Merrick Herald 02-23-2023

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Legislature special election set for Feb. 28

By JoRDAN VAlloNE

Courtesy Merrick Union Free School District

IN BIRCH SCHool’S Podcast Club, sixth-graders, from left, Madeline Brennan, Hayley Bennett, Emerson Charney and Gracie Becak work on their podcast ‘Birch School Wonders.’

Birch School stays current with dynamic Podcast Club

By JoRDAN VAlloNE jvallone@liherald.com

If you’re up-to-date on modern technology trends, it’s likely you’re familiar with podcasts — digital audio files shared on computers and mobile devices, usually focusing on one topic, with several episodes presented like a series.

In the past few years, podcasts have become immensely popular, even though they first sprang up on the internet in 2004. Podcasters are current, captivating, and use storytelling skills to keep people informed, and listening.

At Birch School in the Merrick Union Free School District, lead technology teacher Melis-

sa Froehlich saw the medium’s potential and came up with the idea of a Podcast Club, to loop some of her older students into one of the internet’s biggest crazes. Now students meet during their lunch periods on a rotating basis, and in small groups, create podcasts about things that are important to kids like them.

Froehlich has been teaching in the district since 2013, first as a permanent substitute, she said, before the technology teacher’s position opened up seven years ago. The Podcast Club is open only to fifth- and sixth-grade students, which is something of a full-circle moment for Froehlich, who has been teaching her now oldContinued on page 4

jvallone@liherald.com

Where to vote

The race is on for the Nassau County Legislature seat, vacated late last year after Steve Rhoads’ election to the state Senate.

In a special election set for Tuesday, Feb. 28, Democrat Robert Miles squares off against Republicans Michael Giangregorio to determine who will take their seat in Mineola.

T h e l e g i s l at ive d i s t r i c t includes parts of Seaford and Wantagh, all of South Bellmore, sections of central and South Merrick, and a small strip of Freeport with a cutoff at Woodcleft Avenue. And it’s no stranger to special elections.

Rhoads won the seat in 2015 following the resignation of Dave Denenberg, the Democratic leader who was convicted of mail fraud.

Even if Democrats picked up this seat, the party would remain in the minority. Still, that hasn’t stopped Miles from giving it a try. The 30-year-old was born in Elmont, but grew up primarily in Merrick. He graduated from Hofstra University’s law school, running with a political background he says is “heavy in policy.”

Miles previously worked in

Early voting is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Sunday, Feb. 26, at the following locations: ■ Temple Beth Am, 2377 Merrick Ave., Merrick ■ St. Francis de Chantal Church, 1309 Wantagh Ave., Wantagh ■ Nassau County elections board office, 240 Old Country Road, Mineola Polls open Tuesday, Feb. 28, from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., at normal voting locations. Find your polling place at VoterLookUp. Elections.ny.gov.

Unsure if you live in District 19? Call (516) 571-8683. both the county attor ney’s office under County Executive Ed Mangano and Nassau’s property assessment office during the Laura Curran administration. Since early last year, Miles has served as an attorney with Nassau’s minority caucus.

Giangregorio, 57, grew up in Queens and settled in Merrick with his wife in 1997. He’s long Continued on page 2

February 23, 2023 — MERRICK HERALD

2

Candidates weigh in on hot-button issues continued from front page worked in the financial industry in various roles.

One of his sons, Nicholas, 21, is severely affected by autism. Having worked with representatives at the state and federal level to pass legislation in favor of people like Nicholas, Giangregorio brings with him a fierce passion for making Nassau County accessible and safe for everyone.

As first-time candidates selected by their respective parties to represent them in the special election, there’s no denying both Miles and Giangregorio would have big shoes to fill. Rhoads was well-liked and wellknown, according to those who have worked with him — especially around the hamlets he served.

To that point, however, Miles offered a simple response.

“As popular of a legislator as Steve was, what happened?” the Democrat asked. “What was fixed? The administration and the majority had the power in place for a year to fix something — and I didn’t see anything.”

Giangregorio, however, emphasized he’d like to mimic the relationship Rhoads had with his constituents. Just recently, he walked around Wantagh with Rhoads, going door-to-door, meeting voters.

“That’s the type of representative I want to be,” Giangregorio said. “I’m sure my name won’t be known by everyone in my district, but I’m going to work hard that it is. I enjoy talking with people — and that’s a big thing that will help me fill those shoes.”

Heading into the 2021 election season, much of the majority caucus was critical of property value reassessment under Curran’s leadership. Property owners were unhappy with the burden of higher property taxes — something that, for many of them, still

Need to file an absentee ballot?

With the special election a few days away, absentee ballot applications can only be submitted in person at the elections board office in Mineola.

RobeRt Miles

Michael GiaNGReGoRio

remains true.

Miles said his background could assisting these homeowners in understanding their tax bills, exemptions, and what happens when grievances are filed. He added the county has $250 million in funding from the American Rescue Plan, yet to be used.

“The question is, are we going to sit and hold that money and hoard it?” he asked. “I think the intelligent thing to have done during a time of market instability and inflation would have been to give that money back to the taxpayers.”

