Malverne/West Hempstead Herald 07-27-2023

Malverne’s littlest learners prepare for kindergarten

At Malverne’s Maurice W. Downing Primary School, incoming kindergartners are meeting new friends, learning and having fun at the ABC Academy. The three-week program, which started on July 10, prepares children for the upcoming school year socially and academically by engaging them in art, numbers and letters, shapes, music and more. The instruction is led by some of the same Malverne teachers who will have these students in their classes starting in September.

Student makes most of chances

Programs recover from Covid lapse

Page 3

MTA raises fares for first time in 4 years

By JUAN l ASSo & NIColE FoRMISANo of the Malverne/West Hempstead Herald

Starting on or around Aug. 20, Long Island Rail Road riders can expect a modest uptick — roughly 4.3 percent — in the price of their weekly and monthly tickets. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the LIRR’s parent company, voted unanimously to raise the base fare prices for LIRR train trips earlier this month for the first time in four years.

The price increase translates to a few extra cents for each ticket. A one-way ticket from Long Beach to Manhattan, for example, will cost an extra 50 cents, from $14 to $14.50 during rush times, and will rise from $10.25 to $10.75 during non-peak hours.

While the agency customarily raises fares every two years, MTA officials held off on an

anticipated round of fare increases in 2021 for fear it would drive away commuters from using mass transit at a time when winning them back was key. It also still had billions of dollars in federal relief from the coronavirus pandemic it could tap into.

The situation came to a head earlier this year when the MTA said it faced a projected budget gap of $2.5 billion by 2025. The agency has since managed to stave off financial ruin and avoid making drastic service cuts after Gov. Kathy Hochul and lawmakers promised to pump millions of dollars in added funding.

“We have to face the harsh reality of MTA’s fiscal cliff,” noted Hochul in her 2024 executive budget address. “A problem that was created by almost the complete cessation of ridership during the

Continued on page 4

Photos courtesy Malverne school district

I t’s definitely going to be difficult for people to pay for prices that keep forever increasing . . . nothing is really changing to make the (experience) any more favorable for the rider.

CoBIA PowEll daily commuter

HERALD SCHOOLS

Making new roots in West Hempstead

West Hempstead Secondary School future freshman and ENL student Wilder Castro-Fuentes has had an amazing journey in the West Hempstead school district.

Castro-Fuentes arrived at George Washington Intermediate School during the 2019-20 school year with his younger sister from Guatemala and reunited with other members of his family. Ever since he joined the district, Castro-Fuentes has shown a desire for learning, and dedicated his time to not only learning the content, but also the English language.

Castro-Fuentes is also passionate about home country, and shares this in his Spanish class with Amanda Marconi. He has contributed to the West Hempstead community in a variety of ways, and his teachers attested to his character, work ethic and passion.

“Wilder was instrumental in helping new entrants feel at ease at school, and his dedication to learning never wavered,” said his ENL teacher, Candice Walker.

This year, Castro-Fuentes was inducted into the National Junior Honor Society, and he holds one of the highest averages in algebra as an eighth grader, which is a high school level course. He also won first place in the Lions Club Peace Poster Contest for his artwork as shared by his art teacher Christina Ferrante.

“Despite the challenge of taking on a ninth grade course this year, Wilder has taken the initiative to independently study topics, redo assignments to achieve mastery, and has

actively utilized both extra help and workshop resources to further his understanding,” said Wilder’s math teacher, Catherine Klein. “He consistently approaches learning with a positive and enthusiastic attitude and is always willing to assist others in their comprehension.”

Castro-Fuentes also plays baseball for the middle school’s team as right fielder after trying the sport for the first time. Additionally, he is the only ENL student who self-selected to Challenge-Up in living environment. Challenge-Up is when a student elects to take a high school course and makes a full-year commitment by signing a contract to enrich their learning experience with a more rigorous, high school course.

“I have had the pleasure of being Wilder’s science teacher for the last two years,” said his living environment teacher, Ronald Bauer. “Since day one, Wilder has been one of the most hard-working and enthusiastic students I have ever had in the classroom. This year, he made the courageous decision to Challenge-Up to take a difficult high school course while in eighth grade. Not only is he on his way to mastery in the class and eventual New York State Regents, but he has also become a leader in the classroom who helps others and is a true inspiration to his peers and people like me.”

Bauer added that Castro-Fuentes defines the expression “hard work pays off” and he is eager to see all the amazing things that he accomplishes at the high school level next year.

Courtesy West Hempstead school district West Hempstead Secondary School eighth grader and ENL student Wilder Castro-Fuentes has had an amazing journey in the West Hempstead School District.

Covid-19 left recovery groups fighting solo

By CLARE GEHLICH Intern

While the physical and financial impact of Covid-19 begins to subside, the lasting mental health effects continue to cast a shadow of uncertainty.

A silent crisis unfolded for recovery groups on Long Island as they faced an unprecedented challenge as they found themselves locked out and cut off from their personal healing and recovery. The repercussions of these patients and organizations still grapple with the aftermath.

The drug crisis and the disruptive drug supply contributed to the complexity of the situation. The loss of many jobs and financial instability worsened existing mental health struggles. Treatment facilities faced delays in their openings, resulting in limited access to essential medical and mental health support.

Many individuals lost their jobs and faced severe financial insecurity. On top of that, treatment facilities that were supposed to open then faced delays, which further aggravated access to essential medical and mental support.

Jeffrey Reynolds, president and CEO of the Family and Children’s Association, FCA, shed light on the surge of substance abuse. Elevated rates in drugs such as fentanyl, xylazine, even cocaine, and methamphetamine highlight the link between mental health issues in the community and these alarming spikes. The mental health issues that follow the post-Covid era create challenges for both young people and adults.

“When we think about why that is, it’s not too hard to connect the dots with mental health conditions in our community,” Reynolds said. “Whether we’re talking about young people or adults, the mental health issues post-Covid are really significant.”

Although numerous recovery groups shut down when former Governor Andrew Cuomo imposed restrictions on gatherings in 2020, others adapted by adjusting to online platforms. However, in recent years, many meetings returned to real-time meetings, establishing selfhelp or professionally led support networks. Organizations like FCA continuously provide support

services to vulnerable community members, including children, families, seniors, and neighborhoods. They strive to operate predominantly in-person services for as long as possible, recognizing the value of direct human connection in the healing and recovery processes. FCA’s range of services includes care management, family treatment and recovery centers, harm reduction initiatives, and elder abuse support, extending a lifeline to those in need.

Reynolds emphasized the deterioration of mental health conditions within the community, where the widespread effects of drugs and alcohol have highlighted those struggling with anxiety, depression, and other mental health illnesses.

“While we will want Covid and this chapter to be over more than anything in the world, the reality is it’s not over for a lot of folks,” Reynolds said. “Many are still struggling and we owe it to those folks to make sure that there’s proper care.”

The emotional impact of the pandemic on young people will not disappear for another generation. As Long Island navigates the aftermath of the pandemic, it is essential to confront the mental health crisis head-on, united in the commitment to support those in need. However, Reynolds assures people that community resources remain available, encouraging individuals to take advantage of the support offered by organizations like FCA and beyond.

“We historically have forced people to jump through all sorts of hoops to get help for mental health conditions and substance use disorders,” Reynolds said. “Something moving forward that does include those traditional models of service delivery, coming to a clinic and you know, getting in your car and driving through here and that kind of thing. That’s probably important, but so are some of the other options.”

Mercy Hospital opens new Family Care Center

Catholic Heath Mercy Hospital cut the ribbon on its new Family Care Center July 20 with elected officials, hospital administrators, doctors, nurses, community members and clergy members.

The new facility is 16,000-square feet, and located across from the emergency room of the hospital. It is hoped that the new center will enhance patient access to underserved populations and add more services for those that need family care.

This new facility, built with the support of the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation, will move the hospitals existing outpatient women and children medical clinics to this new site. The facility will also offer new clinical services, including cardiology, primary care and more.

“I am very happy to help cut the ribbon on Mercy Hospital’s new Family Care unit,” Legislator Bill Gaylor said. “Catholic Health and Mercy Hospital do phenomenal work in both the Rockville Centre community and all-over Long Island to help give underserved communities access to proper health care.”

Courtesy Legislator Bill Gaylor

Courtesy Paige O’Brien Dr. Jeffrey Reynolds speaking at THRIVE Suffolk for International Overdose Awareness Day in September 2022.

Pictured with Legislator Bill Gaylor, far left, are State Senator Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Rockville Centre Mayor Francis Murray, President and CEO of Catholic Health Dr. Patrick O’Shaughnessy, Assemblywoman Taylor Darling, Assemblyman Ed Ra, President of Mercy Hospital Joseph Manopella, Deputy Mayor Village of Rockville Centre Kathleen Baxley, Town of Hempstead Councilwoman Laura Ryder, and Assemblyman Brian Curran.

Another rising expense for LIRR commuters

pandemic — except for emergency workers, first responders, and health care workers.”

Critics and observers, however, argue that the MTA’s budgetary problems reach back decades of fiscal troubles and structurally shabby budget practices resulting in expenses outpacing revenue.

The current fare bump — and those still on the way — are part of the roughly $1.3 billion bailout deal struck between the transit giant and Albany, said MTA chair and chief executive Janno Lieber.

On balance with the LIRR dropping fare prices by 10 percent last year, “the fares are still (comparatively) lower than they used to be, even though everything else in life has gone up,” Lieber said.

For some people in Malverne and West Hempstead, a 10 percent or 50 cent increase per ticket isn’t going to break them.

Manny Perez, 16, and his friends take the train from Malverne to skate in the city once a week. Perez said the rate hike doesn’t affect him much — he doesn’t care about a few cents, and it won’t change how often he goes into the city.

