Lynbrook/East Rockaway Herald 08-10-2023

Also serving Bay Park

SAMANTHA

C: (516) 350-4670

County crackdown on illegal dirt bikes

By NIColE FoRMISANo nformisano@liherald.com

County Executive Bruce Blakeman delivered a stern warning to operators of illegal dirt bikes: “Not in Nassau,” he said, as he kicked a crumpled piece of scrap metal that had once been an illegal vehicle.

Blakeman issued this harsh message during an Aug. 2 news conference in East Rockaway’s Bay Park, as he stood behind dozens of dirt bikes, quads and ATVs that had been seized by the Nassau County Police Department. The vehicles are often unregistered, uninsured or being driven recklessly, the county executive said.

“Today, we’re going to destroy ContinuEd on PAgE 18

‘Illiterate Iguanas’ win 2nd Nassau Library Tour

By MARK Nol AN mnolan@liherald.com

The competition to tour each library in Nassau County was so fierce that members of the Katz family of North Bellmore didn’t want to waste time stopping for lunch, so they packed snacks.

In the end, however, they failed to defend their title, losing to the “Illiterate Iguanas” — three childhood friends who recently graduated from college.

The Nassau Library System is holding its second library tour, which will continue through Saturday. Thus far, 119 people have completed the tour

of every library in the county, and more than 46,000 people have participated. Those numbers are expected to climb significantly as library officials continue to tally the results.

The Illiterate Iguanas reportedly departed shortly after their tour victory and were unavailable for comment, busy pursuing jobs and graduate school. Jessica Katz, however, said her family was disappointed that it did not successfully defend its 2019 tour title — the event, a logistical challenge, has not been held since then — although the Katzes were the first North Bellmore Public Library patrons to finish the competition.

York Roberson, 82, of Uniondale, a retired Department of Homeland Security official, made it his personal mission to complete the tour for the second time this year.

“I have always been a fan of libraries,” Roberson said. “That’s a pattern in my life. You get into something, and it sticks with you.”

That’s exactly what Nassau Library System officials are hoping for — to make libraries an integral part of people’s lives. While the competitive spirit of the library tour made it fun, the real reason for the tour is to encourage people to discover a library they’ve never visited, and to shop in local

communities.

The tour showcases the benefits and interesting aspects of each local library. North Bellmore Public Library officials created a cutout bus to celebrate the tour; visitors wrote their names on a paper leaf to hang on a giant paper tree in the Roosevelt Public Library; and Mineola Public Library officials painted steps on a

staircase to resemble the spine of various books.

“The whole purpose of the tour is to get people to see other libraries, and visit local restaurants and businesses,” Lisa Zuena, a representative of the Nassau Library System, said. “We’ve had people say they had no idea these libraries existed, and they’ve been to communi-

Nicole Formisano/Herald

Confiscated dirt bikes were lined up and later crushed by a bulldozer in East Rockaway’s Bay Park on Aug. 2.

Life-changing care starts with your details

We know you. We focus on every detail, including your other health conditions and emotional and physical needs. We know cancer. We combine extensive clinical expertise and advanced technologies to create truly comprehensive and innovative care. We know your cancer™ Leaving no stone unturned, we start with the genetic makeup of your tumor and consider every factor to provide a highly personalized care plan. It’s because we know that considering all the details can add up to a life-changing difference.

Learn

A Lynbrook community stalwart dies at 81

Carol Burak, past Chamber of Commerce president and Woman of the Year

By NICOLE FORMISANO nformisano@liherald.com

After more than 50 years of serving the Lynbrook community, Carol Burak died on Aug. 4 at 81. Between her decades serving as a member and eventual president of the Chamber of Commerce, a minister for Our Lady of Peace, a religious education teacher, a cofounder of the Society for the Encouragement of the Arts, and much more, Burak left Lynbrook even better than she found it.

“She gave everything to others,” said Melissa Burak, Carol’s daughter and former superintendent of the Lynbrook school district for 30 years. “She was strong in faith, she was strong in sense of community, she offered to help people whenever they needed help.”

Burak moved from Manhattan to Lynbrook more than 50 years ago, and dedicated her time, energy and talents to the community ever since. She was a minister at Our Lady of Peace for over

25 years where she founded the thrift shop, which provides low-cost clothing to those in need; ran the “Meal in a Minute” program, which serves homemade meals to parishioners who need food support; coordinated and edited the church’s magazine “Voice of Peace”; and was a religious education teacher for 25 years.

Burak was a member of the Chamber of Commerce for 24 years and had been its secretary before being nominated and elected president in 2017. She also coordinated the New Residents Night for individuals and families who recently moved to the neighborhood. On top of that, she was a member of the

Friends of the Library and a cofounder of the Society for the Encouragement of the Arts in Lynbrook.

“She did so much for the community,”

Melissa said. “It’s something that was important to her.”

Her work with the chamber, Our Lady of Peace and beyond earned her the Caring for Others Award in 2010 from the Woodmen of the World’s Family Lodge 476, and the Woman of the Year award in 2011 from her fellow chambermates in the Chamber of Commerce.

Polly Talbott, the current president of the chamber, first met Burak in 1999.

Talbott said that Burak was constantly going above and beyond for the organi-

zation — running errands, taking care of writeups and communications, and doing whatever she could do for the organization. Burak helped Talbott and Burak became close friends in recent years.

Talbott said that anyone who met Burak would notice “her kindness and her willingness to help, her sincerity, her honesty.”

“She cared about everybody,” Talbott said. “Lynbrook is a great place. This was her home. She loves the village, she loves everyone. And it showed in her everyday life.”

Perhaps not every resident of Lynbrook personally knew Carol or her decades of behind-the-scenes service on the chamber or in Our Lady of Peace, but every resident’s life has been touched in some way by Carol’s advocacy and dedication to the community.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Our Lady of Peace social ministry.

CAROL BuRAk

Herald file photo

Carol Burak, center with flowers, with Anthony D’Esposito, left, Steve Wangel, Mayor Alan Beach, Trustee Ann Marie Reardon and Deputy Mayor Michael Hawxhurst. She was recognized in January 2020 for her extensive volunteer work in Lynbrook.

MULTIMEDIA SALES EXECUTIVES

side sales and new business development best describes this dynamic and exciting position

Direct Marketing/Advertising to local clients

Programs for Lifelong Learners at Molloy University!

dentify and develop new business relationships

Learning doesn’t have to end at a certain age—it can be a lifelong pursuit. Molloy University empowers learners of all ages by offering high-quality, flexible and adaptable programs to serve and meet the needs of Long Islanders through two outstanding programs: The Molloy Institute for Lifelong Learning (MILL) which was established in 1992 and the new Sister Mary Celeste Lecture Series. In both programs you learn for the fun of learning in a relaxed environment without assignments, exams or grades.

Consult with clients on development and design of igital and

print advertising

We offer training, a strong team environment, paid /personal days, vacation and paid holidays. Base salary with commission plan Sales experience is a plus

The MILL program is a membership-based program. Most members are retirees, however, not everyone is retired, nor is this a requisite for membership. All ages are welcome, men and women, singles or couples, as long as there is a willingness to participate in learning and to maintain a rigorous mind. The programs meet in-person one day week during the day: Tuesdays or Fridays in Rockville Centre and Wednesdays in Amityville. Membership is valid from September 1 to August 31 each year and lectures usually start mid-September and runs until mid-June.

The Sister Mary Celeste Lecture Series offers individual courses during the day for one or more sessions in Rockville Centre. literature, history, finance, heath, philosophy, technology and in a new hobby or just trying to keep up with technology, there

For more information contact us at: 516.323.3940 | jprasad@moll

Lynbrook FD wins big

By NICOLE FORMISANO nformisano@liherald.com

In the 4th Battalion Parade’s stream, bright red fire trucks, the Lynbrook Fire Department took home multiple first-place trophies, including that of “best appearing.”

The July 22 event honored the 4th Battalion, which includes East Rockaway, Lakeview, Lynbrook, Malverne, and Rockville Centre. The Lynbrook Fire Department was recognized as the best appearing in the battalion, with the Lynbrook Junior Fire Department also taking home first place in the junior division.

We offer training, a strong team environment, paid sick/personal days, vacation and paid holidays. Base salary with commission plan Sales experience is a plus N

Full Time and Part-Time Available

JOIN OUR TEAM!

email your resume to rglickman@liherald.com

Or Call Rhonda Glickman 516-569-4000 x250 (must have reliable transportation)

Full-Time and Part-Time Available

email your resume to rglickman@liherald.com

Or Call Rhonda Glickman 516-569-4000 x250

(must have reliable transportation)

Full-Time and Part-Time Available

email your resume to: rglickman@liherald.com

Or Call Rhonda Glickman, 516-569-4000 x250

(Must have reliable transportation)

The heat and humidity of the day didn’t stop the marching members from putting their best foot forward, and the pride Lynbrook has in its department shone through for the entire battalion to see. The 2022 awards for “best appearing” were given to the East Rockaway fire department. The last time Lynbrook firefighters took home a first-place prize from the 4th Battalion Parade was in 2019, so this trophy is all the sweeter.

“It was a great effort from the marching members on a hot Saturday night in July,” Chief Danny Ambrosio said.

The parade was followed by even more festivities as the fire departments gathered for a block party featuring live music — a well-earned celebration of all

the work they’ve done throughout the year.

The “best appearing” distinction is accompanied by the sought-after ExChief John Matzen memorial trophy, which the Lynbrook Fire Department was especially happy to take back home. The Ex-Chief John Matzen memorial trophy was donated to the 4th battalion by the Matzen family and the Lynbrook fire Department after Ex-Chief Matzen died 6 years ago, and is a leg trophy, meaning it goes home with the winner of “best appearing” each year instead of being kept permanently by any one department. Matzen had been the vice chairman of the 4th battalion, and his decades-long career of service left a lasting impact on the Lynbrook Fire Department.

“I’m proud to have the Ex-Chief John Matzen trophy back home in Lynbrook where it belongs,” Ambrosio said.

Both the Ex-Chief John Matzen memorial trophy and the “beast appearing” distinction are results from the dedication that Lynbrook firefighters have to keeping their department in tiptop shape, and the pride they have for their job of keeping Lynbrook safe.

“I take pride in leading this great group of dedicated men and women who serve our community of Lynbrook, and who deserved to be named ‘best appearing,’” Ambrosio said.

HOW TO REACH US

Photos courtesy Steve Grogan Lynbrook Junior Fire Department advisors Larry Bien and Mike Napolitano accepted the first place junior division trophy for “best appearing.”

