, Reznik, Barrios and Febrizio will not be required to sign them.

Walsh said he would wait to see what his looked like before deciding on whether to sign it. “I’m happy with my job,” he said. “I’d like to look at the terms and conditions.”

Walsh was hired in December 2020, after serving in the Nassau County Police Department for 28 years. He needed a waiver from the New York State Civil Service Commission to allow him to work for Long Beach while continu-

Tim Baker/Herald

FoRMER RANgER AND Long Beach resident Pete Stemkowski, right, cut the ribbon for the name change alongside Emile Francis’s son, Bobby.

Historical society gets $25K shot in the arm

By BRENDAN CARPENTER bcarpenter@liherald.com

After preserving the city’s history for over 40 years, the Long Beach Historical Society has itself started becoming history, needing renovations and repairs.

The 113-year-old building, at 226 W. Penn St. and on the National Register of Historic Places, needs new windowsills, doorsills for their exhibit room, chimney work and updated stucco. Back in October, the society got an estimate on how much these repairs would cost - $140,000. The building’s red tile roof was replaced 15 years ago for $90,000.

Harvey Weisenberg, one of Long Beach’s best-known residents who has given thousands of dollars to charities and causes in recent years, has come though once again, this time for the Historical Society.

get renovations started.

The donation was the largest donation the Society has received and has improved its chances of renovation greatly. The society has been receiving money from other avenues and people as well, including a GoFundMe crowdfunding site online in early May, which has a goal of $25,000. The Society has raised $4,428 from 64 donations on the site.

The society preserves documents related to the city’s government, police and fire departments, schools and sanitation dating back to the late 1800s.

KAREN ADAmo president, Long Beach Historical Society

The society held its annual holiday boutique two weekends ago, on Saturday, Dec. 3 and Sunday, Dec. 4. The boutique welcomes local artisan vendors and artists, holiday decorations, apple cider and treats.

On that Sunday, Weisenberg, presented the society with a check for $25,000 to help

There are also old postcards, clothing and photos of Long Beach’s past. Individuals and groups such as school classes can explore the museum, and the society also holds events across the city throughout the year.

“The first two major areas are the windowsills and the exhibit room door sills,” said Karen Adamo, the president of the historical society. “Those are the two major projects and that’s what is going to cost the most money.”

“We’ve raised a few thousand from the GoFundMe itself,” Adamo said. “It helps, but it isn’t crazy significant. Harvey had said a year ago that he wanted to give us

money. Now, he did.”

The society is still in need of some money, and along with the crowdfunding still up and the donation from Weisenberg, they have been selling reusable grocery bags at Stop and Shop, receiving $1 from each bag sold.

Adamo said the plan is to start the renovations in the spring so the weather is

better and the cement and stucco are able to be replaced. Normally, for cement and stucco, temperatures should be at least 40 degrees, otherwise the water needed to make the paste could freeze during installation, drying and setting. So, once the weather gets a little warmer, the historical society building should be becoming a little less historical itself.

Brendan Carpenter/Herald ThE LoNg BEACh Historical Society building has needed major repairs and renovations, including windows and doors.

Electric Light Parade takes over West End

Lazar LaPenna named posthumous Grand Marshal for 9th annual event

Despite the frigid temperatures, the City of Long Beach came back to the West End to celebrate the holidays this year. From the beach to the bay and the East End to the West End, the holidays are now in full swing.

Kennedy Plaza has been lit up since the beginning of the month, starting with the lighting Christmas Tree. The lighting in the plaza took place on Dec. 3, with the High School band performing holiday hits. The boardwalk was also lit-up with nautical holiday lights along its’ entirety to bring the holidays to the beach, literally. Along with the plaza and the boardwalk, the rest of Long Beach has entered the holiday season more drastically over the last few weeks, specifically the West End.

The 9th annual Electric Light Parade took place Saturday, donning the West End streets with lights, floats, music and costumes. The event brings tons of residents out of their homes on a winter night to be jolly with their neighbors. This year, though, it was a little different.

This year, 10-year-old Lazar LaPenna, who died after collapsing during a little league game in April, was named the posthumous Grand Marshal by the Chamber of Commerce.

LaPenna’s well-known number, nine, which was his uniform number, was held beside a firetruck during the parade. Along with the number, a sign saying “Bats out for Lazar” braved the cold, as his family led the parade down Beech Street.

SanTa gave up his sleigh for a bike and enjoyed the parade.

aLL TypeS of vehicles – cars, trucks and golf carts – were decorated in lights, and some fire, for the parade.

iT wouLdn’T Be Long Beach without a lifeguard stand, even during the cold weather.

The grinch made an appearance and tried to steal Christmas spirit.

Tim Baker/Herald photos

The Long Beach Polar Bears braved out the cold, although that’s nothing new for them.

BrighTLy coLored chriSTmaS floats even amazed those riding in them.

–Brendan Carpenter

A historic first in the city

ing to collect his Nassau County pension.

Mike Delury, a former member of the Long Beach City Council, said he favored the contracts.

He noted the large number of public works projects that are under way in the city, and said he would not like to see Febrizio replaced abruptly.

Frank McQuade, a veteran lawyer in Long Beach, said he opposed the idea of contracts. “A contract is hard to break,” he said, even if the person in the position is not working out. “I see bad things coming. I’m surprised (the City Council) did it.”

Robert Kennedy, the mayor of the Village of Freeport, said that only the village’s three top police officers — the chief, the assistant chief and the deputy

chief — have contracts. Kennedy, a former president of the Nassau County Village Officials Association, said that contracts for administrators are rare in New York state.

Rockville Centre mayor Francis Murray said that only the village clerk is appointed for one year.

“That isn’t even a contract,” Murray said.

Bendo said he could not vote for the contract “as written.”

“We could burden a future council with people they don’t want,” he said. “I could see a less scrupulous council appointing their friends a couple of weeks before” they leave office.

Gayden said she is required to hire the administrators, who are then interviewed by the members of the City Council. “We want a cohesive team here,” she said.

News brief

Chair permits for beach eateries revoked

The City of Long Beach said Tuesday it has revoked the permits for tables and chairs for vendors on the boardwalk, effective immediately.

John McNally, a spokesman for the city, said the permits were revoked because the chairs and tables “violate the city charter.”

He said the charter would have to be changed before the tables and chairs could be returned,

McNally said the vendors are permitted to utilize the tables and chairs within the boundaries of their establish -

ments. But they are not permitted on the public spaces on the boardwalk.

Brian Braddish, the owner of Riptides, one of the best-known of the vendors, said he was perplexed as to why the city took the action it did. The City and Braddish clashed before, over the placement of flags, including Gay Pride flags, near Riptides.

Braddish said he plans to hold a press conference at noon Monday over the issue.

Bob Arkow/Herald The Long Beach City Council voted in favor of giving new contracts to some of its top employees Tuesday.

I t’s not fair for them to be fired without notice of any kind.

Roy LesTeR councilman

High School wrestlers win weight classes

Millennial History

by Steve Jackson

Slept through high school history class? Want to learn more about the American icons Harriet Tubman, Chief Joseph and George Washington? How about the Russian naval o cer who saved the world from nuclear annihilation? Steve Jackson, a former Long Beach School District history teacher and coach, has written a traditional history book that tells the story of the American nation from its inception to its current status, including modern day threats that imperil the survival of this great land. Promoted on LinkedIn and recently endorsed by 5-time NY Times bestselling author Brian Kilmeade of Fox News Channel (pictured), Millennial History is available on Amazon.com. And catch updated blogs at www.millennialhistory.com/SteveJackson.

Courtesy Long Beach Public Schools

The Long Beach High School varsity wrestling team won the Hewlett ‘King of the Mat’ tournament last weekend. Dunia Sibomana, left, and Jack Valetnin both won their weight classes.

HempsteadWorks one-stop shop for job seekers

By MARK NOLAN mnolan@liherald.com

Searching for a new job at any stage can be daunting. Among myriad challenges are cold calls, maintaining contact lists, constantly updating social media profiles and customizing resumes, and recruiting references.

It’s enough to give even the most stalwart job hunter a feeling of timidity.

But there are resources available: HempsteadWorks. A joint effort between the Town of Hempstead’s occupational resources department and Long Beach’s city workforce development board, HempsteadWorks is intended to provide assistance at all phases of hunting for that next position.

Those services can include everything from workshops on how to create resumes and write cover letters, how to best approach a job interview, ways to utilize social media sites like LinkedIn, and even training and certification programs.

All for free to anyone living in the town or in Long Beach.

“If someone doesn’t have computer skills, we help them,” said Mary Drangel, a business services representative for HempsteadWorks. “Some don’t have a computer at home, so they can come in and use the computer resource room and work on their resume.”

HempsteadWorks, Drangel said, offers services for a wide range of professions — from truck driving to engineering.

“They are matched with a career counselor,” she said, “and we find out what their needs are and what career path they want to take. From there we have all of the services that they might need.”

While unemployment rates nationally and locally remain near record lows, there are still plenty of people in need of jobs, or even a new job. HempsteadWorks helps not just the unemployed, but the underemployed as well.

“For the adults, we have training and workshops so they can get a certificate or credential in any field,” Drangel said.

HempsteadWorks is especially skilled at helping young

and at-risk job seekers, Drangel said — even those with criminal records. The youth services program is currently helping nearly 150 Hempstead teens and young adults with job training, transportation and child care.

It’s a comprehensive program designed to eliminate potential barriers to getting hired.

“We want them to be self-sufficient,” said Nene Alameda, a co-worker of Drangel. “Some of the youth we work with have been involved with the justice system. We find companies that are willing to give them a second chance. We try to identify barriers and mitigate them. We want to help them find a sustainable wage to live on Long Island.”

The youth services program helps job seekers between 18 and 24 who dropped out of high school, have a criminal record, are homeless, pregnant, or economically disadvantaged. HempsteadWorks also has a program designed to help those trying to escape from the influence of gangs.

“We have a pro bono attorney to help them clean up their rap sheet,” Drangel said.

There are also services for those with physical and learning disabilities, as well as English language learners. Job seekers must, of course, have a legal right to work in the United States.

Job searches would be fruitless without jobs. Drangel and Alameda said that HempsteadWorks develops great relationships with businesses to meet their needs, and not just the needs of those looking for jobs.

A recent job fair in Freeport, for example, attracted 1,500 job seekers and 70 companies.

“I always feel like we’re a bit of a professional matchmaker,” Alameda said. “We work with companies to understand their needs, but we’re also working with participants who have workforce needs. How do we find that perfect fit?”

Drangel changes leadership, not her priorities

By MARK NOLAN mnolan@liherald.com

One of Hempstead’s most influential employment recruiters will soon find herself out of a job.

But on her terms.

Mary Drangel will retire from HempsteadWorks as a career center representative on Jan. 31, after 14 years of service.

But the Oceanside resident has a much longer resume with the Town of Hempstead, with jobs that include purchasing and procurement, the tax receiver’s office, and real estate. Drangel’s passion has been helping people find a job, and she exudes excitement when talking about helping them overcome the hurdles.

“It has been challenging, but also rewarding at the same time,” Drangel said. “I have to say, I feel proud of what I’ve done here.”

Drangel is getting ready for warmer temperatures with plans to move to Florida with her husband, Scott. He recently retired from the New York City’s environmental protection department. Their son, Michael, is a Rockville Centre resident, and Mary’s mother and two sisters live locally, so the couple plan to spend plenty

of time visiting back home.

