Malverne/West Hempstead Herald 03-16-2023

HERALD

Grand Central Madison reviews

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MARCH 16-22, 2023

Cuocci touts experience on board

By MARK NolAN mnolan@liherald.com

Village of Malverne Deputy Mayor Perry Cuoc-

NCC raises health premiums on staff

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Sullivan highlights fiscal skills

By MARK NolAN mnolan@liherald.com

Village of Malverne Trustee Tim Sullivan has

necessary equipment and provided for the enhancement of village parks and facilities. The village also added and expanded technology to modernize its systems and operations to take care of village business more efficiently.

All of these developments were accomplished with the lowest tax increase of any four-year period in Malverne history, Cuocci said.

Continued on page 20

HHempstead’s John Shaud received a Nice Guy Trophy on his 90th birthday.

Shaud celebrated the Feb. 27 milestone with 80 family members and friends. The president of the West Hempstead Historical Society, Shaud has lived in the hamlet since he and his wife, Catherine, bought a house there in 1960, for $21,000. Catherine died 10 years ago.

Continued on page 7

Sullivan said he decided several months ago to run for mayor “in an effort to bring some civility and respect back to the way our village board treats our residents.”

Sullivan touted his financial background as the founder and managing member of a real estate investment and development company. He said that expertise will serve the village well.

Continued on page 20

HERALD

Cuocci touts experience on board

By MARK NolAN mnolan@liherald.com

Village of Malverne Deputy Mayor Perry Cuocci is running for mayor in the March 21 election on the Malverne For the People Party line.

Cuocci has worked with current Mayor Keith Corbett on a wide array of initiatives in the village. Corbett is not seeking reelection.

Among the projects that Cuocci has assisted Corbett with is the construction of the new police department and revitalization of Whelan Field.

Corbett endorsed Cuocci and praised him for assisting with several projects during the past four years in which Cuocci has served as deputy mayor “I am supporting Perry Cuocci because he worked alongside me on these important projects,” Corbett said. “He knows how to govern and will be an excellent mayor.”

Under the guidance of Corbett and Cuocci, Malverne paved 82 percent of village roads, received close to $9 million in grants, and prepared an extensive five-year capital plan.

The administration provided departments with necessary equipment and provided for the enhancement of village parks and facilities. The village also added and expanded technology to modernize its systems and operations to take care of village business more efficiently.

All of these developments were accomplished with the lowest tax increase of any four-year period in Malverne history, Cuocci said.

Continued on page 20

Sullivan highlights fiscal skills

By MARK NolAN mnolan@liherald.com

Village of Malverne Trustee Tim Sullivan has announced his candidacy for mayor in the March 21 election.

He’s nice, but not so much his ancestor

By MARK NolAN mnolan@liherald.com

His great-great uncle was a Union Army major general widely reported to be a scoundrel, but West Hempstead’s John Shaud received a Nice Guy Trophy on his 90th birthday.

Shaud celebrated the Feb. 27 milestone with 80 family members and friends. The president of the West Hempstead Historical Society, Shaud has lived in the hamlet since he and his wife, Catherine, bought a house there in 1960, for $21,000. Catherine died 10 years ago.

Continued on page 7

Sullivan was nominated and approved by the members of the Independent Party of Malverne, as were trustee candidate Scott Edwards and village justice candidate Judge Jim Frankie. However, the candidates will not be allowed to represent the Independent Party of Malverne and instead will be listed on the ballot under the Good Neighbors Party and the Protect Our Village Party.

Former Mayor Patti McDonald endorsed Sullivan.

“I know about the demands of the office as well as the need for integrity, maturity, and character that the office requires,” McDonald said. “Tim Sullivan has demonstrated all of the abilities, skills and personal qualities we expect in our mayor. Tim has clearly shown he is committed to the hard work and sacrifice often required to do what is best for all the residents.”

Sullivan said he decided several months ago to run for mayor “in an effort to bring some civility and respect back to the way our village board treats our residents.”

Sullivan touted his financial background as the founder and managing member of a real estate investment and development company. He said that expertise will serve the village well.

Continued on page 20

Mark Nolan/Herald

JoHN SHAud wItH a replica Union Army uniform in front of his West Hempstead home.

Courtesy Malverne for the People Party deputy MAyoR peRRy Cuocci is running for Malverne mayor.

Courtesy Good Neighbors Party tRuStee tIM SullIVAN is also running for mayor.

Leaders: Housing plan undermines neighborhoods

By ROKSANA AMID ramid@liherald.com

Many on Long Island already are having a tough time finding affordable places to live. The elderly are priced out of affordable homes, and younger generations are fleeing to more affordable locales — many times out of state.

Lawmakers have tried a number of ways to keep rents low, but the latest plan offered by Gov. Kathy Hochul to build 800,000 new homes across the state over the next decade isn’t meeting with a lot of support. Especially on Long Island.

“We don’t want Hochul control, we want local control,” Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin told a crowd of local elected leaders at the Port Washington Long Island Rail Road station earlier this month.

Clavin believes the governor’s proposal is a power grab and doesn’t take into consideration the differences between upstate and downstate communities. He worries Hochul’s plans will force Long Island to become the sixth borough of New York City.

While the proposal speaks to creating high-density housing, officials say it doesn’t address upgrading the existing infrastructure to accommodate the population increase — like roads and utilities. There also seems to be little attention from Albany about how such fast growth could impact schools, which might not be able to keep up.

Rents have risen 30 percent since 2015 in New York City, while home prices have grown 50 percent. The situation is even more dire outside the city where rents are up as much as 60 percent, with some existing home sales rising as high as 80 percent over the last eight years.

According to the Population Reference Bureau, more than half of the state’s renters are paying more than 30 percent of their income on rent, the second-highest rate

in the nation.

Hochul wants to battle that through what she’s calling the New York Housing Compact. It’s intended to eliminate many of the barriers stopping development of affordable housing — especially around Metropolitan Transportation Authority rail stations — including plans for the state to step in if local government refuse to act.

But that’s what really have many local leaders like

Clavin fired up. The town supervisor says Hochul’s proposal eliminates the public hearing process, and will allow an “unaccountable, bureaucratic board located hundreds of miles away in Albany to make decisions over what belongs in your neighborhood.”

The governor, however, believes the state’s housing crisis requires bold actions and an all-hands-on-deck approach.

“Every community in New York must do their part to encourage housing growth to move our state forward and keep our economy strong.” Hochul said, according to a release. “The New York Housing Compact is a comprehensive plan to spur the changes needed to create more housing, meet rising demand, and make our state a more equitable, stable and affordable place to live.”

The compact, however, suggests local leaders aren’t doing enough to address the housing crisis. And that’s wrong, said Jennifer DeSena, town supervisor for North Hempstead.

“We have a hearing process,” DeSena said. “There are always projects that are being considered Nassau County is the densest suburban community in the country. We have a lot of housing, and wanting to add an arbitrary number like 3 percent every three years, it’s just not realistic.”

Pamela Panzenbeck said she’s worried about a devastating scenario for the city she leads, Glen Cove, where giving the governor the power to rezone property within a half-mile from a train station to 50 units of housing per acre will hurt more than it will help.

The mayor also believes Long Island towns and cities should be able to decide for themselves what the appropriate land use is.

“Changes such as she suggests would destroy our way of life,” Panzenbeck said, “the historic nature and beauty of Glen Cove, and our Long Island communities.”

They’re learning how to debate like pros

Moot Court is one of the newest clubs at the West Hempstead Secondary School in which students compete in moot appellate arguments through mock trials.

The mock trials aim to test their understanding of cutting-edge legal questions. This competition provides students with a unique opportunity to strengthen their reasoning skills and increase understanding of the Constitution of the United States and the judicial system.

Led by advisor Ms. Wilkens, Moot Court students worked tirelessly at their first mock trial and advanced to the next round for the first time in the school’s history.

Malverne students present research at fair

Five teams of eighth grade Science Research students from Malverne’s Howard T. Herber Middle School participated in the Long Island Science and Engineering Fair Thermo Fisher MASTERS Middle School Science Fair at the Crest Hollow Country Club on March 7.

Two teams from the class earned ribbons for their presentations, which they have been researching since October. Julian Abell and Eva Figueroa won third place for their project “Investigating the Efficacy of Different Disinfectants” in the category of Biology: Medicine/Health.

Ari Lespinasse, Lea Cardenas, and Elmer Alonso Romero Flores won third place for their project “Investigating Resistivity of Different Metals” in the category of Physics.

All students who presented at this event will participate in the South Asian American Women’s Alliance Middle School Science Fair scheduled for Mar. 28.

Courtesy West Hempstead School District Moot Court is one of the newest clubs at the West Hempstead Secondary School. Club members Angelina Arena, left, Jaylynn Osorio, Vera Hametz, Maya Flam, Abigail Nedd, advisor Ms. Wilkens, Melani Tobar, Jasmine Johnson and Nylah Fye.

Courtesy Malverne School District

Malverne eighth graders Ari Lespinasse, left, Lea Cardenas, and Elmer Alonso Romero Flores won Third Place for their project.

Police: driver had loaded gun in Escalade

A Uniondale man is facing multiple weapons charges after Nassau County police say they found a loaded .45 caliber pistol in his car last week.

Police said 44-year-old Warren Samuels of Fenmore Avenue was pulled over March 8 at 1:22 a.m. on Cherry Valley Avenue in West Hempstead when officers watched a 2015 Cadillac Escalade with tinted windows driving erratically. When police searched the vehicle, they found a

loaded Smith & Wesson .45 caliber handgun and what is thought to be crackcocaine in the Escalade.

Samuels faces several weapons and drug charges in addition to multiple driving infractions, police said. He was scheduled to appear in First District Court March 9.

–Mark Nolan

Body found in Hempstead Lake Park

A dead body was found floating in the south pond section of Hempstead Lake State Park on Friday afternoon, according to local emergency services.

Rockville Centre Fire Department called it in around 12:05 p.m. on March 10. The body was discovered about 10 to 15 feet off the shores, according to officials with the department.

