Lynbrook/East Rockaway Herald 03-28-2024

HERALD

Also serving Bay Park

Baby celebrates first holiday

Page 3

Coach retires after 50 years Page 10

Kids send letters to veterans

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High with toys that were

O’Hagan created a culture of empathy

By BEN FIEBERT bfiebert@liherald.com

The NYU Langone Cancer Center for Kids toy room is stocked for the rest of the year with the help of Brianna O’Hagan and athletes at the East Rockaway School District.

The toy room is located in the heart of the cancer treatment facility. Throughout the year, the room is used as an incentive and encouragement for the kids to power through their treatment. Whether it’s their birthday, a holiday, or any other occasion, the young patients have the opportunity to sift through a box of toys, after exhausting and intensive treatCoNTiNUEd oN pagE 4

‘Communication boards’ ease young, needy students’ interaction

By BEN FIEBERT bfiebert@liherald.com

Expressing emotions may come naturally for some children, but others may struggle to convey their feelings. This is why a group of Lynbrook parents made it their mission to enhance communication skills among kids.

He’s able to say ‘I have to go to the bathroom’ or he’s able to tell other children what he wants to do, which is really important.

lAuRA MAClEIsH SEPTA board member

With one simple board, students, especially those in special education, can now interact with their peers, family, and friends in ways that they couldn’t before. Dubbed Communication Boards, they were officially implemented in the Lynbrook community last Friday at a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The Special Education PTA was behind the creation of the boards, which contain words and drawings like bathroom, walk, hot, cold, hungry, and

more to make communication more seamless among students.

SEPTA board member Laura Macleish explained how her son is very limited verbally, so the Lynbrook School District provided him with an iPad to help him communicate better.

On the iPad, there were 10 pages of various pictures, words, and other symbols that made it easier for him to demonstrate how he is feeling and what his needs are. Although this method helped Macleish’s son, she noted that it is hard for him to carry the iPad around with him on the playground.

“So that’s where these communication boards for him specifically come into such an

important role,” Macleish explained. “Because he’s able to say ‘I have to go to the bathroom’ or he’s able to tell other children what he wants to do, which is really important.”

Macleish noted that there are several groups of students that might find the board useful. She said that emotionally delayed students can use the boards for backup communica-

tion or younger students that are still learning their words can benefit from these boards.

“I have a friend who is a nanny and she was so excited to use the board because she can point out ‘this is a slide’ to a baby,” Macleish said.

Macleish said that she and SEPTA President Abby Manasakis had a five-year plan,

Courtesy East Rockaway School District

The varsity and junior varsity girls’ basketball teams from East Rockaway Jr./Sr. High School and Rockville Centre’s South Side

donated to the Cancer Center for Kids at NYU Winthrop Hospital, and refilled the center’s toy room.

The word procrastination is bandied about all the time, but what exactly is it? Simply put, it’s an approach-avoidance conflict. Part of you knows you need (or even want) to do a task but another part of you resists making the time and effort to do it. Like a Hamlet in the world of action, you’re torn between two impulses: This ambivalence makes it tough for you to act. So, what happens?

■ You start to do the task yet lingering resistance results in your working at a snail’s pace.

■ You stay stuck in your Hamlet-like conflict until the last moment; then you lurch into action, prodded on by an impending deadline or a ticked-off third party.

■ You do the work, but you’re so fixated on perfection that you never finish it for fear of it not being good enough.

3 Procrastinators walk into a bar Yup, procrastination is the butt of many a joke. No problem with that … until it gets serious. People aren’t perfect. We put things off. We forget. But when procrastination is not just an occasional occurrence but is chronic and pervasive, it will cause problems for

you throughout your lifetime.

So, it’s important to address it now! Just like there’s a major difference between getting angry at times and being an angry person; there’s a major difference between procrastinating at times and being a chronic procrastinator.

If you’re wondering how extensive your procrastination pattern is, think about how often you procrastinate and the consequences of putting tasks off. If you know many ways to procrastinate, I’m impressed. You’re a creative person! However, if you keep telling yourself, “I’ll do it later” then later you slip into something more comfortable – like a coma – it’s time to learn how to use your creativity to your advantage!

Discover Your “But!”

the title became “It’s About Time!” A thoughtful title: still, I like my But as it’s a word procrastinators use as justification why they didn’t do what they were supposed to do, as in:

■ “I was going to take care of it but……”

■ “I wanted to study but…..”

■ “I expected to be on time but….”

The most valuable thing you need to know about “but” is this: Whatever comes After “BUT” is what counts; Whatever comes Before “BUT” simply softens the blow.

do so and this innocent looking 3-letter word will be your never-ending excuse as to why you didn’t do what you said you’d do. But I’m too tired; but I was too busy; but I forgot; but, but, but…. Clearly, you’ve got to figure out a way to get the better of your buts.

Oh, and one more thing. Know the difference between but & and. “But” denotes opposition and blockage; “And” denotes connection and resolution. Both clauses of your sentence are important; one doesn’t cancel out the other. A solution awaits you! I’m sure you hear the difference between these two sentences!

■ I have work to do but sure I’ll join you. (There goes the work you were going to do!)

I want to share a secret with you. My first book on procrastination I wanted to title “Discover Your “But.” My publisher said “nope.” Too many people might misinterpret it as, “Discover Your Butt!” Seriously? Yup, seriously! Hence,

Intuitively, you already know this. If your love says to you, “You’re a terrific person “but....” you brace yourself for criticism. Though you can’t control what others say to you, you can control what you say to yourself.

Hence, I hope you do yourself a favor by placing the action-oriented part of your message after the “but.” As in, I want to hang with my friends, but I must finish my report first.” Neglect to

■ I have work to do and I’ll join you as soon as I finish it. (Both work and socializing are important!)

Linda Sapadin, Ph.D., psychologist, coach, and author specializes in helping people improve their relationships, enhance their lives, and overcome debilitating procrastination, anxiety, and depression. Contact her at DrSapadin@ aol.com. Check out her books on procrastination at Amazon.com. Visit her website at PsychWisdom.com.

LinDa SaPaDin PsychWisdom

E. Rockaway High School puts futures in focus

During the annual Career Week, East Rockaway Jr./Sr. High School students were introduced to a wide variety of postsecondary options that are available for them as they consider life after high school.

The weeklong series of interactive programs began with the “Road to College” featuring workshops and presentations by college admissions officers intended to dissipate the myths and alleviate some of the stress of the college search and application process. On Feb. 14, the school welcomed representatives from over 30 businesses and organizations for “Career Day,” giving students the opportunity to gain insight and interact directly with professionals in a variety of fields.

The day started with motivational keynote speakers who focused on overcoming obstacles and adversities. The career presentations took place in the classroom setting where presenters discussed education requirements, job details and answered questions from the students.

On Feb. 16, the program concluded with the “Future Fair,” an event for grades 7 to 12 to learn about certificate programs, trade opportunities, military enlistment, and more. This well-attended program, which is held in the high school gym, included representatives from community and technical colleges, trade unions, local and federal law enforcement, public utilities, and others.

— Ben Fiebert

Photos courtesy East Rockaway School District Personal training entrepreneur and founder and CEO of GYMGUYZ Josh York addressing East Rockaway students as they kick off Career Day on Feb. 14.

Television producer turned entrepreneur and CEO of The Gourmet Ghee Co. Nazia DeFrank meeting East Rockaway students during Career Day on Feb. 14.

East Rockaway Superintendent James DeTommaso, second from right, meeting with students at the United States Air Force booth at the East Rockaway Jr./Sr. High School Future Fair.

NYPD Deputy Chief and East Rockaway High School alumnus William Glynn sharing his insight and experience with students during Career Day on Feb. 14.

Courtesy Steve Grogan

More than 100 toys were donated to center

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ment.

O’Hagan is the driving force behind the toy drive she started over a decade ago by collaborating with local sports teams to collect items to be donated to NYU Langone. O’Hagan, who lives in East Rockaway, started organizing toy drives with sports teams when she was a softball coach at East Rockaway High, after she graduated in 2010.

“My whole family grew up in East Rockaway,” O’Hagan said. “Including my parents, who went to East Rockaway High School, along with myself and my three younger siblings and we’ve always been very involved with the high school athletics.”

O’Hagan said that her dad coached basketball at East Rockaway Jr./Sr. High School and she coached softball there. This is where she got the idea to work with the sports teams to raise money for local charities. She did this through lemonade stands, which eventually led to toy drives.

The goal of O’Hagan’s first toy drive was for her to show her siblings that they were very lucky with what they have. She wanted to show them that there are others who are less fortunate that they can help.

“During the first year that we did the toy drive, we walked to the regular pediatric unit across the street from us around the holiday time and hand toys

death to whom you want, when you want, the way you want, with the least amount of taxes and legal fees possible. These are the five steps to creating such a plan.

Step One: Understanding the Family Dynamics. Clients often overlook the inestimable value of getting to know the family dynamic. We are firm believers that the social goes first and the legal should serve the social. Too often it is the other way around. Once we understand who’s who and everyone’s interpersonal relations with each other, we are far better able to craft a plan that will work socially as well as legally. The failure to address the social aspects has led to many a plan tearing the family apart.

Step Two: Reviewing the Client’s Assets. IRA’s and other “qualified” assets (i.e. tax deferred) are treated quite differently, on death or disability, from “non-qualified” assets. The determination of the amount and value of all assets, who owns them, and whether they have named beneficiaries are of the utmost importance in planning correctly, including

to kids that were in there,” O’Hagan said. “My three younger siblings were able to really see what this toy drive was all about.”

Now, 11 years later, O’Hagan contacts two teams playing against each other in basketball and volleyball, and the teams come together before the game to donate toys in a donation box. O’Hagan said that this helps not only to give back to the cancer patients, but it also creates camaraderie and sportsmanship between the teams.

At the end of 2023, O’Hagan worked with the East Rockaway Jr./Sr. High School for her 11th annual Holiday Toy Drive. The girls’ varsity and junior varsity volleyball, boys’ and girls’ varsity basketball, the girls’ varsity basketball squad from Rockville Centre’s South Side High, and varsity cheerleading all worked together to collect toys for cancer patients. O’Hagan also worked with 15 businesses in Nassau County, which placed toy drop-off boxes in their stores.

“Those toys that I donate usually last the patients there a full year,” O’Hagan said.

O’Hagan donates the toys directly to the center. In December, the East Rockaway athletics collected and donated over 100 toys.

“The school started doing this event prior to me being here, where they would collect toys, typically during the

saving legal fees and taxes.

Step Three: Reviewing Existing Estate Planning Documents: Not having been prepared by an elder law estate planning attorney, clients’ documents rarely have adequate provisions to take advantage of the many benefits the law provides for our aging population. Wills instead of trusts have often been prepared either because the client was considerably younger and a trust was not needed or a trust was needed but the general practice lawyer was unfamiliar with the specifics of preparing a trust.

Step Four: Developing the Elder Law Estate Plan. We are now in a position to determine which persons are best suited to handle your legal, financial and medical affairs on disability or death, what type of plan should be used and how the estate should be distributed -- keeping in mind the preservation of harmony in the family.