Drangel plans to continue her passions for nature photography and hiking.

Drangel’s replacement, Nene Alameda, has been a part of HempsteadWorks since

June, and is intimately aware of all the programs and resources the office provides. Still, she is only grudgingly celebrating Drangel’s retirement. “When they invent the machine for

downloading of brains, I want to connect to Mary and keep downloading everything she knows,” Alameda joked. “Everything she touches turns to gold.”

Alameda has been largely responsible for HempsteadWorks’ social media campaign designed to attract younger job seekers.

She also added QR codes — two-dimensional bar codes people can scan with their smartphones taking them to specific websites.

“Our flyers are very dynamic,” Drangel said. “When you look at them, you’re attracted right to them. Nene is phenomenal at creating flyers.”

While Drangel has had good things to say about her successor, Alameda credits Drangel for much of HempsteadWorks’ success — especially after Covid-19.

“I said, ‘Why don’t we just think out-ofthe-box and do a job fair on Zoom?’” Drangel said. When asked how she was going to do that, Drangel had a simple answer.

“I said, ‘I don’t know. I’ll figure it out’” she said. “And it turned out that it really took off.”

“Who would have thought that a job fair online right after the pandemic started would take off,” Alameda said. “I don’t want her to leave.”

Mark Nolan/Herald

NENE ALAMEDA, LEFT, and Mary Drangel reviewed plans for upcoming job fairs offered by the Town of Hempstead’s occupational resources department through its HempsteadWorks Career Center.

Mark Nolan/Herald

HEMPSTEADWORKS CAREER CENTER employees Lily Dou, far left, Tamia Anderson, Maria Reed, Kurt Rockensies, Eric Mallette, Mary Drangel, Nene Alameda, Christopher DeRita and Jeanie Robano-Stocker provide comprehensive career services for Hempstead town residents.

of parks and recreation, recalled. “And, like many others, we were excited about two things. The first one was that we no longer had to get in our cars, with our dads smoking cigarettes, and drive to Amityville for skating lessons. And more importantly, the New York Rangers were coming to our hometown.”

Brand said the idea of changing the name of the arena came from Pete Stemkowski, who played for the Rangers under Francis and now lives in Long Beach. Brand told Stemkowski that he would give it a try, but he added that brokering a deal between a municipality and Madison Square Garden, which had to sign off on the proposal, wouldn’t be easy. But Stemkowski got it done, with some help from the team’s management.

“I want to say thank you to Glen Sather and James Dolan of the New York Rangers,” Stemkowski said. “When I called and spoke to them, the first words out of their mouths were, ‘Absolutely.’ They told me that no matter what it was going to take, it was going to happen.”

Stemkowski recalled that Francis liked Long Beach so much that he wanted his players to live in the area. For a time, as many as 18 of the 20 players on the team lived in Long Beach, Atlantic Beach and East Atlantic Beach, Stemkowski said.

“We didn’t mind the couple of watering holes here,” he said. “I know we

stopped at Shine’s once in a while for a cold one after a tough practice.”

Brian Mullen, another former Ranger who’s now an ambassador to youth hockey for the organization, started playing in the junior leagues that Francis established and coached in, like the Metropolitan Junior Hockey League.

“It wasn’t all about putting people in the NHL for him,” Mullen said of Francis. “It was about giving kids like me and my brother the opportunity to play ice hockey when we were playing in the streets. We try to continue that tradition today by having kids in programs, or trying hockey for free out of this building,” he added, referring to the Long Beach arena. “We’re trying to fill the big footsteps of Mr. Francis and continue his legacy.”

Along with the unveiling of the new sign, the Rangers also provided new netting and locker room upgrades for the arena. The former Rangers in attendance — André Doré, Nick Fotiu, Ron Greshner, Steve Vickers and Gilles Villemure, along with Stemkowski and Mullen — even offered a free instructional skate session for young players.

“To see this happen is something special,” said Bobby Francis, Emile’s son. “I saw down the street, someone had a hockey player carved out of wood, on the address sign, with a Ranger insignia. That’s pretty special. Thank you, Rangers, and thank you, Long Beach.”

Tim Baker/Herald

The Long Beach Ice Arena is now known as the Emile Francis Memorial Ice Arena, with the change coming last Saturday.

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: December 5, 2022

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

After a vigorous review, our auditor and board determined that a toll increase is required for the viability of the Bridge Authority. As a point of reference, bridges are rated 7 to 1, 7 being in excellent new condition and 1 being the opposite. The Atlantic Beach Bridge is rated a 5, which is incredible for a 70-year-old bridge. Make no mistake, this is because we were setup as a separate Authority from the start, in order to maintain our own bridge.

The decision to raise tolls does not come lightly, especially at a time when our residents are hurting due to high inflation. That is why we made the decision to raise the residents at a much lower amount vs. non-residents and commercial vehicles. While going from $2.00 to $3.00 seems excessive, until EZ-Pass is implemented, it is still far below what $2.00 would be worth 17 years later with inflation.

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

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

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

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

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

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

4. Exploring the use of vacant land.

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

Figure #1: Misinformation:

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

Irene Greenstein, stylish but maybe not cook, dies at 97

Irene Susanne Greenstein, who lived in Long Beach from the late 1940s until 2012, died Dec. 2, 2022. She had most recently been living in the Boston suburb of Wellesley.

She was 97.

She was born in the Bronx in December 1924 and, her family said, as a child she loved to dance and joined a dance traveling group when she was in her 20s. She tried out unsuccessfully for the famed Rockettes. They recall her saying, “Eh, I didn’t make it because I was too short. Their loss.”

Greenstein had an eyecatching sartorial sense, which led to her meeting the man she would marry, Jacob “Jack” Greenstein, at a dance in New York City that ended up cancelled. They were in their mid-20s and stood outside the dance hall trying to decide what to do. Greenstein, the family said, noticed “a great beauty in a standout red dress.”

They married in 1949, and the marriage lasted almost 70 years until her husband’s death in 2018, at age 95.

Irene Greenstein worked at Fortunoff’s department store in Westbury as one of the store’s well-known perfume

and makeup girls.

She loved to travel, and with her husband, visited Thailand, Hong Kong, Russia and Egypt. The family lore has it that an Egyptian sheikh was so impressed with her that he invited her to his palace and tried to add her to his harem. But her husband decided they should not give up their passports.

The family said that as talented as she was, she was no cook. She burned almost any meat she cooked. That did not always sit well with her husband who was a butcher.

The family said her egg salad was famous, mostly because it was always filled with eggshells.

She liked to say that she brought so much else to the table. “Jack didn’t mind that I wasn’t a great cook,” the family reported her saying. “I always kept him happy anyway.”

Two sons, Gary Greenstein of Boston and Glenn, of Long Beach, survive her. A daughter, Sharon Glazer, of Commack, preceded her in death, in 2000. Grandchildren and a great-grandchild survive.

A private graveside service was held.

James Bernstein

News BRIefs

Annual house decorating contest underway

The City of Long Beach and the Long Beach Chamber of Commerce are hosting the third annual Holiday House Decorating Event across the city. Houses involved will be pulling out all the lights, reindeer, wreaths, Santa’s, nativities, menorahs, kinaras and creativity they have.

For those interested in going on a self-guided tour through Long

Beach’s decorated houses, a digital map is available on the city’s website.

From the East End to the West End, from the beach to the Bay, there are a number of homes to visit.

Who will be the brightest?

Who will have the best theme?

Who will bring the most cheer? Grab some cocoa and find out.

More changes to proposed toll increases

City, county, and state officials met with representatives from the Nassau County Bridge Authority last Thursday to express concerns over their proposed toll increases for the Atlantic Beach Bridge. As a result, the authority announced proposed discounts for barrier island residents.

The proposed annual pass has been reduced to $162.50, from $199, and single E-ZPass trips, when implemented next year, would be

$2.50 instead of $3. The City of Long beach has also put the bridge authority in touch with U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer’s office with the hope that funding streams may be identified that will mitigate the need for any future toll increases.

NCBA commissioners meet Thursday, Dec. 15 at 6:30 p.m., at their Authority Office Administrative Building located at southern end of Route 878 in Lawrence, to discuss the changes.

Irene Greenstein

Samuel Nahmias Chairman of the Nassau County Bridge Authority.

The Empire Wind offshore wind project, located off the southern coast of Long Island, will generate 2.1 gigawatts (GW) of wind energy, enough to power more than 1M homes, an important contributor to New York’s climate action goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 85% by 2050. The project is under development by Equinor, one of the world’s largest offshore wind developers, in partnership with bp.

The federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) published a Notice of Availability of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the project November 18, opening a 60-day public comment period, which ends at 11:59 p.m. ET, January 17, 2023.

How to Attend and Comment

Attend a Public Meeting (all meetings are virtual): Register at https://www.boem.gov/renewable-energy/stateactivities/empire-wind

• Wednesday, December 7, 2022; 5:00 PM ET

• Tuesday, December 13, 2022; 5:00 PM ET

• Thursday, December 15, 2022; 1:00 PM ET

Comment Online: Search for Docket No. BOEM-2022-0053 at http://www.regulations.gov, select “Comment” below the document link, enter your comment and then select “Submit.”

Comment via Postal Mail: Send written comments to Empire Wind COP DEIS, Program Chief, Office of Renewable Energy Programs, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, 45600 Woodland Road, Sterling, VA 20166

At Hanukkah we remember freedom and equality

Many of us know the basic story of Hanukkah.

Alexander the Great established a widespread kingdom. After his demise, the base of the extended Greek Empire in the Middle East shifted to Alexandria, Egypt led by the Ptolemies.

Then, the center of the vast, powerful and influential Greek civilization consolidated with the Seleucids, in an area where modern Syria is today.

Once they conquered Israel they attempted forced assimilation of the Jews in Jerusalem, by prohibiting the practice of Judaism and by deactivating the Grand Temple by defiling it with idols of their gods, non kosher animals, and by using it as a Gymnasium.

All meant as a way of foisting Greek culture upon the Hebrews.

Eventually an armed revolt ensued, led by the priest Matisyahu, his sons, and their followers, collectively known as the Maccabees. Against all odds the citizen militia around 164 B.C.E. defeated the larger, better equipped and professional armies of Antiochus IV Epiphanes.

The astonishing victory was commemorated by the reopening of the national synagogue followed by an eight day festival. What is interesting and instructive is understanding the central theme of this nearly 2,200-year-old Jewish holiday.

It is not a celebration of prevailing militarily on the battlefield. Rather, the focus has always been about reestablishing the people’s House of Worship. Hanukkah actually means “rededication on the 25th,” because it was on the 25th day of the Hebrew month of Kislev when

the Menorah (the huge seven branch candelabra that stood within the sacred space of the Temple) was lit, signifying its readiness to once again serve the spiritual needs of the descendants of the twelve tribes of Jacob, and those that associated with and supported them.

The legend of the one small vial of olive oil used to light the seven lamps miraculously lasting eight nights and the corresponding eight day festival being the observance of the pilgrimage holiday of Sukkot, underscores the true meaning of this moment on the liturgical calendar.