Rockville Centre, Nassau County, and

New York state police departments responded. The investigation has since been taken over by New York state Park Police.

The victim has not yet been identified and there is no indication of the cause of death at this time.

Death with Dignity: Hospice Care

Death with Dignity: Hospice Care

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The recent announcement by 98 year old Jimmy Carter, our long-lived president, that he was opting for hospice care at home instead of additional medical intervention, is in keeping with the trend towards dying with dignity. Hospice care arises when an illness is either no longer responding to medical treatment, no medical treatment is available, or the patient has decided they want to transition from treatments intended to prolong quantity of life to treatments intended to improve quality of life.

The recent announcement by 98 year old Jimmy Carter, our long-lived president, that he was opting for hospice care at home instead of additional medical intervention, is in keeping with the trend towards dying with dignity. Hospice care arises when an illness is either no longer responding to medical treatment, no medical treatment is available, or the patient has decided they want to transition from treatments intended to prolong quantity of life to treatments intended to improve quality of life.

One of the great misconceptions about hospice care is that it is the cessation of medical care. Dr. Sunita Puri, author of “That Good Night: Life and Medicine in the Eleventh Hour” defines hospice care as “intensive comfort-focused care, provided with the goal of minimizing the physical, emotional and spiritual suffering that patients and their families experience when somebody has possibly six months or less to live.” While hospice can usually take place at home it can also be in a facility and is paid for by Medicare Hospice Benefit.

One of the great misconceptions about hospice care is that it is the cessation of medical care. Dr. Sunita Puri, author of “That Good Night: Life and Medicine in the Eleventh Hour” defines hospice care as “intensive comfort-focused care, provided with the goal of minimizing the physical, emotional and spiritual suffering that patients and their families experience when somebody has possibly six months or less to live.” While hospice can usually take place at home it can also be in a facility and is paid for by Medicare Hospice Benefit.

The hospice “team” consists of (1) a nurse

The hospice “team” consists of (1) a nurse

to assess and manage pain and provide handson-care, (2) a social worker, to offer emotional support and help with planning, (3) a physician to interface with the patient’s primary physician and consult on pain and symptom management and make house calls, (4) a hospice aide to help with personal care needs, such as bathing, (5) clergy to offer spiritual support, (6) volunteers to help in a variety of ways, and (7) a bereavement specialist to provide grief and loss counseling.

to assess and manage pain and provide handson-care, (2) a social worker, to offer emotional support and help with planning, (3) a physician to interface with the patient’s primary physician and consult on pain and symptom management and make house calls, (4) a hospice aide to help with personal care needs, such as bathing, (5) clergy to offer spiritual support, (6) volunteers to help in a variety of ways, and (7) a bereavement specialist to provide grief and loss counseling.

Regrettably, hospice care in the US averages only about three weeks, due to the fact that people are reluctant to talk about topics like suffering, quality of life and whether treatments are adding to or detracting from someone’s quality of life. Delaying those conversations leads to very late referrals to hospice.

Regrettably, hospice care in the US averages only about three weeks, due to the fact that people are reluctant to talk about topics like suffering, quality of life and whether treatments are adding to or detracting from someone’s quality of life. Delaying those conversations leads to very late referrals to hospice.

As Dr. Puri points out, “Hospice is not about giving up...hospice is about acknowledging where your body is at, at a given stage of illness, and honoring that and honoring the person that you are, which is distinct from the illness you are suffering...hospice attempts to maximize dignity and minimize suffering.”

As Dr. Puri points out, “Hospice is not about giving up...hospice is about acknowledging where your body is at, at a given stage of illness, and honoring that and honoring the person that you are, which is distinct from the illness you are suffering...hospice attempts to maximize dignity and minimize suffering.”

ETTINGER LAW FIRM

Courtesy Nassau County Police Department

–Daniel Offner

Courtesy John Scalesi

A deAd body was found floating in the Rockville Centre section of Hempstead Lake State Park on Friday afternoon, according to local emergency services.

The gun SAmuelS allegedly had during a traffic stop in West Hempstead.

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News briefs

Superintendent honored at winter meeting

The New York State Council of School Superintendents will honor Malverne Superintendent of Schools Lorna R. Lewis March 5 with its Appreciation Award. This honor is in recognition of Lewis’ exemplary leadership and enormous positive impact on education throughout New York state.

As a tireless advocate for students and future leaders, Lewis has been instrumental in the development of programs and curriculum that benefit learners, teachers and administrators. She has also presented workshops on topics including diversity and inclusion, using data to improve instruction and programs to ensure that all students are college and career ready.

Lewis serves as a member of the state’s blue ribbon commission deliberating to frame the new measures for graduation for students. She also co-chairs the curriculum committee for the superintendents’ council.

Lewis has over 40 years of experience in education and joined the Malverne Union Free School District as superintendent on July 1, 2020. She holds a bachelor of science in physics from

Malverne earns 2023 Magna Awards honor

The Malverne school district has been honored as a National School Boards Association 2023 Magna Award winner. The district received the honorable mention recognition for its commitment to encourage and inspire community support and civic engagement. Recent district highlights including the student-led campaign that resulted in a street named for a town founder with racist roots being renamed.

Sponsored by association’s flagship magazine, American School Board Journal, the Magna Awards has a long history of recognizing exemplary school district programs.

The 2023 awards program recognizes district programs that solved a challenge with creativity and out-of-the-box

strategies. Malverne was selected by an independent panel of judges.

The effort to rename Lindner Place was a three-year endeavor that culminated on Jan. 26, 2023, when the district held a ceremony, led by student advocates, officially renaming the street Acorn Way. The street was originally named for Paul Lindner, a banker and landowner in Malverne who was a prominent leader in the Ku Klux Klan at the height of the organization’s influence in the 1920s. The new named is a tribute to the Malverne town motto “Oaks from Acorns”.

Malverne will be highlighted in the April issue of the journal to be published on March 20.

Students provided Valentine’s for veterans

Fordham University, a master of science in teaching physics from Rutgers University, and two master’s degrees and a doctorate in science education (Ed.D.) from Teachers College, Columbia University.

–Mark Nolan

Nassau County Legislator Bill Gaylor, County Executive Bruce Blakeman, Veterans Service Agency Director Ralph Esposito and local veterans gathered to collect valentines for veterans made by school-aged children across Nassau County.

“As a veterans and retired Army officer, I am overwhelmed by the number of valentines that we have collected,” Gay-

lor said. “These valentines came from students from all over the county, all wishing our veterans well, and thanking them for their service. I am touched by their compassion, and I thank County Executive Blakeman for putting this together.”

–Mark Nolan

Courtesy Malverne School District

Malverne Superintendent of Schools Lorna R. Lewis, recipient of the 2023 NYSCOSS Appreciation Award.

Malverne sunk by Mariners in LIC

By BRIAN KACHARABA sports@liherald.com

The Malverne Mules hung tough with the high-octane Southampton offense until they lost their discipline, their composure, and ultimately, the Long Island championship.

Derek Reed overcame early foul trouble and scored 18 of his 22 points in the second half and Naevon Williams added 16 as the Mariners (20-4) won the Class B boys’ basketball title March 8 with a 63-49 win over the Mules at Hofstra University.

Chad Wesley led Malverne (15-8) with 16 points and senior Farvens Ulysse was limited to eight in his final game after collecting 21 in the Mules’ Nassau B final win over Carle Place a week earlier. Malverne is 0-4 in the Long Island title game since

winning it for the fourth straight time in 2010.

Malverne trailed 37-35 entering the fourth quarter after Sylvain Castin drilled a buzzer-beating jumper to end the third and cut the deficit to one on Wesley’s layup with 4:10 left, but the Mules were already in a precarious position by being over the foul limit with Southampton reaching the double bonus a minute earlier.

“They’re an excellent team,” Mules associate coach Walter Aksionoff said.

“We battled them, we battled them, but we cannot play as a team [if we commit] 10 fouls, 12 fouls and put them on the foul line.”

Alex Franklin’s basket with four minutes left made it 47-44 and Nikai Pierson’s two free throws on Southampton’s next possession, which resulted in Joshua

Croom fouling out, pushed the lead back to five. Will Hartley’s score brought Malverne to within 49-46 with 3:10 left, but the Mules soon unraveled to eliminate any chance of a comeback.

Pierson’s putback with 2:46 left resulted in a technical foul on the Malverne bench for arguing with the officials. Franklin hit one of two free throws to make it 52-46 and the Mariners regained possession as a result.

Ulysse fouled out 13 seconds later and Franklin hit another free throw. Then, with just under two minutes left, Reed was flagrantly fouled while scoring on his drive and hit the two ensuing free throws to make it an 11-point game. Pierson’s basket on the Mariners’ ensuing possession and two more free throws by Reed in the waning moments capped the 12-0 run.

“Josh runs the offense and Farvens is one of our shooters and rebounders, so when they go down, our offense isn’t that deep,” Aksionoff said.

Reed, who is averaging just over 23 points a game, had four in the first quarter before sitting with just over a minute gone in the second after collecting his third foul. His absence helped Malverne go on a 10-3 run that turned a two-point deficit into a five point lead in the final minute of the first half.

“When we had him out of the game, I told them that’s when you attack,” Aksionoff said.

But the offense suddenly turned cold as Southampton went on an 11-0 run to start the third quarter for a 35-26 lead. The Mules finally scored with 2:30 left and finished the stanza on a 9-2 run.

Karen Millindorf/Herald photos

MAlveRNe’s MAlACHI HudsoN drove the middle of the court during its season-ending defeat to Southampton.

JuNIoR CHAd Wesley led the Mules with 16 points in their 63-49 loss at the hands of Southampton in the L.I. Class B title game.

History continues to be a passion for Shaud

continued from front page

Shaud served in the Air Force during the Korean War as a communications construction worker. He spent two years in Alaska installing telephone and radar locations to ward off Soviet bombers.