Step Five: Executing and Maintaining the Plan. Legal documents are explained and executed, assets are retitled and beneficiaries on assets changed in keeping with planning objectives. The client is called in to the law firm every three years to ensure the plan meets the client’s current wishes and conforms with any law changes.

winter season right near Christmas time,” Gary Gregory — director of physical education, health, and athletics at East Rockaway School District — said. “We kind of stopped when Covid hit. So once we were able to start playing again, I started this back up and we’ve had great success.”

Gregory said that he wanted to bring the spirit of “giving back” to the community. He said that this drive would be a great way to do that.

“This was something that was a nobrainer for us to bring some joy to children at a time like this,” Gregory said.

Gregory said the toy drive reinforces the idea of empathy in the students. He said that to be able to put a smile on someone else’s face, who is going through a tough time, shows the type of person that you are.

“I’m very proud of everybody who was involved in this toy drive,” Gregory said. “I think it’s a great cause and I’m just happy that everybody was 100 percent involved and wanted to be part of this.”

O’Hagan said she is very appreciative of the East Rockaway athletics for participating in the toy drive, especially the parents who go out and buy a lot of these gifts.

“Even if people don’t have the means to necessarily buy something nice, even the smallest bit can go such a long way,” O’Hagan said. “And people

need to realize that because something so tiny can make such a big difference to people in need, and there are so many more people in need that people don’t even realize.”

O’Hagan said that although she lived in East Rockaway all her life, she never realized some of her neighbors were in need of basic human necessities until she visited homes of those who are less fortunate. This is why she believes it’s important to try to donate anything that can be of help, whether it is a $1 item or a $100 item.

O’Hagan mentioned that it’s never too early to start thinking about toys to collect for her next toy drive in December. She recommends donating toys that the kids at the center can play while they are there. Some of those items include board games and Lego’s, along with gift cards, which she noted are a good gift for the teens.

“Everything has to be packaged properly, otherwise we can’t give it to them because we don’t know what kind of germs can be transferred to the patients,” O’Hagan said.

Although this event is primarily geared toward the holiday season, O’Hagan said she is in the process of starting her own foundation so that she can help those in need year-round. The foundation, which will launch in the next few months, will be called the Love, Ava Project.

A five-year plan turned into a five-week plan

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where they wanted to put the boards in every elementary school in Lynbrook. To their surprise, this five-year plan turned into a five-week plan due to the support from the Lynbrook Police Benevolent Association.

“The PBA was our first donor who helped us by generously donating the money we needed so we could get the boards in West End Elementary School,” Manasakis said. “And then we had another donor that stepped up and helped us get them in at the Kindergarten Center, Waverly, and Marion Street.”

Initially, Macleish and Manasakis asked the community for help on getting started with this project. They sold t-shirts to start collecting enough money to get these boards made and installed. Macleish noted that the entire Lynbrook community immediately wanted to help.

“Just by putting this out to the community, we remember the PBA called us right away and the Lynbrook mayor called us and asked ‘How can we help?’,” Macleish said.

Along with the PBA, other major donors were the organization Joey’s Friends Too and Lynbrook SEPTA. The funds were used to help Lynbrook School District Speech Therapists Alanna Loftus, Danielle Pangallo, and Allison Siskin design the boards. The money also helped Director of Facilities at Lynbrook School District James Saitta install the boards.

“The village also purchased the boards to be installed in Greis and Larson playgrounds,” Manasakis said.

Manasakis explained that some of the boards are specific to the playground. For instance, the one installed at Greis Park will have a drawing of swings on it because there are a set of swings there.

Manasakis mentioned that she and Macleish started an annual award ceremony last year for their friend Annemarie McInerney Scully who died two years ago. With the money that SEPTA raised for the boards, Manasakis said

that they were able to name one of the boards at Marion Street after Scully.

“One student wrote a reflection on the boards about how she is now able to communicate with her sister better because of the communication boards,” Macleish said.

Manasakis said the boards are beneficial to have in the playground because it creates social opportunities for students to ask friends to play on different equipment or do different activities. She noted that it also helps kids talk about their feelings, label what they see, talk about if they like or dislike an activity, ask for help or assistance, and express wants and needs.

“It’s great for kids who are not yet using oral speech as a primary mode of communication or they can use oral speech, but perhaps due to motor planning difficulties are unintelligible or have a hard time communicating when they are feeling shy, nervous, frustrated, etc.,” Manasakis said. “SEPTA believes it is important to give all our children a way to communicate and express their wants, needs, and feelings to others.”

Macleish noted that these boards are one of the many initiatives that SEPTA is involved with that helps kids develop their communication skills. In the fall, they hosted a Sports Night event at Sportset in Rockville Centre. The event was geared towards students in special education, but Macleish said that everyone, no matter their education class, was invited to this event.

“So some of the students got to be like a buddy to a student with special needs,” Macleish said. “And you don’t have to worry about your kid, your kid does something out of the ordinary, nobody looks at you sideways.”

Macleish explained that she was moved when she saw the community come to this event where local high school students played games with the special education students. Macleish saw how important this event was to those students and she plans on bringing it back in the near future.

Melvin Mammen/Herald

Lynbrook Special education pta, local officials, the Lynbrook pBa, and Lynbrook elementary students gathered at West end elementary last friday for the ribbon cutting for a communication board, which will help students better communicate with one another on the playground.

Lawmakers, publishers rally to save local news

An advocacy group determined to save local news in New York rallied in Albany in an effort to bring more lawmakers to their cause.

The Empire State Local News Coalition — a statewide advocacy group of more than 150 local news outlets — joined elected officials at the state capital last week to support the Local Journalism Sustainability Act.

OThe bill — sponsored by state Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal and Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner — is intended to provide tax credits to local news outlets that employ journalists in their communities. HoylmanSigal joined the rally, along with colleagues like Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages, state Sen. Monica Martinez, and Assemblyman David Weprin.

ur local papers are here. They are objective. They provide information. And we need to preserve that.

“This is a full-blown crisis,” HoylmanSigal told those who gathered for the rally in the halls of the capital building. “We live in a deliberative democracy. That means our voters need to be informed to make wise choices. How are they informed? Largely through local news.”

The senate included the Local Journalism Sustainability Act in its One House budget resolution, which organizers describe as a major sign of the bill’s growing support in the legislature.

Both the senate and the Assembly release preliminary One House budgets in response to the governor’s own preliminary budget, which was released earlier this year. The state’s final budget is due April 1, and policies in the final budget almost always must be in one of the three preliminary budgets.

“It is time that New York state steps up and supports one of the most important industries — not just to our economic well-being, but to our democracy,” Hoylman-Sigal said. “The Local Journalism Sustainability Act, which is part of the senate One House budget, will assist in that regard.”

The rally was intended to signal growing pressure on lawmakers to offer much-needed benefits to the local news industry, which has experienced a significant downturn over the past two decades.

The state has lost hundreds of newspapers since 2004, resulting in the loss of not only thousands of jobs, but also thousands of stories that helped keep communities informed. In fact, there are a growing number of communities with little to no access to local newspaper coverage, according to coalition officials. More than a dozen New York counties are down to just one newspaper.

Capped at $20 million statewide, the Local Journalism Sustainability Act is a bill with bipartisan support that provides payroll tax credits for the employment of local news journalists.

News organizations would receive a 50 percent refundable tax credit against the first $50,000 of each newsroom employee’s salary — up to $200,000 per outlet.

The benefit would be limited to print and online newspapers and broadcasters, with 100 employees or less, that cover local community news. This, sup-

porters say, ensures that only truly local news outlets will qualify for this assistance.

“Someone once said that ‘newspapers are the textbooks of democracy, and the lifeblood of freedom,’ and that’s a responsibility newsrooms like ours take very seriously,” said Michael Hinman, executive editor of Herald Community Newspapers, which employs more than 30 journalists across 24 newspapers on Long Island and in New York City.

“Communities depend on their local newspaper, because there is nowhere

else you’re going to get the news about and for your neighborhood, written by someone who knows your neighborhood. Time and time again, it’s been proven that the best communities in America are communities with a strong, local newspaper. And if we don’t do something now, those great communities will be lost to history.”

But in order for this particular bill to move forward, it needs to be supported not just by the senate, but also by the Assembly and by Gov. Kathy Hochul, so that it is included in the final state budget.

“The fight to save local news is a fight to save our democracy,” said Zachary Richner, founder of the Empire State Local News Coalition and director of Richner Communications — the parent company of Herald Community Media.

“Hometown newspapers deliver the hyperlocal updates and investigations necessary to sustain a community’s civic and financial well-being. As local news declines, critical stories are lost, and communities become more polarized.

“We’re proud to have the senate’s support, and we call on Gov. Hochul and the Assembly to support this industry-saving bill and protect critical newsroom jobs.”

Michaelle Solages says she’ll continue to push for the bill’s inclusion in the final state budget with her colleagues in the Assembly.

“We’re continuing our work on Long Island making sure the local story — the story that matters to individual New Yorkers — are heard,” Solages said. “But we really need to make sure we are investing into our community, investing into local journalism, and combatting this growing social media that is spreading misinformation.

“Our local papers are here. They are objective. They provide information. And we need to preserve that.”

Photos courtesy Empire State Local News Coalition

Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages joins lawmakers and supporters like Assemblyman David Weprin, at left, and state Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal, at right, to call on her colleagues to support the Local Journalism Sustainability Act. The measure — currently included in the senate’s One House budget — would provide tax credits to local news outlets, so they can keep local reporters on the ground and covering communities.

State Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal, right, has pushed to put the Local Journalism Sustainability Act into the state senate’s One House budget, to provide tax credits to news outlets employing journalists to cover local communities. The measure is championed by the Empire State Local News Coalition, founded by Zachary Richner, director of Richner Communications, left.

MICHAELLE SOLAGES Assemblywoman

Hofstra baseball swings for the fences

By ANDREW COEN sports@liherald.com

The Hofstra baseball team missed out on a chance to defend its conference title last year and is fueled for a return to the championship stage in late May this spring.

After reaching the NCAA Tournament for the first time in program history during a magical 2022 season, the Pride bats were driven back to earth in 2023 with an eighth-place finish that left the team just short of qualifying for its league’s sixteam double-elimination tournament held Memorial Day weekend.

This season the Pride were picked ninth in the 12 team Coastal Athletic Association and is looking to prove the doubters wrong to have an opportunity to once again compete for the conference’s automatic bid into the NCAAs.

“We got off to a slow start and then towards the end of the season we started playing better and we just missed out on making the tournament,” said third-year Hofstra head coach Frank Catalanotto, a former 14-year Major League Baseball player from 1997 to 2010 with the Detroit Tigers, Texas Rangers, Toronto Blue Jays, Milwaukee Brewers and New York Mets. “It’s a motivating factor for not only the coaching staff, but also for the student athletes to be ready to play these games.”

Hofstra began the 2024 season with two narrow losses to then 14th-ranked Virginia before taking two of three from Liberty and New Mexico on the road the following two weekends. The Pride entered the start of CAA with two close losses at Columbia and Fordham.

Senior catcher Matt Pelcher, a Merrick native, has emerged as one of Hofstra’s leading hitters this season with a .328 average entering the CAA schedule. Pelcher, who played high school baseball at the prestigious IMG Academy in Florida, hit a home run in an 10-8 season-opening loss at Virginia and went 3-for-4 in a narrow 3-2 defeat at St. John’s on March 8.