It was about the Temple-it’s re-emergence symbolized a recommitment to religious freedom, self determination, belonging to a community, and a circling back to the importance of tradition, heritage, and valuing the continuity of an ancient belief system that still resonates in an ever changing world.

Presents are wonderful, potato latkes are delicious, and spinning the dreidel is fun. But let this winter holiday remind us that the radiance of the candles are meant to shine our way towards an important renewed effort.

The hope of Hanukkah is that we are inspired to redouble our work to restore the righteous principles of freedom of religion, equality, inclusion, and tolerance. And to maintain our sanctified places in a way where everyone is welcome, and for our institutions to promote justice and betterment for every inhabitant.

Hanukkah for all people, teaches that faith is mightier than the sword.

News brief

Grand Menorah lighting planned for Sunday

The City of Long Beach will join Chabad of the Beaches in the annual lighting of the Menorah Saturday, Dec. 18, at 5 p.m., at Kennedy Plaza, in front of City Hall.

Rabbi Eli Goodman, spiritual leader of the Chabad of the Beaches, will light the Menorah on the first day of Hanukkah. There will Menorah lightings Monday through Sunday, at 6 p.m.

Those in attendance will be treated to chocolate gelt drop, hot potato latkes,

jelly doughnuts and hot coffee. Those seeking more information are asked to call (516) 574-3905.

Temple Emanu-El of Long Beach will host a holiday party the same day, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sandy Schumer, director of the temple’s religious school said children attending the school wil be singing Hanukkah songs and latkes and jelly doughnuts will be given out.

Those attending will then go to the Menorah lighting at Kennedy Plaza.

Rabbi Jack Zanerhaft is the spiritual leader of Temple Emanu-El of Long Beach.

Rabbi Jack ZaneRhaft

Guest Column

Interfaith Shabbat is set for Friday, Dec. 16

By JAMES BERNSTEIN jbernstein@liherald.com

With acts of anti-Semitism and hate speech rising in Nassau County and across the country, a small group of religious leaders in Long Beach will gather Friday night, Dec. 16, in hopes of showing that unity among different faiths is possible.

Four religious leaders –Rabbi Jack Zanerhaft of Temple Emanu-El of Long Beach, Pastor Susan Bock of St. James Jerusalem Episcopal Church, Bishop Mark Moses of New Life Church, and TK of CenterPoint Church, will gather at Temple Emanu-El at 7:30 pm for an “Interfaith Shabbat.” There will also be a regular Friday night Shabbat service.

Carlson and later, on social media sites, threatened violence against Jews.

In recent months, a spate of antiSemitic flyers have been distributed in the Five Towns, which is heavily Jewish. Such flyers have also been spotted in Oceanside, Rockville Centre and Long Beach. Nassau law-enforcement officials suspect the incidents have been conducted by a group of internet trolls and conspiracy theorists.

ZANERHAfT rabbi Temple Emanu-El

“In a world where there are too many headlines, about rappers, athletes, peddling the tropes of anti-Semitism, those flames do not need to be fanned further,” Zanerhaft said.

“Here in our little corner of Long Beach, we want to embrace diversity.”

The recent headlines were filled in the last few weeks with anti-Semitic comments by the rapper Kanye West, also known as Ye. West shared anti-Semitic comments with Fox News host Tucker

In May, Nassau County’s newly-established Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism held its first meeting, The task force is the result of legislation by Legis. Arnold Drucker, a Plainview Democrat.

According to a recent report by the Anti-Defamation League, anti-Semitic incidents reached an all-time high in the United States in 2021, with a total of 2,717 such incidents of assault, harassment and vandalism.

“This represents the highest number of incidents on record since ADL began tracking anti-Semitic incidents in 1979 — an average of more than seven per day,” the ADL said in a statement.

Bock said in a statement that, “We want to celebrate, with the other three congregations, the divine light that is in

TEMplE EMANu-El of 16, featuring four religious leaders.

absolutely every person, far brighter than the darkness of hate and fear, and unquenchable. And we want to help build and be part of -— with people of any faith, or no faith — the “Beloved Commu nity” that Dr. (Martin Luther) King envi sioned and hoped in. Gathering with our neighbors in unity, kindness, and peace seems the best way to do so.”

sports

Hofstra seeks CAA championship run

By ANDREW COEN sports@liherald.com

The Hofstra men’s basketball team is poised for another high finish in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) and hopes it can carry over regular season success into the postseason.

The Pride won eight of nine games last year to end the CAA schedule, but was quickly bounced in the quarterfinal round of the conference tournament by College of Charleston as the third seed.

“The goal is always to win a championship,” said head coach and former Pride star Speedy Claxton, who guided Hofstra to a conference title and NCAA Tournament as a star point guard in 2000. “We put together a tough non-conference schedule to prepare us for the physical teams we will face in conference play.”

Hofstra returned redshirt senior guard Aaron Estrada, the reigning CAA Player of the Year who Claxton says has a potential to become an NBA player. Estrada, who transferred to Hofstra from Oregon last year, scored 33 points in the Pride’s 85-80 home win against George Washington on Nov. 14.

“He is our hardest worker,” Claxton said of Estrada. “He is our best player for a reason because he is always in the gym working on his game.”

Estrada was sidelined by an ankle injury for the Pride’s Dec. 7 road trip to fourth-ranked Purdue and in his absence saw the emergence of red-shirt freshman guard Amar’e Marshall, who scored 24 against the Big Ten power.

Hofstra (6-4) opened the season with an 83-77 come-frombehind win at Princeton on Nov. 7 in which Estrada scored 27 points and the Pride ended the

game on a 10-1 run. The game also saw an emergence of sophomore guard Jaquan Carlos, who hit the eventual game-winning three pointer, the first of many clutch baskets he has made this season.

Sophomore Darlistone Dubar, a second-year Hofstra player after transferring from Iowa State, is making strides early this season averaging 10.9 points through the first 12 games. Redshirt senior guard Tyler Thomas, a Sacred Heart University transfer, has also provided an offensive spark, averaging 12 points a game including 26 in an 83-78 win against Iowa at home on Veterans Day.

Hofstra was picked second in the CAA preseason coaches poll behind Towson. The Pride’s CAA home opener is slated for New Year’s Eve at 1 p.m. against league newcomer North Carolina A&T. The Pride’s home conference schedule is highlighted by a Feb. 4 matchup against Long Island rival and CAA newcomer Stony Brook for a 4 p.m. tipoff.

pride women off to promising start

The Hofstra women’s basketball team is making strides early on in the new season after an 8-20 record in the 2021-22 campaign.

The Pride already achieved half of last year’s win total with a 56-53 home win against Army West Point on Dec. 7 that put the team at 4-4. It nearly got win number five last Saturday, but dropped a 62-61 overtime heartbreaker at Loyola (Md).

“I’m excited for what this season is going to hold,” said fourthyear head coach Danielle Santos Atkinson. “I truly believe we have a team that wants it and they’re willing to work for it.”

Hofstra returned six from last year’s team that reached the

CAA quarterfinals including AllCAA Defensive team selection Rosi Nicholson, who also displayed her offensive ability with 16 points in a season-opening 73-68 loss to Big Ten foe Rutgers. Senior Sorelle Ineza is also back after starting 11 games as a junior.

Baldwin native Brandy Thomas, a graduate student who transferred from nearby Long Island University (LIU), has become the team’s leading scorer early on averaging 13.3 points per game including 22 in a 76-68 loss at Wagner on Nov. 26.

“She’s very competitive and pushes everyone else to be competitive as well,” said Santos Atkinson of Thomas, Junior 6-3 center Zyheima Swint is the third leading scorer early in the season and gives the Pride a strong inside presence to complement its perimeter game.

The Pride’s roster features seven newcomers including Zaniyyah Ross-Barnes, a Stony Brook transfer who is the team’s fourth leading scorer. Junior guard Ally Knights, an Australia native who transferred from North Florida, is a key rebounder and defender also capable of hitting big jump shots.

New additions to the team this season also includes freshman Emma Von Essen of Rockville Centre, who shined as a four-year member at Long Island Lutheran. Von Essen is quickly gaining minutes and got her first start in a 74-71 victory against LIU on Dec. 3 in a game where she netted season-high 17 points.

Hofstra was picked to finish last in the 13-team CAA and will look to prove the doubters wrong starting with its league opener at Delaware on Dec. 30. The Pride’s CAA home opener is scheduled for New Year’s Day against Stony Brook at 2 p.m.

Photos courtesy Hofstra Athletics Communications PRiDE REDshiRt sENiOR guard Aaron Estrada, right, is the reigning CAA Player of the Year.

hOfstRA’s WOmEN’s tEAm is making early strides and aims

prove the preseason rankings wrong.

STEPPING OUT

Toss off those shoes and skate away

By Karen Bloom

f you’ve never tried “sock skating” you’re definitely missing out. Yes, there’s plenty to enjoy about putting on skates and zipping along the ice, but sometimes the effort of dealing with the cold feet, etc., may seem a bit much for a family outing.

Long Island Children’s Museum’s indoor version enables everyone to stay warm and content while experiencing plenty of skating fun. The museum’s “ice rink,” which first made a brief appearance in Summer 2021, is back for the holiday season in a big way, through Jan. 8.

“This idea grew out of the many (post-pandemic) requests we received for physical activity for the kids,” says Maureen Mangan, the museum’s communications director. “There is a need to get kids off their screens and into some physical play. This is a great way to burn off energy and an opportunity to have a winter experience inside — warm and cozy.”

In fact, it’s been so well-received that the museum plans to make this an annual event during the holiday season.

The 800-square-foot indoor Snowflake Sock Skating rink (the equivalent size of a four-car garage) opened in mid-November to the delight of the museum’s young visitors — and their adult companions, who are just as keen to be in on the action.

“The kids are eager to get on the ‘ice,’ Mangan says. “And the parents are, too. They go out with them. You’ll see them twirling and spinning.”

WHERE WHEN

• Now through Jan. 8, Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• $15 admission

• View the LICM events calendar at LICM.org for additional information, or call (516) 224-5800.

•

The rink is made from a high-tech synthetic polymer surface that lets everyone slide around without blades, ringed by candy cane-striped posts topped with a “snowball.” Right outside, blue-hued bean bag chairs of various sizes have been placed so the “skaters” can take a break as needed.

Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City.

“We frequently see kids fling themselves on the chairs for a quick rest before jumping back on the ‘ice,’” Mangan notes.

Off the “ice” a Snowflake Village beckons.

“We expanded on the concept to include plenty of experiential activities,” Mangan says. Kids can become a “baker” in the holiday sweet shop, step inside a giant (nine-foot) snowman and serve up some hot cocoa, take a turn in the rink’s “ticket booth” and “warm up” around the rink-side virtual “fire pit” where the entire family can relax, sit on a “tree stump” share stories and make some “s’mores.”

Adds education director Aimee Terzulli: “Kids use their imaginations as they take on roles associated with these familiar winter activities.”

Winter at its best — without the chill and the need to bundle up.

Photos courtesy Long Island Children’s Museum

Families can slip on sock skates”’ and take a spin — whatever the weather — on the museum’s seasonal skating rink, with plenty of activities to occupy their ‘off-ice”’ time.

Buddy is back!

Step into the world of Buddy, a young orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported back to the North Pole, in this special production of the holiday musical. Unaware that he is actually human, Buddy’s enormous size and poor toymaking abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father, discover his true identity, and help New Yorkers remember the true meaning of Christmas.

