Malverne/West Hempstead Herald 04-11-2024

HERALD

What to know about the eclipse

Passing moon brings shade to a sunny day

David Walsh, 13, of Malverne, monitors the solar eclipse as a volunteer for the Civil Air Patrol on April 8 at the Franklin Square Public Library.

Girl Scout alumna making a difference across the country

By NICOLE FORMISANO nformisano@liherald.com

Gabrielle Fidis, of West Hempstead, was one of four women who were honored with an Impact Award at the second annual Girl Scout Legacy Brunch March 15, at the Heritage Club, in Farmingdale, hosted by the Girl Scouts of Nassau County. And though her work with the scouts reached new heights last year, the award is nearly a lifetime in the making.

Fidis grew up in the West Hempstead/Franklin Square Girl Scouts, where her mother was the leader of Troop 1739. When Gabrielle was a freshman at Manhattanville College, she became

an alternate delegate, and eventually delegate, to the Nassau County Girl Scouts, representing local Girl Scouts’ interests at the county level.

It’s about “having the opportunity to actually be the one to go vote, and to just have a lot of involvement with the decisions being made,” Fidis, 29, said. “It’s just really a great way to feel like I’m making a difference in a place that feels worth making a difference in.”

The awards brunch was created when Rande Bynum, the chief executive of the Girl Scouts of Nassau County, noticed that the awards ceremonies she had attended were dominated by men. Yet she knew of so many women, like Fidis, who

Students still talking how school rocked

By NICOLE FORMISANO nformisano@liherald.com

The first graders of Room 106, at Cornwell Avenue School in West Hempstead, were in the middle of partner reading time when teacher Kelsey Elias felt the table start shaking — and then her legs, and then the whole room. She’d experienced this once before, and knew what it meant: an earthquake was hitting New York.

IA 4.8 magnitude earthquake hit New Jersey last Friday morning, just 60 miles from Malverne and West Hempstead, and resonated throughout neighboring states. Seismic events along the East Coast are rare; the last noticeable quake occurred in 2011, originating in Virginia.

of adults feeling shaken — but not the students of Room 106.

“I was feeling brave,” Sofia Medina said.

“Very brave,” Zainab Aasim agreed.

But Elias, who knew her young class was in the middle of an earthquake, was a bit rattled.

“It’s definitely scary,” Elias said. “It’s my responsibility to make sure that all the kids in this room are safe.”

t felt like a train was going around our planet.

PROBHNOOR KAUR

But Elias kept calm, and the children handled the natural disaster like pros. No one even made a loud noise to show they were scared, Elias said, followed by proud affirmation from the chorus of students.

Friday’s event was the highest-magnitude earthquake to hit the Northeast since 1884. No structural damages were reported in Nassau County, executive Bruce Blakeman said during a press conference on Friday.

The earthquake had plenty

When the world started to shake beneath them, the 18 first graders each thought something different at the time.

“I thought the wind went through the window and shaked the board,” Jason Akpan said.

“I thought a rock hit the earth,” Julio Chavez Benitez said.

“I thought a tree fell on top

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

Nicole Wagner/Herald

Kids kept calm during Friday’s earthquake

of the roof,” Hazel Cakmak said. “Like something crashed into us and got falled down.”

Very few people on Long Island have previously felt the effects of an earthquake. The sensation could be hard to describe for some — but the students of Room 106 had no problem thinking up the perfect metaphors.

“It felt like a train was going around our planet,” Prabhnoor Kaur said.

“It was like a toe from a big ginormous monster jumping,” Matthew Capera said, as his classmates giggled. “Or anything big around the earth crashed.”

The rarity of earthquakes on Long Island meant that plenty of neighbors throughout Malverne and West Hempstead weren’t quite sure what was happening last Friday morning.

“The whole house shook,” Bridget LeVien said to the Herald on Facebook. “It took a few seconds to register what was going on.”

“I was home, and heard a loud rumbling and the house began to shake,” Elissa Forray said. “I went to the window wondering if large construction vehicles were going down my street.”

Many thought the shaking was from a passing freight train. Others quipped that they had assumed their husband put sneakers in the washing machine.

Salvatore Taormina explained, holding his hands together and gliding them back and forth to illustrate his point. “They move and crash into each other, and it’s an earthquake.” CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Elias turned the natural disaster into a learning opportunity. Her students, who are learning about nonfiction reading and writing, know the importance of researching things you

don’t quite understand. Now the students of Room 106 know exactly why earthquakes happen, and how they work.

“Tectonic plates make earthquakes,”

Courtesy Kelsey Elias

Kelsey Elias’ first grade class in Cornwell Avenue School was in the middle of partner reading time when the earthquake struck — but they turned the natural disaster into a learning opportunity.

Celebrating science at school STEM night

From kindergarteners to high schoolers, Malverne students and their families were invited to the high school on March 25 for an evening of hands-on science, math and engineering activities designed to inspire an interest in STEM learning. STEM is a teaching approach that combines science, technology, engineering and math to help students develop creative design, problem solving and critical thinking skills.

The event offered the opportu-

nity for students of all ages to engage in chemistry, biology and physical science experiments, as well as math games and sciencethemed crafts. Students were also able to explore robotics, float across the gym on a student-made hovercraft and enjoy ice cream made on-site using liquid nitrogen.

High school students even volunteered their time to help facilitate the activities and share their knowledge and experience with the younger students.

Ms. Guismondi, a Davison Avenue math teacher, led students in math games.

Even robots joined in on the fun at Family STEM night.

Photos courtesy Malverne school district High schoolers helped guide younger students by leading the science experiments.

Some students had a hair-raising experience with the Van Der Graff Generator, which illustrates static electricity.

High school engineering students created electric leaf blower-powered hovercraft — and then let younger kids hitch a ride.

One of the science experiments allowed students to see how various liquids could create flames in different colors.

Fidis’ impact extends beyond Nassau County

were making lasting impacts on their communities.

“We’re really kind of setting the pace, and we’re building the leaders of tomorrow,” Bynum said of the Girl Scouts. “We’re the next generation of the workforce. We’re the next generation of voters. We’re the next generation of change-makers here in Nassau County, and so why not take the lead and be the ones that zero in on folks doing a really good job?”

Fidis, a Creative Arts

Therapist at Bellevue Hospital who works with adult inpatients struggling with substance abuse and disorders, has been “pivotal” in the Girl Scouts’ work, Bynum said. And she didn’t stop at the county level. Last summer she became the Nassau County delegate to the Girl Scouts’ National Council Session in Florida.

to the Girl Scouts constitution stating that it is an anti-racist organization.

At first, the delegates from across the country had varying opinions on whether such an addition was necessary. But after continued discussions, they reached a mutual understanding, and the proposal passed.

I t’s just really a great way to feel like I’m making a difference in a place that feels worth making a difference in.

GABRIELLE FIDIS West Hempstead

“It just sounded like a really great way to expand the reach of what I’ve been trying to do on a local level,” Fidis said, “and be involved in the making of change.”

One of the most significant accomplishments of last year’s National Council Session was the addition of wording

“That was something that my association definitely fought very hard for,” Fidis said, referring to the other delegates she worked with.

“It got addended a little bit at the conference, but in a way that still had the integrity of what was trying to be said. It wasn’t watered down.”

“In her role, she really took on so much during the meeting,” Bynum said of Fidis. “She went to the mic a lot to correct things that were wrong in the parliamentary procedure, or to clarify things for the delegation about wording.”

Bynum got texts from other counties’ delegates who were impressed with Fidis’ work. “She was just really determined,” Bynum added. “She engaged with other delegations around the country, and just represented Nassau County really, really well.”

To help effect change on the national

level — especially as a woman, for women — was empowering, Fidis said.

She is an example of what the Girl Scouts does, Bynum said: It gives girls the opportunity to find their niche, and the confidence to step up and be leaders.

“When you think about Gabby using her voice on a national platform with

Parents of young children often overlook the need to plan for death or disability. Many believe they don’t have enough assets yet or that anything they have will automatically go to their spouse. However, every young parent needs basic documents – a Will, Power of Attorney and Health Care Proxy – what we term a “Young Family Estate Plan” (YFEP), that formalize their wishes in a variety of unexpected circumstances.

Without a YFEP, if one spouse dies, any assets that were in the husband’s or wife’s name alone will be subject to a court proceeding to name an “administrator” of the estate and New York law decides who gets which assets. The first $50,000 goes to the surviving spouse and the rest is divided 50% to the spouse and 50% to the children. The court will appoint a legal guardian to manage the money for them and then, ready or not, any remaining funds would be turned over to them at age 18.

such confidence and consistency, that comes from the practice that you get as an older girl in the program,” Bynum said. “We serve over 12,000 girls in this county, and each one of them is their own Gabby in their own right. Each girl is really determined to make a difference in their own way.”

If your spouse becomes disabled, and you don’t have a Power of Attorney for them, you must petition the court to be appointed as your spouse’s legal guardian to handle their affairs (such as selling or refinancing the house or drawing funds from their accounts). The court may decide against you as legal guardian and appoint someone else.

A YFEP also includes life insurance reviews and recommendations, so in the event your spouse dies you will have the financial resources to raise your children.

A YFEP (1) ensures that all of your spouse’s assets go to you and not half to your children if your spouse dies unexpectedly, (2) allows you to choose the legal guardian for your children, and at what age they will receive the unused assets, (3) avoids guardianship proceedings should your spouse have a disabling accident or illness, and (4) provides the financial wherewithal so that your children may continue to prosper and thrive.