After his service he worked for telecommunications companies in Manhattan and on Long Island, retiring 35 years ago. The only time he had heard of West Hempstead before buying the house he still lives in was as a student at Thomas Jefferson High School in Brooklyn, when a science teacher had the class launch helium balloons with postcards asking whoever found them to mail them back. Shaud was hoping for a response from Greenland or even Europe, but a week later, his postcard arrived in the mail from a West Hempstead family.

When he was 7, Shaud’s family was visiting relatives in Philadelphia when he first learned about his infamous relative, Maj. Gen. Daniel Sickles. The family was recounting the story of Sickles gunning down his wife’s lover in broad daylight across from the White House.

Sickles had killed the son of Francis Scott Key, who wrote the poem that became the lyrics of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Sickles was found not guilty due to temporary insanity — the first time in American legal history that defense had been used.

Shaud’s father asked the 7-year-old if he knew who Francis Scott Key was. John did not. Did he know what the national anthem was? Again, John did not. In front of the family, his father told his mother, “You’re raising a dummy for a kid.”

“That was my first impression of the gentleman Sickles,” Shaud said. “I hated him.”

Sickles remains one of the most colorful characters of the Civil War, the subject of several books. But Shaud’s fascination with history wasn’t inspired by his infamous relative. He said he was always interested in history. He has a digital photograph of the Brooklyn apartment he grew up in as the background for his computer.

He was invited to a dinner in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, site of the Battle of Gettysburg in July 1863, by the Adams County Historical Society 25 years ago to discuss his knowledge of Sickles. The dinner took place in the Gettysburg Hotel, which was established in 1797.

During the dinner, the hotel manager overheard the name Sickles in the conversation and approached Shaud. “He said that Sickles visited the hotel on the 50th anniversary of Gettysburg and left without paying his bill,” Shaud recalled. “I said, ‘You know, I’m sure he would have paid but he died shortly after.’”

Thanks to Shaud’s deft diplomacy, the bill remains unpaid.

During his two years of military service in Alaska, Shaud learned the trade that would become his career. He was happy to leave Alaska and return to New York.

“It was an ocean of white,” he recalled. “There wasn’t a living tree. Not a living thing.”

As president of the West Hempstead Historical Society, Shaud helps place displays in the post office for holidays such as Memorial Day, to help educate people about the hamlet’s history. He was named the Herald’s Person of the Year in 2007.

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Courtesy John Shaud Shaud at hiS 90th birthday party, at a table filled with memorabilia from throughout his life.

New LIRR rollout gets mixed reviews

The good, the bad, and the bumps in-between

By JUAN LASSO & KEPHERD DANIEL of the Herald

For weeks, the ideal stage had been set for the full launch of Grand Central Madison, finally connecting the Long Island Rail Road to the bedrock of Midtown Manhattan.

Or so it seemed.

Limited shuttle service between Jamaica station and Grand Central Madison gave commuters roughly four weeks to try out the new travel routes in advance of the big day, warming them to the idea of the $11 billion East Side terminal.

But as the new service rolled out, some reinforced their concerns. While a number of service lines have been expanded, others have been completely rescheduled. And there were those who worried about inadequate direct service to Penn Station and Atlantic Terminal after timed connections would be eliminated at the Queens station, as well as through direct transfers across platforms at stops like Jamaica under the new schedules.

Then, full-service started Feb. 27, and contrary to the MTA’s calculated expectations, the ensuing first days of its historic Midtown terminal turned into the most dizzying and distressful for commuters in recent memory.

Riders — coping with the rush-hour meltdowns at Jamaica station and onboard Penn Station-bound trains — poured their anger and disbelief onto social media. Images and posts showed commuters cramming into train aisles. Others making frantic sprints to catch their connecting lines. And many finding themselves tightly jammed inside an antsy crowd of riders on waiting platforms.

By the end of the first week, MTA officials rushed to provide relief in the form of extra train cars added to roughly 30 of its busiest trains, most of them rush hour excursions on the Penn Station service routes, as well as ramping up the frequency of shuttle service between Brooklyn and Queens.

While the adjustments have managed to ease overcrowding and quell a frantic commuter flow, the fumbled full launch of Grand Central Madison has left some commuters scratching their heads — and shaking their fists — at what went wrong.

The reason, according to Long Island Rail Road interim president Catherine Rinaldi, can be chalked up to a miscalculation on how many commuters would actually shift from Penn Station to Grand Central.

The LIRR’s original service plan was designed to accommodate a “60-40” split of ridership, with most still traveling to Penn Station. So far, however, the split has been more “70-30,” although new ridership figures are still pending.

For all the initial bumps, however, Barry Kleinworm — a diamond inventory manager in Midtown Manhattan — said full service to the East Side was a “home run” decision.

“Grand Central station is only five minutes from my office, so I’m loving it,” the Woodmere commuter said. “Before, I had to walk 20 minutes from Penn Station. So this is a benefit for me for sure.”

It’s something that should have happened 30 years ago, said Jack Halpern, who rides the Far Rockaway branch.

“I’m a lawyer, and my office is in the Grand Central area,” he said. “But of course, I don’t go all the time what with hybrid work. It would have been really helpful to have this service pre-Covid when I was going five days a week.”

Despite the benefits, however, Halpern did note that finding his way in and out of Grand Central has proven difficult.

“When exiting the station, going up the escalators is ridiculous, so I use the elevators. But they’re not all in the same area,” he said. “Entering the station, there is no clear signage on the street level to point you to what looks like a temporary construction elevator that takes you

down into the station, so they have to make the signage a little clearer.”

Melvin Medina says commuting on the Babylon branch is “not so bad,” but feels the benefits tilt toward Grand Central commuters at the expense of everyone else.

“There used to be an express train straight to Penn Station,” the commuter from Bay Shore said. “Now, by around 8 a.m., I have to transfer to Wantagh to get to Penn, and the train stops at every stop.

“At the end of the day, you’ve just got to plan ahead. But I don’t really agree with all the changes made.”

Then there are commuters like Debby Washington who say navigating the new train schedule changes has been nothing but daily stress.

“I hate it. It’s just so much confusion going on,” the Wantagh commuter said. “It’s just not organized right now. The schedule is crazy, and the trains come out of nowhere with no announcements.

“I’m paying a lot of money in taxes, and my service is not that great. In fact, it’s getting worse.”

But a lot of that might simply be a resistance to change, based on long-term familiarity to what’s already been in place — even if what’s there now wasn’t all that great.

“I think people are used to what they had before, and so if you’ve been commuting to Penn Station for decades, it definitely throws a wrench in your regular routine,” said Amy Zervas of Merrick. “I travel to both stations, but I prefer Grand Central because there are fewer people on those trains. Either way, I’ve had no issues.”

While opinions appear sharply divided, Rinaldi reassured commuters that changes are being made as needed.

“We are going to be continuously making adjustments based upon ridership and loading data. We look at it every single day,” she said. “The Long Island Rail Road team is all over the rollout in terms of looking for trends, what ridership is looking like, what trains are popular, and adjusting accordingly.”

What lawmakers have to say

Assemblyman Brian Curran

“Clearly the opening of Grand Central Madison is a benefit, but my office has received numerous complaints regarding schedule changes, specifically additional travel time for our commuters on the West Hempstead line where riders at Malverne and Westwood now experience an approximate hour gap in travel times from the old schedule.

Sen. Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick and myself were informed that the Long Island Rail Road would reevaluate scheduling times for the West Hempstead line if data was provided regarding commuters’ preferred changes. We decided to hand out voluntary surveys to commuters about the issue.”

Assemblyman Charles Levine

“We have all known for years that the Oyster Bay line is the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s biggest loss leader. With the advent of East Side Access, the MTA has had to reroute and reprogram any number of trains from the Oyster Bay line. The biggest challenge is that the OB line runs on diesel-powered trains that need to stop at Mineola where there is a transfer for riders to get on electric trains to go into the city.

We do not have express trains running directly into Penn Station as we had in the past before the new train schedules. The result is there is less availability for Oyster Bay commuters to travel than there was before, and riders are not pleased — nor should they be pleased. I’m confident, however, that the MTA leadership is aware of this issue and will be addressing it.”

Courtesy Marc A. Hermann/Metropolitan Transportation Authority

MEtROPOLItAN tRANSPORtAtION AUtHORIty chief executive Janno Lieber and Long Island Rail Road interim president Catherine Rinaldi are re-routing four Grand Central Madison trains back to Penn Station after higher-thanexpected ridership on the West Side.

Strokes, aneurysms, and headaches — oh my!

By HERNESTO GALDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com

Headaches are the worst. They come at the worst time, but can be treatable with a pop of Tylenol or Advil. But have you ever asked yourself if it could be something more?

If it is, knowing when to seek medical attention is what those who tuned in to the recent Herald Inside LI webinar were looking for as Dr. Kimon Bekelis shared his expertise on the critical differences between a brain aneurysm and a stroke — and how to treat or prevent either one.

A brain aneurysm is a weak spot in the blood vessel in the brain that can burst. An estimated 30,000 people in the United States suffer a brain aneurysm rupture each year, according to the Brain Aneurysm Foundation.

“Because it’s a fairly rare disease,” Bekelis said, “I think it hasn’t been as mainstream.”

Symptoms of a brain aneurysm can be confused with a headache. If it’s allowed to rupture, it could mean everything from brain damage, to coma, or even death.

Bekelis is a certified neurosurgeon with training in invasive endovascular neurosurgery. He is also the chairman of neuro-interventional services for Catholic Health Services of Long Island, and co-director of the Neuro Intensive Care Unit at Good Samaritan Hospital.

He’s also the director of the Stroke & Brain Aneurysm Center of Long Island, located in Babylon. With all that experience, if Bekelis comes across someone with a stiff neck, blurred or double vision and confusion, he knows he needs to take action right away. The feeling of an aneurysm is like someone hitting you with a hammer.

“It is a very severe event when they rupture,” Bekelis

said. “But people do survive.”

Preventing an aneurysm varies from not smoking or using tobacco products, having a healthy diet, and checking your blood pressure and exercising regularly.

But if worrying about aneurysms aren’t enough, Bekelis also warns about strokes. They are caused when blood supply is blocked in part of the brain, or when a blood vessel bursts.