Directed by Madison Theatre artistic director Angelo Fraboni — a Broadway veteran — the charming show features a versatile cast of Broadway professionals and Molloy University CAP21 Theatre Arts students, with Matteo Mennella, of Rockville Centre, and Malverne’s Brady Schumacher sharing the role of young Michael Hobbs.

Saturday, Dec. 17, 3 and 8 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 18, 2 and 7 p.m.; Tuesday, Dec. 20, 7 p.m.; Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2 and 7 p.m.; Thursday and Friday, Dec. 22-23, 7 p.m. Madison Theatre, Molloy University campus, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre. (516) 323-4444, or MadisonTheatreNY.org.

Eileen Ivers

The Grammy-winning fiddler and her band return to the Adelphi University Performing Arts Center stage for a lively holiday show, ‘Eileen Ivers: A Joyful Christmas.’ Ivers captures her Irish and American roots in a concert that blends traditional, story-filled, ageold Wren Day songs, poems, foot stomping, and hollerin’ roots music. Ivers and the ensemble combine their numerous instruments and voices in what surely is a soulful celebration capturing the true spirit and joy of the season. She continues to push the fiddling tradition boundaries from folk music staples to a fiercely fresh, powerfully beautiful, intense world stage experience, celebrating the glorious story of Christmas with unbridled joy.

Sunday, Dec. 18, 4 p.m. Tickets start at $50, with discounts available to seniors, students, alumni and employees. Adelphi University Performing Arts Center, 1 South Ave., Garden City. (516) 8774000 or Aupac.Adelphi.edu.

Photo:

THE SCENE

Las Posadas Poinsettias

Art talk

Baby Shark Live: The Christmas Show!

Splash along with Baby Shark and Pinkfong, on the Tilles Center stage, Tuesday, Dec. 27, 6 p.m., as they journey into the sea for the holidays to sing and dance through some of your favorite songs. This immersive experience, on the LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Boulevard, Brookville, specially appealing to ages 2-6, will have families dancing in the aisles. Join Baby Shark and friends for exciting adventures into the jungle and under the sea to explore shapes, colors, numbers and more. Enjoy hit songs in this dazzling kids spectacular, including “Baby Shark,” “Five Little Monkeys,” “Wheels On The Bus,” and “Monkey Banana Dance,” as well as holiday classics such as “Jingle Bells.” Tickets are $69.50, $59.50, $49.50, $39.50; available at TillesCenter.org or (516) 299-3100.

Join Nassau County Museum Director Charles A. Riley II, PhD, for a Director’s Seminar, Tuesday, Jan. 10, 4 p.m. He’ll discuss “Photography: Beauty and Truth,” in a session that is keyed to the photojournalism of Robert Capa and the Magnum group as well as the pioneering work of Walker Evans and Lewis Hine. He’ll compare their approach with the digital manipulation of images (including video) in the media of our time and consider the relationship between the photographer as documentarian and as artist who holds the mirror up to nature. Participation is limited; registration required. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.

Celebrate Las Posadas, the popular Latin American tradition, at Long Island Children’s Museum, Saturday, Dec. 17, 1-3 p.m. Learn about the story of La flor de Nochebuena and the significance of poinsettias during this holiday, at the drop-in program. Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or LICM. org.

JAM Dueling Pianos

Just like the dueling pianos shows made famous in Las Vegas, Orlando and New Orleans, local musician John Arden brings his concertto the Long Beach Public Library, Saturday, Dec. 17. It will be an interactive, sing-a-long show with music and comedy bits, in the auditorium, 111 W. Park Ave., from 2 to 3 pm. For more information, visit LongBeachPL. LibraryCalendar.com.

Holiday fun

Visit the streets of 19th century London during the darkest days of the year, in this adaption of the classic “A Christmas Carol,” with the Experiential Theater Company, Thursday and Friday, Dec. 15-16, 10:15 a.m. and noon; Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 17-18, 2 p.m.; Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 21-22, 10:15 a.m. and noon, on the Long Island Children’s Museum stage. Meet the Cratchit family, Mr. Scrooge, and the ghosts of past, present and future in this interactive show that weaves together music, humor, puppetry and collaboration. Celebrate the change of seasons through this beloved literary tale. Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 2245800 or LICM.org.

Grand Menorah

Lighting

Celebrate Chanukah with the Beaches Jewish Community and the City of Long Beach at the lighting of the Menorah on Sunday, Dec. 18. The event includes the Great Chocolate Gelt Drop, hot potato latkes, jelly donuts and hot coffee. The lighting will commence at 6 p.m. in Kennedy Plaza. For more information, visit LongBeachNY. gov or call (516) 574-3905.

Holiday Market

The city of Long Beach and the Long Beach Farmers’ Market will continue their first annual “Light Up Long Beach Holiday Market on Friday, Dec. 16. Kennedy Plaza has been turned into a winter wonderland with local vendors, live music and a heated tent. The market will be open from 3 to 8 pm. For more information, visit LongBeachNY.gov.

Pop-Up Eats

The Cabana Restaurant hosts Pop-Up Eats in their parking lot on Monday, Dec. 19, starting 4 p.m. Varied vendors serve up delicious bites; the bar will be open as well. No reservations needed. For more information, visit TheCabanaLBNY.com.

Having an event?

17 Dec. 15

How The Grinch Stole Brunch

With Santa

Brixx and Barley will hosts a special holiday brunch, “How The Grinch Stole Brunch with Santa” Saturday, Dec. 17 The brunch costs $20 per child and includes a holiday themed kids menu and a meet and greet with Santa and the Grinch,at 152 West Park Ave. Reservations are recommended. For more information, call (516) 544-4511.

Write a Letter to Santa

Long Beach

Nursing and Rehab hosts their “Write a Letter to Santa” event on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2:30-4:30 p.m. With letters to write, desserts to eat and Santa to meet for all ages, at 375 East Bay Dr. RSVP to Spencer at (516) 547-3354.

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

On exhibit

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

Matinee time

Join crafty Jack Frost on a magical, musical winter adventure, in Plaza Theatrical’s production of “Jack Frost,” Saturday, Dec. 17, 11 a.m. The story, narrated by the groundhog Pardon-Me-Pete, tells about the immortal winter sprite, who falls in love with a human girl named Elisa after rescuing her. Tickets are $15. Bring the kids to the Plaza stage at the Elmont Public Library Theatre, 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont. For tickets, call (516) 599-6870 or visit PlazaTheatrical.com.

Grand Central Madison deadline looms large

By JUAN LASSO jlasso@liherald.com

Only a few months ago, all signs were pointing to the imminent opening of Grand Central Madison — Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s new, fully operational terminal in Manhattan’s East Side meant to redefine the way commuters get around by putting the Long Island Railroad to full use with a new terminal station.

The MTA has conducted a number of public meetings explaining new commuting patterns in the wake of updated train schedules. Top MTA and LIRR executives hosted private leadership events enlisting the help of business leaders and local leaders to hammer home the message: Grand Central Madison is coming by the end of this year, so get ready.

Passengers might have been ready, but the MTA apparently may not. Yet, the state organization has not veered from its message — the latest flurry of public advertisements relaying the sweeping words “All aboard for Grand Central!”

With the end-of-the-year deadline looming and still no official word about when

the $11.6 billion mega-project.

The MTA cleared a regulatory hurdle last month that would have otherwise derailed any hopes of opening train service thanks to a federal waiver that pushed the deadline for engineers to install new federally mandated safety technology meant to prevent Amtrak trains from entering East River tunnels until February.

MTA spokesman Aaron Donovan says passengers should be rest-assured technology is already in place that helps prevent trains from speeding, colliding or derailing. In the meantime, the MTA will have to submit weekly safety reports to the Federal Railroad Administration, and conduct tests before the terminal goes online.

Then came a project update that parts of the LIRR’s concourse and facilities at Grand Central won’t be completed until February. That, at least, according to a capital program committee meeting report from last month citing the need for additional time.

“Opening a facility this size is an enormous task,” said Jamie Torres-Springer, president of MTA Construction & Development, during that meeting. “It is a 700,000-square-foot terminal station with three-and-a-half tunnels to Queens attached to it. It’s like laying the Chrysler Building on its side to get a sense of the complexity of the systems that need to operate to make this concourse, terminal and platforms function.”

Torres-Springer is, nevertheless, hold-

ing fast to the MTA’s promise that passenger trains will run at Grand Central by the deadline.

“I want to emphasize that the terminal is complete in every visible and functional way,” he said. “The escalators and elevators are running, and the fire alarm is installed. So the project is looking great, and we’re confident about opening service this year.”

Torres-Springer noted, however, that while systems are installed, they are currently undergoing testing and commissioning to ensure the project meets safety and operational standards. A major challenge currently at play is finalizing the test of the terminal’s airflow system.

“This is to confirm that we can move air quickly throughout the platform and the concourse in the event of a smoke condition,” he said. Testing “becomes very complex, and there’s a lot of (professionals) involved to make sure the system is safe.

“Obviously we won’t open our facilities before we are signed off on the safety of the system.”

Over the weekend, LIRR took over operational control of Grand Central Madison, making the terminal and tunnels federally regulated railroad territory. MTA officials described that as a significant step to getting the station up and running before the end of the year.

Minutes to shopping, waterfront, and public parks. elliman.com

The MeTrOpOLiTAN TrANSpOrTATiON Authority is entering the final hours before opening passenger train service from Long Island Rail Road to Grand Central Terminal ahead of its endof-year deadline despite hurdles and concerns over its completion.

Courtesy Metropolitan Transportation Authority

about holiday specials

Restaurants in Long Beach are dishing it out — not just to their patrons, but to the city — “dishing” about their holiday favorites.

The city said the month-long, annual event features Long Beach restaurants as they reveal their favorite holiday dishes and share their secret recipes.

Several eateries have been featured recently, among them the Anchor Tavern LBNY. Its owner, Kenny Leahy, says he’s been serving the public for three years, and that he has been a Long Beach resident for 32. As for the holidays, Leahy loves that people dress up, with spirits running high.

He said he has three children, who also love the holiday season.

Leahy’s favorite dishes are chicken pot

pie, short ribs and lobster bisque. He also says the restaurant’s muscles are don in a saffron cream sauce.

“It’s a fan favorite,” he says.

Would Leahy disclose a secret for holiday entertaining? His charcuterie cheese board uses all imported French, Italian cheese and meats, added with nuts and berries.

The city also heard from the Tandoor Grill, and spoke with Ram Bisht. Tandoor has served Long Beach for eight years.

Bisht loves the holiday season for its brightly dressed customers and friendly spirits.

A favorite dish, he said, is chicken korma, which comes from Kashmir

This dish is cooked during any festival, he said, and weddings or house gatherings.

Tandoor Grill also spoke about its holiday offerings in what planned to be a month-long exhibition of city eateries.

Photos courtesy City of Long Beach

The anchor Tavern is among the restaurants in Long Beach that revealed holiday secrets for entertaining during the season.

By MARK NOLAN mnolan@liherald.com

A cybersecurity services contract unanimously approved by the Nassau County Legislature’s rules committee on Dec. 5 has raised the eyebrows of an open government expert since this approval came in secret.

Yet, such discretion is necessary, county officials, said, since they believe not giving away the game plan is the best way to protect sensitive data from hackers.