GOLF IS SOLD OUT

7:30 am Golf Tee Time

Dinner Reservations Available

Since its inception, the Community Chest has donated thousands of dollars to numerous families. These families are not required to return the monies but, because of the nature of these donations, several have attempted to help others the way they were helped.

The Lynbrook Community Chest is a 501(c)[3] charitable organization with the sole purpose off providing assistance to the residents of Lynbrook community who are in need of assistance due to financial or economical hardship reasons.

Hundreds pay respect to Robert Dillon

By DANIEL OFFNER doffner@liherald.com

Hundreds gathered at St. Agnes Cathedral in Rockville Centre last week to pay their respects to Robert Dillon.

The late Nassau BOCES superintendent died July 28 after following complications from spinal surgery. He was 72.

Dillon — who lived in both Walden in Orange County, as well as Plainview here on Long Island — was appointed to lead the Nassau Board of Cooperative Educational Services in 2015.

During his time with BOCES, Dillon advocated and expanded access to career and technical programs, revitalized the Long Island High School for the Arts, and helped create a mental health consortium, serving all 56 Nassau County school districts, parts of Suffolk County, and the Diocese of Rockville Centre.

“After his first full year at BOCES, his passion and dedication for the students, staff and programs were part of every conversation I had,” his son, Chris Dillon, told the packed cathedral. He followed his father’s footsteps into education, now an assistant superintendent in the Plainview-Old Bethpage school district.

“He was honored to be part of such a great team.”

Dillon grew up in Bayside, Queens, and at one point almost became a Major League Baseball player. The Detroit Tigers drafted him out of Loyola High

School, a private Jesuit academy on Manhattan’s Upper East Side.

Instead, Dillon chose a different path, graduating from St. John’s University in Queens with a doctorate in education.

He began his career as a special education teacher in 1975, and for the next 45 years, would inspire and motivate hundreds of students, teachers, parents and faculty members across New York.

“To this day, he could not only name most of his students from his early years

of teaching or retell their success stories,” the younger Dillon said, “he had a steady belief in the potential of every single student he encountered. He was not just the teacher, director, principal or superintendent, He was a cheerleader. A mentor.

And a trusted confidant who loved to teach and coach other professionals — including myself — to be the best educator they could be.”

Throughout his career, Dillon served

as the superintendent of four school districts — including two on Long Island. He was at one time the superintendent of the former Sugar Loaf school district in Orange County, and the Abbott school district in Westchester County.

Between 1992 and 1999, he was superintendent of the Eastport-South Manor Central School District in Suffolk County, where he helped lead the effort to merge the two districts. He also led the East Meadow school district between 1999 and 2007.

“Whether navigating through the Covid-19 pandemic, pushing for increased mental health student support, or innovating numerous programs, he has revitalized, transformed and enhanced educational opportunities for all students,” BOCES representatives stated.

During the funeral Mass at St. Agnes, Dillon was remembered by family, friends, colleagues, supporters and countless others whose lives he touched.

“He taught by example, that there was never a problem, only your solution or plan on how to fix it,” Dillon’s son said. “He understood that failure was a part of life and would never allow that to define him. Instead, he taught us resilience, showing us that setbacks are sources of strength rather than defeat.

“Never letting them deter his spirit, he proved that true success is not measure by achievement, but by how one navigates through challenges.”

Daniel Offner/Herald

Following a funeral Mass at St. Agnes Cathedral in Rockville Centre last week, the late Robert Dillon — superintendent of Nassau BOCES, and former superintendent of the East Meadow school district — was laid to rest at the Queen of Peace Cemetery.

HERALD SPORTS

High school football camps open Aug. 19

By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com

On Saturday, Aug. 19, all 53 Nassau County public high school football programs will begin preparations for the upcoming season, scheduled to open Friday, Sept. 1 when MacArthur visits Manhasset as part of a handful of games that weekend in Conference II.

Nassau returned to the usual eightgame regular season in 2021 after all scrimmages, two regular-season games, one round of playoffs and the Long Island championships were eliminated the previous season due to Covid-19. This season, with Conference II fielding an odd number of teams (13), each team in that conference will get a bye over a nine-week campaign. Long Beach, Sewanhaka and Jericho will kick off their respective seasons in Week 2 (Sept. 8 and 9) with the rest of the county.

“We’re not the first conference to have an odd number of teams and we just have to do the best we can to prepare,” said MacArthur head coach Bobby Fehrenbach, whose seventh-seeded Generals play their first three games over a 13-day span including a trip to No. 2 Carey in Week 2 and their home opener Thursday, Sept. 14 against Rolsyn/Friends Academy. “The kids have been working hard during the offseason and we’ll be as ready as we can be for Manhasset,” he added.

Farmingdale (Conference I), Garden City (II), Plainedge (III) and North Shore (IV) won county titles in 2022 and are preseason No. 1 seeds, making them favorites on paper to repeat. Farmingdale was awarded the Rutgers Cup, presented annually to the most outstanding team in Nassau. The Dalers open at home against Uniondale Sept. 8. An Oceanside-Freeport matchup kicks off the Conference I action that same evening.

Garden City, which has captured seven straight Conference II titles, opens the 2023 campaign at home against New Hyde Park. Longtime Conference II contender Carey moved to III last fall but is back to familiar territory. The Seahawks open Sept. 9 at Elmont.

“We have five September games and no scrimmage,” Carey head coach Mike Stanley said. “Everyone in our conference is in the same boat, but it’s tough from an evaluation standpoint to not scrimmage. That being said, we’ve been putting in the work all summer and the fortunate thing for us is we’re bringing back a lot from last year’s team.”

Any teams outside of Conference II choosing to play a game scrimmage can do so once 10 practices are completed, Section VIII football coordinator Matt McLees said. Most scrimmages will take place Sept. 2 and 3. “Everyone needs 10 practices to conduct a scrimmage, but

10 Games To Watch

Sept. 8: Oceanside at Freeport

Sept. 9: Elmont at Mepham

Sept. 22: Freeport at Farmingdale

Sept. 30: Carey at Garden City

Sept. 30: Wantagh at Lynbrook

oct. 7: Wantagh at South Side

oct. 7: Malverne at North Shore

oct. 21: Seaford at Malverne

oct. 21: South Side at Plainedge

oct. 28: Baldwin at Freeport

teams can practice together after five practices,” he said. “If teams practice against one another, they can do drills but can’t simulate anything that would happen in a scrimmage or a game.”

Six teams switch conferences

Along with Carey, five other teams have switched conferences for the upcoming season based on enrollment figures: South Side, Manhasset, Mineola, Clarke and Kennedy. In addition, Jericho has returned to Nassau County football following a 2022 campaign it teamed up with Plainview.

South Side is back in Conference III and seeded No. 2 behind Plainedge. The Cyclones open at home versus Hewlett. Kennedy is also in III from II. Clarke, along with Mineola, jumps to III from IV. The Rams are at Valley Stream North in Week 1.

Thursday games Sept. 14

The second week of the season (third for many Conference II teams) will be played on Thursday, Sept. 14 due to Rosh Hashanah that Saturday. Games will kick off as early as 1:30 p.m. (Elmont at Sewnhaka) and as late as 7 p.m. on the 14th, with one game going on Friday, Sept. 15 (Roosevelt at Division) at 2 p.m.

Local coaching changes

After 20 years, the legendary Jay Hegi will no longer serve as Elmont head coach. Former assistant Tom Innes takes over the helm of the Spartans and will make his debut against Carey.

A member of Lawrence’s Long Island championship team in 2014, Melik Mavruk, who scored the game-winning touchdown that year against Sayville on an 82-yard fumble recovery late in the fourth quarter, takes over as the Golden Tornadoes’ third head coach in as many seasons. Lawrence opens at home versus Valley Stream South.

Ernie Blount is the new sideline boss at Baldwin. He spent 23 years on the staff at LIU-Post. The Bruins are seeded fourth in Conference I and host Hempstead in the opener.

Photos by Eric Dunetz/Herald

Lynbrook’S ramon CaLderon, top, hauled in a pass during 7 on 7 drills hosted by Oceanside every Wednesday throughout July.

oCeanSide and quarTerbaCk Shane Harmon open the season at rival Freeport.

Team USA exits World Cup in Round of 16

By MICHAEL LEWIS sports@liherald.com

Like the rest of her U.S. women’s soccer national team teammates, Crystal Dunn is taking an unexpected early trip home from the Women’s World Cup.

The two-time defending champions crashed out of the 32-team tournament on Sunday. They lost a shootout to Sweden in the Round of 16, 5-4, after playing to a scoreless draw in Melbourne, Australia.

Dunn and the Americans had hoped to stay around for the final in Sydney, Australia on Sunday, Aug. 20, to become the first team, men’s or women’s to win three consecutive World Cups.

Instead, the one-time South Side High School standout will be forced to watch the championship game on television.

The U.S. started the competition with a 3-0 triumph over World Cup debutants Vietnam, but suffered three consecutive disappointing draws, a 1-1 deadlock with the Netherlands, a scoreless tie with Portugal, and then Sunday’s result.

“Very proud of them and devastated for them,” U.S. head coach Vlatko Andonovski said. “That they would have to go out the way we did I thought that we

deserved a lot more. We deserved to win this game. I thought we created enough to win this game. I felt that we put up a fight, a battle.

“They showed grit, resilience, the fight and the bravery,” he added. “They showed everything that we could to win the game. And unfortunately, soccer can be cruel sometimes.”

The Americans, who won four previous World Cups, had reached the semifinals in the eight previous tournaments. Dunn performed well at left back, helping to hold the opposition to only one goal in four games. She also became part of the U.S. attack on many occasions, overlapping into the offensive third.

The USA’s Achilles Heel, however, wasn’t the defense. It was the attack, or lack thereof.

Despite her superior attacking skills, the 31-year-old Dunn did not participate in Sunday’s penalty-kick tie-breaker, which went seven rounds.

Dunn was unavailable for comment.

Given her offensive production in the National Women’s Soccer League, many observers felt Dunn should have played midfield for the USA, which was lacking creativity. After she was left off the national team that went on to win the

2015 Women’s World Cup, Dunn, then a member of the Washington Spirit, took out her frustrations on the rest of the NWSL. She captured the scoring title and earned MVP honors.

When she received an opportunity to play for the USWNT, Dunn was switched to left back. She worked hard to become a world-class defender, helping the U.S. cap-

ture the 2019 World Cup.