Courtesy Nassau County Girl Scouts Rande Bynum, left, created the Legacy Brunch to honor women who have changed their community and the world beyond. Gabrielle Fidis, of West Hempstead, is one of four people to receive the Impact Award this year.

Sun and moon create celestial spectacle

By NICOLE FORMISANO nformisano@liherald.com

The last total solar eclipse to cross paths with New York happened 99 years ago — and it won’t happen again until another 55 years from now. Monday’s solar eclipse was a once-in-a-lifetime celestial event that left millions of people spellbound. But just how rare is it?

If the moon orbited the earth headon, we’d experience an eclipse at least twice a month — at each full moon and each new moon. But instead, the moon orbits the earth at a tilted angle, and on top of that, it wobbles slightly. This means that sometimes when the sun and moon align, the moon casts its shadow slightly above or below the earth instead of gracing viewers with an eclipse.

Further, the moon orbits the earth in an elliptical — or oval-shaped — path. When the moon is at its closest point to the earth, called perigee, it perfectly overlaps with the sun and produces a total solar eclipse. But when the moon is at its farthest point in orbit, called apogee, it appears too small in the sky to cover the entire sun. This is an annular solar eclipse, where the moon appears surrounded by a bright orange ring of sun. The otherworldly effect is called “the ring of fire.”

These total solar eclipses will become

Eclipses occur

rarer over time. The moon is straying around 1.5 inches farther from the earth every year, and will one day appear too small in the sky to ever produce a total solar eclipse again. But don’t fret — that won’t happen for hundreds of millions

Why is THIS seder different from all other seders???

Because it’s a Community Passover Seder with the Malverne Jewish Center and Valley Stream Jewish Center! Join us for the 2nd Seder on Tuesday, april 23 • 6:00pm

aT The Valley sTream Jewish CenTer

Celebrate Passover at a creative and interactive seder featuring singing, eating, celebrating, and telling the Passover story. Did I mention eating??? $45 per adult, $25 kids aged 5-10 RSVPs are needed by April 14

For more information & a registration form, please call 516-561-2308 or 516-825-2090

We are pleased to again be partnering with NJOP and appreciate their support. 1253495

■ Nocturnal wildlife, believing it’s night time, sometimes become active during total solar eclipses.

■ Solar eclipses only occur on a new moon.

■ Everyone in the continental U.S. was able to see at least a partial solar eclipse.

■ Did you see an extra-bright star southwest of the sun? That was Venus, which is usually invisible during the day.

■ The moon’s shadow is called the umbra, which is latin for “shade” or “ghost.” It’s also where we get the word “umbrella” from.

of years.

Though Long Island won’t experience complete totality, the sun will still reach 88 percent coverage — the most Long Island has seen in a generation. In preparation, the Malverne, West Hempstead

an Lakeview libraries have given out thousands of eclipse glasses free of charge, and hosted amateur astronomer Tom Lynch to educate neighbors on safe sky viewing in the weeks leading up to the eclipse.

Those interested in learning more about the celestial phenomenon can visit Science.NASA.gov.

Courtesy NASA

when the earth, sun and moon all align perfectly, called syzygy.

Will armed civilian deputies help county?

By ROKSANA AMID ramid@liherald.com

Nearly 100 people stood on the steps of the Nassau County legislature building in Mineola on Monday afternoon, clutching signs reading, “Blakeman is a liar! Armed militants are not the answer” and “Eclipse Blakeman’s militia”’ while chanting “no militia, no way.”

The protest came on the heels of Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman jumpstarting a program allowing civilians with gun permits — especially retired law enforcement or military veterans — to step forward as provisional special deputy sheriffs during times of crisis.

The program, Blakeman said, aims to bolster emergency response capabilities within the county. Applicants are required to be U.S. citizens between 21 and 72 who live in the county, and possess a pistol license. Additionally, they must consent to thorough background checks, random drug testing, and provide medical certification of fitness for duty.

The position offers a daily stipend of $150 when activated during declared emergencies, but these special deputies would have no other policing authority outside of such circumstances.

Laura Burns, a Rockville Centre resident and volunteer with Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, opposes Blakeman’s program, citing concerns about escalating gun violence and the lack of necessity for additional firearms in Nassau County, which boasts one of the lowest gun death rates in the country.

She expresses trust in the well-trained Nassau County Police Department, and questions the rationale behind distrusting existing law enforcement agencies.

“We are trying to keep guns out of the hands of people who shouldn’t have guns,” Burns said. “We understand that gun violence increases with the more people who are carrying guns. We think it’s a reckless idea to put more guns in the hands of more untrained people on the streets.”

Allison Dzikowski of Bellmore suggests that existing county police training is more reliable than expecting civilians to effectively respond to heightened stressful situations.

“We should trust our police department to do their jobs that they’re trained for,” she said. “They go through training. They go through (the) academy. They are trained to deal with highly stressful situations. That’s not something that we can guarantee that they’ll be able to act under a heightened, stressful situation.”

Citing New York State County Law 655 — which grants sheriffs the authority to deputize additional personnel for emergency situations — Blakeman justifies the initiative to safeguard life and property during crises. Special deputy sheriffs, while not typically responding to 911 calls, assume full police authority when activated, and are tasked with executing warrants, serving court orders, and conducting other law enforcement duties.

Talking to reporters last week at the county’s Holocaust Memorial & Tolerance Center, Blakeman said he would require these special deputies to have a firearms license and undergo background and mental health checks. The county will provide basic police training.

Blakeman added he will call up these deputies in only the most extreme situation, like a natural disaster — with the mission being not to police, but to guard hospitals and other infrastructure to free up sworn county police officers.

“I didn’t want to find myself in a circumstance where we’d have an emergency in a very significant event like Superstorm Sandy, and scramble to get volunteers,” Blakeman said. “All we’re doing here is pretraining, and vetting those individuals, and creating a database and a list.”

However, the rollout of this program has sparked controversy, with county legislators like Delia DeRiggi-Whitton expressing reservations, claiming she and other officials were not adequately informed of the initiative. The Democrat also says she feels confident the Nassau County Police Department can handle any job — and if they can’t, then Blakeman should hire more police officers.

“He hasn’t been transparent,” DeRiggi-Whitton said. “He never told us if there was going to be any training. In fact, that was never part of the ad, which was the first we heard of this.”

This is something the county executive should have brought to local lawmakers, she said.

“The county would be on the hook for anything that goes wrong,” DeRiggi-Whitton said. “We will be responsible financially. So, you know, that could be a lot of money, and then it’s taxpayer money that would pay for anything that went wrong with the deputy.”

Citing an email she said she received from a Jewish resident in Massapequa, DeRiggi-Whitton comparing

Blakeman’s call for special deputies to the paramilitary wing of the early Nazi Party, the lawmaker told another news outlet that the proposal is creating “a lot of anxiety.”

“It reminds them not only of the Wild West, but of times in Europe with uncertainty,” DeRiggi-Whitton said. “There was something called the Brownshirts, which was basically having civilians suddenly become part of law enforcement without the training.”

More formally called the Sturmabteilung, this group was founded in 1921 and led attacks against Jewish people and other minority groups and businesses in Germany.

Making such a comparison outraged Blakeman, who called on DeRiggi-Whitton to resign, citing the 100 people who have applied for the deputy program so far are veterans and first responders who already have training in weapon use.

“Equating these men and women who would be willing to devote their time to protecting our county — who have prior experience in law enforcement and the military — we’re calling them ‘Brownshirts,’” Blakeman said. “This is not only a personal insult to me, as a Jew, but it is a personal insult on humanity, and to those men and women, civic minded individuals who stepped up and said they would serve in an emergency.”

Supporters of the program — like Jeff Weissman, a former FBI agent — said he found DeRiggi-Whitton’s comparison “deeply disturbing.”

“The county executive, from the point of view of those of us who live here, is trying every day to provide the maximum extent of protection for our citizens.” Weissman said. “He’s allowing the police to be freed up in, God forbid, a county emergency where these deputies would be able to perform other tasks for them.”

DeRiggi-Whitton said she would not resign. In a phone call to the Herald, she expressed concern with transparency over training deputies, and said Democrats in the legislature proposed hiring 100 new police officers instead — but that Republicans voted that down.

“I still have a fundamental problem with this county executive being able to declare an emergency and then summon these people to go wherever he wants,” DeRiggi-Whitton said. “It’s not a good fit and not a good direction for where we should be with Nassau County.”

Tim Baker/Herald photos

Laura Burns, a volunteer with Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, says Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman’s initiative to deputize civilians would put more guns on the county’s streets, potentially increasing crime rates. Blakeman maintains the plan would free up police resources in emergencies by putting more trained personnel in action.

Nassau County Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton opposes County Executive Bruce Blakeman’s plans to deputize civilians for emergencies — saying the existing police force is more than enough to handle such situations.

ELDER LAW

LAND USE & ZONING

JOSEPH MILIZIO, ESQ.

Managing Partner

Vishnick McGovern Milizio LLP

ANDREW P. COOPER, ESQ., LL.M.

Counsel | Long Island

Falcon Rappaport & Berkman LLP

NICHOLAS T. TERZULLI, ESQ.

Senior Counsel Davidoff Hutcher & Citron LLP

BRYAN F. LEWIS

Counsel

Nixon Peabody LLP

MARC SARACINO ESQ.