At issue is a contract for Nassau County’s massive computer network. But it’s not just how the vendor will operate that remains cloaked, but also how much it will cost — and who the vendor is. All of this, according to the expert, is standard information courts have ruled the public has a right to.

The crippling malware attack on Suffolk County’s network on Sept. 8 sent shockwaves through government offices nationwide charged with protecting computer systems. Nassau officials immediately urged the legislature to act, which is exactly what its rules committee did a few months later.

A full vote of the legislature is not required under county law for contracts.

But why a secret? It’s simple, rules committee vice chair Howard Kopel said: ransomware.

“The vendor suggested (secrecy) would be a very important thing,” the legislator said. “We don’t want the crooks to know who (the vendor is) and what their methods of operation are.”

Ransomware is when someone remotely locks up a computer network or servers, releasing them only after the owners of those networks pays a monetary ransom.

Yet, is computer security enough to keep the details of a taxpayer-funded project secret? Shoshanah Bewlay, executive director of the state’s Committee on Open Govern-

ment, disagrees. If the contract has been finalized and signed, Bewlay said, there is no reason not to disclose who the vendor is and how much taxpayer money is being paid.

“I can’t imagine what FOIL exemption would apply to permit the county to withhold the name of the vendor and value of the contract,” Bewlay said, referring to the Freedom of Information Law. “‘Cybersecurity’ isn’t on the list of exemptions to FOIL disclosure.”

Kopel said legislators were advised by Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman’s staff it could be against the

law to provide more details about the contract.

They “told us not only is it unwise to release this information, but it’s potentially improper — potentially even illegal,” Kopel said. “We questioned the administration very closely for well over an hour, which is very unusual for a contract. We did vet this as closely as we could. We’re satisfied they did follow procedures properly.”

Blakeman spokesman Christopher Boyle defended the secrecy.

“This contract pertains to the cybersecurity of the county, and has been vetted by a committee composed of representatives from the office of the inspector general, county attorney, district attorney and police department to ensure its effectiveness and integrity,” Boyle said, in an email statement.

Public scrutiny of government contracts is a vital part of maintaining open government, Bewlay said. With the Nassau cybersecurity contract, the public does not know who the vendor is or how much they are being paid, or if the vendor is reputable or insured.

“Nobody wants hackers to compromise anybody’s systems,” she said. “But again, it is difficult to imagine how disclosing the name of a vendor — and the value of the contract for the vendor’s services — reveals the county’s critical infrastructure information such that it would be exempt from FOIL disclosure.”

Kopel agreed government needs better defenses against hackers, but also believes the public should trust the county that it is taking steps to protect the computer systems at the expense of details.

“What the public should know is that this is a huge problem,” Kopel said. “It is an ongoing, ever-present problem. Crooks will typically look for the easiest opportunity, the fastest buck.

“If we make it really, really hard, maybe they will go somewhere else.”

Tim Baker/Herald NAssAu COuNty LegisLAtuRe’s rules committee approved a new cybersecurity contract to protect government computers and servers. But who is servicing that contract — and how much of taxpayer dollars they’re being paid — is a secret.

WINNER:

BEST BOUTIQUE

Artisan Jules Gifts and Goodness

215 Glen Cove Ave, Sea Cliff, NY 11579 (516) 240-1894 www.artisanjules.com

FINALISTS: Madison’s Niche Multiple Locations (516) 246-9964 www.madisonsniche.com

Hummingbird Boutique 321 Sea Cliff Ave, Sea Cliff, NY 11579 (516) 671-2281 www.welovehummingbird.com

BEST GIFT SHOP

THE L.I.

GUIDE TO:

HOLIDAY SHOPPING

BEST LOCAL WOMEN’S CLOTHING

WINNER: Ruby and Jenna 433 Glen Cove Rd, Roslyn Heights, NY 11577 (516) 801-3444 www.rubyandjenna.com

FINALISTS: Rose and Eye 893 W Beech St, Long Beach, NY 11561 (516) 544-4477

Temptations for Her 3175 Long Beach Rd, Oceanside, NY 11572 (516) 678-1150 www.temptationsforher.com

WINNER:

Artisan Jules Gifts and Goodness

215 Glen Cove Ave, Sea Cliff, NY 11579 (516) 240-1894 www.artisanjules.com

FINALISTS:

Dolce Confections 1319 Broadway, Hewlett, NY 11557 (516) 347-1940 www.dolceconfections.com

White House Home 288 Hempstead Ave, Malverne, NY 11565 (516) 887-1288 www.white-house-home.business.site

BEST LOCAL JEWELRY STORE

WINNER:

Ritz Jewelry 3574 Long Beach Rd, Oceanside, NY 11572 (516) 255-0465 www.ritzjewelryinc.com

FINALISTS:

Hewlett Jewelers 1344 Broadway #6, Hewlett, NY 11577 (516) 374-3950 www.hewlettjewelersny.com

Matthew James Jewelers 76 Rockaway Ave, Valley Stream, NY 11580 (516) 561-3080

BEST LOCAL MEN’S CLOTHING

WINNER: Mur-Lees Men’s & Boy’s Shop 24 Atlantic Ave, Lynbrook, NY 11563 (516) 599-7777 www.murleesclothing.com

FINALISTS: Bertalia 15 N Park Ave, Rockville Centre 11570 (516) 536-3100 www.bertalia.net

MyTuxes at Ginos Galleria Tuxedos 234 NY-109, Farmingdale, NY 11735 (631) 753-4466 www.tuxes.business.site

BEST LOCAL CHILDREN’S CLOTHING

WINNER: Denny’s Fashion. Style. For All. 343B S Oyster Bay Rd, Plainview, NY 11803 (516) 681-4490 www.shopdennys.com

FINALISTS: Morton’s Official Camp Outfitter 533 Central Ave, Cedarhurst (516) 347-1940 www.dolceconfections.com

Cathy’s Touch 67 Merrick Ave N, Merrick, NY 11566 (516) 377-1127 www.cathystouch.com

BEST LOCAL SHOE STORE WINNER: Hummingbird 321 Sea Cliff Ave, Sea Cliff, NY 11579 (516) 671-2281 www.welovehummingbird.com

FINALISTS:

Eric’s Comfort Shoes 426 Hillside Ave, Williston Park, NY 11596 (516) 877-2002 www.ericshoes.com

Halperin Comfort Footwear and Orthotics 1 N Village Ave, Rockville Centre, NY, 11570 (516) 766-9220 www.halperinfootwear.com

BEST CONSIGNMENT/THRIFT STORE

WINNER: LuxeSwap 21 Berry Hill Rd, Oyster Bay, NY 11771 (516) 226-1055 www.luxeswap.com

FINALISTS: National Council of Jewish Women Thrift Shop 342 Central Ave (516) 569-0510 www.longislandthriftncjw.com

Lucky Finds Boutique

7A N Park Ave, Rockville Centre, NY 11570 (516) 442-4600 www.luckyfindsboutique.com

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., Plaintiff AGAINST MICHELE AVILA, et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered January 30, 2019, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on January 18, 2023 at 2:00PM, premises known as 328 EAST CHESTER STREET, LONG BEACH, NY 11561. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the City of Long Beach, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 59, Block 139, Lot 49 and 50. Approximate amount of judgment $383,969.90 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #612184/2017. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the NASSAU County COVID-19 mitigation protocols and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the court appointed referee will cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine”. Oscar P. Prieto, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 17-005555 73859 135858

LEGAL NOTICE

REFEREE’S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE

SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU CITIMORTGAGE, INC., Plaintiff - againstMICHAEL D’ANTONI A/K/A MICHAEL DANTONI A/K/A MICHAEL E. D’ANTONI A/K/A MICHAEL EDWARD D’ANTONI, et al Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on May 26, 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, N.Y. 11501 “Rain or Shine” on the 17th day of January, 2023 at 2:00 PM. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being in the City of Long Beach, County of Nassau and State of New York.

Premises known as 30 Delaware Avenue, Long Beach, (City of Long Beach) NY 11561.

(SBL#: 59-260-13)

Approximate amount of lien $292,309.67 plus interest and costs.

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale.

Index No. 608466/2019.

Mark S. Ricciardi, Esq., Referee.

Davidson Fink LLP Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 400 Meridian Centre Blvd, Ste 200 Rochester, NY 14618 Tel. 585/760-8218

For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832

Dated: November 7, 2022

During the COVID-19 health emergency, bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of sale including but not limited to, wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6-feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale.

135906

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: SOS K9 TRAINING, LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York, (SSNY) on 11/16/22 NY Office location: Nassau County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of the process to:95 East Fulton Street, Long Beach, NY 11561 Purpose: To engage in any lawful act or activity. 135612

LEGAL NOTICE ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING and 2023 BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONER MEETING SCHEDULE “PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Organizational Meeting of the Lido and Point Lookout Fire District for the year 2023 will be held on Thursday, January 5, 2023 at 7:30 p.m.

PLEASE ALSO TAKE NOTICE that the first regularly scheduled meeting of the Lido and Point Lookout Fire District for the year 2023 will be held on January 19, 2023 beginning at 7:30 p.m. The following meetings will be held on the third Thursday of each month.

All regularly scheduled meetings will be held at Headquarters, 102 Lido Blvd., Point Lookout, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York, beginning at 7:30 p.m. All meetings to be held at the above-mentioned time and place unless otherwise specified.”

TERRI RYAN, District Secretary

CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, COMMITTEES, LIENORS, AND ASSIGNEES OF SUCH DECEASED, ANY AND ALL PERSONS DERIVING INTEREST IN OR LIEN UPON, OR TITLE TO SAID REAL PROPERTY BY, THROUGH OR UNDER THEM, OR EITHER OF THEM, AND THEIR RESPECTIVE WIVES, WIDOWS, HUSBANDS, WIDOWERS, HEIRS AT LAW, NEXT OF KIN, DESCENDANTS, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, DEVISEES, LEGATEES, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, COMMITTEES, LIENORS, AND ASSIGNS, ALL OF WHOM AND WHOSE NAMES, EXCEPT AS STATED, ARE UNKNOWN TO PLAINTIFF, NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE, BOARD OF MANAGERS OF THE SURF EAST CONDOMINIUM, NASSAU COUNTY CLERK, PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA O/B/O THE IRS JOHN DOE (Those unknown tenants, occupants, persons or corporations or their heirs, distributees, executors, administrators, trustees, guardians, assignees, creditors or successors claiming an interest in the mortgaged premises.), Defendant(s).

Dowling most influential health care leader

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

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

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

Northwell is New York’s largest health care provider and private employer with 21 hospitals, 850 outpatient facilities and more than 12,000 affiliated physicians. It’s one that has

worked to upend health inequalities

Dowling has said were laid bare by the pandemic. One of those initiatives was the Center for Maternal Health, unveiled earlier this year, focused on underserved communities addressing health conditions that can occur before conception through the first year after a baby is delivered.

“This remarkable recognition truly is a reflection of the collaboration and work ethic elicited by thousands of Northwell team members who deliver compassionate care to our patients each and every day,” Dowling said, in a release. “Of course, our daily focus is on our sickest patients. But to serve our broader community, we also look at health trends both looming on the horizon, and lurking under the cover of darkness. That’s why we’ve taken a stand against gun violence. That’s why we’ve opened Northwell’s Center for Maternal Health to reduce maternal mortality — especially among Black Americans.”

