Lynbrook/East Rockaway Herald 06-22-2023

KaylEE RUSSERtt, 9, attended her second annual HurriCon to support her dad, Phil, and his comic series ‘Tragedy.’ Venom is one of her favorite comic characters.

Moving ahead with plan for public water

By JoRDaN ValloNE jvallone@liherald.com

Advocacy groups have been ramping up efforts for a public takeover of Liberty Utilities after the private company, which supplies water to roughly 113,000 Town of Hempstead residents, recently sought a cumulative 34.2 percent rate hike across Nassau County.

Courtesy John Chen

Comic fans enjoy ‘fun, food, fellowship’ at E.R. HurriCon

By NIColE FoRMISaNo nformisano@liherald.com

In a scene so colorful it could have come straight from a comic panel, East Rockaway’s Bethany Congregational Church was filled with artwork, figurines, stickers and, of course, comics. The sixth annual HurriCon was a roaring success.

Hundreds of attendees and vendors enjoyed food, art, collectibles, raffles for one-of-a-kind items, and comic camaraderie on June 17. HurriCon is the only benefit comic convention in

New York state, with proceeds benefiting Bethany Congregational.

“Really what the show is about is fun, food, fellowship — to feel like you belong somewhere,” said David Donovan, the founder of the event and the Herald’s 2022 Person of the Year. “You’re welcomed with open arms. Come on in.”

Donovan organized the first HurriCon in 2018 to raise money to fix the church’s flooring, which was damaged in Hurricane Sandy. Bethany had become East Rockaway’s resource cenContinued on page 20

Long Island Clean Air Water & Soil, an advocacy group that has long fought for public water, held a meeting in Merrick on June 15 to discuss what could be done to fight the rate increase.

Just over a month ago, Liberty filed a notice with the state Public Service Commission for the rate increase, which would impact three districts that Liberty serves on Long Island: Lynbrook, Merrick and Sea Cliff.

The private company is seeking the increase to offset the cost of “necessary plant invest-

ments, high tax burdens, the installation of advanced metering infrastructure, proposed low-income and arrearage management programs, and a feefree program for electronic payment of Liberty NYW invoices,” according to the filing.

The company added that the rate hike would also help cover the cost of 17 new jobs that were created at its Merrick offices, as well as “the implementation of a low-income program” to provide aid to certain customers.

If the state approves a rate increase after holding public hearings, it would take effect on April 1, 2024.

In November 2021, Gov. Kathy Hochul signed a bill creating the South Nassau Water Authority, a public entity with the sole purpose of taking over Liberty.

As of early May, the water authority board was composed of John Reinhardt, Ella Stevens, Continued on page 18

I

t is important for all of our state representatives to get behind the effort to get the SNWA the funding it needs.

StEVE RhoaDS state senator

By MARK NOLAN mnolan@liherald.com

Fans of chilling thrillers, psychological twists, and bloodcurdling horror will have to look no farther than Malverne this July.

The Malverne Community Theatre is producing three shows of “Macbeth” at Crossroads Farm at Grossmann’s July 7-9.

Anyone familiar with Malverne Community Theatre’s President David Coonan won’t be surprised that he opted to emphasize the psychological aspects of “Macbeth”. Coonan is renowned locally for performances that highlight mind games and the macabre.

“‘Macbeth’ has always been on my mind for years to stage a production,” Coonan said. “Thankfully, the people I wanted in particular roles were available. I have my ‘Macbeth’ dream cast.”

The play adaption will run July 7, 8, and 9 with performances at 8 p.m. The evenings are much more than a night of theater, however. This is the second year Malverne Community Theatre is partnering with Crossroads Farm. Each of the three nights in July will feature farm-to-table food with dinner, dessert, and beverages. Local breweries and musicians will be on hand starting at 7 p.m. After each performance, the cast will talk to audience members about the show.

“These will be nice evenings to support our local farm, community theatre, and chamber of commerce,” Coonan said. “Crossroads Farm is a great partner to work with. We hope it’s a fun evening and that we capture the spirit of the play and reinforce people’s love of Shakespeare, and maybe convert some folks.”

Coonan, who wrote the adapted script, said fans of Shakespeare and “Macbeth” in particular won’t be disappointed with the truncated version. Coonan said his adaptation trims the play from almost three hours to just over an hour.

And all the famous — and infamous — lines remained.

“All the important scenes are there; all the major plot points; all the characters; and all the brilliant speeches,” Coonan said. “It’s faithful to the play. I wanted the emotion and energy and darkness to remain.”

Stephanie Jablonski, who plays Lady Macduff, agreed with Coonan that the annotated version is faithful and beautiful — and horrifying.

“This adaptation of ‘Macbeth’ promises to bring the intensity and power of the original, while the arrangement allows for a vibrant tempo and development of the scenes,” Jablonski said. “We have great actors who bring incredibly powerful and dynamic performances, as well as fresh interpretations of classic character interactions.”

Coonan is especially excited about the venue at Crossroads Farm. He said the intimate setting helps him accomplish his “ultimate goal” of making Shakespeare accessibly to people.

“It’s important for people to see the characters come to life,” Coonan said. “It takes good actors to find the different layers and the depth of character, and communicate that to the audience.”

Bruce Liby, who is portraying the ill-fated King Duncan and Macduff, said of the production: “This is going to be a fun performance for audience and cast. It will be a small, intimate setting. This abridged version poignantly portrays Macbeth’s journey from hubris to nemesis.”

Coleen Comerford, who plays Ross and Fleance, said, “The cast is full of Shakespeare fans, and the audience will see our enthusiasm in the performance.”

Coonan is a Malverne High School graduate and teaches English in the school district. He helped resurrect the Malverne Community Theatre in 2012, and guided the non-profit through the pandemic.

For more information, and to buy tickets, visit MalverneTheatre.org.

Scouts participate in cleanup despite downpour

By NICOLE FORMISANO nformisano@liherald.com

Despite a torrential downpour getting in the way of their weekend, the Boy and Girl Scouts at this year’s “Camporee” still gave back to the community.

Troops from across Nassau County gathered at Hempstead Lake State Park on May 20 for a three-day weekend of learning, team building, and fun. However, plans had to change when the skies opened up

“These kids, let me tell you, they were not discouraged by the rain at all,” said Councilwoman Laura Ryder. “It’s a learning lesson to persevere, to go forward and do it as planned.

they’re learning how to be good young men and women, good scouts, but more importantly, they’re learning good citizenship skills that will influence their adult lives

Life gives us the opportunity to either back out or step up. And this was a perfect example of them stepping up.”

The annual Camporee kicked off on May 20th with scouts from Malverne, West Hempstead, Lynbrook and East Rockaway. The plan was a three day weekend jam packed with games, obstacle courses, barbecues and more where young boys and girls develop teamwork skills. Unfortunately, the rain became simply too much for the outdoor activities. But despite the weather, troops still spent their morning cleaning up Hempstead Lake State Park.

BILL gAyLOR Legislator

“It’s part of what we do,” said Lawrence Vodopivec, leader of Troop 824. “The biggest thing of all the troops within our area is to give back to the community.”

“The purpose of the camps is to help all kids in the scouting program to build their self confidence, leadership skills, citizenship skills, and character,” said Legislator Bill Gaylor, who joined Ryder in commending the scouts on May 20th. “It’s a great opportunity for the scouts to build closer friendships and develop character, which is what it’s all about.”

Ryder said that it’s these kinds of group activities that set a foundation for these kids to become successful adults — working together toward a common goal.

“They have to work together, rely on each other and support each other throughout all of the activities,” she said. “They are looking at it as just having fun, but it’s instilling those positive character traits which will carry these children through their lives.”

Ryder was especially moved by watch-

ing the scouts start the morning with a color guard and the national anthem.

Even in the rain, the kids took a moment to pay respect to their community and the nation as a whole.

“To build that foundation of love of our country, and respect for our flag, is so important,” she said. “And both Boy and Girl Scouts do a phenomenal job teaching that to our kids.”

“They’re learning how to be good young men and women, good scouts, but more importantly, they’re learning good citizenship skills that will influence their

adult lives,” Gaylor said. “An Eagle Scout is usually destined for nothing but good things in life.”

He noted that many presidents, astronauts, businessmen, and more have been Eagle Scouts. Gaylor served 24 years in active duty, and said that the Scouting program develops many fine men and women who go on to join the military.

“We know how important scouting can be to the future of our nation,” he said.

With a generation of young people who would spend hours in the rain cleaning up a beloved community park — even

DESpItE thE RAIN, the morning kicked off with a color guard and national anthem. Ryder said that the Scouts do a ‘phenomenal job' teaching patriotism.

knowing their long-awaited weekend of fun would have to wait until next year — it’s easy to have faith in the future. Ryder said that the good deeds and perseverance of the kids that weekend is exactly what makes the Boy and Girl Scouts great, and why she wants them to know they are acknowledged and supported.