“He’s made big strides with his swing and has really bought into what we’ve been teaching,” said Catalanotto of

Pelcher, who registered an RBI double in Hofstra’s 12-8 loss at Columbia on March 19. “He’s a big part of what we do and his versatility helps us out quite a bit.”

Pelcher is among four starters hitting above .300, including sophomore Dylan Palmer at a team-leading .450 starting the conference schedule. He earned Second Team All-CAA and CAA All-Rookie honors as a freshman. Senior outfielder Alex McCoy and graduate student third baseman Santino Ross are also shining offensively so far with .364 and .386 batting averages, respectively.

Catalanotto is also hoping two of his other top hitters, Will Kennedy and Steve Harrington, can produce during the CAA schedule after hitting slumps in March.

The pitching staff is led by senior Michael O’Hanlon, who recorded seven strikeouts in a 9-1 victory against Manhattan College on March 15. O’Hanlon

has stepped into the ace role after serving as the closer the last two years.

The Pride has a number of pitching options out of the bullpen including Rockville Centre native Danny Kelleher, a former South Side High School standout who tossed three scoreless innings in a 9-6 loss at New Mexico on March 3. Catalanotto is hoping Kelleher can continue to make strides on the mound and live up to his full potential.

“He’s been doing a good job and he’s gotten much better from last year,” Catalanotto said of Kelleher. “He’s throwing a lot of two seam fastballs that sink and also a good change-up so he’s keeping the ball down and getting ground balls.”

Another local arm on the roster is freshman Nick Apollo, who earned All-

County accolades at Seaford High School last year and led the Vikings to a county title. The versatile Apollo, who Catalanotto sees potential in for a strong future, received playing time at first base in a 17-6 loss to Manhattan on March 16.

Hofstra travels to longtime CAA foe Towson this weekend before hosting Delaware in another critical three-game conference series from April 5-7. The CAA regular schedule concludes at home against Monmouth on May 18 before the conference tournament commences from May 22-28 at UNC-Wilmington.

“It’s a really tough conference,” Catalanotto said of the CAA, which added last year’s 22nd-ranked team Campbell this season. “We are going to have to bring our best every single game.”

Senior outfielder Alex McCoy is off to a strong start at the dish with a .364 batting average.

Photos courtesy Hofstra Athletics Communications Pitcher Danny Kelleher, a South Side High School graduate, is a key member of the Pride bullpen.

Islanders to host NHL All-Star Game in 2026

By TONY BELLISSIMO

tbellissimo@liherald.com

The next National Hockey League All-Star Game will be played at UBS Arena in Elmont.

The announcement came during the first intermission of the Islanders-Rangers Stadium Series game at MetLife Stadium.

Islanders legend Denis Potvin broke the news alongside Islanders legend Bryan Trottier during a live interview on ABC with reporter Emily Kaplan.

It’ll take place in 2026 and serve as an appetizer to that year’s Winter Olympics. There will be no All-Star Game next season as the NHL pivots to a 4 Nations Face-Off.

“The National Hockey League is thrilled to have the best and brightest of our game hosted at the spectacular UBS Arena for the 2026 NHL All-Star Weekend,” NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement. “We have been looking forward to UBS Arena playing host to one of our major League events since before construction of this wonderful arena began. We have every confidence that the Islanders organization, led by Scott Malkin and Jon Ledecky, will deliver a celebration that will make the greater New York region and the NHL proud.”

Additional information on the NHL’s midseason showcase including its dates, ticketing and broadcast information, will be announced when available.

“We are honored to be invited to host the National Hockey League, the game’s finest players and fans from around the world to join us in New York for the 2026 NHL All-Star Weekend,” said Malkin, the Islanders’ Majority Owner.

“Whether our guests will be watching the talented players on the ice in UBS Arena, a building built specifically for hockey, shopping in Belmont Park Village or enjoying pre- and post-game festivities in The Park, the 2026 All-Star weekend will show NHL fans the outstand-

Elmont’s UBS Arena will host the next National Hockey League All-Star Game.

ing destination we have for hockey, shopping and entertainment,” he added.

The 2026 All-Star Weekend will mark the second time the Islanders host NHL All-Star activities, with first being the 1983 edition featuring the Campbell Conference All-Stars defeating the Wales Conference All-Stars 9-3, and Wayne Gretzky claiming NHL All-Star MVP honors at Nassau Coliseum.

“After an impressive All-Star Weekend earlier this

month, the players are looking forward to raising the bar even higher at UBS Arena in 2026 where we know the New York Islanders will be great hosts for the event,” said Marty Walsh, NHLPA Executive Director. “The NHL All-Star Weekend will be an exciting lead-in to the 2026 Olympic Winter Games.”

Fans can sign up to receive news and updates on the 2026 NHL All-Star Weekend. Visit www.nhl.com/Islanders for more information. Herald file photo

Jack Small retires after coaching for five decades

By BEN FIEBERT bfiebert@liherald.com

After 45 years of coaching in Lynbrook, Jack Small will be retiring, leaving an impact on the students he trained along the way.

Jack Small is a name that multiple generations of students at the Lynbrook School District are familiar with. He started coaching in 1974 and four years later he made his way to Lynbrook. On Tuesday, March 19, Small coached his final game at Lynbrook.

Throughout the years, Small coached varsity football, varsity softball, along with boys and girls basketball and soccer. He coached at Lynbrook Middle School, with 36 of the 45 years being a physical education teacher at Marion Street Elementary School.

“It’s all about the kids,” Small said when asked what his favorite part about coaching was. “The Lynbrook student athletes are amazing kids to coach. They’re hard working, they’re smart, they’re respectful, and I just really enjoyed coaching.”

Small emphasized that at the middle school level, it’s really important to be a teacher to these young athletes. He said that he didn’t only teach them how to be a better athlete, but to also respect everyone.

Tathletic director at that time asked him if he wanted to stay on as a coach, which he said “absolutely.” While he was teaching, Small coached four sports and then after his retirement in 2015, he coached two sports teams. Small said he considers himself lucky to have been able to coach these Lynbrook athletes for so long.

“My teams have always done really, really well,” Small said. “And a lot of that credit goes to the youth coaches and the parents who coached them before they came to me and taught them the fundamentals.”

he Lynbrook student athletes are amazing kids to coach. They’re hard working, they’re smart, they’re respectful, and I just really enjoyed coaching.

Jack Small Retired Lynbrook coach

“We talked a lot about not just respecting your coaches and teachers, but to also respect the custodians, teacher aides, bus drivers,” Small said. “And they caught on to that pretty well.”

When Small retired from teaching 9 years ago, the

Small mentioned that for the past 10 to 15 years, many of the students that he coached, he also coached their parents.

“I never did,” Small replied when asked if he thought he would be a coach for this long. “But when I started coaching at Lynbrook, I really enjoyed it.”

Before each game, Small said he would tell the kids to “have fun and play as hard as you can.” He told them that regardless of the final score, he is proud of them.

“It’s been a true honor for me to have coached the many Lynbrook athletes over the years,” Small said. “Along with these athletes, I’m going to miss my fellow coaches, the athletic department personnel, the parents, and everybody’s been wonderful. I love Lynbrook and I just feel lucky and blessed to have been able to coach here for all these years.”

At Small’s final game on March 19, his eighth grade girls basketball team won. The winning game, which took place at Lynbrook High School, symbolized Small’s huge impact on Lynbrook schools.

Education Foundation’s 5k returns next month

By BEN FIEBERT

bfiebert@liherald.com

Runners, get ready to wake up bright and early and hear “on your mark, get set, go” for a scenic run in East Rockaway.

On April 6 at 8:30 a.m., get your running shoes ready for the East Rockaway Education Foundation’s 8th annual 5k run/walk. The event, which is rain or shine, will start at 130 Hewlett Point Ave. in East Rockaway. Not only will this run make you physically feel good, but participants will also be helping fund programs at East Rockaway School District.

Vera Gallagher, director of EREF, explained that the 5k will start and end at the parking lot by the bay at Hewlett Point Avenue. The company Elite Feats will be at the event to time the runners. She noted that the auxiliary police will be there as well to help coordinate the race.

“We will have a nice mix between children, parents, teachers, the track club, and students who are trying to get volunteer hours,” Gallagher said.

The registration for the 5k is $30 and all of the proceeds at this event will support local students. The run has raised over $35,000 to support grants and scholarship programs for the students of East Rockaway schools.

“An example of grants approved includes material for grade 3 to 6 Art Club on the Move,” Gallagher noted in a release. “Another example is compasses for orienteering that incorporate real-life geography skills.”

As reported on the EREF website, “Smartboards, robotics and science lab equipment, inno-

Information for the 5k

On April 6 at 8:30 a.m.

Starts at 130 Hewlett Point Avenue

Rain or shine

— Ben Fiebert

vative seating and furniture, author visits, makerspace materials, and scholarships have been funded by our grant program.”

Last year, there were 120 registered runners with a total of $12,684 raised. A majority of the funding came from local sponsors. This year’s 5k sponsors, so far, will include Veolia; Bagel Gourmet; Carney, Pacheco & Frangiosa, P.C; Certified Public Accountants; Sterling Pierce; and Capital Market Advisories.

“Our hope for this year is that we will have more runners,” Gallagher said.

Gallagher said that the event is also a walk so people who want to bring their kids in strollers, people in wheelchairs, or people who just don’t want to run can participate in this event.

“Preparation for the 5k includes not eating too much before the run, stretch before and after, wear the correct footwear, and prepare for the weather by dressing in layers if needed,” Gallagher said.

You can sign up for the 5k at Events.EliteFeats. com/24eref.

Courtesy Jack Small

Jack Small, right, being honored on March 19 by Joe Martilotti, Lynbrook’s director of athletics, at Small’s last game coaching.

Courtesy EastRockawayEdFoundation.org Sean and Theresa Lynch running in the 2017 Education Foundation 5K. This year’s race is on April 6.

East Rockaway students share Valentine’s Day love with veterans

Before the February break, students at East Rockaway’s Centre Avenue Elementary School participated in the Valentines for Veterans campaign, which sent thousands of handmade cards to service members and veterans throughout the U.S. and the world.

The students created colorful cards with messages of love, hope, and thanks inside intended to brighten the day for heroes who may not be with their loved ones for Valentine’s Day.

— Ben Fiebert

Thoughts for holiday season

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Happy Easter to you and your families! Thank you for your love for the inspired Word of God. Thank you for your love for the Resurrection appearances of our Lord in this Easter season and the way your lives are set on fire in your meditation and contemplation of these mysteries.

Thank you for your fidelity to the Eucharist and the Sunday Mass and your Catholic spirit of evangelization. Thank you for being instruments of Eucharistic Revival.

In The Joy of the Gospel, Pope Francis states: “Christ’s resurrection is not an event of the past; it contains a vital power which has permeated the world. Where all seems to be dead, signs of the resurrection suddenly spring up. It is an irresistible force...Each day in our world beauty is born anew, it rises transformed through the storms of history ... Such is the power of the resurrection, and all who evangelize are instruments of that power.” (276)

We continue to live through “the

storms of history” and we rely on the Risen Lord and his glorified wounds to touch the wounds in Ukraine, the Middle East, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Armenia and Azerbaijan, the region of the Sahel, the Horn of Africa and Sudan, as well as Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan and so many other troubled areas of the world. We ask the Risen Lord and his glorified wounds to touch the wounds experienced in our own country.

