Lynbrook/East Rockaway Herald 05-04-2023

Also serving Bay Park

Condo plan still needs approval

Lynbrook residents, businesses remain divided on proposal

By nICOLe FORMIsAnO nformisano@liherald.com

As of an April 27 zoning meeting, Lynbrook’s village board had not yet decided whether to approve a plan to convert 161 Union Ave. to a condominium complex. The proposal continues to divide business owners and residents.

The plan would allow Long Island Building Corp. to buy 161 Union Ave. and build an 18-unit condo complex, replacing the local Japanese restaurant Asahi. The proposal was

first discussed in a public hearing in November 2020. Though Asahi owner Jiabiao Wang urged the village board to reconsider, the board unanimously approved the necessary rezoning that December.

Lynbrook residents assumed the plan to be dead after more than two years had passed with no further updates. However, residents learned this February that the board is continuing to move forward with the project.

The two condo buildings would be called Parson’s CorContinued on page 2

The perfect combination of progressive and traditional After extensive search amid scarcity of rabbis, Caroline Sim will join Temple Am Echad

By nICOLe FORMIsAnO nformisano@liherald.com

Temple Am Echad has spent the past two years searching for a rabbi traditional and progressive, spiritual and intellectual, easygoing and compelling. They have found all this and more in Caroline Sim, who will join the congregation this July.

“I was the first person who spoke with Rabbi Caroline,” said Carole Neely, co-chair of the rabbi search committee and past president of Am Echad. “Do you ever feel, just immediately: this is it?”

The current landscape has made the search difficult — there are many synagogues seeking rabbis, and a scarcity of rabbis to fill that need. Even so, Temple Am Echad remained selective, waiting for the perfect fit for its 240-person reform congregation. When Sim came along, Neely knew the search was over.

Neely recounts the first time Sim met the congregation. It was Purim, and the children were all making hamentashen, a traditional pastry dessert. Sim dived right in, spending time with the kids and helping

them make the dough.

“That’s something you can’t rehearse for,” Neely said. “That’s something that’s just in you.”

Sim, who attended rabbinical school at Hebrew Union College Jewish institute of Religion in Cincinnati and is currently the director of rabbinic services at the Goldring/ Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish Life, is looking forward to serving the Lynbrook community.

“I want to help people,” she said. “I want to be able to serve them as a rabbi — to comfort

them when they’re in need, to answer questions they have, to celebrate holidays, to offer spiritual guidance, to help grow the community.”

Sim is remarkably popular with members of Am Echad — she is the first rabbi to be chosen unanimously by both the

board and the congregation. During the selection process, rabbi candidates often meet with members of the synagogue during torah studies and other events, and the members offer feedback to the selection chair. According to Neely, their Continued on page 18

Herald file photo

An ARCHIteCt’s RendeRIng of the proposed apartments at 161 Union Ave.

Some say condos will change area’s character

ners and consist of 18 units, including basement storage and 38 parking spaces for residents. William Bonesso, the attorney for Long Island Building Corp., explained in a past zoning meeting that the condos would fill a need for housing alternatives while bringing in new residents to patronize local businesses. He brought an appraiser who said the complex would increase the value of local homes, and cited a traffic study that stated the new complex would have little to no impact on the area.

Residents, however, remain unconvinced.

A petition against the project collected more than 350 signatures since its creation one month ago. On a Facebook post detailing the background of the plan, Lynbrook residents voiced their concerns.

“These developers don’t live here,” one commenter posted. “In the long term more people means more cars, more traffic, less parking, more kids in

the schools.”

“We do not want condos there,” posted another. “Asahi is a great family restaurant! Leave the property as is.”

Some residents are particularly concerned about the influx of people and cars so close to Lynbrook High School.

“It’s already dangerous because kids walk from Marion, and the high school children walk to their sports,” said Tara Capitali, a lifelong Lynbrook resident who has a child in high school. “Scranton Avenue is busy. Children ride bikes or walk to and from school. Adding more traffic becomes dangerous.”

Capitali added that this project seems to be one more way that Lynbrook is losing its charm and character — a sentiment echoed by many other residents.

“In the last few years Lynbrook has become very congested and almost city-like,” she said. “The small-town feel is almost lost with all the new construction of apartment buildings being built.”

a recap of the plan’s timeline

nov. 16, 2020

The village board holds its first public hearing about the condo plan.

dec. 21, 2020

The board votes unanimously to approve the necessary rezoning for the plan.

february 2023

A public meeting about the condos’

Lynbrook Village Building Department Superintendent Brian Stanton, however, said in November 2020 that the building would blend in with neighboring properties without causing any environmental concerns.

Other business owners also stand behind the plan’s potential for increased local revenue.

“The chamber board feels that the project has the potential of being a great benefit to both the Lynbrook community and our local businesses,” wrote Steve Wangel, the former presi-

parking and yard variance is scheduled, surprising residents who thought the plan was dead.

april 27

The village board hosts another meeting to hear the case for and against the condo plan. The board reserves its decision.

— Nicole Formisano

dent of the Lynbrook Chamber of Commerce, at the time.

The project remains a point of contention, with board members and some business owners in favor of the plan’s economic possibilities and some residents asserting that the new buildings would be both hazardous and an eyesore. The Village Board has reserved its decision on the project.

“I hope that the board speaks to the residents that voted them in and listens to their concerns before making any final decisions,” Capitali said.

the smalltown feel is almost lost with all the new construction of apartment buildings being built.

Sc H ool S

Marion Street students fundraise to pie a teacher

On April 5, whipped cream flew through the gymnasium at Marion Street Elementary School as the community gathered for the thrilling culmination of the Pie Your Principal fundraiser. Marion Street classes were challenged by the Student Council to raise money for ALS Ride For Life, a nonprofit that supports research to find a cure for ALS. Each class worked hard to bring in the most donations for the chance to pie Principal Theresa Macchia and other Marion Street staff members.

Anthony Simone’s fourth grade class raised the most money, followed by Kristen Keane’s third grade class and Christina Toscano’s first grade class. The top three classes took turns tossing plates of whipped cream while their peers cheered them on. It was an unforgettable event for all.

Ride For Life will visit Marion Street in May to receive the grand total collected by the Marion Street community.

fundraising for The thrilling event will benefit ALS Ride For Life.

Making sport out of sonnets

In the spirit of March Madness, East Rockaway High School students made sport out of sonnets as they competed in the annual Poetry Madness competition.

The contest, which is run by the English Department, received hundreds of entries and narrows them down from 64 to 32 to 16 to eight. All poems were based on a predetermined theme. This year’s theme was “honesty.”

On April 6, the poems of the Elite 8 students — Clare Acuti, Megan Acuti, Nicholas Bey, Matt Larin, Stephanie Lynch, Julia Mannino, Maya Motherway and Louis Perri — were read at a student assembly.

The competition was fierce, and Bey, Megan Acuti, Mannino, and Perri advanced to the Final 4. The judges then had a challenging task and selected Megan Acuti and Bey for the championship round.

In the end, Bey was crowned the Poetry Madness Champion with his poem entitled “Right and Wrong”.

easT rockaway high School Poetry Madness Elite 8 students Julia Mannino, far left, Megan Acuti, Clare Acuti, Maya Motherway, Stephanie Lynch, Matt Larin, Louis Perri and Nicholas Bey.

NewS brief

Photos courtesy Lynbrook public schools Teachers and sTaff members at Marion Street Elementary School got a face-full of whipped cream for the exciting Pie Your Principal event on April 5.

Courtesy East Rockaway school district

ACCOUNTING ASSISTANT –ENTRY LEVEL (FT/PT/FLE xIbLE SChEdULE )

Responsibilities include: Assist with billing and input of advertising insertion orders; provide clients and sales reps with invoices or statements; contact past due advertisers for payment, send reminder letters; assist with bank deposits, cash and credit card posting and reconciliations; print daily and weekly affidavits to mail with invoices; assist with reception coverage and other administrative tasks as needed.

Requirements: Must be organized with excellent attention to detail and customer service skills; strong computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office; ability to multitask in a deadline-driven environment.

Qualified candidates can send their resume to careers@liherald.com

What’s

These kids were named principal for a day

RICHNER

COMMUNICATIONS

May 4, 2023 — LYNBROOK/EAST ROCKAWAY HERALD 4 1210707 1205988

Two students at East Rockaway’s Rhame Avenue School received a lesson in leadership as they assumed the role of principal for a day.

Fifth graders Liam Rodriguez and Vincent Vilardi were awarded this honor for winning the “Rhame Rules” poster contest.

Their responsibilities on Mar. 29 included working with Rhame Principal Jack Bixhorn on a presentation and observing classrooms. They took time out of their busy day to help third graders with a conductivity experience and read to kindergartners. The books they selected were “Goodnight iPad” and “Busy Betty”, two of their favorites.

Students attend Long Island Wellness Summit

A group of East Rockaway High School juniors recently attended the 3rd annual Long Island Wellness Summit in Merrick. Students who attended the event are members of the East Rockaway Jr./Sr. High School Sources of Strength. This program aims to provide training in the prevention of suicide, violence, bullying and substance abuse, while supporting and empowering peer leaders to create a

sense of connection and community within their school.

■

how

or www.liherald.com/eastrockaway

the lynbrook/East Rockaway herald USPS 323040, is published every Thursday by Richner Communications, Inc., 2 Endo Blvd. Garden City, NY 11530. Periodicals postage paid at Garden City, NY 11530 and additional mailing offices. Postmaster send address changes to Lynbrook/East Rockaway Herald, 2 Endo Blvd. Garden City, NY 11530. Newsstand Price: $1. subscription rates: $60 for 1 year. annual subscription Rates, $9.75 per quarter auto-pay or $50 one-time payment within Nassau County or $60 outside of Nassau County. copyright © 2023 Richner Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. HERALD lynbrook/east rockaway 1213152

Courtesy East Rockaway school district East Rockaway fifth graders Liam Rodriguez, left, and Vincent Vilardi supplanted Rhame Avenue School Principal Jack Bixhorn for a day.

Newcomer challenges entrenched incumbent

Jake Scheiner runs against Leg. William Gaylor for newly-redrawn 14th District

By MARK NOLAN mnolan@liherald.com

It may be his first attempt at public office, but Jake Scheiner isn’t a typical political neophyte.

Candidates throughout Nassau County were announced in late April, including county and town seats. Scheiner, a Democrat, is running against Republican incumbent C. William Gaylor III for the 14th Legislative District seat.

The newly-redrawn 14th Legislative District is comprised of Malverne, West Hempstead, Lynbrook, East Rockaway, and Lakeview, and small portions of Valley Stream and Oceanside.

Gaylor, of Lynbrook, was elected to the seat in 2015 with a significant 63 percent of the vote, and reelected in 2019.

Despite the uphill battle against a popular incumbent, Scheiner, 28, said his experience in government makes him a viable candidate.

“I’m not like a typical first-time candidate,” Scheiner said. “I have a pretty strong background in government.”

Scheiner worked for former Democratic Rep. Tom Suozzi and served as Suozzi’s campaign manager in 2018. Scheiner is a former director of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee and currently vice president of Simon Paston & Sons Agency, a Lynbrook insurance company.

“Everything I’ve done in my career has led me to this moment,” Scheiner said.

In a statement to the Herald, Gaylor said he will continue his years-long work fighting for families and cutting taxes.

CULINARY PERFECTION IS COMING TO Sands New York

Where would you like to dine tonight? At one of New York’s trend-setting establishments like Rao’s, Jean-Georges, or estiatorio Milos? Or possibly the culinary creations of celebrity chefs like Lorena Garcia and Tetsuya Wakuda will be more to your palette’s delight. Whatever exceptional culinary experience you can imagine, you’ll fnd it at the Sands’ planned Long Island destination resort.

Combined with the local restaurant scene, the Sands New York culinary experience will transform Long Island to a must-experience dining destination. Plus, Sands New York’s fvestar concierge service will be directing visitors to local restaurants, bars and attractions, beneftting the entire region.

“The policies coming out of Albany are threatening our suburban way of life, including the Governor’s continued attempts to override local control with her highdensity housing plans and the lack of any meaningful change to bail reform,” Gaylor said.

“These are all issues I intend to continue fighting,” Gaylor added. “Here on our local level, I have never voted

for an increase in property taxes, and I will never vote for a budget that does. I will continue to make sure our police officers have all the resources they need to address crime and keep our communities safe.”

