Malverne/West Hempstead Herald 02-09-2023

Bringing a local-government perspective to Albany politics

By MARk NolAN mnolan@liherald.com

Albany politics can be overwhelming to a newcomer, but newly elected State Sen. Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick is focusing on what comes naturally to her — local government and getting to know people.

Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, a Republican, is the new representative of the 9th Senate District, which encompasses Malverne, Lynbrook and several other communities. But she is certainly no newcomer to politics, having previously served as deputy mayor and trustee in Malverne. Her father, Joseph Canzoneri, is a former Malverne mayor.

Historic boost in state aid for school districts

By MARk NolAN mnolan@liherald.com

State aid to school districts across New York will increase significantly next year under Gov. Kathy Hochul’s proposed budget, released last week. The money — a boost of 10 percent overall over the current academic year — would meet the state’s legal requirement for funding its school districts.

The statewide total of $34.5 billion in school aid is the highest in the state’s history.

aid is projected to increase 29 percent in the 2023-24 school year, one of the largest increases on Long Island.

“The state promised exactly the right amount of foundation aid, and we were able to plan accordingly,” Lewis said. “We are extremely appreciative of that foundation aid.”

Lewis added that Malverne now planned to expand its Spanish language program to sixth-grade students, and hire a literacy coach for the elementary grades.

loRNA lEWis Malverne superintendent

Among Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick’s top priorities is advocating for local issues by reaching across the aisle to build relationships with Democrats.

“I do believe that local government, village governments in particular, are the most efficient forms of government,” Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick said. “It’s as grass-roots as it gets. They typically provide a great number of services at a very reasonable cost.”

However, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick’s first priority is to find a location for her district office. Because of the redistricting of the state’s Senate map, the Rockville Centre office used by Democrat Todd Kaminsky, who retired from Continued on page 11

The Assembly and Senate will hold budget hearings, and likely offer their own amendments, before the April 1 budget deadline. Hochul’s spending plan appears headed for adoption by both houses of the Legislature, however, since Democrats control both with supermajorities.

Malverne Superintendent Lorna Lewis said she was grateful that the state was finally meeting its financial obligations to the schools. Malverne’s state

“It is imperative that every child become a reader and writer by the third grade,” she said.

Malverne was scheduled to make a public presentation of its budget at Tuesday’s Board of Education meeting, after the Herald went to press.

In the Lynbrook district, which will see a 27 percent increase in state aid, district officials were scrutinizing the implications of the jump in funding. Superintendent MelisContinued on page 16

Mark Nolan/Herald

PAtRiciA cANzoNERi-FitzPAtRick iN the Rockville Centre office that will soon be vacated.

We are extremely appreciative of that foundation aid.

Fourth Battalion presents local scholarships

The Fourth Battalion Fire District recently presented its first Fourth Battalion College Scholarship to firefighter members or children of firefighters in the battalion who are graduating seniors or already attending college or graduate school.

The first winners are Brendan O’Reilly of Lynbrook, Kaitlyn Mohr of Rockville Centre, Christian Morgan of Malverne, and Chloe Moskowitz of Lynbrook. Each received $250. The battalion plans to make this award annually.

“In a small way, the battalion wants to give back and support the firefighters and their families with college expenses,” said Battalion Chairman Murray.

–Steve Grogan

Battalion treasurer Kevin Bien, left, of the Lynbrook FD; Brendan O’Reilly; Kaitlyn Mohr; ex-chief Dan Morgan standing in for his son Christian; Chloe Moskowitz; Battalion Chairman Mark Murray of the Rockville Centre FD; vicechairman Joe Mihalich of the East Rockaway FD; and William and Anne Marie Mohr of Rockville Centre FD.

Courtesy Brian Grogan

Malverne Mel declares — early spring!

Dozens gather for Malverne Mel’s big day and annual festivities

To the delight of warm-weather loving folks far and wide, Malverne Mel didn’t see his shadow Feb. 2 and thus predicted an early spring.

The annual festive event at Crossroads Farm drew dozens of people eager to welcome the return of the famous groundhog. Many were jubilant about Mel’s prediction this year.

The event was started in 1996 by former Malverne Mayor Joseph

Canzoneri and Barry Manning, editor of the Malverne Times — which became the Malverne/West Hempstead Herald.

“We wanted to do something that would be fun and bring some good publicity into Malverne,” Canzoneri said in a past interview. “We invited all (the) dignitaries from surrounding communities, wore high hats and created the event.”

suzie simsFleTcheR wiTh Gary, King of Groundhogs.

mayoR KeiTh coRBeTT listens to Malverne Mel’s prognostication.

The Banjo Rascals entertain the crowd with folk favorites.

Sue Grieco/Herald photos

legislaToR Bill gayloR, left, State Senator Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Receiver of Taxes Jeanine Driscoll, Malverne Mel, Malverne Mayor Keith Corbett, Deputy Mayor Perry Cuocci, Rockville Centre Mayor Fran Murray and Assemblyman Brian Curran.

Protecting Your Future

with Michael and Suzanne Ettinger Attorneys-at-Law

Spousal Refusal - Just Say No

Spousal refusal is a legally valid Medicaid planning option in New York. By way of background, certain income and assets are exempt from Medicaid if there is a spouse. Generally, the spouse at home, known as the “community spouse” may keep about $3,700 per month of the couple’s combined income and up to about $150,000 of the assets or “resources”. Not included in those fgures are any other exempt assets, such as a home (up to about $1,000,000 of the equity only) and one automobile. The spouse who is being cared for in a facility is known as the “institutionalized spouse”.

Many a spouse has advised us that they simply cannot afford to live on the allowances that Medicaid provides. This is where spousal refusal comes in. We start by shifting excess assets into the name of the “community spouse”. He or she then signs a document which the elder law attorney prepares and fles with the county indicating that they refuse to contribute their income and assets to the care of the ill spouse since they need those income and assets for their own care and well-being. Note that you may not refuse your spouse’s own income over the $3,700 per month exemption as it is not coming to you.

New trauma unit gives nurses edge against time

By KARINA KOVAC kkovac@liherald.com

Once the “community spouse” invokes their right to refuse, and all of the other myriad requirements of the Medicaid application are met, the state Medicaid program must pay for the care of the institutionalized spouse.

After Medicaid has been granted, the county may institute a lawsuit seeking to recover the cost of care from the refusing spouse. Nevertheless, there are a few reasons why spousal refusal makes sense, even in light of this risk. First, in many instances, the county never invokes this right. Secondly, these lawsuits are often settled for signifcantly less than the cost of care provided. Thirdly, the payment to the county can sometimes be deferred until the community spouse dies. As one county attorney told us when agreeing to such an arrangement, “the county is going to be around for a long time”. Finally, even though the county may seek recovery, it is only for the Medicaid reimbursement rate and not the private pay rate. For example, if the private pay rate is $18,000 per month, which is what you would have to pay, the amount Medicaid has to pay is generally a quarter to a third less. The county may only pursue you for the amount they actually paid.

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In trauma unit 3 lies a 30-yearold man with obvious head trauma. He was hit by a car going way too fast on Merrick Road. “Can we establish an airway” a nurse yells, “I’ve got the glidescope” hollers another. Only the man in this scenario is just pretending, christening the new Mount Sinai South Nassau trauma unit with a fictitious trauma support emergency incident. But, as the hospital nurses know, many real-life similar cases will come in and out of the state-of-the-art ward.

The enemy the hospital is fighting with their $50 million expansion is time. The new trauma unit features a game changing open concept design plan and easier methods of communication that will cut down lost time. From gunshot wounds to emergency surgeries or even labor delivery and pediatric care, the nine new private room can handle anything thrown at them, including mass causality events.

“The beauty about this space is it allows us not only take care of trauma patients, but we can also take care of anybody that severely sick, so patients that come in with cardiac arrest or respiratory arrest. Having the space to be able to take care of these patients really makes a difference and allows us to do our work more easily,” said Margaret Puya, trauma program manager.

Time is critical in traumatic injuries. Once the ED is alerted of an impending arrival, the Trauma Team is mobilized through a paging system to immediately receive the patient. From admission to rehabilitation, the goal is to make the patient’s journey to recovery as seamless as possible.

Each room has operating room lights, rapid infusers, intubating equipment, ultrasound equipment, and standard procedural equipment. As well as things for the airway, chest, abdominal trauma, and orthopedic needs for fractures and more.