Some residents who are more impacted by the rate hike, such as daily commuters, are not particularly upset at the MTA fare hike.

“It doesn’t really bother me,” Russell Marshall, who takes the train from West Hempstead into the city daily for work, said. “Everybody has to get paid. Everybody’s got to make money, I guess.”

Whether people are angry at the MTA for the rate hikes or not, they will have to make adjustments. Berto Stevens takes the train into West Hempstead to visit friends, and takes the subway daily. Though the rate hikes will definitely impact him, he said, he has no alternative but to rely on public transit.

“I work in the city so I have no choice,” he said. “I’ll just have to nickel and dime, whatever I have to do, just calculate my expenses.”

Although many people who live and work in West Hempstead are able to handle the rate hikes, they’re still concerned for those who can’t. Cobia Powell, an attorney from Brooklyn, takes the train into West Hempstead every day.

russell marshall takes the West Hempstead train into the city daily for work. misalove Smith said that if ticket prices are increasing, she hopes to see benefits for the riders.

“Fortunately I’m in a position to pay it, but I know for a lot of people — especially older people — that 10 percent increase is

a lot for them, especially if they ride the train or the bus often,” he said. “Some people don’t have a choice because they

don’t have enough money to afford a car.”

He pointed out that those expenses can add up forcing people to dip into their budgets for groceries and other essentials. Furthermore, it seems that in a world of rising expenses, the MTA fares are just another increase to add to the long list.

“It’s definitely going to be difficult for people to pay for prices that keep forever increasing,” Powell said. “Everything constantly goes up, but it seems like nothing is really changing to make the (experience) any more favorable for the rider.”

That sentiment was echoed by others who are wondering whether the rate hike will bring improvements to the MTA, or if this is another inflation-era price increase with no apparent consumer benefit.

“If the ticket price is to increase the service, or the chairs or the cleanliness of things, maybe,” Misalove Smith, who takes the train into West Hempstead a couple times a month, said. “But we’ll see.”

For more information, visit tinyurl. com/MTARateHike2023.

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Tim Baker/Herald Lirr commuters have become accustomed to fluctuating fares since the pandemic.

Nicole Formisano/Herald photos

School district IT network security audited

By MARK NOLAN mnolan@liherald.com

An audit of the West Hempstead school district’s information technology security revealed a potential “entry point” for cybercriminals.

New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli’s July 2023 audit, titled “Nonstudent Network User Account Controls,” cited 11 percent of the district’s 557 nonstudent network accounts as “not needed”.

West Hempstead Superintendent Daniel Rehman, however, countered that the district “has made IT system security a priority”. In his written response, Rehman said West Hempstead is “often ahead of the curve on implementing network security measures,” and that the district has created a “multi-pronged approach” to network safety.

Rehman told the Herald that the initial purpose of the audit was to check the district’s finances. “The auditors shifted their focus toward evaluating our security measures since our financial records proved excellent,” Rehman said.

Rehman credited the Comptroller’s staff for being professional and helpful. “The audit revealed valuable insights, enabling us to identify areas for improvement and fortify our security framework, ensuring the continued protection of our organization from potential threats,” he said.

DINapoli’s audit credited West Hemp-

stead with implementing security protocols. Still, the audit detailed instances that could lead to security breaches.

Rehman agreed, saying the district will continue to improve IT safety.

“We changed the passwords of the accounts when staff left their employment,” Rehman said. “However, the comptroller, seeking a more stringent approach, recommended the closure of these accounts altogether. We utilize enhanced

security protocols, including regular password updates, and deployed a new program to automatically disable users who are no longer employed. This fortifies our defenses and protects against potential security threats. By taking this approach, we aim to strengthen our security while maintaining the necessary functionality for smooth operations.”

The audit noted that there were 53 former employee network accounts and

seven network service accounts that had not been used in years, including 22 accounts that had been dormant for five or more years. The audit stated that these empty accounts could provide unauthorized access to sensitive information.

DiNapoli’s audit recommended that West Hempstead officials should limit the use of shared accounts to limit the possibility of unauthorized access. West Hempstead’s board of education should create IT security policies and procedures to secure network access. The audit states that the West Hempstead BOE “did not provide sufficient guidance to officials and employees to help safeguard” the district’s IT network.

The audit also recommends that West Hempstead conduct periodic reviews of nonstudent network accounts to identify and disable accounts no longer in use.

Rehman, in his response to the audit, stated that West Hempstead follows New York State School Boards Association’s School Policy Update guidance. Rehman added that West Hempstead had already disabled 25 accounts of former employees, and that the district disables accounts of former employees “as soon as they leave” the district.

Finally, Rehman said West Hempstead would automatically disable accounts when an employee becomes inactive by using a new software program.

To read the audit, visit the Comptroller’s website at Osc.State.Ny.Us.

Mark Nolan/Herald file

West Hempstead school district’s director of technology, Vincent Fleck. The district continues to upgrade its IT security capabilities.

HERALD sports

NYS adds classification to seven sports

By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com

the New York State Public High School Athletic Association is going from a five-classification format to six classifications in seven different sports – boys and girls soccer, boys and girls basketball, girls volleyball, baseball and softball – beginning this upcoming school year.

For Nassau and Suffolk County, it means more county champions, more Long Island championship games and more teams competing in state tournaments in those sports. The NYSPHSAA, which last summer voted to approve the new classifications, wanted to create approximate equal numbers across the state in each enrollment classification.

“Every section in the state is different, but for us in what used to be Class A we had more than 30 schools competing for one championship,” Section VIII athletics executive director Pat Pizzarelli said. “Now within that same group there’s an extra opportunity to win a championship.”

For example, Nassau boys and girls basketball had 58 schools compete in the 2022-23 campaign; 15 in Class AA, 34 in Class A and nine in Class B. This coming season, there will be 12 in Class AAA, 24 in Class AA, 17 in Class A, and four in Class B.

Among the second-tiered teams for boys and girls basketball (Class AA) will be Calhoun, Carey, East Meadow (down from the largest grouping), Elmont, Hewlett, Kennedy, Long Beach, MacArthur, Sewanhaka, South Side and Valley Stream Central. Class AA is for schools with an incoming enrollment (grades nine through 11) between 692 and 1,104 for boys, and between 699 and 1,112 for girls. The new Class A numbers are 391691 for boys, and 397-698 for girls.

“With the exception of Floral Park, the new AA schools on the boys side have had the Class A champ for the last 25 years,” said South Side’s Jerry D’Angelo, head coach of the reigning Nassau and Long Island Class A boys’ basketball champions. “So the new setup will give us two county champions among the 41 teams in AA and A.”

Suffolk had 59 boys and girls basketball programs this past winter with 25 competing in Class AA, 22 in Class A and four in Class B. For 2023-24, there would be 18 in Class AAA, 18 in Class AA and 13 in Class A.

Across the board, much of the largest group landscape in Nassau County remains unchanged with many of the fixtures like Baldwin, Farmingdale, Freeport, Massapequa, Plainview, Syosset and Uniondale will vie for a title. However, East Meadow and Valley Stream Central are two schools with dif-

ference classifications based on sport. The Jets remained in AAA in soccer, baseball and softball but dropped to the second largest classification for hoops. The Eagles have an identical setup under the new breakdown but competed in Class A for basketball in recent seasons.

The classification numbers between basketball and soccer are slightly different. For soccer, Class AAA starts at 1,082 students and up on the girls side and 1,090 on the boys side. Softball and baseball breakdowns are closer to soccer than they are basketball, but are all within a range of less than 30.

One minor negative is Nassau and Suffolk will take on an extra expense of securing more postseason venues for some semifinals and finals, and the cost of sending more teams to state competitions.

“It’ll cost a little more money come tournament time with extra playoff games,” Pizzarelli said.

Nassau County softball coordinator Rachel Barry, who coaches Clarke, said the plan at this time is to stick with ability-based conferences during the regular season. “The playoffs will look pretty similar with some smaller brackets,” Barry said. “The extra classification balances our section a little bit better by spreading out the single A schools.

“Suffolk hosts next year’s Long Island championships, so it’s up to them to figure out locations,” she added. “As far as the state championships, softball isn’t going to be impacted as much since we no longer play the semis and finals on the same day. Adding another classification only adds three games to the mix.”

Media Origin Inc./Herald South Side, the defending Nassau and Long Island Class A boys’ basketball champions, is moving to Class AA this upcoming season as part of the new statewide classification setup.

Ron Manfredi/Herald Baseball is one of seven sports statewide moving from five classifications to six beginning this September.

Dunn embraces second World Cup experience

By MICHAEL LEWIS sports@liherald.com

Participating in her second Women’s World Cup, Crystal Dunn is living by a simple philosophy: Embrace the moment.

“The question that many of us who have played in the World Cup get is: ‘Oh, it must be easy now’. I’m like, ‘No, it’s not easy now,’ because each World Cup is different,” she said.

This World Cup is different for the Rockville Centre native because Dunn is a mother for the first time. She has brought her 15-month-old son Marcel to New Zealand for the tournament.

“I took a massive amount of time off last year,” she said. “So everything, every moment that led to this moment is so different. It’s a different journey that I didn’t expect to be on. My message to players in their first World Cup is really just embrace it. It’s going to be wild. It’s going to be crazy. There’s going to be moments where you’re like, ‘Oh, my gosh, what did I sign up for?’ But that’s the beauty in it.”

The left back was a member of the 2019 U.S. team that won its second consecutive world championship in France in 2019. The Americans are vying to become the first team — men or women — to capture three successive World Cups.

“We remember that as the last team standing up, you realize that it was also worth it,” she said. “My message to everybody is play with a little bit of noise. It’s not something that you take for granted at all. People are on their fourth World Cup. People are in their first. You just have to embrace it and take that moment

and just smile and laugh with everybody along the way.”

