Malverne/West Hempstead Herald 08-17-2023

Fatal crash in West Hempstead

Community binds and strengthens us

Sometimes we have to pause for a moment to realize how good things are.

West Hempstead and Malverne truly are gems of Long Island. West Hempstead continues to show its resiliency as a community by coming together when needed. Malverne garnered international attention when students led the way in renaming Acorn Way to rid the racist past.

The parks are unifying places where people gather to enjoy the outdoors and one another’s company. Halls Pond Park and Hempstead Lake State Park — both in West Hempstead — are remarkable areas where visitors can find outdoor tranquility or plenty to do.

In Malverne, Westwood Park is a beauty and is only getting better. The park dazzles first-time visitors and longtime residents alike. Crossroads Farm at Grossman’s is part of the Nassau Land Trust and boasts organic fruits and vegetables — and more.

Malverne’s Westwood Park continues to only get better

By MARK Nol AN mnolan@liherald.com

Ed and Veronica Mahoney have enjoyed an extended backyard of sorts at Westwood Park in the Village of Malverne for decades.

Since moving into their home across the street from the Foster Avenue park in 1979, the Mahoneys have brought their children and now grandchildren to the park and have consistently led efforts to beautify the public space.

The village is now renovating Westwood Park, spending about $29,000 to increase accessibility for people with disabilities, among other improvements — the latest in a decades-long commitment to upgrade the park.

“When we moved here, it wasn’t even a park,” Ed Mahoney, 75, said. “It was just a drainage basin. The things we’ve done here

are unbelievable.”

Mahoney, known as the unofficial “Mayor of Westwood,” gives the project a thumbs-up — especially the addition of two pickleball courts.

The latest improvements include installing irrigation to add more grass fields, removing old trees and planting new ones. The village also built a communication board with pictures and photos that nonverbal kids can use.

“Malverne is known for its overwhelming sense of inclusivity and comfort,” Mayor Tim Sullivan said. “The addition of a communication board extends our efforts to meet the needs of every resident.”

Since he served as a village trustee, Sullivan has worked at maintaining and improving Westwood Park, and said this latest effort is “taking it a step further” by making the park accessible for all kids.

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As the newspaper of record for Malverne and West Hempstead, we take our work very seriously, and make sure every week to deliver to you local news you can’t find elsewhere. When you need to know what your school district’s budget contains, you find it in the Herald. When you need information about a community event, you find it in the Herald. And when you need important information about village and town government? It’s in the Herald.

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Tim Baker/Herald Killian Mahoney, 2, with grandparents Ed and Veronica Mahoney at Westwood Park.

West Hempstead copes with another tragedy

By MARK NOLAN mnolan@liherald.com

Another fatal crash in West Hempstead.

And again, the community is in mourning.

On Aug. 7, an alleged drunk driver crashed into a parked car on Hempstead Turnpike near Westminster Road at 2:22 a.m., according to Nassau County police. Six-year-old Katerine Vanegas-Hernandez of West Hempstead was killed. Six people were taken to local hospitals. Police later announced the arrest of 18-year-old Jorge Bonilla Gutierrez of Freeport, who was charged with second-degree manslaughter, second-degree vehicular manslaughter, four counts of assault, and driving while intoxicated

Police said Bonilla Gutierrez crashed a 2005 Nissan SUV while “traveling at a high rate of speed” on Hempstead Turnpike near Westminster Road into a parked 2009 Toyota Corolla. There were three people inside the Corolla and two pedestrians standing alongside the Corolla when it was struck.

Two days later, a 73-year-old woman crossing the road at Woodfield Road and Oakford Street in Lakeview was struck by a 2003 Toyota Highlander at 9:17 p.m., according to the police. The woman suffered serious injuries and was transported by a Nassau County Ambulance to a local area hospital. As of press time, she

is listed in critical condition.

The driver of the Highlander, an 82-year-old man, remained on the scene and contacted police.

Maureen Greenberg, president of the West Hempstead Community Support Association, said the community has become too familiar with roadway tragedies.

“It always saddens the community when a tragedy occurs,” Greenberg said.

“Unfortunately, even with traffic lights and marked roads, those that drive without regard for the lives of others is a hard thought-process to stop.”

After 12-year-old Tomas Molina was struck and killed last October while crossing Woodfield Road, the community demanded action. Officials, including Nassau County Legislator John Giuffrè, announced during a public meeting in April that a new traffic light would be installed on Woodfield Road.

Giuffrè, who owns a law firm that handles traffic accident cases, said four new traffic lights are being installed on Nassau Boulevard. Giuffrè has worked with the county’s traffic engineers to identify other ways to make county roads, especially in West Hempstead, safer.

“I have requested traffic signals at different locations, and lighted crosswalks,” Giuffrè said.

However, Giuffrè said for every 10 constituents who request more traffic calming features, there is one who complains about traffic being made too slow.

“It’s a balancing act the traffic engineers have to deal with,” Giuffrè said. “My colleagues on the Legislature and I have gotten complaints that there are too many traffic lights, and that it takes too long to get to work.”

The process of installing a new traffic light typically takes two years, Giuffrè said, from planning to completion. The Woodfield Road light was expedited because the community response to Molina’s death.

Giuffrè added that in addition to traffic calming measures like lights and signs, continued education can help reduce accidents.

“The best thing we can do is to educate people about distracted driving, driving impaired while on alcohol or drugs, and tired driving,” Giuffrè said. “I see people driving and texting, people looking at their phones. My wife and I have taken defensive driving courses, and they are good reminders.”

A GoFundMe page has been established to pay for burial costs for Katerine Vanegas-Hernandez. Visit GoFundMe. com and search “Katerine Vanegas-Hernandez” to donate.

Tim Baker/Herald

The intersection where 6-year-old Katerine Vanegas-Hernandez was killed by an alleged drunk driver on Aug. 7.

Malverne at ‘critically low’ level of vollies

By NICOLE FORMISANO nformisano@liherald.com

The Malverne Volunteer Ambulance Corps can be the difference between someone’s life and death. They come to aid at those critical times when help is needed most. Now they’re the ones who need help — their number of volunteers is at a “critically low level,” making it more and more difficult for them to sustain that life-saving resource for Malverne.

“It’s extremely dire,” Luis Lora, president of the Malverne Volunteer Ambulance Corps, said of their level of volunteers. He added that, despite their call for volunteers, the corp has only received one application in the past several months.

Without a local ambulance corps, Malverne would have to depend on ambulances from the county. While a welcomed resource, it simply isn’t the same.

“When you have your own ambulance corps, the response time is just enormous,” said Village Trustee Perry Cuocci, who is also a past president and longtime active member of the ambulance corps. “It’s a lot better because we’re sitting right here in the village, and we’re able to respond in a very fast and efficient manner.

“Depending on what the medical emergency is, time could mean everything in terms of recovery and saving someone,” he added. “You can’t beat a local ambulance corps in terms of response time, and responding to the needs of our residents.”

Cuocci said that the members of the corps are getting older, making it harder to meet the physical demands that the job requires. This natural progression is usually supplemented by a steady generational rotation, and younger volunteers fill the shoes of their predecessors. This time, however, those new volunteers are nowhere to be found.

“Volunteerism in general is not what it used to be,” Cuocci said. “We’re not the only ambulance corps on the island that’s having an issue. Fire departments are having an issue. We even have issues with regular people just volunteering for normal, non-life-threatening activities. It’s not what it once was.”

The sudden generational drop-off begs the question of “why?” Why the stark difference in volunteerism now and, say, 20 years ago? Mayor Tim Sullivan said that part of it likely comes from the fact that American families are having to spend more time working these days — time that, years ago, might have been spent volunteering in the community.

“The Malverne ambulance corps has traditionally been an all-in-the-family kind of an organization, multigenerational,” Sullivan said. “The family structure’s changed a little bit, where a husband and wife that may have been part of the corps will both be full-time workers now.

“Employment life in general, family life in general, has changed. I think that’s probably had an impact on volunteerism in general, and certainly a direct impact on the ambulance corps.”

Lora and Cuocci said that the current rate of volunteer applicants is “unsustainable” for the MVAC. If the trend continues, the corps is in danger of no longer being able to provide for the people of Malverne.

To supplement the MVAC, the village board has made agreements with Northwell Health. The hospital will send out an ambulance if the corps is unable to respond to a call. However, the cost of an ambulance ride today is simply unmanageable for some families, especially for those whose insurance will not cover it. It’s a big difference from the local, completely cost-free ambulance service that MVAC provides.

“We don’t charge a dime,” Lorna said. “It’s a complete volunteer, non-profit organization. So you’re not surprised by getting a bill in the mail. We pick you up, take you to the hospital, and not one penny comes out of your pocket.”

The comfort of knowing that your town has a team of dedicated volunteers that will help you in an emergency is unparalleled — and it’s enhanced by the knowledge that those people are your neighbors, and will take the best possible care of you. Sullivan’s family member had an accident, and he was there when the ambulance corps showed up to the house.

“There’s no better feeling of comfort when you have a local organization that’s responding to you,” Sullivan said. “I knew the responders, and there’s no better level of comfort than knowing the people that are actually responding. You know that you’re being taken care of in a respectful and professional manner.”

The ambulance corps adds to the lives of not only the people of Malverne, but the volunteers themselves.

“It’s just fulfilling,” Lorna said. “Assisting any indi-

vidual, but especially a neighbor.”

“When you can really help someone — recognizing strokes, getting them to the hospital in that golden hour, they call it, to get them back to a fully healthy, normal life — and seeing those people months or a year later walking through town, and you know you had something to do with them being here — that really brings a lot of gratification,” Cuocci said.

“Malverne, we have a very special, unique community here,” he said. “But it doesn’t happen on its own. It happens because the residents are involved.”

“If you want to make it that kind of a community, then you get involved. And there’s no better way than the ambulance corps.”

Those interested in volunteering can visit MalverneVAC.org.

The current rate of applicants is not enough to sustain the corps long-term

Photos courtesy the Malverne Volunteer Ambulance Corps

The ambulance corps has too few volunteers to replace their members as time goes on.

The corps has amplified their call for volunteers in hopes of new members.

Without more volunteers, the 55-year-old ambulance corps is in danger of fizzling out.

Lakeview Civic sets example for next generation

By NICOLE FORMISANO nformisano@liherald.com

Lakeview residents needed an organization they could bring their concerns to; that would foster their relationships with their neighbors; that would prioritize their quality of life and a sense of community pride. In the midst of Covid, seven community members stepped up to fill that need, and the Lakeview Civic Association was born.