The new trauma unit is near and dear

to Adhi Sharma, president of Mount Sinai, since he worked in trauma. He said seeing years long plans start to come to fruiting in this halfway point has nurses buzzing with anticipation.

“They've been working under confined conditions because of construction,” Sharma said, “So any expansion for them is freedom and this is a freedom to function in a clinical environment that supports the patient needs. We’re restructuring how we are going to provide care in the future, and making the hospital ready for all of the future advancements in science that will allow us to take even more care for our community and have patients here locally.”

He said the goal of the $50 million dollar expansion project is to be able to be a tertiary care center, so that residents don't have to go to Manhattan for expert care, they can get it in their backyard, and their families can visit them locally as well.

Upon its completion in the summer of 2025, the $ expansion project, which started in 2016, will nearly double the size of Mount Sinai South Nassau’s Emergency Department and increase its capacity from 65,000 annual emergency patient visits to an estimated 80,000. The total cost of this phase of the expansion is $5 million.

Karina Kovac/Herald CONSTRUCTION TEAM MEMBER Fernando Lamb pretends to be the first patient in the Mount Sinai South Nassau trauma unit.

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For a location near you, visit chsli.org/heart

SPOTLIGHT ATHLETE

Nifty 50 for ‘peaking’ Mules

By BRIAN KACHARABA sports@liherald.com

Malverne’s long-standing tradition of making the boys’ basketball playoffs has now reached five decades.

AMANDA MORRIS

East Meadow Sophomore Bowling

A FOURTH-YEAR VARSITY bowler, Morris has earned a third All-County award and on Feb. 11 will try to repeat as Nassau’s individual champion. Last winter, she averaged 197 and earned AllState honors. So far this season, Morris has bowled 19 games over 200 and leads the county with a 210.4 average over 36 games. She rolled 18 consecutive strikes in a match Jan. 5, closing one game with 11 straight and starting the next with 7 in a row.

GAMES TO WATCH

The Mules clinched a playoff berth for a 50th straight season – not including the postseason-less pandemic year of 2021 –thanks to a four-game winning streak capped off by a 73-56 win at Seaford on Jan. 31. The team is also playing their best basketball of the season with five wins in six tries to improve to 7-2 in Conference B play and 11-7 overall.

Malverne is also the prohibitive favorite to win the Conference B2 title as the regular season concludes this week. The Nassau Class B semifinals will be on Feb. 22 at Hofstra, as will the championship game on March 1.

“I think we’re peaking with two games left,” said associate coach Walter Aksionoff. “I don’t want to jinx it, but I would like to think if we don’t make any silly mistakes, we’ll be OK.”

Senior Farvens Ulysse had his secondbest scoring output of the campaign against Seaford with 24 points and 12 rebounds and junior Kevin Estime continued his second half surge with a season-high 20 points and 14 boards. Chad Wesley added 10 points and five assists.

Malverne has scored at least 60 points during each game of the winning streak after doing so only twice previously. The Mules are averaging just over 56 points a game while yielding just over 52, good for third among the nine Conference B schools at press time.

Ulysse has picked up the slack left by last year’s graduating seniors with a 15.8 scoring average, which is over six points better than his junior year. Aksionoff said that settling him down early in the game, his rebounding and setting up second-chance points for him and his teammates have been keys to the season.

“If you follow our wins the last few, Farvens has been around the foul line area and he’s dropping 24, 19, 21 [points],” Aksionoff said. “He’s doing a great job on the rebounds which is crucial.”

Estime, who played on the JV team

last year, has also been a force on the boards this season. He grabbed a careerhigh 22 in a win at East Rockaway on Jan. 13.

“Kevin’s picked it up,” Aksionoff said. “He’s been getting a lot of rebounds. The last game against Seaford he had 14 rebounds. He’s done a wonderful job.”

Senior Joshua Croom is the team’s second-leading scorer at 11.9 a game –over four points better than last winter –and has been the glue that keeps the team together, according to Aksionoff.

“The lynchpin that keeps everything together is Josh Croom,” Aksionoff said. “He understands the game, he gets the people in the right position [and] he scores when he has to score.”

Wesley is averaging just under seven points a game despite being hobbled with an ankle injury and his health could be the key to a successful postseason run. Aksionoff is also excited about the development of sophomore point guard Lorenzo Maione (5.3 ppg) and eighth-grader Malachi Hudson

(4.9.)

Neil Miller/Herald

SENIOR JOSHUA CROOM is averaging close to 12 points per game and has been the glue that keeps Malverne together.

Congrats to all the Top 3 Finalists in the 2022 Herald Long Island Choice Awards presented by PSEG Long Island! Check back each week for the Top 3 Reveal in each category leading up to the Oscar-style awards ceremony in April 2023. Did your favorites make it to the top? Visit www.LiChoiceAwards.com!

*Finalists are listed alphabetically, not in order of placement.

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Nassau rolls dice on Coliseum casino plans

Las Vegas developer with international reach looks to beat odds

By ROKSANA AMID ramid@liherald.com

It could be one of the largest private endeavors in Nassau County’s history — and already one of its most controversial.

The Las Vegas Sands resort company wants to develop the 80 acres of vacant land surrounding the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum — an investment that could well exceed $1 billion. While some have championed a new commercial center complete with a hotel, celebrity chef restaurants, a convention center and a live performance venue, it’s the casino element some aren’t sure is worth the gamble.

Like Hofstra University president Susan Poser.

“So many people in our community are expressing the idea that this is already a done deal, and therefore not understanding that we are at the beginning of a competitive and quite lengthy process,” Poser told the hundreds of people who packed her school’s Monroe Lecture Hall on Saturday.

Poser has made her opposition to the casino project no secret, writing in one published opinion piece that it was a “very bad idea.”

The New York Gaming Facility Location Board opened the window last month for the bidding of three downstate casino licenses. Four licenses are already available upstate. To be successful, a bidder must win approval from a local community advisory committee made up of appointees by Gov. Kathy Hochul, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, state Sen. Kevin Thomas, Assemblyman Edward Ra and Hempstead town supervisor Don Clavin.

Joe Harrison, for one, hopes a casino project at the Hub moves forward.

“For economic growth, it’s going to be a great thing for the area,” said Harrison, vice president for Local One Elevator Constructors. “We’re looking for families to stay and earn living wages.”

The gaming location board explained to those attending the forum how the application process would work. Las Vegas Sands, for example, would have to demonstrate positives in several categories that include local impact, workforce enhancement, and how it will ensure diversity.

Most of the attention, however, will be on economic activity and development. Anyone developing through one of these licenses must work to provide as much tax revenue for state and local governments as possible, and must prove the benefits of the specific site they want to develop. They must also already have expertise in developing and operating a quality gaming facility, as well

as be able to have the project come to fruition in years, not decades.

Founded by the late Sheldon Adelson in the late 1980s, Las Vegas Sands is considered one of the largest casino companies in the world, although much of its holdings are now in Asia rather than the United States. It reports assets of well over $20 billion.

Local impact examines how such a development will help — or hurt — businesses immediately surrounding the project, as well as those nearby. Workforce enhancement examines how a developer would utilize the existing labor force in Nassau County, providing an estimated number of construction jobs and developing training programs that serve the unemployed.

One of those training projects is expected to be based at Nassau Community College, with Las Vegas Sands providing, in turn, internships and potential jobs.

That, Sands officials have said, could also help develop its diversity framework, which requires the company in its application to examine workforce demographics of unemployed minorities, woman and service-disabled veterans.

But it’s not neighbors Las Vegas Sands would have to convince, but Nassau’s community advisory committee. Without a thumbs up from them, it will be a hard no from the gaming location board. Approval requires a two-thirds majority.

John Kaman, Suffolk County’s deputy executive, said residents and institutions within the town and surrounding areas should understand one another’s needs, and the impact they have on one another.

“We need to make sure that everybody’s listening, everybody’s participating,” Kaman said. “If something like this was going to go forward or not depends upon what the larger community wants to see in their county, in their town, and their neighborhood.”

Geraldine Hart, who leads public safety efforts at Hofstra, worried about the potential increase in crime.

“There’s a number of criminal activities that are associated with human trafficking,” she said. “They include illegal drug sales, kidnapping, extortion, money

GERALDINE HART, WHO leads public safety efforts at Hofstra University, shared with a community forum over the weekend what she says are risks communities face when casinos — like the one planned for the Nassau Hub — are built. Hart gave an overview of many instances of human trafficking and auto accidents — including some she personally witnessed — she says have direct ties with casinos.

laundering, prostitution, racketeering and gang related crime.”