“What the scouts do — teaching respect and leadership skills and courage it’s just terrific,” Ryder said. “It was really a pleasure to be there, even in the rain. It was well worth it.

Photos courtesy the office of Bill Gaylor

LEgISLAtOR BILL gAyLOR and Councilwoman Laura Ryder were joined by State Senator Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Councilwoman Dorothy Goosby and Town Clerk Kate Murray to commend the Boy and Girl Scouts at the Camporee.

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In second marriage planning, a co-trustee is sometimes recommended on the death of the first spouse. While both spouses are living and competent they run their trust or trusts together. But when one spouse dies, what prevents the other spouse from diverting all of the assets to their own children? Nothing at all, if they alone are in charge. While most people are honorable, and many are certain their spouse would never do such a thing, strange things often happen later in life. A spouse may become forgetful, delusional or senile or may be influenced by other parties. Not only that, but the children of the deceased spouse tend to feel very insecure when they find out their stepparent is in charge of all of the couple’s assets.

If you choose one of the deceased spouse’s children to act as co-trustee with the surviving spouse there is a conflict that exists whereby the stepchild may be reluctant to spend assets for the surviving spouse, because whatever is spent on that spouse comes out of the child’s inheritance. Then what if stepparent gets remarried? How will the stepchild trustee react to that event? What if it turns out the stepchild liked the stepparent when his parent was living, but not so much afterwards?

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Here is where the lawyer as co-trustee may provide an ideal solution. When one parent dies, the lawyer steps in as co-trustee with the surviving spouse. The lawyer helps the stepparent to invest for their own benefit as well as making sure the principal grows to offset inflation, for the benefit of the deceased spouse’s heirs.

The stepparent in this case takes care of all their business privately with their lawyer. The trusts cannot be raided. These protections may also be extended for IRA and 401(k) money passing to the spouse through the use of the “IRA Contract”. Surviving spouse agrees ahead of time that they will make an irrevocable designation of the deceased spouse’s children as beneficiaries when the IRA is left to the surviving spouse, and further agrees that any withdrawals in excess of the required minimum distribution (RMD) may only be made on consent of the lawyer.

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Retiree honored by Lynbrook

The Lynbrook public schools Board of Education held its regular meeting on June 14, during which retirees and high achievers received the spotlight.

Board trustees accepted the retirements of several Lynbrook schools employees who have demonstrated dedication to students and their respective schools.

Retirees included Karen Feltkamp, who served as an aide at North Middle School for 14 years; Linda Stalter, who served as a teacher assistant at West End for 24 years; and Patricia Rosalbo, who served as an account clerk at Lynbrook High School for 17 years.

Select staff members received special recognition through the You Go the Distance Awards, which highlights efforts to go above and beyond for Lynbrook’s students and staff. They included Marion Street fourth grade teacher Christine Castellano; South Middle School guidance counselor Jennifer Arena; South Middle social worker Amanda Cioffi; South Middle custodian Raul Pacheco; Lynbrook High School clerk Patricia Rosalbo; Lyn-

brook High School science teacher Charles Vessalico; Lynbrook High School family and consumer science teacher Lauren Reganato; West End first grade teacher Kim Fitzsimmons; and Lynbrook High School language teacher Leonard Bruno. A surprise award was given to superintendent assistant Theresa Moran by Dr. Burak, before Dr. Burak received a surprise award herself from her successor Dr. Paul Lynch. Trustees also shared congratulatory comments for Dr. Burak.

In his capital projects update, Assistant Superintendent for Finance, Operations and Information Systems, Dr. Lynch, announced that the project for the Marion Street turf field replacement, the playground and the cafeteria renovation was awarded. The lighting will be renovated at a later point. The North Middle turf field replacement is set to begin for an October finish. At Waverly Park, the new courts are underway and almost finished. The high school library is now vacant and ready for renovations. The tennis courts at South Middle will be temporarily closed as they are resurfaced.

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Courtesy Lynbrook public schools

Karen FeltKamp, who served as an aide at North Middle School for 14 years, was honored for reaching retirement.

Local Juneteenth festivities uplift students

Sudents celebrate cultural appreciation, remaining ‘unstoppable’ in rainy weather

By NICOLE FORMISANO nformisano@liherald.com

With an auditorium of kids smiling, enjoying food and jamming out to drums, Malverne School District’s third annual Juneteenth Jubilee embodied joy and cultural celebration.

School district administration, faculty, and students worked with the PTA, Lakeview Civic Association, and local NAACP to plan this year’s jubilee.

Malverne began celebrating Juneteenth a year before it became a federally recognized holiday, thanks in part to the efforts of Assistant Principal Stephen Benfonte. To him, the Juneteenth Jubilee is a way to make sure all of American culture is being celebrated. He wants all children regardless of race to feel included, to feel acknowledged, and to feel appreciated.

Juneteenth honors the anniversary of when enslaved people in Texas were declared free under the Emancipation Proclamation, despite the executive order having been signed by Lincoln nearly three years earlier.

Malverne’s celebration was originally planned to kick off with an outdoor parade, but other plans had to be made due to rain. Despite the hidden sun, the Pride of Malverne marching band shined. Attendees were impressed by both the

students’ musical skill and their ability to switch gears last-minute.

“It speaks to our motto: We are unstoppable,” Benfonte said. “We’d never allow the Juneteenth Jubilee to stop.”

Students from kindergarten through 12th grade, from all four of Malverne’s schools, celebrated at the jubilee. The auditorium — and when the rain cleared

up, the blacktop outside — was full of children and their parents enjoying music, food, and friends. School Board Trustee Nicole Henderson, whose son is entering fifth grade, said this kind of togetherness is what the Juneteenth Jubilee is all about.

“Bridging the gap between ages, bridging the gap between schools, bridging the

gap between ethnicities, nationalities,” Henderson said. “We’re bridging the gap across all.”

The event featured food trucks, musical performances, and vendors offering snacks, shirts, jewelry, and more. There was also a booth run by representatives of the Divine Nine, an organization of elite historically Black sororities and fraternities. Their presence contributed to the celebration of Black excellence, and was likely particularly impactful to young students planning their futures.

“It’s important for us to be a part of the community and show our young people that we have longevity, we’re here for service, and we’re here for teaching and cultural enrichment,” said Trudi McKinley, First Vice President of Membership.

Providing that positive outlook for the kids is part of why the Juneteenth Jubilee began in Malverne in the first place. Henderson, who is also a co-founder of the Lakeview Civic Association, said the district first began its annual celebration in 2020, which was a difficult time in the wake of George Floyd’s death.

“This was a way to kind of shift the negative into the positive,” Henderson said. “I think people of color were really down — there was a lot of negative stuff happening. Having this, and appreciating the positive, shifted the feeling a little bit. And I think it brought us together.”

Christine Rivera/Herald Photos

ThE PRIdE OF Malverne marching band performed at the third annual Juneteenth Jubilee.

Wild finishes highlight spring season

By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com

there was no shortage of thrilling finishes and heartbreak on Nassau County high school athletic fields this spring, capped by a nearly 4-hourlong Long Island Class A softball championship game between MacArthur and Bayport. Here’s a recap of the 10 wildest postseason endings to the 2022-23 sports year.

1. Carey 6, Plainedge 5 Class A softball first round

The Seahawks trailed 5-1 in the top of the sixth inning but staged a comeback of epic proportions still down three with two outs and nobody on base in the bottom of the seventh. Caylee DeMeo had a two-run single and winning pitcher Lauren Peers followed with a towering fly that dropped between outfielders, bringing home the tying and winning runs.

2. Calhoun 6, Mepham 5

Class A baseball semifinal

The host Colts were down three runs and down to their last out in Game 3 with nobody on base in the bottom of the seventh before pulling out a win for the ages. A hit batter, a single, and a walk set the stage for Joey Goodman, who blasted a walk-off grand slam over the fence in left.

3. Calhoun 6, South Side 5 Class B boys’ lacrosse semifinal

Jayden Finkelstein had a hat trick and an assist and junior goaltender Mark Restivo made 13 saves to propel the Colts to victory. Jake Lewis, Braden Garvey and Shaun Walters also scored as Calhoun avenged a 10-5 regular-season defeat to the Cyclones.

4. North Shore 11, South Side 10

Class C girls’ lacrosse semifinal

The Vikings trailed by five goals in the first half before rallying and eventually winning in triple overtime on a goal by Kylee Colbert.