In The Everlasting Man, G.K. Chesterton captured the power of our Lord’s Resurrection experienced in the cycles of history. He wrote: “Christendom has had a series of revolutions and in each one of them Christianity has died. Christianity has died many times and risen again; for it had a God who knew the way out of the grave.”

This Easter and every Easter we celebrate this Everlasting Man who knew his way out of the grave and who invites us and the Catholic Church on Long Island to a great Resurrection.

Sincerely yours in the Risen Lord, Most Reverend John O. Barres

Mayor Alan Beach

Deputy

Mayor Michael Hawxhurst

Trustee Ann Marie Reardon Trustee Robert Boccio

Trustee Michael Habert

Courtesy East Rockaway School District Centre Avenue kindergartners participating in Valentines for Vets and creating handmade cards that were sent to veterans and service members to help brighten their Valentine’s Day.

Centre Avenue fifth graders showing off their Valentine’s Day cards that were sent to veterans and service members as part of the Valentines for Vets campaign.

Direct

cjdagostino@gmail.com www.charlesdagostino.com

Girl Scout’s positivity board tackles mental health issues

By JUAN LASSO jlasso@liherald.com

The acute mental health challenges of children and teens, borne out by ballooning rates of anxiety and depression, are a reality universally acknowledged by mental health experts. Girl Scout Alicia Tritschler of Lynbrook Troop 2168, a 15-year-old student at Valley Stream South High School, knows this all too well.

Her generation has grown side-by-side with the advent of social media and its ability to amplify or reshape the social pressures and stresses her fellow teens face.

Emerging evidence also suggests the pandemic, whose years of forced isolation and lost socialization have had a lasting effect on children’s and teens’ mental health.

“I know I wanted to do something that helps people, really kids and teens, who might not be in a good mindset right now or stressed out about life because of Covid,” said Tritschler.

Her answer, as part of her Silver Award project, was a simple yet compelling tool to help her peers elicit feelings of

It’s Your MoneY

By Jonathan Wolfsohn MBA, CFP, EA, ATA

self-confidence and self-worth: a positivity board.

What started as a broad white canvas with a small acrylic mirror in its lower center became covered in Post-it notes chock-full of uplifting phrases. From last August to February, patrons from the Waldinger Memorial Library have grabbed a marker and Post-it note, jotted down a word or sentence of positive affirmation, and tacked it onto the board.

“The mirror is there to look at yourself, as you say to yourself, whether silently or out loud, the kind words you wrote,” noted Tritschler. “The gesture of putting it on the board and letting someone else read it can also make you feel good knowing you’re passing on words of encouragement to a stranger you may never meet.”

Social media, pandemic stress, and self-Image

Psychologists have long spoken about the link between high stress and low selfesteem, especially in young people.

Some note that the same students who tie their self-esteem to how well they do in school are also the ones more vulnerable to the onset of increased stress from studying harder and longer to get higher grades. That stress can impair their academic performance on which their selfesteem depends, which can only further erode self-worth, creating a vicious spiral.

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There’s also no shortage of anecdotes warning about how girls’ self-esteem is becoming increasingly tied up in their personality profiles online.

“I see stress in a lot of kids my age and in high school, like my peers,” said Tritschler, who argued that awareness is often the first step in wrangling stress. To that end, the board also comes with a fun teaching component to deepen her peer’s understanding of the nature of stress and its implications for their mental health.

“There’s a QR code on the board that takes them to a Kahoot game,” an online system that offers multiple-choice quiz questions under a game-like format, said Tritschler. “I got books on stress from the library, and I put maybe 15 questions on the quiz game,” she noted. “Questions like ‘How many weeks of constant stress can you have before you’re diagnosed with anxiety?’”

Positivity Board gains momentum

But the Waldinger Memorial Library wasn’t the only place to promote the positivity board. When Tritschler and her fellow Girl Scouts from across the country were treated to a theatre workshop production of Wicked the Musical, hosted by Wicked and StudentLive in partnership with Girl Scouts USA, she turned one of the program’s mini-events—an essay contest about doing a “wickedly” good service project—into an opportunity to magnify her message.

Presented as a service to the community by L.I. Tax Services Inc. Div. of Wolfsohn and Bhandari Accounting, Tax and Advisory Services 15 3 Broadway, Lynbrook NY 887-7380

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From dozens of submissions, Tritschler was not only among the five girls selected to read aloud her good service project essay, but was awarded the grand prize.

Caitlyn Jenner backs transgender athlete ban

By PARKER SCHUG pschug@liherald.com

Caitlyn Jenner wouldn’t be allowed to participate in women-focused team sports on Nassau County property — but she’s OK with that.

The transgender former Olympic gold metal-winning decathlete joined County Executive Bruce Blakeman in Mineola Monday to express her support for Blakeman’s ban on transgender girls and women participating in teams geared exclusively toward girls and women on county property.

“I have empathy for all LGBT people, and I have a thorough understanding of all the struggles, no matter how different our circumstances,” Jenner said.

Jenner — who transitioned into a woman in 2015 — had a six-year career in the Olympic men’s decathlon, taking the gold at the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal.

Before, Jenner played college football for the Graceland Yellow Jackets.

She recounted her time training and competing in the Olympics, and the saliva tests that the International Olympic Committee used to test for biological male and femaleness.

“It is done in a matter to protect the integrity of the competition,” Jenner said. “Today, the problem is even more clear. Trans women are competing against women, taking valuable opportu-

nities from the law-protected class under Title IX, and causing physical harm.”

Jenner talked about a North Carolina high school volleyball player who said she was injured after a transgender opponent spiked the ball on her during a game.

“In volleyball, we think of it as a noncontact sport,” Jenner said, “but these are the statistics.”

The women’s net is 7.5 inches lower than the men’s net, making it easier to spike, she said.

Men also tend to be 8 inches taller than women on the volleyball scene, and can jump 6 inches higher.

“The average spike for the men, a good spike, is 82 miles an hour,” Jenner said.

“The average spike for women, 64 miles per hour, 30 percent greater velocity playing a man. And that’s why we have to protect women’s sports.”

Since her transition, Jenner has become a transgender rights activist, and has starred in her own reality television show, “I Am Cait,” documenting her transition.

But not everyone agrees with what Jenner stands for — even in the LGBTQ+ community. David Kilmnick, president and founder of Long Island-based LGBT Network, said Jenner’s support of Blakeman’s executive order is a contradiction to her own identity.

“Embracing policies or ideologies that

undermine the rights and dignity of LGBTQ+ individuals is not only hypocritical, but also harmful,” Kilmnick said, in a statement. “Jenner’s alignment with such positions not only perpetuates discrimination, but also adds fuel to the rising number of violent and hate incidents committed against transgender individuals.”

Blakeman signed his executive order last month demanding sports, leagues, organizations, teams, programs or sport entities operating in county facilities designate themselves based on male, female or co-ed, and then only accept athletes who meet that criteria according to what was originally listed on their birth certificate.

While those born male would not be allowed to participate in female teams, the order does not ban females from joining male teams.

“My executive order has one goal, and that is to make sure that competition is fair and safe in Nassau County,” Blakeman said.

Attorney General Letitia James sent a cease-and-desist letter to Blakeman earlier this month, demanding he rescind his executive order, calling it not only transphobic, but also illegal under the state’s human rights and civil rights laws.

Blakeman responded a few days later by joining Mark Mullen, a Nassau County parent of a female athlete, to file a federal lawsuit contesting the order.

Parker Schug/Herald

Former Olympic gold medal-winning decathlete, Caitlyn Jenner, joins Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman to support his executive order banning certain transgender athletes from women’s sports at county facilities. Under the ban, Jenner would not be allowed to participate in organized teams dedicated to women on county property.

Cricket World Cup looks to ‘hit for six’

By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com

The Nassau County International Cricket Stadium is starting to take form in Eisenhower Park.

The temporary 34,000-seat venue will serve as one of the hosting locations for the 2024 International Cricket Council Men’s T20 World Cup, set to take place this June in locations that also include Florida, Texas and

the initial ballot,” Geoff Allardice, the ICC’s chief executive said. “I’m delighted to confirm today that we’ve worked closely with our partners to release more tickets to 51 of the 55 games of the event.”

For those unable to purchase tickets, Blakeman says the county will set up watch parties in various locations details of which will be announced at a later date.

ture firm also responsible for creating Yankee Stadium, Citi Field and the UBS Arena, among others. The initiative is privately funded, and the stadium is being built in the open space behind the park’s aquatic center, adja-

Tickets for games have been hard to obtain, but ICC officials say fans may still be able to secure some.

“The levels of interest in being part of the event are huge, with more than 3 million ticket applications in

Allardice also thanked the county and Blakeman for their support, saying the ICC had “found a true partner” that supports the council’s “vision and ambition.” The stadium had originally been planned for the Bronx, but moved to Nassau County after considerable resistance from neighbors surrounding Van Cortlandt Park there.

“It’s fantastic to stand here today and see our vision come to life,” Allardice said.

Ali Khan, a Pakistani-born American cricketer who plays for the United States, says he’s excited about returning home for the upcoming games.

“It’s really good to be here in Nassau County this morning — good to see all the people coming out,” Khan said. “We cannot wait to take the field here.”

Team USA will compete against India on June 12 in Eisenhower.

“That’s going to be a huge game for us as a host country,” Khan said. “I wish (that) a lot of people come, especially local supporters. Get your tickets now and come support your home team, Team USA.”

As part of county’s negotiations with the ICC, the stadium will be disassembled after the tournament, but the state-of-the-art cricket field will be left in place, along with practice facilities in Cantiague Park in Hicksville.

Local cricket teams and leagues will be able to use the fields when the tournament ends.

“Cricket,” Blakeman said, “is here forever now.”

Jordan Vallone/Herald

OUT

The Chocolate Expo returns with an exciting Wonka-twist

Everyone has a golden ticket to the Chocolate Expo

By Danielle Schwab

or the love of chocolate, there’s a sweet treat awaiting everyone at this year’s Chocolate Expo.

The popular event — proclaimed as one of the largest chocolate showcases in the United States — is back, ready to tantalize all on April 14.

Chocoholics will delight in the day-long food paradise. An array of 90-plus vendors — including those representing Long Island, New England and even international purveyors — will share their sweet and savory wares with the public during this unique food-centric festival at the David S. Mack Sports & Exhibition Complex at Hofstra University.

So Good: The Neil Diamond Experience

Robert Neary honors an icon with a tribute show like no other. With more than 35 years as a Broadway, television and film actor, Neary brings a special flair to his tribute show. With his powerful presence, from the moment he struts on stage wearing trademark black, gray, and silver sequined jacket, Neary, uncannily resembles Neil Diamond at the height of his touring career in the ‘90s and 2000s. His wit and mannerisms on stage are spot on, especially when he plays his guitar. When he speaks and tells the stories and trivia behind some of Neil’s most popular songs, his rich baritone gravelly voice can easily be mistaken for Neil’s own speaking voice. The title says it all. It is the quintessential Neil Diamond concert experience that concludes with a mind-blowing finale.