Public Notices Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: CARPENTER INK LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York, (SSNY) on 01/06/2022. 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: 88 Troy Avenue East Atlantic Beach, New York 11561. Purpose: To engage in any lawful act or activity.

135399

LEGAL NOTICE

Notice of formation of AXELROD PERFORMANCE CHIROPRACTIC PLLC, a professional limited liability company, Arts. Of Org. filed with the Secretary of State of the State of NY (SSNY) on 11/04/2022. Office location: Nassau County. SSNY has been designated for service of all process. SSNY shall mail a copy of any process to the PLLC, 275 Harbor Drive, Long Beach, NY 11561. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

135827

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS, GREGORY NAHAM, Chairman 136035

LEGAL NOTICE

Supplemental Summons and Notice of Object of Action SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU Action to Foreclose a Mortgage INDEX #: 607196/2022

ROCKET MORTGAGE, LLC F/K/A QUICKEN LOANS, LLC F/K/A QUICKEN LOANS INC., Plaintiff, vs. MARTIN SCHWARTZ IF LIVING, AND IF HE/SHE BE DEAD, ANY AND ALL PERSONS UNKNOWN TO PLAINTIFF, CLAIMING, OR WHO MAY CLAIM TO HAVE AN INTEREST IN, OR GENERAL OR SPECIFIC LIEN UPON THE REAL PROPERTY DESCRIBED IN THIS ACTION; SUCH UNKNOWN PERSONS BEING HEREIN GENERALLY DESCRIBED AND INTENDED TO BE INCLUDED IN WIFE, WIDOW, HUSBAND, WIDOWER, HEIRS AT LAW, NEXT OF KIN, DESCENDANTS, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, DEVISEES, LEGATEES,

MORTGAGED PREMISES: 650 Shore Road, Apt. 2T Long Beach, NY 11561 AKA 650 Shore Road, Unit 35, Long Beach, NY 11561 To the Above named Defendant: You are hereby summoned to answer the Complaint in this action, and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the Complaint is not served with this Supplemental Summons, to serve a notice of appearance, on the Plaintiff(s) attorney(s) within twenty days aft er the service of this Supplemental Summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after the service is complete if this Supplemental Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York). In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. The Attorney for Plaintiff has an office for business in the County of Erie. Trial to be held in the County of Nassau. The basis of the venue designated above is the location of the Mortgaged Premises. TO Martin Schwartz Defendant In this Action. The foregoing Supplemental Summons is served upon you by publication, pursuant to an order of HON. David P. Sullivan of the Supreme Court Of The State Of New York, dated the Seventh day of November, 2022 and filed with the Complaint in the Office of the Clerk of the

County of Nassau, in the City of Mineola. The object of this action is to foreclose a mortgage upon the premises described below, executed by Martin Schwartz dated the May 3, 2018, to secure the sum of $156,200.00 and recorded at Book 42852, Page 832 in the Office of the Nassau County Clerk, on the May 23, 2018.

The mortgage was subsequently assigned by an assignment executed November 12, 2020 and recorded on November 19, 2020, in the Office of the Nassau County Clerk at Book 44746, Page 104.

The property in question is described as follows: 650 Shore Road, Apt. 2T, Long Beach, NY 11561 AKA 650 Shore Road, Unit 35, Long Beach, NY 11561 HELP FOR HOMEOWNERS IN FORECLOSURE NEW YORK STATE LAW REQUIRES THAT WE SEND YOU THIS NOTICE ABOUT THE FORECLOSURE PROCESS. PLEASE READ IT CAREFULLY. SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME. IF YOU FAIL TO RESPOND TO THE SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT IN THIS FORECLOSURE ACTION, YOU MAY LOSE YOUR

HOME. PLEASE READ THE SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT CAREFULLY. YOU SHOULD IMMEDIATELY CONTACT AN ATTORNEY OR YOUR LOCAL LEGAL AID OFFICE TO OBTAIN ADVIC E ON HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF. SOURCES OF INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE The state encourages you to become informed about your options in foreclosure. In addition to seeking assistance from an attorney or legal aid office, there are government agencies and non-profit organizations that you may contact for information about possible options, including trying to work with your lender during this process. To locate an entity near you, you may call the toll-free helpline maintained by the New York State Department of Financial Services at 1-800-342-3736 or the Foreclosure Relief Hotline 1-800-269-0990 or visit the department’s website at WWW.DFS.NY.GOV.

RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO LEAVE YOUR HOME AT THIS TIME. YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO STAY IN YOUR HOME DURING THE FORECLOSURE PROCESS. YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED

TO LEAVE YOUR HOME UNLESS AND UNTIL YOUR PROPERTY IS SOLD AT AUCTION PURSUANT TO A JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE AND SALE. REGARDLES S OF WHETHER YOU CHOOSE TO REMAIN IN YOUR HOME, YOU ARE REQUIRED TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR PROPERTY AND PAY PROPERTY TAXES IN ACCORDANCE WITH STATE AND LOCAL LAW. FORECLOSURE RESCUE SCAMS Be careful of people who approach you with offers to “save” your home. There are individuals who watch for notices of foreclosure actions in order to unfairly profit from a homeowner’s distress. You should be extremely careful about any such promises and any suggestions that you pay them a fee or sign over your deed. State law requires anyone offering such services for profit to enter into a contract which fully describes the services they will perform and fees they will charge, and which prohibits them from taking any money from you until they have completed all such promised services. § 1303

NOTICE NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this

summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. DATED: November 14, 2022 Gross Polowy, LLC Attorney(s) For Plaintiff(s) 1775 Wehrle Drive, Suite 100 Williamsville, NY 14221

The law firm of Gross Polowy, LLC and the attorneys whom it employs are debt collectors who are attempting to collect a debt. Any information obtained by them will be used for that purpose. 74343 135659

Michael Dowling

EMPLOYMENT

Help Wanted

ADMINISTRATIVE

Richner Communications - a rapidly growing multimedia company and publishers of the Herald newspaper grouphas several administrative job openings: Receptionist (P/T), Accounts Receivable/Billing Collections Clerk

Multi-Media Coordinator (Hours Flexible)

Qualified candidates are fast learners with good organizational and people skills - entry level ok.

Role requires working knowledge of Microsoft Office and ability to learn custom software programs.

If you would like to join a communitydriven, fast-paced environment, please send your resume to: careers@liherald.com.

American Software Resources Inc. is seeking 1 FT professional (40 HW) for the position of Data Engineer II at 4 Brower Ave, Ste # 4, Woodmere, NY 11598 for competitive salary. Data Engineer II: Analyze, Design, Develop & Test general computer applications software using Power BI, Tableau, Alteryx, Microsoft Project/Excel/Access/Visio, SQL Server, Power Apps, Sharepoint, SQL, Snowflake, Microsoft Analysis Services, Database Management, Spend Analytics, Supply Chain & Logistics Management, Accounts Receivable/Payable, Project Costing, Asset Management, Billing, Purchasing, Supplier Relationship Management, Root Cause Analysis, Lean Six Sigma. Educational & Exp Requirements: Masters in Comp Sci or Tech Mgt in Engg Tech or Info Tech + 12 months of experience as Comp Software Professional. We offer comprehensive benefits. Travel within the USA is required for the position. To apply send your resume to the above address.

CIRCULATION ASSOCIATE

Full Time/Part Time

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

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

DRIVERS WANTED

Full Time and Part Time

Positions Available!

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

EDITOR/REPORTER

The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry.

To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to mhinman@liherald.com

HIRING MAIL SORTERS $16.00-$17.00, Pickers/ Packers Springfield Gardens, $17.00. Mystery Shoppers Ages 21-25 $20.00. 860 Long Island Ave., Deer Park NY 631-586-4699

OFFICE MANAGER/ RECEPTIONIST: Private Dental Practice Far Rockaway/ Lawrence. Insurance Experience Necessary. Great Salary/ Benefits. jonfriedmandds@gmail.com 917-435-7138

OUTSIDE SALES

Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Salary, Commission, Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off. Will Consider Part Time. Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X286

PRESS-ROOM/WAREHOUSE HELP

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

RECEPTIONIST EXPERIENCED P/T Seasonal. Jan- Mid April. Franklin Square. CALL: 516-358-9455. FAX RESUME: 516-358-9483. E MAIL: ed@loturco.com.

2 Car Att Gar. MUST SEE!! SD#20 $1,599,000

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

1534 Broadway #205, BA, Extra Large 2000 Sq Ft, 2 Bedrooms (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!! $699,000

E a ST ROCK aWay

8 Acorn Rd, 2-3:30, 5 BR, 3 Bth Front to Back Split on Beautiful Quiet St in Lynbrook SD#20. Fin Bsmt, Att Gar. CAC, Gas Ht, HW Flr. REDUCED! $749,000 8 Howland Rd, BA, 4 BR, 2.5 Bth Exp Ranch on Beautiful Tree Lined St in SD#20. LR, DR, EIK, Den & Enclosed Porch. Full Fin Bsmt., 1 Car Gar. CAC, Gas Ht, HW Flrs. Update to Your Taste! $699,000 Fa R ROCK aWay 33-47 Bay Ct., BA, Enjoy The Waterviews in This Bayswater 4 BR, 1.5 Bth Split Tucked Away in Cul de Sac. Fin Bsmt. Att Gar. O/S Resortlike Yard on the Bay. Opportunity to Make This Your Dream Home! REDUCED $675,000

Open Houses

Apartments For Rent

Cemetery Plots

Home Sales

A sampling of recent sales in the area

Baldwin $580,000 Edwards Street. Cape. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Updated eat-in kitchen with stainless steel appliances. First floor bedroom. 2 car garage. Central location near all.

Taxes: $15,290.84

Bellmore $695,000 Oak Street. Colonial. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. New eat-in kitchen with stainless steel appliances. Spacious living room. Formal dining room. Many updates. Taxes: $11,737.22

Cedarhurst $940,000 Harbor Drive. Hi Ranch. 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms. Eat-in kitchen. Den/family room. Deck and enlarged driveway. Security system.

Taxes: $8,470

East Meadow $580,000 Harton Avenue. Cape. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. New eatin kitchen with quartz countertops. Open floor plan. Formal dining room. Den/family room and exercise room. Many updates, including whole house water filtration. Oversized property. Convenient location near LIRR and park.

Taxes: $8656.81

East Rockaway $599,000 Thixton Avenue. Contemporary. 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms. Updated eat-in kitchen with quartz countertops and ample storage. L-shaped dining room. Den/family room and home office. 2 gas fireplaces and cathedral ceiling. Screened Trex deck.

Taxes: $14,931.77

Franklin Square $729,000 Craft Avenue Colonial. 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms. Finished basement. Eat-in chef’s kitchen with cherry cabinets, granite countertops and high-end appliances. Open floor plan. Living room with vaulted ceiling. Large master bedroom. Den/family room.

Taxes: $15,077

Freeport $566,500 Maryland Avenue. Colonial. 3 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms. Finished basement. Updated eat in kitchen with granite countertops. Living room with fireplace. Formal dining rom. Large bedrooms. Oversized property with patio and Trex deck. Second deck over 2 car garage.