With the Portland Thorns, Dunn also was a vital cog in the team’s attack en route to the 2022 title.

Dunn, who has made 136 international appearances while scoring 24 goals, should be in the mix for the U.S. team that will participate in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.

Courtesy Nikita Taparia/NWSL Crystal Dunn had a strong performance on defense Sunday but the U.S. was eliminated by Sweden in penalty kicks.

E.R. students launch business ventures

Students at East Rockaway’s Centre Avenue School and Rhame Avenue School saw their creative business ventures come to life as parents and the school community were invited to Entrepreneur Day events held at each school before the end of the school year.

The fifth grade students researched successful entrepreneurs and learned about economics and marketing before developing their own business plans, which included creating a product to sell, as well as a website, commercial, poster

and business cards.

On June 13 and 14 their “stores” were open for business and teaming with guests scanning QR codes to purchase items that the students manufactured, including artwork, toys, phone stands, jewelry, bookmarks, plants and even tiny 3-D printed snowboards.

Customers were in a buying mood resulting in all the young entrepreneurs quickly selling out of their products and posting “sold out” signs on their tablets.

East Rockaway fifth graders launched their business plans at Rhame Avenue School’s Entrepreneur Day on June 13.

E.R. off to a running start for annual Run For Heroes 5k

By NICOLE FORMISANO nformisano@liherald.com

The 2023 Run for Heroes 5k is already up and running. The East Rockaway Kiwanis club held a kickoff event on July 24 in preparation for the September race for local veterans — so in the countywide race, East Rockaway is already off to a head start.

“The Kiwanis always supports the vets,” said Michaelene Abbott-Cooper, president of the East Rockaway Kiwanis club. Her two sons, 21 and 23, are both marines. “I always saw respect in the flag, in being an American, in the opportunities we have here, in how we conduct ourselves.”

Assemblyman Brian Curran first began the race in 2011. Many of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars posts had been struggling financially, and Curran saw the Run for Heroes as a way to potentially fix it. After the money raised covers the costs like for things like medals and banners, the remaining money is equally divided among the posts.

“The posts are very important because it provides, particularly the older veterans, a place to go and see other veterans, to socialize, to talk about their experiences,” Curran said. “To many veterans, the posts are their second homes. They enjoy being there. We must do everything to keep them open, and the only way to do that is to meet their needs.”

The momentum of the race grew each year into what it is today. Now each participating town alone regularly sees between 100 and 200 runners, and raises anywhere from $5,000 to more than $10,000 for the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars posts.

And the money isn’t the only thing given back to the veterans. Seeing their friends, families, neighbors, and

even strangers come together to support them has just as much an impact.

“I think they’re thankful, I think they’re grateful,” Abbott-Cooper said. “The joy I get is from seeing them smile.”

“You can see the appreciation in their faces to all of

the runners,” Curran said. “What their participation is doing for them in keeping their post open, it means everything to them.”

He added, “After all they’ve done, this is the very least we can do.”

To register, visit Event. EliteFeats/23RunForHeroes.

Photo courtesy Michaelene Abbott-Cooper Councilwoman Laura Ryder, Senator Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, 2023-2024 East Rockaway Kiwanis president Michaelene Abbott-Cooper, and other club members have come together to support their local American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars posts.

Photos courtesy East Rockaway school district

East Rockaway fifth graders launched their business plans at Centre Avenue School’s Entrepreneur Day on June 13.

Progressives want to hold D’Esposito accountable

By DANIEL OFFNER doffner@liherald.com

A lot of attention directed toward Long Island’s congressional delegation has been directed at U.S. Rep. George Santos.

But one group doesn’t want voters to forget about another member of that delegation, who might not be facing criminal charges or accusations of lying to voters, but with whom they feel is falling short of his responsibilities.

The advocacy group Empire State Voices gathered representatives from Democratic caucuses and labor unions to Rockville Centre last week, calling out U.S. Rep. Anthony D’Esposito.

“We’re here because Congressman D’Esposito has not been standing for working families on Long Island,” said Maria Martinez, executive director of Empire State Voices.

Martinez hosted a panel discussion with guests that featured former state senator John Brooks, former Assemblywoman Judy Griffin, and Nassau County Working Families Party representative Joe Sackman. On the agenda were their thoughts about a number of economic issues affecting those living in New York.

For instance, they claim that in the first seven months since taking office, D’Esposito has voted on legislation to “protect wealthy and corporate tax cheats,” “give corporations $6 billion in tax breaks,” and made it harder for senior citizens to access Social Security and

Medicare benefits.

“I have heard Anthony profess so much support for veterans, so much support for disabled children, support for seniors,” said Griffin, who lost her Assembly seat to Brian Curran last year by a handful of votes.

“Don’t just listen to him because he’s all about talking the talk, but that guy never walks the walk. I have listened to him make speeches, and it’s always the same thing. But when it comes down to it, when he has the chance to vote to help people, he doesn’t.”

D’Esposito didn’t take part in the discussion, but a spokesman from his office

Book Review: “ Die with Zero” by Bill Perkins

In “Die with Zero”, subtitled “Getting All That You Can from Your Money and Your Life”, retired engineer Bill Perkins takes an analytical view about making your life grow as opposed to making your money grow. Letting opportunities pass you by for fear of squandering money leads many to squander their lives instead.

Instead of just keeping on earning and earning to maximize wealth, too many of us don’t give nearly as much thought as to maximizing what they can get out of that wealth — including what they can give to others while they are living, instead of waiting until they die.

As opposed to spending money on things, which excitement depreciates over time, the author advocates spending on experiences, which grow in value over time, due to the “memory dividend”. Perkins advocates a systematic approach for eliminating the fear of running out of money (the main reason people oversave and underenjoy) while maximizing your and your loved ones

enjoyment of that money.

Being that the main idea is that your life is the sum of your experiences, you should put some thought into planning the kind of experiences you want. If you die with significant wealth but a scarcity of experiences, you worked a lot of hours just to accumulate money that you either never used or were too old to use.

You can waste your life by underspending. Life is not only about “accumulating”, it is also about “decumulating” or using the money to maximize your life which, in the end, is nothing more than the memories you make.

In a similar vein, giving inheritances early maximizes the impact of those inheritance on the recipients’ quality of life. The average age of heirs being about sixty, the money usually arrives too late to do the most good.

Your time is limited. The chief regrets of the dying are that they didn’t live their dreams more and spent too much time working, missing out on relationships and life experiences.

told the Herald the congressman “continuously ranks as one of the most bipartisan members of Congress, and regularly works with colleagues from across the aisle to deliver results for Long Islanders.

“Unlike many Nassau County Democratic officials who take their cues from out-of-touch New York City progressives, Congressman D’Esposito’s votes have always advanced the interest of Nassau County neighbors.”

But some of the panelists gathering in Rockville Centre would disagree, using the Limit Save Grow Act — which was passed in April to increase the federal debt ceiling and decrease spending — as

an example.

D’Esposito voted in favor of Limit Save Grow, which Martinez believes will make it harder for senior citizens to access Medicare benefits, putting Medicaid coverage at risk for millions.

“When you cut our services, when you cut funding to schools, when you cut funding to hospitals and Medicaid, the cost comes back onto us,” Sackman said. “There’s always a cost to this, and we are the ones who are paying it over and over and over again. That has to change.”

Maryland Republican Greg Murphy, however, said last April the bill “will not cut Medicare, Social Security or veterans’ access to health care.”

The conversation also touched on the proposed American Families and Jobs Act, which the group labeled a “tax scam.” The three-part legislative proposal aims to provide tax relief for working families and individuals, strengthen small businesses, and provide tax incentives for economic development in rural communities.

“We can’t reiterate enough how important these economic policies are for us, not just out on Long Island, but across the state of New York,” Martinez said. “We need to urge Congressman D’Esposito to vote ‘no’ on the GOP tax scam bill. There’s a long road ahead, and over the next couple of months, we’re going to be out ensuring that we hold (him) accountable for the votes he’s either taken or not taken.”

Daniel Offner/Herald

Neighbors were invited to a panel discussion featuring former Assemblywoman Judy Griffin, left, former state senator John Brooks, Empire State Voices executive director Maria Martinez, and Working Families Party representative Joe Sackman, to share what they

say

are problems U.S. Rep. Anthony D’Esposito needs to address.

STEPPING OUT

Entice your crowd with the late-season flavors

By Karen Bloom

“Summer means a sudden availability of all sorts of fresh vegetables — from familiar zucchini and eggplant, to more exotic mushrooms and chilies,” says award-winning chef Rick Bayless. “Entertaining a summer crowd can be easy, delicious and inexpensive if you let the season’s produce do most of the work.”

Chef Bayless suggests simple recipes that highlight fresh summer fare. His summer entertaining advice is always worth following, some of which many of us practice already.

Opt for organic: Shop your farmers markets. Small local farms promote biodiversity by planting a wide range of produce, are more likely to operate using organic practices, and add to the fabric of their communities. With their homegrown approach to agriculture, these farmers ensure the highest quality of food. Other organic products besides fresh produce are popping up on grocery shelves.

Know your way around the grill: Whether using a charcoal or gas grill, heat the grill grate thoroughly before putting food on, and avoid moving the food until it is well-browned. This prevents food from sticking to the grill. Keep a spray bottle filled with water on hand to handle flare-ups that can arise from fat drippings.

When in doubt, just chill: Simple marinades can take meat and seafood to a new flavor level. Save time by marinating the main dish for a few hours prior to your guests’ arrival. And keep it refrigerated. Then put it on the grill when it’s time to eat. A little preparation can lead to big, bold taste.

The Rocketman Show

Rus Anderson dons the famous boots, outfits and glasses, ready to demonstrate once again his talent and pizazz for embodying the musical legend that is Sir Elton John. Anderson has built a reputation of seamlessly embodying Elton John’s persona. He even caught the attention of the man himself, impressing him so much that Anderson was his official body double for his ‘Farewell Yellow Brick Road’ World Tour projects, re-creating highlights of Elton’s career in virtual reality. Anderson has a natural ease at personifying John’s flamboyancy, sequins and songs, but also does it with genuine authenticity — always singing the vocals and playing the instruments live. Whether it be Elton John’s more upbeats tempos, such as ‘I’m Still Standing’ or ‘Saturday Night’s Alright,’ or his heartfelt ballads, Anderson will have you up on your feet joining in. He painstakingly recreates those memorable concerts with the colorful and flamboyant costumes — including Elton’s iconic boots, glasses and jumpsuits. Friday, Aug. 11, 8 p.m. $65, $45, $35, $30. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY.com.