Dunn and her U.S. Women’s National Team teammates got off to a solid start in this year’s tournament, recording a 3-0 win over Vietnam in their opener in Auckland, New Zealand last Saturday. The former South Side High School standout played 84 minutes before she was replaced by Kelly O’Hara. The Americans’ next Group E game is against the Netherlands this Wednesday at 9 p.m. (Fox, Telemundo, Universo and Peacock). They close out group play against Portugal on Aug. 1 at 3 a.m. (same channels.)

Only nine members of the current 23-player U.S. roster competed in France, so the 31-year-old Dunn is one of the team’s most experienced players.

“I find myself in a new role, being more of a veteran player, a leader on this team,” she said, lamenting that team captain and center back Becky Sauerbrunn couldn’t play due to a leg injury. “Becky is a massive loss for us. She is somebody whose impact is felt not only on the field but off the field.

“We’re ruthless,” Dunn continued. “As a backline that’s how we’ve always trained. Becky has been someone who set the tone and the standard for that. Without her being here, we have to be even more collective and relentless in our defending.”

Rockville Centre native Crystal Dunn played 84 minutes in a 3-0 victory for U.S. over Vietnam in last Saturday’s World Cup opener.

Programs for Lifelong Learners at Molloy University!

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

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

The Sister Mary Celeste Lecture Series offers individual courses in a variety of areas, offered in-person during the day for one or more sessions in Rockville Centre. Topics may include, current events, music, art, literature, history, finance, heath, philosophy, technology and more. Whether you’re interested in dabbling in a new hobby or just trying to keep up with technology, there’s a class out there for you.

Courtesy Marco Rosa

Annual districtwide arts show in W.H.

West Hempstead Secondary School’s gymnasium was transformed into an art gallery during the annual districtwide arts show in May.

Students, teachers and district administrators visited the gallery throughout the day to view the artwork. The gallery featured a wide array of art that included paintings, drawings, photographs and sculptures.

Rehabbed turtles are back in natural habitat

By Janet Prete Correspondent

Eight Kemp’s ridley sea turtles were returned to their natural habitat and released into the Atlantic Ocean at Jones Beach by, a group of staff and volunteers from the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society, their family members, and parks department staff on July 19.

The terrapins were part of a group of 20 turtles found in Massachusetts last November, hypothermic and unable to survive on their own. When water temperatures drop below 50 degrees fahrenheit, sea turtles start to become lethargic and usually wash up on beaches.

In the case of these 20 turtles, triage was first done at the New England Aquarium and the National Marine Life Center in Massachusetts. The cold-stunned turtles were warmed up slowly and evaluated. They are checked for wounds and infections, and if treatment is needed.

Usually malnourished and underweight, the turtles are unable to feed themselves. They are fed a smoothie-like slurry until strong enough to begin eating whole food like shrimp or squid again. It’s a long process to nurse the turtles back to a point where they’re able to swim on their own in a tank.

On Thanksgiving weekend, the 20 turtles were flown to Gabreski airport by Turtles Fly Too — a nonprofit organization that provides private air transportation for endangered species — and brought to the Atlantic Marine Conserva-

tion Society in East Hampton for triage.

The conservation society had reinforced its critical care facility in 2020, during the height of Covid, responding to a request by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration — Fisheries to aid their network partners at the New England Aquarium, National Marine Life Center, and Mass Audubon Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary. There are now three, 1,000-gallon tanks in the facility.

Some of the most recent groups of Kemp’s ridley turtles that the conservation society had were rehabbed and flown to North Carolina in early May to be released. The eight released on Long Island were only recently given the allclear status. One more remains at the hospital. Individual banana boxes were used to take the turtles to Jones Beach.

Kim Durham, a staff member at the care center, said that “everyone up and down the coast uses” banana boxes to

transport different animals. “They’re very sturdy,” she said.

Two of the turtles released on Wednesday were fitted with satellite antennas so that their post-rehabilitation behavior can be monitored. Some of the other turtles were fitted with acoustic tags, which send out a signal to receivers that are positioned in the ocean by other researchers.

Rob DiGiovanni, founder and chief scientist of the conservation, by being able to piggyback on the work from other researchers, they are “able to maximize the information that we get from an animal.”

The Kemp’s ridleys are expected to stay in local waters for a while before they move south; they generally travel down to Florida and go to the Gulf of Mexico to lay their eggs.

Kemp’s ridleys are critically endangered. When fully matured, they can weigh between 70 to 100 pounds and grow to two feet. They are one of four species found in the Atlantic Coast and local waters all around Long Island. The others are leatherbacks, the largest species of turtles in the world; green turtles, the largest hard-shelled sea turtles, weighing up to 400 pounds; and loggerheads, growing up to 350 pounds.

When people find animals in distress, conservation society staff stress that the animal shouldf not be touched or moved. Call either one of the rescue hotline numbers or stranding networks as soon as possible.

For more information, go to AmSeas. org.

Courtesy West Hempstead school district

Janet Prete/Herald

One of the eight Kemp’s ridley sea turtles released into the Atlantic Ocean at Jones Beach on July 19.

West Hempstead Secondary School’s gymnasium was transformed into an art gallery during the annual districtwide arts show on May 16.

Liberty Water urges water conservation

As sprinkler systems are running and swimming pools are filling up, residents have an opportunity to put water conservation practices into play, ensuring that water pressure will not wane as the summer heat builds up.

“Conservation efforts are important all year long,” said Deborah Franco, president of Liberty New York Water. “Practicing smart water use this time of year is especially important and can benefit customers and the environment as we head into warmer weather and possibly dryer months.”

During dry spells, water infrastructure can struggle to keep up with the demand while also keeping storage tanks full, which impacts water pressure for our customers.

Throughout the summer months, residents are asked to only water their lawns according to the even and odd county ordinances — meaning even numbered houses water on even days and odd numbered house on odd days — and avoid all watering between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., as these are peak evaporation times. Using smart controllers on irrigation systems is another way to conserve water.

To help cut back on usage, Liberty reminds the public of these water-saving tips:

■ Follow Liberty’s zoned schedule for irrigation to prevent strain on the system and keep water pressure flowing.

■ Remember that lawns only need an inch of water per week to remain healthy.

■ Learn how to detect leaks in your home at www.libertyenergyandwater.com.

■ Replace your standard irrigation controller with a smart irrigation controller. These systems connect to

local weather stations to more accurately predict the watering needs of lawns and gardens.

■ If you don’t use a smart irrigation controller, watch the weather, and don’t water when rain is in the forecast.

Mood lighting

■ Point your sprinklers at your lawn and avoid wasting water on sidewalks and driveways.

For more information, visit new-york-water.LibertyUtilities.com.

Courtesy Liberty New York Water

Throughout the summer, residents who receive water from Liberty Utilities are asked to practice methods of water conservation.

Exploring Britain’s Long Island occupation

By LARA MURRAY-STERZEL Intern

American history is a long and complicated tale to tell. But there are still those venturing into the past to uncover stories never told during the making of our country.

“Chronicles of the British Occupation of Long Island” is a new book by David M. Griffin, taking readers back in time to the Revolutionary War when people lived in fear of the British’s brutal power, while slowly gaining a patriotic desire for freedom.

Griffin is an independent researcher and author who’s always been driven to the history of the Revolutionary War, especially in New York region. When he completed his first book, “Lost British Forts of Long Island” in 2017, Griffin reached out to The History Press, a publishing company known for its collection of history books in communities on Long Island and elsewhere.

He was put in touch with acquisitions editor, Banks Smithers, and the two have worked together ever since. When Griffin came to Smithers about the idea of focusing on the British occupation of this part of the world, the two began shaping his current idea into the story it is today.

The novel follows a narrative story between 1776 and 1783, giving a human aspect to what it was like to experience life on Long Island during British rule. Griffin wanted to explore the British movement and American spy activity through various sources from the time.

To do this, he read historical books and even stud-

ied a period diary, which is referenced in the book about what was discussed, heard and spoken when the British loomed over Long Island.

“It’s very hard to write about the time because everything was very secretive,” Griffin said. “So, stories and the order of things that were happening on the island were hidden. You have to rely on a lot of different accounts from different writers.”

He provided images in his novel — some of which included maps the British used as a part of their network — as well as photographs of historical houses where British soldiers were sheltered as part of quartering laws. Griffin thought by showing these, it would create a certain historical depth for the reader.

After a year of writing, the book was published in July and is expected to arrive soon at Long Island bookstores. The History Press hopes to schedule book events once the stores have received the novel.

Griffin sees his book as rather dark because of the topics it covers, focused on how the power over land divided people. Even when Colonists endured the unpredictable effects that led up to — and included — the Revolutionary War, Griffin was shocked at how long the British stayed on Long Island and what they did.

Which made his research all that more compelling.

“I learned a lot more about the conditions of dayto-day life under martial law in the book,” Smithers said. “David paints a harrowing picture of occupied Long Island — something entirely unfamiliar to today’s Long Islanders — and thus exceedingly interesting.”

Courtesy David M. Griffin

David M. Griffin’s book — ‘Chronicles of the British Occupation of Long Island’ — is expected to hit bookstores soon, especially on Long Island.

DAviD M. GRiffin

STEPPING OUT

Always in-tune with

Penn & Teller

By Iris Wiener

n its first incarnation since the pandemic, the 24th Annual Long Island Jolson Festival is ready to delight loyal fans once again. The festival’s latest edition, on Saturday, Aug. 12, will bring together devotees for a full day of nostalgia and music, celebrating the talent of Al Jolson — the performer bestowed with the moniker “world’s greatest entertainer.”