Associate Campolo, Middleton & McCormick, LLP

NICHOLAS RAMCHARITAR, ESQ.

Owner and Attorney

The Ramcharitar Law Firm

STEVEN M. RAISER

Founding Partner

Raiser & Kenniff, PC

LESLIE TAYNE, ESQ.

Financial Attorney, Founder & Managing Director

Tayne Law Group

DAVID MEJIAS

Managing Partner Mejias, Milgrim, Alvarado & Lindo, PC

RANDI M. MILGRIM

KRISTI DIPAOLO, ESQ.

Senior Associate

Cona Elder Law

ILANA DAVIDOV, ESQ.

Founder & Estate Planning Attorney

Davidov Law Group

MICHAEL DAVIDOV, ESQ., CFP

Partner

Davidov Law Group

DONNA STEFANS, ESQ., AIF®

Founder & Lead Attorney

Stefans Law Group PC

NEIL B. FANG

Partner

Schwartz, Fang & Keating, PC

GREGORY L. MATALON, ESQ.

Partner

Capell Barnett Matalon & Schoenfeld LLP

HON. GAIL PRUDENTI

Partner

Burner Prudenti Law, PC

FAMILY & IP

JACOB RUBINSTEIN, ESQ.

Founder and Managing Partner

Rubinstein Law Firm, PLLC

JOHN C. FARRELL Partner

Sahn Ward Braff Koblenz Coschignano PLLC

LITIGATION & DISPUTE RESOLUTION

MICHAEL J. ANTONGIOVANNI, ESQ.

Shareholder

Meyer, Suozzi, English & Klein, PC

EDWARD G. MCCABE

Partner

Sahn Ward Braff Koblenz Coschignano PLLC

PAUL F. MILLUS, ESQ.

Shareholder

Meyer, Suozzi, English & Klein, PC

SAMUEL J. FERRARA

Chair, Matrimonial & Family Law, Partner

Meister Seelig & Fein PLLC

JEFFREY M. KIMMEL

JENNIFER D. HOWER

Partner

Herman Katz LLP

KELLY KOSTER

Partner, President

Pasternack Tilker Ziegler Walsh Stanton & Romano, LLP

Nassau County Women's Bar Association

Partner Mejias, Milgrim, Alvarado & Lindo, PC MANAGING

EDUCATION

TIFFANY C. GRAHAM

Associate Professor of Law, Associate Dean of Diversity and Inclusion

Touro University,

Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center

JENNIFER M. MONE, ESQ.

Senior Vice President for Legal Affairs

& General Counsel

Hofstra University

CHRISTOPHER F. MESTECKY

Managing Partner

Guercio & Guercio, LLP

RISING STAR

MEREDITH CHESLER

Associate

Vishnick McGovern Milizio LLP

NIXON PEABODY LLP

BETTINA L. HOLLIS, ESQ.

Attorney

The Rizzuto Law Firm

LINDSAY MALESON

Partner & Healthcare Practice Group Leader

Nixon Peabody LLP

MICHAEL CATALIOTTI, ESQ.

Principal Cataliotti Law PC

EDUARDO M. VILLACORTA, ESQ.

Founder Villacorta Law Group

HEALTHCARE IMMIGRATION LABOR & EMPLOYMENT

NATHALIE L. BELL

Managing Partner

Bell Law Group, PLLC

Managing Partner & CEO

Salenger Sack Kimmel & Bavaro LLP

NEAL A. GOLDSTEIN Partner

Goldstein and Bashner

DANIEL J. BAKER

Shareholder

Greenberg Traurig, LLP

ROBERT S. BARNETT CPA, ESQ. Partner

Capell Barnett Matalon & Schoenfeld LLP

HAILEY TRAPANI

MacArthur Junior Softball

AN ALL-STATE SELECTION last spring, Trapani helped lead the Generals to the Nassau Class A championship. As a sophomore and No. 2 hitter in the lineup, she batted .440 (44-for100) with 5 homers, 24 RBIs and 44 runs scored. She also had 11 doubles and stole 3 bases and served as MacArthur’s starting right fielder. She’s in her third varsity campaign after handling the team’s designated hitter duties in 2022 and finishing with a .292 avg.

GAMES TO WATCH

Thursday, April 11

Baseball: Hewlett at Kennedy 4:30 p.m.

Baseball: Freeport at Oceanside 4:30 p.m.

Baseball: Mepham at Long Beach 5 p.m.

Baseball: Wantagh at Lynbrook 5 p.m.

Baseball: Uniondale at V.S. South 5 p.m.

Softball: Seaford at Wantagh 5 p.m.

Softball: Oceanside at MacArthur 5 p.m.

Girls Lacrosse: South Side at North Shore 5 p.m.

Girls Lacrosse: Garden City at Long Beach 7 p.m.

Friday, April 12

Girls Lacrosse: Freeport at Hewlett 5 p.m.

Boys Lacrosse: East Meadow at Oceanside 5 p.m.

Boys Lacrosse: Clarke at Lawrence 5 p.m.

Boys Lacrosse: Lynbrook at Wantagh 5 p.m.

Girls Lacrosse: Sewanhaka at Clarke 5 p.m.

Saturday, April 13

Softball: Kennedy at Calhoun 10 a.m.

Softball: V.S. Central at Malverne 10 a.m.

Softball: Long Beach at Carey 10 a.m.

Softball: Lynbrook at Baldwin 10 a.m.

Girls Flag Football: Valley Stream at Freeport 11 a.m.

Girls Lacrosse: South Side at Manhasset 12 p.m.

Nominate a “Spotlight Athlete”

High School athletes to be featured on the Herald sports page must compete in a spring sport and have earned an AllConference award or higher last season. Please send the following information:

Name, School, Grade, Sport and accomplishments to Sports@liherald.com.

Malverne builds off 13-win 2023

By BRIAN KACHARABA sports@liherald.com

The Malverne softball team had to slog its way through the first few games of the season due to the inclement weather that’s plagued Long Island in recent weeks, and the early results have been positive.

The Mules took two of their first three Conference 6 games and sat 2-2 overall as the calendar turned to April. Rain-shortened games and postponements have been the norm the last couple of weeks, but the team is starting to regain its mojo after winning nine of its last 11 games in 2023 to finish 13-6.

“Our goal is to be better than last year,” coach Nick Moreno said. “Every year, we want to be better than the year before. We lost our two biggest hitters last year, but we have girls that we believe can step it up and take over for them and do the same thing.”

After dropping its non-conference opener and falling 18-9 to Friends Academy on March 22 to open the conference portion of the schedule, Malverne got a late base hit from junior third baseman Olivia Jenkins in a 5-4, five-inning comeback win at Uniondale on March 25 before pummeling Roosevelt 16-2 in four innings two days later behind three hits and three RBIs from Jenkins.

“I wasn’t ever doubtful that we wouldn’t come back,” Moreno said of the Uniondale game. “Nirvana [starting pitcher Cole] had a great game. Now we’re starting to get the bats going, and that’s what happened with the Roosevelt game. We were finally able to swing the bat [and] get some runs on the board. I don’t know how many runs we would’ve scored if we kept on going.”

Cole fanned 18 batters against Uniondale and is already poised for a breakout senior season with 25 strikeouts in just 11 innings. She has even had to do a little extra to pick up the defense.

“She’s going to be dominant all year,” Moreno said. “Even in the last game, those are two unearned runs. In one game, she had five strikeouts in an inning and we couldn’t throw girls out on

a dropped third strike. She can pitch every game for me. I’m really looking for great numbers from her.”

Senior catcher Raya Harrison will set the table in the leadoff spot and went 3-for-3 with two runs scored against Uniondale. Speedy tri-captain Luz Rodriguez, another senior, was a .300 hitter last spring and Moreno is hoping she can excel further hitting after Harrison while still providing great defense in center field.

Senior tri-captain Anyely Rijo was a

newcomer to softball last year, but still hit .400 with 14 RBI and 17 runs scored. She is the new cleanup hitter in front of junior first baseman Olivia Brown, who went 3-for-3 with three RBIs against Roosevelt.

Junior Nathaly Uribe and senior Daniela Brito will flank Rodriguez in the outfield and sophomore Kaylie Gonzalez is the starting second baseman. Freshman Lea Cardenas will also see time at first base and senior Allison Martinez is one of the team’s better defensive players.

Terry Uellendahl/Herald Senior pitcher Nirvana Cole was dominant in the circle March 25 in a 5-4 victory over Uniondale, striking out 18.

The word procrastination is bandied about all the time, but what exactly is it? Simply put, it’s an approach-avoidance conflict. Part of you knows you need (or even want) to do a task but another part of you resists making the time and effort to do it. Like a Hamlet in the world of action, you’re torn between two impulses: This ambivalence makes it tough for you to act. So, what happens?

■ You start to do the task yet lingering resistance results in your working at a snail’s pace.

■ You stay stuck in your Hamlet-like conflict until the last moment; then you lurch into action, prodded on by an impending deadline or a ticked-off third party.

■ You do the work, but you’re so fixated on perfection that you never finish it for fear of it not being good enough.

3 Procrastinators walk into a bar

Yup, procrastination is the butt of many a joke. No problem with that … until it gets serious. People aren’t perfect. We put things off. We forget. But when procrastination is not just an occasional occurrence but is chronic and pervasive, it will cause problems for

you throughout your lifetime.