Scheiner said his top priority is to keep taxes low by fixing Nassau’s tax assessment system. He also wants to reduce the fine for red-light camera violations. Scheiner said a red-light ticket in New York City or Suffolk County costs much less than what motorists are billed for in Nassau.

“The fact that Nassau County charges three times the amount that New York City charges means it’s no longer truly about public safety — it’s about money,” Scheiner said. “It’s a back-door tax.” Scheiner said he wants to increase safety by supporting law enforcement. “The far-left members of my own party, I believe, are dead wrong about crime,” he said. “No one wants to live in fear, and I will do everything I can to protect law enforcement.”

To help restore the public’s faith in government, Scheiner said he wants to implement a process that allows constituents to vote on how to spend a small portion of the budget. Voters would decide how to spend the roughly $300,000 in Community Revitalization Program money, which is discretionary spending.

“Residents should have a voice in how their money is spent,” Scheiner said. “It would give people a buy-in to government. When people are invested, they actually feel like they are part of their community and the process, and that restores the trust.”

Scheiner said he was born and raised in Hicksville and lives and works in Lynbrook.

Courtesy Jake Scheiner

ScheiNeR hAS BeeN endorsed by former Nassau County Executives Thomas Suozzi, left, and Laura Curran.

spotlight athlete

Lynbrook nears conference title

By BRiaN KachaRaBa sports@liherald.com

The Lynbrook Owls girls’ lacrosse team is flying high as they enter the final stretch of the regular season.

The Owls (10-2, 6-0 Conference II) have won eight straight at press time following a heartbreaking 12-11 overtime loss at Syosset on April 1 and control their own destiny for a division title with four games remaining. They are averaging just over 14 goals a game during the streak while yielding just seven.

JUlia paRise

East Meadow Junior Softball

paRise aND the Jets have their sights set on the Nassau Class AA championship after finishing runners-up last spring. Parise was Honorable Mention

All-County as a sophomore pitcher in 2022 and appears to be peaking at the right time as East Meadow makes its push. Over a four-game stretch between April 15-22, she posted three shutouts and struck out at least 10 opponents three times, lowering her ERA to 0.91.

games to watch

thursday, may 4

Baseball: Hewlett at V.S. North 4:30 p.m.

Baseball: Floral Park at Carey 4:30 p.m.

Softball: Freeport at North Shore 4:30 p.m.

Baseball: Mineola at Clarke 4:45 p.m.

Baseball: East Meadow at Oceanside 5 p.m.

Baseball: MacArthur at Calhoun 5 p.m.

Baseball: Lawrence at Elmont 5 p.m.

Baseball: Roslyn at South Side 5 p.m.

Baseball: Sewanhaka at Kennedy 5 p.m.

Baseball: Wantagh at North Shore 5 p.m.

Baseball: West Hempstead at V.S. South 5 p.m.

Girls Lacrosse: Lynbrook at Oceanside 5 p.m.

Friday, may 5

Boys Lacrosse: Carey at Malverne/East Rock 5 p.m.

Boys Lacrosse: Long Beach at Lynbrook 5

The offensive production hasn’t been much of a surprise, but coach Vin Tetro has been pleased with the progression of his defensive corps of senior Tyla Vuotto, junior Jesse Bodian, sophomore Gabriella Meszaros and seniors Casey Stradowski and Teresa O’Neill.

“We have a lot of balance,” Tetro said. “On offense, we have so many weapons that it’s hard to defend us and also the defense is really coming along. We have basically three midfielders back there that changed from midfield to defense and they’re playing lights out lately.”

On April 28, Lynbrook scored 12 times in the first half en route to a 19-9 rout of Friends Academy. Mimi Berkowitz had a season-high five goals and leading scorer Sara Curley, Ava Padilla, and Brooke Mazzei each added four as the Owls recorded at least 12 goals in a half for the fourth time this spring.

Senior midfielder Kaelynn O’Brien was the breakout star two days earlier by scoring six times as Lynbrook held off Locust Valley 8-7. She then notched her 20th goal of the season against Friends.

“Kaelynn O’Brien took over that Locust Valley game,” Tetro said. “That was a dominating D1 performance.”

Senior middie Caityblu Cavassa is winning draws at a high percentage Tetro said and has contributed 15 goals and 17 assists.

Mazzei has had a strong sophomore season and her fourth goal against Friends was her 30th of 2023. The midfielder netted 18 during her freshman campaign. “When she steps on the field, she’s usually the best athlete on the field,” Tetro said. “She flies through the mid-

field. She’s very, very fast [and] very tough. She knows how to get to the ball. She’s a scorer.”

The defense has helped ease the workload of first-year goaltender Mary Costello. Tetro said some of her over 60 saves this season have been huge, including the nine against Locust Valley.

“When we need a big save, she’s been getting them,” Tetro said. “She’s been seeing the ball really well and correcting mistakes as she’s been going along. A couple of times she had to come up with a big save in that [Locust Valley] game late in

the game and she did.”

The Owls hosted Farmingdale to begin the week and visit Oceanside on Thursday before finishing the season next week at home against East Meadow and Plainedge. Lynbrook’s quest for a county title has fallen short in recent seasons and Tetro sees this year’s run as another huge challenge.

“In my opinion, we have the hardest bracket on Long Island, the C bracket,” he said. “We have North Shore playing unbelievable lacrosse right now, then you drop in Manhasset, Wantagh. It’s a tough conference. We have work to do.”

7 p.m.

Justine Stefanelli/Herald photo seNioR caityBlU cavassa is winning draws at a high percentage and has contributed 15 goals and 17 assists for the Owls, who are 10-2.

November candidates set in Hempstead Town

By MARK NOLAN mnolan@liherald.com

November elections are still quite a ways off, but the political season is already in high gear. Candidates for offices throughout Nassau County and the Town of Hempstead were announced in late April, meaning political hopefuls are actively campaigning on social media and in person.

Town of Hempstead Supervisor Donald X. Clavin, a Republican, is being challenged by Democrat Olena Nicks. Clavin is also endorsed by the Conservative Party while Nicks is endorsed by the Working Families Party.

In a statement to the Herald, Clavin touted his record on taxes and quality of life.

“Working with the town board, I am proud to have frozen or cut taxes every year since I have taken office, and residents can expect another tax freeze budget from me for 2024,” Clavin said. “At the same time, our government is enhancing services, repaving roads, and upgrading parks. Respect for taxpayers, keeping neighbors safe and preserving the suburban character of our communities are my top priorities as I seek the support of residents in my re-election campaign for town supervisor.”

Nicks said in a statement to the Herald that she is running for supervisor to fight for families and improve quality of life.

“I am running for supervisor to stand up for our families in the largest township in America and be the voice they need,” Nicks said. “I am looking to unify Hempstead, boost small businesses, increase quality of life through green initiatives and improve water quality, and provide safety to all residents. I am running to continue pushing forward the thriving communities in the town and bring other communities that are seeing disparities up to speed.”

And the candidates are...

Supervisor, Town of Hempstead

Olena Nicks DEM, WFP

Donald X. Clavin, Jr. REP, CON Town Clerk, Town of Hempstead

Susan E. Cools DEM

Kate Murray REP, CON

Receiver of Taxes, Town of Hempstead

Michael F. Reid DEM

Jeanine C. Driscoll REP, CON

Councilperson, Town of Hempstead, 2nd District

Lawrence E. Nedelka DEM

Thomas E. Muscarella REP, CON

Councilperson, Town of Hempstead, 3rd District

Ingrid G. Izaguirre DEM

Melissa L. Miller REP, CON

Councilperson, Town of Hempstead, 4th District

Darien D. Ward DEM

Laura A. Ryder REP, CON

Councilperson, Town of Hempstead, 5th District

Jasmine Pena DEM

Christopher J. Carini REP, CON

Contesting a Will

In order to contest a will, the objectant must have “standing”, meaning they would legally be entitled to a share or a greater share of the estate if the will was declared invalid. “Standing” alone, however, is insufficient. There must also be grounds for contesting as provided below.

1. Undue Influence: Independent caregivers and caregiver children who end up being named primary beneficiaries under the will are often scrutinized for having prevailed upon the decedent to leave them the lion’s share of the estate. The various means alleged may be physical or mental abuse, threats and isolation of the disabled person. Even noncaregivers who had influence over mom or dad may be challenged where they end up with more than their fair share. As with any court proceedings, proof of the claim will need to be made.

2. Improper Execution: The formalities for executing a will must be strictly observed. The formalities include that the witnesses believed the decedent was of sound mind,

memory and understanding. There must be two witnesses who signed in the presence of the testator and of each other. The testator must declare in front of the witnesses that they read the will, understood it, declare that it is their last will and testament and approve of the two witnesses to act as witnesses to the will.

3. Incapacity: Even if the witnesses testify they believed that the testator was capable to sign the will, a challenge may still be made that the person was not able to read the will due to a defect of sight or was unable to understand either the will, what property they owned or who their heirs were, due to mental incapacity. These latter claims will require medical proof.

Challengers should be wary of the “no contest clause”. This provides that any benefit the challenging party would have received under the will is forfeited if the challenge is unsuccessful. If the gift was substantial, even though not an equal share, the no-contest clause is a powerful disincentive to contest the will.

County Legislator, 1st District

Scott M. Davis DEM

Michael J. Lucchesi REP, CON

County Legislator, 2nd District

Siela A. Bynoe DEM, WFP

Karin B. Campbell REP, CON

County Legislator, 3rd District

Carrie Solages DEM, WFP

Sheharyar Ali REP, CON

County Legislator, 4th District

Alexis N. Pace DEM

Patrick C. Mullaney REP, CON

County Legislator, 5th District

Seth I. Koslow DEM

Joseph A. Baker REP, CON

County Legislator, 6th District

Debra S. Mule DEM, WFP

Benjamin Jackson REP, CON

County Legislator, 7th District

Tanvir Ahmad DEM

Howard J. Kopel REP, CON

County Legislator, 8th District

Erica R. Rico DEM

John J. Giuffre REP, CON

County Legislator, 9th District

Neeraj Kumar DEM

Scott P. Strauss REP, CON

County Legislator, 10th District

Weihua Yan DEM

Mazi Melesa Pilip REP, CON

County Legislator, 11th District

Delia M. DeRiggi Whitton DEM

John F. Stalzer REP, CON

County Legislator, 12th District

Matthew Pasternak DEM

Michael J. Giangregorio REP, CON

County Legislator, 13th District

Biju Chacko DEM

Thomas McKevitt REP, CON

County Legislator, 14th District

Jake Scheiner DEM

C. William Gaylor REP, CON

County Legislator, 15th District

Matthew W. Malin DEM

John Ferretti REP, CON

County Legislator, 16th District

Arnold W. Drucker DEM, WFP

James S. Asmus REP, CON

County Legislator, 17th District

Raja K. Singh DEM

Rose Marie Walker REP, CON

Very best honored at Long Island Choice Awards

By NICOLE FORMISANO nformisano@liherald.com

They were met with whistles, cheers and applause. And then they received a beautiful plaque — all a part of winning a Herald Long Island Choice award.

More than 12,000 people cast 200,000 votes for hundreds of small businesses across Long Island, all to determine who would be honored at the main gala event April 18 at the Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury. The night was hosted by RichnerLive and sponsored by PSEG Long Island, and served as a way to celebrate small businesses for their vital role in supporting the Long Island community.

“We honor the businesses that make Long Island a great place to work, live and play,” said Stuart Richner, chief executive of Richner Communications, which operates RichnerLive. “Looking at the crowd tonight, I’m reminded of the critical role you and your businesses play in making our community so special.”

The 11 categories and 264 subcategories recognized businesses from cardiologists to pet groomers and everything in between. The competition itself was broken down into two voting rounds — a nominating round, and then the actual voting. The top three finalists were then honored at the awards gala, where firstplace winners were announced.

“It’s one thing to see the names on the voting,” said David Lyons, interim president and chief operation officer of PSEG, a Long Island Choice Awards presenting sponsor. “It’s another thing to see the faces of small business owners, your teams, and their families here together. Your faces are a powerful reminder that what we are celebrating here is more than great services and products. Small businesses are the backbone of our communities.”

The gala — also sponsored by TenantBase and Easy Tax Credits — kicked off with a cocktail hour that kept more than 600 guests coming back for more. Floral arrangements and an ice sculpture centerpiece adorned tables of fresh fruit, cheese, dip, and other hors d’oeuvres. Two open bars provided refreshment.