Skewered Shrimp with Black Bean-Lemon Rice

Marinade/dressing:

• 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar

• 3 tablespoons lemon juice

• 2 medium garlic cloves, minced

• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt

• 3/4 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper

Skewers:

• 24 large raw, headless, peeled shrimp, with tails on (about 1 pound)

• 24 whole green onions, trimmed to 6 inches in length

• 24 cherry tomatoes

• 2 poblano chili peppers, seeded and cut into 24 pieces

• 8 12-inch bamboo skewers, soaked in water

Rice:

• 3 cups hot cooked brown rice

• 15 ounces canned black beans, rinsed and drained

• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro

• 3 teaspoons grated lemon zest

Whisk marinade ingredients in small bowl. Reserve 1/2 cup mixture in separate bowl and set aside. Place shrimp in a resealable plastic bag, pour marinade over shrimp, seal tightly and coat well. Refrigerate 30 minutes, turning frequently.

Remove shrimp from marinade (reserving marinade). Place shrimp on skewers, alternating with tomatoes, chilies and onions (folded in half).

Preheat grill on high heat. Brush skewers with reserved marinade and cook 4 to 5 minutes on each side or until shrimp are opaque in center. Place remaining marinade in a small saucepan on the grill to heat slightly. Toss rice with black beans, cilantro and lemon zest.

To serve: Top rice with skewers and spoon remaining marinade over skewers.

Grilled Vegetables with Ginger Citrus Mayonnaise

• 2 each crookneck or summer squash, baby zucchini, large whole carrots, large fennel or 3 medium fennel bulbs

• 5 to 6 shallots

• Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper

• Extra virgin olive oil

For the Ginger Citrus Mayonnaise:

• 3 juicy oranges, grapefruits, Meyer lemons, mineolas, tangerines, Mandarins, blood oranges, etc., cut in half (6 halves total)

• 3 tablespoons (or more for desired consistency) store bought preferred mayonnaise

• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

• Preheat grill for vegetables.

To make the mayonnaise, squeeze all the juice out from 5 of the 6 citrus halves into a saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. When juice begins to boil, lower heat to medium-high and reduce juice until thick and syrupy, being careful not to let it burn.

Remove from heat, pour into a bowl, and allow to cool slightly. (At this point you can grill the vegetables). Whisk in mayonnaise, ginger, and cayenne pepper until smooth. Squeeze in juice from last remaining citrus half, and season to taste with salt and pepper.

Cut all veggies in half lengthwise, rub all sides sparingly with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Grill, cut side down first, for 4 to 6 minutes if small, 5 to 8 minutes if large pieces. Flip so skin side is down, and grill all an additional 1 to 2 minutes, until all veggies are firm but easily sliced with a knife.

Serve on platter alongside bowl of ginger citrus mayonnaise or drizzled on top of vegetables.

Half Step

Whether or not you’re a Deadhead, Half Step will have everyone feeling the vibe, when the band rocks out Eisenhower Park. The band, themselves a group of dedicated fans and ‘students’ of the Grateful Dead, capture the spirit, improvisation, sound and complexity of the Dead’s music. Since 2004, these Long Islandbased musicians have been mastering their craft while winning over crowds of veteran Deadheads, newcomers and non-Dead fans alike. Like the Grateful Dead themselves, the band is constantly pushing the envelope, growing together as musicians and performers. Their attention to detail is clearly evident in their effort to put on a viable Grateful Dead experience. They stay true to the traditional show format and play sets of tunes in a sequence that could likely have been performed by the Dead themselves years ago.

Saturday, Aug. 12, 8 p.m. Free admission. Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, Eisenhower Park, East Meadow. For information, visit NassauCountyNY.gov.

uring summer’s waning weeks, get-togethers outside with family and friends take on even greater appeal.

THE Your Neighborhood

On exhibit

Aug.

Theatricals presents a tribute to the one and only Barbra Streisand, Saturday, Aug. 19, 7:30 p.m. Sharon Owens performs her acclaimed interpretations of Streisand’s songbook. It’s performed at the Elmont Library Theatre, 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont. $33, $35. Elmont. For tickets, call (516) 599-6870 or visit PlazaTheatrical.com.

Dramatic Play

Aug.

Boogie along with Disco Unlimited,” Friday, Aug. 18, at 8 p.m., at Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, Eisenhower Park. When Disco Unlimited hits the stage, you are instantly transported to a time when Saturday nights meant white suits, platform shoes and your very best dance moves. And dance you will — when you experience the magic created when the boogie begins. Capturing a time in music that to this day has not been matched, this lively band will exhilarate you with their powerful vocals, tight harmonies and dance grooves — all coupled with a synchronized stage and light show. Close your eyes and you will truly believe you are listening to the original artists. Hear the best of Tavares, France Jolie, The Trammps, Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes, Yvonne Elliman, Anita Ward, Deney Terrio, George McCrae, Bonnie Pointer, Melba Moore, Maxine Nightingale, Carol Douglas, and so much more. Joe Cool, Sista Soul, Funky Sista, Strat Cat, Wild Jerry and The MacDaddy comprise this group of unique and experienced musicians who love and live this era of music. As always, bring seating. For information, visit NassauCcountyNY.gov/parks.

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

Disco fever

Write on: College essay workshop

Not sure how to get started on your college essay? The Hofstra University Admission Office is offering a virtual workshop to help high school students learn the skills to tell their story in a way that helps them stand out. The final workshop, Thursday, Aug. 17, 4-5 p.m., is free and open to the public, but advance registration is required. Hear from Hofstra Admission counselors about how to brainstorm topics, and compose a thoughtful essay that shows your personality, talents and interests. For more information about Hofstra Admission’s other virtual summer workshops, go to Admission.Hofstra.edu/ portal/virtual_admission_ webinars. To schedule a summer in-person visit go to: Hofstra.edu/visit.

Community yard sale

The Robert F. Garrison VFW Post 3350 of East Rockaway hosts a community yard sale/flea market/vendor sale, Saturday, Aug. 19, 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Browse among varied items at the post, 164 Main St., East Rockaway. The rain date is Aug. 26. Vendors are welcome for $25 per table; money supports a local veterans food pantry. For more information, call (516) 887-8170 or email vfwpost3350@yahoo. com.

Aug. 14

Golf outing

Enjoy the day playing golf with friends and business associates while supporting the Lynbrook Community Chest, on Monday, Aug. 14, 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., at Inwood Country Club. The outing honors John Giordano and David Greenberg.There are opportunities for nongolfers to participate with the option to be sponsors or donate items for one of the many raffle baskets. Play golf, honor some Lynbrook businesses, win raffle, and finish off with a delicious dinner. Come join in the fun! Registration and brunch take place from 9:30-11:30 a.m. The shotgun start begins at noon. Dinner and cocktails start at 5 p.m. 50 Peppe Dr., Inwood Visit the Chamber at LynbrookUSA.com for more information, to register or donate.

Having an event?

Aug. 19

Westbury House Tour

Bug Safari

Bring the kids to Old Westbury Gardens for a buggy adventure, Saturday, Aug. 19, 11 a.m. Hunt elusive grasshoppers, butterflies, predatory insects and other crawly creatures in the gardens. Bring a butterfly net and collecting jars. All ages. Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. For information visit OldWestburyGardens.org or contact (516) 333-0048.

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.

For many years visitors to Westbury House at Old Westbury Gardens asked what was beyond the first floor corridor. Now go beyond the door and discover “secrets of the service wing,” during a 60-minute guided tour, Sunday, Aug. 13, 1:30 p.m.; also Sunday, Aug. 20, 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.

Art talk

Sept. 7

Grab your lunch and join Nassau County Museum of Art Docent Riva Ettus for her popular “Brown Bag Lecture,” now back on-site at Nassau County Museum of Art, Thursday, Sept. 7, 1 p.m. Enjoy an in-depth presentation on the current exhibition “Modigliani and the Modern Portrait.” Participants are invited to ask questions at the end of the program and to join the 2 p.m. public tour of the exhibit. Also Oct. 19. 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.

Balloon show

Enjoy the Candy Twisted Balloon Show at Hempstead Lake State Park, Saturday, Aug. 12, at 2 p.m. The show is a combination of comedy, crazy magic, and audience participation. You won’t want to miss the grand finale when Candy climbs inside the biggest balloon you have ever seen. 1000 Lake Drive, West Hempstead. Register at EventBrite.com. Call (516) 766-1029 for information.

Fun with a jester

Jester Jim performs at Hempstead Lake State Park, Sunday, Aug. 13, at 2 p.m. The family-oriented show features juggling, magic, audience participation, beat boxing, balancing and tons of comedy. 1000 Lake Drive, West Hempstead. Register at EventBrite.com or call (516) 766-1029 for information.

Soirée Under the Stars honors Anthony Cancellieri

By DANIEL OFFNER doffner@liherald.com

Soirée Under the Stars has set an ambitious goal this year to raise $1 million. And it all starts Saturday, Sept. 23 at The Lannin — the newly renovated venue at East Meadow’s Eisenhower Park.

The annual fundraiser from Mount Sinai South Nassau will help benefit its new comprehensive stroke program, part of a $10 million upgrade intended to help save lives on the South Shore by providing enhanced round-the-clock coverage for interventional treatment of complex and life-threatening vascular diseases, such as stroke or aneurysm.

Mount Sinai plans to install a biplane 3D interventional radiology imaging suite for precise, rapid treatment of blood clots and vascular diseases. It also will apply for thrombectomy capable stroke center designation from state health department, which provides accreditation to medical centers like Mount Sinai, opening the door for Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements.

“We are taking things to the next level,” said Joe Calderone, Mount Sinai South Nassau’s spokesman.

This year’s Soirée Under the Stars will honor Rockville Centre’s Anthony Cancellieri, who co-chairs the hospital’s board of directors. Cancellieri has been dedicated to the hospital’s for more than

a decade, expanding services from the Rockaways to Massapequa.

“I’m honored,” Cancellieri said. “Our work at Mount Sinai South Nassau will make it one of the best — if not the best — caring facilities on Long Island for years to come.”

For the last 35 years, the hospital has held a special place in Cancellieri’s heart. It was where two of his three children — and five of his eight grandchil-

High ceilings

dren — were born.

Cancellieri felt the need to do something more — volunteering his expertise in public service — after his daughter was injured in a car accident on Merrick Road. Although he was frightened for her well being, thanks to the attentive and dedicated response from hospital staff, Cancellieri said he was able to feel more at ease.