Saturday, March 30, 8 p.m. $49.50, $39.50, $35, $29.50, $25. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY. com.

“We have a wide variety of interesting products,” says Marvin Baum, the Chocolate Expo’s founder and creator. “It’s like going to a wine tasting. You’re trying something different and exploring. That’s really what it is, for people to come and explore all kinds of culinary delights. In this case, it’s with chocolates, baked goods, specialty foods, wines, cheeses and other products as well.”

Celebrate and indulge in delicious gourmet goodies — even treats for your beloved pooch. Of course, tasting is very much a part of the event, starting from the moment you enter.

• April 14, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

• $20 adult, $10 ages 5-12 ($30 adult, $15 ages 5-12 at door); available from TheChocolateExpo.com

• Hofstra’s David S. Mack Sports & Exhibition Complex, Hempstead

The scrumptious combination of savory and sweet includes chocolate-covered pretzels, artisanal chocolates, bonbons, fudge, rum cakes, hot chocolate, and even chocolate-covered bacon.

And, certainly, no chocolate event would be complete without big chocolate fountains. Guests are greeted by fountains overflowing with dark, white and milk chocolates, which can deliciously drench a selection of fresh fruit, marshmallows pretzels and Rice Krispies Treats.

Visitors will surely enjoy another special treat: An appearance by actors from the original 1971 film “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.” Julie Dawn Cole (Veruca Salt), Paris Themmen (Mike Teevee), and Rusty Goffe (who in addition to playing an Oompa Loompa, has also been in five of the Harry Potter movies and in Star Wars ), are the festival’s special guests. Baum proudly proclaims this is the first Wonka cast reunion at a chocolate event.

“We found that there was a true emotional connection for a lot of people, between the movie and their own lives — whether it be with good memories with the family or as being part of an escape,” he says. “And so, for that reason, we think that a lot of people on Long Island are going to respond to and be really excited to see this get-together of the Wonka characters.”

If your palate reaches sensory overload, take a break to check out some of the many activities that round out the day. Shows and demonstrations include chocolate smashing, where participants can break a part of high-quality chocolate molds with hammers. There’s also a demonstration with DJ Chef, the first winner of Food Network’s “Cuthroat Kitchen,” known for spinning tunes while cooking.

The youngest “fun-sized” visitors will enjoy Kidz Zone, enticing them with face painting, balloon twisting and crafts.

The festival, according to Baum, has now taken on a life of its own.

“I said, ‘We need to do something where New York businesses can actually make some money. Instead of just doing tastings, let’s do something where we’re tasting and have sales.’ And basically, that became the first New York Chocolate Expo.”

Participating chocolatiers, bakers and related purveyors offer a mindboggling collection of goodies.

Among the enthusiastic local returnees, Wantagh-based Uncle Jeff’s Pecan Pies is not to be missed. Owner Jeff Church participated for the first time last year, and enthusiastically reports the response to his offerings was “beyond belief.” He’ll offer both his all-natural chocolate and regular pecan pies again this year.

“As soon as they opened the doors, people swarmed the tables saying ‘one of these,’ ‘one of those,’” he says. “It was insane.”

Another bakery, Valley Stream’s Chez Hedwidge, caters to folks with dietary restrictions. All products are gluten-free and soy-free, with vegan options available. Edwidge Oriol — who owns the business with her husband — has been involved with the Chocolate Expo for five years.

“Those who have these (dietary) challenges, they deserve a good treat,” she says.

Among the items Oriol will ll bring is her gluten-free chocolate tart, which won third place in a Culinary Federation of Long Island competition.

Whether you’re looking to grab your local faves or find a new delicious obsession, the expo is the place to indulge in some chocolatey fun.

“Everybody is welcome,” Baum says. “All the noise of day-to-day life, all that’s pushed to the side. We want to get together, have a good time, share memories, share some good food, and support local businesses.”

Academy of St. Martin in the Fields

The Academy of St. Martin in the Fields is recognized for fresh, brilliant interpretations of the world’s greatest orchestral music.

Formed by Sir Neville Mariner in 1958 from a group of London’s leading musicians, it’s become one of the world’s most respected orchestral ensembles. Joshua Bell, music director and Grammywinning violinist, has performed with virtually every major orchestra in the world, and is one of the most celebrated artists of his era. Led by violin virtuoso Bell, this performance showcases Mendelssohn’s deeply emotive Violin Concerto, with Bell himself taking the stage as both soloist and leader. The program also includes Rossini’s Il barbiere di Siviglia Overture, and Brahms’ Symphony No. 2 in C major, Op. 61. Set out with Bell and the orchestra on a passionate musical journey of passion and triumph as the extraordinary ensemble demonstrates their artistry.

Friday, March 29, 8 p.m. Tickets start at $80. Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville. Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com or TillesCenter.org or (516) 299-3100.

The Chocolate Expo always is a showcase of scrumptious bites.

Photos courtesy Chuck Fishman

THE Your Neighborhood

April 6

Jaime Lozano y La Familia

Mexican

musical multi-hyphenate and Lincoln Center regular Jaime Lozano appears on the Tilles Center stage with his Familia, an all-star Latin lineup of Broadway and OffBroadway performers, Saturday, April 6, 8 p.m.

Heralded by none other than Lin-Manuel Miranda as “the next big thing,” Lozano’s newest work, “Songs by an Immigrant,” is a musical journey about diversity and integration.

Lozano honestly portrays the challenges of the first- and second-generation middle class U.S. immigrant experience: finding a new home, learning a new language, dealing with discrimination, pursuing the American Dream, and searching for ways to build bridges instead of walls. His Familia includes Mauricio Martínez, Shereen Pimentel and Mayelah Barrera, as well as a nine-piece orchestra. The spectacular celebration of Latin talent includes special guests who are students from Long Island University’s Theatre Arts Department, which adds an exciting dynamic to the performance, showcasing the next generation of rising stars in the industry. The collaboration between these seasoned professionals and up-and-coming talents is sure to create a truly unforgettable experience for all who attend. “Songs by an Immigrant” is an inspiring celebration of the immigrant odyssey. Tickets start at $50; available at TillesCenter.org or (516) 299-3100. LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville.

‘Listen to the Music’

Join L.I. Cabaret Theatre for their latest performance, Saturday, April 6, 2 p.m., at the Elmont Library Theatre. In this spirited show music is on the menu as the cast travels back to different years in the past to find clues and knowledge to save the Melody Diner from demolition. A cast of 35 keeps the action moving along, with a live band. The singers and dancers performs current hits, oldies and also tunes from the Broadway stage. Free admission. Elmont Memorial Library Theater, 700 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont. (516) 354-5280 or LICabaret@aol.com.

Springtime in Paris

Tea

Enjoy tea with the Historical Society of East Rockaway and Lynbrook, Sunday, April 7, 1-3 p.m.. at a Springtime in Paris Tea, at Lynbrook Public Library. $30 per person . Advance purchase required at the East Rockaway Public Library circulation desk. on Carpenter Avenue and Eldert Street. For more information, call (516) 593-5791 or email MadelineVP@Verison.net.

On exhibit

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

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

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

Country Jukebox

The North Shore Symphony Orchestra is joined by Broadway and New York cabaret stars for “Country Jukebox: Kenny, Dolly & Friends,” Saturday, April 6, 8 p.m., on Adelphi’s Performing Arts Center stage. Your toes will be tapping and your hands clapping during this evening of country classics from the 1950s to today’s hottest contemporary hits.

The dynamic performers, with the NSO salute such greats as Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton, Tammy Wynette, George Jones, The Judds, Carrie Underwood and more. Tickets start at $45, with discounts available to seniors, students, Adelphi alumni and employees. Adelphi University, 1 South Ave., Garden City. (516) 877-4000 or Adelphi. edu/pac.

Movie matinee

Enjoy a move on Lynbrook Public Library’s big screen. See “Gran Turismo,” Tuesday, April 9, 2 p.m. The 2023 film is based on the unbelievable true story of a team of unlikely underdogs: a struggling working-class gamer (Archie Madekwe), a failed former racecar driver (David Harbour), and an idealistic motorsport executive (Orlando Bloom). Together, they risk it all to take on the most elite sport in the world. 56 Eldert St. Visit LynbrookLibrary.org or call (516) 599-8630 for more.

South Shore Symphony in concert

Enjoy the popular orchestra,as it continues its season,with special guests Deborah Lifton and the Adea Quartet, Saturday, April 6, 7:30 p.m., at the Madison Theatre. Program includes Rachmaninoff’s “Symphonic Dances,” Op. 45; Samuel Barber’s “Knoxville: Summer of 1915,” Op. 24; and Robert Schumann’s “Concertpiece for 4 Horns”, Op. 45. Molloy University, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre. Tickets available at MadisonTheatreNY.org or (516) 323-4444.

Catch up with Kiwanis

Lynbrook Kiwanis Club meets twice monthly. Meetings are held first Thursday monthly, at 6:30 p.m., at the Lynbrook Library, 56 Eldert St., and on the third Thursday of each month, at 7 p.m., at Savino’s Restaurant and Wine Bar, 88 Atlantic Ave. For more information, visit Facebook. com/KiwanisLynbrook.

Having an event?

Art explorations

Converse, collaborate and create at Family Saturdays at Nassau County Museum of Art, Saturday, March 30, noon-3 p.m. Get inspired by the art and objects in the galleries and then join educators at the Manes Center to explore and discover different materials to create your own original artwork.

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

Bingo

Enjoy bingo at St. Mary’s Maris/Stella Knights of Columbus, every Thursday , 7 p.m. With $1,500 cash prizes, food from Vincent’s Restaurant, coffee, snacks, and more. 78 Hempstead Ave. For more information, call (516) 8872228.

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.

Forest Bathing

Sands Point Preserve offers another in its series of Forest Bathing walks, led by certified guide Linda Lombardo, Saturday, April 13, 10 a.m.-noon. Based on the Japanese tradition of Shinrin-Yoku, a wellness practice developed in the 1980s, the walk, on the grounds of the former summer residence of Howard Gould and later Daniel and Florence Guggenheim, inspires mindful connections with the natural elements of the woods for a range of healthful benefits. $40, $35 members. Registration required. Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Road. For information, visit SandsPointPreserveConservancy.org or call (516) 571-7901.

Breastfeeding Support Group

Mercy Hospital offers a peer to peer meeting for breastfeeding support and resources, facilitated by a certified breastfeeding counselor, every Thursday , 10:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m. Bring your baby (from newborn to 1 year) to the informal group setting. All new moms are welcome, regardless of delivering hospital. Registration required. Call breastfeeding counselor, Gabriella Gennaro, at (516) 705-2434 to secure you and your baby’s spot. Mercy Hospital, St. Anne’s Building, 1000 North Village Ave., Rockville Centre. For information visit CHSLI.org.

East Rockaway Education Foundation 5K

Run — or walk — for a cause at the East Rockaway Education Foundation’s 5K, Saturday, April 6. Proceeds will help the foundation support East Rockaway schools. The race starts at 8:30 a.m., rain or shine, at Hewlett Point Beach in East Rockaway. Suggest $30 donatioin. The first 250 registrants get a free drawstring bag. Register at tinyurl. com/EREF5k.