Hart also cautioned that the Hempstead Turnpike — one of the most popular roadways traveled in Nassau — was also designated the fourth-most dangerous road in the state last year based on average number of fatalities. Hart cited a Journal of Health Economics study claiming a link between casino expansion and alcohol-related fatal traffic accidents.

Neyrely Munoz, a sophomore majoring in television and film at Hofstra, says she’s also concerned about safety, but much closer to home.

“Near a campus with college students, it doesn’t sound like the best idea,” she said. “I feel as though that the women on campus will feel a lot less safe.”

Tim Baker/Herald photos

HUNDREDS ATTENDED A community forum at Hofstra University to discuss the fate of the Nassau Hub, and the potential for a casino to become part of the community there. It’s a plan that has garnered mixed reactions from neighbors, including from Hofstra and nearby Nassau Community College.

W e need to make sure that everybody’s listening, everybody’s participating ... the larger community wants to see in their county, in their town, and their neighborhood.”

JOHN KAMAN Suffolk County deputy executive

Money for a good cause

The EAC Network — a Garden City-based social service agency that empowers, assists and cares for people in need — receives a $2,000 donation from RichnerLive. The money was from a portion of ticket sales from last year’s Herald Excellence in Healthcare Awards Gala, which honored heroes and leaders within the health care industry. Neela Mukeriee Lockel, EAC’s president and chief executive, along with Robert Stricoff — the group’s chief development officer — accepted the donation from Herald Community Newspapers publisher Stuart Richner and RichnerLive executive director Amy Amato. From left, Herald Community Newspapers deputy editor Jeffrey Bessen, Stricoff, Richner, Amato, executive editor Michael Hinman, and Lockel. To find out more about EAC — and how to donate — visit EAC-Network.org.

Malverne HigH ScHool sophomores

Gabrielle

Augustin, left, and Nathaly Uribe, right, with Malverne District Supervisor of Humanities

Jason Mach in the new Calm Center at Malverne High School. Courtesy Malverne School District

Malverne High School unveils Calm Center

Malverne High School debuted a space where students can seek a few moments of quiet, mindful refuge from their hectic daily schedule.

Located by the library, the Calm Center is a new initiative spearheaded by Supervisor of Humanities Jason Mach, who also leads the mindfulness certification that students are required to complete prior to using the Calm Center.

The 6-hour course includes meditation and breathing techniques and a group discussion about methods to better handle stressful situations in our daily lives.

Sophomores Gabrielle Augustin and Nathaly Uribe were among the first students to take part in the training course.

Both have found the Calm Center helpful to relax and recenter themselves during the school day and have also used the breathing techniques they learned when faced with daunting exams, difficult decisions and stress outside of school.

Augustin and Uribe both said believe that the mindfulness practices will benefit them in the future, including for college and job interviews. They enjoyed the amenities provided in the room, which include a variety of stress balls and tactile toys, as well as materials for writing, drawing and coloring.

More than 20 students are enrolled for the mindfulness certification course.

Tim Baker/Herald

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Fitting it all in Managing the after-school activities juggle

For many families, the morning rush isn’t the most chaotic time of the day. Instead, the sanity-buster is that long stretch from the time school lets out until the final activity ends and everyone is home.

Surviving the afternoon activities juggle is all about planning and time management and it’s also an opportune time to teach kids some valuable skills.

“The opportunity with activities is it’s a great time for kids to learn time management,” says Carolyn Dalgliesh, a professional organizer who specializes in helping kids who are anxious or distracted. “It’s a skill that will help them throughout their lives.”

Without preparation, the activities crunch can get kids and parents on a quick path to burnout and exhaustion.

Consider these tips from the experts for making your child’s after-school activities a fun and rewarding part of childhood and for teaching your child the skill of time management.

Choose the right activities. There is no need for everyone to run ragged getting to volleyball practice if your child no longer enjoys it. “We talk about mindful choices,” Dalgliesh says. “You want your child to get value out of any activity, whether it’s a great social outlet or a chance to run off a lot of energy.”

Consider timing. If you’re lucky enough to have choices in times, choose wisely. “Think about how well your child does with transi-

tions,” Dalgliesh says. “For some kids, coming home triggers wind-down time, [so] parents may want to go to the library after school to do homework instead of stopping by the house.”

Honor the family meeting. There is a central principle when it comes to family time management: Everyone must get together once a week, with calendars in hand, to plan out the next week. Figure out how each kid will get to and from each activity, and make plans for meals and snacks. When doing the planning, try to carve out at least one night when the family can have dinner together. Make your weekly meeting fun by following it with a family movie or game night. Or, suggests Grey, dole out allowance and lunch money at the end of the meeting.

Maintain a family calendar. Each family member needs his or her own week-at-a-glance calendar, and you also need a family calendar. Yes, that’s a lot of calendars, but it will help ensure all activities are well-planned.

Get the activity bags ready. Get your kids in the habit of packing their activity bags on Sunday night. Designate a place for them to hang or store their bags. For activities requiring a lot of gear, use a checklist to make sure nothing gets left behind.

Embrace meal planning. It’s important to plan simple, consistent meals, especially if you’re a busy family with a lot of activities. For example, kids love theme dinners such as “Taco Tuesday,” and can help with preparation and

assembly. Also plan snacks, making sure to have high-protein nibbles available for kids before they embark on a strenuous activity.

Make it portable. Keep healthy drinks and snacks in a car cooler. After all, “we’re a portable society,” Dalgliesh says. In addition to food, keep an “activities bin” for kids to rummage through while hanging out at big brother’s karate practice but only then. “Those activities are special, and they only get pulled out when kids are waiting,” Dalgliesh explains.

Make car time special. If you spend a lot of time driving to and from activities, make that time count. Try an audiobook, choosing a story everyone in the family can enjoy. Dalgliesh plays a conversation game with her children. She has a set of cards with prompts such as, “What is the worst meal you ever had in a restaurant?” or “What is your favorite vacation memory?” She passes the deck to her kids has them pick one. “It’s about finding those moments to connect,” she says.

Have a picnic. If you have to race from your daughter’s after-school soccer practice to

your son’s evening hockey game, pack a cooler and enjoy a picnic supper in the bleachers, at a park, or anywhere else you can find.

Be flexible. Even the most carefully made plans can be rendered useless by a thunderstorm that cancels soccer practice, a sick child, or an unexpected work disaster.

Empower your kids. Give your kids as much control over their own planning and scheduling as they can handle. Different kids need different tools. Especially as kids get older, they need to own their organization system. Some kids like to do everything electronically, others like pretty paper notebooks and calendars. Some kids like to use the latest apps and color-coded pens to stay organized, and others take a minimalist approach, scribbling basic information only.

Electronics and computers. Our devices became our lifelines during the pandemic , and for many it’s a hard habit to break. It’s easy to rely on electronic games and social media during the activities crunch, especially for siblings who are waiting or when you arrive at an activity early. But set limits and use electronic toys as a reward for good behavior, with exceptions to those limits when the tech tool is needed for a school project.

By teaching your kids the skills they need to manage their life inside and outside of school, you’ll equip them for grade school, college, and beyond. You’ll also create a family life that allows all members the opportunity to reach their potential.

Photo: Keeping kids busy after school is a good thing, but participating in many activities without advance planning is inviting miscommunication, forgotten homework, and cranky families. Instead, enlist your kids’ efforts each week in planning their time.

New state senator is off to a rapid start

public office, is now outside the redrawn 9th Senate District boundaries.

Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick has been named ranking member of the Senate’s Consumer Protection and Mental Health committees. She also serves on the committees for Environmental Conservation, Judiciary, Legislative Women’s Caucus, and Women’s Issues.

Since Democrats hold supermajorities in both the Senate and Assembly, legislation won’t advance without Democrat sponsors. Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick said she has spent her brief time in Albany thus far establishing relationships with Democrats so she is able to co-sponsor important bills that would positively impact the 9th District.

One of her goals is to amend the Real Property Tax Law that allows local governments to give a 10 percent property tax exemption to volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers. Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick said she wants to give the same exemption to volunteer police reserves and auxiliary police.

“I know how important our police reserves and police auxiliaries are in Nassau County,” she said. “They do an awful lot to assist our police forces and allow us to have these feel-good activities that make our communities so welcoming. It would be a small ‘thank you’ for the hours and hours of service they put in.”