“Our goal is to unite the community through service and community-based events while working with other organizations,” cofounder Lisa Ortiz said. “And at the same time, keep residents informed of what’s going on, and how it could impact their lives.”

The Lakeview Civic Association is the rebirth of the Lakeview Council, which fizzled out several years ago. Now the organization is a highly active community staple. They’ve hosted a family kickball event to honor Lakeview men who are role models; they partner with other organizations in Lakeview to put together a community Christmas tree lighting; they host Black history events; and they host a twice-annual community cleanup.

The community cleanup is particularly impactful for participants. It’s about more than cleaning up, Ortiz said — it’s about bringing people together to take pride in their community.

“Especially for the young children,” she added. “The children are mindful, and they’re able to appreciate the work that they put into the community.”

“It brings together Town of Hempstead and county representatives, Nassau County police, local elected officials, and Lakeview residents who pay taxes for a cleaner day-to-day living space,” cofounder William Anders said.

“Engaging in community service proactively allows us to collaborate with Lakeview residents, fostering connections and mutual appreciation through our shared dedication to our Lakeview community,” he added.

LCA is focusing on the bond between Lakeview neighbors by collaborating with other local organizations like the library, the NAACP and local churches. They hope to unite the community through opportunities for service.

“This will enable us to reinvest in the Lakeview neighborhood, fostering its growth and ensuring that we can all prosper and continually learn from each

Book Review: “ Die with Zero” by Bill Perkins

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

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

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

enjoyment of that money.

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

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

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

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

other,” Anders said. “We are a close-knit community that will keep evolving collectively, whether you’ve been a resident here for a long time or have just moved to Lakeview.”

One of the biggest priorities of the LCA is to set an example for their children, Ortiz said. Community is something that is learned and built. To ensure that Lakeview continues to thrive in future generations, kids need to see exactly what goes into fostering a fun, safe, and loving community. The Lakeview Civic Association takes that responsibility seriously.

“It’s easy to walk out your house and only concern

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Courtesy Lakeview civic Association and Creative Focus Designs the LCa’s cleanup event happens in the fall and spring of every year, and fosters a sense of community pride.

Local places of worship worry about longevity

By NICOLE FORMISANO nformisano@liherald.com

Sunlight filtered through 3,000 pieces of stained glass. A hint of rainbows danced on the wall, promising a breathtaking show when the sun soon set. The depicted animals and symbols came alive with the golden hour.

And not a soul was there to see it.

“In its heyday, at this time of day, this would all be bustling,” said Ira Litkofsky, the office financial manager of Shaaray Shalom in West Hempstead. “We were once the premier synagogue in the community.”

Litkofsky said that before the ‘80s, the congregation had over 1,000 families. Today, it has 132 people. It’s not even enough for them to run their Hebrew school.

“I love this synagogue, I grew up here, I was Bar Mitzvahed here,” Litkofsky said. “It’s very emotional for me.”

Shaaray Shalom is not the only place of worship facing this problem. Our Lady of Lourdes in Malverne has been seeing a gradual decline over many years, but saw a drop-off of a couple hundred members after Covid-19 hit, according to Reverend James Stachacz. Geralyn Carpenter, the administrator of St. James United Methodist Church in Lynbrook, said that 20 years ago the church would see 75-100 attend service every Sunday. These days, they get

around 50-60 — and that’s double the numbers they were seeing before the introduction of their new pastor.

“It’s a challenge right now in any religion to keep our doors open,” Reverend Stachacz said.

There is no single, simple reason for the significant decrease in congregants

across religions. In Shaaray Shalom’s case, Litkofsky said that the increased assimilation into American life over generations has led to some Jewish people becoming more secular. For Our Lady of Lourdes, Stachacz said that people have become used to watching mass live-streamed since Covid. For St. James

United, Carpenter said that religion is just not the staple in families that it was a few decades ago. But there was one thing each of the three houses of worship agreed on: they desperately need more young people.

“We do not have enough young people, period,” Carpenter said. “It’s one of the saddest things I’ve ever had to tell anybody.”

“We can’t attract young Jewish families,” Litofsky said.

“We offered different programs, like movie nights, trying to encourage people,” Stachacz said. “You can offer people something, but you can’t force them.”

While the character of the younger generation is sometimes called into question — words like apathy and laziness are often used — people involved in places of worship see that it can’t simply be chalked up to young people not wanting to wake up early on the weekends for service. There is a principled, ideological component — many young people are not joining houses of worship for differences in philosophy.

“This generation has more of a sense of individual, or private spirituality,” Stachacz said. And Our Lady of Lourdes is not the only institution to notice this trend.

“Kids don’t think you need to go to this building to pray,” Litkofsky said. “A

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Nicole Formisano/Herald

a lone woman sits in the pews of our Lady of Lourdes. nearly all local houses of worship have seen a significant decline in attendance over recent years.

Campers bring ‘Alice in

Students participating in Malverne’s Theatre Camp hit the ground running on day one as they were tasked with a monumental feat: cast, rehearse and stage a production of “Alice in Wonderland” in just three days.

Under the direction of Howard T. Herber Middle School Theatre teacher David Coonan, the fledgling thespians worked together to create an abridged version of the colorful classic complete with creative costumes and colorful lighting that set the perfect mood for the fantastical fairytale.

On the day of the perfor -

Malverne theatre campers bring “Alice in Wonderland” to life on the Howard T. Herber Middle School stage complete with talking doors, a smiling cat, an eccentric queen and many more fantastical characters.

to life

mance, Coonan stood back and let the students take over. They managed the stage and sets, ran sound and lights and took on the roles of Alice, talking doors, the White Rabbit, the Cheshire Cat, Queen of Hearts and many more, infusing the characters with their unique energy and a hint of contemporary humor.

As the final curtain fell and audience of family and friends took to their feet for a standing ovation, the cast and crew took joined together on stage for a final bow to celebrate this incredible accomplishment.

Meaningful Jewish Connections are made at

the

Malverne Jewish Center

The High Holidays are a time of renewal and reconnection with ourselves, our community, with God and with our souls. Wherever you see yourself on the spectrum of Jewish spirituality and observance, you’ll find a home in our pluralistic, inclusive, egalitarian community. In addition to Shabbat and Holiday services, we offer a variety of social, cultural, educational, spiritual and ritual programs.

The High Holy Days begin Friday, September 15. We invite you to join us for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services at no charge.

To register to join us, scan the QR code, visit https://www.malvernejewishcenter. org/high-holidays-5784/ or email malvernejewishcenter@gmail.com. Learn more about us and our programs at www.malvernejewishcenter.org.

Photos courtesy Malverne school district

What have kids been up to this summer?

By NICOLE FORMISANO nformisano@liherald.com

Between long warm days, no school, and more freedom than ever, there’s no season a kid loves more than summer — that is, if they have something to do. Malverne and West Hempstead’s summer camps have made sure that the children in their communities are having the fun, safe, enriching summer that they deserve.

West Hempstead

This is West Hempstead’s first year offering its own summer camp. In past years Summer Camp Opportunities Promote Education, or SCOPE, would offer a summer camp in lieu of one by the school district. But this year, thanks to a 5-year grant called 21st Century Community Learning Centers, West Hempstead has been able to host its own.

The camp includes reading and math programs, as well as several opportunities for enrichment — music, sports, theme weeks and more.

“It’s an opportunity to grow and develop with their peers and make stronger connections,” Dina Reilly, West Hempstead’s assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, said. “And to have a hands-on, minds-on approach because they get to learn from real-world, authentic experiences, and have fun.”

The camp even partners with local organizations like Crossroads Farms. Consultants regularly come work with students, and have shown them how to plant sunflowers, lavender, basil and more.

“We want to address the whole child,” Reilly said. “So it has a well-rounded, holistic approach.”

The grant allows the 50 K-8 students attending the summer camp to do so at no cost to their families. The camp has been a hit, especially in its first year. In the

future, the West Hempstead summer camp hopes to expand to grades K-12, and offer their services and benefits to as many kids as possible.

“West Hempstead, we’re always exploring, looking to create new pathways for students to learn and grow and thrive,” Reilly said. “We were very excited when we received this grant because we have another opportunity to create a pathway and continue to foster their love of learning.”

Malverne

Malverne’s Camp Curiosity — Ready To Rise is fostering that love of school and learning at a time when it is perhaps most critical. The program, which is offered to kindergarteners and first graders, is provided to make sure that those young kids are comfortable with the skills they’ll need in the school year ahead.

“That’s what we want for this community and this district, is to push these children forward and give them the confidence,” said Emily Valentino, who is the camp coordinator and a kindergarten teacher for Maurice W. Downing School. “We always want to set them up for success with the tools they’re going to need for the next school year.”

The children learn reading, writing, math, technology and more — all while having fun doing it. The youngsters put on a play at the end of every summer based off a book with a good message that they enjoyed reading together at camp. This year was “Clark the Shark.”

“It really is adorable because you get to hear them reading with emotion and feeling, and that’s what this program is all about,” Valentino said. She added that her favorite part is watching the 4-6 year olds get enough confidence to be a little sassy with their line delivery and acting.

“Obviously we’re here to help teach these children to read, and improve their reading skills. But our true goal is helping their confidence. We want them to soar. So when you see them being sassy, being emotional through it, it truly shows what we’re doing is working.”

Both Malverne and West Hempstead summer camps come at no cost to the parents, and are focused on continuing the track of learning and engagement that students are on during the school year. This year’s batch of summer camp participants are entering school this September with comfort, confidence, and the skills to succeed.

Courtesy Camp Curiosity — Ready to Rise

The younger students get especially excited to spend time with the high school-aged camp counselors at Camp Curiosity.

Pride of Malverne Marching Band tunes up

The 118 members of the Pride of Malverne High School Marching Band have been hard at work preparing for the upcoming competition season.

The students are not only rehearsing their brand-new field show titled “Bring Us A Dream,” but they are also engaged in daily team-building exercises and other

challenges, to help reinforce friendships and camaraderie with their bandmates, some of whom are new to the program.

The season kicks off on Sept. 17 at Brentwood High School and culminates with the New York State Field Band Conference Championships in Syracuse on Oct. 29.

Photos courtesy Malverne school district

Members of Pride of Malverne Marching Band showed off their spirit as they participated in team-building exercises during a break in the on-field rehearsal day.

Pride of Malverne Marching Band members broke up into groups to practice their parts of the new field show, “Bring Us A Dream,” during a daylong rehearsal on the high school field.