So, it’s important to address it now! Just like there’s a major difference between getting angry at times and being an angry person; there’s a major difference between procrastinating at times and being a chronic procrastinator.

If you’re wondering how extensive your procrastination pattern is, think about how often you procrastinate and the consequences of putting tasks off. If you know many ways to procrastinate, I’m impressed. You’re a creative person! However, if you keep telling yourself, “I’ll do it later” then later you slip into something more comfortable – like a coma – it’s time to learn how to use your creativity to your advantage!

Discover Your “But!”

the title became “It’s About Time!” A thoughtful title: still, I like my But as it’s a word procrastinators use as justification why they didn’t do what they were supposed to do, as in:

■ “I was going to take care of it but……”

■ “I wanted to study but…..”

■ “I expected to be on time but….”

The most valuable thing you need to know about “but” is this: Whatever comes After “BUT” is what counts; Whatever comes Before “BUT” simply softens the blow.

to do so and this innocent looking 3-letter word will be your never-ending excuse as to why you didn’t do what you said you’d do. But I’m too tired; but I was too busy; but I forgot; but, but, but…. Clearly, you’ve got to figure out a way to get the better of your buts.

Oh, and one more thing. Know the difference between but & and. “But” denotes opposition and blockage; “And” denotes connection and resolution. Both clauses of your sentence are important; one doesn’t cancel out the other. A solution awaits you! I’m sure you hear the difference between these two sentences!

■ I have work to do but sure I’ll join you. (There goes the work you were going to do!)

I want to share a secret with you. My first book on procrastination I wanted to title “Discover Your “But.” My publisher said “nope.” Too many people might misinterpret it as, “Discover Your Butt!” Seriously? Yup, seriously! Hence,

Intuitively, you already know this. If your love says to you, “You’re a terrific person “but....” you brace yourself for criticism. Though you can’t control what others say to you, you can control what you say to yourself.

Hence, I hope you do yourself a favor by placing the action-oriented part of your message after the “but.” As in, I want to hang with my friends, but I must finish my report first.” Neglect

■ I have work to do and I’ll join you as soon as I finish it. (Both work and socializing are important!)

Linda Sapadin, Ph.D., psychologist, coach, and author specializes in helping people improve their relationships, enhance their lives, and overcome debilitating procrastination, anxiety, and depression. Contact her at DrSapadin@ aol.com. Check out her books on procrastination at Amazon.com. Visit her website at PsychWisdom.com.

An egg hunt of prehistoric proportions

Adventure seekers flocked to the Tanglewood Preserve over the weekend, to join the Center for Science, Teaching and Learning for a thrilling expedition to unearth ancient treasures.

To celebrate the Easter holiday, children of all ages were given a quest unlike any other — to find the hidden dinosaur egg among the towering Mesozoic creatures. Families reveled in the excitement of discovery, while participants scoured the grounds in pursuit of hidden surprises. With each find, explorers learned new information from this bygone era.

But the adventure didn’t end there. Attendees were also given the opportunity to create their own dinosaur mementos to take home with them, each one a tangible reminder of their journey.

Admission to the Dino Egg Hunt event was free with paid museum entry, granting visitors the opportunity to delve into a world where the prehistoric past comes alive. To learn more about the Center for Science, Teaching and Learning and more ways to embark on your own expedition through time, visit CSTL.org.

–Daniel Offner

Skye Margies/Herald photos

Niko Rodriguez, 5, and Penny Rodriguez, 2, create their own dinosaur crafts.

Elijah Santos, 6, explores the triceratops exhibit.

Tony Bencivengo, 4, pets the 20-year-old turtle named Chelonae.

Families also took the time to enjoy the live reptiles exhibit. Kelly, 2, pets a snake named Xavier, handled by volunteer Chuck Daverio.

Robert Battafarano, 4, colors his dinosaur egg craft.

Tess Laliberte, 4, finds an egg hidden among the fossils during the Dino Egg Hunt.

By Danielle Schwab & Tim Baker

Lori Lang, Malverne

“I have all the kids go through their closets and see what’s donatable to either a church or Big Brothers Big Sisters. Spring cleaning can be a great way to give back to the community.

What is your spring cleaning ritual?

Karen Richards, East Meadow

“When winter is over, spring means starting over with a clean slate. I follow what my mom and grandma did with their spring cleaning, so it’s been passed down the generations.”

Patti Elliott, Seaford

“I get the outside ready as soon as possible. The backyard is our ‘other room’ that we get to use in the spring/summer.

Lisa LoGuidice, Merrick

“I love to entertain in the spring and summer outside, so spring cleaning is a great way to feel a sense of coziness for myself and my guests.”

Nicky Lutsky, Long Beach

“Being stuck inside for the winter, you want to make everything fresh and exciting come spring. My mother was a big cleaner, so I gained my cleaning skills and routine from her.”

STEPPING OUT

Comic showcase

By Karen Bloom

Spring beckons with the first burst of blooms. While signs of the season are all around us now, there’s no place better than to welcome the season than at the always-glorious Old Westbury Gardens.

The landmark 200-acre estate, which officially re-opened April 1, is ready to delight visitors with its glorious gardens, a refurbished Westbury House, and a busy schedule of programs and activities.

This year promises to be especially exciting for President Maura Brush (in her first full season heading the beloved landmark), staff and visitors, as the estate — the former residence of lawyer John Shaffer Phipps, an heir to the Phipps family fortune — marks its 65th anniversary as a public home and garden.

“When the gardens opened to the public, Peggy Phipps and her friends probably carried it through many of those first years, that transition from private to public,” Brush says. “Sixty-five years is a big deal for an organization. I feel a great deal of energy going into this year. We’re really hitting our stride now.”

Brush describes her organization as an independent nonprofit that’s managed to hold its own in a place like Long Island that has so many things to offer people.

“So, the fact that we’re still here 65 years later with higher attendance — a higher rate of membership than ever before — speaks to people’s support of us,” she says. “We have our own special place in Long Island history, and our own special place in the horticultural world.”

That “specialness” is evident from the moment visitors enter through the gates. The first signs of the season have made their presence known.

“April is so exciting, with so many flowers ready to appear,” Brush says, enthusiastically. “Every type, size and signs of blooms are so cherished.”

The lake area is a favored place to check out in early spring.

“In the beginning of the year, it’s those outlying areas around the lakes where the waterline sort of meets the grass that’s so pleasant to visit,” Brush says. “It’s contemplative. With the trees not leafed out yet, the sun kind of shines off the water. I’ve noticed people are looking to get the sunlight. In the later months, they want to escape the sunlight. But in April, they want to turn their faces up and bask in that sun after winter.”

Old Westbury Gardens is reinvigorated for a milestone year ahead

• Old Westbury Gardens

• 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury

• For more information and program/events schedule, visit OldWestburyGardens. org or call (516) 333-0048

Path, Brush’s favorite spot at the start of the season.

“It’s at its best from April through midMay,” she says. “It’s particularly interesting from a horticulturalist standpoint. There are so many things that naturalize on their own in there, and its nice to see nature having a part of the painting. You know the Walled Garden is beautiful, but it’s done by man, whereas the Primrose Path is a nice merge between man painting with our brush and mother nature painting with hers.”

Of course, its namesake — the showy, early blooming primrose — is certainly the star of that spot. Also forget-me-not and other spring ephemerals add to the springtime display.

“It’s a wild counterpart to the more formal gardens,” Brush adds.

She notes that the landscape is ever-changing and continuously bursting with color.

“Every week there’s a rollout,” she says.

From the cascades of cherry blossoms, the delicate frittillaria, daffodils, cheerful viola to, of course, tulips, shrubbery and trees, it’s all carefully conceived and executed by Brush’s team.

“We have a really well-curated display of bulbs that you’ll not see elsewhere,” she says. “So much time and care has been put into curating these bulbs. We utilize them in such a way that the combinations are so interesting. The Walled Garden is particularly exciting.”

Along with the colorful blooms, the extensive schedule of programming springs forth. This month’s highlights include the season’s first concert by Old Westbury Gardens’ resident chamber ensemble, Poetica Musica, April 13, at Westbury House. Dog lovers can look forward to the popular Dog Friendly Weekend, including the Spring Dog Festival, April 20-21. Pooches and their pet parents enjoy exploring the grounds (leashed of course), and meeting up with fellow four-legged visitors.

“The calendar is so full this year there’s barely a blank square,” Brush says. “We consider this a year-long celebration of everything old Westbury

Laugh the night away when the Long Island Comedy Festival returns to the Madison Theatre with new edition of its popular show. This entertaining evening of stand-up, hosted by Paul Anthony, features a top tier lineup of creative talent on the comedy circuit. Eric Tartaglione, John Ziegler and Baker & Mark (pictured) keep the laughs coming all evening long. Tartaglione’s high energy is complemented by physically expressive act. Whether he’s poking fun at his Italian background, his shortcomings or his married life, his performance is totally relatable to all audiences. Ziegler realized his childhood dream when he entered stand-up comedy at 40. Growing up in a large Jewish family in an Italian/Irish Catholic Long Island neighborhood has given him a unique perspective for his comedy. Finally, Scott Baker and Vinnie Mark, known as ‘The Quickest Thinkers in Comedy,’ are acclaimed for their fast-paced, off-the-cuff improv act. No two performances are ever alike.

Saturday, April 13, 8 p.m. Molloy University, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre. For tickets and information, visit MadisonTheatreNY. org, or call (516) 323-4444.