5. Garden City 7, Calhoun 6

Class B boys’ lacrosse championship

Garden City, which defeated the Colts handily, 16-8, April 21, had its hands full in the rematch on the county title stage and scored the decisive goal with 1:48 remaining off the stick of Carson Kraus. Lewis scored three times for Calhoun and had the potential tying goal nullified with seconds remaining due to a crease violation.

6. Garden City 9, Long Beach 8

Class B girls’ lacrosse championship

For the second straight year Long Beach fell a goal short of topping Garden City for the county title. A late goal by Garden City’s Kendal Morris with 2:41 left in the second half proved the difference. Delaney Chernoff had a hat trick and Delaney Radin added four points for the Marines.

7. Manhasset 13, North Shore 12

Class C girls’ lacrosse championship

The Vikings dropped an OT heartbreaker after leading 12-9 with less than six minutes remaining in regulation. Colbert had seven goals to finish the campaign with 101. Ava Bartoli and Daniela Martini scored twice apiece.

8. Seaford 1, Center Moriches 0

L.I. Class B softball championship

Scoreless in the bottom of the ninth, the Vikings captured their first Long Island crown in walk-off fashion on Kaitlyn Young’s bases-loaded single to left with one out to bring home Gabby Bellamore. Pitcher Skyler Secondino dominated in the circle with 15 strikeouts.

9. Babylon 6, Seaford 5 L.I. Class B baseball championship

One strike away from making more program history after winning its firstever county title, Seaford baseball was unable to shut the door against Babylon. The Phantoms scored four runs in the bottom of the ninth to win it in unbelievable fashion after the Vikings plated three runs in the top of the inning.

10. Bayport 4, MacArthur 2 L.I. Class A softball championship

After defeating Clarke for the county championship in a series that went the distance, MacArthur gave everything it had in a marathon L.I. Class A title game before falling in 12 innings. The Generals tied it in their final turn at-bat on star pitcher Taylor Brunn’s RBI double.

Brian Ballweg/Herald photos KAITLYN YOuNG, ABOVE, had the walk-off hit for Seaford in its 1-0 victory over Center Moriches in the Long Island Class B softball title game.

KYLEE COLBErT’S GOAL in triple overtime lifted North Shore over South Side in a thrilling Nassau Class C girls’ lacrosse semifinal.

Tenants don’t want rents going up this year

Landlords blame economy, need for upgrades, for raise request

By BRANDON CRUZ bcruz@liherald.com

They don’t just want to pause rent increases in rentstabilized apartments in Nassau County. They want to go back to 2021, before the Nassau County Rent Guidelines Board allowed 2 percent increases on one-year leases, and 3.5 percent on two-year leases.

Those tenants along with politicians supporting them banded together at the Hempstead Town Hall last week to issue those demands, which were set for a final vote on Wednesday after the Herald’s publication deadline.

The rent guidelines board is responsible for imposing rent caps on rent-stabilized apartments in the county, a quarter of which are in Hempstead. Rent stabilization was implemented in 1962 to help prevent the displacement of low- and middleincome residents from excessive rent increases in an effort to provide affordable housing.

Buildings offering rent-stabilized units are typically larger properties built before 1974 that are privately owned and operated.

“Democracy is a participation sport, and it’s essential that people go out and voice their concern,” Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages said.

Last week’s demonstrations were organized by the Long Island Progressive Coalition, Working Families Party, and Nassau Democratic Socialists of America.

Jeremy Joseph, an advocate and organizer with DSA, claims tenants weren’t notified about the open hearings regarding raising their rent.

“We knocked on a lot of doors, we put up flyers in buildings,” he said. “By the next day, almost all of those flyers were taken down by landlords because they don’t want their tenants to come out and speak their minds.

“Every year landlords show up because it’s their job to know about this. They want to raise the rent as much as they can, but they don’t tell the tenants.”

Landlords seeking another raise in rent due to infla-

tion and because they say they want to use the extra money to help upgrade poor conditions of the buildings they own. Richard Rush, a landlord whose real estate firm owns and manages various apartments throughout Nassau, said the buildings “require a lot of repairs and maintenance to upkeep, and landlords should be incentivized to maintain their buildings for the benefit of the tenants.”

But Darinel Velasquez, an advocate from New York Communities for Change, says it is absurd landlords need to feel incentivized in order to provide an inhabitable space to their tenants.

“Landlords have been making consistent profit every year while failing to maintain and upkeep the buildings they own,” he said.

Data compiled by the tent guidelines board reveals the consumer price index surged by nearly 4 percent in the metropolitan area over the past year through April. Meanwhile, Nassau landlords saw their income grow nearly 3 percent, but their expenses expand wider at nearly 4.5 percent between 2021 and 2022.

However, tenant advocates are questioning the credibility of this data, claiming it was developed by landlords and lacked independent auditing. Landlords, however, say the data inflates their income by incorporating earnings from non-stabilized units, which they say are considerably more profitable.

The state’s housing and community renewal division has found the average rent for a rent-stabilized apartment in Nassau County was $1,474 per month in 2022, resulting

AssemBLywOmAN

mIChAeLLe sOLAges tells the Nassau County Rent Guidelines Board it should carefully consider the impact any rent increase would have right now on tenants working through the same inflationary pressures as landlords.

in a profit of more than $360 per month for landlords.

Joseph calls this new attempt to raise rents to nothing more than landlord greed, who place profits over people and already charge more than market value for their other non-stabilized properties.

“The problem with treating housing like a commodity is that its value outpaces our wages,” he said.

Some tenants shared with the rent guidelines board their issues with their landlords, while they as tenants continue to struggle financially.”

Some tenants claimed they were pressured into signing leases without reading them, having their rent randomly raised, and even charging upward of $150 per month for parking.

That has forced some residents, like Melissa Devone, a 62-year-old battling lung cancer, to park three blocks away from her apartment after chemo treatments because she simply cannot afford that additional monthly expense.

Tenants also claimed rodents run rampant through many units, mold, a lack of security and sense of safety, lack of maintenance and upkeep, and an overall lack of quality living.

Although the vote was expected to happen this week, some organizations do offer free legal resources for tenants who might find themselves in an untenable situation. Long Island Housing Services is a private, non-profit fair housing advocacy and enforcement agency serving Nassau and Suffolk counties. They can be reached at LIFairHousing.org.

Brandon Cruz/Herald photos

PROtesteRs fROm LONg IsLAND Progressive Coalition, the Working Families Party, and Nassau Democratic Socialists of America come together for a quick group photo before heading into the Nassau County Rent Guidelines Board hearing to voice their opinions about proposed increases to rent-stabilized apartment leases in Nassau County.

Democracy is a participation sport, and it’s essential that people go out and voice their concern.

mIChAeLLe sOLAges Assemblywoman

East Rockaway recognizes Hometown Hero

The East Rockaway Board of Education recognized incoming BOE member Aspasia “Ozzie” Lonergan as the June 2023 Hometown Hero Award honoree.

Lonergan is a dedicated member of the East Rockaway community known for her kind and generous nature, positivity and, most of all, selflessness. She is always willing to volunteer her time and continually steps up to organize support for community members in need.

“Ozzie,” as she is known throughout the community, has been instrumental in the success of the district’s holiday support program Adopt a Family. As the community liaison, she works with school social workers, local business and residents to collect donations and secure other forms of assistance to benefit local families.

As a testament to the respect and admiration that the community has for Lonergan, she was elected to serve at a trustee on the East Rockaway Board of Education in the recent election.

In recognition of her extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy and dedication to the East Rockaway community, the board of education is proud to bestow the Hometown Hero honor on Aspasia Lonergan.

Courtesy east roCkaway School District east roCkaway Hometown Hero Award honoree Aspasia “Ozzie” Lonergan recognized by board of education members at the meeting on June 13. Pictured with Lonergan, center, are Trustee Daniel DeMatteo, left, Trustee Dominick Vulpis, President Peter McNally and Vice President Joseph Kilgus.

Lynbrook High School teen earns Nassau BOCES honor

Chase Gugliemo, a Lynbrook High School student, was named Student of the Quarter at Nassau BOCES Barry Tech career and technical education high school. Gugliemo is studying Auto -

motive Technology at Barry Tech.

Students of the Quarter are honored for their grades, attendance, work ethic and preparedness. These students have taken the initiative on

class projects and are role models for their fellow students, in both the classroom and the workplace.

Leg. Gaylor attends Lynbrook Village Flag Day ceremony

Nassau County Legislator Bill Gaylor recently attended the Flag Day Essay and Art Contest Award Ceremony at Greis Park in Lynbrook. The American Legion who performed as the color guard for the event.

Hundreds of students from schools in Lynbrook, Malverne, East Rockaway, and Baldwin participated in the contest and showed the community what the American flag means to them through their submission of an essay or a picture. The winners were presented with a certificate during this ceremony at Greis Park.