STEPPING OUT

Creative advocacy

Jan Hernstat — the International Al Jolson Society’s president, who has helmed the festival since its beginning — is excited to remember the icon, who was a pioneer in many genres in the ‘20s, including music, film (“The Jazz Singer”), and theatre “Hold on to Your Hats”). When Hernstat began the festival many years ago, it was simply because he wanted a platform to show his appreciation for Jolson. It quickly turned into something else.

“It has been fun over the years to bring Jolson to people who don’t normally get to see him,” Hernstat says. “When I started doing this, people came to me and said something which I didn’t really understand: ‘Thank you for doing this service to bring this kind of entertainment that we don’t get to see anymore.’ It was just something that I wanted to do, and as a byproduct, I was making people happy. That’s a good feeling.”

It will be next to impossible not to smile at this year’s festival, which will include a performance from mainstay Tony Babino, who has been treating festivalgoers to the vocal stylings of Jolson for years. He is joined by “Mr. Tin Pan Alley,” Richard Halpern, who is participating in the event — at Lambrou’s in Island Park — all the way from California.

Hernstat explains that Halpern brings a unique set of skills to his Jolson interpretation.

By Karen Bloom

“A lot of people know Jolson from ‘The Jolson Story’ forward,” he says. “He did 20 songs in that film. The majority of people alive today only know those songs and the style in which he did it, which is what Tony emulates. But Richard does Jolson from the ‘20s and ‘30s, the ‘78 (RPM) Jolson,’ as I like to call it. People will get a little contrast, because with Richard, you’re going to get more of the early Jolson and with Tony more of the later Jolson. It’s going to be great.”

• Tickets are $43.95, which includes entertainment and meals; tickets for show only are $29.95

• Information and tickets available at Jolson.org or call Jan Hernstat at (516) 678-3524.

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

Pat McGann is quickly rising as one of the sharpest stand-ups on the comedy scene. A relative latecomer to comedy, he began doing standup at 31 after realizing he was not

He hustled his way to become the house emcee at Zanies Chicago, where he distinguished himself as crowd. A husband and father of three young children, McGann’s appeal stems from his quick wit and marriage. In 2017, McGann began touring as the opening act for Sebastian Maniscalco, moving

The famed duo steps away from their Las Vegas residency to bring their act on tour, appearing on the Tilles Center stage. Penn & Teller’s brand of awe-inspiring illusions mixed with buddy-comedy shtick has kept the duo at the very top of the magic profession for the past 45 years. Their trademark is the updating of worn out or archaic routines, such as bullet catching, or their recent adaptation of the classic bag escape trick (their version involved a trash bag and lots of helium). From humble beginnings busking on the streets of Philadelphia to acclaimed sold–out runs on Broadway to the longest running and one of the most-beloved resident headline acts in Vegas history, magic’s legendary duo continues to defy labels — and at times physics and good taste — by redefining the genre of magic and inventing their own very distinct niche in comedy. Constantly evolving and refining their unique take on illusion, the pair’s slight of hand always amazes, whether it’s a fresh take on an old ‘trick’ or something altogether new.

Friday and Saturday, July 28, 8 p.m. LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville. Tickets are $94, $84, $58, $48; available at TillesCenter.org or (516) 299-3100.

Kevin James

• Lambrou’s Catering Hall, 4073 Austin Blvd., Island Park

Alexandra Giordano — the museum’s assistant director of exhibition and exhibit underscores artists’ civic responsibility and influence. the vital role that artists have in activating democratic values that and freedom, encouraging civic engagement, and cultivating unity,” “Artists often lead the charge and expose truths that may otherwise be artists in this exhibition take a stand and call out injustices through their art issues such as immigration, gender, reproductive rights, mass incarceration, racial bias, gun violence, and promises unfulfilled. They all combine the making service that has a grassroots approach in the hope of mobilizing their the nation to ignite movement, create awareness, and inspire others to them.” which runs through July 28, is in conjunction with Hofstra’s conference on the Barack Obama presidency coming up in April. interested in the idea that the artist has a civic responsibility,” says Karen Albert. “The initial idea for this exhibition was inspired by Administration White House briefing that took place on May 12, 2009, 60 artists and creative organizers met with administration officials to collective power of the arts to build community, create change, and chart national recovery in the areas of social justice, civic participation and unlike other recent exhibits that showcased the museum’s collection, Giordano reached out to contemporary artists who loaned selected works. Some 36 pieces are on view — representing Emma Amos, Molly Crabapple and the Equal Justice Initiative, Miguel Luciano,

Also new this year is an appearance by comedian Jeff Greenberg, a longtime society member known for his humorous act, frequently performing near his New Jersey home. The comedy doesn’t end there. Bob Greenberg (no relation) will be tickling the funny bone as characters from oldies acts, such as Oliver Hardy, Ralph Kramden and Lou Costello. Additionally, fans will have the opportunity to meet Brian Gari, grandson of the late performer Eddie Cantor, Jolson’s showbiz contemporary, and can check out a slew of memorabilia from Jolson’s era.

Hernstat is intent on keeping Jolson’s legacy front and center in the public eye.

“He was the first true superstar. In fact, the word ‘superstar’ was not even coined yet,” he says. “He was an international star at a time when there was no real media to promote what he did. Now all you have to do is go on social media and everyone knows you all over the world. When Jolson first started out, there weren’t talking movies, there’s wasn’t radio and TV. For somebody to be as big as he was worldwide, it really talks about your talent. It is a wonderful experience to celebrate his talent, his singing, and his voice.”

When Hernstat reflects on years past, he fondly remembers welcoming entertainers to his gathering, such as Sheldon Harnick (“Fiddler on the Roof” lyricist and songwriter), radio and television superstar Margaret Whiting, and comedian Soupy Sales.

“I don’t want this festival to die,” Hernstat says. “There’s still people out there that love Jolson. I always tell people, ‘We’re not looking to convert you to become a Jolson fan, we just want to find the ones out there who are and let them know that they have this outlet for their enjoyment.’”

Garden. McGann’s relatively short, but impressive resume, includes Montreal’s famed Just For Laughs

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

Yarn/Wire

Now in its 18th year, Adelphi University’s ‘new music’ series welcomes Yarn/Wire. The intrepid New York-based piano-percussion quartet has forged a singular path with

The ‘King of Queens,’ ‘Mall Cop,’ ‘Kevin Can Wait,’ and Larry (of ‘I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry’) — Kevin James wears many hats. Catch his comedic brilliance when he returns to his Long Island roots with his Irregardless Tour. Young Kevin was a promising college football fullback until the acting bug bit him. After spending his junior summer with the local community theatre, he realized getting laughs was a bigger rush than stopping running backs from scoring a first down. James took to the comedy circuit where he soon made a name for himself, receiving the deal that every struggling comedian dreams of: The chance to develop and star in his own sitcom. The result was ‘King of Queens,’ and the rest is history. Now, he’s back on the stage with his everyman comedy and warm deadpan delivery. He’ll regale everyone with his quietly hilarious observations on life, fatherhood, and the simple absurdities of the world.

Saturday, July 29, 7:30 p.m. $99.50, $79.50, $69.50, $49.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY.com.

Courtesy L.I. Jolson Festival

Top photo: Al Jolson as he appeared in his film ‘The Singing Kid’ in 1936. Middle photo: Jolson enthusiast Joe Wiener with festival mainstay Tony Babino.

Bottom photo: Vocalist Richard Halpern performs the standards of the era in his first festival appearance.

Michele Pred, Hank Willis Thomas, and Sophia

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

The longtime festival is a lively tribute to the ‘World’s Greatest Entertainer’

THE

Aug. 4

Doo-Wop Oldies Spectacular

Revisit the golden oldies with Peter Lemongello Jr. in “An Evening To Remember,” with The Fabulous Acchords, The Tribunes and Teresa McClean, Friday, Aug. 4, 7:30 p.m. With their polished vocal skills and dynamic stage presence, these artists deliver a night of unforgettable entertainment in an energetic show that is pure nostalgia, filled with unforgettable tunes. Headliner Peter Lemongello Jr., is acclaimed as the most explosive and exciting doo-wop performer to appear on the scene in 40 years. The son of singer Peter Lemongello, Peter Jr. has appeared on “American Idol” and performed with The Four Tops, The Temptations, Chubby Checker and Lloyd Price, among others. He’s joined by acapella group The Tribunes, renowned for their authentic New York-bred street-corner harmonies, and The Fabulous Acchords, known for their impeccable harmonies, who captivate audiences with their blend of classic and contemporary songs, spanning genres and eras. The concert, produced by Gene DiNapoli, also features a special appearance by Teresa McClean, who takes everyone on an enthusiastic musical journey with her signature vocals and lush orchestration. $49, $39, $29; available at LandmarkOnMainStreet.org. or (917) 567-5842. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington.

On exhibit

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

July 28

Summer tunes

Get in the Motown groove with Dr. K’s Motown Revue, at Eisenhower Park, Friday, July 28, 8 p.m. The band’s dynamic renditions of those great tunes are performed with passion and conviction in true Motown style. With special guest Chicken Head. Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, Eisenhower Park, East Meadow. For information, visit NassauCountyNY.gov.

Sunday Stroll

Enjoy a pleasant stroll through Hempstead Lake State Park, every Sunday,10-11:30 a.m. Participants will set out for a new destination in the park each week to xplore the natural and recreational wonders that make up Hempstead Lake State Park and enjoy the seasonal changes. Each walk will be accessible on paved trails. Families are welcome. 1000 Lake Drive, West Hempstead. Visit Eventbrite.com. to register or call (516) 766-1029 for more information.

Aug.

Hot Diggity Dog

It’s barbecue season and Long Island Children’s Museum is feeling in the spirit, Kids can celebrate National Hot Dog Month by making a customized hot dog craft to bring home, at the drop-in program, Sunday, July 30, 1-3 p.m. Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or LICM.org.