As a ranking member of the Mental Health Committee, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick is eager to work with school districts and outreach organizations that provide help to

teenagers and younger children. A mother of four, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick said she is intimately aware of the need for mental health interventions.

Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick said the issues teenagers dealt with during Covid-19 and from social media require more assistance.

“I think they’re all suffering in different ways, and those issues need to be addressed,” she said.

A recent bill advancing through state government would fund more research about suicides in children. “I was shocked to see that suicide is affecting kids as young as 5 years old,” she said. “As a mom and knowing what our kids are going through, it’s a very important issue.”

She said she sees the youth’s constant use of cell phones, internet and social media, and said her kids poke fun at her for not being technologically savvy, giving her more insight into the mental health needs of children.

“They laugh at me all the time when I say certain things or take a picture the wrong way,” Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick said. “’Oh, mom! That’s a terrible picture!’ and I laugh at it. Our kids have become accustomed to these things. Wouldn’t it be beautiful for them to become accustomed to feeling that it’s OK to ask for help?”

Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick said she also plans to address bail reform by giving judges more discretion during hearings. In addition, she wants to reduce tax burdens on local businesses, adjust the MTA’s congestion pricing, and provide constituent services for anyone in need.

As Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick continues to get her office up and running, she said she would continue to rely on her vast experience in local government. And her focus remains being successful so she can help people of the 9th Senate District.

“It’s been an exciting month up there,” she said. “Being successful in Albany is about building relationships, and I think I’m off to a good start. You have to work across the aisle to get things done. It’s about serving the constituents.”

Tim Baker/Herald Canzoneri-FitzpatriCk brings deep experience in local government to Albany.

Wouldn’t it be beautiful for (children) to become accustomed to feeling that it’s OK to ask for help?

patriCia CanzoneriFitzpatriCk state Senator

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

MEET THE 2023 HONOREES*

RichnerLIVE’s second annual R.E.A.L. Awards will spotlight entrepreneurs, professionals, and visionaries in Long Island’s real estate industry who have achieved success in their respective roles while also involved in community contributions and advocacy.

RESIDENTIAL

SPECIAL PROJECT:

THE RESIDENCES AT GLEN HARBOR

Michael Stanco

Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker

Compass

BROKERS (Individual)

Gina Marie Bettenhauser

Associate Real Estate Broker

Coldwell Banker Distinctive Homes

President, Long Island Board of REALTORS®

Molly Deegan

Owner & Licensed Broker

Branch Real Estate Group

Kevin Leatherman

Owner & Licensed Broker

Leatherman Homes

Donna O’Reilly-Einemann

Branch Manager

Douglas Elliman Real Estate

Luciane Serifovic

CEO & Founder

Luxian International Realty

Shawn Steinmuller

Owner & Licensed Broker

Shawn Michael Realty

Helena Veloso

Senior Executive Manager of Sales,

Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker

Douglas Elliman Real Estate

LICENSED SALESPERSON

Malka Asch

Licensed Real Estate Agent

Coach Realtors

John C. Gandolfo

Licensed Real Estate Salesperson

Coldwell Banker American Homes

Miriam Hagendorn

Licensed Real Estate Salesperson

SERHANT.

Ricki Noto

Licensed Real Estate Salesperson

Coldwell Banker American Homes

Scott Wallace

Licensed Real Estate Salesperson

Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty

OFFICE MANAGER

David Kasner

Branch Manager

Coldwell Banker American Homes

DEVELOPERS

Rob Gitto Vice President

The Gitto Group

Mark Meisner

President & Founder

The Birch Group

REAL ESTATE SERVICES

Martin Lomazow

Senior Vice President

CBRE

Adam E. Rochlin

Founder and Principal

The Rochlin Organization

SPECIAL AWARDS

ATTORNEYS

Michael S. Ackerman

Founder & Managing Partner

Ackerman Law, PLLC

John D. Chillemi

Partner

Ruskin Moscou Faltischek, P.C.

Bryan P. McCrossen

Partner

Jaspan Schlesinger Narendran, LLP

Christopher H. Palmer

Managing Partner

Cullen and Dykman, LLP

Ellen Savino

Partner

Sahn Ward Braff Koblenz, PLLC

ENGINEERING

Stephen A. Hayduk, P.E.

Principal & Chief Engineer

Hayduk Engineering LLC

FATHER/DAUGHTER TEAM

Gilbert Balanoff

Owner

The Law Offces of Gilbert Balanoff, P.C.

Tiffany Balanoff

Licensed Real Estate Agent

Douglas Elliman Real Estate

LENDER

Nicholas Ceccarini

Owner & Broker

Weatherstone Mortgage Corp.

Christine Curiale

Mortgage Branch Manager

Valley Bank

Melissa Curtis

COMMERCIAL

TAX CERTIORARI

Sean M. Cronin, Esq.

Partner

Cronin & Cronin Law Firm, PLLC

BROKER (Individual)

Thomas DeLuca

Senior Director & Real Estate Broker

Cushman & Wakefeld of Long Island Inc.

DEVELOPERS

Anthony Bartone

Managing Partner

Terwilliger & Bartone Properties, LLC

Kenneth Breslin, Esq.

President

Breslin Realty Development Corp.

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR EVENT SPONSORS

Sales Manager and Senior Loan Originator

Contour Mortgage

PROPERTY ACQUISITIONS

Michael Steinberg

CEO and Founder

Hedgestone Business Advisors

TECH AWARD

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Chief Technology Offcer

SERHANT.

TECH PLATFORM OF THE YEAR

VincePropertyShark

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HABITAT ABSTRACT

MESSAGE FROM RYAN SERHANT CEO & FOUNDER SERHANT. *List in

KEVIN S. LAW PARTNER

PRODUCED BY

A portion of ticket proceeds will beneft

STEPPING OUT

Creative advocacy

By Karen Bloom

WHERE WHEN

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

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

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

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

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

This exhibit, which runs through July 28, is in conjunction with Hofstra’s 13th presidential conference on the Barack Obama presidency coming up in April.

“We were interested in the idea that the artist has a civic responsibility,” says museum director Karen Albert. “The initial idea for this exhibition was inspired by an Obama Administration White House briefing that took place on May 12, 2009, where more than 60 artists and creative organizers met with administration officials to discuss the collective power of the arts to build community, create change, and chart a pathway for national recovery in the areas of social justice, civic participation and activism.”

To that end, unlike other recent exhibits that showcased the museum’s permanent collection, Giordano reached out to contemporary artists who loaned the museum their selected works. Some 36 pieces are on view — representing all media — from Emma Amos, Molly Crabapple and the Equal Justice Initiative, For Freedoms, Miguel Luciano, Michele Pred, Hank Willis Thomas, and Sophia Victor.

“The way our climate is now, this exhibit could not be more timely than at this moment,” Albert adds.

Among the highlights, she points to the series of prints from the collective For Freedoms. Their four large scale photos are based on Norman Rockwell’s 1943 oil paintings inspired by President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s 1941 State of the Union address that outlined what he considered the essential four democratic values freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear. For Freedoms has interpreted these iconic works for our era.

“It’s the same composition,” Albert says. “From 1940s America, these (works) show what America is today, our diversity and what we look like now.”

As always the museum offers additional programming to enhance the exhibit experience. Upcoming events include an artist panel on Feb. 23, which examines the role of the artist as activist, and a gallery tour with Alexandra Giordano, March 16.

Pat McGann

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

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

Yarn/Wire

Now in its 18th year, Adelphi University’s ‘new music’ series welcomes Yarn/Wire. The intrepid New York-based piano-percussion quartet has forged a singular path with endlessly inventive collaborations, commissions and performances that have made a significant contribution to the canon of experimental works. The quartet features founding member Laura Barger and Julia Den Boer on piano and Russell Greenberg, also a founding member, and Sae Hashimoto playing percussion. Barger is a frequent guest with many top American contemporary ensembles. French-American Den Boer performs internationally as a soloist and chamber musician. Greenberg is in demand with varied ensembles. Hashimoto, the newest member, contributes a unique approach to performance cultivated by her intensive classical training .

Friday, Feb. 17, 7:30 p.m. $30 with discounts available to seniors, students, alumni and employees. Adelphi University Performing Arts Center, 1 South Ave., Garden City. (516) 877-4000 or Adelphi.edu/pac.