The Wallflowers

Over by the lake, you’ll find early blooming shrubs like Cornelian Cherry and Viburnum, along with Flowering Quince, the multi-stemmed deciduous thorny shrub that produces short-lived red, orange, white or pink flowers and shiny, dark-green foliage.

“They are beautiful this time of year,” Brush notes.

Plus, an early spring visit to the lake area is an ideal opportunity to observe the estate’s wildlife.

“The lake is fun this time of year,” she says.“The ducks are there and you see turtles in the early part of the season sunning themselves on the logs and on banks. They congregate around the lake areas on the property. They really seem to enjoy being there.”

Also don’t miss the Primrose

“We always like to consider that you are guests in our home. We invite everyone to join us in celebrating this milestone as we showcase the beauty and splendor that have defined Old

Westbury

Grab your leather jackets and get ready to rock! The Wallflowers have hit the road with their epic sound. Expect to hear fan favorites, including the Billboard 100 charter ‘Sleepwalker.’ Formed in 1989 by Jakob Dylan and guitarist Tobi Miller, the band has seen many changes over the years. The current line-up consists of Steve Mackey on bass, Stanton Adcock on lead guitar, Lynn Williams on drums, and Dylan on lead vocals and guitar. For the past 30 years, it’s stood as one of rock’s most dynamic and purposeful bands — a unit dedicated to and continually honing a sound that meshes timeless storytelling with a hard-hitting and decidedly modern musical attack. That signature style has been present through the decades, baked into the grooves of smash hits like 1996’s ‘Bringing Down the House,’ as well as more recent and exploratory fare like ‘Glad All Over.’ While it’s been nine long years since we’ve heard from the group with whom he first made his mark, The Wallflowers are silent no more.

Thursday, April 17, 8 p.m. $75, $45, $35, $25. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY.com.

Old Westbury Gardens is ready to burst out with a brilliant display of color.

Photos courtesy Old Westbury Gardens

blooming shrubs like Cornelian Cherry and Gardens has to offer.

Gardens for generations.”

THE Your Neighborhood

Melissa Errico

Melissa Errico takes the stage with pianist-arranger Billy Stritch for her new show “The Life and Loves of a Broadway Baby.” She arrives at the Landmark on Friday, April 19, at 8 p.m., for this theatrical tour de force. Errico sets her own life to the Broadway songs that she has sung and owned — and offers both a sensational set of beloved standards and a series of witty and sometimes wicked stories about an ingenue’s life passed on the Great White Way. A sexy, sublime study of American songs, ranging from Cole Porter to Harold Arlen, Lerner & Loewe to Taylor Swift, with a substantial peek at Melissa’s new Sondheim album, “Sondheim In The City,”, with songs like “Everybody Says Don’t,” “Take Me To The World,” and “Being Alive.”

A woman of stage, screen and song, she’s a great interpreter of classic musicals and modern music alike, as well as a sparkling writer, recording artist, and film/television actress. Opera News has called her “the Maria Callas of American musical theater,” referencing both her silken voice and dramatic, expressive intensity, first came to attention for her starring roles on Broadway. She has since become a concert, cabaret and recording artist as well. Errico has starred on Broadway in such musicals as My Fair Lady where The New York Times called her Eliza Doolittle “beguiling,” White Christmas in the Rosemary Clooney role of Betty, and as Cosette in Les Misérables. Come hear for yourself why Broadway World says, “The way Melissa Errico immerses herself in every moment, the technical brilliance of her vocal abilities, and the sheer star power that the lady exudes, makes her a take-no-prisoners performer, offering a leave-it-allon-the-floor show. $63, $53, $43. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. (516) 767-6444 or LandmarkOnMainStreet.org.

All Kids Fair

The family extravaganza returns to Samanea New York Mall (formerly The Source Mall), Sunday, April 14, 10 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. Enjoy varied activities along with over 80 kidcentered exhibitors. New activities this year include Be a Biker for a Day, and Ninja Warrior obstacle course, along with soft play (ages infant to 5), mixed martial arts and pickleball, featuring two fullsize pickleball courts with expert instruction.

Also three large bounce houses, DJ with Mr. and Mrs. Mouse, Face painting, balloon animals, photo booth, sensory play, putting green, arts and crafts, and more. $10 for children ages 2 and up, $5 for adults; all tickets $5 advance purchase. 1504 Old Country Road, Westbury. For tickets and more information, visit AllKidsFair.com.

Baldwin Homemakers

Annual Auction

All are welcome to join Baldwin Homemakers for their annual auction, Wednesday May 1, 7 p.m., at Baldwin Middle School. $5 admission includes 1 front table raffle ticket. With coffee, cake and door prize. Additional raffle tickets will be available for sale. 3211 Schreiber Place, Baldwin.

On exhibit

Nassau County Museum of Art’s latest exhibition, “Urban Art Evolution,” is a comprehensive exhibit featuring a diverse range of compositions from the 1980s through the present by creators who were based in the rough and tumble downtown area of New York City known as Loisaida/LES (Lower East Side/East Village) and close surrounding neighborhoods. Artists pushed the boundaries of what was considered “art” with a primary focus on street/graffiti art. The exhibit’s scope, guest curated by art collector/gallerist Christopher Pusey, offers an even broader view from other creative residents, who worked inside their studios but still contributed to the rich fabric of the downtown art scene from different vantage points and aesthetics.

Works include sculpture, paintings, photography, music, and ephemera from many noted and influential artists. On view through July 7. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.

Does this pretty much sum it up for you?

Or someone you care for?

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www.BeatProcrastinationCoach.com

Baby shower for moms-to-be

Mercy Hospital hosts this free event for expecting moms-tobe, Saturday, May 11, noon to 2 p.m., in the lower level cafeteria. With raffles, giveaways for mom and baby, and meet and greets with physicians, lactation specialists, mother/baby nurses, games and more. For moms only. 1000 N. Village Ave. Email Elizabeth.Schwind@chsli.org to register. For more information, visit CHSLI.org/mercy-hospital or call (516)-626-3729.

Bingo Night

American Legion Cathedral Post 1087, in West Hempstead, hosts a fundraiser, Friday, April 19, at 6 p.m., benefitting Veterans’ Affairs outreach. It includes beer, wine, soda, salads and six-foot heroes along with two bingo cards. Donations are $20 per person. 233 Woodlawn Road, West Hempstead. Call Pete Johansen at (516) 489-2862 to register.

Lemonade 5K

What better way to celebrate finishing a 5K than with a refreshing glass of lemonade?

Participate in the Lemonade 5K, which benefits the Never Stop Running Foundation, Sunday, April 28, starting at 9 a.m. Takes place rain or shine at Hempstead State Lake Park. $35 fee. Visit EliteFeats.com to sign up.

April 14

On stage

Plaza Theatrical continues its season with “Til Death Do Us Part…

You First,” directed by Chazz Palminteri, Sunday, April 14, 2:30 p.m. Peter Fogel wrote and perfroms his hilarious autobiographical tale. An eternal bachelor, Fogel has major commitment issues as the love of his life has just broken up with him on Valentine’s Day. He senses his own mortality and after much soul searching, he decides to revisit the scene of all his romantic disasters.

Fogel’s signature wit, along with riotous relatable characters, takes us on a whirlwind comedic journey of searching for his soul mate and the meaning of a real commitment. Fogel laments: “The longest relationship I’ve had in my entire life…is with T-Mobile!” $40, $35 seniors. See it at Plaza’s stage at the Elmont Library Theatre. 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont. For tickets, call (516) 599-6870 or visit PlazaTheatrical.com.

Having an event?

Art explorations

Converse, collaborate and create at Family Saturdays at Nassau County Museum of Art, Saturday, April 13, noon-3 p.m. Get inspired by the art and objects in the galleries and then join educators at the Manes Center to explore and discover different materials to create your own original artwork. Kids and adults connect while talking about and making art together. A new project is featured every week. $20 adult, $10 child. For ages 2-14. Registration required. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. Visit NassauMuseum.org for to register or call (516) 484-9337.

Street Fair

Welcome spring at the Nassau Boulevard Street Fair and Foodie Fest, hosted by the West Hempstead Community Support Association, Sunday, April 14, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Hall’s Pond. Enjoy food, handmade crafts, inflatable bounce houses, and live music. Free ice cream for the first 500 kids 12 and under. 671 Nassau Blvd., in West Hempstead.

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.

Forest Bathing

Sands Point Preserve offers another in its series of Forest Bathing walks, led by certified guide Linda Lombardo, Saturday, April 13, 10 a.m.-noon. Based on the Japanese tradition of ShinrinYoku, a wellness practice developed in the 1980s, the walk, on the grounds of the former summer residence of Howard Gould and later Daniel and Florence Guggenheim, inspires mindful connections with the natural elements of the woods for a range of healthful benefits. $40, $35 members. Registration required. Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Road. For information, visit SandsPointPreserveConservancy.org or call (516) 571-7901.

Celebrate Holi

Long Island Children’s Museum invites families to celebrate Holi, the Festival of Colors, Sunday, April 14, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Originating in India, this Hindu festival marks the end of winter and the arrival of the colorful spring season. During this joyous celebration, families eat sweets, dance to traditional folk music and throw colorful powder made from flowers called gulal. Crafts, color throwing and dancing will be part of this vibrant event. Welcome spring’s arrival with Holi. Participants are encouraged to wear clothes that they won’t mind getting messy. Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or LICM.org.