Taxes: $11,596.47

Long Beach $620,000 W. Hudson Street. Colonial. Westholme neighborhood. 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Eat-in kitchen with stainless steel appliances. Formal dining room. Covered front porch. Spacious yard with fire pit. Central air conditioning. Parking for 5+ cars. Convenient location near LIRR, restaurants, shopping.

Taxes: $9,499.90

Oceanside $615,000 Davis Street. Ranch. 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. L-shaped dining room. Den/family room.

Taxes: $13,090.82

Source: The Multiple Listing Service of Long Island Inc,, a computerized network of real estate offices serving Nassau, Suffolk, Queens, and Brooklyn.

Are you raising a grandchild, young relative or child of a family friend in the absence of the biological parents?

Are you raising a grandchild, young relative or child of a family friend in the absence of the biological parents?

Costs in the postpandemic world

Q. We are concerned we may have waited too long because of inflation. It seems nearly impossible to afford our renovation. We got “ballpark” estimates, and just look at each other in wonder when we think about how things changed from before the pandemic. Do you see prices coming down? Should we wait, rethink or do the repairs to our roof that led to doing the bigger job and just live with it? Are some cost increases real or made up?

Ask The Architect

Then you’re a Kinship Caregiver!

Are you raising a grandchild, young relative or child of a family friend in the absence of the biological parents?

Then you’re a Kinship Caregiver!

Want to keep your family healthy and safe?

NYS Kinship Navigator provides information, referral and assistance with financial needs, legal options, school enrollment, kinship law and other resources.

A. Your decision will be made based on what you’re willing to pay, not on what you can afford. Some prices are dropping, slightly, but as a window representative said recently, if you were a trucker being paid more to haul perishable groceries than windows, which would you choose? Across the board, as the pandemic waned and people went back to work who were being paid not to work, they had to be enticed with higher wages at the same time that the world economy shifted due to war and sanctions. Who could have guessed that the U.S. would become the largest oil producer in the world?

Want to keep your family healthy and safe?

Help is just a phone call away. 877-454-6463

NYS Kinship Navigator provides information, referral and assistance with financial needs, legal options, school enrollment, kinship law and other resources. Help is just a phone call away. 877-454-6463

NYS Kinship Navigator can help. nysnavigator.org

TTY: NY Relay 711 or 1-800-421-1220 nysnavigator.org

TTY: NY Relay 711 or 1-800-421-1220

NYS Kinship Navigator provides information, referral and assistance with financial needs, legal options, school enrollment, kinship law and other resources. Help is just a phone call away. 877-454-6463

TTY: NY Relay 711 or 1-800-421-1220

NYS Kinship Navigator can help. nysnavigator.org 1194471

People often look back in their lives and ask themselves, “How did we do it?” when pondering some of the most seemingly unmanageable situations. This is not to suggest that you gamble, but you must project the terms: whether you will need to earn more, and how, borrow more and work longer to pay, settle for a little less, change or abandon the goal.

The cost of any project is the number one question I get, and the most unpredictable, since, even before the life-changing pandemic, construction bids were generally all over the place. It isn’t uncommon to get an extremely low bid against an extremely high one and wonder why. The four primary factors in a contractor’s bid are overhead, labor, material cost and profit. Labor, and the choice of how much to add in for profit, would seem to be the most controllable, while overhead costs and material prices are often not controllable.

As I go about the everyday tasks of building design and construction, I speak with a whole range of people, from real estate salespeople to bankers, developers, contractors and tradespeople to lawyers, material representatives and the end users. The whole picture of where costs are going is influenced by many factors, and trying to pinpoint the cause of fluctuations is based more on people trying to simplify something extremely complex than on looking at a much broader picture.

Energy production dropped and costs increased. Fewer people were driving or working, so debt and prices increased. Add to this a world in conflict and the huge debt of war, and you begin to see that the project you want to do is affected by issues that are far beyond your control. Design can reduce some costs, finish material choices can save money, but only you can determine your willingness to “settle” or go for it. Good luck!

Monte Leeper

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

KING

CHRISTMAS

DOLLS, DOLL HOUSE MINIATURES & ACCESSORIES. Under $99.00. Call Joy Evenings, 917-743-7695 Leave Message

EARLY AMERICAN COFFEE Table: 48"x28", Shelf on bottom of table, Nutmeg Finish, $55.00. 516-781-1520

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

GOLDTONE LIGHTER BY Colibri, Brand new with butane refill, vintage $20,00 take all (516)579-9089

HENRI BENDEL BACKPACK & Wallet. Maroon, B/W Stripe. Ltmd edition, Brand New. $99 516-320-1906

HUMMEL : LOST sheep $45, the brother $40. Mint condition 646.206.4610

HUMMELS: CELLIST, THINKER, each $50. mint condition 646.206.460

MANY NEW CHRISTMAS items, vases, musical statues, much more, everything under $10.00 (516)579-9089

WICKER COFFEE TABLE: 30"Wx18"Dx18"H, Brown Wicker Table, $25.00. Ginny 516-781-1520

Finds $100-$350

BODY CRAFT ROWING MACHINE: Folds For Storage, Original Over $1000. New Condition. $350. bbj1407@aol.com 516-889-3042

KITCHEN

516.668. 8877

Finds $100-$350

MASSAGE TABLE: BRAND New. Still In Box. Asking $165.00. Call Anthony 516-872-8486

TREADMILL GYM SIZE Great Condition. $300 516 668 8877

SERVICES

Electricians

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

Handyman

HANDYMAN

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

Heating

AROUND THE CLOCK REFRIGERATION INC. Specializing In Gas Furnaces/ Ductless Heat Pump Installations/ Repairs. $99 Annual Gas Furnace Maintenance/ Inspection. FREE Estimates. Gregory 516-214-0178 gregory@clockhvac.com

Home Improvement

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

CARPENTRY & PAINTING: Residential/ Commercial. All Phases. Licensed/Insured. FREE ESTIMATES! Anthony & J Home Improvements 516-678-6641

DON'T PAY FOR Covered Home Repairs Again! American Residential Warranty covers ALL MAJOR SYSTEMS AND APPLIANCES. 30 DAY RISK FREE/ $100 OFF POPULAR PLANS. 833-398-0526

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Beware the lure of DeSantis

Former President Donald Trump has been hit with a barrage of bad news in the past few weeks. It’s also clear that his popularity is taking a hit due to the failure of his anointed candidates to win a number of contests around the country last month. With each passing day, more Republican voices are raising their fears of a potential wipeout in 2024, and are promoting Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis as a possible presidential candidate. Having closely followed the actions of DeSantis, my advice to the party is to be careful what you wish for.

him. Some call him “tough” and others describe him as “forceful,” but none of his admirers are able to articulate what makes him so great.

issue, and cruise ship owners were forced to shut down for months.

may be forced to hire people who are unlicensed and have no formal training.

JERRY KREMER

There is no question that DeSantis is a true conservative, and that he is outspoken on many issues. My friends who spend their winters in Florida rave about him. A number of them have chosen to become permanent residents, primarily to avoid New York state taxes. But I have yet to find one fan of DeSantis who can spell out specifically what they like about

There is no question that he comes off as a bold leader of his state. He embraces issues that he thinks will eventually make him popular beyond Florida, but he has been careful not to announce any presidential ambitions. If you take a close look at his record, you will find him to be anti-business, and reckless in his views on public education. One good example of his antibusiness attitude is the way he has treated Florida’s two biggest money generators.

At the height of the Covid scare, DeSantis decided that it was good politics to be anti-mask and impose no government health restrictions. Florida residents liked the idea that there should be no mandates, but many tourist industry leaders felt differently. The heads of the three biggest cruise lines insisted that their passengers wear masks when they were in public areas of the ships. DeSantis made numerous threats over this

Yes, left and right,

Standing in the doorway of 2023, with the holidays ahead, I want to focus on the ways we Americans connect and love one another. This is a challenge during our great political divide, but my hope is that we can disagree peacefully, argue with civility, and celebrate our common appreciation for millions of things, from the majesty of our Rocky Mountains to same-day delivery by Amazon.

the problem. They feel loyal to the former administration.

The Walt Disney Company fiasco is another example of DeSantis’s poor judgment. Disney is the largest taxpaying business in the state, and its top attraction. The former Disney chief executive Bob Chapek criticized DeSantis for his position on gay education restrictions. DeSantis decided that Disney had no right to speak out and had the company’s special legislative status revoked. In the end, it isn’t Disney that will suffer as much as the communities that surround the park, which will be forced to pay for costly fire, police and health facilities in 2023.

DeSantis has decided that his administration must be the only voice on the education of Florida’s students. His education commissioner has recommended all types of restrictions that have frightened teachers around the state. Numerous teachers have left the Florida system for fear that they might be punished for teaching subjects that are not stateapproved. Next year, Florida will have a shortage of thousands of teachers, and

And, of course, DeSantis was anxious to get in on the program of sending immigrants to liberal northern cities as a protest against the Biden administration. In September he approved a plan to fly 50 immigrants who were detained in Texas to Martha’s Vineyard. They were not on Florida soil, and DeSantis used unauthorized federal funds for the trip. Even Maryland’s Republican Gov. Larry Hogan called the stunt a “terrible idea.” There are countless other DeSantis actions that merit some daylight, but it’s fair to say that most people outside Florida have no clue as to how reckless he is. You can bet that the national press corps will have a field day when he throws his hat into the ring of the presidential campaign sometime next year. For now, his is just a name being used by the “anyone but Trump” faction of the party, but if he’s the ultimate choice to run, the DeSantis story will not be a pretty one.

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

more alike than not

stand why many people are reactive to our brave new world and want to go back to simpler times. Life has been unfair to large swaths of people across America. I understand it, but the “simpler times” refer to a whiter, male-dominated heterosexual culture with little room for people who were different. Our world has changed, not fast enough for some people and too fast for others.

keep our elders safe through the holidays.

Across America, people of every stripe and every polka dot and from every corner of every small town, east, west, north and south, will be traveling, feeling the love of family, and sharing food at common tables.

There will be the inside family jokes and the debate over eggnog and the best recipes for chocolate chip cookies.

There has always been open and lively conflict across America, but we are witnesses, today, to disturbing political and cultural warfare, real threats to democracy. This time around could be the last time around if we don’t figure out a way forward.

The former president, now a 2024 presidential candidate, spoke last week about dissolving the Constitution. He hosted a dinner two weeks ago at Mar-a-Lago at which two guests felt empowered to indulge in antisemitic slurs. Perhaps we are reaching a tipping point. We need room for people to re-evaluate their loyalties and reconsider their alliances with people like the men and women who participated in the Jan. 6 insurrection.

RANDI KREISS

That said, I own every single word I have written about former President Donald Trump and his extremist followers. I believe with all my heart that his MAGA movement has already compromised our democracy, but not irreparably. I acknowledge — and I have the letters to prove it — that many readers see things differently. They see President Biden as

I have not yet heard any Trump loyalist defend his comments about the Constitution. The principles of this document are our reason for being as a democratic country. The words matter. How does anyone reconcile his verbal attack on the Constitution?

I believe in the possibility of change. As voters and our law enforcement agencies move toward holding the former president accountable, we will have time and space to find the best in one another again. May the accountability unfold with dignity and gravitas.

Looking at the rapid shifts in our society and culture, it is possible to under-

We can likely agree that political sideshows on all sides are unproductive and self-serving. We need to get behind quality candidates who can check off the basic boxes: Honest? Skilled? Work well with others? See themselves as public servants?