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

Courtesy Hofstra Universally Museum of Art

Photos: Norman Rockwell’s celebrated ‘Four Freedoms’ are reinterpreted as photos by Hank Willis Thomas and Emily Shur in collaboration with Eric Gottesman and the Wyatt Gallery.

Courtesy of the artist and Jack Shainman Gallery, New York. Sculpture: Hank Willis Thomas, ‘Lives of Others,’ 2014, made from black urethane resin and standing 57 inches tall

THE SCENE

Feb. 23

Art talk

Grab your lunch and join Nassau County Museum of Art Docent Riva Ettus for her popular “Brown Bag Lecture” live, via Zoom, Thursday, Feb. 23, 1 p.m. She’ll discuss the current exhibition, “The Big Picture: Photography Now.” Participants are invited to ask questions at the end of the program. Register at least 24 hours in advance to receive the program Zoom link. Also Feb. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.

Tax grievance workshop

On stage

Mo Willems’ popular character

The Pigeon comes alive on the Long Island Children’s Museum stage, Saturday, Feb. 11, 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.; Sunday, Feb.12, 2 p.m.; Wednesday through Friday, Feb. 15-17, noon. Pigeon is eager to try anything, with the audience part of the action. $9 with museum admission ($7 members), $12 theater only. Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or LICM.org.

After School Dish

Alan Doyle

The prolifc Canadian singer-songwriter visits the Landmark stage, Saturday, Feb. 25, 8 p.m. From the moment he burst onto the scene in the early 1990s with his band Great Big Sea, Canadians fell in love with the pride of Petty Harbour, Newfoundland, whose boundless charisma and sense of humor was eclipsed only by his magnetic stage presence. His infuence is now being heard in a new generation of artists as his solo work continues to endear him to roots music fans everywhere. That’s clearly evident on Alan’s latest EP “Rough Side Out, “which fnds him collaborating with Canadian country music superstars Dean Brody and Jess Moskaluke, while at the same time offering his own distinctive interpretation of contemporary country. $41, $37, $29. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. (516) 767-6444 or LandmarkOnMainStreet.org.

County Leg. Siela A. Bynoe ipartners with the Nassau County Assessment Review Commission to host a virtual assessment grievance workshop to inform residents about how to challenge their property taxes, Wednesday, Feb. 22. Question can be submitted. Visit NassauCountyNY.gov/LD2. For additional information, contact Bynoe’s offce at (516) 5716202 or via email at sbynoe@ nassaucountyny.gov.

Lakeview Public Library holds its After School Dish every Friday , 3:30-4:30 p.m, for students grades 6 and under. The event features discussions of learning, games, crafts, and snacks. An adult must stay with any children under twelve (12) years of age. Register before each session by calling (516) 536-3071 or emailing ireckson@lakeviewlibrary. org. The event takes place in the Children’s Room of the library, 1120 Woodfeld Road, Rockville Centre.

Platanos Y Collard Greens

See the romantic comedy about what happens when an African American and a Latina college student fall in love, presented by Nassau Community College Theater and Dance Department and the Africana Studies Department, Thursday through Saturday, Feb. 9-11, 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, Feb. 12, 2 p.m. Also Feb. 16-19, with talkback session with playwright David Lamb, immediately following fnal performance. Threaded by the culture of hip-hop, the lovers defend their relationship, as friends and family learn that this “food fght” calls for fusion instead of feud. Nassau Community College’s Mainstage Theatre, Garden City. Tickets $10; NCC students free with valid ID; $8 veterans, alumni, seniors 60+, students and NCC employees. For tickets/information, visit NCC. edu or call (516) 572-7676.

Author talk

Mary Calvi, an Emmy awardwinning journalist and national anchor for WCBS-TV and weekend anchor of Inside Edition, visits Molloy University to discuss her book, “If a Poem Could Live and Breathe: A Novel of Teddy Roosevelt’s First Love,”

Wednesday, Feb. 15, 7-8:30 p.m. Her novel is an indelible portrait of the authenticity of frst love, the heartache of loss, and how overcoming the worst of life’s obstacles can push one to greatness never imagined. $35, includes signed copy of the book. 1000 Hempstead Ave., Larini Room, 2nd Floor of Public Square Building, Rockville Centre. For tickets and information visit MadisonTheatreny.org or call (516) 323-4444.

Health screening

Visit Malverne Public Library, Wednesday, Feb. 22, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. for free health screenings with the St. Francis Hospital Outreach Bus. No appointment necessary; fu shots available. Call the library at (516) 5990750 for more information.

Having an event?

Pancake breakfast

TWest Hempstead Lions Club holds its annual Super Bowl pancake breakfast, Sunday, Feb. 12, 8:30 a.m., at West Hempstead High School, 400 Nassau Blvd., West Hempstead. Tickets are $10 for adults; $5 for children ages 6-12; and children under 6 eat free. Breakfast includes pancakes, scrambled eggs, waffes, sausage, bagels, rolls, coffee, tea, juice, and more. There will be raffe gift baskets. The Lions Club is collecting toiletries to donate to the INN. The club is also accepting eyeglasses and sunglasses (and cases) — even broken — at this event to be recycled through the Lions Club program.

Tax prep

The Malverne Public Library hosts AARP tax-prep sessions every Thursday, through April 13, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The sessions are in-person at the library, at 61 St. Thomas Place, Malverne. Call Cathy at (516) 599-0750 ext. 4.

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

On exhibit

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

Family theater

The beloved fairy tale springs to life in a delightful musical romp, presented Plaza Theatrical Productions, Monday, Feb. 20, 11 a.m.; Friday, Feb. 24, 11 a.m.; Sunday, Feb. 26, noon. All the ingredients that have made this story a perennial favorite are here, including Cinderella, a zany Godmother, a trip to the royal ball, and a glass slipper. Tickets are $16. Visit the Plaza stage at The Showplace at Bellmore Movies, 222 Pettit Ave., Bellmore. For information/tickets, go to PlazaTheatrical.com or call (516) 599-6870.

Programs to be expanded, added under state budget

continued from front page

sa Burak said that the district was scheduled to publicly release its 2023-24 budget on March 1.

“We are still in the middle of our budget process,” Burak said. “We always need to analyze these state aid runs, because very often those are not the exact numbers. We analyze the figures carefully.”

Still, she added, Lynbrook officials were satisfied that the state came through on its promise to fully fund foundation aid. “We are very pleased that the projections from last year did come to fruition this year,” Burak said. “It helped us in our long-range planning.”

Fiscal conservatives, however, offered notes of caution about the historically generous state aid. In a statement, newly elected state Sen. Steven Rhoads said he was still reviewing Hochul’s spending plan, and warned against overspending at taxpayers’ expense.

“At first glance, it looks like the governor is piling on more spending and more taxes — particularly for Long Island residents,” Rhoads said.

West Hempstead schools will see an increase of just under 10 percent in state aid next year, and the East Rockaway district, 14 percent. Officials in those dis-

Boost to school budgets

malverne School district

2022-23 state aid: $15,123,878

2023-24: $19,554,841

Percentage increase: 29.3

West Hempstead School district

2022-23 state aid: $15,518,752

2023-24: $17,045,234

Percentage increase: 9.84

tricts could not immediately be reached for comment.

Even with the historic increase in funding, Lewis said, most of the additional money would be used to cover increases in energy, transportation, special education and insurance costs. Those expenses alone, she said, will add up to $4 million more next year.

“It takes almost our entire state aid increase,” Lewis said. “There’s not a lot left over.”

Residents and

officials celebrating India Republic Day.

Hempstead hosts India Republic Day event

Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin, Deputy Supervisor Dorothy Goosby and Town Clerk Kate Murray hosted a celebration of India Republic Day on Jan. 27 at Hempstead Town Hall.

Town officials, joined by IndianAmerican organizations and residents, raised the flag of India over Town Hall during the 20th anniversary of the town event.

Courtesy Town of Hempstead

Hempstead

leGal noTIce

pUBlIc noTIce of coUnTY TReasUReR’s sale of TaX lIens on Real esTaTe Notice is hereby given that I shall, commencing on February 21, 2023, sell at public on-line auction the tax liens on real estate herein-after described, unless the owner, mortgagee, occupant of or any other party-ininterest in such real estate shall pay to the County Treasurer by February 16, 2023 the total amount of such unpaid taxes or assessments with the interest, penalties and other expenses and charges, against the property. Such tax liens will be sold at the lowest rate of interest, not exceeding 10 per cent per six month’s period, for which any person or persons shall offer to take the total amount of such unpaid taxes as defined in section 5-37.0 of the Nassau County Administrative Code. Effective with the February 21, 2023 lien sale, Ordinance No. 175-2015 requires a $175.00 per day registration fee for each person who intends to bid at the tax lien sale. Ordinance No. 175-2015 also requires that upon the issuance of the Lien Certificate there is due from the lien buyer a Tax Certificate Issue Fee of $20.00 per lien purchased.