Aug. 17

Write on: College essay workshop

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

Breastfeeding Support Group

Mercy Hospital offers a peer to peer meeting for breastfeeding support and resources, facilitated by a certified breastfeeding counselor, every Thursday, 10:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m. Bring your baby (from newborn to 1 year) to the informal group setting. All new moms are welcome, regardless of delivering hospital. Registration required. Call breastfeeding counselor, Gabriella Gennaro, at (516) 7052434 to secure you and your baby’s spot. Mercy Hospital, St. Anne’s Building, 1000 North Village Ave., Rockville Centre. For information visit CHSLI.org.

Teen Tuesdays

Need something fun to while school is out? Come to the Lakeview Public Library on Tuesdays, from 4:30-6 p.m., for snacks, music, art, games, crafts. Register prior to each session so library staff have enough supplies for everyone. 1120 Woodfield Road. Rockville Centre. Visit LakeviewLibrary. org or call Jennifer Dunlop at (516) 536-3071.

Having an event?

Storybook Stroll

Bring the kids to Old Westbury Gardens for a storybook adventure, Saturday, Aug. 5, 10:3011:30 a.m. Stroll the gardens and open your ears to Kirsten Hall’s modern tale “The Honeybe.” Later create a unique take home craft. For ages 3-5. Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. For information visit OldWestburyGardens. org or contact (516) 3330048.

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

Westbury House Tour

For many years visitors to Westbury House For many years visitors to Westbury House at Old Westbury Gardens asked what was beyond the first floor corridor. Now go beyond the door and discover “secrets of the service wing,” during a 60-minute guided tour, Friday, July 28, noon; Sunday, July 30, 3 p.m.; Monday, July 31, noon; Sunday, Aug. 6, 1:30 p.m. Be introduced to the intensive labor required to create the lifestyle experienced by the Phipps family and their guests; tour the many rooms that were “behind the scenes” to create the formal dining experiences of early 20th century. Go along the corridors to the butler’s pantry and silver cleaning room then descend the 17 steps to the kitchen, scullery, and wine storage rooms located on the ground floor. Reservations required. 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. For information contact (516) 333-0048 or visit OldWestburyGardens.org.

Art talk

Sept. 7

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

Walk and explore

Families are invited to Hempstead Lake State Park, Friday, July 28, 10-11 a.m., for a nature walk to connect with the natural world. Enjoy a short walk that will include animal visitors and crafts. 1000 Lake Drive, West Hempstead. Register at EventBrite.com. Call (516) 766-1029 for information.

Fishing is fun!

Visit Hempstead Lake State Park, Friday, Aug. 11, 10-11 a.m., for a program that instructs families how to fish. To register, visit EventBrite.com. 1000 Lake Drive, West Hempstead. Register at EventBrite.com. Call (516) 7661029 for information.

Q and A from the SNWA’s first public meeting

By NICOLE FORMISANO nformisano@liherald.com

The following is a list of common questions the public had for the South Nassau Water Authority. The answers are paraphrased from the water authority’s temporary president, John Reinhardt, during both the July 11 meeting and a follow-up interview with The Herald.

What action will the water authority be taking to help move the acquisition process along?

The water authority filed a motion at the July 11 meeting to seek party status in Liberty Water’s rate case. The upcoming rate hike is a motion filed by Liberty Water to the state Public Service Commission, and is only between those parties. By seeking party status, the South Nassau Water Authority gains access to information discussed in that case and gives them a voice at the table.

There was a lack of communication between the water authority and the public for the past 17 months. How will that be remedied?

The water authority’s website, SouthNassauWater.org, recently went live. The public can find documents such as the recently adopted bylaws, the minutes of the public meetings, and bios of the board members. People can also sign

up for emails from the board about future public meetings. That meeting information will also be posted on the website. Going forward, the board is looking to set a regular meeting time and place.

Walden Environmental Engineering donated thousands of dollars to Supervisor Don Clavin and the Nassau County Republican Committee. Is that why they have been contracted for this acquisition?

Walden Environmental was chosen because it has experience with previous water utility acquisitions cases, such as Massepequa’s. Also, in 2021 during the transfer of New York American Water to Liberty Water, the Town of Hempstead publicly issued a Request for Proposals for evaluation services. Walden was the only group that responded, largely because both American Water and Liberty Water are international companies, so many other firms could not respond to the RFP because of previous or current involvement with those companies.

Five feasibility studies have already been conducted. One of them stated that municipalization was feasible, but cur rent board president John Reinhardt was one of the few people to oppose it. Why?

This feasibility study was done under a previous water authority, the South east Nassau Water Authority. That

RED LABEL COFFEE

authority voted to retain the services of American Water, who was the provider at the time. They chose to do so because the rates were lower at that time, and the revenue that American Water provided for the town and county would have had to come from elsewhere — so the money would still be coming from the ratepayer, but in a tax bill rather than a water bill.

Does the board have authority to greenlight an acquisition, or do they need further approval from the town or county?

The board is equipped by the state, and has the authority to independently greenlight an acquisition deal. The law allows, but does not require, the board to provide a public referendum on whether or not to go forward with the municipalization of the assets. The board will likely have that public referendum to hear what the public wants.

chased New York American Water for $608 million in early 2022, but this acquisition is unlikely to be as expensive because the 2022 sale included other assets.

$15 million a year is taken from taxpayers. Why can’t you set aside some of that to mitigate the cost of acquisition?

The board does not know where people are getting this number of $15 million from. The only money they have gotten is the $500,000 promised by Clavin.

Approximately how long will an acquisition take?

It is undetermined how long the valuation of Liberty’s assets will take, nor how long they will take to respond to that valuation, and subsequent negotiations.

What action can residents take against this rate hike?

The water authority does not control the rate hike — it is between Liberty mission. However, if members of the public have legitimate complaints with Liberty’s service, they should file them sion. One of the biggest drivers of a rate out complaints on file there is little else the PSC is able to consider in a rate case

High-performing heart care, right here on the South Shore.

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Learn more at mountsinai.org/southnassauheart

Tur n on the news and expect to be scared. Another senseless school shooting. Global warming hits home. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Threats from China. A new Covid variant. What’s going on here?

We want to feel safe. We want our friends and families to be safe. Yet, whenever we hear or read the news, panic-inducing stories bombard our brains. Fear can be addictive, destroying our ability to focus on other matters. It promotes panic. It cultivates hopelessness. It’s immobilizing. So how shall we cope when we hear about terrifying events in the world?

First and foremost, you must find the adult voice in your head that’s calming, reassuring, and hopeful. It’s there somewhere! Then tell the scared child within you to listen to that voice. Really listen. Breathe in those reassuring thoughts and calming feelings.

How to train your brain guest

Isn’t that denial though? Bad things are happening. Frightening events occur. Yes, but that doesn’t mean we must immerse ourselves in information overload that escalates our fear. We can choose what to pay attention to at any moment of the day. Indeed, we must remind our brain that despite all the terrifying headlines and breaking news, we still live in an age where we’re healthier, safer, more affluent and living far longer than previous generations ever dreamed of.

If fear reigns, all the excitement, enjoyment, and juiciness are squeezed out of life. Then what remains? The everyday, mundane stuff and the terrible tragedies and catastrophes that become headline news. That is no

Multivitamins and Older Adults

About one-third of Americans 60 and older take multivitamins. Perhaps the remaining twothirds should as well. According to a major new study, the second of its kind to reach the same conclusion, taking multivitamins over age sixty delays the onset of memory loss by about 3 years.

The study used a commonly available multivitamin, Centrum Silver, which contains vitamins D, A, B12, thiamine, riboflavin, manganese and other substances, although it was noted that any high-quality multivitamin would do just as well.

A Washington Post article (5/24/23) about these findings quotes JoAnn Manson of Harvard Medical School “Older adults are very concerned about preserving cognition and memory, so this is a very important finding. They are looking for safe and effective prevention strategies. The fact that two separate studies came to similar conclusions is remarkable.”

Other experts cited were Andrew Budson, Professor of Neurology at Boston University “This study is groundbreaking. Low levels of

vitamins B1 -- also known as thiamine -- B12 and D are associated with cognitive decline. That a simple multivitamin can slow cognitive decline while they are aging normally is quite exciting, as it is something almost everyone can do.”

The reasons that multivitamin “therapy” is so effective is explained by Paul E. Schultz, Professor Neurology at McGovern Medical School, Houston -- the brain requires a lot of vitamins and minerals to function properly. While the goal is to maintain nutrition through a healthy and balanced diet, as we age our bodies may be unable to absorb sufficient levels of the essential elements. In addition, some medications interfere with the absorption of nutrients. Schulz states “Think of a complicated engine that requires lots of specialty parts and needs them all. We regularly see people who are deficient in nutrients come in with cognitive impairment.”

If you are on medications, it is recommended that you consult your doctor before you try a supplement, as some vitamins may interfere with those medications.

way to live. So, whatever’s happening in the world, do not allow fear to take up permanent residence in your brain. An occasional visit is okay and may be appropriate. But that’s it! Hence.

Do not exhaust your brain with media overload, worrying about every trouble, problem, and calamity happening in the world. Consciously and calmly determine how much media exposure is good for you. When you’ve had enough, turn your TV and digital devices off.

Turn on upbeat music that’s appealing to you. Then let your body and brain move to the music.

Since fear is contagious, spend minimal time with fearful, pessi-

mistic doomsayers, more time with positive, optimistic go-getters.

Let go of obsessing about dangers you can do nothing about. Instead, focus on what you can do -individually or with group effort- to help alleviate a fearful situation.

Tell your brain you won’t allow yourself to live in a helpless, vulnerable position. You deserve better!

Do all that and your brain and body will forever be grateful to you for helping it focus on the good things in life.