The Elegance String Quartet was a particular hit, with many guests stopping to record the musicians as they jammed to everything from Bruno Mars to Frankie Valli.

Hundreds of winners were announced over dinner by Miss New York 2022 Taryn Smith, with some businesses taking home multiple awards. Frank’s Steaks, for one, took home all five awards they were nominated for.

“It’s beyond exciting,” said Christopher Meyer, co-owner and general manager of the restaurant. “It’s a very humbling experience. It’s a token to how wonderful my staff is and how hard we work, and also our amazing clientele. And the friends and family that voted for us.”

Winning such an esteemed award is particularly impactful to newer small businesses. East Coast Hair Studio of

Oceanside only opened 18 months ago, and its team was full of anticipation — and cautious hopefulness — before the winners were announced.’

“We’re one of three of the best,” said Irene Castello, the receptionist at East Coast. “We’re a young organization to be in that position, and I think we’re going to get it.”

When their young studio was announced as the winner of the best hair

salon award, the table erupted in cheers.

“I feel very blessed,” said Marianna Lombardo, East Coast’s owner and chief executive. “I feel that we can accomplish anything.”

Danielle Barbaro, who took over The Art Studio in Rockville Centre with her husband Mark only a year ago, received the award for best art school. To her, the award was a sign she’s doing what she is meant to do.

“I’ve always wanted to have a studio, so essentially my dream came true,” Barbaro said. “To be the winner, oh man. It’s like this was supposed to happen. Serendipity.”

To some business owners, the most important part of taking home the award isn’t the plaque or the coveted title — it’s showing the young people of Long Island what is possible.

“I hope it’s a good role model to future girls,” said Shobie Lamba, owner and founder of LeSelfie. “It’s so exciting as a female, an entrepreneur, a mom. It’s such a great feeling.”

To view this year’s winners, visit LIChoiceAwards.com.

MAIdENBAuM PROPERty tAx Reduction Group LLC.

thE LIvE BANd, Elegance Quartet, featured electrified string instruments. PRESENtINg SPONSOR OF the Long Island Choice Awards, PSEG of Long Island.

Tim Baker/Herald photos

thE CROwd duRINg the Oscar-style awards ceremony where the winners were announced LIVE!

Keith Rossein/Herald

Tim Baker/Herald photos

Christine Rivera/Herald

Christine Rivera/Herald

Christine Rivera/Herald

1. Unicorn Jewels Inc.

2. The chef’s Table Lynbrook.

3. GibralTar home Improvements.

4. hewleTT YoGUrT Station.

5. flawless beaUTY NY.

6. epic escape Rooms LI.

7. lawrence woodmere Academy.

8. GreaT norThern Mortgage Corp.

9. dance workshop.

10. Vs roses Landscape & Design. 10

Relay For Life returns, seeking $$ for walkers

By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com

For the first time since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, the popular cancer awareness walk Relay For Life comes back to Hofstra University, looking to raise money — and ultimately defeat cancer — during an event on Saturday, May 6.

Beginning at 6 p.m., 20 teams have already registered to walk the intramural fields track at the 1000 Hempstead Turnpike campus. Teams and individuals celebrate cancer survivors through the walk, while also remembering and honoring those who lost their battle with cancer.

While this year’s Relay For Life is in-person, it’s not that events haven’t been happening in recent years. If they weren’t canceled, some events were conducted virtually.

“Luckily, we were able to maintain ourselves through some very generous donors,” Chelsea Whitney, senior development manager at the American Cancer Society, said. “We were able to bring all of our programs back — including Relay For Life — to cancer patients and their families. And to communities as a whole.”

Relay For Life has raised $6.8 billion across the country, invest more than $3 billion toward cancer research. It’s fundraising like that which has reduced cancer deaths by 3.5 million, according to the society.

Aside from attendees walking around the track, the relay will feature music, food, and a variety of activities including team fundraisers, carnival games like Pie a Professor in the Face and tug-of-war, as well as performances by Danceworks and Hofstra’s a cappella group.

“Hofstra University specifically is such a pillar of the Long Island community,” Whitney said. “Everyone’s connected in some way to this terrible disease. So, having this event at Hofstra gives the students an opportunity to come together as a community that’s already so strong.”

Makenna Robbins — a Hofstra sophomore and chapter

president for the American Cancer Society at her school — was not yet a student in 2019 when the last relay was held in-person. But she’s no stranger to the event.

“I think it’s really important that this is returning to Hofstra because it gives people a space,” Robbins said. “Especially people who had cancer affect their lives personally, just like me.”

The Syracuse native and mass media major lost a family friend, Emily Ponto, to ovarian cancer in 2018. Robbins’ family has had a long personal history with Relay For Life, with her mother Kelly sponsoring an event through her job at Lockheed Martin when Robbins was younger.

“It was pretty severe by the time they caught it,” Robbins said of her friend, Emily. “She ended up passing away that May. I have a lot of family members who have survived or passed away from cancer, and now I relay for her.

And in the past, I relayed for my family members, my grandma, and some of my cousins who have all survived cancer.”

After dark, relay participants will share an emotional moment during the luminaria ceremony. There, bags filled with lights will be decorated with the name of an individual who lost their battle with cancer. Or a survivor. Or someone who is currently battling cancer.

Each luminaria will be lit, and participants will take a silent lap around the track together.

“Usually, that is one of those times where a lot of people get very emotional,” Robbins said. “We are always there to support each other, and you can feel that connection with people.”

To learn more about this particular event, visit RelayForLife.org/HofstraNY.

Courtesy American Cancer Society

wILL sHINE bright as Hofstra’s Relay For Life returns to campus on Saturday, May 6.

about honoring the individual.

Donza, Thomas Donza & Christine Donza Funeral

The things you love doing are more than just passions. They’re what make you “you.” This is why at The Bristal, our expert team members dedicate their time, attention, and energy to creating customized social activities that ensure each resident continues being the unique person they are. And, in the process, create the one-of-a-kind community we are, too.

MAJOR SPONSORS:

PRODUCED BY:

Connect. Collaborate. Celebrate!

*List In Formation

MEET THE 2023 AWARD WINNERS*

Celebrating legal professionals and frms who embody excellence in their specifc areas of legal practice.

BUSINESS LITIGATION AND CONTRACTS

Steven L. Levitt

Principal and Founding Partner Levitt LLP

BUSINESS/CORPORATE

Brendan J. Mooney

Partner

Cullen and Dykman LLP

Hon. Ira B. Warshawsky (Ret.)

Of Counsel / Arbitrator and Mediator

Meyer, Suozzi, English & Klein, P.C. | NAM (National Arbitration and Mediation)

CIVIL RIGHTS LITIGATION

Frederick K. Brewington

Principal

The Law Offces of Frederick K. Brewington

COMMERCIAL LITIGATION

Giuseppe Franzella

Member

Bond, Schoeneck & King PLLC

Christopher Raimondi

Founder & Principal Attorney

Raimondi Law, P.C.

CORPORATE/SECURITIES

Brian K. Ziegler

Partner and Co-Chair,

Corporate/Securities Group

Certilman Balin Adler & Hyman, LLP

DISPUTE RESOLUTION

Jacqueline Silvey

General Counsel & Vice President, Commercial Division

NAM (National Arbitration Mediation)

DIVORCE & FAMILY LAW

David L. Mejias

Founder & Managing Partner

Mejias, Milgrim, Alvarado and Lindo, PC

Randi M. Milgrim

Partner

Mejias, Milgrim, Alvarado & Lindo, PC

EDUCATION LAW

Anthony J. Fasano

Partner

Guercio & Guercio, LLP

Jennifer A. McLaughlin

Partner

Cullen and Dykman LLP

Tyleana K. Venable

Associate

Jaspan Schlesinger Narendran LLP

ELDER LAW

Ken Kern

Partner

Cona Elder Law PLLC

David R. Okrent

Managing Attorney

The Law Offces of David R. Okrent

Constantina S. Papageorgiou Partner

Vishnick McGovern Milizio LLP

Stuart H. Schoenfeld

Partner

Capell Barnett Matalon & Schoenfeld LLP

HEALTHCARE

Glenn M. Jones Member

Harris Beach PLLC

Peter Armstrong Egan

Partner & Practice Group Leader, Healthcare

Nixon Peabody LLP

PHOTOBOOTH SPONSOR:

INSURANCE

Richard P. Byrne

Senior Counsel | Hearing Offcer

L’Abbate, Balkan, Colavita & Contini, LLP |

NAM (National Arbitration and Mediation)

LABOR & EMPLOYMENT

John T. Bauer

Offce Managing Shareholder

Littler Mendelson P.C.

Avrohom Gefen

Partner

Vishnick McGovern Milizio LLP

Alyson Mathews Member

Bond, Schoeneck & King PLLC

Hon. Peter B. Skelos (Ret.) Of Counsel | Hearing Offcer

Forchelli Deegan Terrana LLP | NAM (National Arbitration and Mediation)

Lawrence J. Tenenbaum

Partner

Jaspan Schlesinger Narendran LLP

LAND USE & ZONING

Simone M. Freeman

Partner

Jaspan Schlesinger Narendran LLP

Ronald J. Rosenberg

Senior Partner

Rosenberg Calica & Birney LLP

LITIGATION

Jon Bell

Founding Partner

Bell Law Group, PLLC

David Green Partner

Campolo, Middleton & McCormick, LLP

Adam H. Koblenz

Member and Partner

Sahn Ward Braff Koblenz PLLC

PERSONAL INJURY

Anthony J. Forzano

Founder

The Forzano Law Firm

Michael D. Napolitano

Shareholder

Meyer, Suozzi, English & Klein, P.C.

Frank Torres

Associate Attorney

Duffy & Duffy, PLLC

PROPERTY VALUATION

LITIGATION

Jay M. Herman Partner

Herman Katz Cangemi Wilkes & Clyne, LLP

REAL ESTATE

Gilbert L. Balanoff

Founding Partner

The Law Offces of Gilbert L. Balanoff, P.C.

Matthew E. Kasindorf

Partner & Co-Chair

Meister Seelig & Fein PLLC

Jared S. Kaplan

Managing Partner

Kaplan, DiTrapani, Faria & Rabanipour LLP

Andrew S. Nachamie

Principal

Andrew S. Nachamie, PC

Scott A. Newmark

Partner & Co-Chair

Meister Seelig & Fein PLLC

SILVER SPONSORS:

TRUSTS & ESTATES

Jayson J.R. Choi

Shareholder

Meyer, Suozzi, English & Klein, P.C.

Andrew M. Cohen

Principal

Law Offces Of Andrew M. Cohen

Nathaniel L. Corwin

Shareholder

Meyer, Suozzi, English & Klein, P.C.

Deborah G. Rosenthal

Founder

Rosenthal, Attorneys at Law, P.C.

President

Women’s Bar Association of the State of NY

SPECIAL AWARDS

RISING STARS: 40 & UNDER

Michal E. Cantor

Counsel

Nixon Peabody LLP

Leah Jackson

Associate Attorney

The Law Offces of Frederick K. Brewington

Mika Mooney

Founder & Attorney

Mika Mooney Law, PLLC

Joseph C. Packard

Partner

Schroder & Strom, LLP

Rochelle L. Verron

Founder & Attorney

Verron Law Group, P.C.

PHILANTHROPISTS OF THE YEAR

Joseph G. Milizio

Managing Partner

Vishnick McGovern Milizio LLP

Jothy Narendran

Co-Managing Partner

Jaspan Schlesinger Narendran LLP

PROFESSORS

Elena B. Langan

Dean and Professor of Law

Touro Law College

Ellen C. Yaroshefsky

Howard Lichtenstein

Professor of Legal Ethics

Maurice A. Deane School of Law

Hofstra University

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT

Allan H. Cohen

Offce Managing Partner

Nixon Peabody LLP

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT

TAX CERTIORARI

Brad W. Cronin

Founding Partner

Cronin & Cronin Law Firm

TOP LEGAL FIRM

(1-20 EMPLOYEES)

Vishnick McGovern Milizio LLP

TOP LEGAL FIRM (21-74 EMPLOYEES)

Sahn Ward Braff Koblenz PLLC

TOP LEGAL FIRM

(75+ EMPLOYEES)

Jaspan Schlesinger Narendran LLP

GOLD SPONSORS:

STEPPING OUT

Caissie Levy

Catch Broadway powerhouse Caissie Levy when she visits the Landmark stage for a night of song, stories and laughter before she embarks across the pond to star as Diana Goodman in ‘Next to Normal’ in the West End. Fresh off her powerful role in this season’s must-see production of ‘Leopoldstadt,’ this is a rare opportunity to spend an evening with Levy singing some of her favorite tunes. She created the role of Elsa in Disney’s Broadway production of ‘Frozen,’ and recreated the iconic role of Fantine in the Broadway revival of ‘Les Misérables.’ She also is known to Broadway audiences for originating the roles of Sheila in the Tony award-winning revival of ‘Hair,’ and Molly in ‘Ghost,’ among her many Broadway and off-Broadway credits. A thrilling and versatile performer, Levy finds time to delight audiences with her solo appearances across the United States, United Kingdom and Canada.