More than 795,000 people in the United States suffer a stroke each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“Detecting and identifying a stroke fast is the most

important factor in guaranteeing that somebody is not going to have a deficit,” Bekelis said

The American Heart Association created an acronym it believes will help determine if someone is having a stroke. “FAST” is short for face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty, and time to call 911.

The “deficit” of a stroke can vary from impaired speech, limited physical abilities, weakness or limb paralysis. But just like aneurysms, there are ways to prevent strokes, Bekelis said.

Monitor blood pressure and cholesterol. Cut cigarettes. Monitor weight. And, of course, exercise. And there could also be a “magic” pill that might help, too.

“When it comes to aspirin, it used to be a general recommendation that if you’re over the age of 55, they would put you on a baby aspirin,” Bekelis said. “Nowadays, it’s been modified a little because aspirin has been founded to slightly increase the risk of bleeding if you don’t have any risk factors.”

Thinner blood might be good for strokes, but could be bad for other conditions. So, adding a baby aspirin regimen is something Bekelis says should be monitored by a doctor.

It’s challenging to know what the brain is trying to tell us in a headache. But when you know something doesn’t seem right, Bekelis says it will be hard to miss.

“When it comes to a stroke, the symptoms — you can’t miss them,” the neurologist said. “When it comes to a headache, things are a little bit more murky, and headache is a symptom of aneurysm rupture possibility.

“An aneurysm headache is like the worst headache of your life. If it’s one of those, seek immediate medical attention.”

Courtesy Stroke & Brain Aneurysm Center of Long Island DR. KiMON BEKELiS from the Stroke & Brain Aneurysm Center of Long Island in Babylon, recently discussed the differences between a stroke and brain aneurysm.

FREE 2-PART WEBINAR SERIES

FIGHTING AGAINST FRAUD: Learn the 411 on Recognizing a Scam

Help protect yourself from fraud and scams! This FREE webinar series will cover identity theft, elder fraud abuse and how to recognize the warning signs. Representatives from AARP Long Island and United States Postal Inspectors will also provide information about scams targeting people age 50-plus and their families, tactics fraudsters use, and resources available to help prevent fraud.

Advance registration is required.

THURSDAY, APRIL 13, 2023

12-1PM

IDENTITY THEFT:

Each year thousands of Americans fall victim to Identity (ID) Theft. Consumers reported losing nearly $8.8 Billion to scams in 2022. This webinar will focus on:

• Understanding Personal Identifiable Information (PII)

• Scams that target your PII

• Tips to safeguard your identity

REGISTER at www.LIHERALD.com/identity

THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2023

12-1PM

ELDER FRAUD ABUSE:

Con artists don’t really care about your age or your needs. Their only goal is to separate you from your hard-earned money. Learn how to recognize scams. We’ll cover:

• Grandparent or Relative in Need scams

• Lottery and Sweepstakes Scams

• Investment Scams

REGISTER at www.LIHERALD.com/elder

FREE AARP LONG ISLAND IN-PERSON SHREDDING EVENTS

Shred your personal and financial documents at a location near you. Register and reserve your spot for a FREE drive-through contactless shredding event. (Limit 3 bags per car)

SATURDAY APRIL 22, 2023

10AM-1PM • IN-PERSON

LOCATION:

Nassau Community College One Education Drive • Garden City, NY (Entrance to parking lot at Miller Place)

REGISTER at https://bit.ly/ShredGardenCity

SATURDAY MAY 6, 2023

• IN-PERSON

LOCATION: Michael J Tully Park 1801 Evergreen Avenue • New Hyde Park, NY

REGISTER at https://bit.ly/ShredNewHydePark

SATURDAY MAY 20, 2023

LOCATION: Farmingdale Library 116 Merritts Road • Farmingdale, NY

REGISTER at https://bit.ly/ShredFarmingdale

Michael Hinman Executive Editor Herald Community Newspapers SPEAKERS

Bernard Macias Associate State DirectorLong Island AARP New York

Donna Harris Public Information Representative United States Postal Inspection Service Headquarters

Kerri Scanlon is a leader in Long Island medicine

By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com

Kerri Scanlon knew from a young age that she was destined to be a nurse.

Her mother, Mildred O’Connor, had a successful career in the field. And she convinced her daughter to follow in her footsteps.

“Seeing her love of the career, and then seeing her in action in the facility she worked at,” Scanlon remembered, “she just had this incredible love for what she did.”

Scanlon was fortunate to receive a scholarship that allowed her to study at Columbia University. It was there she earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing, and then a master’s in advanced practice nursing.

Now the executive director of Glen Cove Hospital, Scanlon celebrates her 30th year as a nurse.

For the last 25, she’s been an integral member of Northwell Health, New York’s largest health care provider that oversees the operations of Glen Cove Hospital. Having worked closely with Northwell’s leaders for years, when Scanlon was offered the opportunity to lead the hospital in 2019, she couldn’t turn it down.

“Glen Cove, at the time, was really a hospital in transition and needed direction,” she said. “I love Glen Cove. I love the community. I love the people. I was welcomed with great arms.”

Just months into her new role, Scanlon — and health care professionals like her around the world — would face a much different problem: the coronavirus pandemic. As early as February 2020, Scanlon told her Glen Cove team to get ready. And expect the worst.

Epidemics were nothing new for Scanlon. Her career included HIV/AIDS as well as the avian flu in the 2000s. But the first wave of Covid-19 was something she’d never seen before. Glen Cove did all it could to offer the best possible care to its patients, collaborating and completing

research with larger hospitals, and opening up an acute rehabilitation facility to treat patients who’d spent months in intensive care.

“It kind of defined us as the little engine that could,” Scanlon said.

The pandemic helped Scanlon identify areas of growth for the hospital, and she says it’s now better fit than ever to advance into the future.

“Is Glen Cove thriving?” she asked. “Is Glen Cove going to be here 10 years from now? Heck yes. We just celebrated our centennial, and the health system is more than ever investing in Glen Cove. We’re budgeted this year to make money, not lose money. And that’s a huge change.”

The 247-bed community hospital offers a lot, including a state-of-the-art brain injury unit, but Scanlon wants people to know the full scope of care Glen Cove provides. It has renowned doctors in the fields of gynecology, endocri-

nology and breast care — areas of the body where typically women encounter conditions.

A geriatric-only facility is opening in Oyster Bay, she added, to offer age-friendly services to older adults.

Employee happiness is key to running a successful hospital.

“We want to continue to focus on our patients, and focus on our customers, and the only way to do that is to focus on our staff,” Scanlon said. “Because if they’re not happy, our patients aren’t going to be happy.”

A mother of two, Scanlon resides in Nissequogue. Her 26-year-old daughter also works in health care, so Scanlon is used to giving advice to young women wishing to advance in the field.

“My greatest advice always is to focus on doing the best that you can do today,” she said. “Everybody is so focused on what’s the next thing — it’s this generation. They’re constantly under so much stress. The opportunities are greater for women, but I think the level of stress is even greater.”

Women have made excellent strides in health care, Scanlon said, but there’s always work to be done.

“There’s not enough women at the table for (health care) decisions across the country,” she said. “I think its constantly focusing on that, and diversity and inclusion — ensuring that it’s all women we’re including at that table.

“Historically, as women, we didn’t pay it forward to other women. I think that’s changed dramatically — I’m so happy to see this. My biggest thing is mentoring other women.”

Courtesy Northwell Health

GLEN COVE HOspitAL executive director Kerri Scanlon, center, addresses a crowd of health care professionals, working in a unit converted to treat coronavirus patients.

STEPPING OUT

Patti Lupone

Lay of the land

Eyes on nature

By Karen Bloom

Since the invention of the camera, photographers have been enthralled by interpreting the natural world. We (viewers), in turn, are captivated by what their cameras reveal.

A true Broadway legend returns her Long Island roots, visiting Tilles Center with her acclaimed one-woman show. ‘Don’t Monkey with Broadway’ is a celebration of her life-long love affair with Broadway, as she indelibly interprets classic theatre tunes by the likes of Richard Rodgers, Lorenz Hart, Jule Styne, Stephen Schwartz, Charles Strouse, Leonard Bernstein, Stephen Sondheim, Cole Porter, and Irving Berlin. She explores her love affair with Broadway and offers up her opinion and concerns for what the Great White Way is becoming today, in this intimate concert, which includes behind-thescenes anecdotes.

Sunday, March 19, 7 p.m. $110, $75, $55. Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville. (516) 299-3100 or TillesCenter.org.

STEPPING OUT

As we spring forward, we’re all eager to enjoy the landscape as it emerges from its winter “hibernation.”

It’s the subject of Heckscher Museum of Art’s current exhibition, “Viewfinders: Photographers Frame Nature,” on display through April 16.

Creative advocacy

Viewfinders explores artists’s varied responses to the relationship between nature and humans. These lens-based works reveal the divergent ways in which nature continues to fuel documentation of the human experience and imagination — from images symbolizing the untamed power of nature, to those where the landscape has been abused for human consumption. The exhibit — featuring 64 works from 34 artists — traces the lure of photography through the centuries, culminating in contemporary times where every person with a smartphone has the power to “frame” nature.

Guest Curator Susan Van Scoy, associate professor of art history at St. Joseph’s University, combed through the museum’s permanent collection to explore the myriad ways artists respond to the landscape and how their responses have shaped our perception of nature.

By Karen Bloom

WHERE WHEN

people shape the future of the environment and change our behaviors.”

Visitors will notice a “local flavor” to the exhibit, such as N. Jay Jaffee’s photo of Lloyd Harbor’s Caumsett Park Preserve.

As Van Scoy explains: “The Olmsted family landscape architectural firm created some of the most famous and unnatural ‘natural’ sites in the world, including New York City’s Central Park and Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve. Yet some visitors view these parks as nature in its untouched state. Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve has been a favorite subject of artists such as Jaffee and Neil Scholl, whose photographs capture the landscape architects’s signature picturesque landscapes in the park.

Willie Nile

• Now through April 16

• Open Thursday through Sunday, noon-5 p.m.