“It is powerful to see so many children wanting to participate in this year’s contest,” Gaylor said. “Their dedication, creativity, and passion that these children put in to expressing just how much the American flag means to them was truly a heartwarming display of patriotism.”

Courtesy Nassau BOCES

Chase GuGliemo, Center, of Lynbrook is congratulated on being named Barry Tech Student of the Quarter by Nassau BOCES Board Member Fran Langsner, far left, Board President Susan Bergtraum, Principal Peter Dalton, and Associate Principal William Poll.

Courtesy Legislator Bill Gaylor

CelebratinG the essay and art contest winners were Lynbrook Trustee Rob Boccio, far left, Deputy Mayor Michael Hawxhurst, Lynbrook Mayor Alan Beach, Legislator Gaylor, Freeport Chamber of Commerce President Ben Jackson, and Assemblyman Brain Curran’s wife, Rosemarie Ciaccio-Curran.

Even in today's changing environment, home sales in our area remain strong & steady. While interest rates may have risen, there's still a lack of inventory and Motivated & Qualified buyers still need homes to purchase.

Choosing the right agent can definitely make a difference. As your neighbor, I know the worth of our wonderful area, as your realtor I have the expertise to guide you through your next move.

Herald staffers capture Press Club awards

Four staffers from Herald Community Newspapers earned recognition last week for their work over the past year during the annual Press Club of Long Island awards dinner in Woodbury.

Reine Bethany, currently the editor of the Uniondale Herald Beacon, won third place in the government and politics category for her stories focusing on the Cleveland Avenue athletic field controversy in Freeport while she was editor of the Freeport Herald. Elected leaders from the village and the school district have been at odds over what to do with the green space, as plans for a distribution center there could bring millions of dollars into the community.

Ana Borruto, editor of the Franklin Square/Elmont Herald, took third place in the crime and justice category for her web story “Justice for Julio,” about residents in Hell’s Kitchen holding a vigil for a Bay Shore High School graduate while writing for GreaterLongIsland.com.

Borruto joined Herald Community Newspapers as a senior reporter last November, and was promoted to editor of the Franklin Square newspaper a short time later.

“Our whole editorial team has shown a knack for understanding their communities and following the stories vital to their readers,” Michael Hinman, executive editor of Herald Community Newspapers,

said. “Recognition from the Press Club of Long Island — itself a chapter of the esteemed Society of Professional Journalists — is greatly appreciated.”

Longtime Herald staffer Laura Lane was recognized as one of the best print reporters on Long Island as she picked up

a third place award in the Reporter of the Year category. Lane’s stories that contributed to the honor included one that talked about who cares for the caregivers at Glen Cove Hospital, how ex-interns led Nassau County Legislator Josh Lafazan’s congressional campaign, the limited options

facing refugees, and the funeral of famed Teddy Roosevelt impersonator James Foote.

Lane, who has been with the Herald for roughly 20 years, serves as senior editor for the Glen Cove Herald, Oyster Bay Herald, and Sea Cliff/Glen Head Herald.

Barely a year after he started working full-time at the Herald, Michael Malaszczyk placed second in the environment narrative category. His story, “New York state adds to South Shore Estuary Reserve Act,” was highlighted.

Malaszczyk began freelancing for the Herald in March 2022 while a graduate student at Hofstra University. He became a full-time reporter a few months later in charge of the Seaford Herald and Wantagh Herald, where he was since promoted to senior reporter. All while continuing to pursue his graduate degree at Hofstra.

“There are many dedicated and hardworking journalists on Long Island, and Herald Community Newspapers is proud to be a part of that community as well as the communities our papers serve,” Jeffrey Bessen, the company’s deputy editor — and a Press Club of Long Island board member — said.

The Press Club of Long Island was established in 1974 as an independent press club after a reporter was jailed for failing to reveal a source. It is now one of SPJ’s largest pro chapters. It has honored member media organizations with an annual awards presentation since 1982.

Jeffrey Bessen/Herald

ThE PRESS Club of Long Island recognized journalism excellence at its annual dinner last week. Herald staffers Michael Malaszczyk, Laura Lane, center, and Ana Borruto show off their awards for the Wantagh Herald, Seaford Herald, Oyster Bay Herald and Franklin Square/Elmont Herald. Reine Bethany, editor of the Uniondale Herald Beacon, also was honored for her previous work with the Freeport Herald.

THE

June 30

Motor City Revue

Journey

back in time to 1960s Detroit and the birth of the Motown sound, when Motor City Revue visits the Landmark stage, Friday June 30, 8 p.m. This 11-piece tribute band will have everyone dancing and singing along to the songs immortalized by Smokey Robinson & The Miracles, Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, The Supremes and countless others. From Hitsville to Soulsville, they’ll perform it all, with a passion and delivery of the true Motown sound that is undeniable. Their ability to match the vocal harmonies and instrumental mix that distinguished the original recordings is not to be missed. All will be humming along to these iconic tunes that defined a generation, in this authentic recreation of the great era that revolutionized the music industry. $47, 42, $38. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. (516) 767-6444 or LandmarkOnMainStreet.org.

June 25

In a ‘New York State of Mind’

22

June 22, 2023 — LYNBROOK/EAST ROCKAWAY HERALD 14 At the Long Beach Regional Catholic School - Adjacent to the Boardwalk VENDOR FAIR LONG BEACH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 721 W. Broadway, LB NY | Visit TheLongBeachChamber.com for More Info! SATURDAY & SUNDAY 10AM-6PM JUNE 24 & 25 TH TH 1218816

Breastfeeding Support Group

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

June 24

Summer sounds

Radio

Flashback rocks

Eisenhower Park, Saturday, 24, 8 p.m. Highlighted by their 4-part harmonies, this is a classic rock tribute to the music, the artists and the experiences everyone fondly remembers. Bring seating. Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, Eisenhower Park, East Meadow. For information, visit NassaucCountyNY.gov.

Employment Assistance

The social ministry with Our Lady of Peace Church, 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.

Outdoor activities

Enjoy the natural world, at Hempstead Lake State Park, Friday, July 7, 2 p.m. Different outdoor activities, games, or crafts will be completed at each program. Meet at the Environmental Education and Resiliency Center. 1000 Lake Drive, West Hempstead. Register at Eventbrite.com or call (516) 766-1029 for more information.

Having an event?

July 8

Family Bat Walk

Stroll Old Westbury Gardens with Gabriel Willow, a New York City-based urban naturalist and environmental educator, Saturday, July 8, 7:30-9:30 p.m. He will lead a walk through the gardens to listen and look for bats while discussing bat ecology and conservation. All ages are welcome. Space is limited and reservations are required. Rain date is Saturday, July 15. 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. For information contact (516) 333-0048 or visit OldWestburyGardens.org.

Bike Rodeo

Village of Lynbrook Police Department with Lynbrook Mayor Alan Beach and New York State Assemblyman Brian Curran hold a bike rodeo, Saturday, June 24, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The event takes place at the Lynbrook Bike Path at the end of Wright Avenue. Registration is required. Call Village Hall at (516) 599-8300.

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

Westbury House Tour

For many years visitors to Westbury House at Old Westbury Gardens asked what was beyond the first floor corridor. Now beyond the door and discover “secrets of the service wing,” during a 60-minute guided tour, Friday, June 23, noon; Sunday, June 25, 1:30 p.m.; Monday, June 26, noon, Wednesday, June 28, noon; Thursday, June 29, noon and 1:30 p.m. Be introduced to the intensive labor required to create the lifestyle experienced by the Phipps family and their guests; tour the many rooms that were “behind the scenes” to create the formal dining experiences of early 20th century. Go along the corridors to the butler’s pantry and silver cleaning room then descend the 17 steps to the kitchen, scullery, and wine storage rooms located on the ground floor. Reservations required. 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. For information contact (516) 333-0048 or visit OldWestburyGardens.org.

Cruise Night

Be sure to stop by Lynbrook Cruise Night, every Thursday, 6-9 p.m., hosted by the Chamber of Commerce. All makes, models and years are welcome. Atlantic Avenue, between Stauderman Avenue and Merrick Road.

Gala shares pride in PFY

It was a celebration of 30 years proving service and guidance to the young LGBTQ community of Long Island, and it was a celebration in style.

PFY — formerly known as Pride for Youth — raised thousands of dollars for its Long Island Crisis Center programs last week during its annual gala at Westbury Manor.