Long Island team’s season is under way

By Jeffrey Bessen

t is unknown if anyone will recite the movie line, ”you’re killing me, Smalls,” but former Major League Baseball player Daniel Murphy — a Mets playoff hero — said he is just looking for a sandlot to play in. The 2015 postseason record breaker is part of the 2023 Long Island Ducks, the team’s 23rd season.

STEPPING OUT

Creative advocacy

”The Ducks have been gracious enough to let me use it,” said Murphy, an infielder, referring to Fairfield Properties Ballpark in Central Islip, where the team plays. “You get the most of joy out of it when you find ways to unweight yourself.”

Long Island is one of 10 teams in the Minor League Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, an MLB partner. Murphy, who played second base for the Mets, hit seven home runs as New York marched to the 2015 World Series, and hit homers in six consecutive games in the National League playoffs.

Before the 122-game season got underway on May 2, the Ducks hosted its annual media day where owner Frank Boulton, president and general manager Michael Pfaff, manager Wally Backman, Murphy, pitcher Ian Clarkin and outfielder and hitting coach Lew Ford shared their expectations of the upcoming season with reporters.

Disappointed with how last season ended with a 64-68 record and in third place of the North Division, Backman said the ball club rededicated itself to winning.

By Karen Bloom

”We’ve gone back to kind of the way we had the team, maybe even better,” he said. “When you see our Opening Day roster, you’ll be shocked to see how many Major League players are on this roster.”

Murphy, Al Alburquerque, Adeiny Hechavarria, Ty Kelly and Ruben Tejada are the former Major Leaguers that aim to win Long Island’s fifth league championship. The 26-man roster is expected to be split evenly between pitchers and position players.

WHERE WHEN

in attendance last season, and has sold out an Atlantic League record of 699 games. However, Pfaff said the team is always looking to do things better.

Friday, May 5, 8 p.m. $61, $51, $41. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Visit LandmarkOnMainStreet.org or call (516) 767-6444 for tickets.

Temptations and The Four Tops

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

Central Islip

“We set a lot of records in terms of attendance, did a lot of great things off the field,” he said. “We’re very proud of it. A lot of teams would have been pleased with the 2022 season. There were a few things in our operation that we knew we could improve upon.”

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

• For more information and schedule, go to LiDucks.com.

Being a partner with Major League Baseball translates into the Atlantic League being the laboratory where new rules are experimented with that are now in use at the higher level.

The team was not the only thing overhauled during the off-season as the ballpark received several upgrades. A new high-resolution scoreboard 30-foot high-by-36’-foot wide was installed nearly in the precise space of the previous scoreboard, but the new one has four times the resolution. To enhance the ballpark experience, more than 75 new speakers were also installed.

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

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

‘You’ll see the improvements around the ballpark,” Pfaff said, highlighting the video scoreboard. “We’re cheaper than the movies at this point. You’re talking $15 tickets. So it is sort of the last bastion of affordable entertainment.”

A new wrinkle for Long Island will be live-streaming audio and video of the games through Flo Sport’s at FloSports.tv. Selected Monday, Wednesday and Friday heard games will be broadcast on Hofstra University’s WRHU radio station at 88.7 FM.

Jeffrey Bessen/Herald photos

Pat McGann is quickly rising as one of the sharpest stand-ups on the comedy scene. A relative latecomer to comedy, he began doing standup at 31 after realizing he was not very good at selling packaging. He hustled his way to become the house emcee at Zanies Chicago, where he distinguished himself as especially adept at working the crowd. A husband and father of three young children, McGann’s appeal stems from his quick wit and relatable take on family life and marriage. In 2017, McGann began touring as the opening act for Sebastian Maniscalco, moving with him from clubs to theater, to arenas, including four soldout shows at Madison Square Garden. McGann’s relatively short, but impressive resume, includes Montreal’s famed Just For Laughs Festival, Gilda’s LaughFest, The Great American Comedy Festival, and more. McGann still calls Chicago home.

Two Motown legends join forces for one unforgettable performance. The Temptations and The Four Tops have cemented their places in music history as pioneers of the R&B genre and trailblazers for African-Americans in the entertainment industry. Hailed by Billboard as the Greatest R&B/ Hip-Hop Artists of All Time, The Temptations are renowned for their prolific career and contributions to the global music landscape. The five-time Grammy award winners topped Billboard’s Hot 100 chart 53 times, and scored four No. 1 hits, including, of course,’My Girl.’ The Four Tops rocketed to overnight fame in 1964 with their breakout hit ‘Baby I Need Your Loving.’ Relive all their classic tunes in a soulful evening with these musical superstars.

The Ducks continue their big draw status and led all MLB Partner Leagues

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

Top: Former Major Leaguer Daniel Murphy warms up before batting practice.

Bottom: Infielder Daniel Murphy fielding a ground ball at warm ups on April 22.

Saturday, Feb. 11, 8 p.m. $40, $35, $30, $25. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. (800) 745-3000 or Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY.com.

Sunday, May 14, 7 p.m. NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Road, Westbury. TheTheatreAtWestbury.com or LiveNation.com or call (516) 247-5200.

• Fairfield Properties Ballpark 3 Courthouse Dr.,

BALDWIN HERALD — February 9, 2023

Pat McGann

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

are quacking, again

THE SCENE

May 4

Breastfeeding Support Group

On exhibit

The Guess Who and Orleans

The Tilles Center stage will be rocking, Friday, May 19, 8 p.m. Enjoy The Guess Who, is a group that’s long connected with the masses throughout a exultant hit parade including “These Eyes,” “Clap For the Wolfman,” “Hand Me Down World,” “No Time,” “Star Baby” and “Share the Land.” Add in fellow classics like their #1 rock anthem “American Woman” and “No Sugar Tonight,” and the Canadian-bred hitmakers are eternally etched within the very fabric of pop culture history. Together with pop-rockers Orleans, who are forever in our consciousness with “Still the One,” “Dance with Me” and “Love Takes Time,” their tunes still hold up today. LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Boulevard, Brookville. Tickets are $70, $60, $50, $40; available at TillesCenter.org or (516) 299-3100.

May 19

Nassau County Museum of Art’s exhibition, “Eye And Mind: The Shin Collection,” highlights the extraordinary collection masterworks assembled by 31-year-old connoisseur Hong Gyu Shin, an internationally recognized figure in the global art world. He shares his treasures, including works by Whistler, Lautrec, Boucher, Daumier, Delacroix, Klimt, Schiele, Balthus, Warhol, de Kooning, Gorky and many other important names from art history provocatively juxtaposed with the painting and sculpture of our own time from both Asia and the West. On view through July 9. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.

Here is How You Can Help:

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.

June 10

Huckleberry Frolic

Enjoy some seasonal fun at East Rockaway’s 53rd annual Huckleberry Frolic, Saturday, June 10 , 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. , at Memorial Park. Parade begins at 10 a.m. at the corner of Cammerer Avenue and Main Street. With petting zoo, contest, food, entertainment, inflatables, and more. Rain date is June 17. For more information, call (516) 887-6300.

Movie day

Lynbrook Public Library is showing several movies, Tuesday, May 9, starting at 2 p.m. Movies to be shown are “Beast”, “She Said”, “Armageddon Time”, and “A Man Called Otto”. See them in the community room, 56 Eldert St. Visit LynbrookLibrary.org or call (516) 599-8630 for more information.

Passion for Pride

Support PFY, a division of Long Island Crisis Center, at a 30th Anniversary Benefit celebration, Tuesday, June 13, 6-10 p.m. With drag bingo and performances by Ivy Stalls and Syn; also special guest honoree actor-author-activist Maulik Pancholy. The event, honoring PFY’s 30 years serving Long Island/Queens’ LGBTQ+ communities, is at Westbury Manor, 1100 Jericho Turnpike, Westbury. For more information and tickets, go to tinyurl.com/ pfyevent2023.

Having an event?

Make crafts

Kids in grades 4-6 can join Heather, at East Rockaway Public Library, Saturday, May 13, 11 a.m. to noon, to make friendship bracelets. 477 Atlantic Ave. Register at EastRockawayLibrary.org or call (516) 599-1664.

Employment Assistance

The social ministry with Our Lady of Peach Chruch, located at 25 Fowler Ave. in Lynbrook, is offering help to those looking for employment every Tuesday, from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Wednesday, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., and Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. For more information or to make an appointment contact the office at (516) 599-7448.

Talent showcase

Come out to Mr. Beery’s Village Pub at 33 Main St. in East Rockaway, every Wednesday for open mic night. 8 p.m. sign up. For more information, visit MrBeerys.com.

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

Star Wars Escape Room

Work together to solve the Star Wars themed puzzle in approximately 45 minutes to an hour, Thursday, May 4, at Lynbrook Public Library. 56 Eldert St. Registration required. For more information, visit LynbrookLibrary. org. or call (516) 599-8630.

Cultural exploration

On stage

May 7

Bring the kids to Long Island Children’s Museum to celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month, Sunday, May 7, 11 a.m.-p.m. Kids will learn about Jewish contributions to American culture and make a chai necklace, at the drop-in program, suitable for ages 4 and up. Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or LICM.org.

RVC Homemakers

All are invited to join RVC Homemakers for crafts, cooking, canasta and so much more while doing community service for local hospitals, veterans, women and children. Meets every Tuesday at 10 a.m., at the Recreation Center, 111 North Long Beach Road in Rockville Centre. For more information call Karen Alterson at (516) 318-6771.

Back by popular demand, families will enjoy a musical adventure, ripped from the pages of Mo Willems’ beloved children’s books, on the Long Island Children’s Museum stage, Thursday and Friday, May 4-5, noon; Sunday, May 7, 2 p.m.; Wednesday through Friday, May 10-12, 10:15 a.m. and noon.Elephant and Piggie storm the stage in a rollicking musical romp filled with plenty of pachydermal peril and swiney suspense perfect for young audiences. Together with nutty backup singers, The Squirrelles, the comedic duo even gets the audience involved in the action. $9 with museum admission ($7 members), $12 theater only. Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or LICM.org.

Jerry Herman tribute

A cast of Broadway and concert stars salute the life of the Broadway icon-lyricist-composer on Adelphi University Performing Arts Center stage, Saturday, May 13, 8 p.m. Hear tunes from “Hello, Dolly!,”

“Mame,” “La Cage Aux Folles,” “Mack and Mabel,” and more. Tickets are $45, with discounts available to seniors, students, Adelphi alumni and employees. Adelphi University Performing Arts Center, 1 South Ave., Garden City. (516) 877-4000 or Adelphi.edu/pac.

A guardian angel is remembered as a hero

Lynbrook crossing guard who saved boy’s life still honored after 60 years

Contributed by SteVe GroGAn

He was just a 9-year-old boy, a fourth-grader at Our Lady of Peace School on Merrick Road in Lynbrook. It was noon as he walked down Peninsula Boulevard, heading home for lunch on this damp and dreary April day.

The boy lived on Irwin Court, a short street just behind Flinch and Bruns Funeral Home, and a very short walk from the busy intersection of Peninsula Boulevard and Hempstead Avenue where the boy would cross to get home.

On this day, as always, the boy was met by the school crossing guard who helped protect the children crossing that busy intersection. The crossing guard greeted the small boy with a smile, took his hand, and began to cross him. They first crossed Hempstead Avenue to the northeast side of the intersection. Then, when the light changed again, and still holding his hand, she took him across Peninsula Boulevard, going south.

This day, however, would be different from all those other days of walking to and from school. It would be a day that the boy would forget for all those years, until recently.

The boy was Joe Calderone, and on this day, April 30, 1963, he witnessed one of Lynbrook’s most tragic accidents, an accident that took the life of the school crossing guard who held his hand just seconds before.