Run For Heroes 5k is off to a running start

Proceeds raised help benefit local American Legion, VFW posts

By NICOLE FORMISANO nformisano@liherald.com

Plans for the 2023 Run for Heroes 5K event have gotten a head start. The annual fundraiser, which will take place on September 9 in Baldwin Park, helps raise money for the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars posts throughout the 21st Assembly District — including Rockville Centre, Malverne, Lynbrook, East Rockaway, Baldwin, and Freeport

In preparation for the race for local veterans, the East Rockaway Kiwanis club held a kickoff event on July 24 to encourage members of the community to participate in the cause.

“The Kiwanis always supports the vets,” Michaelene AbbottCooper, president of the East Rockaway Kiwanis club, said. Her two sons, 21 and 23, both serve in the US Marine Corps. “I always saw respect in the flag, in being an American, in the opportunities we have here, (and) in how we conduct ourselves.”

Assemblyman Brian Curran began the race in 2011 to help raise money for local veterans organizations that had

been struggling financially. Seeing the opportunity, Curran created the 5K walk as a way to help raise money to benefit our local heroes.

Funding for the event also helps cover the cost of banners and medals for the winners, while the remaining funds are divided equally among the posts.

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

The momentum behind the race has grown each year into what it is today. Each participating community regularly sees between 100-to-200 runners compete, and raises anywhere from $5,000 to more than $10,000 for the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

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

them has just as much an impact.

“I think they’re thankful, I think they’re grateful,” Abbott-Cooper said.

“The joy I get is from seeing them smile.”

Curran agreed, adding that you can see the appreciation from local veterans towards all of the runners who partici-

pate.

“What their participation is doing for them in keeping their post open, it means everything to them,” Curran said. “After all they have done, this is the very least we can do.”

To register, visit Events. EliteFeats/23RunForHeroes.

Courtesy Michaelene Abbott-Cooper Hempstead Town Councilwoman Laura Ryder, East Rockaway Kiwanis president Michaelene Abbott-Cooper, and other club members have come together to support their local American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars posts.

BRIAN CuRRAN Assemblyman

Herald Women’s executive summit

Networking, negotiating, keeping life on track

By Parker Schug

They were women from all kinds of backgrounds, but had one thing in common: They are the leaders of today — and tomorrow — and were all part of the Herald Woman’s Executive Summit, presented by Bank of America, Aug. 7 at The Crescent Beach Club in Bayville.

There — among coffee, breakfast and meditation — speakers with various areas of expertise shared how they reached their career milestones, and how those attended could reach them, too.

Among those sharing that wisdom were Liz Bentley, chief executive and founder of Liz Bentley Associates, as well as Aimee Kestenberg Elan, chief creative officer and co-founder of Affordable Luxury Group.

There was also Melissa Negrin-Wiener, a senior partner at Cona Elder Law, teaching attendees the importance of knowledge surrounding your assets.

“You’re never too young, you’re never too old, you’re never too rich and you’re never too poor to plan,” Negrin-Wiener said. “People think it’s just for millionaires and it’s not.”

Erin Ley, an award-winning speaker, best-selling author, and growth and success coach for Onward Productions, led the “Life on Track” workshop.

“Celebrate life and you’ll have a life worth celebrating,” she said.

Megan Ryan, executive vice president and chief legal officer of NuHealth/NUMC led a session on minority and women-owned business enterprise.

Another round of workshops featured Mimi Bishop and Jackie Ghedine discussing negotiations and knowing your worth. The two leadership coaches and consultants co-founded Modern Gen X Woman & MGXW, where they lead women who primarily grew up in the 1980s and 1990s to fulfilling careers.

“Stop waiting to be noticed and waiting patiently to get paid,” Ghedine said. “Go after and ask for what you want.”

Kenia Nunez-Leon shared how losing her husband to cancer helped her recognize the 4M system she used to sustain his life — which stands for mindset, mentorship, motivation and money.

Nunez-Leon also showed how these connect to other facets of life, like sitting on the board for the development of a new city.

The last round of workshops featured Valerie Nifora, a global marketing leader, branding expert and award-winning author, who spoke about embracing individual qualities.

“I just want you to know who you are and what makes you incredible and why you’re here on the planet,” Nifora said.

“I want you to be that, unapologetically, all the time.”

Donna Stefans of Wealth Advisory Associates, lead attorney and founder of Stefans Law Group, emphasized the idea that women need financial knowledge.

“I don’t hear people sitting around talking about their portfolios — it’s just not a fun, sexy topic,” Stefans said. “If they’re having the conversations, they’re learning from each other.”

Lisa Mirabile, chief executive and founder of Vertigo Media Group, advised on how to present digital information in a more effective manner, while closing keynote speaker Paisley Demby shared his experience going from homelessness to the state’s deputy secretary of economic development. It was through positivity he was able to bring himself — and now others — back up from hard

times.

“Tell your employees, anytime you come to my office with a problem, challenge, struggle or issue, you have to either present a solution, an opportunity or some idea — regardless of how zany,” Paisley said.

The event closed with giveaway prizes, cocktails and networking. A portion of proceeds will benefit Moxxie Mentoring Foundation.

“Everyone left really inspired and ready to tackle some tough conversations in the workforce, but really energized and powered to have success in their careers,” said Jennifer Porti, vice president and community relations manager for Bank of America.

Edwin Chavez/Herald photos

The Power Brunch Panel and keynote speakers at the Herald Women’s Executive Summit included, from left, Reena Jana, Talisa Flatts, Kristin Thorne, Jodi Seitler, Liz Bentley, Aimee Kestenberg Elan and Retha Fernandez.

Workshop host Melissa Negrin-Wiener from Cona Elder Law.

The Value of Volunteering & Mentorship Panel moderated by Christine Buscarino included, from left, Rande Bynum, Beth Meixner, Davi Tserpelis and Tammy Severino.

Workshop host Donna Stefans from Wealth Advisory Associates.

Summit attendees learn ‘work is love made visible’

By Ana Borruto

Breaking barriers, shattering glass ceilings and stepping into their power are just some of the empowering traits the nearly 300 trailblazers had in common at the inaugural Herald Women’s Executive Summit, presented by Bank of America.

Although it was a gloomy day outside of The Crescent Beach Club in Bayville, the spirit of girl power shined through as thought leaders, innovators and other extraordinary women shared their take on the event’s theme — “The Future is Now.”

“When my parents, Robert and Edith Richner, founded Richner Communications at a time when female executives were a rarity, my mother broke those norms,” said Stuart Richner, the chief executive of the company that is the parent to Herald Community Newspapers.

“We are not just celebrating the successful professional women amongst us, but we are also acknowledging the pioneering spirit of women like my mother — women who dared to pave the way in times less hospitable to their ambitions.”

Suelem Artzt, vice president and consumer banking market leader for Bank of America, shared how she faced many challenges along the way of her career since moving from Brazil in 2007, but still persevered.

“We all have different backgrounds and journeys that helped us all get here,” Artzt said. “But one thing we have in common is we’ve earned this seat here today. I think that it’s important for all of us to have strong women in our lives because they’re going to help you have that vision and really see what is possible.”

Keynote speaker Liz Bentley, chief executive of Liz Bentley Associates, broke down the ways women must override their “imprinted instincts” in order to step into their power.

For example, she said gender stereotypes are engrained into women as early as age 10. This includes being taught their key asset is their physical appearance, and that men are more successful, women are perceived as more vulnerable, weaker and in need of protection.

“These imprinting years are things you need to get over in order to go to the next level,” Bentley said. Women “don’t see themselves as equals. When they walk in the room — if you want to be equal, if you want more power, if you want to step into your power — you have to own it inside your body. It starts with you.”

The Power Brunch Panel featured five accomplished leaders — Google’s Reena Jana, Estée Lauder Cos.’ Jodi Seitler, National Grid Venture’s Retha Fernandez, AARP New York’s Beth Finkel and Amazon’s Talisa Flatts — shared how their lives were very much like anyone else attending the conference. Getting passed over for promotions. Learning from failure. Carving out their own opportunities. Or making sure to create a work-life-balance. It was moderated by WABC-7 investigative reporter Kristin Thorne,

Finkel, AARP’s state director, said one in every three women have felt discrimination in the workplace, and 92 percent of all women have been told how to act, how to dress, or what to say.

“I was told early on in my career that I talk too much like a New Yorker,” Finkel said. “What they were really saying was, ‘You’re too competitive.’ I didn’t change who I was. I just kept going.”

Flatts, a human resources business partner at Amazon, explained how building relationships is key — no one can do it alone. Seitler, a global crisis and issue management vice president at Estée Lauder, said no matter how old you are, the learning process never ends.

Jana, head of content and partnership as well as responsible innovation at Google, urged others to get involved in causes they believe in.

Fernandez — who strategic engagement manager at National Grid — encouraged the women in the crowd to trust their personal power.

“Don’t let anyone tell you that you aren’t qualified,” she said.

“Be around people who bring you joy. Work is love made visible.”

Edwin Chavez/Herald

The beach bag sponsor at the Herald Women’s Executive Summit — Air Charter Service — at their brunch table.

Tim Baker/Herald photos WE Summit presenting sponsor Bank of America takes a moment to pose at the photo booth, while at left, Suelem Artzt, speaks to attendees.

Summit attendees in the ballroom during the Power Brunch Panel.

Samantha Saman/Herald Megan C. Ryan of Nassau University Medical Center speaks at her WE Summit workshop.

For more photos from the Herald Women’s Executive Summit — and for a full list of sponsors — visit RichnerLive.com/2023wesummitphotos.

Back to class with the right stuff Keep that gear in good shape

Families are always looking to stretch their back-to-school shopping budgets. But saving money isn’t just about how much you spend on supplies; it’s also about making school supplies and equipment last as long as possible.

Here are some tips for protecting your students’ school tools to help stretch your budget and their gear.

Talk with children about handling tech devices. Kids will be kids, and sometimes that means they’ll be tough on their stuff. Unfortunately, their school-mandated tech devices such as calculators, tablets and laptops can’t always take the beating. To reduce the risk of accidental breakage, talk to kids about proper handling and storage of their devices and the potential risks for breakage when drops, spills and hard impacts occur.

Lighten the backpack load. Between books and laptops, students tend to pack a lot of heavy items in their backpacks during the course of a school year. As the load increases, backpack zippers may break, and seams may tear from the daily stress. Reduce the wear and tear by ensuring your kids don’t over-pack their bags.