Special guest at this year’s event was Maulik Pancholy, the openly gay actor many would know for his roles in the NBC sitcom “30 Rock” as well as the children’s series “Phineas and Ferb.”

maulik Pancholy, acTor from shows like ’30 Rock’ and ‘Star Trek: Discovery,’ shares why organizations like the Long Island Crisis Center’s PFY group are so important to helping the LGBTQ community. The gala at Westbury Manor raised tens of thousands of dollars for PFY’s programs.

“I think the gala is going to be a time for us to kind of get together and reflect on where we have come as an agency, where we need to go as an agency, and really honor the pioneering leadership and spirit that has laid

the groundwork that has made PFY what it is,” PFY director Devon Zappasodi told the Herald ahead of the event.

The organization was originally intended for young people, but grants have allowed PFY to expand to serve anyone who identifies as LGBTQ on Long Island and in Queens.

The crisis center operates a 24/7 hotline for people with mental health crises, and PFY was formed in 1993

after former executive director Linda Leonard noticed an influx of calls from members of the LGBTQ community.

“They were actually getting a lot of calls on the hotline for folks who were looking for LGBTQ services, such as counseling … or support groups,” said Tawni Engel, the crisis center’s associate executive director. “There was nothing like that that existed at the time.”

Anyone seeking more information or help can visit LICCPFY.org.

Photos courtesy Jonah Murdoch

The sTaff from Long Island Crisis Center’s PFY group that focuses on the LGBTQ community of Long Island and Queens, gather for a group picture during the organization’s annual gala last week at Westbury Manor, celebrating 30 years of the program on Long Island.

Threat of rate increase sparks concern

Robert Gizzi and Mark Plumer, with one open seat to be filled by someone appointed by the Town of Hempstead. Liberty’s proposed increase has sparked a debate and angered town officials.

“Only 16 months after buying American Water Company, Liberty Utilities filed for a rate increase of nearly 35 percent with the Public Service Commission,” Town Supervisor Don Clavin said in a statement on May 5. “I, along with the newly formed South Nassau Water Authority, urge the Public Service Commission to reject this unconscionable rate increase. Liberty water ratepayers deserve better.”

Dave Denenberg, co-director of Long Island Clean Air, said the water authority has not held any public meetings to discuss how to take over Liberty.

“We need a public meeting,” Denenberg said. “We need the town to appoint the rest of the board — and we need the board to do their job.”

When the South Nassau Water Authority was created, Hochul also signed legislation creating a similar entity on the North Shore, the Water Authority of the North Shore. The bill gave the North Shore water authority $1 million per year for its first two years of operation, but a lump sum of $2 million for North Shore was actually worked into the state’s budget this year.

However, no state funding has not been allocated to the South Shore.

Long Island Clean Air believes the South Nassau Water Authority should still hold public meetings explaining how a takeover would work, how much it would cost, and how long the process would take.

The group’s leaders urged others to speak out about the need for a meeting and encouraged them to write letters to their elected officials. They also suggested

Bellmore, East Massapequa, Merrick, North Seaford, North Wantagh, Levittown, North Bellmore, Massapequa, North Merrick, Seaford and Wantagh

that they attend town board meetings and speak out during the public comment period.

Hochul vetoed legislation last November intended to provide funding for the South Nassau Water Authority.

The funding, according to state Sen. Steve Rhoads, is required to “hire experts to inventory and evaluate the assets of Liberty water and assess operating costs as a public system before it can engage Liberty in discussions for a potential acquisition.”

As the fight for public water continues, State Sen. Steve Rhoads has introduced new legislation that may help the South Nassau Water Authority get the necessary funding to facilitate a takeover of Liberty Utilities. Advocacy groups, such as Long Island Clean Air Water & Soil, still want the SNWA to hold a public meeting addressing the takeover.

“It is unfortunate that Gov. Hochul continues to be the biggest obstacle for the South Nassau Water Authority to fulfill its mission to study, negotiate and report on a possible transition to public water so the voters can make an informed decision,” Rhoads wrote in an email.

Rhoads has introduced new legislation addressing the matter.

“In February, I introduced S.5173, which would compel the State to provide $1 million in annual funding for SNWA to do its work,” he said. “I then wrote to the governor and the leaders in both the Senate and the Assembly to make the bill part of this year’s budget

funding. Those requests fell on deaf ears.”

Last week, Rhoads said Assemblywoman Taylor Darling and Assemblymen Brian Curran and Dave McDonough, introduced identical legislation to give the bill a chance to move through both houses of the state legislature with bipartisan support.

“With Liberty water seeking additional rate hikes which will further harm our residents,” Rhoads wrote, “it is important for all of our state representatives to get behind the effort to get the (South Nassau Water Authority) the funding it needs and to compel the governor to stop impeding progress.’’s

GOLD SPONSOR: SILVER SPONSORS: GIFT BAG SPONSOR: SNACK SPONSOR:

VENUE SPONSOR :

HurriCon is NY’s only comic convention

ter, providing relief to the countless people who needed it — even if the floors took a beating in the process.

“It was a really hard time, and they just didn’t think about it,” Gary Hanson, of GTS comics, a vendor at the event, said. “They just let everybody in.”

The event was so successful that it’s become an annual one, and a fixture in the comic book community. Comic writers, artists and curators come from all over Long Island to be a part of HurriCon. This year’s displays included handmade comic panel frames from Nebulad Comics; Funko Pops from Overlord Comics and Collectibles; action figures from Lexjor’s Lair; art from East Rockaway’s own professional comic artist, Kimball Thorpe, and the Long Island TARDIS, a life-sized replica of “Doctor Who’s” iconic timetraveling phone box.

The raffle was particularly exciting, this year featuring rare and unique items like original comic artwork from Mad magazine, signed limited-edition prints from Marvel and DC Comics artist Sean Chen, and work by X-Men artist Larry Stroman.

Though HurriCon has the excitement and attractions of larger-scale comic events, it remains a community-centric show. One vendor, Rich Cirillo, aptly described it as a “mom-and-pop conven-

tion.”

“It’s intimate,” said a vendor and artist who goes by Christiebear. She came to this year’s HurriCon after a friend recommended that she check out a cool local convention. “You get to talk to everybody,” she added.

“It’s a very East Rockaway convention,” Chen, a regular attendee, said. “They come for David (Donovan) mostly. Everyone loves him. That’s part of why it’s such a big success.”

Donovan’s mother, Pauline, who is 92, said her son is a lifelong fan of comics — as a boy, he saved tips from his newspaper route to begin his collection.

“I think if you have a child, and he has a hobby, it’s one of the best things he can do,” she said of his.

Pauline attends every HurriCon. This year she made a new friend, 9-year-old Kaylee Russertt, who was attending her second. Kaylee’s favorite comic character is a 15-way tie, and includes Doctor Doom, Rogue, Hulk and She-Hulk, among others. Given her excitement about the event and her deep knowledge of the subject matter, which gives her lots of cred in the comic community, it was no wonder that people couldn’t help giving Kaylee free stuff. She lit up when she was presented with a print of one of her favorite characters, Venom, and declared she would hang it in her room.

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME

COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU FEDERAL NATIONAL MORTGAGE ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff AGAINST GEORGE R. ERCOLE JR A/K/A GEORGE ERCOLE, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered December 4, 2017, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on July 6, 2023 at 2:30PM, premises known as 169 SPENCER AVENUE, LYNBROOK, NY 11563. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of East Rockaway, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 38, Block 441, Lot 232. Approximate amount of judgment $367,743.07 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #008271/2009. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the NASSAU County COVID-19 mitigation protocols and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the time of

this foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the court appointed referee will cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure

Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine”. Mark Ricciardi, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 18-002974 76141 139892

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORKCOUNTY OF NASSAU REVERSE MORTGAGE SOLUTIONS, INC., V. STEVEN MUCHA AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE TO THE ESTATE OF SONYA MUCHA, ET. AL. NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure dated January 24, 2020, and entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau, wherein REVERSE MORTGAGE SOLUTIONS, INC. is the Plaintiff and STEVEN MUCHA AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE TO THE ESTATE OF SONYA MUCHA, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on July 18, 2023 at 2:30PM, premises known as 7 CATALPA AVENUE, LYNBROOK, NY

11563: Section 42, Block 21205, Lot 47: 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, STATE OF NEW YORK, Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 614974/2018. Michael Mirotznik, 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.