Three Lynbrook volunteer firefighters would also die along with Rosalie Roy at that intersection just moments after Calderone was crossed.

Calderone has never talked about what happened that day. He is now a grown man with his own child. He believes that until recently he blocked the tragedy out of

his mind. What happened that day now bothers him, and recently he began thinking about the crossing guard who died. The memories all came back when he saw two crossing guards at an eatery in Franklin Square, and he began to think about Roy, and her own family.

Curious about that accident, Calderone went to the Lynbrook Fire Department website to see what was written about the accident and found the story written by this author. Calderone said he was “shocked how accurate the fire department story was.”

Even though it has been nearly 45 years since that

deadly crash, what happened that day is still a vivid memory for Calderone. He knows he was the last person to be with Roy before she was killed.

Calderone sat down with Lynbrook Village Historian Art Mattson and myself to tell his story.

He recalled that while he walked down Peninsula Boulevard toward his home he heard the fire horns blowing. “They were loud,” he said. “The horns at the time were on top of the old Municipal Building on Merrick Road, just opposite the block where he lived. He also remem-

Courtesy Brian Grogan

Lynbrook FireFiGhterS ALSo placed flowers and saluted the memory of school crossing guard Rosalie Roy also killed when the fire trucks crashed 60 years ago

Heroic crossing guard gave her life to save his

bered vividly the big smile and greeting he got from Roy that day when he approached her. It was the same smile and friendliness that she always gave him and the other children.

He especially remembered how she always took his hand, usually his right hand, and carefully escorted him across the two intersections for him to get home.

On that April day, Roy began to take his across Peninsula Boulevard as the sound of sirens could be heard from further down Hempstead Avenue. Calderone senses as he was being cross that something had caught Roy’s attention, and he looked up at her and then looked in the same directions Roy was looking. There was a fire engine in the distance approaching with its sirens wailing.

Just then Roy turned her head and looked up Peninsula Boulevard towards Merrick Road. There were more sirens coming from that direction. She saw another fire engine approaching from that direction.

Roy had a “look for fear on her face as if something bad was going to happen,” Calderone recalled.

He then looked in the same direction and saw the fire engine rushing down Peninsula Boulevard towards them and the intersection. He remembered there was no traffic on Peninsula Boulevard at that time except for three or four cars waiting in the turn lane.

With fire engines coming from both directions, Roy began walking faster, practically pulling Calderone along. Just before the two of them reached the curb by Flinch and Bruns, Roy let go of Calderone’s hand and shoved him towards the curb as the fire engines got closer and closer.

“As she shoved me to the curb, her only words to me were, ‘Hurry! Hurry!’,” Calderone said.

As he stepped onto the curb, Calderone saw the fire engine coming down Hempstead Avenue. He turned and looked for Roy, who was no longer with him. she had turned around the quickly went back into the intersection. Calderone remembered seeing her put her hands high in the air in both directions.

As the sirens grew louder, Calderone walked into the municipal parking lot. He said he continued to look at Roy with her arms raised as he walked slowly toward home. However, he “sensed something was very wrong” but “didn’t know what I was thinking. I was so frightened and the noise was so loud. Then I heard the crash.”

The two Lynbrook fire engines collided in the intersection with a loud crashing of metal that was heard blocks away. Calderone doesn’t remember seeing the engines collide. He only remembers the sound. He ran as fast as he could home where he was met by his mother at the door.

“She just crossed me across the street,” Calderone told his mother.

Calderone’s mother went to the door to see what caused the loud noise she heard from inside the house. Calderone stayed in the house only for a minute before deciding to go back to see what happened to Roy. As he ran down the block, a neighbor yelled, “Joey! Don’t go there!”

Calderone looked around for Roy but she was nowhere to be found. He doesn’t remember seeing the firefighters that were thrown to the ground after the collision he doesn’t remember seeing the police, an ambulance, or bystanders at the scene. He only recalls seeing the smashed rear of one of the fire engines.

Calderone also does not recall anyone stopping him from looking at the crash. Now he wonders, “Did I see everything, and did I just block everything out all these years?”

Newspaper accounts reported that the fire engines were responding to a house fire on Earle Avenue, one block past Calderone’s street. The newspapers stated that Roy apparently sensed what was about to happen and entered the intersection to try to stop the fire engines.

The impact of the crash threw firefighters to the pavement. Nine firefighters were injured. One firefighter died that day, and two others died the following days. Roy was struck and thrown onto the lawn of the Penbrook Apartments on the northeast corner of the intersection. She

died instantly.

The newspapers wrote that the crash was attributed to “the treacherous surface of Peninsula Boulevard” and that the “road surface was slippery with oil and water.” The papers also stated that neither of the fire trucks was reported to have been speeding at the time of the accident.

While the memory of the three firefighters killed in the line of duty are remembered on the Firefighters Memorial on Sunrise Highway, a stone memorial was placed on the lawn of the Penbrook Apartments where Roy died in the line of duty doing her job for the community.

Calderone doesn’t know why he came forward to talk about that day, or why he had never spoken before about Roy or the crash. But now he wants everyone to know that Roy was a hero.

“She got me to safety and then went into the trouble that she saw coming,” Calderone said. “Firefighters run toward the danger, and Mrs. Roy did the same thing that day. I was the last person she touched. I take nothing from the three firefighters that died because I didn’t know them. I knew Mrs. Roy. She was my guardian angel. I will always remember what she did that day.”

— Reprinted from the April 17, 2008 Lynbrook/East Rockaway Herald

High praise for new Temple Am Echad rabbi

response to Sim was “overwhelming.”

“As people left these meetings, they’d look at me, and they’d look at my cochair Ed, and they’d say ‘don’t let her leave!’” Neely said.”

“She got a very positive response from everybody,” said Warren Cooper, president of Temple Am Echad. “She seems approachable. She seems to appeal to the different demographics that we have.”

Sim’s background immediately set her apart from other candidates. She has traveled across 13 states to serve as a rabbi for congregations without a full-time clergy presence. Sim went wherever there was a need — whether it was for a marriage ceremony or a funeral service.

“One of the beautiful things that happens is everyone figures out how to get along with each other,” Sim says of her rabbinical experiences in the south, where there are fewer synagogues available for people to attend. “Because it’s important for them. Everybody’s gonna have differences — political differences, ideological differences, opinion differences — but people find more ways to get along when they can be a part of a Jewish community and celebrate the tradition.”

“She had to relate to so many people with so many different needs,” Neely said. “And that’s what our congregation is all about.”

For Sim, being a rabbi means serving all members equally, regardless of age or background. This is especially important to Temple Am Echad — the community has a strong presence of older con-

HELP WANTED

gregants, but at the same time the enrollment of children in their religious education programs has doubled. Catering to the entire spectrum of congregants is vital to, in Sim’s words, “have a community as a whole, and make sure you have a whole community.”

“There’s sometimes a disconnect between the younger generation and the older generation,” Sim said. “Bridging that gap is tricky but worthwhile.”

Sim’s natural ability to balance the needs of all congregants and services struck both the board and community members alike.

“She brings some good ideas, some newness and freshness to us, as well as wanting to embrace our traditions,” Cooper said.

“You have funerals, and you also have baby namings,” Neely said. “We wanted someone who could really officiate and relate to all our needs.”

As the rabbi of Temple Am Echad, Sim hopes to help people renew their relationship with Judaism and celebrate their heritage and identities as American Jews.

“My mission is to help people find their Jewish Center,” Sim said. “To help people find how Judaism is important to them.”

Neely is confident that after years of seeking a perfect fit for Temple Am Echad, she will not have to join a rabbi search committee for a very long time.

“This rabbi is really going to add a lot to the community — I really think she’s gonna make a difference in Lynbrook,” Neely said. “It was a long haul. And I think our patience has been rewarded.”

For more information on Temple Am Echad’s services, visit Am-Echad.org.

WAREHOUSE HELP/MAILROOM INSERTER –MORNING & OVERNIGHT SHIFT AVAILABLE

Responsibilities: Feeding preprints into machine hopper neatly/accurately; Monitor insert machine to reduce double inserts or skips; Remove completed bundles, weighing 10-50 pounds and stack neatly for next step in packaging; General clean-up of papers, skids, debris throughout the day.

Requirements: Able to stand for long periods of time and to lift or pile newspaper products varying in weight from 10-50 pounds or more at one time; Ability to work in production areas while forklifts, pallet jacks, inserting and related equipment are in use; Able to change assignments on short notice and be flexible in scheduling.

Interested applicants can send their resume to careers@liherald.com or call (516) 569.4000 x239.

i want to be able to serve them as a rabbi — to comfort them when they’re in need, to answer questions they have, to celebrate holidays, to offer spiritual guidance, to help grow the community.

Caroline Sim rabbi

Public

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORKCOUNTY OF NASSAU

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST TO BANK OF AMERICA NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO LASALLE

BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR STRUCTURED ASSET INVESTMENT LOAN TRUST, MORTGAGE

PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES

2004-8, V. DOUGLAS N. HELD, ET AL.

NOTICE OF SALE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure dated September 21, 2022, and entered in the Offce of the Clerk of the County of Nassau, wherein U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, SUCCESSOR

IN INTEREST TO BANK OF AMERICA NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO LASALLE

BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR STRUCTURED ASSET INVESTMENT LOAN TRUST, MORTGAGE

PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES

2004-8 is the Plaintiff and DOUGLAS N. HELD, 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 May 16, 2023 at 2:30PM, premises known as 35 CAROL COURT, LYNBROOK, NY 11563: Section 37, Block 68, Lot 31:

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

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of fled Judgment Index # 001544/2011. Jennifer Ettenger, 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.

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU US BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE FOR RASC

2006-EMX9, Plaintiff AGAINST ROBERT WOLFSON, ET AL.,

Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered September 8, 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 May 16, 2023 at 2:00PM, premises known as 100 PETERSON PLACE, 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: 42, Block: 127, Lot: 357.

Approximate amount of judgment $994,087.48 plus interest and costs.

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of fled Judgment Index #008385/2009. 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”. The Referee will not accept cash at sale.

News brief

Vendors, volunteers sought for Huckleberry Frolic

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORKCOUNTY OF NASSAU NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC, V. CYNTHIA SPRINGSTEEN

A/K/A CYNTHIA RICHARDSON, ET AL.

NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure dated March 28, 2018, and entered in the Offce of the Clerk of the County of Nassau, wherein NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC is the Plaintiff and CYNTHIA SPRINGSTEEN A/K/A CYNTHIA RICHARDSON, 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 May 30, 2023 at 2:30PM, premises known as 1 LEWIS PLACE, LYNBROOK, NY 11563: Section 42, Block 118, Lot

206:

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 N.Y.

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of fled Judgment Index # 3493/2013. Leo F.

MINEOLA, NY 11501, on June 1, 2023 at 3:30PM, premises known as 65 PHIPPS AVENUE, EAST ROCKAWAY, NY 11518: Section 38, Block 506, Lot 52-53: 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 EAST ROCKAWAY, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of fled Judgment Index # 602603/2020. 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.

139083

LEGAL NOTICE

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS FOR FEDERAL CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAMS

The East Rockaway Grist Mill Museum Committee and the Village of East Rockaway are presenting the 53rd annual Huckleberry Frolic on Saturday, June 10 at 10 a.m.

The event will feature the traditional parade leading to Memorial Park followed by a day of entertainment, food trucks, vendors, rides, games, exhibits, a pet photo contest, petting zoo, and

more.

Call Regina at (516) 368-4157 for more information about becoming a vendor or volunteering. The rain date is June 17.

Vendor, sponsorship, and parade applications are available online at VillageOfEastRockaway.org, or call Village Hall at (516) 887-6300.

Public Notices

Newsday Herald

139243

LEGAL NOTICE INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF EAST ROCKAWAY NOTICE OF RESCHEDULED PUBLIC HEARING

138766

W. Migatz Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 00-149176 75513 138677

Bruce

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: HDS Advisory LLC. Articles of Organization were fled with the Secretary of State of New York, (SSNY) on 03/03/2023. NY Offce location: Nassau County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of the process to:JASON HOROWITZ 100 BROADWAY, UNIT #28 LYNBROOK, NY 11563

Purpose: To engage in any lawful act or activity.

138733

McGinity, 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.

139088

LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORKCOUNTY OF NASSAU GHA HOLDINGS, LLC, V. 65 PHIPPS AVE LLC, ET AL.