Not only will this reduce strain on their backpacks, it will lighten the load on students’ backs as well.

Consider a protection plan. Research shows that some school essentials —such as backpacks and laptop batteries break or stop functioning within the first 1-2 years of use.

To help keep costs down, many retailers offer reputable protection plans, which can help repair or replace the equipment for free or a fraction of what you’d normally pay on your own.

Sharing isn’t always caring. Even if your child handles his calculator or laptop with care, his friends might not. Establish guidelines with your kids at the start of the school year about what items can be shared with others at school and which cannot.

For those things that can be shared, consider encouraging your child to establish ground rules when sharing with friends. Guidelines could include when the item should be returned, tasks for which the item will be used and an understanding that items will be handled with care.

Don’t forget about bikes. Kids who ride their bikes to school can be just as hard on their bikes as they are on their school supplies. A tune-up at the start of the school year can keep the bike running smoothly and help catch wear and tear, such as damaged spokes or worn tires and brake pads.

Are you ready?

A back-to-school checklist

Make sure your kids have what they need to succeed this year. Ensure you’ve covered all the back-to-school bases before the studying starts:

√ Ensure your child is up to date on all immunizations.

√ Schedule eye and physical exams, if needed.

√ Make sure emergency contact information is up to date.

√ Organize school supplies.

√ Review the dress code policy.

Photo: Prepare for the return to the classroom with a back-to-school shopping strategy that makes sense for your family — and your wallet.

STEPPING OUT

Ready for a Highland Fling

Everyone can be a Scot for the day at L.I.

Disco fever

STEPPING OUT

Creative advocacy

By Karen Bloom

ld Westbury Gardens will fill its lush grounds with the sounds of bagpipers and Scottish revelry as it welcomes the latest edition of the Scottish Festival and Highland Games. The annual spectacle on Saturday, Aug. 26, brings plenty of Scottish flair to the storied estate, presented by the Long Island Clan MacDuff.

With those bagpipes, traditional strength competitions and highland dancing — along with plenty of entertainment and assorted activities for lads and lasses — there’s plenty end-of-summer revelry for all ages. According to Scottish lore, the games were begun by the ancient highland chieftains to help them select the strongest men for their armies. Those ancient traditions continue today in the form of caber tossing, Putting the Stone, Putting the Sheaf, and arm wrestling competitions, piping and drumming.

“When the Clan MacDuff first came here in 1977, they knew they had found a home,” says Paul Hunchak, director of visitor services and public programs at Old Westbury Gardens.

And they’ve been back every year since — except those two years during the pandemic.

By Karen Bloom

Pat McGann

Long Island had once been home to five Scottish clans. Today only Clan MacDuff remains.

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

“We consider this to be like a gathering of the clans,” says Clan MacDuff’s Peter Burnside Sr. “This is what they used to do in Scotland all those years ago. Groups of families would come together for games and food and companionship. We’re replicating that. People come from all over to meet their families here. It’s the end of summer, a good time for everyone to gather.”

WHERE WHEN

• Saturday, Aug. 26, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• $25, $22 senior citizens, $12 children

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

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

• 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury

• Free parking is available at Westbury High School, with shuttle bus service to and from the festival

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

• Tickets and information available at OldWestburyGardens.org, or (516) 333-0048

by Alexandra Giordano — the museum’s assistant director of exhibition and the exhibit underscores artists’ civic responsibility and influence. highlights the vital role that artists have in activating democratic values that equality 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 on issues such as immigration, gender, reproductive rights, mass incarceration, racial bias, gun violence, and promises unfulfilled. They all combine the making public service that has a grassroots approach in the hope of mobilizing their and the nation to ignite movement, create awareness, and inspire others to them.”

Now in its 61st year, it has evolved into a family festival as much as a cultural event. “There really is something for everyone,” Hunchak says. “You can explore the gardens, and then there’s this whole other dimension. Many folks settle in for the day. They camp out on the lawn with their picnic and connect with family and friends. It’s almost like a reunion. This is something people put on their radar year after year. And we enjoy hosting it.”

While it has become a broad-based family affair — with birds of prey, falconry, vintage car show, Scottish dog parade, vendors offering Scottish wares, and so much more — those traditional elements continue to be a main attraction, especially the caber toss and pipe bands.

The caber is a long, tapered pine pole or log. The “tosser” balances it vertically by holding the smaller end, and then runs forward and tosses it so that it turns in the air with the larger end striking the ground first. Ideally, the pole strikes in a strictly vertical position, and the athletes are scored based on how closely the throw lands at a 12 o’clock position.

exhibit, which runs through July 28, is in conjunction with Hofstra’s presidential conference on the Barack Obama presidency coming up in April. interested in the idea that the artist has a civic responsibility,” says director Karen Albert. “The initial idea for this exhibition was inspired by Administration White House briefing that took place on May 12, 2009, than 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 end, unlike other recent exhibits that showcased the museum’s collection, Giordano reached out to contemporary artists who loaned their selected works. Some 36 pieces are on view — representing from Emma Amos, Molly Crabapple and the Equal Justice Initiative, Miguel Luciano, Michele Pred, Hank Willis Thomas, and Sophia our climate is now, this exhibit could not be more timely than moment,” Albert adds.

“The caber toss is always popular,” Burnside says. “People love to watch the strong men — and strong women.”

While athletes are generally the ones up to the challenge, the public is invited to participate. Keep in mind that pole is 150 pounds and 25 feet long, Competitors also can try their skills with Tossing the Sheaf, and Putting the Stone. Tossing the Sheaf involves flinging a bale of hay over a horizontal pole with a large pitchfork. Putting the Stone is similar to the traditional Olympic-style shot put, but uses a large stone in which the weight varies.

While the games are going on, a lively lineup of bands and dance ensembles — including those assorted bagpipers — provide a musical backdrop throughout the day. The opening ceremony at 12:30 is quite special, with a grand march down the North Lawn, and not to be missed.

This year’s entertainment roster also includes the high-energy Scottish Band, Albannach, with its heavily percussive sound. There’s also the Celtic rock band Bangers and Mash, with their blend of Celtic rock, southern Rock and folk. And, of course, dancers doing varied interpretations of traditional highland dance and step dancing, among others.

the highlights, she points to the series of prints from the Freedoms. Their four large scale photos are based on Rockwell’s 1943 oil paintings inspired by President Franklin D. 1941 State of the Union address that outlined what he essential four democratic values freedom of speech, worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear. For interpreted these iconic works for our era. same composition,” Albert says. “From 1940s America,

Kids can find many activities just for them. They can try their skill at their own version of a caber toss, with light cabers (actually tubes), participate in sack races, and an old-fashioned tug of war.

When it’s time for a break, check out the Scottish products available for purchase and sample such Scottish delights as meat pies and haggis.

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

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

BALDWIN HERALD — February 9, 2023

Friday, Aug. 18, 8 p.m. As always, bring seating. Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, Eisenhower Park, East Meadow. For information, visit NassauCountyNY.gov/parks.

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.

Brit Floyd

Yarn/Wire

Now in its 18th year, Adelphi University’s ‘new music’ series welcomes Yarn/Wire.

an old favorite, a tug of war.

The intrepid New York-based piano-percussion quartet has forged a singular path with endlessly inventive collaborations, commissions and performances that have made a significant contribution to the canon of experimental works. The quartet features founding member Laura Barger and Julia Den Boer on piano and Russell Greenberg, also a founding member, and Sae Hashimoto playing percussion.

From those moments when the needle drops on side one with ‘Speak to Me,’ the alarm clock of ‘Tim,’ that sensuous vocal on ‘Great Gig in the Sky,’ the lunatics on the grass in ‘Brain Damage,’ and finally, the final heartbeats of ‘Eclipse,’ The Dark Side of the Moon pulls you in. Brit Floyd is back on the concert circuit with a new show celebrating 50 years of that ground-breaking and iconic musical masterpiece. Brit Floyd has become a phenomenon, widely regarded as the world’s greatest rock tribute show — faithfully recreating the scale and pomp of the final 1994 Pink Floyd tour, complete with a stunning light show, iconic circular screen, lasers, inflatables and theatrics. The nearly three-hour set list also includes other highlights from Pink Floyd’s magnificent catalogue of albums. Saturday, Aug. 19, 8 p.m.; Sunday, Aug. 20, 7:30 p.m. $149.50, $89.50. $79.50, $59.50, $49.50, $39.50, $25. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com, or ParamountNY.com

Barger is a frequent guest with many top American contemporary ensembles. French-American Den

Photos courtesy Old Westbury Gardens

Colorful pipers and drummers prepare to step proudly around the grounds of Old Westbury Gardens honoring a cherished heritage.

A competitor prepares to toss that caber.

Competitions for the kids include

THE Your Neighborhood

Voyage

The Journey tribute band visits The Paramount, Friday, Aug. 25, 8 p.m. The popular band takes everyone back to the ‘80’s when Journey’s timeless music ruled the airwaves. Hailed by fans and critics alike as the world’s top Journey tribute band, this group performs their music with chilling accuracy. Fronted by Hugo — a dead ringer for Steve Perry, both visually and vocally — he continues to delight fans with his miraculous resemblance, exact mannerisms and identical voice to Steve. Fans agree that Voyage delivers an experience to the original Steve Perry-fronted lineup. The band also features world class New York musicians; Robby Hoffman, Greg Smith, Lance Millard and Dana Spellman who along with Hugo have brought the show to critical acclaim through the many sold out shows as well as private and corporate events throughout America. The talent of these five guys together has brought the meaning of tribute to a whole new level. See it to believe it! Playing all the hits including: “Don’t Stop Believin’,” ”Faithfully,” “Separate Ways,” “Anyway You Want It,”, “Open Arms,” “Wheel in the Sky,” “Lights,” “Oh Sherrie,” “Stone in Love,” “Send Her My Love,” “Lovin’ Touchin’ Squeezin’,” “Who’s Crying Now,” “Only The Young,” and more. $40, $35, $30, $25. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. (800) 745-3000 or Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY.com.

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.

Aug. 19

On stage Plaza

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

Farm benefit dinner

Crossroads Farm at Grossman’s, a stewardship project of the Nassau Land Trust, is holding a benefit dinner on Thursday, Sept. 14, to benefit the farm. The farm-to-table event will take place under the sun and stars. 480 Hempstead Ave. Malverne. Call (516) 881-7900 or visit XRoadsFarmLINY.com for more information.