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

“Visitors just love the Caumsett shot,” she says. “Many people don’t realize its history.”

• $5 suggested admission non-members; members and children younger than 13 free

• Heckscher Museum of Art,

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

2 Prime Ave., Huntington (631) 380-3230 or Heckscher.org

Stand,” Hofstra University Museum of Art’s new exhibition, examines power of the arts in society.

Alexandra Giordano — the museum’s assistant director of exhibition and exhibit underscores artists’ civic responsibility and influence. the vital role that artists have in activating democratic values that and freedom, encouraging civic engagement, and cultivating unity,” “Artists often lead the charge and expose truths that may otherwise be artists in this exhibition take a stand and call out injustices through their art issues such as immigration, gender, reproductive rights, mass incarceration, bias, gun violence, and promises unfulfilled. They all combine the making service that has a grassroots approach in the hope of mobilizing their the nation to ignite movement, create awareness, and inspire others to which runs through July 28, is in conjunction with Hofstra’s conference on the Barack Obama presidency coming up in April. interested in the idea that the artist has a civic responsibility,” says Karen

“Landscape and photography have always been closely intertwined. In fact, the world’s first automatic photograph was a landscape and photography was first referred to as ‘sun pictures’ or ‘drawings from nature,’” Van Scoy says. “Artists have long used landscape as a vehicle to explore other issues such as poetry, spirituality, philosophy and environmentalism. The images in are no exception. They are teeming with hidden meaning.“

Legendary American photographers such as Edward Steichen, Larry Fink and Berenice Abbott are represented, as are newly acquired photographs by Kenji Nakahashi and Jeremy Dennis. Van Scoy also selected a substantial number of works by notable Long Island image makers.

Beyond traditional forms of landscape photography, Van Scoy was excited to introduce what she describes as the “contemporary takes,” which explore environmental issues such as climate change and reclaiming the land.

“Everyone enjoys seeing landscape, now it’s being used as a background for protest,” she says. “Artists have an important role to help

Picturesque scenes are just one aspect of what’s on view. From the whimsical — such as Barbara Roux’s mise-en-scènes in wooded areas with frames or mirrors placed against a leafy ground, to natural images that show the power of nature in Kenji Nakahashi’s abstract take on Hurricane Gloria — nature in all its forms is documented.

“I want people to be able to look at these works and relate to them,” she says. “I love when you can relate an image to your everyday life and also learn something new at the same time.”

The takeaway from Van Scoy: “We are reminded that humans are always small in relationship to the power of nature.”

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.

Top left: N. Jay Jaffee’s Long Island Sound from Caumsett (1990) — a gift of Paula W. Hackeling — is an example of landscape photography that follows a formula used in early 17th century paintings.

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.

Top right: Barbara Roux’s Night Rises Up (1998) merges the subjective individual with the natural world.

Bottom: Kenji Nakahashi’s Decoration for Hurricane Gloria (1985) reflects nature’s untamed power.

The singer-songwriter comes to the Landmark on Main Street stage for an exciting evening of roots rock, with special guest James Maddock. Nestled somewhere between power-pop and American folk, you will find Willie Nile strumming his guitar. A true believer in rock ‘n’ roll, over the years Nile has made admirers out of such names as Bruce Springsteen and Pete Townshend who personally requested him to tour with The Who, among others who sing his praises. The New York Times called him ‘one of the most gifted singer-songwriters to emerge from the New York scene in years,’ among the many accolades he has received. The timeless qualities of melodic craft, lyrical insight and emotional engagement that have endeared Nile to listeners around the world throughout a three-anda-half-decade recording career continue to be prominent in his live performances.

Saturday, April 1, 8 p.m. $30, $25. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. (516) 767-6444 or LandmarkOnMainStreet.org.

Pat McGann

change the world? It’s a question

been at the focus of our collective centuries. Now as society the complexities of modern life, path for social change is at the of artistic expression.

Courtesy Heckscher Museum of Art

THE SCENE

March 26

Best of Broadway

On stage

The Brubeck Brothers

Jazz giant Dave Brubeck’s sons celebrate their dad’s life and career, with “The Brubeck Brothers Quartet Celebrates Dave Brubeck’s Centennial,” on the Tilles Center stage, Thursday, April 13, 7:30 p.m. Chris and Dan Brubeck bring their multimedia show to the LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Boulevard, Brookville. To honor Brubeck’s legacy, the Brubecks, who performed and recorded with their father since the 1970s, curate this memorable concert with their own Brubeck Brothers Quartet. Through their stories, with music performed by the quartet, the show invites audiences to travel along the timeline of Brubeck’s extraordinary life and career. Tickets are $52; available at TillesCenter.org or (516) 299-3100.

April 13

Chef Patrick was influenced as a young man by his Grandmother 's kitchen, and that's where he saw that cooking can feed peoples souls.

Patrick attended and excelled at the culinary schools he attended. His first stop was at Sullivan College. His journey started at the Garden City Hotel, in the La Cote d' dining room with master Chef Patrick Pino, who shaped his philosophy of cooking. Patrick then headed to New York City to expand his culinary repertoire at the Ritz Carlton Hotel. That's where he met Three Star Michelin Chef Gunther Serger Chef Serger instilled in him the elegance of simplicity, artistry of balance and the appreciation of the ingredients. Patrick moved south to Atlanta and worked with renowned chef and author Marcella Hazan who instilled the purity and quality of the products that they used. A short stint with Chef Emeril Lagasse exposed Patrick to southern flares and flavors as well.

Patrick felt he had found his culinary voice and headed home to Long Island. That's when he found local farms and fishermen that worked with sustainable practices. Over the years Patrick has instilled balance in the blends of ingredients in his cuisine, still striving for the fulfillment of his culinary soul. Craft Kitchen & Taphouse are so excited to have Chef Patrick heading to the Lynbrook team. His weekly specials are a "must try" and he will be changing the seasonal menu this May, making it a great Spring or Summer destination whether you dine inside or out at Craft.

Adelphi performing arts students perform their semiannual Broadway revuew, on Adelphi University Performing Arts Center stage, Sunday, March 26, 4 p.m. Under the direction of KT Thomas and Steven Altinel, this contemporary-themed show will highlight hits from pop/ rock shows, including”Rent,” “We Will Rock You,” “School of Rock,” to songs from contemporary classics like “Wicked,” “Mamma Mia,” “The Prom” and “Next to Normal.” Students perform large group numbers as well as individual solos. Tickets start at $30, with discounts available to seniors, students, Adelphi alumni and employees. Adelphi University Performing Arts Center, 1 South Ave., Garden City. (516) 877-4000 or Adelphi. edu/pac.

Mo Willems’ popular The Pigeon comes alive on the Long Island Children’s Museum stage, Friday March 17, 10:15 a.m. and noon; Sunday, March 19, 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

Lakeview Public Library holds its After School Dish every Friday , 3:30-4:30 p.m, for students grades 6 and under. The program 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) 5363071 or emailing ireckson@ lakeviewlibrary.org. Itakes place in the Children’s Room of the library, 1120 Woodfield Road, Rockville Centre.

Breastfeeding Support Group

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

Breast cancer support group

Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Program offers a free four-session creative arts support group, Spring into Wellness. This therapeutic Zoom program offers a safe place to communicate thoughts, feelings, concerns, problems, hopes and dreams. The professional staff guides participants, Thursdays, April 13, April 20, April 27 and May 4, 10-11:30 a.m. Registration ends March 31. For information, call Angela M. Papalia, (516) 877-4329 or email apapalia@adelphi.edu.

The Manhattan Transfer

The 10-time Grammy winning vocal group celebrates their 50th anniversary, performing at The Space, Thursday, March 30, 8 p.m. The group looks back on a career that has spanned genres from pop to jazz to rock and roll and more, in this special evening that highlights their long and dazzling career with their signature pitchperfect vocals and impeccable style. Tickets are $65-$175; available at Ticketmaster.com or TheSpaceAtWestbury.com. The Space, 250 Post Ave. Westbury.

The sweet life

Hempstead Lake State Park hosts a program on harvesting maple syrup, Sunday, March 19, 1-2:30 p.m. Turning sap into syrup is quite the feat. Investigate the maple syrup process and observe how sap is collected from trees. The park is located at 1000 Lake Drive, West Hempstead. To register, visit EventBrite.com. Call (516) 766-1029 for more information.

Having an event?

Cut college costs

Lakeview Public Library offers a webinar to introduce participants to little-known financial strategies to cut college costs, Thursday, March 16, 7-8 p.m. It will also cover improving admission chances and scholarship opportunities. Learn income, asset, and borrowing tools as well as the new FAFSA rules and how they will impact what you pay for college. Register prior to the session by calling Jennifer Dunlop at (516) 536-3071.

‘Forever Plaid’

Plaza Theatrical is ready to spring forward with “Forever Plaid,” an affectionate musical homage to the close harmony guy groups that reached the height of their popularity during the ‘50s, Saturday, March 18, 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, March 19, 2:30 p.m.; Thursday, March 23, 2 p.m. The show features such hits as “Three Coins in a Fountain,” “Heart and Soul,” “Catch a Falling Star,” and “Love is A Many Splendored Thing.” It’s performed at Plaza’s stage at the Elmont Library Theatre, 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont. $49, $45 seniors. Elmont. For tickets, call (516) 599-6870 or visit PlazaTheatrical.com.

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.

Family theater

Everyone’s favorite cat comes to mischievous life in this theatrical adaptation of the Dr. Seuss classic, presented Plaza Theatrical Productions, Sunday, March 19, noon. See what goes on during that rainy day when two siblings are home alone with their pet fish while their parents are out of town, and the tall cat wearing a hat appears. Tickets are $15. Visit the Plaza stage at The Showplace at Bellmore Movies, 222 Pettit Avenue, Bellmore. For information/tickets, go to PlazaTheatrical.com or call (516) 599-6870.