Experience Lynbrook

Food, music, and friends create the perfect opportunity to present your business to Lynbrook and the surrounding communities at Experience Lynbrook, hosted by Lynbrook Chamber of Commerce. Don’t miss this special event to support local businesses and enjoy community camaraderie, Saturday, May 4 , noon-3 p.m. The entire village is invited, as well as outside communities to this business showcase, held at Lynbrook Library. This is the perfect opportunity for businesses to expand their customer base. Sponsorships are available. $25 per table for exhibitors; Chamber of Commerce membership required to obtain a spot. 56 Eldert St. For more information, visit LynbrookUSA.com.

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE

Garda Holdings, L.L.C. formed the corporation filing the Articles of Organization with the Department of StateSecretary of State (“SS”) on September 9, 2023. The corporate office is located in Nassau County. SS shall be served with service of process and mail same upon Garda Holdings, L.L.C. located at 23 Carol Street, Lynbrook, New York 11563, for lawful purposes.

144995

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU

FEDERAL NATIONAL

MORTGAGE

ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff AGAINST GEORGE R.

ERCOLE JR A/K/A GEORGE ERCOLE, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered December 4, 2017, 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 April 9, 2024 at 2:30PM, premises known as 169 SPENCER AVENUE, LYNBROOK, NY 11563.

All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of East Rockaway, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 38, Block 441, Lot 232.

Approximate amount of judgment $367,743.07 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #008271/2009. 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”. Mark

Ricciardi, Esq., Referee

Gross Polowy, LLC 1775

Wehrle Drive

Williamsville, NY 14221 18-002974 79436 145239

LEGAL NOTICE

SURROGATE’S COURT, NASSAU COUNTY

CITATION

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK,

By the Grace of God Free and Independent

TO:Office of the Attorney

General Grassi & Co.

Jasper Surety

Karen Henson

Valerie Warren

Charles Stoldt

Ellen Stoldt

Carl Heintze

Craig Heintze

Trudy Walker

Michael Magnuson

Cheri Magnuson

Loraine Magnuson

any and all unknown persons whose names or parts of whose names and whose place or places of residence are unknown and cannot after diligent inquiry be ascertained, distributees, heirs-at-law and next-ofkin of the said Arthur Henry Heintze, deceased, and if any of the said distributees named specifically or as a class be dead, their legal representatives, their husbands or wives, if any, distributees and successors in interest whose names and/or places of residence and post office addresses are unknown and cannot after diligent inquiry be ascertained

A petition having been duly filed by Public Administrator of Nassau County, who is domiciled at 240 Old Country Road, Suite 603, Mineola, New York 11501.

YOU ARE HEREBY CITED TO SHOW CAUSE before the Surrogate’s Court, Nassau County, at 262 Old Country Road, Mineola, New York, on April 24, 2024, at 9:30 o’clock in the forenoon of that day, why the account of Public Administrator of Nassau County, a summary of which has been served herewith, as Administrator of the estate of Arthur Henry Heintze, should not be judicially settled.

[X] Further relief sought (if any):

1.Releasing and discharging the Petitioner from all liability, responsibility and accountability as to all matters set forth in the account of proceedings;

2.Allowing the commissions of the Petitioner in the amount of $ 44,371.46 pursuant to SCPA 2307(1) and the reasonable and necessary expenses of the office in the amount of $ 14,148.59 pursuant to SCPA 1207(4);

3.Fixing and determining the attorney’s fees and disbursements of Mahon, Mahon, Kerins & O’Brien, LLC attorney for petitioner in the amount of $ 80,875.13 as and for legal fees and $ 1,342.99 as and for disbursements, for a total of $82,218.12, of which $ 11,218.12 has been paid and $ 71,000.00 is unpaid;

4.Fixing and determining the accounting fees of Grassi & Co, CPA’s, PC in the amount of $ 9,750.00 of which $ 3,750.00 has been paid and $ 6,000.00 is unpaid;

5.Releasing and discharging the surety;

6.Directing each of you claiming to be a distributee of the Decedent to establish proof of your kinship, and

show cause why the balance of said funds should not be paid to said alleged distributees upon proof of kinship or deposited with the New York State Comptroller on account for the unknown next of kin of Arthur Henry Heintze, Decedent, should said alleged distributees default herein or fail to establish proof of kinship;

7.Granting such other and further relief as to the Court is just and proper.

Dated, Attested, and Sealed, March 5, 2024

(Seal)

HON. HON. MARGARET

C. REILLY

Surrogate s/ Debra Keller Leimbach Chief Clerk

Signature of Attorney Richard T. Kerins, Esq.

Print Name of Attorney

Mahon, Mahon, Kerins & O’Brien, LLC

Firm Name (516) 538-1111

Telephone 254 Nassau Boulevard South, Garden City South, New York 11530

Address rkerins@mmkolaw.com

Email (optional)

NOTE: This citation is served upon you as required by law. You are not required to appear. If you fail to appear it will be assumed that you do not object to the relief requested. You have a right to have an attorney appear for you, and you or your attorney may request a copy of the full account from the petitioner or petitioner’s attorney.

145445

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT

COUNTY OF NASSAU

NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC D/B/A

CHAMPION MORTGAGE COMPANY, Plaintiff AGAINST SUSAN ROSINO

INDIVIDUALLY AND AS SURVIVING SPOUSE OF ALBERT ROSINO, JR., ET AL., Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered September 23, 2016, 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 April 15, 2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 48 WASHINGTON AVENUE, LYNBROOK, NY 11563.

All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Lynbrook, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 38, Block 85, Lot 116, 117.

Approximate amount of

judgment $309,111.06 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #008332/2015. 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”. Jane Shrenkel, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 15-003177 79666 145408

LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORKCOUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCF 2 ACQUISITION FUND, V. EMMA F. FORD, ET AL.

NOTICE OF SALE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure dated February 5, 2024, and entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau, wherein U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCF 2 ACQUISITION FUND is the Plaintiff and EMMA F. FORD, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on April 16, 2024 at 2:30PM, premises known as 596 BROADWAY, APARTMENT 10A, LYNBROOK, NY 11563: Section 42, Block E, Lot 550: ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF LYNBROOK COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 604181/2019. Harold F. Damm, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure

sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES.

145441

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORKCOUNTY OF NASSAU

BETHPAGE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION, V. PATRICIA VEZZI.

NOTICE OF SALE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure dated June 30, 2023, and entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau, wherein BETHPAGE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION is the Plaintiff and PATRICIA VEZZI is the Defendant. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on April 22, 2024 at 2:30PM, premises known as 70 WEST BOULEVARD, EAST ROCKAWAY, NY 11518: Section 0042, Block 00034-00, Lot 00004: ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS

THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING AT “BAY PARK” ON HEWLETT BAY, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 607880/2022. Brian J. Davis, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES.

145586

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU CitiMortgage, Inc., Plaintiff AGAINST Dawn Allison Gingold a/k/a Dawn Gingold a/k/a

Dawn A. Gingold, et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered May 26, 2023, 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 April 23, 2024 at 3:30PM, premises known as 83 Arnold Court West a/k/a 83 Arnold Court, East Rockaway, NY 11518. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of East Rockaway, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, SECTION: 42, BLOCK: 281, LOT: 4. Approximate amount of judgment $572,569.50 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #610391/2019. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the NASSAU County COVID-19 Protocols located on the Office of Court Administration (OCA) website (https://ww2.nycourts.gov /Admin/oca.shtml) and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine”. Referee’s phone number: (516) 510-4020. Peter Kramer, Esq., Referee Frenkel Lambert Weiss Weisman & Gordon, LLP 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 11706 01-091297-F00 79841 145525

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF WORKSHOP NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS will hold a WORKSHOP on Thursday, April 11, 2024 at 5:30 P.M. in the Board Room at the Village Hall, One Columbus Drive, Lynbrook, NY 11563, on the following cases: #1011 - Christopher Longo, 5 Lenox Avenue, Lynbrook BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS, Ginger Fuentes, Chair Person of the Board of Zoning Appeals, Brian Stanton, Superintendent, Department of Buildings Lynbrook Publish 1X 145699

LEGAL NOTICE PUBLIC NOTICE VILLAGE OF EAST ROCKAWAY NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Zoning Board of Appeals of the Incorporated Village of East Rockaway, Nassau County, New York, will hold a Public Hearing at the Village Hall, 376 Atlantic Avenue, East Rockaway, NY on Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at 8:00 PM on the following application: #02-2024 Application of Strongbox Theater, on behalf of the Owner, requesting a variance of:

“Section 288-108 Required off-street parking. A. (10) of the Village Zoning Code, parking for 6 cars, where 27 cars is the minimum permitted for a building with a gross floor area of 5,380 square feet.

“Section 288-51 Rear yards. of the Village Zoning Code, a rear yard setback of 0 feet 0 inches, where a setback of 10 feet 0 inches is the minimum required. The premises are located at 40 Main Street as described on the Official Tax Map as Section 24, Block 6, Lot 6.

TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that all interested parties will have the opportunity to be heard at the aforesaid time and place.

BY ORDER OF the Zoning Board of Appeals of the Incorporated Village of East Rockaway. John F. Felbinger Superintendent Department of Buildings

Dated: March 28, 2024

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR ACE SECURITIES CORP. HOME EQUITY LOAN TRUST, SERIES 2003-OP1, Plaintiff, Against DANIEL P. MULVEY JR. A/K/A DANIEL MULVEY A/K/A DAIEL P. MULVEY, ET AL.

Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 08/17/2023, 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 on 5/1/2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 299 Peninsula Boulevard, Lynbrook (T/O Hempstead), New York 11563, And Described As Follows:

ALL that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village Of Lynbrook, Town Of Hempstead, County Of Nassau And State Of New York.

Section 0042 Block 00230

Lot 00120

The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $383,348.12 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 610938/2020

If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the then Court Appointed Referee will cancel the Foreclosure Auction. This Auction will be held rain or shine.

JOHN P CLARKE, Esq., Referee. MCCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC, 10 Midland Avenue, Suite 205, Port Chester, NY 10573

Dated: 2/20/24 File Number: 20-302674 SH 145724

EMPLOYMENT

Help Wanted

DRIVING INSTRUCTORS WANTED

Will Certify And Train HS Diploma

NYS License Clean 3 Years

$20 - $25/ Hour

Call 516-731-3000

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

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

Ready to make a difference?

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

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

Health Care/Opportunities

WE HAVE THE HELP YOU NEED!!!

HHA's, LPN's, Nurse's Aides Childcare, Housekeeping Day Workers No Fee To Employers

516-505-5510

Situations Wanted

ADMINISTRATOR AVAILABLE To Work

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Eldercare Offered

COMPANION AVAILABLE : Care For The Elderly. Own Car. Live-in/ Out. $20+/ Hr.