Pollination Power

Visitors to Hempstead Lake State Park on Friday, Aug. 25, 10-11 a.m., will learn about pollination. The program will connect children and their parents with nature through short walks, animal visitors, and crafts. 1000 Lake Drive, West Hempstead. To register, visit EventBrite.com. (516) 766-1029.

Tribute concert

Plaza Theatricals continues its tribute series, Sunday, Aug. 20, 2:30 p.m. The hits never stop with Tommy Lynn and his 10-piece band performing such classics as “Sweet

Caroline,” “Song Sung Blue,” “Hello Again,” “America”, “Mr. Bojangles,” and “So Good!” It’s performed at the Elmont Library Theatre, 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont. $33, $35. Elmont. For tickets, call (516) 599-6870 or visit PlazaTheatrical.com.

Busy Bees

Bring the kids to Long Island Children’s Museum to learn about hardworking bees, Saturday, Aug. 19. We all know that bees are amazing. While we often think of only the honeybee, Long Island’s native mason bee is an impressive little insect. Make a bee habitat to welcome them to your garden, at the drop-in program, suitable for ages 3 and up. Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or LICM.org.

Breastfeeding Support Group

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

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.

Having an event?

Bug Safari

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

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

Westbury House Tour

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, Aug. 18, noon; also Sunday, Aug. 20, 1:30 p.m.; Monday, Aug. 21, noon; Wednesday, Aug. 23, noon.lBe 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.

All Together Now

West Hempstead Public Library invites all to participate in a community art project.

Paint, draw or decorate a poster board in a way that demonstrates how much our community means to you. Poster boards will be available on a first-come-first-serve basis. You can choose a board with a template to paint or a blank one and design your own. Return your completed masterpiece to the library by Thursday, Aug. 31 by 8 p.m. Celebrate your community with an Art Reception, on Monday, Sept. 11, at 7 p.m. The boards will be on display at the library through the end of September in the downstairs exhibit hallway. 500 Hempstead Ave. For information visit WHPLibrary.org or call (516) 481-6591.

Rabbi Ira Ebbin of Merrick’s Congregation Ohav Sholom, spoke out about antisemitism during a recent news conference in Merrick, but also shared some of the technology available to combat it.

Hotline for hate crimes includes Malverne, W.H.

By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com

When antisemitic graffiti was found at Merrick’s Chatterton Elementary School, a hotline was available to report the incident to the proper authorities.

But unlike 911 or 988 — well-known numbers to report emergencies or seek immediate mental health assistance — how to reach the bias hotline is not so well-known. And Nassau County Democrats are pushing their colleagues to change that for all areas of the county, including West Hempstead, Malverne and Lakeview.

Anyone can text messages and photos, or even call (516) 500-0657 if they see hate anywhere in their communities, All calls are returned during business hours, police said. And for those who prefer email, it’s combatbias@pdcn.org.

Siela Bynoe commended the Nassau County Police department for rolling out technology that allows people to quickly and confidentially report incidents of hate.

“But access is not awareness,” the county legislator told reporters outside of Chatterton School last week. “Access without awareness does not get what’s intended.”

Nassau County police officials say two swastikas as well as anti-police sentiments were spray painted at the Chatterton playground July 30.

That prompted an emergency meeting a week later by the South Merrick Community Civic Association, intended to be an open discussion with police, detectives, school superintendents and rabbis about how the community can combat hate.

The following day, police arrested a 14-year-old Freeport boy, charging him with two felonies and a pair of misdemeanors.

But the number of people across Nassau County who even know this hotline exists is small, Bynoe said. A public awareness campaign is needed to get that word out, because if more instances are reported, the county can map out where there is an influx of bias incidents and direct resources to those communities.

“We must pull out all the stops and find

and implement as many tools as possible to stem the tide of this wave of hatred we are witnessing,” said County Legislator Arnold Drucker, who added he’d also like to work with state officials to ensure justice is served when people are arrested for hateful acts.

“I intend to collaborate with our partners in state government to take a renewed look at our hate crime laws and evaluate the classification of these hate crimes,” Drucker said. That way, “they can be prosecuted as a standalone offense, and have them automatically charged as a felony — rather than a misdemeanor — to ensure that these individuals get more than a slap on the wrist.”

Putting a complete end to antisemitic acts is not an easy task at all, according to Rabbi Ira Ebbin.

“If you look at any Jewish history book — or any history book — you’ll know that it’s impossible,” the spiritual leader of Congregation Ohav Sholom in Merrick, told reporters last week. “Since Jews have existed, there has been antisemitism. Since humans have existed, there has been hatred.”

Technology such as the hotline, Ebbin said, is incredibly important.

“It opens the opportunity and the portals of entry for people who see something, then they need to say something,” the rabbi said. “Our legislators, our leaders respond to data, and unless its reported, the reality is silence is compared to complicity. If you don’t say anything, nothing gets done.”

Education is key, according to County Legislator Michael Giangregorio, a Republican who represents Merrick and surrounding communities. Children, for instance, may not understand the seriousness of their actions when they commit acts of hate.

“I would like to use this latest example as a teaching moment, especially for our children, to better educate them on the dangers of these type of behaviors, and to re-emphasize that hate speech or any actions in that regard are not tolerated or accepted,” he said, in a statement. “Together, as a community, we must do what we can to stand together against this growing scourge.”

Jordan Vallone/Herald

Fewer congregants, almost no young people

lot of people don’t care for organized religion.”

Carpenter said that when young people do come, it’s often to please their older family members rather than from an internal drive to be part of the church. She said that even the most involved members of the community — those who attend every week, who come to coffee hour, who teach Sunday school — even their kids aren’t coming.

“I see elderly congregants, people 87 years old struggling, but making it to church every morning,” Carpenter said. “But I don’t see their children. I don’t see their grandchildren.”

“It doesn’t matter if you took your kids every day or not at all,” she said.

The lack of young people presents a problem for these places of worship.

Shaaray Shalom is unable to hold their Hebrew school; St. James United doesn’t have enough people to sustain the children’s choir, or the kid-centric interactive moments during service; Our Lady of Lourdes is worried that with the lack of young people to replace older congregants, in the future they may have to shut down extra programs entirely.

“The people coming to mass now are probably averaging 65 and older,” Stachacz said. “And they’re the ones who are giving to the parishes. Once that group dies, we won’t have an income we can work with to provide programs and

the comforts of the church, a weekly and daily basis of worship and programs.”

“That is a problem. And it will be more of a problem, I think, especially in the next 5 to 10 years,” he added.

While the churches and synagogues are suffering from the lack of young people, Carpenter, Litkofsky, and Stachacz

said that young people are also suffering from not attending worship services.

“They’re missing spiritual nourishment,” Stachacz said. “They’re missing being a part of a parish community.”

“When you’re here, you realize what you’re missing,” Litkofsky said. He added that it’s helpful to have a support

Our Lady of Lourdes in Malverne does not have enough young people to replace the older generation of congregants.

system of organized religion, especially during difficult times. “It’s a great way to make friends, and they don’t see that. All the people that are members here know each other.”

“You have to have something to believe in.”

“A SENSATIONAL SIDE- SPLITTING SCREWBALL COMEDY !”

Nicole Formisano/Herald photos Sunlight shines through 3,000 stained glass pieces at Shaaray Shalom in West Hempstead.

HILARIOUS! You’ll laugh for two hours straight.”

Teaching the next generation of volunteers

yourself with what’s around you,” Ortiz said. “We want to instill in this next generation that this should be equally important to them, because that’s how we’re going to continue to thrive.”

“We have to look out for each

other, and also at the same time maintain that quality of life that we desire for Lakeview.

Those interested in learning more about the LCA or attending an upcoming event can visit “Lakeview Civic Association” on Facebook.

Photos courtesy Lakeview civic Association and Creative Focus Designs Kids look on in wonder and excitement as the LCA’s annual Christmas tree lighting commences.

Community members paint together during the LCA’s Black history “paint and Chat” event. Children cleaned up and planted flowers as part of a Lakeview beautification project.

Westwood Park represents all of Malverne

The park also has become a focal point for community benefit projects. An Eagle Scout project led to the addition of a gazebo and picnic table, and a number of memorial benches and various plantings have been added to make the park more inviting.

The Steven McDonald Garden of Forgiveness — created in honor of the NYPD detective who was shot and paralyzed in the line of duty in 1986 — remains an inspiration to many people, with its garden features, fountain and lighted walkway. Mahoney said in honor of McDonald’s Irish heritage, garden plantings create a shamrock effect.

McDonald died in 2017, and almost $100,000 was raised for the memorial garden, which was dedicated in September 2019.

The plaque honoring McDonald reads, in part, “Steven became an incredible example of the power of forgiveness and love for people around the world. This garden was created to provide a quiet place for people to meditate and reflect on the peace of Steven’s message of faith and forgiveness.”

Westwood Park features at least 10 benches and other dedicated areas.

“I’m out there many, many nights enjoying the park,” Mahoney said. “And to make sure nobody’s destroying anything. They even set up a bench for me so if anybody ever screws up, I’m sitting there.”

When the Mahoneys first moved into the house across from the park, their daughters, Tara and Lauren, were 5 and 2, and Veronica Mahoney was pregnant with Kelly. Ed Mahoney said he and his wife brought the girls to Westwood Park almost every day.

“I raised them in this park,” he said. “As they were growing up, they would tell people, ‘This is my daddy’s park.’”

Since then, Mahoney has been instrumental in beautifying the park with plantings and memorials. The Mahoneys also were responsible for removing old rides and installing new play areas for kids of all ages, with better safety measures. He has worked with village officials while his wife has made suggestions about what improvements are needed.

Village Trustee Scott Edwards said the latest improvements are designed to beautify every square foot of the park.

“We’re really trying to spruce up the last piece of

Westwood,” Edwards said.

The pickleball courts should be finished this fall, and the village will provide equipment for players to borrow.

And as he has done for more than four decades, Ed Mahoney will be watching the park to make sure it remains pristine.

“If people should get accolades, it’s Kevin Brady at the DPW (public works department), because they did 90 percent of the work,” Mahoney said. “He’s really a super dude.”

Tim Baker/Herald the beautiful park is maintained by a combined effort of village leaders, public works department employees, and residents.

Public Notices

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

served against the LLC 934 Mayfield Rd Woodmere, NY 11598.

Purpose: any lawful purpose.

140922

LEGAL NOTICE STATE OF NEW YORK SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU CITIMORTGAGE, INC.