Poetica Musica in concert

Enjoy a delightful musical tour exploring the history of France from Medieval times to the present, with Old Westbury Gardens’ chamber music artists-inresidence, Saturday, April 13, 7:30-10 p.m. in Westbury House’s Red Ballroom. Explore the works and styles of Mozart, Chopin, Ravel, Debussy, and Rameau, among others, with pianist Hayk Arsenyan, mezzo soprano Eleanor Valkenburg and guest artist Christopher Preston Thompson (tenor and harpist). With pre-concert discussion, 7:30 p.m., and Meet the Artists reception immediately following concert on the West Porch. $30 general admission, $24 members, $25 Seniors (62+) and students. Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury. For information, visit OldWestburyGardens.org or call (516) 333-0048.

COUNTY OF NASSAU, SSA NE ASSETS, LLC, Plaintiff, vs. TAB EQUITY GROUP LLC, ET AL., Defendant(s).

Pursuant to an Order

Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on February 9, 2024, 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 23, 2024 at 2:30 p.m., premises known as 203 Washington Street, Hempstead, NY 11550.

All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Village of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 34, Block 203 and Lots 357-358.

Approximate amount of judgment is $562,992.97 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #602810/2022. 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.

Merik R. Aaron, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No. 203431-2 145563 LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT

Plaintiff, vs.

INC, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on October 19, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on May 2, 2024 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 166 Milburn Avenue, Hempstead, NY 11550. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Hempstead, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 36, Block 84 and Lots 291-292 and 320-321. Approximate amount of judgment is $544,187.72 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 600062/2022. 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. Jeffrey Fox, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No. 212394-1 145673

NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BY THE BOARD OF APPEALS Pursuant to New York State Town Law Article 16, New York State Public Officers Law Article 7, and the Town of Hempstead Building Zone Ordinance, NOTICE is hereby given that the BOARD OF APPEALS of the Town of Hempstead will hold a public hearing in the Old Town Hall, 350 Front Street, Room 230, Second Floor, Hempstead, New York on 4/17/2024 at 2:00 P.M. to consider the following applications and appeals:

THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 2:00 P.M. 257/24. WEST HEMPSTEAD - Terrance Bloom, Variances, lot area occupied, front yard setback on South Elm St., side yard, rear yard, construct dwelling with garage & two (2) a/c units (demolish existing dwelling)., N/W cor. Woodfield Rd. & South Elm St., a/k/a 486 Woodfield Rd.

ALL PAPERS PERTAINING TO THE ABOVE HEARING ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THE BOARD OF APPEALS, TOWN HALL, 1 WASHINGTON STREET, HEMPSTEAD, NY 11550.

This notice is only for new cases in West Hempstead within Town of Hempstead jurisdiction. There are additional cases in different hamlets, towns and villages on the Board of Appeals calendar. The full calendar is available at https://hempsteadny.gov/ 509/Board-of-Appeals

The internet address of the website streaming for this meeting is https://hempsteadny.gov/ 576/Live-Streaming-Video Interested parties may appear at the above time and place. At the call of the Chairman, the Board will consider decisions on the foregoing and those on the Reserve Decision calendar and such other matters as may properly come before it 146062

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU ONEWEST BANK, FSB, Plaintiff, Against LISA BELL MATTHEWS, ET AL.,

Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 07/14/2017, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 on 5/13/2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 841 Woodfield Road, West Hempstead, New York 11552, And Described As Follows:

ALL that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being At Lakeview, Town Of Hempstead, County Of Nassau, City And State Of New York. Section 35 Block 604 Lot 67

The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $669,160.70 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 004789/2011

If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the then Court Appointed Referee will cancel the Foreclosure Auction. This Auction will be held rain or shine. Malachy P. Lyons, Esq., Referee.

Girl scout cookies were extra sweet this season

If you’ve been to the Stop and Shop on Hempstead Tpke these past couple of months, chances are you’ve seen the colorful array that is the Girl Scout cookie booth, run by Troop 1551 of West Hempstead.

From Jan. 5 to March 28, these Daisy Scouts were out and about selling cookies for a cause. The money the young girls raise from their cookie sales funds them throughout the rest of the year, and influences their access to programs, trips, and leadership opportunities.

“As girls progress through the levels, they are able to take on more leadership skills, more decision making skills,”

said Rande Bynum, Chief Executive of the Girl Scouts of Nassau County.

“And one of the things we like to do is really make sure that we make sure that our Girl Scouts are in front of as many different people as possible, and have as many different opportunities to try things as possible. It helps them figure out their path.”

Cookie season is now officially over, and it’s time for the West Hempstead Girl Scouts to enjoy the benefits of their hard-earned sales.

–Nicole Formisano

NEWS BRIEF

Mary Ann Hanson receives commendation

Mary Ann Hanson, from Malverne, has spent the past 24 years working with the campers of Camp Anchor, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to give people of all ages and abilities the camp experience they deserve.

Her decades of service to the program, run by the Town of Hempstead, have earned her the state Senate Commendation Award from state Sen. Patricia CanzoneriFitzpatrick — a recognition reserved for those who have demonstrated “exceptional dedication to improving the quality of life for those around them.”

“(The award) serves as a token of our appreciation for her many years serving as director of Town Of Hempstead’s Camp ANCHOR program,” Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick said. “Her passion, dedication, and kindness are truly commendable, and we are grateful

Mary Ann Hanson, left, was acknowledged for her decades of service to the Camp Anchor program, which is a camp for people

all ages and abilities.

for her continued efforts to make our community a better place for all.”

–Nicole

Girl Scout Troop 1551, including Julianna Ruocco, Riley Ruiz, Arya Mathew and Nalah Hill, made a rainbow of cookies at their cookie booth, at Stop and Shop in West Hempstead.

Formisano

Courtesy Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick

of

Photos courtesy West Hempstead Franklin Square Girl Scouts Lola Campbell, center, a Daisy from Troop 1551 of West Hempstead, bought cookies from Troop 1012 of Franklin Square at A and S bagels on Hempstead Turnpike.

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#LI-DNI Position requires a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology or a related field, and 5 years of experience in the design and implementation of Cisco route, switch, VPN, and firewall in large 1000+ node Enterprise environments. Experience must include a minimum of: 5 years of experience monitoring, troubleshooting, and configuring network routers, switches, wireless access points, and firewalls; 5 years of experience troubleshooting, diagnosing, and resolving network outages; 5 years of experience maintaining network environment by applying best practices and performing code upgrades; 5 years of experience with working directly with customers to resolve network connectivity issues; 5 years of experience documenting network changes; 5 years of experience with TCP/IP; 5 years of experience with OSPF; 5 years of experience with BGP; 3 years of experience with Firewalls; 3 years of experience with Load Balancers; 3 years of experience with Linux Servers; and 2 years of experience with Python Scripting. Part-time telecommuting may be permitted. Job location: Bethpage, NY. Rate of Pay: $172,515.00 – $182,515.00 per year. To apply, please visit https://www.alticecareers.com, and enter Job Requisition ID 5223. Alternatively, please send your résumé, cover letter, and a copy of the ad to: Altice USA, Attn: Erin M. Berry, One Court Square West, Long Island City, NY, USA 11101. Altice USA is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to recruiting, hiring and promoting qualified people of all backgrounds regardless of gender, race, color, creed, national origin, religion, age, marital status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law. Altice USA, Inc. collects personal information about its applicants for employment that may include personal identifiers, professional or employment related information, photos, education information and/or protected classifications under federal

from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look

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FULL-TIME

Abilities, Inc. is looking for Direct Support Professionals to provide support services to successfully integrate individuals with developmental disabilities into their communities.

FULL-TIME DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL (DSP)

Abilities, Inc. is looking for Direct Support Professionals to provide support services to successfully integrate individuals with developmental disabilities into their communities.

Transport and accompany Program Participants to recreational activities — bowling, movies, volunteering — and other socialization activities. Additional duties, such as assisting with personal care needs, may be required. $20.00/hr.

Transport and accompany Program Participants to recreational activities — bowling, movies, volunteering — and other socialization activities. Additional duties, such as assisting with personal care needs, may be required. $20.00/hr.

HS Diploma/equivalent, prior work experience with adults having disabilities required.

Valid NYS Driver’s License required.

For more information, call (516) 465-1432 or email humanresources@viscardicenter.org

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ADVERTISING SALES REPRESENTATIVE PART-TIME

HS Diploma/equivalent, prior work experience with adults having disabilities required.

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ADVERTISING SALES REPRESENTATIVE PART-TIME

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The Viscardi Center publishes a monthly print/digital newspaper and website that serves the New York City and Long Island disability community and is looking for an energetic, highly motivated sales representative. Sell print and digital advertising, assist with growth and management of the subscription base. Be able to learn quickly, multi-task, and work effectively to meet deadlines. This is a part-time position with a flexible schedule; $25-$30/hr. + commission.

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Join the Village of South Floral Park team as our new Deputy Clerk!

Are you self motivated and good with being the go-to person for an organization? Do you thrive in managing a variety of tasks from social media updates to crucial village operations? If so, we want you! Bring your experience, Microsoft and QuickBooks skills, and top-notch communication abilities to a role where no two days are alike. Dive into a part-time position where you'll make a real impact, from handling important documents to leading in the Administrator's absence.

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MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP

Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges fromo $16 per hour to $20 per hour.

Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com

Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $33,280 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286

The Viscardi Center publishes a monthly print/digital newspaper and website that serves the New York City and Long Island disability community and is looking for an energetic, highly motivated sales representative. Sell print and digital advertising, assist with growth and management of the subscription base. Be able to learn quickly, multi-task, and work effectively to meet deadlines. This is a part-time position with a flexible schedule; $25-$30/hr. + commission.

For more information, call (516) 465-1432 or email humanresources@viscardicenter.org

The Viscardi Center publishes a monthly print/digital newspaper and website that serves the New York City and Long Island disability community and is looking for an energetic, highly motivated sales representative. Sell print and digital advertising, assist with growth and management of the subscription base. Be able to learn quickly, multi-task, and work effectively to meet deadlines. This is a part-time position with a flexible schedule; $25-$30/hr. + commission.

For more information, call (516) 465-1432 or email humanresources@viscardicenter.org

For more information, call (516) 465-1432 or email humanresources@viscardicenter.org

EOE

TQ. My neighbor loves animals, so much that they have constructed little houses for feral cats and stray dogs. Although I haven’t said anything because we have a tall fence, and I don’t have to look at the menagerie of wildlife — including many ducks, squirrels and raccoons that also eat the food scraps my neighbor puts out — I wonder if this is allowed, and now that they’re starting to build very large bird “hotels” that I can see, I’m thinking this is really getting to be too much. Do they need approval to attract all of these animals, a permit or something?

A. There are restrictions, such as section 152-8 of Town of Hempstead code, prohibiting dogs at large. You can check your municipality code regulations, online, by typing in the name of your municipality followed by “ecode360.” Many communities restrict the number of pets and the containment of pets, and have a restriction that pets can’t be constrained for more than two hours to a stationary object, like a post.

Ask The Architect Monte Leeper

Stray dogs and cats are prohibited, even though many people take care of them. I wrote about this 25 years ago, and received hate mail for my insensitivity to these cats and dogs, even though I was quoting the ordinances, in addition to writing about how to keep strays from wandering into your yard. If the strays become a problem for you, there are regulations that your neighbor may be subject to.

Birdhouses seem fairly innocent, and unless they’re built to an abundant size, like the “hotel” you describe, there are no limits. When there are a number of birdhouses, or they become large enough to fall under the regulation of treehouses and sheds, the regulations become relevant, and the construction of these “accessory structures” falls under the zoning codes. I’ve seen birdhouses with 25 units in them, which is large enough to make it necessary to regulate. It brings new meaning to Airbnb. I’m not sure if the local governments that placed prohibitions on renting out homes to transients also included the bird population, since most birds have no place to carry cash or a credit card, but it may be worth looking into in your spare time.

A call to either your local building inspector or to animal and wildlife control centers can confirm the handling of the animals, and whether your neighbor is creating a nuisance. The biggest concern may be health considerations, since some species may carry diseases that can be harmful to other species or to you. For example, raccoons, cats and squirrels are known to carry rabies, and an even more dangerous disease called toxoplasmosis. They endanger dogs in particularly, since these diseases cause ailments that can cripple or destroy their immune systems. Cats are also in danger, and the droppings from each of these animals may also cause sickness in humans, but to a lesser degree. You are not wrong to be concerned. Good luck!

© 2024 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,

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OPINIONS

The heartbreaking death of an NYPD hero

The tragic murder of 31-year-old New York City Police Officer Jonathan Diller has had a devastating impact not just on his Massapequa Park community, but across Long Island, New York and indeed the country.

PETER KING

I represented Massapequa Park, and my district office was located there for all 28 years I was in Congress. Almost immediately after the news of Diller’s murder broke, blue ribbons appeared on local businesses and residences throughout Massapequa and Massapequa Park. Two nights later, there was a candlelight vigil at Brady Park that was attended by over 1,000 residents, who gathered in a steady rain to honor Diller’s memory.

The rain continued the following day, but that didn’t deter a long line of mourners from attending Diller’s wake at the Massapequa Funeral Home. Among those attending and showing

his respects was former President Donald Trump, who met with and consoled Diller’s 29-year-old widow, Stephanie, and other members of his family. Trump demonstrated great dignity and respect, and clearly had a reassuring and calming effect on these good people.

I had the privilege of being there, and thanked Trump for giving strength to the Diller family and to the community. I also spoke briefly with Stephanie Diller, and was struck by her youth and her strength of character, which she will surely need after losing her husband so tragically and having to raise their 1-year-old son, Ryan, without his father.

My lasting memory will be of Stephanie Diller’s moving eulogy.

was bright and clear for Diller’s funeral at St. Rose of Lima Church in Massapequa. Rosemary and I drove to the service with Sid Rosenberg, from WABC radio’s “Sid and Friends”; his wife, Danielle; and Bill O’Reilly. Merrick Road was a seemingly endless sea of blue, as thousands of police officers lined the street in both directions for as far as the eye could see.

arms, were truly heartbreaking.

The steady stream of mourners continued the following day, Good Friday, when there was the controversial incident involving Gov. Kathy Hochul, who, by some accounts, was asked to leave the funeral home by Diller family members. I’ve heard various versions of what happened, but all of them made it clear that it wasn’t the amicable discussion Hochul claimed.

The weather on Saturday morning

We assembled across the street from St. Rose, in a group that included many strong supporters of the police, such as Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, former NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell and Congressmen Anthony D’Esposito and Andrew Garbarino. There were also those who didn’t belong, such as state Attorney General Letitia James and city Comptroller Brad Lander, who are shamefully anti-police.

The arrival of the hearse, the sound of muffled drums, a lone piper playing the haunting tones of “Amazing Grace,” the flag-draped coffin being carried into the church, followed by Stephanie Diller, holding Ryan in her

Inside, the church was filled to overflowing with men and women in blue. My lasting memory will be of Stephanie’s courageous eulogy, in which she described her husband’s goodness and love, and then demanded that elected officials at long last correct the laws and policies that keep violent criminals on the streets and result in the senseless deaths of brave police officers. The church erupted in sustained applause, and there were tears everywhere.

Then mourners filed silently from the church and reassembled across Merrick Road. The coffin was carried from the church, and a bugler played taps. The flag was taken from the coffin and presented to Stephanie. The NYPD Pipe Band played “America the Beautiful.” The coffin was placed in the hearse, and the cortège began the journey bringing Jonathan Diller to his final resting place in St. Charles Cemetery. His life was over. His memory lives on.

NYPD hero Jonathan Diller, R.I.P.

Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.

Washington: where bipartisanship goes to die

It has never been a secret among my political friends that I have always been a strong supporter of bipartisan government. I practiced that philosophy during my 23 years in Albany, and I continue to believe that when the two parties work together, remarkable things can get done.

JERRY KREMER

When I was a part of the Democratic leadership in Albany, I was frequently asked to sit down with Republican members with the goal of getting important legislation passed and signed into law. I recall, during one late-night session, a small group of us walked the corridors behind the chambers to meet with the State Senate Republican leader, Warren Anderson. We went for the purpose of discussing a number of major bills that had not been acted on in the closing hours of the session.

Bill by bill, issue by issue, we had an open and frank discussion of the pros and cons of the legislation, and after a few hours of talking, we all shook

hands. Hours later, the agreed-on package of proposals was on the floor of both houses, and by the time the morning sun was peeking through the chamber windows, all of the bills had been passed and were on their way to the governor to be signed.

A

I remember numerous sessions in which one of my fellow Long Island Republican senators would sit down with me during an Assembly session with a list of their local priorities. The late Norman Levy, who was a hard-working legislator, often came by with a fistful of pending bills, asking for my help to get them out of the Ways and Means Committee, which I chaired. From time to time I would make the same walk to the Senate side to ask for help with my legislation.

member to invoke another rule that requires a vote to keep or oust the speaker. It has already happened once, when a small cluster of hardheaded conservatives invoked the rule, and Kevin McCarthy was kicked out of the speaker’s job.

ny attempt to pass major bipartisan legislation is considered a form of treason.

I’m taking this walk down memory lane as a way of contrasting how government once functioned at the state level, and how, today, the legislative process in Washington is a total disaster. One good example is the rule adopted by the Republican members of the House of Representatives that allows any one

A few weeks ago, maverick Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, of Georgia, asked that the House consider that option again, this time to kick Speaker Mike Johnson out. Johnson’s sin is that he collaborated with House Democrats to avoid a shutdown of the federal government.

Greene is one of a small cluster of members who came to Washington for the sole purpose of blowing up the House, and apparently the country along with it. This right-wing bomb squad has succeeded in taking away almost all of the powers of the moderate members, who have yet to put up a real fight on any issue.

There are many important issues that have been kicked aside as a result of the machinations of the ultra-conservative block. The Senate passed a bipartisan bill that would impose the stron-

gest border security laws in recent history, and at the same time provide financial assistance to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan. Johnson has refused to advance the bill, caving under pressure from former President Donald Trump, who insists that the members avoid making President Biden look good.

The idea that the House majority would refuse to approve legislation that would solve the border dilemma at the behest of a person who holds no elected office is a national tragedy. There are ample Democratic and Republican votes to pass the Senate bill and other bills that would make the current session of Congress a meaningful one, but Johnson is paralyzed and ineffective. Any attempt to pass major bipartisan legislation is considered heresy and a form of treason.

America desperately needs a good old dose of bipartisanship in Washington, but for now that is just a dream for old political souls like me.