NOTICE OF SALE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure dated March 9, 2023, and entered in the Offce of the Clerk of the County of Nassau, wherein GHA HOLDINGS, LLC is the Plaintiff and 65 PHIPPS AVE LLC, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE,

The Malverne Union Free School District, 301 Wicks Lane, Malverne, NY 11565, invites sealed bids for providing the services to operate the Breakfast and Lunch Child Nutrition Programs for the Malverne Union Free School District.

Bids will be received at the Offce of the Assistant Superintendent for Business, Malverne Union Free School District, 301 Wicks Lane, Malverne, NY 11565, at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, at which time all bids will be opened and read aloud. Specifcations may be obtained at the Offce of the Assistant Superintendent for Business, located at the above-mentioned address. The Malverne Union Free School District Board of Education reserves the right to reject all bids and the right to waive any informality in bids.

It is strongly suggested that all prospective bidders attend a pre-bid conference and site visitations to be held on Monday, May 15, 2023, at 10:00 AM in the District Business Offce, 301 Wicks Lane, Malverne, NY 11565. Please contact hmbigley@hmbconsultants.com to make arrangements for your attendance.

By: Christopher Caputo Assistant Superintendent for Business

Dated: May 4, 2023

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the public hearing originally scheduled by the Board of Trustees of the Incorporated Village of East Rockaway on Monday, May 8, 2023 has been rescheduled to take place Thursday May 25, 2023 at 7:00 PM at 376 Atlantic Avenue, East Rockaway, New York, to introduce the following proposed local law: Proposed Local Law #2 of 2023- amending Section 288-45 F Commercial A District.

The above proposed local law may be inspected in the offce of the Village Clerk at Village Hall, 376 Atlantic Avenue, East Rockaway, New York, seven (7) days before the hearing, during regular offce hours, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. All interested persons shall have an opportunity to be heard at the time and place aforesaid.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES of the Incorporated Village of East Rockaway, New York.

Patricia Renner

Village Clerk-Treasurer April 28, 2023

139249

LEGAL NOTICE INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF EAST ROCKAWAY NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Trustees of the Incorporated Village of East Rockaway, Nassau County, New York, will reschedule the May 4, 2023 Work Session to Monday May 22, 2023 and the Regular meeting of the Board,

scheduled for Monday, May 08, 2023 will now be held Thursday, May 25, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. at Village Hall, 376 Atlantic Avenue, East Rockaway, New York. All interested persons will be given the opportunity to be heard at the times and place herein stated.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES of the Incorporated Village of East Rockaway, New York.

Patricia Renner Village Clerk-Treasurer

DATED: April 28, 2022

139250

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT NASSAU COUNTY CALIBER HOME LOANS, INC., Plaintiff against HARRIS GIDDINGS, et al

Defendant(s)

Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Stern & Eisenberg, P.C., 20 Commerce Drive, Suite 230, Cranford, NJ 07016.

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered May 18, 2018, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on June 8, 2023 at 2:30 PM. Premises known as 12 Leonard Drive, East Rockaway, NY 11518. Sec 42 Block 114 Lot 4. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being in the Village of East Rockaway, County of Nassau and State of New York.

Approximate Amount of Judgment is $776,530.85 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of fled Judgment Index No 010213/2015. For sale information, please visit

www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832. During the COVID-19 health emergency, Bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of the sale including but not limited to wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6-feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Should a bidder fail to comply, the Referee may refuse to accept any bid, cancel the closing and hold the bidder in default. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the Court Appointed Referee shall cancel the foreclosure auction.

Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.”

Janine Lynam, Esq., Referee NY202100000285-1 139231

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU WILMINGTON TRUST, NA, SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE TO CITIBANK, N.A., AS TRUSTEE F/B/O HOLDERS OF STRUCTURED ASSET MORTGAGE INVESTMENTS II INC., BEAR STEARNS ALT-A TRUST 2007-3, MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-3, Plaintiff AGAINST SONIA F. GARNES AKA SONIA GARNES, ORLANDO FINDLAYTER INDIVIDUALLY AND AS SURVIVING SPOUSE OF YVETTE FINDLAYTER, ET

AL., Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered September 23, 2019, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on June 6, 2023 at 2:30PM, premises known as 67 LAWRENCE 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 54, Lot 219. Approximate amount of judgment $516,776.20 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of fled Judgment Index #003213/2017. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the NASSAU County COVID-19 mitigation protocols and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the court appointed referee will cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will

held

CLASSIFIED

Fax your ad to: 516-622-7460

E-mail your ad to: ereynolds@liherald.com

E-mail Finds Under $100 to: sales@liherald.com

DEADLINE: Monday, 11:00 am for all classified ads.

H ebrew Academy of Long Beach seeks educators to join our exceptional school faculty in fostering a culture of academic exploration and excellence and dedication to spiritual, intellectual, and personal growth of all students. We are currently looking for candidates in the following divisions:

Lev Chana Early Childhood:

Early Childhood Head Teachers

Early Childhood Assistant Teachers

Administrative Assistant

HALB Elementary School:

Assistant Teachers

Part Time Morah

Middle School Morah

Full Time Rebbe

Middle School Math Teacher

DRS Yeshiva High School for Boys:

English Teacher Science Teacher

Ivrit Teacher

Learning Center Teacher

Assistant College Guidance Counselor

SKA High School for Girls:

Graphic Design Teacher

Ivrit Teacher

Halacha Teacher

AP Computer Science Teacher

American Sign Language Teacher (ASL)

To learn more about our school community, please visit www.halb.org. We look forward to hearing from you! Please send resumes or inquiries to resumes@halb.org

DRIVING INSTRUCTORS WANTED

EDITOR/REPORTER

DRIVERS WANTED

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

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

FULL-PART TIME BOOKKEEPER: Autostat Corporation is seeking an experienced Accounts Receivable/ Payable Bookkeeper, minimum 5 years experience working for small/ medium business in Manufacturing, Wholesaling, or Bookkeeping Fields. Must be Windows proficient, experienced with Quick Books, Bank Reconciliations, Comfortable Handling Phones, Speaking to customers, vendors. Hours Flexible- 3 days (M,W,F Pref.) 20 hours minimum per week. Full Time off Benefits include: all major holidays (8) plus 5 Sick Days. Vacation time accrues after one year. Liberal salary based on experience, Serious/ Qualified only need apply. Qualified Retirees welcome. Forward resume w/References & Salary History: orders@autostatcorp.com

HAIRDRESSER FT/PT: Zippity Doo's Of Roslyn Heights Is Looking For A Licensed Hairdresser. Contact 516-965-4972

LIBRARY CIRCULATION CLERK P/T

Up to 17 hours per week at the Baldwin Public Library, depending on library needs. May include mornings, afternoons and at least one evening per week and one rotating Saturday. This is a non-competitive Civil Service position. $15.50 per hour, Please send resume to: broberto@baldwinpl.org

MEDICAL SECRETARY/ ASSISTANT PT/ FT: Garden City. Responsible, Reliable. Good Salary. Computer Experience Helpful, Will Train. Call 516-739-0333: Fax 516-739-0344

MULTI MEDIA

ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT

Inside Sales

Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. We offer salary, commission, bonuses, health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Will consider part time.

Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286

OUTSIDE SALES

Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships.

PRESS-ROOM/WAREHOUSE HELP

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

RECEPTIONIST - FULL TIME

Receptionist (full-time) needed for Publisher and Self-Storage Facility located in Garden City. The ideal candidate should have excellent communications and customer service skills, be professional, dependable and have reliable transportation. Candidate should have computer knowledge and working knowledge of MS Office. Candidate MUST be reliable, punctual and be able to work a CON-

SISTENT schedule:

Monday and Wednesday 8am to 4pm

Tuesday and Thursday 8am to 6pm

Friday 8am to 5pm

Job Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Answering phones and greeting customers, assisting new customers by showing storage facility options and pricing, collecting payments from customers, contacting customers for late payments, applying payments and updating the customer files /data base and other general administrative responsibilities on an as needed basis. Hourly pay, plus eligible for Holiday Pay, PTO, Medical, Dental, 401k with company matching, plus other benefits. Qualified candidates should email their resume, cover letter and salary requirements. No phone calls please. Job Type: Full-time.

Salary: $15.00 /hour

Call 516-569-4000 X250

Email your resume to: careers@liherald.com

One Acre of Park-Like Grounds

This elegant and spacious 5000 square feet classic colonial is situated on one of the most desirable streets in Hewlett Harbor. It features 5+ bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, huge formal dining room, and an extralarge living room with outside exit to screened porch. The expansive property includes an in-ground gunite pool, koi pond, two car garage and an extra-large driveway. Call Alissa today to schedule your private viewing!

Alissa Lurie Licensed Real Estate Salesperson 516-967-8828 alurie.coachrealtors.com

Coach Realtors 1315 Broadway Hewlett, NY 11557 P: 516.374.0100 F: 516.374.6990 www.CoachRealtors.com

LR, DR, Family Rm, EIK, FBsmt. Att Garage. HW Flrs. Near Park, Trans, Shops & Houses of Worship REDUCED! $799,000

257 Willard Dr, BA, MUST SEE NEW KITCHEN UPDATES!! Spacious 5 BR, 3 Bth Exp Ranch, Open Layout. Main Floor Mstr Ste Plus Potential Mstr Ste on 2nd Flr. LR/Fpl, FDR, EIK & Sundrenched Family Rm w/ Doors to Deck. Fin Bsmt. Att Gar. Loads of Updates!! SD#20 (Lynbrook) No Flood Insurance Req. MUST SEE THIS! $1,025,000

1267 Peninsula Blvd, BA, NEW TO MARKET! 5 BR, 2 Bth Exp Cape in SD#14 (HewlettWoodmere) LR, DR, Updtd Gran/Wood EIK & Bths. Det 1.5 Gar & Driveway for 4/5

Cars. HW Floors. Gas Heat. Near LIRR, Shops, Trans & Schools. A Steal! $599,000

1534 Broadway #103, BA, Magnificent New Renovation! One of a Kind Ranch

Style Living in Luxurious Jonathan Hall Condominium with Doorman & Elevator.

Just Move into This Gut Rvated, Spacious 2 BR, 2 Bath Apt with Open Layout.

Large Designer Eat in Kitchen with Sep Pantry & Laundry Rm.Master BR Boasts

Gorgeous Bth & Walk in Closet. Terrace Faces into Courtyard. Garage Parking

Incl REDUCED & MOTIVATED!! $599,000

1534 Broadway #205, BA, Extra Large 2000 Sq Ft, 2 Bedroom (Originally 3 BR), 2

Bath Condo in Prestigious Jonathan Hall with Doorman & Elevator. Updtd Wood/Quartz

Kit, LR & DR. Washer/Dryer in Unit. Underground Pkg. Loads of Closets. Terrace Faces

Back. Easy Ranch Style Living BIG REDUCTION! MOTIVATED SELLER! $579,000

1608 Ridgeway Dr, BA, STUNNING WHOLE HOUSE RENTAL! Completely Gut

Renovated 4 BR, 3.5 Bth Col on 1/4 Acre Prop. New Kosher EIK, FDR, LR/ Fpl, Den

& Enclosed Porch.Radiant

REAL ESTATE

Open Houses

HEWLETT 1534 BROADWAY #205, Open House By Appt! Extra Large 2000 Sq Ft, 2 Bedroom(Originally 3 BR), 2 Bath Condo in Prestigious Jonathan Hall with Doorman & Elevator. Updtd Wood/Quartz Kit, LR & DR. Washer/Dryer in Unit. Underground Pkg. Loads of Closets. Terrace Faces Back. Easy Ranch Style Living...$579,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299

HEWLETT BA, 1267 Peninsula Blvd, BA, NEW TO MARKET! 5 BR, 2 Bth Exp Cape in SD#14 (Hewlett-Woodmere) Living Room, DR & Updtd Gran/Wood EIK & Bths. Det 1.5 Gar & Driveway for 4/5 Cars. HW Floors. Gas Heat. Near LIRR, Shops, Trans & Schools. A Steal!

.....$599,000 RONNIE GERBER 516 238-4299

HEWLETT BA, 1599 Lakeview Dr, NEW!