Plaintiff, vs. Any unknown heirs to the Estate of LEROY FLOWERS next of kin, devisees, legatees, distributees, grantees, assignees, creditors, lienors, trustees, executors, administrators or successors in interest, as well as the respective heirs at law, next of kin, devisees, legatees, distributees, grantees, assignees, lienors, trustees, executors, administrators or successors in interest of the aforesaid classes of persons, if they or any of them be dead, all of whom and whose names and places of residence are unknown to the plaintiff; LEROY B. FLOWERS; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

O/B/O INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; NASSAU COUNTY TRAFFIC & PARKING VIOLATIONS AGENCY; THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK; CITIBANK, NA; and “JOHN DOE” and “MARY DOE,” (Said names being fictitious, it being the intention of plaintiff to designate any and all occupants, tenants, persons or corporations, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the premises being foreclosed herein.) Defendants.

Filed: January 26, 2023

Index No.: 601550/2023

SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS Mortgaged

Premises: 846 Bradley Street West Hempstead, (Town of Hempstead) NY 11552 TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS:

Summer Energy Conservation Methods

LEGAL NOTICE

Notice of formation of Mayfield Farms LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY on 06/23/2023. Office located in Nassau county. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process

YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in the above entitled action and to serve a copy of your Answer on Plaintiff’s attorney within twenty (20) days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service, or within thirty (30) days after completion of service where service is made in any other manner than by personal delivery within the State. The United States of America, if designated as a Defendant in this action, may answer or appear within sixty (60) days of service hereof. In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. NOTICE OF

OF

RELIEF SOUGHT THE OBJECT of the above captioned action is for the foreclosure of: Mortgage bearing the date of December 26, 2007, executed by Leroy Flowers to Mortgage Electronic Registration System, Inc. (MERS) acting solely as a nominee for The Money Source Inc. to secure the sum of $288,000.00, and interest, and recorded in the Office of the Clerk of Nassau County on February 8, 2008 in Liber Book: M 32720 Page: 515. That Mortgage Electronic Registration System, Inc. (MERS) as Nominee for The Money Source Inc. duly assigned said Note and Mortgage to Citibank, N.A. by Assignment dated June 21, 2012 and recorded on September 6, 2012 in the Office of the Clerk of Nassau County in Liber Book: M 37670 Page: 880. Mortgage bearing the date of August 23, 2012, executed by Leroy Flowers to Citibank, N.A. to secure the sum of $6,304.58, with interest, and recorded in the Office of the Clerk of Nassau County on September 6, 2012 in Liber Book: M 37670 Page: 882. Said Mortgages were consolidated and modified so as to constitute a single lien in the amount of $277,722.00 by agreement dated August 23, 2012 and recorded on September 6, 2012 in the Office of the Clerk of Nassau County in Liber Book: M 37670 Page: 901. That Citibank, NA duly assigned said Note and Mortgage to CitiMortgage, Inc. by Assignment dated October 2, 2018 and recorded on October 15, 2018 in the Office of the Clerk of Nassau County in Liber Book: M 43103 Page: 536 Instrument Number 2018-92216. The relief sought in the within action is a final judgment directing the sale of the Mortgaged Premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the Mortgage described above. Plaintiff designates Nassau County as the place of trial. The basis of venue is the County in which the Mortgaged Premises is situated. Section:35

Block:430 Lot:6 and 7

DATED:January 24, 2023

Rochester, New York

NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the Mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to

answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to your Mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. WE ARE ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION

OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE.

SCHEDULE A LEGAL DESCRIPTION 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, at West Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, known and designated as Lots 6 & 7 on a certain map entitled, “Hempstead Villas, Sec. 2, owned by Thomas Donlon Estate and filed in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on March 9, 1923 as Map No. 130, Case No. 1274, bounded and described as follows; BEGINNING at a point on the westerly side of Bradley Street, (Garfield Street), distant 384.64 feet southerly from the corner formed by the intersection of the westerly side of Bradley Street with the southerly side of Eagle Avenue; RUNNING THENCE South 24 degrees 36 minutes 19 seconds West, along the westerly side of Bradley Street, 60.41 feet; THENCE North 63 degrees 28 minutes 43 seconds West, 100.05 feet; THENCE North 24 degrees 36 minutes 19 seconds East, 57.07 feet; THENCE South 65 degrees 23 minutes 41 seconds East, 100 feet to the westerly side of Bradley Street at the point or place of BEGINNING.

141160

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Continuous use of electricity puts a strain on the power gird and increases the chance of outages. To help conserve energy this summer, the Village of Rockville Centre recommends the following energy conservation tips for local residents:

Close blinds, curtains to keep direct sunlight out

Use fans

lowering the thermostat

Limit AC use to only occupied rooms

Turn lights off when not needed

Reduce electricity use during peak hours of 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. including electric dryers, ovens, dishwashers and pool pumps

Charge electric vehicles during off peak hours, before noon and after 8 p.m.

Public Notices

canopy over three (3) pump islands, other associated site improvements including grading, landscaping, paving, parking, curbing, and lighting, and to modify and rescind existing Restrictive Covenants in order to modify a previously approved site plan at the premises located on the n/w/cor. of Hempstead Ave. & Morris Ave., Malverne, New York.

A parcel of property on the northwest corner of Hempstead Avenue and Morris Avenue, known as 471 Hempstead Avenue, Malverne, Town of Hempstead, State of New York, with frontage on or near Morris Avenue of 80.00’ feet and a rear yard of 109.10’. Maps pertaining to said proposal is on file with the application in the office of the undersigned and may be viewed during office hours.

ALL PERSONS INTERESTED in the subject matter will be given an opportunity to be heard at the time and place above designated.

proposed adoption of Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 55-2023, and following the close of the hearing the Town Board duly adopted Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 55-2023, amending Section 202-1 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, to include and repeal “PARKING OR STANDING PROHIBITIONS” at various locations.

Dated: August 1, 2023

BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD

DONALD X. CLAVIN, JR. Supervisor KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 141331

AND

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing will be held by the Town Board of the Town of Hempstead, Town Meeting Pavilion, Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York on September 6, 2023 at 10:30 o’clock in the morning of that day for the purpose of considering the application of AB MALVERNE, LLC for a variance from the provisions of “GSS” District for permission to operate self-service at an existing service station and operate a convenience store, demolish existing gasoline service station, to construct a one- story 26’ x 46’convenience store install fuel dispensing pumps, construct overhead

Dated: Hempstead, New York August 1, 2023 BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, NEW YORK DONALD X. CLAVIN JR. SUPERVISOR TOWN CLERK 141339

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD LOCAL LAW NO. 55-2023

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE

that, pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and the Municipal Home Rule Law of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing was duly called and held August 1st, 2023, by the Town Board of the Town of Hempstead on the

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BY THE BOARD OF APPEALS Pursuant to New York State Town Law Article 16, New York State Public Officers Law Article 7, and the Town of Hempstead Building Zone Ordinance, NOTICE is hereby given that the BOARD OF APPEALS of the Town of Hempstead will hold a public hearing in the Old Town Hall, 350 Front Street, Room 230, Second Floor, Hempstead, New York on 8/23/23 at 9:30 A.M. to consider the following applications and appeals:

THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED

STARTING AT 9:30 A.M. 524/23. WEST HEMPSTEAD - Ray & Channa Sultan, Variance, lot area occupied, construct addition attached to dwelling., N/W cor. Crestwood Pl. & Wildwood Rd., a/k/a 720 Crestwood Pl.

533/23. WEST HEMPSTEAD - 400 Langley LLC, Variances, subdivision of lot, lot area, front width from and on street line to front setback line, lot area occupied, rear yard, construct dwelling with garage (Demolish existing dwelling) (Parcel A)., N/s Langley Ave., 134.2’ E/o Coolidge St., f/k/a 400 Langley Ave. 534/23. WEST HEMPSTEAD - 400 Langley LLC, Variances, subdivision of lot, lot area, front width from and on street line to front setback line, lot area occupied, rear yard, construct dwelling with garage (Parcel B)., N/s Langley Ave., 184.20’ E/o Coolidge St. ALL PAPERS PERTAINING TO THE ABOVE HEARING ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THE BOARD OF APPEALS, TOWN HALL, 1 WASHINGTON STREET, HEMPSTEAD, NY 11550. This notice is only for new cases in West Hempstead within Town of Hempstead jurisdiction. There are additional cases in different hamlets, towns and villages on the Board of Appeals calendar. The full calendar is available at https://hempsteadny.gov/ 509/Board-of-Appeals

The internet address of the website streaming for this meeting is https://hempsteadny.gov/ 576/Live-Streaming-Video

Interested parties may appear at the above time and place. At the call of the Chairman, the Board will consider decisions on the foregoing and those on the Reserve Decision calendar and such other matters as may properly come before it.

141342

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT

COUNTY OF NASSAU

JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, Plaintiff AGAINST Lisa Pearce a/k/a Lisa Williamson; et al., Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered June 4, 2019 I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on September 19, 2023 at 2:30PM, premises known as 480 Hopatcong Avenue, West Hempstead, NY 11552. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Lakeview, near Rockville Center, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York, Section 35 Block 460 Lot 853. Approximate amount of judgment $287,760.20 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 602518/2018. The auction will be conducted pursuant to the COVID-19 Policies Concerning Public Auctions of Foreclosed Property established by the Tenth Judicial District. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.” Russell S. Burman, Esq., Referee LOGS Legal Group LLP f/k/a Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New

14624 (877) 430-4792

Dated: July 20, 2023

For sale information, please visit www.Auction.com or call

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EMPLOYMENT

Help Wanted

Civil Project Engineer: Involve in document control, safety reports, billings, contracts, subcontract, award letters, bid tabulations, executive summaries. Understand construction process and MEP equipment. Assemble project turnover requirements submittals, O&M manuals, warranties/guarantees. Coordinate and involve in regular schedule and budget updates; monthly report preparation; and coordination of daily activities. Prepare safety reports. Track daily reporting; assist in monitoring LEED submissions. Prepare and coordinate presentations. Change order tracking; review monthly payment requisitions. Work loc: Port Washington, NY. Travel & relocation possible to unanticipated locs throughout U.S. Sal: $154,149/yr. Mail res & pos applied for to: Group PMX, LLC, 10 Hillside Ave, Port Washington, NY 11050.

DELI COUNTER AND PREP PERSON

PROFESSIONAL REGISTERED NURSE

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

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

Official transcripts are required for appointment.