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

HERALD EDITORIAL

The time to support local journalism is now A

few short weeks ago, we told you about the newly-formed Empire State Local News Coalition. The Malverne/West Hempstead Herald is proud to be a member of this fast-growing group of more than 150 New York local news outlets that have joined forces to protect local journalism across the state.

The work of our coalition has raised awareness of the importance of local journalism as well as the challenges facing the local news industry. (New York has lost half of its newsrooms since 2004.) We are grateful to communities across the state who have united behind us.

In just the past month, we rallied in Westchester County, where locals were stunned by the abrupt closure of three community newspapers. We went directly to Albany to appeal to lawmakers, and where we also rallied with elected officials from both the state senate and Assembly.

Numerous localities have adopted resolutions expressing their support for legislation that would support local journalism, and more municipal resolutions are in the pipeline. Even unconventional allies like Microsoft have joined our calls to save local news.

Thanks to these collective efforts, the Local Journalism Sustainability Act — which would provide tax credits to local news organizations for retaining and creating newsroom jobs — was included in the state Senate’s recent budget pro-

LETTERS

Larry McCoy will pick up the first dime

To the Editor:

Having had the pleasure of attending a writers’ workshop at the Oceanside and Rockville Centre libraries with the wellknown comedy writer Larry McCoy, I recognized his wit long before I even saw the name following his letter in last week’s Herald (“Let’s test these old presidential candidates”).

The humor of this talented octogenarian has been published in numerous books and articles, in case anyone needs a hearty laugh in these tumultuous times. While McCoy may doubt his own ability to take charge in the White House, I wonder if he might indeed be a better choice than the two senior gentlemen on the ballot. His insight into current events is impressive, and he employs it with dignity, charm and finesse. But the question is, can he bend over and pick up a dime on his first try?

■ Contact Gov. Kathy Hochul: (518) 474-8390

■ Contact State Sen. Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick: (516) 766-8383

■ Contact Assemblyman Brian Curran: (516) 561-8216

■ Contact Assemblyman Ed Ra: (516) 535-4095

Our newspaper is a proud member of the Empire State Local News Coalition. Support the coalition at SaveNYLocalNews.com.

posal for fiscal year 2025. This is a key step for inclusion in the state’s final budget, which is currently being negotiated by the senate, Assembly and Gov. Kathy Hochul.

However, there is a lot of work to be done over the next few days — when the final budget will likely be announced — to ensure the bill is actually included in the state’s final budget. It is crucial that the Local Journalism Sustainability Act is included, otherwise, communities throughout the state risk thou-

sands of newsroom jobs being lost — and even more important, stories going untold.

The Local Journalism Sustainability Act is sponsored by state Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal with the bipartisan support of Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner and more than 70 co-sponsors. As newspapers shutter and layoffs roil the industry, the bill is a necessary measure for incentivizing job creation, returning reporters to many of the state’s emptying newsrooms.

The bill is content-neutral and designed to ensure that truly local news outlets will receive this assistance.

The leadership of the legislature’s Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Caucus has also endorsed our bill, which is a major testament to the fact that this bill will improve access to news for all communities.

New York residents are standing with local news, and now lawmakers must answer the people’s call to save community journalism. To get the Local Journalism Sustainability Act across the finish line, lawmakers must hear from you about why our newspaper matters, and why this bill is meaningful to you and your family.

So, if keeping local news alive in our state is important to you, please reach out to Gov. Hochul and your local representatives to let them know you stand with local news.

Budget negotiations are wrapping up imminently — the time to act is now!

OPINIONS

Trends come and go, and then come right back again

All I had to do was pick up a package that had been left at the wrong door.

I knocked. My neighbor let me in. Nothing felt out of the ordinary. But then it happened. It was like raindrops hitting a tin roof, but it wasn’t raining, and we weren’t under a tin roof.

MICHAEL HINMAN

I followed the sound, and set my sights on something that hasn’t been in front of my eyes for at least a couple decades. It was a typewriter. An electric one, to be exact. An Olympia Compact S — one of the last typewriter models offered by a storied German manufacturer that lost the battle with computers and word processors.

Finding a typewriter nowadays requires a trip to a museum. But there are still many out in circulation — you just have to know where to look.

So it wasn’t necessarily the typewriter that surprised me, but who was using it: my neighbor’s teenaged daughter.

“Oh, don’t mind her,” my neighbor said. “She’s always on that typewriter.”

“But … but, why?” I asked.

“The sounds it makes are relaxing. And it reminds her of her grandfather.”

The young woman was composing a poem using paper from the printer. The ink of each letter was quite uneven, showing not only the antiquity of the machine in front of her, but also how spoiled we’ve become with laser printers and high-resolution screens.

Fcreates a sense of permanence a computer or smartphone can’t. And it can’t be hacked.

Typewriters, of course, aren’t the only things making a comeback. Vinyl records and Polaroid cameras have already made returns. So have flip phones. And, believe it or not, even pocket pagers.

ixated on our devices, we’ll find ourselves longing for time away from all that.

I thought my neighbor’s daughter was unique in this love for typewriters, but apparently that’s not the case. Young people — especially in the so-called Gen Z — are rediscovering a number of relics from the past like typewriters, enjoying their simplicity, with maybe even a hint of nostalgia for a previous life, perhaps.

Exploring this new fondness for typewriters online has helped me discover some interesting feedback. There are no ads or messages popping up on the paper while you type, meaning you can focus on what you’re creating. It also

LETTERS

Kremer shouldn’t condemn Netanyahu

To the Editor:

Re Jerry Kremer’s recent column, “Netanyahu is a supporter of one party: himself”: Kremer is way, way off base in defending Sen. Chuck Schumer’s idealistic and naive calling for a new election in Israel to oust Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Further, Kremer’s defense of Schumer absurdly rests on matters unrelated to Schumer’s own “justification” for his critical remarks.

While Schumer attempted to justify his remarks on the basis of the harm done to the Gazan people — as a result of Israel’s fighting for its survival — Kremer’s attack on Netanyahu centers on his assessment of Netanyahu’s personal legal and ethical issues, unrelated to the current war and to Netanyahu’s efforts in it. Schumer never offered these issues as his reason for wanting Netanyahu ousted! Why must Kremer stoop so low?

I have viewed Netanyahu as a hawk whose actions (including promoting West Bank settlements) have provided fodder for the Islamic terrorist attacks on Israel while earning the disdain of foreign governments. But presently, he is the leader of a nation fighting for its survival, and he has thus far remained

And that gives me real hope for other aspects of society that some might try to write off, like something near and dear to my own heart: newspapers. A few weeks back, a popular social media content creator named Kelsey Russell visited our newsroom. She has made a name for herself on TikTok by championing newspapers to her generation. Can you pull up news on your phone or computer? Sure. But once you swipe it away, it’s gone. Newspapers, however, can’t be swiped away. And they won’t be.

All of these treasures should have been lost to time, but they weren’t. Yes, they had been replaced by something better and faster — but all of these artifacts were more than just tools. They helped define us in some way.

As we become more and more fixated on our electronic devices, we’re going to find ourselves longing for time away from all that. Without the distractions.

Without the noise created by the intrusion of others. Without the glowing screen.

Books. Cameras using actual photographic paper. Phones that don’t do much more than call someone. Typewriters. And, yes, newspapers.

All of these will maintain places in our society, and that’s good. But please don’t call them antique. Many of us have indeed made many trips around the sun, but we don’t need the reminder.

And finally, you might think finding my young neighbor clickety-clacking away on a typewriter might inspire me to write these words on something similar. It certainly would be poetic in its own right.

But my MacBook Air is doing perfectly fine. I already lived through the times when typewriters were a necessary tool, not a novelty. Give me another decade or two before I’m ready to relive that, thank you very much.

Michael Hinman is executive editor of Herald Community Newspapers. Comments? execeditor@liherald.com.

FRAMEWORK by Tim Baker

true to his promise to see the fight through to a successful end — the elimination of Hamas, the only real enemy Schumer and Kremer should be focused on, along with Iran, dedicated to destroying both Israel and the U.S. Netanyahu is right when he says that allowing Hamas to remain in place would only mean further attacks on Israel, possibly even its demise. Why can’t Kremer admit this obvious truth? Politics and idealism, not reality, seem to be the guiding lights for both Schumer and Kremer in their attempt to win votes through concessions and distortions — even if that means turning on a friend and ally.

Kremer’s convenient speculation that Netanyahu is pursuing this war only to avoid facing jail is just that: speculation. An “all-out war” against the evil of Hamas (and Iran) is not only justified, it’s necessary for Israel’s survival. If you see your best friend (as Israel is to the U.S., to paraphrase Kremer) drowning, you don’t offer a lecture on water safety, you throw him a life preserver. To do otherwise is to betray him. Schumer has deigned to lecture Israel, and Kremer aids and abets him by citing irrelevancies. You don’t change horses in midstream — or a leader succeeding in a struggle for survival.

Kremer makes no reference to Hamas’s failure to release the hostages, which could temporarily halt hostilities. Nor does he condemn Hamas’s

using Palestinians as human shields, or detaining them in areas Israel has warned will be targeted, thereby losing the element of surprise. There is a term for those siding with the enemy, but I

will refrain from applying it to Kremer or Schumer — for now.

ROBERT RUBALSKY East Rockaway

Honoree Tameka Wallace at the Premier Business Women of L.I. Awards, in Bethpage.

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