4 BR, 3 Bth Exp Ranch on Tree Lined St in SD#14. Spacious LR, DR & Family Rm, EIK & Fin Bsmt. Att Garage. HW Flrs. Near Park, Trans, Shops & Houses of Worship...$799,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299

HEWLETT SUNDAY, 5/7, 12-1:30, 1193

E. Broadway # M23,, NEW TO MARKET!

Eldercare Offered

EUROPEAN ELDERCARE Takes Special Care Of Loved Ones. Full Month Livein L.I. Stroke, Parkinson, Alzheimers. Jean Or Eka 914-357-0398; 845-567-6359

Move Right Into This Stunning Gut Renovated 2 BR, 2 Bth Coop in Garden Town. Gourmet Kit W/Thermdore St Steel Appl Opens Into DR & LR. Primary BR w/Bth Plus Spac 2nd BR. W/D in Unit. New Self Controlled CAC. Oak Flrs, LED Lights. Near LIRR. Parking Avail. SD#14. You Don't Want to Miss This...$379,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299

Open Houses

ROCKVILLE CENTRE BA 55 Lenox Rd, # 2J,, NEW! Spacious 2 Bedroom Coop in Prestigious Bldg in the Heart of RVC. Corner Unit Features Large Entry Foyer, Living Rm/Dining Rm & EIK. Loads of Closet Space. HW Flrs. Assigned Pkg. New Elevator.. Close to Shops, Restaurants, LIRR.RVC School District. Won't Last!...$359,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299

House For Sale

POINT LOOKOUT: WATERFRONTLargest Selection of Beach Homes, Sale/ Rent. Our Home Listings Sell FA$T! VIDEOS. HUG R.E. 516-431-8000 www.hugrealestate.com

Apartments For Rent

CEDARHURST

(516)860-6889/ (516)852-5135/ (516)582-9978

MoneyTo Lend

ARE YOU

MORE ON YOUR TAXES? Stop wage & bank levies, liens & audits, unfiled tax returns, payroll issues, & resolve tax debt FAST. Call 888-869-5361 (Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-5pm PST)

MarketPlace HERALD

So what do we do about the housing crisis?

Q. Gov. Kathy Hochul’s attempt to force towns to allow more buildings or doubling up living units on properties may go down in flames. I have mixed feelings about it, since I wouldn’t want to see more congestion, but I know my grown kids can’t afford to buy a home near us, and the so-called “affordable” housing around us isn’t so affordable. What do you think is the solution?

A. In two recent columns, I addressed the intention of Governor Hochul to force municipalities to accept zoning changes in an attempt to develop more affordable housing and allow for doubling up on single-family properties with more living units, a method now available in California, where housing has become a crisis due to the high cost of real estate. As I previously stated, her proposal was not well received. It was rejected by most local communities.

Unfortunately, the problem will not go away, and a master plan is needed to incorporate how to address housing costs, traffic congestion, proximity of housing to commercial and industrial districts — it’s a long list. A county master plan, to make any difference, requires gathering information on what needs to be addressed.

For example, roadways are jammed, with no way to widen main thoroughfares or divert traffic. A future solution could be to place sensors in the pavement, coordinated with car technology to take over and control traffic speed so slow drivers can’t control everyone else’s speed, causing traffic jams. That combined with sensors in traffic lights would detect the number of cars and buses, and allow larger volumes of traffic to flow through intersections more efficiently. Since these systems are already used in California, Europe and Israel, their success is documented. Many larger cities with populations similar to our local area implemented planning solutions decades ago.

As I worked on my thesis for city planning in college 45 years ago, we were required to choose model cities to study. I chose Toronto and New York City. Both required traffic movement improvements to disperse massive volumes of traffic. They also developed housing zones coupled with large open spaces and a number of different sizes of residential buildings to create affordable housing.

Open space-to-building ratios are one of many problems with our local communities. For example, setting stores right on a sidewalk, with no on-site parking and homes directly behind them, was just an invitation to conflicts. Visible parking, wider roads, large-volume housing units with large surrounding open space, parking fields and single-family housing, separated and without their driveways backing directly onto busy boulevards, would have been a much better long-range solution.

It still can be, at a huge cost, because there has been no master plan or intention to implement change to solve conflicts. As long as local governments reject any attempt to solve these many problems and move us all forward, we will just have to live, and complain. These problems have solutions.

Good luck!

Monte

MERCHANDISE MART

Antiques/Collectibles

We Buy Antiques, Fine Art & Jewelry Same Day Service, Free In-Home Evaluations, 45 Year Family Business. Licensed and Bonded, Immediate Cash Paid. SYL-LEE ANTIQUES www.syl-leeantiques.com 516-671-6464

Wanted To Buy

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

FINDS UNDER $100

Finds Under $100

CRAFTSMAN GAS LAWN MOWER: 21" multi-cut. 6.75hp. rear bag. No problems good condition. $25.00 516-343-4010

KARCHER POWER WASHER: Brand New, Never Used. Still in the box. $95. 347-512-1652

Finds $100-$350

BAR STOOLS 2 Brass Swivel Seats With arms, Taupe lLeather Seats. Paid $500 for 2 Will Take $200 or Best Offer. 516-668-8877

KITCHEN SET Table/ chrome pedestal. 4 chairs with chrome and black vinyle seats. 5ft x 4ft smoked glass table.$200 Neg. 516.668. 8877

Finds $100-$350

TREADMILL PROFORM GYM SIZE Great Condition. $250 516 668 8877

Brick/Block/Concrete/Masonry

JB MASONRY : Driveways, Patios, Stoops, Sidewalks, Retaining Walls, Pool Areas, Stucco, Cultured Stone, Brick Work, All Types Pavers, All Concrete Slabs Restorations. FREE Estimates. 516-428-6388

*MICHAEL LO BAIDO CONSTRUCTION*

Cement Specialist, Brickwork, Interlock Bricks, Belgium Blocks, Stoops, Patios, Driveways, Sidewalks, Basement Entrances, Pavers, Waterproofing.

Electricians

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

Handyman

HANDYMAN: All Kinds OF Interior Repairs. Baths, Kitchens, Tiles, Plumbing, Sheetrock, Painting, Carpentry. Licensed And Insured. Emergency Work. 516-810-0067 l handynyman.com

HANDYMAN

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

Home Improvement

ARBORVITAE 6-FOOT REDUCED to $125/each Free Installation, Free Delivery. Fast growing, High-quality Beautiful & Bushy! Order now to reserve for spring delivery. Lowcosttreefarm.com 518-536-1367

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

DON'T PAY FOR Covered Home Repairs

Again! American Residential Warranty covers ALL MAJOR SYSTEMS AND APPLIANCES. 30 DAY RISK FREE/ $100 OFF POPULAR PLANS. 833-398-0526

Home Improvement

HANDY DANDY HOME IMPROVEMENTS

* Full Or Partial Kitchens/ Baths *Painting

*Sheetrock *Taping/ Spackling *Installations Ceramic/ Vinyl Tile *Carpentry *Alterations

*Repairs/ More. FREE ESTIMATES. Dan 516-342-0761

LITO CONSTRUCTION Home Improvement/ Construction 10% OFF ANY JOB OVER $2,000 Masonry, Brick Work, Stone Decor, Pointing, Tile, Driveways, Sidewalks, Steps, Framing, Foundations, Remodel Interiors, Extensions, Bathrooms, Basements. Licensed/ Insured. Free Estimates. 516-564-8315, 516-376-9365

ROOFING GREAT PRICES ! NEW ROOF SPECIALS SIDING- Best Prices RENOVATIONS & ALL REPAIRS SUPER COMPETITIVE PRICES! Licensed / Insured. Free Estimates Nassau License. # H-0102710000 Call John - 516-852-9830

Power Washing

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

Sprinkler Syst./Irrig.Wells

TOYOTA

Tree Services

T&M GREENCARE TREE SERVICE

*Tree Removal *Stump Grinding *Pruning

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

Satellite/TV Equipment

DIRECTV. NEW 2-YEAR Price Guarantee. The most live MLB games this season, 200+ channels and over 45,000 on-demand titles. $84.99/mo for 24 months with CHOICE Package. Some restrictions apply. Call DIRECTV 1-888-534-6918

DISH TV $64.99 For 190 Channels + $14.95 High Speed Internet. Free Installation, Smart HD DVR Included, Free Voice Remote. Some restrictions apply. Promo Expires 1/31/24. 1-866-595-6967

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Auctions

ANTIQUE LOVERS TAKE NOTE! BRIMFIELD IS HERE – ALL SHOWS! May 9-14, New shows open daily! BrimfieldAntiqueFleaMarket.com. 2023 Show Dates: May 9-14, July 11-16, September 5-10

Education

COMPUTER & IT TRAINING PROGRAM!

Train ONLINE to get the skills to become a Computer & Help Desk Professional now! Grants and Scholarships available for certain programs for qualified applicants. Call CTI for details! 844-947-0192 (M-F 8am-6pm ET). Computer with internet is required.

TRAIN ONLINE TO DO MEDICAL BILLING! Become a Medical Office Professional online at CTI! Get Trained, Certified & ready to work in months! Call 855-543-6440. (M-F 8am-6pm ET). Computer with internet is required

Biden’s decision was an easy one

To no one’s surprise, President Biden has announced that he will seek a second term. That announcement has stirred up oceans of talk about his ability to serve another four years, because he is 80 years old. Considering the fact that I’ve served in public life for over 30 years and have reached age 80, I feel comfortable expressing my views about his candidacy.

Biden’s decision to run for reelection was the result of many factors, which I understand and can easily explain. First of all, as difficult as the most important job in the world is, with its myriad headaches, it is impossible to just walk away from it. Is being president a boost to your ego? You bet it is. Having musicians play “Hail to the Chief” virtually every time you walk into a room has to be a pretty cool experience. Traveling on Air Force One is also hard to dismiss.

But putting ego aside, Biden has plenty of reasons to defy his biological clock and seek office again. Whether

you like him or not, he has had a highly successful four years, and working with both Democrats and Republicans, he has gotten a number of major pieces of legislation passed that will have a dramatic impact on the lives of all Americans.

His infrastructure bill is responsible for the planned reconstruction or replacement of approximately 3,800 bridges. Billions of dollars have been distributed to local governments to rebuild their aging highways. Thousands of public buildings that are in dangerous condition are being rebuilt with infrastructure funding.

America’s major shortage of microchips will be attacked thanks to a multibillion-dollar program to create American-manufactured chips. Think about the vehicle you drive, or your smartphone. Cars and phones need microchips, most of which come from Taiwan and China. Our country needs to make more of them, and the process to do that is happening thanks to the Biden administration.

Senior citizens have much to be thankful for due to Biden’s efforts. Ask any senior who needs insulin injections

what it cost them annually in 2021. Many will acknowledge that the cost of insulin has resulted in less food on the table. Biden pledged to reduce its price to $35 per month, a pledge he has kept.

Four years ago, the alliance of European nations was in total disarray. Many that were once our friends were disenchanted by our lack of communication, and our disrespect. Biden has brought the members of NATO together, and for the first time in many years, the organization is prepared to fight any attempt by Russia to expand its territory.

There is no doubt that Ukraine would be under total Russian control if not for Biden’s determination to protect it from becoming a Russian colony. Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine wasn’t just an effort to take over another country. Russia would like to swallow up all of the previous parts of the former Soviet Union. A winning takeover of Ukraine was intended to be the first in a series of takeovers of country after country.

The 2023 version of the Republican Party is enough to encourage any Democratic incumbent to run again. Red

state after red state is passing laws to deprive women of their personal rights, and finding ways to deprive minorities and college students of their voting rights. The GOP has abandoned all of its founding principles, and has been captured by the Marjorie Taylor Greenes and other zealots.

Has Biden made America into Pleasantville? No, that hasn’t happened. To date, there has been no bipartisan solution to the border crises. The Democrats want a rational way to let migrants enter the country. Many Republicans want the border forever sealed so that no one, not even those fleeing anarchy and crime, can walk on American soil.

If the Republican Party had a roster of moderate and impressive candidates for the White House, Biden might have hesitated to seek a second term. But sadly, Republicans have no Ronald Reagan type waiting in the wings. Their alternatives will not make America great again.

So if I were Joe Biden, I’d go for it.

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.

Dispatch from a four-legged 5-year-old

Dear Kathi: I turned 5 years old this winter, and I promised that I’d drop you a note and tell you how my life is with the Kreiss family. Mother’s Day is appropriate: As the breeder who helped bring me into the world, you’re one of my cherished moms.

My birth mom is Mountain Ivy of Chilowee Cotons. My birth grandmother is Destiny’s Rogue Breeze. My human mom is Randi of Brooklyn, and my pedigree is better than hers.