140105

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU CitiMortgage, Inc., Plaintiff AGAINST Dawn Allison Gingold a/k/a Dawn Gingold a/k/a Dawn A. Gingold, et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered May 26, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the

Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on July 24, 2023 at 2:00PM, premises known as 83 Arnold Court West a/k/a 83 Arnold Court, East Rockaway, NY 11518. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of East Rockaway, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, SECTION: 42, BLOCK: 281, LOT: 4. Approximate amount of judgment $572,569.50 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #610391/2019. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the NASSAU County COVID-19 Protocols located on the Office of Court Administration (OCA) website (https://ww2. nycourts.gov/Admin/oca. shtml) and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale. Please contact the Referee with any questions at (516) 5104020. Peter Kramer, Esq., Referee Frenkel Lambert Weiss Weisman & Gordon, LLP 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 11706 01-091297-F00 76690 140246

Cirillo, a longtime comic fan, said he had seen more young people — and especially girls — in the comic community in recent years. He has made an effort to include a wider variety of items in his stand, rather than just so-called “boy stuff.”

Christiebear said that she hadn’t experienced any negativity in the comic community as a woman — rather, different people and perspectives are embraced.

“Everyone is nice and friendly and very open to anyone who comes along,” Hanson said — especially at HurriCon. “I think we should all have our hearts open to other people, and let everyone be themselves.”

The ability of comic books to celebrate differences, to appeal to a wide range of people and to bring them together to share their passion is a philosophy that Bethany Congregational shares. To Donovan, the event offers something to the community while showing what the church is all about.

“It opens up the church to the community,” Donovan said. “You want people to come in, to see that we’re a vibrant community that you want to join in.”

east roCkaway’s resiDent comic artist, Kimball Thorpe, is a regular vendor and attendee of HurriCon.

DaviD Donovan in the life-size traveling TARDIS from Doctor Who. Donovan organized the first HurriCon to repair the floors at Bethany House Congregational Church after it served as a relief center during Hurricane Sandy.

Photos courtesy John Chen Pauline Donovan, 92, has attended every HurriCon since its inception in 2018. She and her son David, are longtime members of Bethany Congregational Church.

Help Wanted

DRIVERS WANTED

Full Time and Part Time Positions Available!

Busy Print Shop in Garden City is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers.

Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience. Hours Vary, Night Availability is a Must.

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

DRIVING INSTRUCTOR

Company Car/ Bonuses. Clean Driving Record Required, Will Train. Retirees Welcome! Bell Auto School 516-365-5778

Email: info@bellautoschool.com

DRIVING INSTRUCTORS WANTED

Call 516-731-3000

EDITOR/REPORTER

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

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

LINE COOK: Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday 10am-6pm. Sandwiches/ Salads. Beach Restaurant. Great Summer Job. 516-835-2819

MACHINE PROGRAMMER/ MACHINE OPERATOR

Will Train

*Math Skills Helpful.

*Work In A Machine Shop. Northfield Precision Instruments Phone 516-431-1112 Ask For Charles. E-mail Resume sales@northfield.com

Manager On Duty At Blaze, Old Bethpage Village Outdoors From September Through November

5-8 Hour Shifts. Serve As The Primary Point Of Contact For All Issues That May Occur During The Event, Seeing Each Through To Resolution. Serve As The Primary Point Of Contact For Emergency Personnel Hourly Rate $25-$30

To Apply: https://hudsonvalley.org/ employment/

Help Wanted

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

OFFICE HELP PT/FT: Computer Literate. Answer Phones, Packing, Process Orders. Baldwin Dental Supply Company. 516-783-7800

OUTSIDE SALES

Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Salary, Commission, Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off. Will Consider Part Time. Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250

Path Monitor

At Blaze, Old Bethpage Village Outdoors From September Through November

5-8 Hour Evening Shifts

Providing A Welcoming Atmosphere And Ensuring Guest Safety. Hourly Rate $20. To Apply: https://hudsonvalley.org/ employment/

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

SEWING MACHINE OPERATOR/ CANVAS FABRICATOR For Foreman Position. Experience a Must. Awning Company. Call/Text Tommy 516-250-8094; tgawnings@aol.com Send Resume

Business/Opportunities

NICHE FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITY THEFANWHISPERER.COM REPLACING NOISY BATHROOM FANS & PLAY EASY. I TRAIN. 1-888-888-2134

REAL ESTATE

Open Houses

HEWLETT BAY PARK BA,190 Meadowview Ave Ever Dream of Living in A Castle? This 8000 Sq Ft Mansion is Full of Character. Amazing Architectural Details, Soaring Ceilings, Stained Glass Windows. 5 BR, 6.55 Bths. Sprawling 1.3 Acre Prop with IG Gunite Pool. SD#14.Near All. Must See This Unique Home!..$3,200,00 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas elliman 516-238-429 ba

HEWLETT HARBOR 1051 Channel Dr, OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY 6/25, 12-1:30, FIRST TIME ON MARKET! 3/4 BR, 2.5 Bth Split on Beautiful Ω Acre Parklike Property. Updtd Gran/Wood EIK, Spac LR/DR with Vaulted Ceiling & Fpl, & Fam Rm. 2 Car Att Gar.Endless Possibilities!

SD#14...$1,349,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-429

HEWLETT HARBOR 6/25, 2-3:30, 246 Adams Rd, FIRST SHOW! Elegant & Stately 4200 Sq Ft CH Col on Beautiful Quiet St. 5 BR, 4.55 Bth. Sweeping Staircase. All Spacious Rooms with Top Quality Finishes. Amazing Fam Rm with Cathedral Ceiling Overlooking 1 Acre Resortlike Prop Featuring IG Gunite Pool, Patio & Tennis Ct. XL Fin Bsmt. Upper Level has Primary Ste w/ Dressing Rm & Bth Plus 3 BRs & 2 Bths. 2 Car Att Gar. Low Taxes!

SD#20..$2,500,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299

Open Houses

WOODMERE BA, 504 Saddle Ridge Rd., FIRST TIME ON MARKET! Move Right Into This Renovated 4 BR, 2 Bth Split with Open Layout in Prime Location! Granite/Wood EIK Opens to Dining Room & Living Room. Lower Level Den. HW Flrs, Gas Heat, CAC. Oversized Property! SD#14.Near All!..$999,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299

Apartments For Rent

CEDARHURST NO FEE Private Entrance, Modern 1BR, 2BR, 3BR, CAC, W/D, Storage, Wall To Wall Carpeting, Indoor Parking Space. Starting At $1450 For One Bedroom When Available. (516)860-6889/ (516)852-5135/ (516)582-9978

Garages For

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

Impeccably Restored Victorian

This grand home is set on park like grounds (.43 acre) just blocks away from Rockville Centre's vibrant downtown and LIRR. This grand home has all of todays most sought after amenities, combined with yesterday's master craftsman details. A gracious welcoming front porch and private rear gazebo are perfect for outdoor entertaining. Inside you'll marvel at the 11 foot ceilings, original pocket doors, multiple window seats, and irreplaceable original parquet banded floors. Any chef would delight in the expansive kitchen with high end appliances, tons of counter space, and the perfect island for your guests. Other amenities include a walk in pantry, three full baths, five bedrooms on the second level, and second floor laundry room. $1,999,999 . Please contact Maureen Lane or Theresa Ahern for a private viewing of this special home!

How does your potential contractor drive?

Q. We need some advice on how to pick a contractor. Our neighbors down the street are going through a tough time with delays, seemingly shoddy work that didn’t pass inspection and extra costs for things they didn’t want or expect. Do you have any suggestions on how to interview a contractor, and what to ask about or look for in their proposal? We want to avoid what our neighbor is going through.

HEWLETT B ay Pa RK

190 Meadowview Ave, BA, Ever Dream of Living in A Castle? This 8000 Sq Ft Mansion is Full of Character. Amazing Architectural Details, Soaring Ceilings, Stained Glass Windows. 5 BR, 6.55 Bths. Sprawling 1.3 Acre Prop with IG Gunite Pool. SD#14. Near All. Must See This Unique Home! $3,200,00 HEWLETT

1638 Ridgeway Dr, BA, FIRST TIME ON MARKET! Well Maintained 6 BR, 3.5 Bth 3500

Sq Ft Exp CH Colonial on Beautiful St. LR/Fpl, Spac Fam Rm/Fpl, FDR, EIK & Sun Rm

Overlooking 1/3 Acre Resortlike Prop w/ IG Lap Pool, Hot Tub,Bar & Gazebo. Fin Bsmt.

2 Car Gar. SD#20 $1,149,000

1193 E. Broadway # M23, BA, 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 $359,000

1599 Lakeview Dr, BA, 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 REDUCED! $799,000

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 WOO dMERE

504 Saddle Ridge Rd, BA, Move Right Into This Renovated 4 BR, 2 Bth

The Architect Monte Leeper

A. If it were up to me, I would ask them to drive me around to look at their work. This helps in many ways. One, you have more conversation and maybe a little less sales pitch while they’re navigating the streets. Two, you can tell a lot about a person by the way they drive, such as whether they obey the laws. If they blow through every stop sign, cut people off or otherwise drive recklessly, you’ll realize right away that they have little regard for others and won’t follow regulations, or your interests.