“The compassion and care that was

showed to us at South Nassau was unbelievable,” he said. “They didn’t treat us like we were clinicians, they treated us like parents. I never forgot that.”

A few years later, Cancellieri was appointed to Mount Sinai South Nassau’s board of directors. He had been approached because of his years of experience in public service, primarily with the lobbying and development firm of Park Strategies, among other leadership roles — including one with the New York Police Department.

Cancellieri’s “leadership, support, and commitment to the hospital’s mission cannot be overestimated,” Dr. Adhi Sharma, president of Mount Sinai South Nassau, said in a release. “There is no one more deserving than Tony, who has helped shepherd our hospital through many milestones, including the affiliation with the Mount Sinai Health System, our $500 million capital campaign, and community support for the staff during and after Covid-19 — which was one of the biggest challenges our hospital and our community has ever faced.”

This year’s event will feature a twohour outdoor reception starting at 7 p.m., with food, an open bar, hors d’oeuvres, and an opportunity to mingle with the hospital’s key supporters, staff, board leadership, and administration.

To learn more about the soirée, purchase tickets, or support the event as a sponsor, call (516) 377-5360.

Herald file photo

The first Soiree Under the Stars in 2017 helped raise money for Mount Sinai South Nassau. This year marks the fifth gala fundraiser event, following the two-year hiatus between 2020 and 2021.

Lynbrook dentist offers free services to the underserved on Aug. 15

Realizing that many people are struggling in the current economy, Dr. Yadgarov, founder of Art of Dentistry in Lynbrook, is giving residents an opportunity to take care of dental problems before they become more serious and more costly.

Free dental services, including fillings, dental cleanings, extractions, toothache treatments, X-rays, and more, will be provided to as many people as possible on a first-come, first-serve basis on Tuesday, Aug. 15 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dr. Yadgarov’s office is located at 210 Atlantic Ave., Suite AA3 in Lynbrook.

“It saddens me to know that some people are suffering with pain and yet

could not get dental treatments,” Dr. Yadgarov said.

Delayed dental care usually opens the door for serious health problems like gum diseases and weakened immune system that could lead to heart diseases, liver diseases, diabetes and even pregnancy complications.

Dr. Yadgarov considers the cost of the giveaway in staff time and supplies as a “give-back” to the community. “The more we help our community, the more our community becomes stronger.” Dr. Yadgarov added.

For more information, call Dr. Yadgarov at (516) 447-2375 or visit ArtOfDentistryNY.Com.

Volunteer with cancer hotline

Compassionate women and men — both breast cancer survivors and nonbreast cancer survivors — are being sought as volunteers for the Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline & Support Program, a non-profit that has been advocating and supporting the community for 43 years.

The virtual training will take place on four consecutive Mondays this fall. Attendance at all four sessions is essential. Volunteers will be trained in the following areas: community outreach, educational presentations, speaking engagements, publicity and fundraising. Those who have had breast cancer will also be trained to respond to calls to the Hotline.

Here’s what some of the program’s community of volunteers have to say about their experience:

“I wanted to give back to the community and let women know they’re not alone. It was life-altering when I started volunteering 31 years ago. I speak Spanish and do lots of outreach, especially to underserved communities.”

— Jeannie, age 68, from West Babylon; diagnosed in 1986.

“I am recently retired and wanted to do something to help people coping with breast cancer. I wish when I was diagnosed I had known about the hotline where there were others who had “been there.” Someone to tell me “take a breath, I’m here for you. I know what you are feeling.” I have done several library outreaches and am involved with our new book club.”

— Lori, age 66, from Greenlawn; diagnosed in 2012

“Although I don’t have breast cancer, as a nurse, I know that many women do not know about breast health and are going undiagnosed. I am originally from Haiti and so am able to speak with callers in French and Creole, as well as English.”

— Jeanne, age 51, from Elmont

The process of becoming a volunteer involves having an initial interview, followed by the four training sessions. After the final session, there is an exit interview.

For more information, contact Nina Foley at (516) 877-4315 or email nfoley@ adelphi.edu.

Quality of life impacted throughout Nassau County by quads, dirt bikes

these vehicles and put on a demonstration to let the public know that we’re serious about making sure that our communities are safe,” Blakeman said, as a bulldozer from the Department of Public Works loomed nearby before it was used to crush these vehicles.

Not all Nassau communities have been hit hard by the problem, though. The office of East Rockaway Mayor Gordon Fox said that they hadn’t seen a problem

in the village with dirt bikes or ATVs on their roads, nor have community members brought such a problem to their attention.

Illegally driven ATVs and dirt bikes have caused huge problems in West Hempstead, according to Maureen Greenberg, president of the West Hempstead Community Support Association. Greenberg, who lives near Hempstead Turnpike, said that the vehicles ran rampant last summer, swarming Hempstead Turn-

pike in the early evening and creating problems on other streets as well.

“They were a nuisance,” Greenberg said. “They would rev their engines to make a very loud sound, and since there were multiple of them going down the streets at the same time, it was a parade of these vehicles making a huge amount of noise.”

Greenberg said these vehicles were more than an annoyance — they were a safety hazard. Residents said they feared that a reckless bike or ATV would hit their car, another illegal vehicle, or even a pedestrian.

“They had no regard for the rules of the road,” Greenberg said. “It was dangerous.”

Greenberg added that it has become much less of a problem this summer — mostly due to the Nassau County Police Department’s crackdown on the vehicles this year.

Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder said that more than 1,000 summonses have been issued this year alone to people riding vehicles illegally, and police officers have distributed fliers across Nassau County warning people of their zero tolerance policy for violations of the Vehicle and Traffic Law. The department has also seized 40 “joker poker” machines, which are illegal gambling devices, he added.

Bruce Blakeman

Blakeman said that this is just one of several police initiatives to address concerns about crime in Nassau County. “Operation Overwatch,” which began four months ago, has increased police presence across the county.

“Quality of life has got to be maintained,” Ryder said. “Everybody else is pulling back. The county executive is investing in our quality of life here in Nassau County.”

During the press conference, officials used the bulldozer to demonstrate what happens to illegal vehicles that are seized. The bulldozer was used to crush several dirt bikes like tin cans under its massive wheels, being driven back and forth a few extra times just for good measure.

“We’re here today to send a very important message: The era of lawlessness does not exist here in Nassau County,” Blakeman said.

“We will not tolerate this nonsense occurring in Nassau County,” he added. “We’ve seen far too much of it, and we’re not going to tolerate it.”

We will not tolerate this nonsense occurring in Nassau County. We’ve seen far too much of it, and we’re not going to tolerate it.

Nassau County executive

Nicole Formisano/Herald

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman at a news conference focusing on the prevalence of unlicensed and unregistered vehicles.

Visiting other libraries, exploring other towns

ties and shopped in areas they never would have.”

Mary Thorpe, director of the East Rockaway Public Library, said the branch reached 993 tour visitors on July 31.

“I think it’s so important for everybody to see what libraries have to offer, especially in times of financial crunches for people,” Thorpe said. “The library offers so much more than books. Every library is different and offers different things. One library has a great big music department, another has a large art department.”

At the West Hempstead Public Library, people are not just rushing in and out of the library to complete the tour — they’re looking around the library and shopping locally, Regina Mascia, the library’s director, said.

“It’s great, and it gets families into the libraries throughout the county,” Mascia said. “We have a list of local places they can go like Halls Pond Park or stop at Carvel for an ice cream. Everyone I spoke to has been really interested in the tour.”

Jessica Katz said the North Bellmore Pubic Library is her family’s second home, but the Katzes visit so many libraries throughout Nassau every year that one librarian referred to them as “the famous Katz family.”

While Jessica Katz admitted that her family — especially the children, Elias, 14, and Ash, 12 — is very competitive, she “starred” libraries on her tour map to return to for longer visits.

“The whole point is not to rush through it like we did,” Katz joked, “but to check out other towns in Nassau — not just the library, but the town.”

The Katz family finished the 2023 tour in two and a half days — that’s 58 library buildings in a weekend.

“I used MapQuest and created an Instagram page for our family,” Jessica Katz said. “We packed a whole bunch of snacks because my kids were like, ‘We’re not stopping for lunch!’ It was a little challenging, but we were up to the challenge.”

Roberson, who served in the U.S. Air Force from 1961-63, has visited libraries in Japan, Texas, Brooklyn, Manhattan and South Africa, where he worked in

the U.S. Embassy for five years. He said he raised his two daughters so that they would appreciate visiting a library. He added that he visits a library just about every day to read The Wall Street Journal and search through 332 on the Dewey decimal classification for finance books.

“I think it’s a great institution,” Roberson said. “The library has to be your friend. I go just about every day to see if I can learn something and keep abreast of the world. A library is like social media — it gives you everything.”

2023 Library Tour prizes

5 library visits — temporary tattoo

15 library visits — sticker and car magnet with bus tour logo

30 library visits — tumbler with bus tour logo

50 library visits — choice of enamel pin, cat plush toy, or hat with bus tour logo grand prize — entered in a choice of five raffle baskets

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT

COUNTY OF NASSAU

Deutsche Bank National Trust Company, as Trustee for Morgan Stanley ABS Capital I Inc. Trust 2006-WMC2, Plaintiff

AGAINST Nassau County Public Administrator, as the Limited Administrator of the Estate of Carole Denise Seifert a/k/a Carole Seiffert a/k/a Carol Seiffert a/k/a Carole Denise Seiffert; et al., Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered August 17, 2022 I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on August 23, 2023 at 3:00PM, premises known as 73 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, State of New York, Section: 42 Block: 126 Lot: 14. Approximate amount of judgment $1,024,415.54 plus interest and costs.

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 005723/2012. The auction will be conducted pursuant to the COVID-19 Policies Concerning Public Auctions of Foreclosed Property established by the Tenth Judicial District. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.”

Richard M. Langone, Esq., Referee

LOGS Legal Group LLP f/k/a Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC

Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff

175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York

14624

(877) 430-4792

Dated: June 16, 2023

140808

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, D/B/A CHRISTIANA TRUST, NOT INDIVIDUALLY BUT AS TRUSTEE FOR PRETIUM MORTGAGE ACQUISITION TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. GERALD P. MCKEON A/K/A GERALD P. MC KEON A/K/A GERALD MCKEON A/K/A JERRY MCKEON, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee’s Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on June 8, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on August 28, 2023 at 3:00 p.m., premises known as 64 Fifth Avenue, East Rockaway, NY 11518. 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, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 42, Block A and Lot 531. Approximate amount of judgment is $415,677.94 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 604455/2018. Cash will not be accepted. This foreclosure sale will be held on the north side steps of the Courthouse, rain or shine. COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed at the foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the Court Appointed Referee will cancel the sale.