References. Yvonne 516-417-4411

SANTA CRUZ SERAG Caregivers Provide The Best Male/ Female Caregivers In America. Certified HHA's, Professional. Experts In Dementia, Alzheimers, Parkinsons Cases. Live-in/Out. Gertrude 347-444-0960

Business/Opportunities

Professional Websites Designer, Hosting, Domain Registration, Website Teaching, Periodic Websites Updates, Tech Support, Images, Brochures, Data Processing, Custom Crystal Reports, ChatGpt Email Setup, Construction AIA Requisitions, Construction Project Schedules. 516-236-4045 chinnababureddy@hotmail.com

REAL ESTATE

Open Houses

EAST ROCKAWAY BA 62 Bulaire Rd, , NEW TO MARKET! Move Right Into This 4

BR, 2.5 Bth Exp Ranch in Waverly Park

Area of SD#20(Lynbrook). Open Floor

Plan. LR w/Fpl, DR, Gran/Wood EIK Plus

Family Rm w/ Vaulted Ceiling. Upper Level Has Huge Skylit Recreation Rm, BR, Bth & W/D. Beautifully Lanscaped Oversized

Prop W/ Trex Deck for Entertaining. Multi Car Drvewy...$899,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 515-238-4299

HEWLETT SUNDAY, 3/31, 2-3:3 1560

Hewlett Heath Rd, NEW TO MARKET!

Must See This 3000 Sq Ft Colonial Featuring 4 BR, 2.5 Bth Tucked Away in a Beautiful Cul de Sac. Spacious LR, FDR, Updtd EIK w/Island Opening Into Family Rm w/Fpl. Main Flr Laundry Rm, Part Bsmt. 2 Car Att Gar. Gas Heat(New Boiler) & CAC. SD#14(Hew-Wood). Near Trans, School & Houses of Worship...$1,199,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299

HEWLETT 3/31, 12-1:30, 119 Midgely

Dr, FIRST SHOW! Well Maintained 5 BR, 3 Bth Colonial on Dead End St in Old Woodmere Area. LR/Fpl, FDR, EIK & Den with Walls Of Windows Overlooking Yard. Fin Bsmt, Det Gar. HW Flrs, Slate Roof. SD#14(Hew-Wood). Near LIRR, Shops & Houses of Worship...$949,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299

HEWLETT 3/31, 2-3:30, 1560 Hewlett Heath Rd, NEW TO MARKET! Must See This 3000 Sq Ft Colonial Featuring 4 BR, 2.5 Bth Tucked Away in a Beautiful Cul de Sac. Spacious LR, FDR, Updtd EIK w/Island Opening Into Family Rm w/Fpl. Main Flr Laundry Rm, Part Bsmt. 2 Car Att Gar. Gas Heat(New Boiler) & CAC. SD#14(Hew-Wood). Near Trans, School & Houses of Worship...$1,199,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299

Open Houses

HEWLETT: BA 1267 Peninsula Blvd, 5 BR, 2 Bath Exp Cape in SD#14(Hewlett Woodmere)Living Room, FDR & Updtd Gran/Wood EIK w/ Vaulted Ceiling. 2 Main Flr BRs & Updtd Bth. Upper Level 3 BRs & Updtd Bth. 1.5 Car Det Gar Plus 4/5 Car Drivewy. Priv Yd w/ Deck.HW Flrs, Gas Ht. Near Shops, LIRR, Trans & Houses of Worship...$579,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299

HEWLETT BAY PARK: BA 190 Meadowview Ave, , Ever Dream of Living in A Castle? This 8000 Sq Ft Mansion is Full of Character. Amazing Architectural Details, Soaring Ceilings, Stained Glass Windows. 5 BR, 6.55 Bths. Sprawling 1.3 Acre Prop with IG Gunite Pool. SD#14.Near All. Must See This Unique Home!.REDUCED!!.$2,700,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas elliman 516-238-4299

WOODMERE

WMaking an old home newer

Q. I live in the flood area, which happened during Sandy. I am required to lift my air conditioning unit. I was told it had to be at least 4 feet above the ground, and could be set on a platform or put on a bracket against the house. The platform seems to kill the space in my side yard, so I’m opting for the brackets. Now that I have discussed them with my neighbors, they told me the brackets, which will be on the outside of my bedroom, are going to make the air conditioner vibrations annoying, because I’ll hear them right through the wall. I don’t want that, but the platform would take up space and would be much more expensive to build. Is there another alternative, or can I prevent the noise from the vibrations from coming through the wall? It will drive me crazy if I’m awakened every time the unit goes on. What can I do?

Ask The Architect

Monte Leeper

A. This has been a problem addressed in different ways, either by dampening the unit or brackets, relocating the unit to a different place on brackets outside a room, such as a utility, laundry or storage room, building the platform or mounting the unit on a roof. The roof mounting is really a last resort, since the unit needs to be accessible and level. The only place I have designed roof-mounted units is on new homes where flat (low-slope) roof sections are planned. If you have a steeper-sloped roof with asphalt shingles, this method is not worth considering.

As for the less costly method, mounting brackets that are made for air conditioning outdoor condenser units have accessory dampeners and isolation cushions that can be installed, so obviously the industry recognizes the problem.

Comments I have gotten are that, over time, the brackets may wear down and screws and bolts may loosen. One person told me that he lessened the problem by tightening all the fasteners, but I believe this is temporary, and I don’t see the average homeowner climbing a ladder to tighten the connections unless they become completely frustrated. Only locating the condenser unit on a wall area of a seldom-used area of the home, like your utility, storage closet, garage or laundry room, will reduce this problem.

Otherwise, the separate tower is your best option, even though it will cost at least $1,000 more to do. I rarely hear of this problem, but it still does happen. The same thing occurs with washing machines and dryers located on a wood structure adjacent to bedrooms. In such cases, I design a separate, floating structure, isolated by gaskets and dampening shoes or pads. The other alternative is using concrete, but it still needs designed separation dampers. I hope you understand that moving or installing the unit is still costly with new wiring and refrigerant lines being installed to reach the relocated unit, whichever way you go. Good luck!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Announcements

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Novena

PRAYER TO THE BLESSED MOTHER (Never Known to Fail)

Oh, most beautiful flower of Mt. Carmel, fruitful vine, splendor of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in this necessity. Oh, Star of the Sea, help me and show herein you are my mother.

Oh, Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech thee from the bottom of my heart to succor me in this necessity. (Make request). There are none that can withstand your power. Oh, show me here. in you are my Mother. Oh, Mary conceived without sin pray for us who have recourse to thee (3x). Oh Holy Mary, I place this cause in your hands (3x) Sweet Mother I place this cause in your hands (3x). Thank you for your mercy to me and mine. This prayer must be said for 3 days and after, 3 days your request will be granted, and the prayer must be published. Thanks for many favors!

S.D..

MERCHANDISE MART

Antiques/Collectibles

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Wanted To Buy

FREON WANTED: Certified buyer looking for R11, R12, R22 & more! Call Clarissa at 312-535-8384

FINDS UNDER $100

Finds Under $100

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Finds Under $100

WOOD BLINDS, GOLDEN Oak, corded, 22 1/2 X50, 6 available $12 each. 516-354-0317.

SERVICES

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Electricians

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Handyman

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Accounting & Tax

TAX PROBLEMS: IRS/NYS. Business/ Personal. Tax Letters. Audits. Unfiled Returns. Wage & Bank Levies. Call TaxKingUSA.com at 631-743-4829 for a Solution and Peace of Mind.

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In spring, all eyes turn to the diamond

It has arrived. Baseball’s opening day.

When I was a kid growing up in Queens, this greatly anticipated moment was my reassurance that all was well with the world. Coinciding with the coming of warm spring weather and the sale of the new season’s edition of baseball cards, it focused the attention of my friends — whether Dodgers, Yankees or Giants fans — first on the upcoming pennant races, and then on the World Series. This was the golden age of baseball in New York. During the 11 seasons from 1947 to 1957, the Yankees won nine pennants; my team, the Dodgers, six; and the Giants, two. In every year but one, there was at least one New York team in the World Series, and both teams in the fall classic were from New York eight times.

As far as we were concerned, baseball was New York, and New York was baseball. There was nothing like going to Ebbets Field, Yankee Stadium or the

Polo Grounds and being struck by the colors of bright green grass, white baselines and players’ uniforms that were so intense compared with what we saw on our 12-inch black-and-white television screens. No other sport during that era generated such attention. The football Giants often played before a lot of empty seats in the Polo Grounds, and the Knicks actually played NBA championship games in a National Guard Armory because the circus was using Madison Square Garden.

My friends and I had to take the train to Flushing Meadow to play on grass.

Because there was no grass anywhere in our Sunnyside neighborhood, we adapted with our baseball simulations of stickball, curb ball, stoop ball and punchball or softball on the concrete field in the nearby city park. When we reached age 11, we formed our own team, enrolled it in the PAL and took the Queens 7 line train to Flushing Meadow, which had grass fields. The team’s equipment consisted of two bats and a catcher’s mask. Batting helmets were nonexistent, as were parents, or any adults at all. We were on our own. And if we lost or played badly, there was no one to console us.

Much had changed, of course, by the

time my son, Sean, started playing Little League ball at Seaman’s Neck Park in Seaford in the late 1970s: There were Opening Day parades, grass fields, uniforms, umpires, adult coaches, team batting helmets and stands filled with parents, grandparents and neighbors. That was all new to me, but made for great memories. I really noticed the differences when, starting in 2013, my grandson Jack began playing, first in the Wantagh Little League and then on Long Island travel teams, including the Chiefs and Titans. The changes that struck me most were the equipment — individual batting helmets and customized bats — and the level of play — 11- and 12-year-olds routinely turning double plays and catching high fly balls. What was unchanged was the level of family support and community enthusiasm, with no Bad News Bears adult tantrums or boorishness.

Travel team baseball was a whole new experience. Not just the higher level of skill, but playing across Long Island and traveling to tournaments in upstate Cooperstown as well as Connecticut, Maryland and even South

Carolina. At every destination, the Long Island kids played well and distinguished themselves.

Now a new baseball season is upon us, from Little League to the major leagues. Much has changed over the years. The Dodgers and Giants abandoned us for California over six decades ago. Major League Baseball, which at one time never played west of St. Louis, has expanded from two eightteam leagues to 30 teams and six divisions, and plays regular-season games in Asia and Europe. There has been a diffusion of intense fan interest beyond baseball to the NFL, NBA and NHL. And there is now an overlap of sports seasons, with the NBA and NHL cutting into months of the baseball schedule.

At the local level, the travel team phenomenon draws away from Little League and high school play. Still, baseball remains strong in New York, with the Mets and Yankees, and especially on Long Island, with our outstanding facilities and, most important, supportive families and communities. I know I’m still enthused and ready. Play ball!

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

Netanyahu is a supporter of one party: himself

Ihave known Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer since 1972. I have watched him grow from being a state assemblyman to one of the most powerful political leaders in the United States. Schumer is a serious and smart lawmaker, and he measures his every word with the greatest of caution. When he speaks, it is well planned, because he is conscious of the fact that the press will hold him accountable for his actions.

JERRY KREMER

Schumer’s recent call for new elections in Israel, and for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to step down, was a do-ordie plea for peace in the Middle East. I have heard some of my friends call Schumer out for that plea, and describe it as dangerous, or even as a form of terrorism, and I have tried to tell them to consider all the facts before they speak.

Netanyahu has been playing political games for as long as I can remember. He

is not some well-meaning leader of a country who is being picked on. To begin with, Bibi, as he is often called, has been in and out of courtrooms in Israel for two years. He has been charged with various forms of corruption. In Israel, cases like his can drag on for years with no resolution.