People who don’t follow basic rules we all have to live by aren’t going to do things for you as much as for themselves. If they tell you “you don’t need a permit,” give you a ridiculously low number compared with others or confidently tell you they will have the work done way before you expected, be concerned. If their proposal doesn’t spell out the process and the materials to your satisfaction, at least with milestone breakdown numbers — such as windows and doors, $40,000, concrete work, $30,000, etc. — and you feel that they’re evasive when you ask questions, then move on.

I recommend that the payments be organized by those milestones, since you can see that all the concrete work is done and write a check, or confirm that all the windows and doors are installed and make a payment, instead of guessing when 30 percent of the work has been completed or wondering why they need to get paid every Friday when nobody has been there for two weeks. It may be obvious to say that you need to feel that what the plans show is what you want, and you have to feel confident that this person and their team can give you what you need.

I often get calls and end up acting as adviser and therapist to spouses who are now arguing with each other about how unhappy they are instead of sitting the contractor down with a third party, like a building official, who usually won’t tolerate the excuses. Many inspectors don’t have the time or the patience for a contractor who is creating code or safety violations, since it can reflect on the official who lets the work be approved with cut corners. One inspector recently told a contractor who was falling short of the regulations that the official gets audited and will not accept work that can be questioned later on by an auditor.

You need satisfaction. More on licensing, insurance and experience in upcoming columns. Good luck!

© 2022 Monte Leeper

Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.

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From a House committee room to the Valbrook Diner

Last week I was at two events that, in very different ways, encapsulated significant aspects of my life. The first was in Washington, where I was invited to testify before the House Intelligence Committee, along with four other retired members of Congress — two Republicans, Frank LoBiondo and Ileana RosLehtinen, and two Democrats, Jane Harman and Jim Langevin, who had also served on the committee. Except for a few fleeting hours in February, this was my first time back in Washington since late December 2020, just days before my retirement.

The chairman of the Intelligence Committee, Republican Mike Turner, and the ranking member, Democrat Jim Himes, wanted our perspective on what the committee’s current focus should be, and on the need to restore bipartisanship, which has been sorely lacking over the past six years. In my testimony, I stressed the necessity of not losing sight of the continuing threat of Islamist ter-

rorism. None of us wants to experience another 9/11, and the terrorists are in many ways as lethal as they were on Sept. 10, 2001.

I also joined my former colleagues in strongly urging bipartisanship. The committee is a vital component of our national security, and should not be politicized.

Besides testifying, I met with Long Island Representatives Andrew Garbarino, Anthony D’Esposito and Nick LaLota and joined Speaker Kevin McCarthy at a meeting in his office with elected officials from Northern Ireland. I also ran into various congressmen, Capitol Police officers and reporters I knew from my days on the Hill. And I went to my old haunt, the Dubliner, to have dinner with staff members from my office and the Homeland Security Committee.

Being back in the halls of Congress with current and former members brought back 28 years of memories encompassing victories, tough losses and challenges as well as meetings with presidents and world leaders. While I made the decision to retire from Congress and turn the page, I never regret

even a day that I was fortunate to be there. Those were almost three decades of unparalleled moments that I had never imagined I would experience.

Back on Long Island two days later, I relived different, but equally meaningful memories. Several times a year, Tom Dewey, my Brooklyn Prep classmate and a Fordham Hall of Fame track coach, organizes a get-together of a group of guys I hung out with during my high school years, just blocks from fabled Ebbets Field in Brooklyn. Meeting at the Valbrook Diner in Valley Stream with Tom, Charlie, Allen, Johnny and Jackie is like going back in time. For better or worse, no one has changed. There’s the same banter, sarcasm and stories, with no one allowed to take himself seriously. In the past few years, we’ve been joined by retired Nassau County Police Department Detectives Jim Skopek and Melissa Zimmerman, who were on my security detail when I was in Congress and fit right in. Before his days as a Nassau cop, Skopek was an NYPD officer patrolling the Prospect Heights, Brooklyn, neighborhood where these guys grew up.

Zimmerman’s classic moment last week was when she asked my old friends what they thought of my recent successful cancer surgery, and she was met with blank looks, grunts and smirks. Not a hint of sympathy or concern.

Behind all this tough-guy talk, though, there is genuine friendship and loyalty, as well as a real knowledge of life and reality. These guys have all done well, but never brag about it. I’m not one of those guys who say the good old days were perfect or so much better. But during these diner reunions, I’m struck by the true authenticity of these guys — an authenticity I sense is diminishing in today’s world.

During my years in Congress and politics, I was known for not backing down or caring about what was said about me. This thick skin — or thick-headedness — was in many ways attributable to the street smarts I learned from these old friends. It’s reassuring to see nothing has changed.

All this interconnection of experiences came together for me again during those few days last week. Thanks for the memories.

Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security.

An open letter to my dad on his birthday

Ishould point out that this is a really open letter, because my dad died four years ago.

I write because I have so much to tell him. My dad, who would have been 101 last week, loved his time on earth; he so enjoyed the rhythm and small pleasures of his days.

Every morning he woke up thinking about his first cup of coffee, and he prepared it with all the exquisite ritual of a Japanese tea ceremony. He moved slowly, and the making of the coffee could easily take 15 minutes.

RANDI KREISS

Once it was brewed, he filled his cup to the very brim and sloshed it all over the floor before he got to the table.

“Why do you have to make the cup so full?” my mother said pretty much every day for 72 years.

I like to think he’s with my mom, who died two years ago. They were married so long that they walked, talked, ate and laughed with a special kind of synchro-

ny. Hard to tell where one left off and the other began.

Dad would have been gripped by the public drama of the impeachment hearings. He died the day Donald Trump got elected, and although I’m not suggesting cause and effect, he did say,

“I can’t believe I lived to see this day,” before he succumbed to a major heart attack at 97.

He would read the newspapers at the breakfast table as breakfast lingered into lunch in his last years. He read the best parts out loud to my mother, and she was his cheerleader, damning the folks he saw as the bad guys and taking into her heart, like family, the leaders he loved. Their fierce loyalty to the Dems, going back to FDR, was part of what kept them chugging along. They cared. They followed the news. They talked back to the TV.

some time, couldn’t we, reassuring ourselves that no, the United States of America would never elect a man like Donald J. Trump, and then we did. Dad, it’s worse than we feared, but I believe in our better angels, and I’m patient. I know our country will right itself. I’ll keep you posted. Promise.

You missed the coronavirus. Missed Roku. Missed cauliflower pizza crusts.

So, Dad, I’m sorry you missed this state of affairs, this unraveling of our government and erosion of our moral center, because you would have found it fascinating, even if it depressed the hell out of you. Mostly I miss commiserating with you about it all. We could go on for

You missed the coronavirus. Missed Roku. Missed cauliflower pizza crusts.

You knew about Amazon but you missed letting it rule your life. You and Mom went to stores, right? Well we hardly do that now, because if you need anything, from the 4.0 readers you wore to rare Ethiopian pistachio nuts, you can order them online and Amazon will get them to you in hours, or days at most.

You missed some terrific books, Dad. We spent a lot of time talking about what we were reading, and even in your last months, when you were kind of dreaming your days away, you still held a book in your lap because it felt familiar. You kept saying you wanted to learn how to use a Kindle.

You missed the great-grandkids get-

Randi is on a brief leave. This column was originally published Feb. 20-26, 2020.

ting braces, and learning to drive, and several mitzvahs. You missed that we bought a new vacation house. I gave some thought to the idea that you might not be able to find me, but I suppose your travel rules are different. In my old place, I used to see the occasional heron on the beach or a dolphin in the surf and imagine it might be a kind of visitation.

I did see an unseasonal robin the other day that gave a wicked shake of its wing as it landed on a naked branch, and I confess, I thought of you.

Mostly, Dad, I hate the idea that you aren’t in the world, in the light, in the realm of sunrises and sunsets, just a phone call away, at the Thanksgiving table.

We all think about loved ones who have passed. Some write letters or post to websites for the departed. It all helps.

Many find that Shakespeare offered wise counsel to those who grieve when he wrote, “Give sorrow words.”

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

In one memoryfilled setting, I was testifying. In another, I ribbed old friends.

Don’t let money win: Veto this bill

it might not be easy to discuss the Greek playwright Euripides and the Dutch philosopher Erasmus in the same breath, especially considering they walked the earth 2,000 years apart. But they did have a shared philosophy, and it’s one all of us are familiar with: money talks. Especially in politics.

When it comes to government, if you want to make a splash, all you need is to flash — some green. The loudest voices in a campaign, or in any discussion, really, are typically those with the deepest pockets. Even running for local office can cost thousands of dollars, with that total easily hitting six digits for state office, and far more if you want to go to Washington.