Peter L. Kramer, Esq., Referee, (516) 510-4020 Knuckles, Komosinski & Manfro, LLP, 565 Taxter Road, Suite 590, Elmsford, NY 10523, Attorneys for Plaintiff 140941

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR STRUCTURED ASSET INVESTMENT LOAN TRUST, MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-3, Plaintiff, vs. LUIS A. DIAZ, ET AL., Defendant(s).

Pursuant to an Order Consolidating Actions, Amending Caption and Confirming Referee Report and for a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on October 3, 2019 and an Order Appointing Substitute Referee duly entered on May 19, 2022, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on August 30, 2023 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 439 Ocean Avenue, Lynbrook, NY 11563. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 38, Block 444 and Lots 114 & 115.

Approximate amount of judgment is $713,693.19 plus interest and costs.

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 000355/2013. This foreclosure sale will be held on the north side steps of the Courthouse, rain or shine. COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed at the foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the Court Appointed Referee will cancel the sale.

Glenn R. Jersey, Esq., Referee

Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott, LLC, 10 Bank Street, Suite 700, White Plains, New York 10606, Attorneys for Plaintiff 140939

LEGAL NOTICE

Malverne Union Free School District

Malverne, New York

Legal Notice

CLAIMS AUDITOR

Notice is hereby given that separate bids, submitted in sealed envelopes for CLAIMS AUDITOR will be received on:

Wednesday, August 23, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. 301 Wicks Lane, Malverne, NY 11565

Malverne Administration Building

Sealed bids are to be addressed to the attention of Christopher Caputo, Assistant Superintendent for Business, Malverne Union Free School District, 301 Wicks Lane, Malverne, New York 11565. All bids must be submitted to the Assistant Superintendent, on or before the date and time of opening in sealed envelopes, bearing on the outside the name and address of the bidder and the title of the bid in the lower left-hand corner. Contact Donna Fecht at dfecht@malverneschools. org for the RFP. The Board of Education reserves the right to award all or a part of this bid or to reject all bids or to make awards which are in the best interest of the school district.

Date: Thursday, August 10, 2023

By Order of the Board of Education Malverne Union Free School District 141183

LEGAL NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that a Tavern On Premises liquor license, Serial #1367202 has been applied for by LMTK Inc d/b/a Lilah’s Bar & Grill to sell beer, wine, cider and liquor at retail in an on premises Tavern. For on premises consumption under the ABC law at 33-35 Main

Courtesy Jessica Katz

The Katz family — Evan, left, Elias, Jessica and Ash — of North Bellmore completed the Nassau Library Tour this year and in 2019.

— Mark Nolan

Photos courtesy Nassau Library System York roberson, top, completed the tour for the second time this year. He said the malverne public Library is among his favorites.

danielle and Ava completing the tour at the Seaford public Library.

DRIVING INSTRUCTOR

EMPLOYMENT

Help Wanted

ATTENTION HIGH SCHOOL /College

/Grad School Students: Staff Needed Before School 7:00-9:00AM Afterschool

2:45-6:00PM. Experience with children preferred. Friedberg JCC Locations in Oceanside, Bellmore, Baldwin, Long Beach, Island Park. Send resume to: tcorchado@friedbergjcc.org or call 516 -634-4179.

AUTO MECHANIC FT

4 Day Work Week

Experienced And Reliable. NYSI A Plus.

Busy Merrick Shop. Call 516-781-5641

Busy Rockville Centre Landlord/Tenant

Law Firm seeking FULL TIME in office (not hybrid) administrative assistant to work with one of the Partners.

Responsibilities include heavy client contact via emails and telephone. Landlord/Tenant experience a plus.

Salary commensurate with experience. 401K, Medical/Dental benefits.

Send resumes to: Kathleen@rosenblumbianco.com

Chief Marketing Officer– Amityville, NY–

Responsible for all marketing endeavors for the current and future brand portfolio.

Salary range: $159,058 to $159,058 p/y.

Apply to: Iconic Brands, Inc., richard.decicco@gmail.com

CIRCULATION ASSOCIATE

Full Time/Part Time

Richner Communications, publisher of

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

Email: info@bellautoschool.com

DRIVING INSTRUCTORS WANTED Will

EDITOR/REPORTER

MEDICAL OFFICE RECEPTIONIST.

Busy South Shore Nassau County Neurology Office. F/T And P/T. Must be flexible, computer literate, medical experience preferred. Salary commensurate with experience. 401K. Email resume: bookkeeping@lineurology.com Or Call 516-887-3516 ext. 110

MULTI MEDIA ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT Inside Sales

DRIVERS

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

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. Salary, Commission,

JOIN OUR TEAM!

Be

Now

•Sales/Multi Media Consultants*

•Receptionist

•Reporter/Editor

•Drivers

•Pressman/Press Helper

To place an ad call

Baldwin $602,000 Cottage Place. Colonial. 3 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms. Finished basement. Eat-in kitchen with granite countertops. Formal dining room. Home office.

Taxes: $9,954.41

Bellmore $765,000

Ellen Road. Hi Ranch. 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms. Eat-in kitchen. Formal dining room. Den/family room. Security system.

Taxes: $13,529

East Meadow $910,000

1st Avenue. Colonial. 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms. Finished basement. Eat-in kitchen with granite countertops and pantry. Formal dining room. Den/family room. Updates include marble bathrooms and skylight. First floor bedroom.

Taxes: $9,720.84

East Rockaway $890,000

E-mail Your Resumes to Careers@liherald.com call 200

Mail Your Resumes to Careers@liherald.com or call 516-569-4000 ext 239

*must have a car

PROFESSIONAL REGISTERED NURSE

Part-Time (Ten-Month) Position Monday – Friday (3.5 hours/day)

Must have registered nurse’s license, cPr and aed certification. copies of all college transcripts (including transfer credits) and certification(s) must be provided with application. Official transcripts are required for appointment.

SALARY: $26,631

ANTICIPATED STARTING DATE: On or about August 31, 2023

Candidates are to submit a letter of interest with resume and above credentials to:

Diane Drakopoulos, Personnel Clerk 443 Ocean Avenue, East Rockaway, NY 11518

(516) 887-8300, Ext. 1-441 • ddrakopoulos@eastrockawayschools.org

Baldwin School District

Is hiring for the 2023-2024 School Year

School Nurses

Teacher Aides (Full Time)

Lunch Time Monitors 10:45 AM – 1:15 PM

online today

CEDARHURST NO

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

MoneyTo Lend

ARE YOU BEHIND $10k OR 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)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

West Boulevard. Colonial. 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms. Eatin kitchen with granite countertops. Formal dining room. Updates include cathedral ceiling. Ample storage.

Taxes: $17,941.92

Elmont $765,000

Lucille Avenue. Colonial. 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Finished basement. Eat-in kitchen with granite countertops. Formal dining room. Den/family room and home office. First floor bedroom. Home is in Franklin Square school district.

Taxes: $13,742.41

Long Beach $1,245,000

Armour Street. New Contemporary. 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms. Gourmet eat-in kitchen with granite countertops and high-end stainless steel appliances. Open layout with 2 gas fireplaces. Ensuite master bedroom with spa bathroom. Built to FEMA code with space for inground pool. Bay views.

Taxes: $21,000

Malverne $650,000

Church Street. 2 Story. 4 bedrooms,1.5 bathrooms. Partial finished basement. Eat-in kitchen. Formal dining room. Den/family room. First floor bedroom.

Taxes: $13,112

Merrick $635,000 Meadowbrook Road. Ranch. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Finished basement. Eat-in kitchen with granite countertops. Formal dining room. Den/family room. Updates include cathedral ceiling.

Taxes: $11,937.01

Rockville Centre $1,898,000

Kenwood Court. Colonial. 5 bedrooms, 3.55 bathrooms. Finished basement. Eat-in kitchen with granite countertops and pantry. Formal dining room. Den/family room, home office and guest quarters. With wood burning stove and cathedral ceiling.

Taxes: $33,949.57

Valley Stream $735,000

Lydia Street. Expanded Cape. 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Finished basement. Updated eat-in kitchen with granite countertops. Formal dining room. Den/family room, exercise room and wet bar. First floor bedroom.

Taxes: $12,125

HomesHERALD

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

Spectacular Home Has It All!

Welcome to the most spectacular home featuring a custom great room with chef's kitchen including two 5 burner gas stoves, double wall ovens, warmer drawer, sub-zero fridge and custom cabinetry. The guest quarters are on ground level with bedroom, full bath and den. The third level includes three spacious bedrooms, full bath and laundry. There are upgrades throughout including 13 zones of heat, central A/C and hardwired alarm and sound system. There is a home office in the basement as well as utilities. Plenty of room for parking with an oversized driveway and two car attached garage that has dual access through yard. This corner property has a covered front porch and fully fenced in yard, perfect for entertaining! Come discover all this amazing home has to offer. Asking $849,000.

Does the color of my roof matter?

Q. Can you solve a debate I’m having over my roof replacement? A friend told me that my roof color has to be light, like white or light gray, to be reflective and save energy. He says roof manufacturers are switching to light colors because it helps keep homes and big buildings cooler. My roof has always been a dark brown, and I want to keep the same color when we change the roofing.

Cory Knopf Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker

Licensed as: Rhea Cory Knopf Cell: 516-375-7727 Office: 516-764-6060

Cory.knopf@compass.com

Hal Knopf Team at Compass 2800 Long Beach Rd Oceanside NY 11572

Bsmt. Upper Level has Primary Ste w/ Dressing Rm & Bth Plus 3 BRs &

2 Bths. 2 Car Att Gar. Low Taxes! SD#20

HEWLETT

REDUCED! $2,098,000

1390 Broadway #102, BA, NEW! Move Right Into This Magnificent Newly Renovated 2 BR, 2 Bth Coop in Prestigious Hewlett Townhouse.Open

Layout. NEW State of the Art Kitchen & Bths, HW Flrs, Windows, HVAC, Recessed LED Lights, Doors, W/D. Community Pool. Full Service 24 Hr

Doorman, Valet Pkg, Elevator, Priv Storage. Gar Pkg. Near Shops, Trans &

Houses of Worship $579,000

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

Split with Open Layout in Prime Location! Granite/Wood EIK Opens to

Dining Room & Living Room. Lower Level Den. HW Flrs, Gas Heat, CAC.