Pursuant to the provisions of the Nassau County Administrative Code at the discretion of the Nassau County Treasurer the auction will be conducted online. Further information concerning the procedures for the auction is available at the website of the Nassau County Treasurer at:

https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/526/County-Treasurer

Should the Treasurer determine that an in-person auction shall be held, same will commence on the 21st day of February, 2023 at the Office of The County Treasurer 1 West Street, Mineola or at some other location to be determined by the Treasurer.

The liens are for arrears of School District taxes for the year 2021 - 2022 and/or County, Town, and Special District taxes for the year 2022. The following is a partial listing of the real estate located in school district number(s) 8, 10 in the Town of Hempstead only, upon which tax liens are to be sold, with a brief description of the same by reference to the County Land and Tax Map, the name of the owner or occupant as the same appears on the 2022/2023 tentative assessment roll, and the total amount of such unpaid taxes.

ImpoRTanT

THE NAMES OF OWNERS SHOWN ON THIS LIST MAY NOT NECESSARILY BE THE NAMES OF THE PERSONS OWNING THE PROPERTY AT THE TIME OF THIS ADVERTISEMENT. SUCH NAMES HAVE BEEN TAKEN FROM THE 2022/2023 TENTATIVE ASSESSMENT ROLLS AND MAY DIFFER FROM THE NAMES OF THE OWNERS AT THE TIME OF PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. IT MAY ALSO BE THAT SUCH OWNERS ARE NOMINAL ONLY AND ANOTHER PERSON IS ACTUALLY THE BENEFICIAL OWNER.

Town of HempsTead scHool:12 malveRne Ufsd

EMPLOYMENT

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT FT:

RVC. Administrative Work, Answering Phones, Computer Skills – Microsoft, Excel, Outlook, Financial background helpful. Ask For Fran 516-763-9700 frances.difede@lpl.com

ASSISTANT BOOKKEEPER Valley Stream, NY

We are a small real estate management firm looking for support to our Accounting Department. Must have previous Accounts Payable and Receivable experience. This full-time position will require knowledge of Microsoft Excel. Will also include light clerical work.

To apply, please email Alyson at alyson@dewseven.com with a brief intro letter and resume

AUTO TECHNICIAN FT

Experienced And Reliable. NYSI A Plus. Busy Merrick Shop. Call 516-781-5641

CONSTRUCTION WORKERS Assist General Contractor Drivers License. Knowledge Of Construction. Call Mike. 516-887-8877.

DRIVING INSTRUCTOR Company Car, Bonuses For Good Work. Must Have Clean Driving Record, Will Train. Eastern Queens & Nassau County. Retirees Welcome! Please call Bell Auto School At 516-365-5778 10am- 6pm Or Email: info@bellautoschool.com

DRIVING INSTRUCTORS WANTED

Will Certify And Train HS Diploma NYS License Clean 3 Years

Call 516-731-3000

Real estate IN BRIEF

V.I.Properties Welcomes

Corrine Hachmon!

We are happy to welcome Corrine Hachmon to team Rozana and Sara at V.I.Properties.

FULL TIME LIBRARY AIDE Are you customer-service focused? Do you love libraries? Apply for a FT Library Aide position at the Baldwin Public Library. This is a rare opportunity that does not require a Civil Service exam. Job is 35 hours per week with at least one night per week and rotating on Saturdays. $30,000-40,000 depending on qualifications and experience. Possibility of Sunday hrs. Send resume and cover letter to dkelly@baldwinpl.org.

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

NAIL TECHNICIAN FT MASSAGE THERAPIST FT For Beautiful Nail/ Med Spa In Garden City. Must Be Licensed. Call 516-739-1111 Email melobeautybarinc@gmail.com

PART TIME ASSISTANTS Garden City Childcare Center Monday through Friday $15 per hour HS Diploma Required Call 516-572-7614

RECEPTIONIST & CLERICAL Positions P/T. Seasonal. Franklin Square. Call: 516-358-9455. Fax Resume 516-358-9483 E Mail: ed@loturco.com.

RECEPTIONIST/ P/T: SEASONAL, Warm, Friendly, Excellent People Skills, Office Work/ Customer Service, Beach Club. 516-239-2150

SECRETARY CHURCH OFFICE P/T $17/p.h. Tues, Weds, Thurs

Corinne has always had a passion for sales and fashion. She was born and raised in Israel, and has been living in the Five Towns for the last 7 years. For the last 5 years she's been working as a real estate agent. Corinne is devoted to her family. She's a wife and mother of 3 beautiful children. She also enjoys giving back to her community, and is involved with local Chabad organizations. When it comes to real estate, Corinne is an expert listing agent and a strong buyers agent. She loves helping people relocate to the area, buy their first house, upsize or downsize. She prides herself on being able to provide top-notch customer service that exceeds her clients' expectations. Contact Corrine at 857.800.1533 or by email ch@rozana-sara.com

Realtors are encouraged to send briefs and photographs to: Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd.., Garden City, NY 11530.

REAL ESTATE

in Maintenance. W/D in Unit.Pull Down Attic.SD#15. Convenient to Shops, Trans & Houses of Worship...$449,00 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299

HEWLETT BA, 257 WILLARD Dr REDUCED!! Spacious 5 BR, 3 Bth Exp Ranch With Open Layout.Main Floor Mstr Ste Plus Potential Mstr Ste on 2nd Flr.LR/Fpl, FDR, EIK & Sundrenched Family Rm w/ Doors to Deck. Fin Bsmt. Att Gar. Loads

MUST SEE THIS!..$1,025,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299

HEWLETT BA, 1608 Ridgeway Dr, Dras-

Ronnie

516-238-429

Open Houses

WOODMERE BA, 29 Woodmere Blvd, #3B, New To Market! Move Right Into This Sunny, Renovated 2 BR Coop Apt in Heathcote Bldg. Updtd Gran/Wood Kit w/ Stainless Steel Appl, LR w/Coffered Ceiling, Dining Area, Spacious Primary BR, Updtd Bth & 2nd BR. 9' Ceilings. HW

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

Rockville Centre

Beautiful High Ranch

Fabulous fully renovated 4 bedroom, 3 full bath, high ranch located in the heart of Rockville Centre! Enjoy a gorgeous eat-in-kitchen with skylight, 16 ft ceiling, quartz counters and stainless steel high end appliances. The Adjacent dining area and living room/ great room make for easy entertaining! There is also a Den with gas fireplace, full finished basement, laundry plus storage. The paved yard boasts a saltwater pool with LED lights, waterfall. and hot tub along with an outdoor kitchen with grill, smoker, pizza oven, refrigerator, sink and granite countertops!

Many extras! Close to restaurants, shopping and all. Enjoy Rockville Centre schools. Asking price is $1,498,000. Call for a private viewing!

Nailing down the permits

Q. We completely rebuilt in 1996, and are ready to retire and sell. Our real estate agent told us they checked our permit records and it was never signed off. Although it’s a long story, our first contractor went to jail and destroyed our original permit papers. The second contractor never got a plumbing permit or electrical sign-offs, even though they had people do the work. Is this going to be a big problem to get everything signed off, because we want to sell within the year to take advantage of the market right now? What can you advise?

A. Sounds like you went through a lot. Most people tell me they could write a book about their experience. You need to see your building department records and get copies of the signed and sealed plans. Many municipalities keep records either in paper form, which you may have to pay for copies of, or microfilm or computer files.

Nanci-sue Rosenthal CBR C: 516.316.1030 Nrosenthal@bhhslaffey.com

Stacey Simens CBR C: 516.455.8152 Ssimens@bhhslaffey.com

Then speak with your inspector to find out what they think needs to be done. Most will be very helpful, and allow for the process to continue, asking you to hire a plumber to get a permit, which involves your notarized signature so you know it’s being done. In way too many cases, the plumber or contractor says it was done when it really wasn’t, so most municipalities require the owner’s signature on permit applications so the building department and owner are aware that the process is being done and is not false.