©2023

Linda Sapadin, Ph.D. is a psychologist and success coach in private practice who specializes in helping people overcome self-defeating patterns of behavior. You can reach her at LSapadin@DrSapadin.com. Visit her website at www.PsychWisdom.com.

Linda Sapadin

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT NASSAU COUNTY

WILMINGTON SAVINGS

FUND SOCIETY, FSB

D/B/A CHRISTIANA TRUST, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS THE TRUSTEE FOR THE BROUGHAM FUND I TRUST, Plaintiff against MAX NOEL, et al Defendant(s)

Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Stern & Eisenberg, P.C., 20 Commerce Drive, Suite 230, Cranford, NJ 07016.

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered February 6, 2014, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on August 8, 2023 at 2:00 PM.

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

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

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

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

Gerald Wright, Esq., Referee NY-52600060-16 140529

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE UPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, CITIBANK, N.A., NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE OF NRZ PASS-THROUGH TRUST VI, Plaintiff, vs. HARRY SELLERS, AS EXECUTOR AND HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF RONALD E. SELLERS, DECEASED, ET AL., Defendant(s).

Pursuant to an Order

Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on June 1, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on August 15, 2023 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 407 Scaneateles Avenue, West Hempstead, NY 11552. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Norwood, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 35, Block 415 and Lot 768, 769, 770, 771 and 894.

Approximate amount of judgment is $523,678.37 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 604000/2019. 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.

Scott H. Siller, Esq., Referee

Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No. 182226-1 140667

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

NATIONSTAR

MORTGAGE LLC D/B/A

MR. COOPER, V.

ALBERT J. MARCIANO, ET. AL.

NOTICE OF SALE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure dated April 30, 2019, and entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau, wherein

NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC D/B/A

MR. COOPER is the Plaintiff and ALBERT J. MARCIANO, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE,

MINEOLA, NY 11501, on August 8, 2023 at 2:30PM, premises known as 435 HEMPSTEAD GARDENS DRIVE, WEST HEMPSTEAD, NY 11552: Section 35, Block 402, Lot

220:

ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS

THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING AT WEST HEMPSTEAD, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 611744/2017. George Esernio, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES.

140652

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU DEUTSCHE BANK

NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE, ON BEHALF OF THE HOLDERS OF THE IMPAC SECURED ASSETS CORP., MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES 2006-5

Plaintiff,

Against CEDRIC E. WRIGHT A/K/A CEDRIC WRIGHT

Defendant(s)

Pursuant to An Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 04/12/2023, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, at the North Front Steps of the Nassau County Courthouse, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 on 8/15/2023 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 97 Marlborough Road, West Hempstead, NY 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 in the Town Of West Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York.

Section 34 Block 311 Lot 53, 54, and 55.

The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $466,755.16 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale;

Index # 614300/2019

Anthony J. Rattoballi Esq., Referee.

SHELDON MAY & ASSOCIATES Attorneys at Law, 255 Merrick Road, Rockville Centre, NY 11570

Dated: 6/1/2023 File

Number: 35973 RS 140623

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, AJAX MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2018-C, MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES, SERIES 2018C, BY U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS INDENTURE TRUSTEE, Plaintiff, vs. NATACHA W. JULES, ET AL., Defendant(s).

Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on November 16, 2022, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on August 24, 2023 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 540 Kent Place, West Hempstead, NY 11552. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 35, Block 405 and Lot 255. Approximate amount of judgment is $454,494.63 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 607452/2018. 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.

Kevin J. O’Brien, Esq, Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.: 180659-1

140770

Cairo elected National GOP Committeeman

The New York Republican State Committee, at its meeting on June 6, has elected Nassau County Republican Chairman Joseph G. Cairo, Jr. to the position of National Committeeman. Cairo is one of two New York Republican National Committee persons from the Empire State. Cairo and New York’s National Committeewoman, Jennifer Saul Rich, along with New York Republican State Committee Chairman Ed Cox, will work collaboratively to elect Republican candidates at the local, state and federal level.

“I want to thank New York Republican State Chairman Ed Cox, as well as all of the members of the State Committee, for electing me to this position,” Cairo stated. “I am eager to work with Chairman Cox and National Committeewoman Jennifer Saul Rich to elect Republican candidates and advance the Republican agenda, which is being embraced by New Yorkers who want lower taxes, safe communities and the preservation of our suburbs.”

National Committeepersons interact with the Republican National Committee and create and maintain national party policies through the rules of the Republican Party, the Republican Party Platform and member-submitted resolutions. They also assist in raising and securing financial resources and support for Republican federal candidates.

At the same time, Cairo will work to continue his string of electoral successes at the state and local level. Indeed, the Nassau County Republican Committee worked with the State Republican Party to capture 4 of 5 Senate seats in Nassau County in 2022. The Nassau GOP Team additionally won all 3 Congressional seats in Nassau County in 2022. The Nassau County Chairman further enjoyed major victories in 2021, winning every

countywide office including District Attorney, County Executive, Comptroller and County Clerk. The District Attorney’s Office had been held by Democrats since 2005. Cairo and his Republican organization also captured the Town of North Hempstead Supervisor’s seat, the Town Clerk and two Council seats in a major upset. Republicans had not held the Supervisor’s seat in North Hempstead in over 3 decades before Cairo engineered the 2021 upset. The Nassau GOP leader also ran races in 2021 that saw Republicans take control of the City of Glen Cove and dominate in the Towns of Hempstead and Oyster Bay. Nassau Republicans increased their majority in the Nassau Legislature in 2021. Cairo indicates that the future looks bright for Nassau Republicans.

“Nassau County Republican Chairman Joe Cairo will be a great National Committeeman,” Cox observed. “He has demonstrated that he can raise funds and mount winning campaigns. I am eager to continue working with him as he serves in his new capacity.”

“I am excited to continue my work with a great State Republican Chairman, Ed Cox, to realize more Republican victories at every level,” concluded Cairo. “Republicans have the messages that are resonating with voters. We stand for lower taxes and we support our police. What’s more, we reject the Governor’s plan to dump high-rise apartment buildings in residential neighborhoods that are populated by single-family homes. Finally, we are offended by efforts by extreme Democrats who have taken control in Albany to wipe clean the criminal records of dangerous people. Neighbors stand with the Republican Party and our common-sense message of lower taxes and safer neighborhoods.”

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORKCOUNTY OF NASSAU

WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., AS TRUSTEE, ON BEHALF OF THE REGISTERED HOLDERS OF MORGAN STANLEY ABS CAPITAL I INC. TRUST

2005-WMC5, MORTGAGE

PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES

2005-WMC5,

V.

MARIA KARELLAS, ET. AL.

NOTICE OF SALE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure dated September 24, 2021, and entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau, wherein WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., AS TRUSTEE, ON BEHALF OF THE REGISTERED HOLDERS OF MORGAN STANLEY ABS CAPITAL I INC. TRUST 2005-WMC5, MORTGAGE

PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES

2005-WMC5 is the Plaintiff and MARIA KARELLAS, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH

SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on August 22, 2023 at 2:00PM, premises known as 87 NASSAU BOULEVARD, WEST HEMPSTEAD, NY 11552: Section 33, Block 487, Lot 267: ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING, AND BEING IN THE WEST HEMPSTEAD, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of

filed Judgment Index # 616961/2018. Lawrence M. Schaffer, Esq.Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 140909

Joseph G. Cairo Jr.

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REAL ESTATE

Open Houses

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Open Houses

WOODMERE BA, 504 Saddle Ridge Rd., FIRST TIME ON MARKET! Move Right Into This Renovated 4 BR, 2 Bth Split with Open Layout in Prime Location! Granite/Wood EIK Opens to Dining Room & Living Room. Lower Level Den.

Homes

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

Malverne

Totally Renovated Cape

This truly beautiful renovated Cape Cod features a living room with a wood burning fireplace, a dining room and a brand new eat-in-kitchen with island. This home also boasts four bedrooms, two full baths, white oak floors, full basement and detached garage with a long and private driveway, off street parking for five to six cars, newer gas heat and hot water heater. You will also enjoy gas cooking, central air conditioning, all newer thermal pane windows, newer roof, private fenced yard and much more! Located on a quiet tree lined street; you can walk to everything including the LIRR station. $715,000

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How tall can houses be?

Q. A few homes in my neighborhood are much taller. What are the rules for how tall a house can be — like how many floors, and what is legal? I mostly see only two stories, but the new ones are at least three. Is this a new thing that you can build taller? Was it just traditional to only build two stories until now?

A. The thinking on allowed height has changed recently. Hurricane Sandy’s flooding moved New York to promote house lifting in flood zones. Influence also came from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which, in essence, is really a publicly funded insurance company, covering people in areas where regular home insurance companies avoid the risk of insuring.

The incentive to lift or build higher is to avoid huge flood insurance cost increases — building above flood levels, with the lowest level only allowed to be for a garage and storage, not living space. By making the first livable floor higher, above the flood level, insurance rates are kept lower. People have shown me their rates went from $500 to $2,500 dollars a year, increasing annually since Sandy in 2012.

LR/DR with Vaulted Ceiling & Fpl, & Fam Rm. 2 Car Att Gar.Endless Possibilities!