ADVERTISING,

SANDRA BRENNAN CEO & Founder

Senior Living Renaissance, LLC

VALENTINA JANEK

Founder

Long Island Breakfast Club & Show

JESIKA KALIKA

Marketing Communications & Business Development Consultant

LISA MIRABILE

President & Founder

Vertigo Media Group

EDUCATION

MARIA P. CONZATTI

Acting President

Nassau Community College

BARBARA J. HOLAHAN

Vice President Financial Affairs,

CFO & Treasurer

New York Institute of Technology

MARYANNE HYLAND

Dean of the Robert B. Willumstad

School of Business

Adelphi University

MAURIE McINNIS

President

Stony Brook University

ENERGY & ELECTRIC

JENNIFER HAYEN

Director of Communications

Long Island Power Authority

MICHELLE D. SOMERS

Head of Marketing

PSEG Long Island

ENTREPRENEURS

BETH DONNER President

Beth Donner Design

JOSEPHINE FITZPATRICK

Nutrition & Weight Loss Specialist

Innovation Weight Loss & Healthy Market

MAUREEN TARA NELSON

CEO

MTN Matchmaking

GOVERNMENT

LISA M. BLACK

Chief Deputy County Executive Office of the Suffolk County Executive

HEALTHCARE & WELLNESS

MELANIE BASILE

Chief Growth Officer

The Smilist

DR. MICHELLE A. CHESTER

Senior Director Operations, Occupational Health Services Northwell Health

DR. GAIL CORREALE

Optometrist

THERESA DILLMAN, DNP (C), MSN, MHA, RN, NE-BC

Associate Executive Director and Chief Nursing Officer Glen Cove Hospital, Northwell Health System

DR. ODETTE R. HALL

Chief Medical Examiner

Suffolk County Office of the Medical Examiner

NITZA KAHALON HASIS

Clinical Director

New Horizon Counseling Center - Valley Stream

STEPHANIE MONTANO M.S., CCC-SLP

CEO & Co-Owner

Theralympic Speech

CHRISTIANA NEOPHYTOU M.S., CCC-SLP

CEO & Co-Owner

Theralympic Speech

REBECCA SANIN

President & CEO

Health & Welfare Council of Long Island

JULIE WEXLER

Director of Business Development

The Bristal Assisted Living

HUMAN RESOURCES

ELIZABETH MARIE SAITTA

Executive Director

SHRM Long Island Chapter

INSURANCE

CATIA ALATI

Vice President

Lockton Companies

LEGAL

PAULA PARRINO, ESQ.

Chief Administrative Officer & Vice President of Operations Nationwide Court Services, Inc.

STEPHANIE A. CLARK, ESQ.

Attorney

Law Offices of Stephanie A. Clark

ERIKA L. CONTI, ESQ.

Partner

Sahn Ward Braff Koblenz PLLC

DEANNA M. EBLE, ESQ.

Partner

Russo Law Group, P.C.

LAUREL R. KRETZING, ESQ.

Partner

Jaspan Schlesinger Narendran LLP

KAREN J. TENENBAUM, ESQ.

Founder

Tenenbaum Law, P.C.

DINA L. VESPIA, ESQ.

Partner

Cullen and Dykman LLP

NICOLE L. WEINGARTNER

Director of State Government Affairs

Davidoff Hutcher & Citron LLP

MEDIA

DANA ARSCHIN KRASLOW

2x Emmy-Winning Journalist

Holocaust Storyteller

The Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County (HMTC)

MIMI BISHOP & JACKIE GHEDINE

Co-Founders

Modern Gen X Woman

PEI-SZE CHENG

Emmy® Award-winning reporter

NBC 4 New York’s investigative unit, the I-Team

MUSIC

DR. YEOU-CHENG MA

Executive Director

The Children’s Orchestra Society

NOT-FOR-PROFIT

TERRI ALESSI-MICELI

President & CEO

HIA-LI

NOT-FOR-PROFIT (CONTINUED)

ELIZABETH EINHART

Executive Director & Vice President

The Theresa Foundation

THERESA SANDERS

President & CEO

Urban League of Long Island Inc.

TAMMY SEVERINO

President & CEO

Girl Scouts of Suffolk County

STACEY I. SIKES

Vice President of Government Affairs & Communications

Long Island Association

TOURISM

KRISTEN REYNOLDS

President & CEO

Discover Long Island

TRANSPORTATION

SHELLEY LaROSE-ARKEN

Aviation Commissioner

Long Island MacArthur Airport

SPECIAL AWARDS

ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR

ELLEN PELLEGRINO

Entrepreneur/Movie Producer Windows on the Lake Beach Club Estate

Age of New Beginnings

LEGACY AWARD

MEREDITH WALDNER STERN

President Waldner’s Business Environments

NEXT GENERATION: UNDER 30

KATHLEEN DONNELLY

Senior Associate

Long Island Architecture Studio, DPC

LIANNE WEBB

Miss Long Island 2023

Miss Long Island Pageants

RISING TEEN AWARD

NATALIA SUAZA

Miss Long Island Teen 2023

Miss Long Island Pageants

TRAILBLAZER AWARD

DANI RYLAN KEARNEY

Founder National Women’s Hockey League (NWHL)

NCC follows through on insurance increase

By ANDRE SILVA asilva@liherald.com

It had to be done, and they did it. Nassau Community College’s board of trustees made a plan to increase health care premiums for its faculty and staff official — something the employees union that has spent months negotiating a new contract says could effectively reduce salaries by as much as $5,000.

The new insurance premiums begin March 23, and simply reflect a cost increase by their carrier, NCC officials said. They were allowed to pass on the increase despite a lack of a new contract based on a past agreement that allowed the board to make such increases under an expired contract.

The insurance increases, according to union president Faren Siminoff, could effectively act like a pay cut.

“These are the actions of people with no soul,” Siminoff said. “The college was asked by Nassau County if they needed more funding, and the college told them they do not need supplemental income. Instead the college decided to bleed its faculty dry.”

The educators union and trustees board has been negotiating full-time faculty contracts since last July, hoping to work out a deal before their contracts expired a month later. The union has rallied multiple times since then, but there is still no new contract on the table between NCC and its full-time faculty.

NCC attorney John Gross said the imposed health care provisions were not “pulled out of thin air.” In fact, the union knew about the existing contract provision, which was negotiated decades ago.

“The college board is a public agency, and they have a fiduciary responsibility to effectuate what’s in the contract,” Gross said. “If the (college board) said no to this (imposing health care premiums), they would be giving up thousands and thousands of dollars.”

This time around, the union is entertaining a proposal for new employees to pay about 20 percent of health care premiums, and existing staff members are willing to give roughly 2 percent of their salary toward the cost of premiums during their last negotiation sessions.

But the college has known health care premiums were rising since last December, Siminoff said, and that those costs would be passed along to employees. So why did the school wait until after the new year to notify faculty members of the change, during the open enrollment period?

“Usually in November or December, if you have an insurance policy through your job, you’re permitted to change your policy,” Siminoff said. “So, while most of us

NASSAu CommuNIty

CoLLEgE’S board of trustees announced their intention to impose health care premiums on staff members, effectively reducing salaries by $5,000 on average, according to the union representing fulltime faculties, who say it’s a negotiation tactic.

are the college’s plan, there are many faculty members who could be covered under a partner’s plan. In order for them to switch coverage plans, they have to do it during open enrollment.”

Although NCC denies the increase being nothing more than ensuring they’re good stewards of their accounts, Siminoff is convinced the health insurance increase is being used to help with the school’s negotiating position, or at the very least retaliate against and punish the union members.

“It’s really a huge pay cut,” the union president said. “Many faculty members told me, ‘If I had known they would charge us healthcare premiums in December during open enrollment, I would have changed my policy.’”

Tim Baker/Herald file

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Public Notices

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT

NASSAU COUNTY

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., SUCCESSOR BY MERGER

TO BAC HOME LOANS SERVICING, LP FKA

COUNTRYWIDE HOME LOANS SERVICING LP, Plaintiff against GLORIA WATSON, et al Defendant(s)

Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Stern & Eisenberg, P.C., Woodbridge Corporation Plaza, 485B Route 1 South, Suite 330, Iselin, NJ 08830. Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered October 17, 2016, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on March 30, 2023 at 2:00 PM. Premises known as 1075 Tyler Road, West Hempstead, NY 11552.

Sec 35 Block 246

Lot 790-792, 876. 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. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $551,913.71 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 002015/2012. For sale information, please visit www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832.

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

Ellen Durst, Esq., Referee NY201900000185-1

137456

Cuocci brings extensive police experience to mayor’s race

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT NASSAU COUNTY

WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB D/B/A CHRISTIANA TRUST, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS THE TRUSTEE FOR THE BROUGHAM FUND I TRUST, Plaintiff against MAX NOEL, et al Defendant(s) Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Stern & Eisenberg, P.C., Woodbridge Corporation Plaza, 485B Route 1 South, Suite 330, Iselin, NJ 08830. Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered February 6, 2014, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on March 30, 2023 at 2:00 PM.

Premises known as 88 Wolf Avenue, Malverne, NY 11565. Sec 35 Block 233 Lot 91. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Malverne, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York.

Approximate Amount of Judgment is $757,222.29 plus interest, fees, and costs.

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 006044/2008.

During the COVID-19 health emergency, Bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of the sale including but not limited to wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6-feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Should a bidder fail to comply, the Referee may refuse to accept any bid, cancel the closing and hold the bidder in default.

Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of

this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the Court Appointed Referee shall cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.”

Gerald Wright, Esq., Referee NY-52600060-16

137454

LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORKCOUNTY OF NASSAU

U.S BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE UNDER POOLING AND SERVICING AGREEMENT

DATED AS OF NOVEMBER 1, 2005 MASTR ASSETBACKED SECURITIES

TRUST 2005-FRE1 MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005-FRE1, V. ROBIN COADS, ET AL. NOTICE OF SALE

continued from front page

“I’m sorry to see Keith leave, but I think I am the person to take the baton and move the village ahead,” Cuocci said.

“I want to continue the forward-thinking, cost-saving initiatives to help keep taxes low, and continue the five-year capital improvement plan to plan for the future.”