SALARY: $26,631

ANTICIPATED STARTING DATE: On or about August 31, 2023

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

Diane Drakopoulos, Personnel Clerk

443 Ocean Avenue, East Rockaway, NY 11518

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

1225286

ATTENTION HIGH SCHOOL /COLLEGE /GRAD SCHOOL STUDENTS : Staff Needed Before School 7:00-9:00AM Afterschool 2:45-6:00PM. Experience with children preferred. Friedberg JCC Locations in Oceanside, Bellmore, Baldwin, Long Beach, Island Park. Send resume to: tcorchado@friedbergjcc.org or call 516 -634-4179.

Busy Rockville Centre Landlord/Tenant Law Firm seeking FULL TIME in office (not hybrid) administrative assistant to work with one of the Partners. Responsibilities include heavy client contact via emails and telephone. Landlord/Tenant experience a plus. Salary commensurate with experience. 401K, Medical/Dental benefits. Send resumes to: Kathleen@rosenblumbianco.com

CIRCULATION ASSOCIATE Full Time/Part Time Richner Communications, publisher of Herald community newspapers has an excellent opportunity for a FT/PT Customer Service Clerk in our busy Circulation Department. Basic customer service and administrative responsibilities include: heavy computer work, answering phones, making phone calls, entering orders, faxing, filing, etc. STRONG knowledge of EXCEL a must! Knowledge of DATABASE maintenance or postal regulations a big plus. Qualified Candidates must be computer literate, able to multitask, dependable, reliable, organized, energetic, detail oriented and able to work well under deadlines. For consideration, please send resume & salary requirements to: careers@liherald.com

DRIVING INSTRUCTORS

WANTED

Will Certify And Train HS Diploma NYS License Clean 3 Years Call 516-731-3000

EDITOR/REPORTER

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DRIVERS WANTED

Full Time and Part Time Positions Available!

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Hours Vary, Night Availability is a Must.

Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239

DRIVING INSTRUCTOR

Company Car/ Bonuses. Clean Driving Record Required, Will Train. Retirees Welcome! Bell Auto School 516-365-5778 Email: info@bellautoschool.com

The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry.

To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to mhinman@liherald.com

Help Wanted

MULTI MEDIA

ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT Inside Sales

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

OUTSIDE SALES

Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Salary, Commission, Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off. Will Consider Part Time. Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250

PRESS-ROOM/WAREHOUSE HELP

Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME Pressroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for a motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com

RECEPTIONIST FULL TIME: Busy

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Open Houses

HEWLETT BA, 1390 Broadway #102, 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 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299

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Are columns made in pieces?

Q. Our front porch is falling apart and we want to replace it, just as it is. The original columns are rotted at the bottoms and there are cracks where the columns were put together, vertical joints that appear as if the columns were made from many pieces. Is that common, that columns are made from many pieces? Do you have a recommendation for who can make new columns and what kind of wood is best? I’m not choosey, because they will be painted. What do you suggest? Also, I know you recommend getting permits, but I want to do the work myself, and it’s a direct replacement, so I want to just dismantle it and put it back. The roof concerns me most, so I plan to take a lot of pictures. Do you think this is as much of a problem as it would be if the porch were new?

A. So this is a column about columns. I remember working in a firm 40 years ago, when a renowned surgeon from Texas purchased 100-plus acres with a mansion on Long Island Sound, and I was assigned to design the additions and redesign the exteriors to be a modernized traditional shingle-style home. I was called into the firm’s principal, who chastised me for recommending synthetic trim and engineered shingles. The shingles I chose were pre-finished, and would still be performing well today, but instead, the house was finished in traditional wood, necessitating the expenditure of over $100,000 every three to four years for staining and painting. It was such a large expense that when I coincidently showed up 30 years later on that estate, to redesign for the new owner, they told me the surgeon grew tired of all the maintenance.

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Wood columns are made in sections and bonded together at vertical seams. The sections are made from either steam-curved or shaped planks, cut to develop the rounded segments. You will notice that there has to be a space at the bottom to allow humidity and rain to drain and evaporate. Without that air space, the rotting is accelerated.

Because the columns will be painted, you’re better off with fiberglass columns, which come in a variety of shapes, lengths and styles. They are structural, and you’ll never need to replace them. Due to their stability, they hold a painted finish much longer, requiring painting only once a decade or two, but they still require an air space at the base.

The main reason for a permit isn’t just to have a piece of paper or cover the local government for liability should anyone get hurt. The permit process also confirms the replacement construction is safe and will last. The roof attachment, porch floor, foundation and how columns are spaced to transfer loads is critical. Incorrectly placed fastening, and a lack of structural checking and code compliance can create water problems and cause the replacement porch to require premature replacement. Just do things safely. Good luck!

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Prosecuting Trump is not what America is about

Let me state up front that I was critical from the start of former President Donald Trump’s refusal to accept the result of the 2020 election, and strongly condemned his failure, until it was too late, to speak out against the disgraceful attack on the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Trump’s shameful silence, inaction and seeming acquiescence during that horrific siege against the cathedral of democracy, and the brutal attacks that caused so many police officers to be injured and hospitalized, can never be explained away or defended. It will be a lasting shame and a blot on his record and legacy.

While I remain as outraged now as I was then by Trump’s dereliction of duty, which could well have warranted impeachment, I strongly believe that his recent federal indictment arising out of Jan. 6 and the events preceding that day is misguided, an abuse of prosecution and a threat to democracy.

Before the usual suspects accuse me of blind partisanship, I remind everyone that I voted against every article of impeachment against President Bill Clinton, incurring the wrath of many Republicans, some even to this day. I do not believe the Constitution or the criminal justice sys-

tem should ever be weaponized against political opponents. For democracy to survive and thrive, political struggles and battles should be fought in the political arena, not in the criminal courtroom.

What is being lost in much of the heated discussion about the Jan. 6 indictment is that Trump is not being charged with inciting violence against the Capitol or for failing to act to halt that violence. Instead, the indictment reads more like a political screed than a legal document.

It charges Trump with attempting to undo the results of the election through a series of lies, exaggerations and distortions. Assuming the validity of any or all of those allegations, they should be debated politically, not as a matter to be presented to a grand jury or a criminal trial jury.

Pursuing indictments on this basis will have a chilling effect on the political process. The First Amendment guarantees freedom of speech unless there is incitement to violence or riot. Yet Trump is not charged with incitement to violence or riot. As indefensible as lying or gross exaggerating may be, they are not crimes. And if they were, how would Trump’s statements be anywhere near as egregious as the lies perpetrated by Obama administration officials and so many leading Democrats who falsely charged that Trump’s 2016 campaign colluded with the Russians

— basically accusing the winner of the 2016 election to be a Russian operative?

I distinctly recall, as a member of the Intelligence Committee, sitting through endless closed hearings, and listening to testimony from numerous witnesses offering no evidence of collusion.

Yet I would see on the news, especially CNN and MSNBC, Democrats such as Rep. Adam Schiff racing to the microphones to breathlessly state that clear evidence of collusion had been revealed to the committee.

In fact, the only evidence of collusion was the Clinton campaign’s role in initiating the now discredited Steele dossier, which was based on misinformation provided to a retired British spy by a former Russian intelligence operative. Even worse was the FBI and CIA’s use of the dossier to justify their finding of Russia-Trump collusion.

Similarly, Democrats made a folk hero and martyr of Stacey Abrams, who claimed for several years, with no credible evidence, that victory was stolen from her in the 2018 gubernatorial race in Georgia.

For Special Counsel Jack Smith to win a conviction of Trump, he must prove that Trump did not believe the election was stolen. This puts the prosecutor in the dangerous position of reading a candidate’s mind — not proving that Trump was wrong or mistaken, but that he knew he had lost. I believed then, and do now, that while there were irregularities aris-

ing from the use of so many absentee and mail-in ballots because of Covid, Joe Biden was the lawful winner. But lawyers and advisers on whom Trump relied assured him he had won and that the election was stolen. Though misguided, reliance on that advice does not constitute a crime.

A presidential election is the ultimate expression of American democracy. It was wrong for Trump to cast doubt on the results in 2020. It is also wrong and dangerous for a special counsel appointed by the Biden administration to base a criminal indictment of Biden’s leading opponent in 2024 on a tortured, attenuated interpretation of statutes that require a reading of Trump’s mind. This can only lead more Americans to doubt our democratic process, especially at a time when there is mounting evidence that the Biden Justice Department is failing to fully investigate allegations of Biden family corruption.

Donald Trump may not be a sympathetic defendant or victim. But the Constitution and its protections apply to all Americans, popular and unpopular, sympathetic and unsympathetic. That is the essence of our democracy, which we should not further threaten or jeopardize by replacing the political arena with the threat of criminal prosecution. That is not what America is about.

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

President Obama sits out a dance with ISIS

Instead, he dances the tango in Buenos Aires.

On a trip to Argentina last week, the president and Michelle Obama attended a state dinner in their honor, where they enjoyed a tango performance and were then invited onto the dance floor. Unfortunately, the long-planned trip last week to Cuba and Argentina coincided with a deadly ISIS attack in Brussels that killed 35 people and wounded some 300 others. No sooner had word of the attacks hit the media than critics began huffing and puffing about the president’s trip, his attendance at a baseball game in Cuba and particularly his tango debut as proof that he is too removed from world events that impact America and its allies.

I didn’t hear anyone complaining when Obama put on his game face, and his tux, went to the 2011 White House Correspondents Dinner and delivered a really funny stand-up routine, even as our Navy SEALs were preparing for their raid on Osama bin Laden’s compound in Pakistan. The president had given the “kill” order before the dinner. There was no hint of tension or stress in his demeanor that night. The man was completely cool and composed. He is a master of optics when he needs to be, but he is not a poseur.

RANDI KREISS

Talking heads on multiple news outlets questioned the “optics” of the situation — how it looked for an American president to be seen having a good time when friends near and far were hurting.

The trip to Havana marked the first visit by a U.S. president in nearly 90 years, a remarkable gesture of friendship and a real beginning of political and economic rapprochement. The idea that the president should not appear to have a good time when he is on a political mission is absurd. He delivered exactly the right message. ISIS will not stop our lives or our travel or our laughter or our fun. We will deal with the terrorists here and abroad, but we will not allow them to alter our lives more than we have to. We will not give them that vali-

dation or power.

In fact, as he was gliding across the dance floor, orders were already in place to launch a U.S. commando raid in Syria that took out ISIS’s second-in-command last week.