SD#14 $1,349,000

246 Adams Rd, BA, Elegant & Stately 4200 Sq Ft CH Col on Beautiful Quiet St. 5 BR, 4.55 Bth. Sweeping Staircase. All Spacious Rooms with Top Quality Finishes. Amazing Fam Rm with Cathedral Ceiling Overlooking

1 Acre Resortlike Prop Featuring IG Gunite Pool, Patio & Tennis Ct. XL Fin Bsmt. Upper Level has Primary Ste w/ Dressing Rm & Bth Plus 3 BRs & 2

Bths. 2 Car Att Gar.Low Taxes! SD#20 REDUCED! $2,299,000

HEWLETT

1390 Broadway #102, BA, NEW! Move Right Into This Magnificent Newly

Renovated 2 BR, 2 Bth Coop in Prestigious Hewlett Townhouse.Open

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

Doorman, Valet Pkg, Elevator, Priv Storage. Gar Pkg. Near Shops, Trans & Houses of Worship $579,000

1534 Broadway #205, BA, Extra Large 2000 Sq Ft, 2 Bedroom (Originally

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Underground Pkg. Loads of Closets. Terrace Faces Back. Easy Ranch Style

Living BIG REDUCTION!! MOTIVATED SELLER! $579,000

WOO dMERE 504 Saddle Ridge Rd, BA, Move Right Into This Renovated 4 BR, 2 Bth Split with Open Layout in Prime Location! Granite/Wood EIK Opens to

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

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

Some homes are much higher than codes and incentives intended, due to misinterpretation of reasons to build higher and misrepresentation in the review process. For example, a home’s first floor is no longer a first floor if it’s higher than 6 feet above the ground. Over 6 feet high, the floor level automatically becomes a second floor, meaning the next floor above is a third floor, which requires zoning board approval, interior sprinklers, escape terraces and wind strengthening. I have seen home plans misrepresented as being two stories by not correctly showing the floor level heights or describing a second floor as a first floor, the next floor as a second floor that is really a third floor — even where a fourth floor is shown as a mezzanine or roof level balcony.

There is a small country town in Tuscany, in central Italy, San Gimignano, that is famous for its skyline of towers that people built onto their homes during medieval times. As the story goes, one prominent homeowner built a tall tower to watch for potential attackers. His neighbor jealously built a tower a little higher, and, not to be outdone, several adjacent homeowners began building towers higher and higher.

History repeats itself. Thirty feet from the new design flood elevation, which may be 2 to 4 feet higher off the ground, could make the maximum roof height 34 to 35 feet in your town. The safety code intends to protect people from perishing in fires, so indoor sprinklers are part of the requirement Decisions to build higher have to take community safety and appearance into account, so height restrictions have been intended to make escape and rescue easier. Statistically, only 5 percent of occupants on a third floor survive a fire. That’s the reason for height restrictions, so taller homes require more safety features.

© 2023 Monte Leeper

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

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Is it time for Yankees and Mets fans to ask for a refund?

Regardless of the heat wave, I love summer, compared with the brutal wind blasts of December. I know that the summer climate doesn’t satisfy everyone, but the chance to breathe the warm air and be greeted with the bright sunshine is very comforting to me. Summer makes me happy, but I must confess to being very irritated by one subject. I refer to the Yankees and the Mets.

Once upon a time, during my very naïve years, I was told that money buys anything. I didn’t really believe that, because with the passage of time, I saw many instances in which money bought nothing. I know wealthy couples who are the most miserable people. I’ve watched companies flush with money fall apart due to mismanagement.

But I wonder how two great sports franchises, flush with cash, can perform so badly.

Being a lifelong Yankees fan, I will start with my gripes about them.

Media reports indicate that the current payroll of the team is around $280 million, which places them close to the top of the list of the big spenders.

With that kind of money and a fan base that pours millions of dollars into the club treasury, how can management justify the fact that their team is in last place in the American League East?

There’s no doubt that Aaron Judge’s toe injury has been a major setback. But there are many other players who take the field each day and do nothing to win or make the loyal fan base happy. If you follow them as I do, they look like a bunch of people who just show up to collect a paycheck and go home. They are listless, bored and totally disconnected with the job of keeping baseball America’s so-called pastime. If these players were street sweepers, I could understand their listlessness. Pushing a broom can be a very dull job. But when players are paid millions of dollars, the fans are entitled to watch a team that is energized and trying to succeed. Have you ever watched the Little League World

Series? It pays to tune in and watch kids yell and scream when a teammate gets a base hit. They hug a fellow player when he strikes out to encourage him to do better the next time he’s at the plate.

There are many big league examples of hunger for victory. The Toronto Blue Jays and the Tampa Bay Rays are good examples.

Their players come out to play with smiles on their faces and are determined to win. The lack of passion that the Yankees display is similar to what I observe about this year’s Mets team.

The Mets’ owner, Steve Cohen is a very wealthy man. He can buy just about anything he wants just by dialing his cellphone. He has invested billions in a team that has been called one of the best that money could buy. When he broke the bank to hire Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer, Mets fans were jumping for joy.

The rest of the lineup is All-Star quality, but the team could end up in fourth or worse in the NL East at season’s end.

When some team owners speak to

the sportswriters, they sound like the kid who claims the dog ate his homework. They moan about injuries and claim that it will be just a matter of time before their players catch fire. They’re afraid to complain about their players for fear of upsetting them. They seem to forget about the dollars they’re shelling out to those employees.

Many of us longtime Yankees fans wish George Steinbrenner was still alive. When he was, and Yankees players failed to perform, he publicly excoriated them.

And Steinbrenner was never reluctant to trade away a player who didn’t meet his standards.

It’s possible that the Yankees, and the Mets, too, will shake up their teams by the Aug. 1 trade deadline. And maybe they’ll send out a few blunt messages that we long-suffering New York fans are entitled to get our money’s worth when we buy those very expensive tickets.

Jerry Kremer was a state 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.

Food for thought: Whose tuna is it anyway?

We all have our breaking points, and I discovered my husband’s last Thursday evening after we arrived at a nearby restaurant for dinner. We had been there once before. The place had good word of mouth, and the reviews said the service was friendly and the food was imaginatively prepared. Perhaps we should have lingered longer over the word “imaginatively.”

know what I’m having,” he said, with great relish. “The tuna steak with bok choy and wasabi potatoes.” Our daughter said she would have the same.

I saw trouble looming on the horizon, and it had fins.

The waiter arrived to take our orders.

“I’ll have the tuna, cooked medium,” my daughter said.

who remembered us from the week before. “Sir, you sent your tuna back three times last week,” he said.

“That’s right,” Don said. ”Because it was raw each time, even though I ordered it well done.”

“I’m sorry,” the manager said. “But the chef won’t cook it past medium.”

Randi is on a brief leave. This column was originally published Jan. 13-19, 2000.

“What’s with all the blue swirls? Paint me polka dots.”

RANDI KREISS

We were dining with one of our favorite people, our daughter, and my husband wanted it to be a special treat for her.

We were seated by one of the friendly staff, and he made a point of removing the white napkins and offering us black ones, saying, “These won’t leave lint on your black slacks.”

“I’m impressed, “ I said. “What a thoughtful accommodation.”

Don was perusing the menu. “I

The waiter looked pained. “We cook the tuna rare,” he said. “Medium, with pink on the inside, is as far as we’ll go.” She said that was fine.

it had fins.

But it wasn’t fine with the big guy. “I would like the same,” my husband purred, “but I want mine well done. I don’t do pink.”

The waiter looked stricken. “I’m sorry, sir, but the chef won’t cook it past medium.”

“I know how I like my tuna,” Don said, quite reasonably. “I won’t send it back because it’s too well done. I like it that way. It’s my dinner, and I want it cooked the way I want to eat it.”

The waiter fetched the manager,

“You mean to tell me that I’m paying for this dinner and I have to eat it the way the chef likes it?”

“Sorry sir.”

“I assume the chef is the owner,” my husband said.

“Yes, sir.”

“And he doesn’t care if he loses a customer?”

“No, sir. He serves his tuna purple in the middle.”

By now my husband was turning purple himself. He canceled the tuna and ordered a vegetable plate.

Our daughter suggested we try to reframe the situation.

“You’re so angry, Dad. Try to think of this from the chef’s point of view. He’s a food artist. He’s the Van Gogh of food, and you’re saying to him,

The big guy wasn’t in the mood to reframe. “He can paint all the blue swirls he wants, but I don’t have to eat them. This guy is telling me that if I want to eat the meal I want to eat, I have to eat it the way he enjoys it.”

I see it as a control issue: Yes, you will. No, I won’t. The chef was a prima donna, an incarnation of “Seinfeld’s” soup Nazi. My husband couldn’t get the meal he wanted, which is, after all, the general idea of dining out, and he was right.

Scrambled eggs with ketchup, peanut butter and banana sandwiches, burnt steaks, matzo balls hard as hockey pucks: culinary idiosyncrasies are an American tradition. In the future, when we hear about a restaurant where there’s an artist at the burners, we will dine elsewhere.

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

At a nearby restaurant, I saw trouble looming on the horizon, and

Many of us Bronx Bombers fans wish George Steinbrenner was still alive.

JERRY KREMER

Local news is good for business

It’s no secret that recent years have been tough on small businesses and on newspapers.

A bipartisan bill, the Community News & Small Business Support Act that has been introduced in Congress, would offer relief to both newspapers and local businesses.

For too many newspapers, help can’t come soon enough. Economic challenges have resulted in too many communities seeing their local newspapers being forced to lay off staff, cut back on publication days, or — worse yet — close. On average, two newspapers are closing each week. That hurts local businesses and residents in the long (and short) run.

However, despite the challenges, what remains true is that local newspapers make a difference in their communities.

But don’t just take my word for it. Let’s look at the numbers, and why America’s Newspapers has been pushing for the Community News & Small Business Support Act to be introduced.

A recent national study of 5,000 Americans older than 18 was conducted by the independent research firm Coda Ventures for America’s Newspapers, and provides compelling evidence of the importance, relevance and vitality of today’s newspapers in the American media landscape.

Readers told us that their local newspaper makes a difference. The study shows that 79 percent of Americans read/use local news “to stay informed” about their cities, counties and communities. They also said they rely on their local paper to feel connected to their community. To decide where they stand on local issues. To find places and things to do. To talk with people about things happening in the commu-

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We need to hear much more from

Peter King

nity, because they find it enjoyable or entertaining, and to be a better citizen.