Cuocci, a former FBI Special Agent, serves as commissioner of the Malverne

Police Department and Police Reserves. Cuocci is currently overseeing the construction of the new Malverne Police Department.

Trustee Carl Prizzi is seeking reelection and joins Brian Lewis on the Malverne For the People Party slate.

Prizzi is the director of communications and commissioner of the Malverne Fire Department. Lewis is the current deputy inspector of the Malverne Police Reserves.

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE FOR MFRA TRUST 2014-2, Plaintiff, vs. ESTHER G. DEJESUS A/K/A ESTHER DEJESUS A/K/A ESTER DEJESUS, ET AL., Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on March 11, 2020, 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 April 11, 2023 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 669 Wadleigh Avenue, West Hempstead, NY 11552. 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 35, Block 427 and Lots 48 & 49.

Approximate amount of judgment is $597,617.42 plus interest and costs.

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #604451/2017. 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.

Mark Ricciardi, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No. 190396-1

137794

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure dated November 22, 2019, and entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau, wherein U.S BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE UNDER POOLING AND SERVICING AGREEMENT

DATED AS OF NOVEMBER

1, 2005 MASTR ASSETBACKED SECURITIES TRUST 2005-FRE1 MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005-FRE1 is the Plaintiff and ROBIN COADS, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on April 11, 2023 at 2:30PM, premises known as 503 CHAMPLAIN AVE, WEST HEMPSTEAD, NY 11552: Section 035.00, Block 456.00, Lot 222-224: ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN MALVERNE, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 006766/2014. Scott H. Siller, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES.

137792

Trustee Sullivan says village needs his financial expertise

continued from front page

“I know I’m uniquely qualified with my financial and business background to manage our village finances,” he said, “especially considering all the investments we are making in our village over the next four years and beyond.”

Sullivan said his time as a trustee has given him the governmental experience needed to serve as mayor. “I was

born and raised in the village, and I believe I have a unique perspective of how to best preserve what we’ve all come to love about Malverne,” he said.

“I know what’s worked in the past and what hasn’t worked, and I’m excited to bring some new ideas and initiatives.”

Voting will take place on Tuesday, March 21 at the Malverne Village Hall at 99 Church St. between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m.

Muscarella attends Girl Scout event

Courtesy Town of Hempstead

Hempstead Town Councilman Tom Muscarella, second from right, attended the Girl Scouts of West Hempstead/Franklin Square Cookie Pick-Up on Jan. 28 at Rath Park in Franklin Square.

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Bad advice from another ‘expert’

Q. We just received a permit for our construction. The contractor asked why we also got a permit for a finished basement, which was there when we bought the house. He told us it’s just a Building Department “money grab,” and could have been avoided. We’re wondering why we had to spend money, and, since the basement was already finished, why we ended up with a second permit we didn’t need. The contractor said people call it “finished storage” all the time, and we’re wasting money to put in an expensive escape well, which we could have avoided, right?

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NINEVEH NY: 25 Acres With Cabin And Bluestone Quarry. Hunting, Farming,

A. It all sounds good, even though it’s not true, but if it sounds too good … You got bad advice from yet another ”expert” who knows just enough to sound confident. Telling you how much should be done should only be from their perspective as a contractor. Advising you to skirt the law (and get the architect to go along with it) is fine for them, since they have no responsibility if something bad happens.

A finished basement without an escape well is considered a potentially dangerous and illegal use. Just like smoke detectors, an escape well is retroactive, required even after a permit has been issued if the use of the basement is “habitable,” such as a recreation room, exercise room, music room, hobby room or any other type of space you can occupy other than a utility room, laundry room or closet. These are rooms where people don’t generally spend a lot of time, unless of course they really like to do laundry, listen to their boiler hum or hide in small dark spaces, but that should be discussed with a different kind of professional.

Think about it. You spend hundreds of dollars a month on home insurance you’ll never see again, in most cases. Add to that the fact that in a disaster, which we collectively experienced during two hurricanes, insurance companies, which charged increasing fees for building values, turned around and then devalued the same buildings when it came time to pay out. Insurance companies don’t just write you a big fat check — maybe a “lowball”-value check, but not the full amount — and will spend money to investigate whether your home, and the way you used it, were legal.

Illegal use is just one of many ways to challenge the payout you thought you’d receive. I wonder if that came up in your conversation about avoiding the escape well. That escape well isn’t just a child’s only way out when the interior stairway is blocked by fire; it’s also the only way into the death trap for a rescuer. Taking the advice you quoted in your question is like going into a hospital and getting your diagnosis at the information desk. If you would take that advice, then this wasn’t the kind of hospital you needed to go to. Be wise and at least ask the professional. Good luck!

© 2022 Monte Leeper

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

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A depressing tale of two fibbers

No one has given me a riddle to consider for a long time. But I can think of one. What’s the difference between U.S. Rep. George Santos and Fox News? The answer is that there is none. Neither can handle the truth.

Santos is two and a half months into his term in Congress, and even though some of his colleagues have condemned him, there seems to be no possibility that he will be removed from public office in the near future, so the lies will continue until the prosecutors call. With Republicans controlling the house by a very slim margin, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy is badly in need of every vote. Even if Santos were a real-life Jack the Ripper, no effort would be made to oust him.

Fox’s case is much more serious. It’s one thing for a candidate to lie his way into office. It’s another thing for a network to knowingly distort the news to

millions of Americans and have no one who can discipline it.

The whole world knows what happened on Nov. 6, 2020, and on Jan. 6, 2021. There was a national election, and when the final tallies were in, Joe Biden won the presidency by roughly 7 million votes. The election deniers, led by Fox, ranted and roared, but Congress certified the election. It was done, over. But faced with a potential catastrophic loss of viewers, and profits, the network knowingly and willfully lied about the results, continuing to spread the nonsense that the election had been “fraudulently” conducted.

As if the election denialism wasn’t enough, Fox’s Tucker Carlson, armed with 40,000 hours of security video, now claims that the Jan. 6 insurrection was really a peaceful protest. There are people like former President Donald Trump who want you to believe that, but the footage that Carlson will never show tells the horrible story of the attack on the U.S. Capitol.

The next phase of Fox’s big lie was its promotion of the falsehood that Dominion voting machines were manip-

ulated to change votes from Trump to Biden. Fox gave airtime to numerous people who claimed that the voting machines were controlled by the government of Venezuela and other countries, which compounded the notion that the election had been stolen.

Dominion now has a major defamation suit against Fox. The litigation has resulted in the release of hundreds of pages of sworn testimony of Fox chairman Rupert Murdoch, wherein Murdoch states that he knew Fox was falsely claiming that the election had been stolen. Also among the evidence are emails and texts exchanged between Carlson and other Fox voices, admitting they had few doubts about the election results.

It’s one thing for a member of Congress, one of 435, to lie all the way from the campaign to the Capitol. It is a much bigger thing for a federally licensed television network to knowingly spread falsehoods about an election and a subsequent riot to millions of gullible people who are willing to believe those distortions.

It will be extremely difficult, under defamation law, for Dominion to prevail and for Fox to be punished for its deliberate conduct in its zest for profit and viewers. So, when you compare one man’s falsehoods with a television network’s commentators knowingly distorting the truth about issues of worldwide concern, there’s a big difference. Santos will eventually meet his fate, but what will happen to Fox?

Eventually, Murdoch will be forced to write a check for millions of dollars to compensate Dominion for its claimed damages. That will be considered little more than the cost of doing business, and in time the story will fade away.

But, sadly, there is no mechanism to adequately punish a network for its willful neglect of the truth. In the end, the only group that will have any say over Fox’s future is its viewers. If they fail to punish the network, it is a message to all the George Santoses of the world that blatant lying is permissible conduct.

Jerry Kremer was an Assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12. He now heads Empire Government Strategies, a business development and legislative strategy firm. Comments about this column? jkremer@liherald.com.

The sun shivers and shudders northward

“You can cut all the flowers, but you cannot keep Spring from coming.”

–Pablo Neruda

Don’t believe me. Don’t believe the National Weather Service. But come hell or high water (and both are coming!), you better believe the Farmers’ Almanac.

Those dudes, with their secret algorithms and witching sticks, are forecasting a challenging spring, followed by a beastly hot summer.

vived, and only sunny days will lie ahead. At least, that’s what the poets say.

Have you seen any of the early signs of spring?

According to the Almanac, worms begin to emerge from the ground this month. Indeed, the March moon is called the full worm moon.

Birds are migrating northward, along the path of the sun. Apparently, the increasing sunlight inspires birdsong.

Of course, trees, shrubs and flowers are reactive to temperature and sunlight.

by Covid isolations. Too many older residents in our communities have been shut in all winter, hindered by the cold and the fear of falling on the ice. People have been afraid to drive. For several weeks, amid successive storms, cabin fever went viral.

RANDI KREISS

Spring will officially arrive next Monday at 5:24 p.m. EDT, when the sun crosses the equator, sailing north. However, the Farmers’ Almanac says cold temperatures, freezing rain and even snow may dot the northern landscape well into April. You were expecting daffodils and lilacs? You know very well that nothing rolls the way it used to, including the weather.

Eventually the lilacs will bloom and our hearts, slowed and steadied by hours and days in sedentary hibernation, will dance to a livelier beat. We will have sur-

According to the F.A., since ancient times, people have used flora as indicators of when the time is right to plant. For example, when the crocus blooms, it’s the cue to plant radishes, parsnips and spinach.

The agonizing turn from hard winter to early spring feels hopeful. You don’t have to live on a farm to study the Farmers’ Almanac and appreciate the old-time folk tales and wisdom. Did you know, for example, that you could balance an egg on its end during the vernal equinox? It’s true. You can balance it on other days as well, but it makes a good story.

Many of us have been suffering serious winter fatigue or worse, exacerbated

MI offer an it-can-alwaysbe-worse story. We have kids and grandkids out West in a small High Sierra mountain town you may be reading about. The teenage grandkids have had two days of school in the last two-plus weeks. High walls of snow line the few roads that have been plowed. The interstate that connects them to the rest of the world has been closed on and off for weeks. In the last 10 days, 12 feet of snow fell. That isn’t a typo. And last weekend they were expecting another three feet.