Let’s take a breather over the holidays.

Hanukkah is coming up, with remembrances of hope and heroism going back to ancient times. Jewish people and their friends will light the candles and eat the latkes and give their children food and goodies over the eight days.

Christmas and Kwanzaa approach with people feeling more comfortable gathering with family, especially with vaccines and healthy protocols in place. Some of us will mask up, not as a political statement, but as a sensible way to

This is the season of miracles. It shouldn’t take one to bring together a people who settled a new country, fought wars for freedom together, laughed at the same movies, cried together on 9/11 and suffered together during the terrible years of the pandemic. We should be able to get it together, literally and figuratively.

After the holiday parties, we have work to do. We have children way behind in their academic studies; teenagers psychologically traumatized by lockdowns; people, including hurricane survivors and immigrants, who need safe places to live and jobs and acceptance. If we are pulling in different directions, it will be challenging to move forward.

Two things can be true at once. We are divided, and we share values and traditions. We can try to stand in one another’s shoes instead of stepping on one another’s toes.

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

we are

This is the season of miracles. It shouldn’t take one to bring us together.

Most people outside Florida have no clue how reckless the governor is.

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Fusion can augment clean-energy creation

it existed for just five seconds — but it was enough to power a home for an entire day.

It was a result of nuclear fusion, taking place last February in Culham, England, a village of barely 500 people not far from the University of Oxford. A machine there called a tokamak created heat measuring upward of 270 million degrees Fahrenheit — 10 times hotter than the core of the sun — and used a series of high-powered magnets to contain it.

It produced 59 megajoules of energy, but like many experiments before it, it used more energy than it ultimately yielded.

All of that changed on Dec. 6, when U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm revealed that scientists working at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California had accomplished what no others had done before: created a fusion reaction that resulted in a net energy gain.

All of this might not seem substantial, but the breakthrough is extraordinary. Especially in a world where new, cleanenergy sources are crucial for breaking our dependence on fossil fuels, which is rapidly destroying our environment.

Fusion would be just that: clean energy. When we hear about anything nuclear, we think either weapons, or dangerous — and highly wasteful — ways of generating power. Today’s nuclear power plants depend on a process that harnesses energy from splitting the atom, a highly radioactive process that just isn’t sustainable long-term.

But fusion is different. Instead of splitting atoms, scientists smash them togeth-

er. Unlike fission, we wouldn’t need uranium. Instead, fusion depends on isotopes of hydrogen like deuterium and tritium — both naturally available in seawater.

Of the two, tritium is radioactive. But the amount of fuel needed to create fusion is so small that very little waste is generated. Even better, fusion doesn’t produce carbon dioxide — the primary contributor to our planet’s so-called greenhouse effect — meaning that instituting technology like this could be the very means needed to reduce global warming.

Yet as much as all of this is being hailed as a breakthrough, don’t start planning for your fusion-powered car or home anytime soon. We are still years, if not decades, away from putting fusion to practical use. The Culham experiment lasted only five seconds, because that’s how long the magnets could withstand the heat. The Livermore experiments had better results, but it’s still only the beginning. Creating something that can become a regular part of our lives still requires far more research and development.

And the Earth might not have that long. The United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change says we have to move out society to a “net-zero” carbon emission system in a little more than 25 years. To even have a shot at reversing the climate change damage, we need to cut our current greenhouse emissions in half before this decade ends.

Fusion might not be here yet, but alternative energy sources are — like wind and solar. Our focus on electric vehicles is also a significant step, but not if we have to use

coal or other fossil fuels to generate the electricity to power them in the first place.

New York enacted the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act in 2019, requiring 70 percent of electricity consumed in the state to come from renewable sources by 2030, with the hope of being completely carbon-neutral by 2040.

It’s one of the most aggressive laws in the country, and one that PSEG Long Island — through the Long Island Power Authority — has been working around the clock to achieve. A number of projects are also well underway, including wind farms planned for 15 miles or so off the coast of Long Island.

Projects like that are certainly not without controversy. Fishermen fear that the wind farms will disrupt their livelihood and affect natural habitats. Closer to home, some Island Park residents have challenged plans of the Norwegian energy company Equinor to build a substation for wind energy in their neighborhood, rather than up the road a bit at the E.F. Barrett Power Station.

Achieving our renewable-energy goals will take a lot of work, as well as give and take, from both sides. And no matter what, we can’t lose focus on the end goal: To leave a beautiful planet for our children and grandchildren. The same beautiful planet we enjoy now.

But it will only stay beautiful if we make changes now. Otherwise, by the time we can turn five seconds of fusion power into something sustainable, there might not be a planet left to benefit from it.

letters

Should government manage electricity?

To the Editor:

Thank you for publishing the opinion piece by Ronald J. Rosenberg (“Energy efficient may become a contradiction in terms,” Dec. 1-8). Rosenberg clearly explained the importance of our upcoming decision regarding whether to name LIPA to oversee PSEG.

The public continues to see increases in rates and lower service. Management of both LIPA and PSEG give themselves large pay increases. Will the government do a better job at managing our electricity? The correct direction for the immediate future is unclear to me. I hope Albany will handle this situation wisely. The future will tell if we selected the correct direction for the public interests.

It’s a strange time to be a Jew, but when isn’t it?

igrew up in a non-religious family, but it was always important to my parents that we knew we were Jews, and my family followed certain traditional rituals. My father went to work on Saturdays, and the only religious holidays on which he shut his luncheonette were Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur. My younger brother and I were bar mitzvahed, and attended youth services on Saturdays and holidays. The rule in our family was, no synagogue Saturday morning, no ball playing that afternoon; no synagogue on Jewish holidays, then you go to school.

aLan sinGer

My wife and I used to celebrate both Hanukkah and Christmas with our children, who are grown now and have kids of their own. For Hanukkah, we invited the staff and families from her day care center for a latkes festival in our apartment, where I turned 20 pounds of potatoes and four pounds of onions into potato pancakes and told the story of the Maccabees as a freedom struggle. After Hanukkah, we set up a Christmas tree with a giant origami peace crane as its crown and pres-

ents underneath, to be opened on Christmas morning.

As an adult, I’m a confirmed atheist. I joke that I’m an evangelical atheist because I recruit. I can’t support Israel’s occupation of Palestinian lands on the West Bank of the Jordan River, and its treatment of Palestinians in Gaza and Israel proper. I believe Israel has the right to exist, but not as a religious state, and not as an occupying power, and I won’t visit the country while these policies are in place. But I always identify as a Jew — a secular Jew, a Jew by birth, a Jew by history, and a Jew by tradition. I call myself a Jew, not Jewish, because I know that in many households in this country, the word Jew is still used as a curse.

Today there is a lot of antisemitism in the air in the U.S., and I feel that it’s important to publicly be a Jew. The losing gubernatorial candidate in Pennsylvania, Republican Doug Mastriano, said he wanted America to be a Christian nation, and attacked his opponent, Democrat Josh Shapiro, who won, as an “elitist,” but we knew he meant Jew. In the past, attacks on the “Rothschilds” for supposedly controlling global banking were really claims that Jews somehow

Letters

She’ll take O’Connell’s agenda

To the Editor:

Excellent column by John O’Connell (“I’ll take the GOP agenda — without Trump — any day,” Nov. 24-30). The headline was deadon, and very refreshing. (The Herald’s liberal slant is relentlessly consistent, and regularly has me gnashing my teeth.)

The Republicans have to move on from Donald Trump, and they need to do it decisively and quickly. If Trump would put the country above his ego, he would step into a background role and let new leaders take the reins and reassert many of the policies his administration instituted. That would win the next election.

I fear we’ll have him as a Republican nominee or a third-party candidate, and either scenario is a loser. I Hope I’m wrong, but we’re running out of time to get our country back on track.

LINDSAY ANDERSON Glen Cove

Modernize the ‘Bottle Bill’

To the Editor:

Concerned citizens across the state are pushing for a modernization of New York state’s 40-year-old bottle deposit law. The proposal would increase the deposit from a nick-

secretly ran the world. Few people remember the Rothschilds, so now the antisemites blame George Soros, another Jew, and claim he is the evil puppet master conspiring with his co-religionists.

Kanye West has declared that he was “going death con 3 on Jewish people,” and basketball player Kyrie Irving tweeted a link to a book and movie that denies that Jews are really Jews. These claims echo positions taken by a small group that calls itself the Black Hebrew Israelites. West and Irving may be nuts, but it’s dangerous to dismiss deep antipathy toward Jews as the work of cranks.

Former President Donald Trump has been very cozy with antisemitic groups, and we know what happened in Europe in the 1930s.

Recently I attended a play about the Holocaust, and I suspect that very few non-Jews were in the audience. It was a one-actor show about the life of Jan Karski, a Polish Christian who put his life at risk to help European Jews, and it was excellent. As a teacher, as I sat there with tears in my eyes, I wondered how relevant the Holocaust and the murder of European Jews is to American students today who aren’t Jewish. The Holocaust

happened over 75 years ago, and for students, that’s ancient history. Since then there have been so many other horrific events — genocides in Bosnia, Rwanda, Cambodia and the Congo and wars and the forced displacement of populations all over the world — that the near-extermination of European Jewry no longer stands out, at least for me, as a topic that deserves a special place in the school curriculum.

Politically, I’m on the left. I can’t support the Israeli occupation, and I don’t agree with expanding Holocaust education. But I am a Jew, and I know that if antisemites take power, my family and I will be threatened. I am a Jew, which is why I am compelled to fight for rights for all people — for sexual, ethnic, linguistic and religious minorities, and for immigrants and refugees, no matter their legal status. I fight for their rights as the best way to protect my own and my family’s. Shalom.

Dr. Alan Singer is a professor of teaching, learning and technology and the director of social studies education programs at Hofstra University. He is a former New York City high school social studies teacher and editor of Social Science Docket, a joint publication of the New York and New Jersey Councils for the Social Studies. Follow him on Twitter at Twitter.com/ AlanJSinger1.

Framework by Tim Baker

el to a dime and would expand the types of containers recycled to include sports drinks, iced teas, juices, wine and liquor. Dairy products and infant formulas containers would be exempt.

Enacted in 1982, the New York State Returnable Container Act, commonly known as the “Bottle Bill,” has been extremely successful in boosting the state’s recycling rates, and has reduced litter. But expansion of the types of bottles recycled would bring immediate and long-lasting financial and environmental benefits to solid-waste programs. It is essential that New York City’s Committee on Sanitation and Solid Waste Management support efforts to improve the Bottle Bill and call on our elected officials in Albany to act now.

As it stands, the bill requires a 5-cent refundable deposit to be placed on eligible beverage containers. When it was passed, the law covered only beer and soda bottles, but it was subsequently expanded to cover wine coolers and water bottles. It requires retailers who sell covered beverages to accept returns of empty containers for the products they sell and to refund the deposits. It also requires beverage distributors to compensate retailers for the cost of collecting and recycling empty containers by paying them a small handling fee per container.

JOSEPH M. VARON West Hempstead

Varon is a volunteer with the Long Island Chapter of Food & Water Watch and a member of the Jewish Climate Action Network.

Horse and carriage rides at the Christmas tree lighting — Bellmore

my wife and I used to celebrate both Hanukkah and Christmas with our children.

Buy a Brick

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

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