And, contrary to popular belief, readers across all age groups turn to local newspapers and their digital products to stay informed about their communities.

Readers also told us they need more local news from their community paper. As one survey respondent said, “Our paper keeps getting smaller. I would like to see more news items, what’s happening in town, what’s new in politics, etc. And they need to be quicker to respond to breaking news.”

All of that takes a committed, local staff — something the legislation, introduced by U.S. Rep. Claudia Tenney, of New York, and Rep. Suzan DelBene, of Washington, will help to make happen.

So, what would this legislation mean to your local community?

Local businesses with fewer than 50 employees would receive a five-year nonrefundable tax credit of up to $5,000 in the first year, and up to $2,500 in the subsequent four years, based on their spending with local newspapers and local media. Our study showed that six out of 10 American adults use newspaper advertising to help them decide what brands, products and local services to buy.

Newspaper readers also are almost twice as likely to purchase products in a number of important advertising categories than nonnewspaper readers, including automobiles, trucks and SUVs; home furnishings; home improvement products and services; and home services like pest control, plumbing and heating.

With this legislation, we expect to see more businesses being able to afford to advertise to consumers, which in turn helps communities thrive.

For local newspapers, a five-year refundable tax credit would help them hire more journalists to bring you more news. It’s a win-win for local communities.

Newspapers would receive a tax credit to be

used for the compensation of journalists. The credit would cover 50 percent of journalists’ compensation in the first year, and 30 percent of compensation — up to $50,000 — in the subsequent four years.

This tax credit would only be available to local community papers with fewer than 750 employees and, if they don’t invest in their newsroom, they don’t get the credit.

And these tax credits are only available to local newspapers. National newspaper outlets are not eligible.

The importance of local newspapers and local business is the reason Reps. Tenney and DelBene introduced the legislation. We are most grateful for their support.

We need your support, as well, to encourage legislators to enact this legislation. Please contact the offices of your senators and representatives in Congress and encourage them to add their support to this legislation.

These tax credits aren’t permanent — they will sunset in five years. But those critical five years will allow the newspaper industry the time needed to address the challenges that it is facing from Big Tech, which often uses newspapers’ content without compensation, as well as other technological and market challenges. Visit USA.gov/elected-officials for the contact information for your legislators.

More local reporting means more access for hometown news readers like you rely on. And stronger newspapers mean stronger advertising vehicles for local businesses.

On behalf of its approximately 1,700 newspaper and Solutions Partner companies, America’s Newspapers is committed to explaining, defending and advancing the vital role of newspapers in democracy and civil life. We put an emphasis on educating the public on all the ways newspapers contribute to building a community identity and the success of local businesses.

Learn more at Newspapers.org.

Dean Ridings is chief executive of the advocacy organization America’s Newspapers.

To the Editor:

Re Peter King’s column last week, “At this dinner, true patriotism was on vivid display”: Mr. King’s columns have been mildly interesting, often nostalgic, but the deprive us of his greatest asset. As a former congressman with long experience as a respectable Republican, his informed opinion is valuable to Long Island. Recounting the Patriot Awards Dinner is interesting and nostalgic, but the present need for heroes is expressed only as wishful thinking. Noting the heroes and the 9/11 terrorists should not blind us to the present terrorist threat.

Candidate Donald Trump proclaims the constitutional right to do anything he wants as president. He further details the goals of his mission of “retribution,” involving destruction, uprooting, elimination and the like. His militant acolytes sign on, his team details the means by which they’ll establish an autocracy during 2025, his media broadcast the message, his donors unsheathe their checkbooks.

Surely the honorable Mr. King has some thoughts on

Election integrity in New York?

over the past 20-something years, election integrity has become a hot-button issue in our country.

In 2000, Democrats claimed that George W. Bush was an illegitimate president because of hanging chads in Florida.

In 2016, Democrats alleged that Donald Trump stole the presidency by secretly colluding with Russia. And in 2020, many Republicans asserted that the presidential election was rigged, which was the catalyst for Jan 6.

None of the claims in any of those elections were proved, but what is clear is that the past twoplus decades of such baseless allegations on both sides of the political aisle have taken their toll on voter confidence on our electoral process. A study in 2000 found an average level of public faith in national elections between 1964 and 1996 of 70 percent. In 2020, a Gallup Poll found that just 59 percent of Americans were very or somewhat confident in U.S. elections.

So you might think it would be government’s main priority to restore faith in our electoral process. Unfortunately, your assumption would be incorrect, and your faith misplaced. Instead, the desire to secure power consistently outweighs restoring public trust in our elections, and common-sense election reforms supported by the public are consistently rejected. A 2021 Monmouth University poll found that 80 percent of Americans

support requiring voters to show photo identification to cast a ballot, but Democrats consistently reject that idea. Despite the requirement of photo IDs for everything from library cards to driver’s licenses to accessing Medicaid to boarding an airplane, Democrats, incredibly, claim that requiring voters’ photo IDs would disenfranchise a portion of the population.

Even more concerning, political parties appear to be passing laws that are fundamentally changing our election process — laws that are designed to place a heavy thumb on the election scale in favor of one party over the other.

For the past five years, New York has been a one-party state, with Democrats controlling the Assembly, the Senate and the governor’s office. In that time, Democrats have passed election law after election law not to strengthen and depoliticize state and local elections, but rather to give a blatant advantage to Democratic candidates.

In 2014, then Gov. Andrew Cuomo and other Democrats supported a state constitutional amendment, passed overwhelmingly by the public, that established a Redistricting Commission to independently draw up the state’s political maps to avoid gerrymandering, beginning in 2021. At the time, Republicans controlled the Senate.

When 2020 rolled around, Democrats were in full control, and their desire for that independent commission was gone. They rejected its proposed legislative maps, and tried passing a law to allow

Letters

these proposed alterations to the government he helped to preserve? Or on the character of some of those he served with? Or on the unusual tactics of Tommy Tuberville, Marjorie Taylor Greene or Jim Jordan? Mr. King must feel something about marionettes like George Santos replacing serious public servants like himself. Mr. King’s service is recent and thus still relevant, but it will become less so with time. The time to speak, to advise, is now.

BRIAN KELLY Rockville Centre

Protect chimps — and unborn babies

To the Editor:

Re Randi Kreiss’s column last week, “Chimps face N.Y. court test of personhood” (reprised from Jun 11-17, 2015): I usually don’t agree with Randi, because we have different political outlooks and worldviews, but this time I do, because cruelty is morally wrong. There are exceptions such as war, but those are rare. Her quote from Jane Goodall and reference to chimpanzees’ similar DNA were poignant. Why, then, don’t we all extend the same concern to creatures that share 100 percent of our DNA — an exact

themselves to draw the new districts, contrary to the 2014 reforms. Over the express will of the people, Democrats drew the new congressional, Senate and Assembly districts. Ultimately, their action was struck down, deemed unconstitutional, and the districts were redrawn by an independent special master.

DAfter such a strong rebuke by the courts, you might think Democrats would reconsider such political overreach. Unfortunately, the exact opposite has occurred. In the last two weeks of the legislative session in Albany, the Democrats passed laws, which Gov. Kathy Hochul has indicated she will sign, that fundamentally transform the state’s election process.

One bill would move most town and county elections to even-numbered years, when Democrats typically have their highest voter turnout. But the Democratic sponsors of the bill excluded from the legislation all cities, including New York City, village and school board elections, which consistently have among the lowest voter turnout. Opponents of the bill, including me, believe that important local issues, and races for Nassau County and Town of Hempstead offices, would be overshadowed by national and state issues and races. The county and town have held elections in odd-numbered years for over 80 years, but the 18 percent higher turnout in even years may be just what Democrats need to win local legislative seats, which I believe is the true purpose of the change.

match, actually? And these creatures look “just like a human baby,” because they are human, and in fact “persons,” regardless of what current laws say. But unfortunately, most people are like Randi’s dinner crowd, who “just couldn’t care about what happens to chimpanzees” — or unborn human children.

I challenge Randi to use her own logic to help defend the unborn.

And I will contribute to janegoodall.org.

JACK HOLLAND Baldwin

Some of us know what teachers go through

To the Editor:

Re Mark Nolan’s column in last week’s Herald, “You have no idea with teachers deal with”: Yep — all sad but true. My wife is a retired first-grade teacher. It’s hard to believe that so much starts there, but it does.

Yes, teachers are well paid, but most of them really earn it! Thanks to them, and God bless them.

DICK CARDOzO Westbury

Another bill passed by Democrats is the New York Early Mail Voter Act, which would allow voters to cast mail-in ballots without an excuse during the nine-day early-voting period. As things stand, the state Constitution allows voting by mail only for those with specific excuses — a disability, an illness, or an absence from their county on Election Day. In 2021, this same measure was put before state voters as a ballot amendment, and soundly rejected. As a result, the Democrats, as they did with redistricting, ignored the will of the voters will and created this legislative workaround that doesn’t need voter approval.

There will certainly be legal challenges to these bills, but the Democrats also have that covered. In the last days of the session, they passed a bill that requires a person filing a constitutional challenge to an election law to do so in one of only four jurisdictions. To no one’s surprise, those four courts are in areas that are heavily Democratic, with similar judicial profiles.

We passed coincidence in New York a long time ago.

The actions of the Democratic-led State Legislature in the past several years, and particularly this past session, would clearly lead a reasonable person to conclude that these so-called “reforms” have very little to do with restoring trust in our voting system, and instead ensure that the majority party remains in power.

But hey, as many of my Democratic colleagues said as they were passing these “reforms,” they “trust the voters.” That is, if they vote the way Democrats want them to.

Framework by Tim Baker

Brian Curran represents the 21st Assembly District.

emocrats have passed election laws just to give their candidates the advantage.

Brian CUrran