The kids have been entertaining themselves by jumping off the roofs into the snow. They dug a path out of the house for the dog, who would rather stay inside by the fire, thank you. My grandson’s high school closed for a time because the roof was caving in. People who live there to ski can’t ski. No hiking. No biking. No skateboarding. Epic cabin fever abounds.

Even here on Long Island, you can admire the pristine mornings for just so long. Cravings for carbs have driven our meal choices. Our skin is pasty, our muscles like Jell-O. I have faith that any day now, the mercury will start rising and the sun will dry out the soggy flowerbeds where spring flowers are trying to set roots. The season may not have turned yet, but we have reason to hope, and I will predict a balmy end to April.

The Almanac agrees. They say it will be a slow and stormy warmup, but it will come. What will also come is another blast of wicked weather this summer.

According to the F.A., “Another threat of severe weather, this one more widespread, is forecast around the time of the June solstice, as a surge of very warm, humid, and unstable air triggers showers, violent thunderstorms and possibly even a twister or two” in the central and eastern parts of the country.

Let’s ground ourselves in this moment. The rule is: When the sun takes its place over the equator, it is spring in the northern hemisphere. Winter is all memory; summer is just over the horizon. It is inevitable, and it is elemental. As Neruda says, “You can cut all the flowers, but you cannot keep Spring from coming.”

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

y teenage grandkids have had two days of school in the last twoplus weeks.

It’s one thing to lie your way into office. But a network that knowingly distorts news?

JERRY KREMER

Trouble waking up? You know who to blame.

Where did our collective societal grudge against mornings come from?

Our fictional universe presents mornings as bright sunlight pouring through our curtains. Birds happily chirping outside our windows. The smell of freshly brewed coffee — and, if we’re lucky, a hearty breakfast of pancakes and eggs.

Reality, however, includes tightly pulled curtains. Birdsong drowned out by the 12 alarms we’ve set on our iPhones. And by the time we get that coffee, we’re already in the car and stuck in the drivethrough.

Yet we as a society don’t truly show how much we dislike mornings until it comes to daylight saving time — when we push our clocks ahead an hour at the start of spring, with the hope of enjoying more sunlight and fewer stars.

In fact, the whole idea of daylight saving is to push more sunlight into the evenings, and less into our mornings. So, if we were hoping for more sunlight to fill our bedrooms as we wake up, we better consider sleeping in.

If your day starts at 6 a.m., then you’re experiencing what it was like at 5 a.m. just a week ago, when standard time was still in effect. And really, it is still 5 a.m. — just not in the reality where the Uniform Time Act of 1966 exists.

Twice a year, we revisit the same argument: Why is moving our clocks backward and forward still a thing? We debate the origins, the supposed environmental benefits, and how all of that applies — or

letters

It’ll take more than novelists and playwrights, Randi

To the Editor:

Re Randi Kreiss’s column last week, “Writers will tell the story of our times”: We don’t have the luxury of time, since we’re off the rails already.

What good will it be if novelists and playwrights find the truth and bring it to us, if fewer and fewer people are reading?

Our media has to step up and present the truth in an unvarnished manner, and let the people be swayed by the facts. Media bias, by holding back on reporting certain stories, is the poison of our time. The media should be questioning everything and holding everyone accountable, regardless of party.

We have been plagued by censorship and the demonization of people who have alternative views. The shouting and screaming at meetings does no one any good. We must step back and put our country and its people first,

doesn’t apply — to today. In general, we come to the same conclusion: We don’t like moving our clocks back and forth twice a year.

Why do we still do it? Blame Congress. And not just for the 1966 bill signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson, but for not ending this nonsense once and for all in the decades since then.

We actually came very close to making daylight saving time permanent across the United States with a Senate bill introduced by Marco Rubio. Modeled after a similar bill that had passed in Rubio’s home state of Florida, the Sunshine Protection Act earned support on both sides of the political aisle — from Democrats like Sheldon Whitehouse, of Rhode Island, to Republicans like then President Donald Trump himself.

The bill was actually passed by the Senate last year through unanimous consent, although some senators later complained that they didn’t know the bill was part of a consent package, and that if they had, they would have voted against it.

Yet all the Sunshine Protection Act needed was a thumbs-up from the House, and President Biden’s signature. It got neither, and thus, last weekend, we got to experience once again a shift in time for no other reason than to make evening daylight longer.

Is this all much ado about nothing? No, says neurologist Beth Ann Marlow, who teaches at Vanderbilt University in Tennessee. She has studied clock-changing across the country for the past five years,

and found that “the transition to daylight saving time each spring affects health immediately after the clock change, and also for the nearly eight months that Americans remain on daylight saving time.”

Marlow shared these findings with TheConversation.com last year, saying that the question shouldn’t be whether to end clock changes, but whether we should stick with standard time or daylight saving. Her choice? Standard time, which is closer to geological time, when the sun is highest at noon.

While daylight saving might allow for more sports to be played in sunlight after school, it also means that many who wake up before 8 a.m. to catch a bus are doing so in the dark.

Having the sun set earlier — at least according to our clocks — could help with sleep, too. Extended light in the evening delays the brain’s release of melatonin, the hormone that promotes drowsiness. It’s even worse for teenagers in the throes of puberty, Marlow adds, when melatonin already gets a late release, meaning our young minds are getting even less sleep.

Too often, we continue to embrace practices because they’ve always existed — Black Friday, scrambling an egg, making our beds in the morning only to mess them up again at night. But there are some practices that should indeed become a remnant of the past. And changing our clocks twice a year to accommodate daylight saving time can’t be eliminated fast enough.

My mixed memories of leading the parade

st. Patrick’s “Day” is actually several weeks of events commemorating Irish culture and traditions and Irish-America’s contributions to the American mosaic. The highlight event, of course, is the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade up Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, on the actual St. Patrick’s Day, March 17. But there are parades throughout the metropolitan area in the weeks leading up to and following the big day.

I can recall marching in numerous parades in communities including Bethpage, Glen Cove, Islip, Mineola, Rockaway, Rockville Centre and Wantagh. These were festive, upbeat events. What drew attention and controversy, however, was when, as Nassau County comptroller, I was elected by parade delegates to be grand marshal of the New

York City parade in 1985. The centuriesold struggle between the Irish and the British, euphemistically called the Troubles, was then in the 17th year of its latest manifestation in Northern Ireland, which included shootings, bombings, mass imprisonments and hunger strikes to the death.

I had visited Northern Ireland numerous times, including a fact-finding trip to Belfast with Senator Al D’Amato in December 1980, just after his election. Then I served as a member of a tribunal in Belfast investigating abuses by the British army and observing trials of accused Irish Republican Army members in non-jury courts. From these visits, where I met with people on all sides, and from my own study and analysis, I concluded that the main cause of the violence in Northern Ireland was British oppression and denial of human rights to the Catholic community. I concluded that the only solution would be all-party talks, which would include

Letters

and not be scared to say that. Too many self-serving agendas must be the next balloon that has to be shot down.

TONY GIAMeTTA Oceanside

Don’t try to pin T.R. down to ‘labels’

To the editor:

Re the editorial in the Feb. 23-March 1 issue, “Teddy Roosevelt: a president who defied labels”: Roosevelt didn’t defy labels; it’s we who seek the simplifying tags.

As the editorial mentions, T.R.’s “American” was an amalgam — not to be qualified by hyphen or purpose.

He also said “This country will not be a good place for any of us to live in unless we make it a good place for all of us to live in.”

Roosevelt’s pioneering conservationism was toward that end.

That principle could be a useful guide through the coming year — more useful than simplistic labels like “liber-

al” or “conservative.”

BRIAN KellY Rockville Centre

Long Islanders, support Bigger Better Bottle Bill

To the editor:

New York state is considering the Bigger Better Bottle Bill. led by Sen. Rachel May, it is intended to reduce litter and increase recycling by raising the deposit on returned cans and bottles from 5 to 10 cents.

The deposit has been 5 cents for 40 years. The bill would also expand the types of bottles that are eligible for return to include almost all beverages, including wine and liquor bottles.

Many environmental groups are advocating for the bill.

I urge our readership to contact their state legislators and urge them to support this important piece of legislation.

Sinn Fein, the party representing the IRA and a majority of the Catholic population in Northern Ireland.

Not surprisingly, the British government of Margaret Thatcher denounced my election as grand marshal of the 1985 parade. So, too, did the Irish government, which announced that it would boycott the parade and not allow any Irish official to march or participate in it in any way. Both governments pressured Cardinal John O’Connor to break with tradition and refuse to greet me on the steps of St. Patrick’s Cathedral on the day of the parade. This led to a one-on-one meeting between the cardinal and me just days before the parade, following which O’Connor agreed to review the parade and recognize me as the duly elected grand marshal.

This incensed British officials, who increased the pressure on O’Connor, which only moved him to support me more strongly and make our public

handshake (labeled by British media as the “handshake of shame”) the centerpiece of parade coverage. A consequence of all this controversy was death threats, which made it necessary for me to wear a bulky bulletproof vest and be escorted by Nassau County Police Department detectives and NYPD undercover officers along the 40-block parade route and then the rest of the day on the reviewing stand.

Fast-forward 13 years. By then a congressman, I had worked closely with President Bill Clinton and British and Irish officials to advance the Irish peace process, culminating in the Good Friday Agreement in April 1998, which brought peace to Ireland for the first time in almost 800 years. Sinn Fein had been a party to the talks, and was a key signatory to the agreement. Tony Blair and Bertie Ahern, the prime ministers of Great Britain and Ireland, the leaders of the countries that years earlier had condemned me as grand marshal, thanked me for my efforts!

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

Framework by Tim Baker

In the newsroom, a papier mâché proofreader (and a mouse-sized Herald) — Garden City

JOSePH M. VARON Member, Food and Water Watch, Long Island chapter, and Beyond Plastics

on St. Patrick’s Day in 1985, I needed a police escort and a bulletproof vest.

“Paid for by the Good Neighbors Party”