The plumber needs to see your bathrooms, kitchen, heating equipment and any other plumbing to be sure it meets the plumbing code (and building code). The same process must be done with an electrician, but most building departments ask for a certification from a private agency, not your electrician, since most building departments don’t have an electrical inspector. The reason for this is that one of the two leading causes of fire is electrical (the other being use of the kitchen) so your local government wants nothing to do with the liability for fire safety.

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You’ll find that almost everyone in this process wants to avoid responsibility as much as possible. You may have to either call for an inspection agency yourself or, if you suspect that there could be questionable electrical work, hire a licensed electrician to inspect and correct before hiring an agency to detect, if you elect. The private agency charges a few hundred dollars, usually, depending on the number of rooms and outdoor items, like air conditioning condensers, pool equipment and landscape lights, which must also be inspected. After all this is done, you may be able to get a final inspection and a sign-off and certificate from your building department, unless … your building department makes you get plans and a new survey redrawn and updated to the most recent code, which is complicated, time-consuming and expensive — in the thousands of dollars — before you can get a final inspection. Allow plenty of time.

© 2022 Monte Leeper

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Those horrifc videos, and what they show

“Icouldn’t bear the thought of people being horrified by the sight of my son,” Mamie Bradley, the mother of 14-year-old Emmett Till, a Black kid from Chicago who was tortured and murdered by white racists in Mississippi in 1955, told the press at the time.

“But on the other hand, I felt the alternative was even worse,”

Bradley continued. “After all, we had averted our eyes for far too long, running away from the ugly reality facing us as a nation. Let the world see what I’ve seen.” Bradley had refused to close the lid of her son’s coffin.

What Bradley had to say then has echoed through the decades, and helped inspire America’s civil rights movement.

Her words are still relevant today.

I’ve heard many people say they “can’t look” at the televised footage of the Memphis police beating of Tyre Nichols, a 29-year-old who died a few

days after he was brutally assaulted by five police officers, who have been charged in his death. The footage has been shown and re-shown. And you could say that seeing it once is enough.

And I agree. But I know of others who refuse to look at all.

Many are the same people who refused to look at the images of the police as they suffocated George Floyd in 2020. They also didn’t want to look at the flag-draped coffins of American service members who had been killed in Afghanistan or Iraq.

The first Bush administration banned photos or video of the caskets of dead returning veterans. That decree wasn’t overturned until the Obama administration.

Some ask why we should look at any of it. What good does it do? To some, it’s similar to the almost unavoidable glances at an auto accident that attracts rubberneckers. Common decency should overcome the morbid desire to slow down to a crawl.

But it’s unacceptable to refuse to look at the images of Floyd as he lay gasping for breath, or of Eric Garner, who died in a prohibited police choke-

hold in 2014, or of Nichols as he was beaten.

In 1955, what Bradley saw was the horribly battered body and the crushed face of her son, who had traveled to the small town of Money, Mississippi, to spend a summer with his sharecropper great-uncle Moses Wright.

WAfter work one night, young Emmett and some friends stopped at a grocery store. Accounts vary, but some say that Till whistled at the store’s white cashier, Carolyn Bryant. In the early-morning hours of Aug. 28, Roy Bryant, Carolyn’s husband, and J.W. Milam, Bryant’s half-brother, broke into Wright’s home and dragged Till out.

He was severely beaten. One of his eyes was gouged out. His nose was so bent out of shape, his mother said, that it resembled an S. Then he was taken to the Tallahatchie River, where he was shot in the head. His body was dumped into the river.

Wright reported the kidnapping to the police the following day, and Bryant and Milam were arrested. The only way police were able to identify Till was by

a monogrammed ring he wore that had belonged to his father.

At the funeral, relatives asked Bradley to close the casket, but she refused. Photos of her son’s body appeared in Jet magazine and the Chicago Defender, two of the most important Black publications in the United States.

Bryant and Milam were acquitted by an all-white jury that deliberated for only four hours. Years later, the FBI extracted a deathbed confession from Milam’s brother, Leslie, who admitted his own involvement. By that time, however, Bryant and J.W. Milam were long dead.

Till’s mother’s decision to let the public see what had been done to her son still resonates today.

Those who ask why we should look at any of these disturbing images say, what good does it do? The footage of Floyd, Garner and, now, Nichols, is more than painful to watch, I agree. But the cameras don’t lie. They force us to see things we don’t want to see, but must see. When we turn away, we are lying to ourselves about the reality of what happens so often to members of minorities in this, our America.

James Bernstein is editor of the Long Beach Herald. Comments? jbernstein@ liherald.com.

Hot love, cold love, new love, old love

These days, when my husband and I share affairs of the heart, there is usually anesthesia and a sameday procedure involved. For us, Valentine’s Day, the fire sale of romantic love, doesn’t speak to a 55-year relationship. Heart-shaped cakes, red roses, pink balloons and chocolates have become cheap (although not inexpensive) symbols of love. We subscribe to a more expansive view of love that includes authentic moments, nourishing memories and new experiences in the world. We learned during the pandemic that a brilliant TV movie or a sighting of a comet in a dark sky can trigger the same endorphins as “love.” It all counts. One of the unintended consequences of living in the time of Covid-19 is an impatience with posturing and a desire for genuine emotion. Let’s sift through the dross of recent weeks for the gold nuggets. Think for a moment of the intense super-joys that give value to your days — the gifts that Hallmark and

Godiva cannot confer.

These past few weeks, I have been leading a book discussion group. I do this all the time, but suddenly this year the group is intensely wonderful. The people in our circle jelled. The talk is fast, funny and wicked smart. Maybe it seems odd to think of this meet-up in terms of love, but we need all the love we can gather, and we each get to define our own experiences.

Other random love bombs:

Last week I caught a glimpse of the green-hued comet that last visited earth in prehistoric times. It was a momentary sighting, but I thought to myself, “Be still my heart” when I spotted the ball of dust and ice that won’t swing by this way again for 55,000 years. What a show.

Two weeks ago, I saw “Shades of Spring,” a new ballet choreographed by Jessica Lang. During a fairly dull week of subpar weather, a week I would give a C+, the evening of dance was a breakout moment. The performance captivated every sense and held our attention until the last bow. It was love.

Then there is Rachel Maddow. She

makes my Mondays, which are the only days she’s on the air at MSNBC with commentary about the dreaded news. An investigative pit bull with a smile on her face and a crisp sense of humor, Maddow helps mitigate the despair I feel after an intemperate eruption from Marjorie Taylor Greene. Maddow’s wit is dead on, and she is rigorous in her craft. I would not want to be in her sights, but I love being in her audience.

My life would be different, and less joyful, without Lillybee, our 5-year-old Coton. I don’t need to explain this to dog lovers. And I can’t explain it to non-dog-lovers. We celebrated her birthday Feb. 1 with a heavy spoonful of shredded pork in her kibble. I heard her whisper, “Be still my heart.”

I love our expanding daylight, which translates to elevated moods, for me and everyone else. There is just no boogying to the 4:30 p.m. Sunset Blues. The happy dance must wait for the sun to travel closer, and it is, by the minute, and I love it.

Another love bomb in my life is pasta al dente, still the most delicious, cheap-

est meal in America. When I’m ready to take on some carbs, a half-box of pasta with olive oil, parsley and garlic is sublime. Anytime we lust for linguine, we have this, right here in all our lives, and it is an affair of the heart as much as the belly.

Great books are the red roses that never fade. Consider the books I talked about this month: “The All of It,” by Jeannette Haien; “The Glass Hotel,” by Emily St. John Mandel; “Lila,” by Marilynne Robinson; and “Drag your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead,” by Olga Tokarczuk. The joy of disappearing into a book, giving up one’s grounding in time and space, is a gift. Then to talk about it with like-minded readers? Enchanting.

Wordle and Spelling Bee, my twin obsessions, have the best words. For the uninitiated, these are New York Times daily word games. And they’re like crack. You can’t stop. When you figure out the puzzle, the rush is unmistakable and familiar: love.

From the ridiculous to the sublime: I embrace my friends on Valentine’s Day and every day, don’t you? They can love anybody, and they choose you, and me. Hold them close, every precious one.

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

RANDI KREISS

Even a comet in a dark sky can trigger the same magical endorphins.

e don’t want to see the images of Floyd, Garner and, now, Nichols. But we must.

JAMES BERNSTEIN

Malverne/West HeMpstead HERALD

Established

Getting what you pay for in the classroom

When we think of the most influential people in our lives growing up, we’re likely to point out our parents, some members of our extended family, maybe even a religious leader or two.