Oversized Property! SD#14. Near All! REDUCED! $999,000

CE da RHURST

332B Peninsula Blvd, BA, Move Right Into This Updated 3 Br, 2.5 Bth

Coop Townhouse. LR, DR, Gran/Wood

Ask The Architect

Leeper

A. Depending on your climate, the selection of roof materials is just as important as color, and maybe even more important, depending on what you’re looking to achieve. For example, in Florida, with less likelihood of needing a balance of heat in winter to absorb and keep the house warmer, you’d be looking for higher reflectivity to lower heat absorption, whereas in a northern climate, you want the balance of heat absorption in colder weather and less in hot weather. But there’s more to consider. Concrete or clay tiles, and how they’re applied, can also make a difference. Concrete is what is known as a “heat sink” absorptive material, which heats on the sky-facing side and slowly builds heat into the material throughout, like a sponge picks up water, then slowly releases it. On Mediterranean hillsides, this principle naturally kept people comfortable without mechanical heating and cooling for thousands of years. Clay tile has air moving underneath, channeled to dissipate heat.

Now we get into asphalt shingles and metal roofs. The latest technology, which has rapidly evolved thanks to applied science, engineering and nanotechnology advances, shows that color does play a role, but not as much as your friend thinks. Even light colors only have about a 30 percent effective rate on reflectance. This means that 70 percent of the heat is still transferred through to the interior space below. On the other hand, the reflectance can be increased by applying — usually during roofing manufacture in a controlled environment — coatings that have prism-like qualities.

Like most building principles, however, effective solutions work as a system. If it isn’t fully understood before using the coatings or materials, the system may fail. You can increase reflectance of solar rays, but without making sure the applied coatings are compatible with the roof material, you can cause the roofing to react by distorting or even disintegrating.

In addition, the system works best if insulation slows the heat absorption on the underside of the roofing without buckling the structure or the roofing. Like any product, packaged materials, paints, etc., come with warnings, but systems usually don’t come with precautions. If an asphalt shingled roof isn’t stabilized by being cooled or ventilated underneath, it will prematurely fail by cracking and twisting (in very slow motion) as the roof structure expands and contracts underneath it.

There are darker color paints that also reflect, and if you search online, roofing companies have several products in dark reflective colors. Consult the manufacturer about your specific application. Good luck.

© 2023 Monte Leeper

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

Monte

MERCHANDISE MART

Antiques/Collectibles

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

FINDS UNDER $100

Finds Under $100

FLUORESCENT LIGHT BULBS, 48 inch long, 18 bulbs new in box $20. (516) 254-3640

Finds $100-$350

TRIO- TRAINER BRT7989: Hardly Used, Exercise Bicycle And Elliptical Trainer. Asking $175. Call/ Text 516-319-1651

SERVICES

Brick/Block/Concrete/Masonry

*MICHAEL LO BAIDO CONSTRUCTION*

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

Electricians E-Z ELECTRIC SERVICES, INC. All

Handyman

HANDYMAN

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

Power Washing

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

Sprinkler Syst./Irrig.Wells

FREE ESTIMATES. Dan 516-342-0761

LITO CONSTRUCTION

Home Improvement/ Construction

10% OFF ANY JOB OVER $2,000 Driveways, Sidewalks, Steps, Designer Brick Work, Stone Decor, Pointing, Framing, Foundations, Extensions, Bathrooms, Basements, Installation Of Draining Systems. Licensed/ Insured. Free Estimates. 516-564-8315, 516-376-9365

Miscellaneous

BEST SATELLITE TV with 2 Year Price

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

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

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

Health & Fitness

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

VIAGRA AND CIALIS USERS! 50 Pills SPECIAL $99.00 FREE Shipping! 100% guaranteed. CALL NOW! 855-413-9574

Instruction NEW YORK STATE CONCEALED CARRY CLASS 18 Hour Mandatory Course Call 516-724-0242

For More Information email: frtguns@gmail.com

Two very hot political subjects

During my lifetime, the summer months have been a time to just soak up the sun and try to get only as much work done as is necessary. But these days there are more things going on in the political world that I find myself struggling to keep up with, and two of them are worth exploring. One is climate change, and the other is Hunter Biden.

A dear friend of mine volunteered his thinking about the horrendous weather the world has been experiencing, stating, “There’s no such thing as climate change. It’s all cyclical.”

There are a lot of things that are cyclical. The major one is the economy. I’ve lived long enough to have seen major ups and downs in the stock market, and experienced both inflation and recession.

But at no time in my life have I seen virtually the entire world experiencing oppressive heat waves and violent storms. If you travel to Europe in the summer, there’s always the chance that you’ll run

into brutal heat waves. But recently the temperature of the ocean off south Florida exceeded 100 degrees. That is not a cyclical experience.

I feel a touch of sadness when I see photos of polar bears in the Arctic, stuck on land because ice floes have melted. Many of the western states now have deserts where there were once overflowing streams and lakes. The lack of available drinking water has stirred fights among some of those states, and there is no way to create any new water sources. This past winter, many communities were buried in as much as eight feet of snow with no past history of such accumulations.

Almost every day, there’s a report about flash floods killing people. Last month, Westchester, Orange and Rockland counties were hit with torrential rains that caused at least two deaths. Elected officials in those areas likened the rainstorms to waterfalls, and they caused millions of dollars in damage. Government officials attested to the fact that the flooding they caused had no historical precedents.

My second issue is the Republican fixation with President Biden’s son, Hunter.

Because the economy is good and the president is championing so many positive things that have happened during his time in office, the opposition party is spending night and day talking about his son. Which, to be fair, raises the legitimate issue of relatives of presidents capitalizing on their name or contacts.

When Jimmy Carter was president, his brother, Billy, spent all his waking hours promoting the Carter name. He started out with Billy Beer and created many other promotions using the family name. President George H.W. Bush’s brothers snagged lucrative business deals. It didn’t hurt to have the name Bush.

Then there’s Jared Kushner, former President Donald Trump’s son-in-law. I have met Jared on a number of occasions, and find him to be a very likable person. But Jared is no Warren Buffett. The Saudi government gave Jared $2 billion for his investment fund, against the wishes of the government’s own finance minister.

According to U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filings as of March 31, Kushner’s fund had $2.5 billion on hand, almost all of it having come from overseas inves-

tors.

It’s fair to assume that Jared didn’t get his Saudi windfall based on his looks or charm, so being a son-in-law of a president hasn’t hurt his brief career as an investor. Has Hunter Biden made thousands, or millions, based on the fact that his last name is Biden? I think that’s a fair assumption. Did he break any laws? That’s up to prosecutors to determine — not Fox News or Ohio Congressman Jim Jordan, the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee. I could fill volumes of Herald columns with stories about presidential family members benefiting from their last names. I wasn’t around during the days of President William Howard Taft, but there are a few stories of lucky relatives dating back even to those times. From now at least until November 2024, many Republican politicians will be spending many of their waking hours pursuing the dirt, real or imagined, on Hunter Biden. I think there are more issues of importance to America than one man’s son.

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.

Now, only memories of the Big Top animals

The sweep of history has ushered in the first woman ringmaster for the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, and, at the same time, swept out the entire circus, which will close in May. After 146 years in business, the circus decided to put a woman in the center ring, which might have been a step forward if the circus had a future, which it does not.

covered by media and hailed as an entertainment that carried a rich history and promised thrilling, freakish sideshows.

that had a highly respected Clown College, a place where the Ringling Brothers circus wintered since 1927. Still, I just can’t appreciate the appeal of the greasepaint and the big shoes.

RANDI KREISS

Progress cuts in myriad directions. Naturally, I’m delighted that a woman, Kristen Michelle Wilson, was chosen to be in the spotlight. But I’m also delighted that her tenure will be brief. The circus’s tent will come down forever this spring, due to rising expenses, declining audiences and protests by animal rights activists.

Ringling Brothers’ elephants were retired to a Florida sanctuary some time ago, presumably due to pressure from animal advocates and the cost of upkeep.

When the circus closes, the clowns will also take their final bow, and not a moment too soon. If you grew up when I did, the circus was a must-see, go-to event every year. It was a big deal when the elephants paraded through New York City,

As a kid, though, I hated the circus. I never told my parents, because they seemed so invested in my “big day” at Madison Square Garden, but the whole scene felt skeevie. In the vernacular of the time, the bearded lady, the giant, the midgets and the skinniest man on earth scared the stuffing out of me. I couldn’t have articulated it then, but there was something awfully creepy, and just awful, about paying to stare at these people, who we now know suffered from various endocrine imbalances.

The tigers and elephants won’t miss the circus. Will we miss the creepy clowns?

There was nothing fun or amusing about the tigers tormented by men with whips, or the elephants prodded into kneeling and dancing and running in a circle, end to end. There was always the sense at the circus, just as there is even today at carnivals, of some malignant force lurking beneath the face paint.

Clowns, for obvious reasons, have become a common source of anxiety among kids today. It’s about the fake face, the false smile and the unknowable person behind the mask. I know there’s a rich history of great clowns, and I’ve vacationed in Sarasota, Florida, a town

Once upon a time, when the circus came to town in the boondocks, it was a thrill and an opportunity to see something one might never see again. But today, kids raised on videos and iPhones have neither the interest nor the attention span for a circus act. The immense skill of many of the performers eludes them. They want quick. I read that Ringling Brothers, in an effort to survive, kept shortening the acts. But the entertainment value of the circus has lost relevance for today’s children.

If you read “Water for Elephants,” by Sara Gruen, you got a good story along with a history of the circus in America over the past 100 years. It wasn’t all about sparkly young women and men flying through the air, trapeze to trapeze. The dark side of the circus during the Great Depression was this: When some traveling circuses couldn’t afford to pay their workers, they threw them off a bridge before pulling in to the last stop. Animal abuse was rife; living conditions for both humans and animals were often appalling. In modern times, conditions improved,

but the basic concept of subjecting wild animals to a lifetime of captivity and forced performance has become disturbing and unacceptable. In “Water for Elephants,” Rosie the elephant is prodded with gaffs and burned with cigarettes. When she goes berserk at the end and runs a spear through her trainer’s head, we root for Rosie.

There is a theory that culture and society evolve as time goes on, that we get better and more considerate of one another and increasingly sensitized to the needs of other inhabitants of our earth and even those of the earth itself. Still, this is a theory.

Many aspects of life in 2017 challenge the concept of an evolving society. In many ways, especially politically, we seem to be falling back.