Over the years, however, New York has worked hard to level the playing field. New York City, for example, has offered candidates a matching public-finance option for years. Anyone not taking large special-interest donations can qualify for public money, allowing their voice to be just as loud as anyone else’s, no matter how much anyone has raised. The option is intended to keep big business and heavily funded political movements away from lawmakers, while ensuring that taxpayer investments are returned to communities through campaign expenditures.

Lawmakers in Albany have paid attention as well, writing legislation that would provide matching funds to any Assembly candidate who raises at least $6,000 from 75 different donors in his or her district, and to any State Senate candidate who raises at least $12,000 from 150 donors.

Statewide candidates would see a

letters

Republicans love those fossil fuels

Dear Congressman D’Esposito:

match of $6 for every $1 of qualified donations. Assembly members and senators would see matching qualified donations ranging from $12-to-$1 to $8-to-$1.

Candidates would still have to campaign. They would still need to win support. But this law would help ensure that that support isn’t drowned out by opponents with massive campaign war chests, funded by special interests.

Everything was looking good for the proposed bill until the final week of the legislative session. Then lawmakers apparently had a chance to take a closer look at it, and suddenly remembered something really important: They have to run for re-election. The candidates with the deep pockets whom this law would weaken? It’s them, the incumbents. The politicians who already have a built-in advantage simply because they have “Assembly member” or “Senator” in front of their name.

So, those very lawmakers revisited the new law, and introduced some changes. Instead of raising $6,000, Assembly candidates would have to raise $10,000, from 145 donors, to qualify for matching funds. Senators would need to raise $24,000, from 350 donors.

Candidates wouldn’t need to win just some support — this is an exceedingly high bar.

In fact, the only people who would actually benefit from this bill, S.7564, if Gov. Kathy Hochul signs it into law are the very incumbents this kind of campaign finance reform is intended to humble by preventing them from winning races

before they even start, simply because of how loudly money talks. If this revised bill becomes law, the voice and reach of the incumbents would be stronger — and further — than ever before. Not only would they have the big money of special interests, but they’d have taxpayer money backing them as well. And anyone challenging them? Well, good luck.

The reworked legislation easily passed the Assembly and Senate, but fortunately, not with the help of many of our local representatives. State Sens. Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Jack Martins and Steven Rhoads voted against it, as did Assembly members Jake Blumencranz, Ari Brown, Brian Curran, David McDonough, John Mikulin, Edward Ra and Michaelle Solages.

State Sen. Kevin Thomas was a “yes” on the bill, as were Assembly members Taylor Darling and Charles Lavine.

All are Republicans except for Solages, Thomas, Darling and Lavine.

A representative democracy mandates leaders who truly represent the people. If someone believes they can represent them better, they deserve to have every opportunity to prove it. The matching-campaignfunds program could have been a great start, helping this particular democracy achieve those goals.

But if the governor signs this monstrosity into law, not only will the potential gains of the earlier law be erased, but the entire democratic process will take 10 giant steps backward.

Hochul must do the right thing, and veto S.7564.

While New Yorkers choke on fumes from Canadian wildfires fueled by climate change, it’s worth highlighting the role that Republicans are playing in making the problem worse. House Republicans, including my own representative, Anthony D’Esposito, brokered a debt ceiling bill that advances construction of the controversial Mountain Valley Pipeline and makes it easier to build fracked-gas pipelines. This dirty deal will increase profits for the fossil fuel industry while increasing air pollution and wrecking our climate.

The dangerous air we are breathing now is only the beginning — we must reverse course and move off fossil fuels. As a grandfather and a member of Food & Water Action, I urge D’Esposito to stand up for Long Islanders, not the fossil fuel industry. And as a Long Islander, I urge my neighbors to remember the Republican dirty deal at the ballot box. JOSEPH M.

opinions

We honor the fallen, but must not forget our veterans

all of us owe an immeasurable debt of gratitude to the heroic men and women who lost their lives while protecting our country as members of our nation’s armed forces.

our end to care for them when they come back home.

Across the country, fewer than 50 percent of returning veterans in need receive any mental health treatment. An estimated 250,000 veterans are unemployed and in need of work. And with 68,000 of them homeless, there are 5,000 veterans here in Nassau who are at risk of homelessness.

■ The right to be supported in the community, in such organizations as VFWs and American Legions.

sure make them valuable candidates for public service.

JosHUa a . LaFaZan

Americans recently commemorated Memorial Day — a sobering occasion that reminds us that freedom is never free, and that in a perilous world, we sleep safely at night precisely because of those servicemen and women who are fighting for us.

After our collective pause to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice, it behooves us to take the next step by renewing our commitment to taking care of veterans right here in Nassau County.

Some 67,000 of the 16.5 million veterans in the United States call Long Island home. And there’s no denying that while these heroes have upheld their end of the contract to protect and serve the nation, we haven’t adequately fulfilled

Those statistics should shock the consciences of every American and provide clear evidence that this moment requires immediate action. That’s why I have proposed the creation of a 21st-century Veterans’ Bill of Rights that would ensure that none of them are ever left behind in Nassau County.

Such a bill would reaffirm the fundamental rights for veterans that must be protected:

■ The right to dignified housing.

■ The right to gainful employment.

■ The right to be protected from discrimination.

In addition, the Veterans’ Bill of Rights would formally commission a study to identify where resources are needed to best serve our veterans, and recommend additional investments ranging from new technology to advancements in health care, and more. Once completed, the study’s findings would be presented at a public hearing of the County Legislature’s Veterans Committee.

My office has already taken important steps toward fulfilling the tenets of the Veterans’ Bill of Rights. In January 2022, the Legislature unanimously passed the Hiring Our Heroes Act, a measure I sponsored that exempts veterans and active-duty service members from county civil service exam fees. Not only does removing a financial burden of up to $200 from eligible applicants incentivize their return to the civilian workforce, but it also recognizes how veterans’ leadership, military experience and ability to perform under pres-

Letters Framework

In Albany, Democrats are ‘out of touch’

To the Editor:

As my first legislative session came to a close, I was struck by just how out of touch Albany Democrats are with the needs of New Yorkers. The concerns about rising crime rates and a struggling economy, both of which make it more difficult for many to live, work and thrive in our communities, are at an all-time high. To combat this, my State Senate Republican colleagues and I introduced a plan to Rescue New York, which fell on deaf ears. We will continue to fight for common-sense, realistic solutions to the hardships faced by families and business owners.

During the 2023 legislative session, Albany’s misplaced priorities came in the form of new laws and policies that exacerbate our hardships instead of relieving them. The budget was a month late and spent a record $229 billion, more than $8 billion over what was spent last fiscal year. It included new taxes on businesses and individuals, and provided no relief for middle-class families and struggling small businesses; rather, it allocated $1 billion for transporting and housing illegal immigrants instead of directing funds to struggling New Yorkers.

Instead of focusing on why New Yorkers are leaving the state, a bill was passed that moves all local elections to even years, over the objections of local communities and boards of election. The justification was to increase voter turnout, yet it excluded New York City, where voter turnout is the lowest in the state.

Additionally, “Clean Slate” legislation was passed allowing the records of violent criminals to be sealed while ignoring the rights of law-abiding victims. In addition, the overriding theme of the legislation passed this session was an erosion of parental rights and an increase in government control, both of which will continue to destroy the New York

by Tim Baker

This legislative measure builds on the Dignity for Our Heroes initiative, another legislative package that I sponsored and passed in 2019 that protects veterans from discrimination in housing and employment, and convened the Nassau Commission on Ending Veteran Homelessness.

While I take great pride in these earlier measures, they should be viewed as a foundation to build on. We must not cease in our efforts until every veteran in the county has access to the resources they need to meet their health care, housing and workforce needs. And it is imperative for all of us to approach this issue with compassion and care, so that we can continue chipping away at harmful stigmas that dissuade our heroes from seeking the assistance they need and deserve.

These men and women have always had our backs, and it is imperative for us to always have theirs. Please contact your legislator and ask them to support the Veterans’ Bill of Rights. And I ask you to never forget our fallen heroes, or our veteran heroes at home.

Joshua A. Lafazan represents the Nassau County Legislature’s 18th District.

we know and love.

We deserve better than one-party rule that places political aims above all else. There’s still so much work to be done, but Senate Democrats, who hold a supermajority, continue to disregard New Yorkers’ needs. I will continue to fight for a safer and more

affordable New York while standing up for our values and working to restore balance, accountability, and common sense to our state government.

Stoked for a summer of keeping swimmers safe — the Freeport Recreation Center lifeguards take a break from training.

too many who have come home lack housing, jobs and mental health care.