But no list is complete without teachers. It’s a role so important in our development that we spend nearly 13,000 hours of our childhood in front of teachers — whether we’re learning long division, the Civil War, natural selection, Newton’s laws of motion, or even where, exactly, New York is on the planet.

Education is vital, and we depend on teachers more than anyone else to deliver it. Yet when it comes time for us to show our gratitude for their extraordinary contribution to our lives, we instead focus on debates on whether teachers are overpaid, underworked and demanding just too much.

It’s not that exploring whether teachers are appropriately compensated isn’t important — in the public sphere, at least, it’s taxpayers’ hard-earned dollars that pay their salaries. However, such discussions must be done in a way that not only provides an accurate and complete look at educator salaries, but also still respects the essential role teachers fill.

A recent analysis conducted by Newsday found that more than half of all teachers on Long Island — 31,000 of them — are making at least $100,000 a year. A handful of them earned even more — upward of $300,000 and even $400,000. Numbers, we assume, we should be outraged about.

letters

Why ‘Santos, for better or worse’?

To the Editor:

Assemblyman Chuck LaVine’s letter, “It’s Santos, for better or worse,” which appeared in last week’s issue, has me perplexed. The black cloud that U.S. Rep. George Santos finds himself under is clearly his doing, and his alone. If I were a constituent of his, I would welcome a call or email from another representative who understands our Long island issues.

While Lavine said he appreciated Rep. Andrew Garbarino reaching out, the tone in his reply was less than respectful. It seems that Lavine is up to his old tricks by attempting to cast shade on an otherwise respected member of Long Island’s congressional delegation, as well as the Nassau Republican Party. Here’s a concept you might not be familiar with, Chuck: Instead of bickering, try working together, for the people

SCHNEIDER Seaford

But those specific large amounts were anomalies, not the norm. Three teachers — two with more than four decades in the classroom — retired from the Central Islip school district with a mountain of sick days for which they were due compensation. These are teachers who were in the classroom nearly every day, providing consistency for their students and saving their district the need to hire substitutes.

Making this more atypical is that Central Islip has a rather unique — and far more generous — benefits package compared with other districts on Long Island.

On average, however, teachers on Long Island made a little more than $110,000 per year. That’s what the Empire Center for Public Policy told Newsweek, pointing out that that average is higher than any other region in the state, and higher than average salaries in other states. Three of the 11 school districts with the highest wage earners were in Nassau County — Jericho, Great Neck and Syosset.

Teachers have built-in holiday breaks —including the entire summer. They are done teaching by early afternoon. Their jobs aren’t physical. Who hasn’t heard these cries about teachers whenever discussions about compensation crop up?

But we also cannot forget that teachers take work home with them. They are there after school, many times giving an extra hand to our kids, helping them get the most out of their educational experience through sports or other extracurricular activities.

And while some might argue that

teachers make up for lower pay than their private-sector counterparts with better benefits, even that can be a tricky mound to stand on. A 2021 report from the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College concluded that while teachers might earn the same as those with similar educational backgrounds in the private sector, ongoing across-the-board benefits cuts through pension reform means that new teachers have a far bleaker economic outlook than their more experienced colleagues.

That’s bad. “Uncompetitive compensation may make it harder to recruit highquality individuals into the teaching profession,” the report stated. Low-quality teachers — or worse, simply not enough teachers — means potentially low-quality education.

For a country struggling to keep up with many of our international competitors, an educational system in decline will only make the situation worse.

The United States already falls below the global average in math test scores, according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. That put us well behind Singapore, Macao, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Japan. And while our children’s science scores are higher than the global average, the United States remains behind Singapore, Macao, Estonia, Japan and Finland.

We must keep our public schools costs under control — absolutely. But just like anything else, we get what we pay for. And if we pay for high-quality teachers here on Long Island, we’ll continue to get them.

A useful way to enshrine a name we’d sooner forget

“make lemonade out of lemons” is a saying ingrained from an early age in students across the country to teach perseverance in the face of adversity. In essence, when we’re faced with a bad situation, we navigate the circumstances to imagine a positive outcome.

When it comes to U.S. Rep. George Santos, it’s far easier to imagine a steady stream of lemon juice squirted directly into our eyes than successfully following this elementary maxim. Each new day seems to bring a new Santos lie with it, one more outrageous than the next. From a fake resume to a fake address to a fake religion and more, Santos remains as defiant as ever in the midst of his fictional masterpiece: the most sophisticated web of lies ever created in the history of American politics.

My grandparents never talked about the Holocaust

To the Editor:

Great op-ed by Daniel Offner, “We must remember — and teach — the Holocaust (Jan. 26-Feb. 1), about his childhood memories of his grandmother, her history and what she went through.

I can really relate to it, but on my side, my grandparents would never, ever talk about what they lived through in Europe, while they raised their five children (my mom and her four siblings). The only piece of information I know is that all five of them were born in different countries while the family kept running from country to country to try and avoid Hitler. I know my grandparents were in camps, because they both had numbers on their arms, but they never, ever talked about it.

MICHAEL GILLER West Hempstead

Honor Damar Hamlin by learning CPR

To the Editor:

Last month on “Monday Night Football,” we all witnessed a horrific event when Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac

The good news is that people of good conscience all across New York state’s 3rd Congressional District, regardless of political affiliation, are exasperated by the Talented Mr. Santos, and have had enough. Calls for him to resign ring out from the headquarters of both the Nassau Republicans and county Democrats. But being outraged isn’t a solution to our Santos problem.

Santos is an issue for the nation, but let’s not forget that he is a problem of our local creation. Therefore, the burden lies with us here in the 3rd District not just to destroy Frankenstein’s monster, but also to ensure that the next George Santos is barred from ever getting his, or her, name on the ballot.

In the meantime, what Santos — the long-lost brother of fake German heiress Anna Delvey? — has shown us is that guardrails to prevent charlatans and liars from running for office simply don’t exist in the 21st century.

That’s why I’ve proposed the

arrest on the field. Cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death in the world. Each year, more than 350,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur in the United States. Almost three out of four of them happen at home.

If you’re called on to do cardiopulmonary resuscitation, you will likely be saving the life of someone you love. The members of our community need us. Our children need us. Our neighbors need us. Our co-workers need us.

The American Heart Association recognizes this need, and has a plan to help. You can be the difference, by learning CPR to save a life. The American Heart Association is committed to being the leader in resuscitation science, education and training.

This month — American Heart Month — the American Heart Association is specifically focused on helping people learn the life-saving skill of CPR, and we want every family and home to have someone who knows it. With the help of local supporters, we can help more of our community be prepared when called on in an emergency.

I encourage you to Be the Beat by learning CPR to be the difference and save a life. To find a class near you, visit cpr.heart.org.

DR. LAWRENCE KANNER Chief of cardiology, and director of electrophysiology/arrhythmia Services Mount Sinai South Nassau

GEORGE Package here in Nassau County, a series of laws named for Mr. Santos: Get Egregious Officials Removed from Government Elections. It features several proposals to keep people like Santos from ever getting elected in the first place. They include:

■ Mandatory background checks for all candidates, just like any employee of any company is subjected to.

■ Barring anyone with an open foreign arrest warrant from holding office.

■ Making it a misdemeanor for a candidate to lie about his or her education, employment history, address or income sources.

The GEORGE Package would not be a guarantor against politicians lying to get elected. It would, however, offer voters more peace of mind that they have an honest choice between two candidates, and assurance for those voters that if candidates don’t play by the rules, they, like us, will be held

accountable.

When James Madison created the framework for the Constitution, never in the wildest dreams of our founders did they envision needing laws like the GEORGE Package on the books. But just as the Constitution is a living document, our governments also must continue to evolve with the times.

And in the age of George Santos, when many politicians take an ends-justify-the-means approach to elevate lies over the truth and perpetrate fraud against the voters in order to win elections, these safeguards are needed now more than ever to protect our democracy.

My hope is that versions of the GEORGE Package pass in Mineola, in Albany and in Washington. If they do, voters across the state will be able to breathe a collective sigh of relief that no matter which candidate wins, no one who is as morally reprehensible as George Santos will be representing them.

Santos may be the lemons, but the GEORGE Package would be our lemonade. Let’s drink up.

Framework by Tim Baker

Josh Lafazan is a Nassau County legislator representing the 18th District.

we must ensure that the next George Santos is barred from getting his, or her, name on the ballot.

JosH LaFaZan

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