But the end of the circus is a good thing, a progressive thing. Millions are left with great memories of the Big Top and the times the circus came to town. We can hold on to the good memories and also embrace modern sensibilities that are offended by the exploitation of animals.

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

Randi is on a brief leave. This column was originally published Feb. 2-8, 2017.

Climate change is not cyclical, and Republicans are way too focused on Hunter Biden.

JERRY KREMER

Moving MLK’s dream forward

america will soon mark 60 years since the March on Washington.

On Aug. 28, 1963, some 250,000 people gathered peacefully at the Lincoln Memorial to advocate for civil and economic rights for Black Americans.

Although it was a protest against racial discrimination, it also was an opportunity to show support for major civil rights legislation that had stalled in Congress.

It’s important to remember what happened that day, and the changes it brought for Black Americans, while reflecting on what remains to be done to eliminate racial discrimination. Understanding history is important to avoid repeating what was bad and using what was good as a springboard for further positive change.

Black Americans were hopeful after the election of President John F. Kennedy. Roughly 70 percent of Blacks had voted for Kennedy in 1960. Their expectations were high for change, but Kennedy’s narrow victory seemingly negated any voter mandate, leading him to be cautious in moving forward on controversial issues like civil rights legislation because he needed the support of the South, where racial discrimination was still the norm.

The march came together because hopes had been dashed that Kennedy would make any of the needed changes.

The president did not initially support the march, worried that there would be a disorderly mob prompting chaos. Seeing the big picture, Kennedy also thought the march might destroy public support for the civil rights movement, even making matters worse as racial tensions heightened nationwide.

But after meeting with organizers, Ken-

Letters

Can we control artificial intelligence?

To the Editor:

nedy was behind the march by July.

At the Lincoln Memorial, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gave his historic “I Have a Dream” speech. The 34-year-old preacher from Atlanta gave people hope at a time in history when there was anything but that for Black people. Discrimination was rampant. The Ku Klux Klan was active around the country, and especially in the South. Black people could not live in white neighborhoods, use the same water fountains, attend the same schools or, in some states, even vote. They had to sit at the back of the bus and were not served in many restaurants.

Even here, a lot of Long Island was built with segregation securely in place, controlling where people lived and where their children went to school. Blacks and whites had to remain separate when it came to friendship and even love. Intermarriage was illegal, and it was a common belief — albeit a very wrong one — that Blacks were not as intelligent as whites. They were not even permitted to swim in the same pools as white people.

Kennedy never stopped trying to pass his Civil Rights Act. But it was President Lyndon Johnson who signed it into law after Kennedy’s assassination.

The law ultimately supported what the march was all about. It was a guarantee that Blacks would have equal voting rights, outlawed discrimination in restaurants, employment and theaters, and encouraged school desegregation.

The march was also responsible for the 24th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, outlawing the poll tax, which was a requirement for some to vote.

Yet there is much that still needs to be

done. The FBI released a report this spring showing that hate crimes are on the rise, with far more than half of them targeting people because of their race or ethnicity. Additionally, the distribution of racist, antisemitic and anti-LGBTQ propaganda — flyers, stickers, banners, graffiti and posters — rose by 38 percent in 2022, according to the Anti-Defamation League.

Next year, voters will weigh in on New York’s Equal Rights Amendment, designed to prohibit discrimination based on ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes. While Albany has created a number of laws over the years to ensure equality, the ERA would enshrine it in the state Constitution.

It seems the perfect time to remember the March on Washington and Dr. King’s inspiring words. There are plans underway for a march down Constitution and Independence avenues in Washington on Aug. 28 that will conclude at the Lincoln Memorial. It will be led by Martin Luther King III and his wife, Andrea Waters King, as well as the Rev. Al Sharpton, a civil rights leader and the founder and president of the National Action Network.

The hope is that the march will inspire the continuation of Dr. King’s work and vision, and serve as an opportunity to highlight what is still needed to bring about peace, justice and equity around the world.

“The vision that Dad had is not one that cannot be achieved,” Martin Luther King III told The Washington Post. “We have made great strides, and then there seems to be always an inevitable setback.”

Re Mark Nolan’s column in last week’s issue, “We don’t have much time — AI is coming!”: Mr. Nolan’s warning is timely. His most frightening sentence is, “AI’s only limitation is that it is constrained by our limitations.” Closer scrutiny of “our limitations” clarifies the nature and degree of the threat. Our limits, as humans, on perfidy and domination have yet to be found. Some among us already are, and will always, use any tool available to advance nefarious ends. Unity of the benevolent is necessary to limit the damage.

Our control as individuals over AI is minuscule. Whatever controls there are over its use, development or deployment are in the hands of a handful of corporate entities, semi-human creations with the status of “corporate citizens.” These beings operate to maximize profit and to maximize growth toward monopoly.

Creators and users of AI are already calculating its possible per- unit cost reductions. Workers will be sacri-

It was dated June 10, 1927, written from a home no longer standing at Exchange Street in Rochester, to a young woman in Ellicottville named lola.

“I am not driving taxi now. I quit Sunday night. Monday morning, I went to work again for the Salvation Army. Am not driving truck this time, but am helping on a wagon. I hope to get back on a truck again soon, but I am satisfied to get three square meals a day, and a bed to sleep in.”

lola, by the way, is my grandmother. The young man struggling to make ends meet at the height of the Roaring ’20s? OK, not hard to figure out: That’s my grandfather Donald. The cursive stretched across both sides of the yellowed, cardsize paper, sharing much of the mundanity many of us today might reserve for text messages or a quick phone call while driving home.

“While you were in Buffalo, did you go to any shows, where they had Vitaphone

A glimpse into the heart

pictures?” my grandfather asks. “In other words, ‘talking movies.’ I saw my first one here at Rochester, and it certainly is wonderful. I go to it nearly every night. There is no reading at all on the screen.”

I found this letter at the bottom of a box of family heirlooms a cousin of mine keeps at her home in Florida, and I was mesmerized. I have very little memory of my paternal grandparents. lola died when I was still an infant, and Donald when I was in kindergarten.

When I was growing up, my father would share many stories about his relationship with his parents — none of them good. Both would work all day, and at quitting time, they didn’t come home. Instead, they headed to the bar, where they would drown any remaining daylight with booze.

My dad and his siblings were left to fend for themselves, his older sister — by just a year — filling in as caretaker. When either of his parents were home, it was never pleasant. My dad shared how he once saved a bunch of money he earned setting pins at a local bowling

Letters

ficed on the usual bloody altars of efficiency, consolidation and market share. Citizens and corporate citizens have divergent interests here, but the history of .com, Enron, default swaps, the inviolability of trade secrets and class action restrictions, to name a few, indicate human citizens’ limits on our corporate compatriots.

Overwhelming majorities of the benevolent will be needed. This is theoretically possible, as this is what our government is for. However, given the governmental usefulness of AI’s capabilities, the great economic powers of our corporate citizenry, the allowances of Citizens United and our business/market-friendly Supreme Court, overwhelming majorities must mobilize, rapidly, toward a clear goal.

Time is not on our side. Regulating this industry as a public utility, at least for a decade, while a plan for its most reasonable, least harmful integration into our culture, economy and polity is possible. But ...

BRIAn KElly Rockville Centre

The spam calls are relentless

To the Editor:

It’s been several years since then Speaker of the House nancy Pelosi announced that Congress would take up the issue of spam/ phishing phone calls and alleviate this problem. But since then the problem has grown worse.

I realize that Congress has many issues to

alley so he could take an art course. When his mom found the stash of coins, she took it and spent in on a two-tone, brown Easter suit for my dad.

He was so angry, he wore that suit every day — whether it was a formal occasion or he was outside playing. The suit barely made it a month.

My life wasn’t like that at all, thank goodness. My dad never touched alcohol or cigarettes, which might explain why he’s about to turn 90 with the energy and health of a 60-year-old.

My mom worked so hard to provide for my little sister and me — the youngest of the seven children my parents had from previous marriages and their current one. A day for her could include driving a bus and then working at night as a bartender. Both of my parents grew up wanting for many things, and they ensured that their children wanted for nothing.

What I wouldn’t give, however, to see the letters my mom and dad exchanged after they first met at a roller-skating rink. They were hardly the young adults my grandparents were — both already experiencing marriage and divorce, and

deal with, foreign and domestic, including the incessant political infighting that now dominates the news. The issue of spam calls has fallen by the wayside, rarely if ever mentioned, even as it increases and has evolved into a constant annoyance for Americans.

Many people in and outside new york state have told me they deal with it on a regular basis. I can receive a half-dozen or more such calls a day, often from callers (most with foreign accents) who identify themselves as working with or representing Medicare or private companies, such as CVS, or my utility company. If I don’t hang up, they make inquiries in an attempt to get personal information, or say that they have this or that offer for me. The situation has become untenable.

I have registered my phone number with various agencies, as directed, but this hasn’t stopped the calls.

Isn’t it time that Congress directed its attention to this problem? We shouldn’t have to deal with this ongoing problem, whose annoyance is only increasing. Surely the technology to do away with it is available — perhaps even the use of AI, which we’re now hearing so much about.

My congressman’s office directed me to contact my service provider, but this, I’m certain, would be ineffective, because this is a national problem that requires the attention of Congress to solve. They’re just passing the buck. Where is our government when you really need it? I’ve received several of these calls even as I’ve written this letter! Why should I have to deal with this?

ROBERT RUBAlSKy East Rockaway

raising kids as part of it.

Instead, all I have is the memory of the notes they would leave each other every morning. My dad addressed his notes to “Sweetheart” and signed them “Sweetheart,” while my mom opted for “Honey.”

I remember how irritated I would be to see these notes between them. now, more than 30 years later, I would give anything just to find one of them at the bottom of a box somewhere. They may have been just as mundane as some of the letters between my grandparents, but still, each word is an expression of them. And thus, every note is a vital piece of my parents that I long to have again.

Writing letters — writing notes — has become a lost art in the century since Donald wrote to lola. But even today, there’s something special — even romantic — about not choosing a keyboard or a touchscreen, and instead picking up a pen and finding a sheet of paper.

I’m glad my grandfather did. And I’m glad my grandmother saved it. Because in those pages, I don’t see the grandparents I only heard about through my father. Instead we get a special glimpse into their hearts.

Michael Hinman is executive editor of Herald Community Newspapers.

Framework by Tim Baker

Is there any finer art than the details of life? — At the Queens County Farm Museum

what I wouldn’t give to see more of the letters my parents exchanged.

mICHaeL

HInman