Now, don’t expect one of those heartwarming Lassie stories or a brave-dog-fightsbear story of my life. Think of this more like a Jerry Springer-spaniel (may he rest in peace) sort of tale. I know you thought I was an easy-going puppy, but it was all an act. I’m an alpha all the way, babe.

The Kreisses are OK, as owners go.

Clearly Randi and Don (they don’t know I call them by their first names) wanted a replacement for their beloved Zoe, the long-lived pup who trotted over the Rainbow Bridge six months before I was born. I hate when that happens. I want to be wanted just for myself.

By the way, I resent that you sold me. I mean, it was a great price, and in dog dollars it was a killing, but I don’t like to think of myself as a commodity. And you could have been a little more thorough in interviewing the Kreisses. They do not — I repeat, do not — have the fenced-in yard they promised.

I don’t mind that you sent me away from Tucson, where I was born, but I just cannot get used to doing my business in the snow. The ice really freezes up the works, if you know what I mean. The Ms. is out there in wool pants, a down coat, hat and gloves. I’m out there in my birthday suit, and she wants me to hurry up. When I hear “hurry up!” know what I do? I take my sweet time, pretending that I found something great to sniff. Or

I raise my ears and stare just behind her, to give her the creeps. Oh, yeah. One thing I’m happy about is that there are no kids around to share the attention. When we walk past kids at the bus stop, I wag my tail like crazy and pretend to love the little dribblers. The Ms. eats it up. She always says the same thing to the moms and dads: “Oh, Lillybee loves children. Of course they can pet her.” Let me tell you, it takes a lot of self-control not to take a bite out of those fat little fingers.

It’s a pretty easy gig I have. In the beginning, the Mr. didn’t like me at all. He didn’t want me, he didn’t want to walk me, and he didn’t like the fact that I barked in his ear for no good reason for 15 minutes straight every night when he turned on the TV. But he just needed to be trained. I’ve trained him to throw my Frisbee every time I bring it to him. I could bring it to him a hundred times and he just keeps throwing it. And he thinks I eat out of his hand?

The Ms. started out strict, making me

sleep in a crate in the kitchen every night, and I pretended to love it. I kept quiet, kept my nose clean and, sure enough, within six months they were discussing the fact that I was bonding more with the crate than with them. Within eight months I was in bed with them.

I know this is a process of give and take, but I did hold my ground in several areas. I refused to be housebroken overnight. I saw no reason to relieve myself outside in the freezing cold when there were perfectly good area rugs in the nice warm dining room.

I will not sit on the floor when everyone else is on the couch, and I won’t eat unless the Ms. keeps me company. From time to time, I bring a small dead bird into the house and deposit it on someone’s bed. I’m a dog, after all, and I won’t let them disrespect my native culture.

I will definitely keep in touch, Kathi, but let’s keep this just between us. The Ms. thinks she’s the only one in the family who writes. And neither of them has any idea that I know how to use the computer.

Love, Lillybee

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

RANDI KREISS

W hen we walk past kids, I wag and pretend to love the little dribblers.

Whether you like him or not, he has had a highly successful four years.

JERRY KREMER

A principal’s buyout is worth discussing

the Sewanhaka Central High School district has proposed a budget of nearly $245 million for the 2023-24 academic year, funding a number of projects beginning this fall, including the expansion of a real estate education program that could prepare students to take the state real estate licensing exam, and the restoration of Sewanhaka High School’s iconic clock tower.

But one thing you won’t find highlighted in that budget — at least not in the part presented to the public — is a payout of more than $400,000 to a beloved principal who disappeared on a sudden sabbatical last fall, only to later reveal that his absence will be permanent.

It’s the kind of omission that remains ever so common among a large number of elected bodies where transparency is paramount. And it’s the kind of unnecessary omission that can fuel distrust between leaders and constituents — just when trust is needed most, when school district residents go to the polls in a couple of weeks to give a school budget their blessing, or to cast a vote against it.

It’s hard to blame now-former Elmont Memorial High School principal Kevin Dougherty for collecting as much as he can for an employment separation it appears he didn’t volunteer for. But even in the shadow of a budget worth nearly a quarterbillion dollars, it could certainly be a real head-scratcher how the district justifies such a significant golden parachute, using taxpayer money — and why it felt that such a deal wasn’t fit for public consumption.

It wasn’t discussed at a school board

letters

An open letter to Rep. Anthony D’Esposito

Dear Congressman D’Esposito:

meeting or made part of a budget presentation. We know about it only because a Newsday reporter filed a public-records request and then patiently waited for the school district to hand the documents over.

Now, the school board will say this was not trumpeted across the district because the dispute between Dougherty and the trustees could be classified as a personnel issue — and that’s fair. We know there was a dispute, because one was hinted at in the paperwork obtained through the records request. And the nature of that dispute could very well fall under “personnel.”

But the payout — one involving money every property owner pays into the Sewanhaka district’s coffers — is something that deserved a bit more scrutiny. Or, at the very least, a “for your information.”

Dougherty’s payout appears to consist of both his $200,000 salary and an equal amount in unpaid bonuses. It’s not clear what the bonuses represented, but accrued time off and other elements the board is contractually obligated to pay out were most likely a part of it.

In fact, while it’s a lot of money, an open discussion could have easily benefited the school board, explaining the financial particulars of the payout, why it was necessary, and the fact that $400,000 represents barely two-tenths of 1 percent of the district’s total budget.

The school board also could have boasted how well it manages money, with an example that while Superintendent James Grossane earns the district’s highest salary, at just over $275,000 a year, there are 115 other school administrators in the state

who make more than he does.

Yet that discussion never happened. It didn’t even come up. And if someone hadn’t dug deeper to find out what was going on, we wouldn’t be talking about it now.

Teachers are vital to the makeup of our society. It’s why we spend our entire childhood — and the early part of our adulthood — in front of them, learning everything we can about the world around us. And administrators like Dougherty are important, too, because they build and maintain the framework where education happens.

But if the school board is going to negotiate an exit that ultimately pays someone a full year’s salary, along with additional benefits that essentially doubles that salary, it deserves a discussion. A public discussion. It won’t be fun — not by a long shot. But it is necessary.

So the discussion is happening now. And at the moment, parents seem more upset about losing someone who they believe is a great principal than about how much he’s taking as he walks out the door. And that’s perfectly fine — sometimes it’s not about the money.

In the end, however, these are still taxpayer dollars. And taxpayers have a right to know how every dollar is being spent. While no one is asking the school board to publicize how each dollar is spent, when there’s a payout that’s outside the norm, it’s worth a discussion.

And we hope all government bodies — not just the Sewanhaka Central High School District — will remember that.

As you claim to be committed to serving and protecting your constituents and your brothers and sisters in law enforcement, I write to request that you act on that promise and write legislation that will ban military-style rifles and large-capacity magazines, institute universal background checks and red-flag laws and close the gun show loopholes.

From the writing of the Constitution until 2008, the Second Amendment was widely interpreted as providing for a state militia. The National Rifle Association successfully convinced Americans that the amendment gave individuals a right to bear arms. In 2008, in D.C. v. Heller, the ultra-conservative Supreme Court, for the first time in the country’s history, ruled that the Second Amendment “protects a personal right to keep and bear arms for lawful purposes, most notably for self-defense within the home.”

There have been 377 school shootings in the United States since Columbine, according to The Wash-

Seeking leadership, and equity, for a better tomorrow

Igrew up as a Reagan Republican, and I have some opinions on our current political paradigm. Reagan, whose flaws are perseverated over in our time, had some great traits that are applicable to our current environment. He had leadership and vision. He understood that we could be more than we were, and that America was created to be the greatest nation ever known by meeting the needs and desires of all of its people. True Republicans should follow his path, and people of other views should reconsider the intent of his policies.

ble opportunities for all.

Success is found in increasing economic growth, not in fighting over the distribution of a diminishing pool of resources. Collaboration in our country can spur a new generation of leadership for us, and for our ideas. Tearing one another down weakens us both nationally and internationally.

II

My views on how to address society’s ills have evolved since my youth. I hope that would be true of any lifelong learner, but my core principles and goals are unchanged. Opportunity is the key to success, and the respect for liberty — for yourself and for your fellow members of society — is a sacred responsibility. That was Reagan’s vision through my 16-yearold eyes in the 1980s, and it’s a vision that is still applicable to those seeking equita-

Remember, America is predominantly a collection of immigrants, including my ancestors, who fled static societies for new opportunities. We are still a collection of immigrants. Our combined skills and perspectives are a unique and powerful force.

I believe in equity, because it means giving people what they need to succeed, and most often, all they need is a fair chance. Each person’s path is different, and those differences should be respected. The most important ingredient for success will always be the will of the individual. The goal of equity is to remove, or mitigate, systemic barriers to enable people to reach their potential.

In education there is an accepted belief that we need to differentiate instruction. Differentiation of instruction is an acknowledgment that individu-

Letters

ington Post. Other countries have people with mental health issues, yet this is a uniquely American problem. The next highest number of school shootings during this time period is Mexico, with eight. More than twice as many Americans own guns, per capita, than the nextranked country, which is Yemen.

Today it isn’t uncommon for someone to have lived through more than one school shooting within a few years. During the 10-year ban on assault weapons, school shootings decreased markedly. Since the ban was lifted, mass shootings have increased dramatically.

As someone who was disciplined by the NYPD for carelessly leaving your gun in a car that wound up in the hands of criminals, you must be aware that there are over 400,000 guns stolen every year. Thus the argument for responsible gun ownership applies specifically to you, and to the hundreds of thousands of Americans who allow their guns to fall into the wrong hands.

Over 48,000 people are killed by guns each year. Guns are the leading cause of death of children and teens in this country, more than car accidents, drug over-

doses or cancer.

President Biden passed the Bipartisan Safe Communities Act, which is the most significant gun legislation in decades. However, it is just a first step. We need congresspeople who believe that the lives of our children are more important than the absurd notion that a civilian should be able to own a weapon of war. And we cannot forget what happened in Uvalde, where 19 law enforcement officers waited outside a classroom for 50 minutes for fear of being outgunned by one AR-15. If you really wanted to ensure that police officers are safe, you’d end the sale of weapons of war to civilians.

You have the ability to end mass shootings in this country.

On behalf of Democrats and the vast majority of your constituents, we demand that you pass sensible gun legislation. Put an end to the uniquely American phenomenon that has parents and children in your district fearing for their lives.

CLAUDIA BORECkY President, Bellmore-Merrick Democratic Club

als have their own educational needs. Equity is similar to that concept, because each person has his or her own needs to meet their full potential. Equity is meeting each individual where they are and creating a path forward consistent with their abilities and ambition. Creating an environment where individual have the opportunity to succeed is a very Reaganlike initiative.

Equity 4 LI Youth is a forum for identifying opportunities, with volunteers helping young people see possible paths to success. We are not a governmental agency, and we have not raised any money — we are just people from all political perspectives trying to help. We do so by partnering with altruistic groups representing a wide array of causes, and providing resources to help promote equitable opportunities for anyone who is interested. Their race, religion, gender or politics don’t matter to us; all deserve a fair chance to reach their goals.

We are open to all points of view. Books written from any perspective must be respected, not feared. Canceling another person’s ability to experience lit-

erature based solely on one’s own political perspective indicates a fear that there is weakness in that perspective. Fear drives hate, and hate brings more fear.

We believe in reading and analyzing works from multiple perspectives, listening to all positions and engaging in factbased debate. Hearing and respecting a different point of view doesn’t mean you are capitulating to it. Reagan stressed self-reliance, not the destruction of other members of the American experiment in democracy. There is room in the shining city on the hill for people of all beliefs.

I like to study and evaluate all points of view. No single perspective has all the best ideas, or only bad ideas; there is always information to glean from listening to, and learning about, others. Even if all you learn is how to refine your argument, you’ve still gained knowledge and understanding of another’s position. And the experience forces you to critically evaluate your own views. All gain from a sharing of ideas.

Reagan wasn’t always right, but he wasn’t always wrong, either.

Patrick M. Pizzo II, Ed.D., is the assistant superintendent for business and finance in the East Meadow School District, the president of Equity 4 LI Youth and the Education Committee chair for the Hempstead branch of the NAACP.

Framework by Tim Baker

ronald Reagan had some ideas that are well worth reconsidering.

patrICk m. pIZZo