In Cuba, the president commented on the Brussels attack. He commiserated and, more important, offered Americans support in the fight. And then he flew to Argentina, sticking to his itinerary, and he ended his visit not with the tango, but with a stop at a memorial for the tens of thousands of Argentines killed and “disappeared” during the brutal military dictatorship of the 1980s.

This was a diplomatic coup. This is what good presidents do. They don’t worry about optics, as defined by their critics. Had Obama abandoned his trip and headed home when the terrorists hit Brussels, it would have conferred a great deal of power on ISIS. They would know they can change world events, even the travel plans of an American president. It would have sent a terrible message.

But I get it. Every hour of every day, the

Randi is on a brief leave. This column was originally published Mar. 31, 2016.

president is forced to make impossible choices. He is required to make decisions that everyone else working for him cannot. He hears all the awful news from every available source around the world. With it all, he is still just one man, living one life.

I don’t for a minute believe that his baseball outing in Cuba or his dance in Buenos Aires deliver any message except that he is emotionally tough and able to compartmentalize sorrow and move on with the responsibilities of his office. I wonder what all those optics watchers would prefer. That he fly away home to D.C. and keen over the dead? Give ISIS the satisfaction of stopping the American president in mid-stride?

Obama can multitask. He can do standup while worrying about a high-risk mission to kill bin Laden. And it is my belief that he can dance the tango while carrying the worries of the world in his head and his heart.

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

Good presidents don’t worry about optics, as defined by their critics.

I remain outraged at his dereliction of duty, but his indictment is misguided.

How can we make our roads safer? Education.

the tragedies are unbearable. A 6-year-old girl in West Hempstead was killed when an alleged drunken driver “traveling at a high rate of speed” last week crashed into a parked car on Hempstead Turnpike, according to nassau County police.

Two days later, the same police department reported a 73-year-old woman crossing Woodfield Road in West Hempstead was struck by a vehicle and seriously injured. She remains in critical condition as of this writing.

Then there was the devastating crash in Massapequa allegedly caused by an intoxicated driver that claimed the lives of a 60-year-old U.S. Marine veteran, his 6-year-old granddaughter from Uniondale, and his 13-year-old daughter and 10-yearold son.

long Island is one of the most populous regions in the nation. Driving in nassau County will always be dangerous.

Tons of steel and plastic traveling at high rates of speed, combined with an everincreasing number of drivers, all of which requires society’s constant and consistent attention. Crashes and driving fatalities and serious injuries will never be eliminated.

But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try.

Traditional road safety measures include signs, traffic lights and marked crosswalks. Red light cameras have been effective at reducing serious accidents.

novel ideas include installing roundabouts to reduce the severity of T-bone — or 90-degree — collisions. These are typically the most dangerous types of crashes.

Letters

Kremer is off base on presidential relatives

To the Editor:

Roundabouts are significantly less expensive to install and maintain than traffic lights.

lighted crosswalks and signs alerting motorists to upcoming intersections make roads safer for drivers and pedestrians. While getting a ticket in the mail for running a red light may be annoying, red light cameras make the roads safer. The intent isn’t to generate revenue, but to warn motorists they will be ticketed if they race to beat a red light. The goal is safety, not money.

not everyone is enamored with these safety measures, however. The complaints officials hear from angry constituents is that another stop sign or traffic light will mean it takes longer to get to work or drop the kids off at soccer practice. Some complain about “sign pollution,” as if too many street signs block out the sun.

While traffic engineers, safety advocates, and drivers in a hurry debate the best and most efficient methods to make roads safer, an additional route must be considered — vastly improving new York State’s Driver Education Program.

The current program requires new drivers to have at least 24 hours of in-class instruction and another 24 hours behind the wheel — with six of those hours driving with an instructor present.

Think of that — six hours practicing driving to become a licensed driver.

And once a person receives their license, the only real requirement for renewal is an eye exam.

Six hours of behind-the-wheel training — combined with however much practice

a person gets with a learner’s permit — is not enough to properly learn how to drive safely. The program needs to be improved. State officials must immediately work with safety advocates and experts in rewriting the driver education curriculum and standards.

There are several technological advances that can be used in driver education programs — including virtual reality — that are already available commercially. new York should require VR driving experiences.

The state should also improve the rigor of coursework and exams required to receive a full license.

And perhaps most controversial — new York should require a road test to successfully renew a driver’s license.

We are wholeheartedly opposed to municipalities balancing budgets with back-door taxes like raised fees. However, in this instance, public safety outweighs the financial hardship. Drivers must be held to a higher standard than a once-in-alifetime six-hour driving requirement.

Driving under the influence, driving and texting, distracted driving — there are countless ways drivers unnecessarily make roads more dangerous. It is foolish to think that fines and jail sentences alone with eliminate dangerous driver behavior. new York must do a better job of teaching people how to drive safely as another way to improve safety for everyone.

People need to drive. They also need to be safe. It’s time driver education in new York is made more rigorous and meaningful to make our roads safer.

In his column last week, “Two very hot political subjects,” Jerry Kremer failed to acknowledge that unlike Billy Carter and Jared Kushner, Hunter Biden broke the law and was about to be given a free pass by U.S. Attorney David Weiss. Weiss, who ignored whistle blowers and who cut Hunter’s “sweetheart” deal, which has fallen apart, is now special counsel in the case, which will probably change nothing, but prolong it.

Mr. Kremer shouldn’t accuse those of us who seek truth and justice, and hate corruption in government, of being “way too focused” and talking “night and day” about the Hunter Biden case. That’s insulting. Furthermore, juxtaposing climate change in the Biden conversation, as if to imply that we think climate change is irrelevant, is absurd. As concerned citizens, we worry about both issues, and seek truth and pray for solutions to each.

MEl YoUng Lawrence

Your Long Island is our Long Island

Long Island holds a special place in my heart, an unwavering home that draws me back no matter how far I may wander. yet crafting a place into a genuine home is a process that demands more than mere happenstance; it requires deliberate effort. Just as one selects the perfect furniture and art to create a home, in our context, we carefully choose the bills to champion, the ones that amplify and uphold our voices.

Within our vibrant community, there are numerous aspects that stand as sources of pride, weaving a plethora of values and achievements that uplift the collective spirit. We have the capacity to uphold laws that safeguard every member of the community, as well as the integrity of our island itself. A crucial focus is on education funding, which must be adequately and equitably allocated to nurture the growth of future generations. Equally important, we ensure that community safety is upheld through wellregulated law-enforcement methods and effective crime-prevention strategies, fostering a secure environment for all residents.

We have a commitment to consumer protection, ensuring that businesses adhere to just and transparent practices while safeguarding consumers against fraud and misleading advertisements. Anti-discrimination efforts thrive on establishing equality and shielding individuals from bias. The region’s diverse economic landscape provides a wide range of opportunities across various industries, contributing to its vitality and our beloved tax base.

A concerted dedication to environmental protection becomes evident through the preservation of Long Island’s natural splendor, encompassing its renowned beaches, scenic vistas, and recreational parks, all of which contribute to the area’s distinctive charm and appeal.

Though we have much to admire in our community, it is not perfect. Understanding and addressing concerns is essential for Long Island’s sustainable development. Zoning and development policies require careful consideration to prevent problems such as overdevelopment, environmental deterioration, and inadequate suburban planning. Similarly, housing and affordability challenges, including shortages and high costs, underscore the necessity for increased attainable housing options. Additionally,

Letters

For Hunter Biden, it’s about time

To the Editor:

I respectfully disagree with Mr. Kremer’s opinion in “Two very hot political subjects.” In my opinion, this is not a Republican fixation on the president’s son. This is a threat to our democracy when the blindfold of lady justice is removed to create a two-tier justice system. We end up prosecuting whom we dislike and favor whom we choose.

As a citizen of this country, am I to feel comfortable when someone with the right last name can use his influence to evade taxes, lie on an application to own a firearm, and get an unprecedented sweetheart deal to not only walk away from this, but to have future immunity from other investigations? Thank God for the judge who saw through this sham.

By the way, where is the curiosity of the mainstream media? They once had a reputation of feasting on this type of story.

This is not favoring one party over another. This is about uphold-

ing what we are as a country. Attorney General Merrick Garland has now appointed U.S. Attorney David Weiss as special counsel. Garland did what he should have done a long time ago. The problem is, he chose the wrong person. Weiss has been part of this mess, and has shown he is anything but independent. He was part of the aforementioned sweetheart deal that a citizen like you or me would never be offered.

Tony GIAMETTA Oceanside

Where are we, and AI, headed?

To the Editor:

Re Mark n olan’s essay “We don’t have much time — AI is coming!” in the Aug. 3-9 issue: The column was perfect. We need to talk about the future. If AI wrote nolan’s piece, maybe it wrote this email!

PATTI BoURnE

Glen Cove

while some public-transit options exist, Long Island could benefit from expanded services to better serve its population density.

Achieving education equality across all areas is a paramount goal, ensuring that high-quality learning experiences are accessible in every neighborhood, irrespective of its circumstances. This involves implementing robust busing systems and allocating necessary resources to support all students.

Medicare and health concerns, spanning everything from health care expenses to substance abuse and the strain on health care professionals, underscore the need for comprehensive reforms and improved insurance coverage.

Finally, nurturing independent and small businesses cultivates economic diversity and resilience, fostering a thriving local economy for Long Island’s sustained growth.

By reflecting on all that we have and want for our community, we can create a better future. The future of our community holds a tapestry of possibilities, woven together by our shared aspirations and collaborative efforts. As we envision it, our community will flourish as a vibrant and inclusive hub where diversity is celebrated, and every voice is valued. Every-

Framework by Tim Baker

one wins when the collective does well. With a commitment to sustainable development, we will harmonize modern progress with environmental stewardship, creating green spaces and ecofriendly initiatives that reflect our respect for nature. Education will stand as a cornerstone, ensuring that future generations have access to innovative learning opportunities that empower them to excel and contribute meaningfully.

Through dedicated community engagement, we will bolster social connections, nurturing a sense of belonging and shared purpose that transcends age, background, and circumstance. our collective well-being will be safeguarded through accessible health care and support systems, fostering both physical and mental wellness. As technology continues to evolve, our community will harness its potential to enhance communication, accessibility and efficiency, creating a seamless and interconnected environment for all.

With a spirit of resilience, adaptability and empathy, we will navigate challenges and embrace change, ensuring that our community’s future is made with hope, unity and boundless potential. Please know that I will continue to remain a devoted advocate and champion in my every fight for your Long Island — our Long Island.

Taylor Darling represents the 18th Assembly District.

within our vibrant community, there are numerous sources of pride.