CFor the past two years, Bibi has been hopeful that if he can change the way the courts work, his case will be dismissed. He has pushed for a change in the law that would give the country’s legislature, the Knesset, the power to run the courts and end any kind of judicial interference. His efforts to undermine the judicial system have split the country in half and have given rise to massive demonstrations calling for his ouster. To stay in power, he has forged alliances with right-wing leaders who have their own plans to change Israel from a democracy to a banana republic.

er, and has lost the confidence of the people, are 100 percent correct. As a congressional leader, Schumer has every right to speak out on Israel’s political challenges, because America sends billions of dollars to Israel each year and is Israel’s strongest supporter.

huck Schumer was right: Bibi has lost the confidence of his people.

Schumer’s speech calling for new elections in another country may have stepped over the line, but his claims that Bibi is no longer the nation’s true lead-

If your best friend thinks you have lost your way, he or she has every right to tell you so, out of love, and not any other motive. Schumer has been Israel’s most loyal member of Congress, and has fought off other members who have questioned the need to provide so much aid to other countries.

Israel had every right to invade Gaza after Hamas’s attack on Oct. 7, one of the most brutal assaults on any nation. The conduct of Hamas will go down in history as another Holocaust, and there had to be a response to such vicious conduct. Israel responded with an all-out war against a cruel and undisciplined mob that kills and steals from its own people.

The United States has asked Bibi what his plans are for Gaza when the

war is over and Hamas has been defeated, and he has no answer. As long as he stays in power, he can avoid having to face the possibility of going to prison. He has a plan, but it focuses on holding on to his job, even if his country no longer trusts him to be its leader. In the interim, he will try to hold on to power by playing partisan politics.

It’s no secret that Netanyahu has always embraced the American Republican Party. He worked against President Barack Obama, and came to Washington to promote Donald Trump on a number of occasions. He has every intention of holding on to his power in the hope that Trump will be elected again this year.

Bibi will do whatever it takes to keep his job. Schumer spoke out forcefully for one reason, which was to keep Israel a democracy. The world needs Israel to survive, and there is no question that under Netanyahu’s control, its very existence is threatened.

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.

pETER KInG

HeraLd editoriaL Have you got the fire(fighter) in you?

they’re good people. They’re strong. And they’re heroes.

That’s how people in New York describe volunteer firefighters, according to a survey conducted by the Firefighters Association of the State of New York. And nearly half of all people who were asked said they would love to become one of these strong, good heroes.

And now they have their chance.

Volunteer fire departments — like the one in your hometown — are opening their doors the weekend of April 13 to not only remind our neighborhoods of how important those fire departments are, but also to help bring more firefighters to the fold.

It’s called RecruitNY weekend, and leading up to it, the firefighters association is asking businesses, government buildings and anyplace else where exteriors are lit to make those lights red to show solidarity with our firefighters.

“The lights symbolize our commitment to a tradition of community help, and a need for more volunteers,” Edward Tase Jr., president of the association, said.

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman is doing his part, lighting the dome red on the Theodore Roosevelt Executive and Legislative Building in Mineola in the first two weeks of April. The hope is that other major landmarks across the region and state will light up

Letters

Why isn’t the LIRR’s work at Jamaica finished?

To the Editor:

Long Island Rail Road riders have to ask why Phase 2 of the LIRR’s $168 million Jamaica Capacity Improvements wasn’t completed prior to the initiation of full-time service for the $11.6 billion East Side Access to Grand Central Madison in February 2023.

Phase 2 is scheduled to be completed by December 2026. The work will raise maximum allowable train speeds, increase train throughput — the number of trains that can pass through a section of line in a given time — as well as parallel routing capabilities, implement universal 12-car platform capacity and ensure a full state-of-good-repair throughout the Jamaica Station complex. It will include critical work on bridges carrying trains, and expansion of the Hall Interlocking.

Prior to this, there was the $450 million Phase 1 of the Jamaica Capacity Improvements, for which funding was approved in 2010, using grants from the Federal Transit Administration. It included capital improvements in and around the station, encompass -

red as well.

Being a volunteer fire department has been getting tougher. Membership has dropped, while calls have increased. And not because people don’t want to be firefighters — it’s just hard to make that commitment in our busy lives, amid a turbulent economy that requires many of us to work more than we may have in the past to pay the bills.

But there are benefits beyond simply making a difference — and potentially saving lives — to being a volunteer firefighter. And those are benefits worth considering. For example, volunteer firefighters get free training and free equipment, as well as tax breaks and essential insurance coverage — all provided by the Volunteer Firefighter Benefits Law, first passed in 1957.

Some of those tax breaks include income tax credits of $500 to $1,000 per year, as well as property tax reductions of up to 10 percent, assuming your local government has opted in.

And, depending on what individual departments have set up, there could be pension opportunities as well, established through the state’s Length of Service Award Program.

For younger people, there are scholarships and tuition reimbursement available, too.

Of course, becoming a volunteer firefighter isn’t about the financial incentives, although they help. What really

draws most people to serve is a chance to give back to the communities they love in ways they simply can’t do otherwise.

Volunteer firefighters play a crucial role in protecting their homes and neighbors from emergencies and disasters beyond simply putting out fires, although there is nothing simple about that. They are also there for medical emergencies and natural disasters like major storms, always contributing to public safety and well-being.

These days we see firefighters needed to respond to flooded basements, lithium-ion battery fires, downed power lines and car accidents.

Volunteers also get to fulfill a dream many of us have had since the moment we saw a firefighter for the first time. We knew that’s what we wanted to be, too. So why not do it?

Visit your local volunteer fire department next month. See what it’s like to be a firefighter, and how you can make a difference. And then ask where you can sign up.

President George W. Bush once said that “the willingness of America’s volunteer firefighters to risk their lives for others is a testament to the spirit of service that pervades our nation.”

Let’s continue prove him right. Find out how — and where — you can volunteer today. Visit FireInYou.org/volunteer.

ing tracks, signals, third-rail power and interlockings, designed to support increased operational capacity necessary for future service to Grand Central Madi-

son. When the FTA grants were approved, this proposed new service was many years away. Thirteen years was ample time to complete both Phase 1 and 2.

opinions

We must understand what antisemitism is, and isn’t

the American Jewish Committee recently released its annual State of Antisemitism in America 2023 Report, which revealed that 63 percent of American Jews say the status of Jews in the U.S. is “less secure than a year ago” — a 22-percentagepoint increase in just one year, and a 32-point increase over two years.

Forty-six percent of American Jews say they have changed their behavior out of fear of antisemitism, a jump from 38 percent last year.

While these numbers are daunting and cause for concern, several of the key takeaways from the report, on Holocaust and antisemitism education, are positive.

state offer varying degrees of Holocaust education, in accordance with State Education Department regulations, and we also know that quality Holocaust education has been shown to reduce antisemitism and all forms of hate.

eriC post

AJC’s report found that 92 percent of American Jews, and 89 percent of all U.S. adults in the Northeast, believe it is important for public schools to invest more resources in teaching age-appropriate lessons about the Holocaust to all students. There is also overwhelming support among both the Jewish community and the general public for teaching modern manifestations of antisemitism in public schools. We know that schools in New York

Jewish students, however, should not be seen solely through the lens of the Holocaust. We should incorporate the Jewish community in any diversity efforts, and encourage the celebration of Jewish American Heritage Month in May, to promote awareness and appreciation of Jewish contributions to American society.

In addition, over the past several years, school districts across Long Island have implemented character education initiatives to address all forms of hate and racism, and help students understand the consequences of actions and words on others.

It is critical that we also teach about the modern manifestations of antisemitism, not just the historical ones. Since the Oct. 7 Hamas terror attack on Israel, we have seen a steep increase in antisemitic graffiti and incidents in Long Island public schools. This is on top of an already growing problem with anti-

Letters

Why wasn’t Phase 2 completed before the service to GCM began? And will its completion increase overall rush hour capacity, including additional Atlantic branch Brooklyn service, and reduce travel time between Jamaica and Penn Station, GCM, Flatbush Avenue, Hunters Point or Long Island City? LIRR commuters, taxpayers, transit advocacy groups and elected officials deserve a detailed explanation from MTA Chairman Janno Lieber and Acting LIRR President Robert Free for why this work was delayed so long.

LARRY PENNER Great Neck

Larry Penner is a transportation advocate, historian and writer who previously served as a director of the Federal Transit Administration Region 2 New York Office of Operations and Program Management.

Mistake-free Medicare?

You’re dreaming, Jerry.

To the Editor:

Re Jerry Kremer’s recent column “Check your Medicare statement carefully”: I think Jerry is naïve to think Medicare will have the time and manpower to investigate billing

semitism here and nationwide.

Given that antisemitism is often not well understood, education is crucial in fostering an environment with zero tolerance for anti-Jewish bigotry and all forms of hate. It is also critical to reassure Jewish families that districts see them in this moment, and are prioritizing their children’s safety and well-being. Several Jewish organizations, including AJC, offer training for students, teachers and administrators.

In these moments of uncertainty and anxiety for American Jewry, it is also important to consider what is being reported when Israel is in the news more than usual, as has been the case since Oct. 7. Criticism of Israel is not inherently antisemitic. In fact, it is a feature of its democracy, and Israelis do it all the time. But there are occasions when antiIsrael rhetoric can become antisemitic, including statements that deny the Jewish people’s right to self-determination.

sau and Suffolk counties, New York state and the federal government, criticism of Israel similar to that leveled against any other country cannot be regarded as antisemitic, but, for example, “applying double standards by requiring of it a behavior not expected or demanded of any other democratic nation” does cross that line.

The IHRA definition can be helpful in evaluating whether antisemitism exists in school settings. Establishing a system to report antisemitism and all forms of hate, reviewing and publicizing key school policies, including social media, and communicating with families when antisemitism and hate occur are also vital.

The more we all know about antisemitism, the more we can identify it, fight it and keep it on the fringe of society. When that happens, not only Jews will feel more secure, we all will.

scams, like the one he detailed involving catheters, when they are devoting resources to denying reimbursement for preventive services that are listed in their handbook. I will explain.

I recently had a PSA test whose reimbursement was denied because of a billing code error. I am 77 years old, and per Page 49 of the Medicare handbook, this is a preventive service to which I am entitled every 12 months.

I did not have this test for several years. I called Medicare to get the service reimbursed, and was told I had to get a letter from my doctor explaining the need for the service, and with that document to file an appeal. This meant the doctor had to send me a letter, and I had to fill out a claim form and mail it to Medicare. Medicare now has to evaluate the appeal and rule on it.

The request for an appeal for coverage of this preventive service couldn’t be approved with a phone call, even after I was transferred to two different people with hold times of roughly 20 minutes. Everyone I spoke to on the phone agreed that it didn’t make sense, but they had no authority to approve the service, even though it’s listed in their manual as one that’s covered.

LEWIS ALTMAN Merrick

As noted by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s Working Definition of Antisemitism, which has been adopted by the AJC and major American Jewish organizations, Nas-

Eric Post is the Long Island director of the American Jewish Committee. Bob Vecchio is the executive director of the Nassau-Suffolk School Boards Association.

Framework by Tim Baker

A scene from Baldwin Middle School’s production of ‘The Little Mermaid’

BoB VeCCHio