Giangregorio believes there were flaws with the county’s approach to property reassessment — which is used to help determine how much taxes property owners have to pay.

“A true assessment is comparing one against the other,” Giangregorio said. “It’s not just an algorithm of numbers on a paper. That’s not a real comparison — one home against the other. I don’t profess to have the answers, but I’m not afraid to try and to look for them,

and make it the right system.”

The candidates are running in what is a turbulent time for the Nassau GOP, amid all the news surrounding U.S. Rep. George Santos, under national scrutiny for misrepresenting key aspects of his background, education and work experience.

Miles said that could bode well for Democrats like him.

“I think this election and the elections in November are going to be a bellwether for that,” Miles said. “I think people are angry — when you talk to them on the streets, when you talk to them in households, they say what a mockery this guy has made of Nassau County.”

Giangregorio doesn’t believe the news surrounding Santos will negatively affect him, because he’s an open book — and an honest one.

“I’m running as myself,” Giangregorio said. “I think the Republican Party on Long Island has come out strongly against him, and rightfully so. He needs to go. I’m not shy about that. He does not represent Nassau County. He does not represent what the Republican Party is in Nassau County.

“I stand on my integrity — I stand on my name.”

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Free vegan lattes for all on Valentine’s Day

By ROKSANA AMID ramid@liherald.com

I

f you traveled along Merrick Road on Feb. 14, you likely saw Juliana Di Leonardo, vice president of Humane Long Island, dressed in a cow costume, clutching a sign that read “Vegan Up Charge: Udder Nonsense.”

Her husband, and president of Humane Long Island, John Di Leonardo, stood next to her handing out vegan treats to curious onlookers.

Their beef, they say, is with Starbucks.

The animal rights activists partnered with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals to protest Starbuck’s controversial vegan milk up charge in coffee and other beverages.

The chain currently charges 70 cents per drink to substitute cow’s milk with vegan options like oat or soy. Activists like the Di Leonardo’s argue that the policy is bad for cows, and potentially for business.

On Valentine’s Day, Humane Long Island took to the corner of Merrick Avenue and Merrick Road, handing out 600 free vegan lattes to those driving by, supplied by Rise Brewing Co., a canned coffee company.

“We wanted to show people how easy it is to have non-dairy milk,” John said, “and to make it easier for them to have that option on Valentine’s Day.” This isn’t the first time the Di Leonardo’s, and countless advocates across the country have protested the same cause.

Last year, John super glued his hand to the counter of a midtown Manhattan Starbucks with actor James Cromwell, after nearly 150,000 PETA supporters asked Starbucks to end the up charge.

“We respect our customers’ rights to respectfully voice their opinions so long as it does not disrupt our stores operations,” a Starbucks spokesperson said in a statement to the Washington Post last May following the protest in Manhattan.

John said that Starbucks agrees that animal-friendly vegan milks are better for the planet than dairy milk but is frustrated the corporation insists on charging extra for the dairy alternative.

“No one should be penalized for trying to live a little healthier and a little kinder,” he added.

The afternoon gave drinks to some pedestrians, but the majority of those passing by were in cars. The couple said the protest was well received, and many people asked questions about the reduced carbon footprint associated with a vegan lifestyle.

“We saw a bunch of other people who said they never tried oat milk,” John said.

“They said it was delicious.”

The animal rights activists also caught the attention of some vegans, who said they didn’t know about the up charge.

“Consuming dairy not only reduces blood to the heart, but to all organs,” John noted. “Humane Long Island is making it easy for coffee lovers to show love for cows, the environment, and their partners by kissing dairy goodbye this Valentine’s

Tim Baker/Herald photos

GARy DI LeONARDO, Jean Di Leonardo, Tommy DiMisa, Juliana and John Di Leonardo helped raise awareness about Starbuck’s surcharge on dairy alternatives.

JOhN RAN up to a truck stopped at a light, and handed the driver a free, canned vegan latte to support Humane Long Island’s cause.

JuLIANA DI LeONARDO dressed up as a cow as part of Humane Long Island’s and PETA’s protest against Starbucks. Starbucks up charges customers for dairy alternatives, which both organizations say is unfair.

Day.” John said that each person who goes vegan spares nearly 200 animals. In addition to reducing the risk of impotence, plant-powered eating slashes the risk of heart disease by a whopping 52 percent, according to studies published in the Journal of the American Heart Association.

“You can do a lot by taking cruelty off your plate,” Juliana said. “Peace does begin on your plate.”

ONLOOKeRS weRe OffeReD free vegan lattes and candies while they learned about the health benefits of a vegan lifestyle.

MERRICK HERALD — February 23, 2023

Humane Long Island protests non-dairy milk surcharge by handing out oat milk coffees

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Students share their voices and ideas on a range of topics

February 23, 2023 — MERRICK HERALD

4

Another group of sixth-graders, Made-

continued from front page

est students since they were in kindergar- line Brennan, Hayley Bennett, Emerson Charney and Gracie Becak, created a podten.

She came up with the idea for the club cast called “Birch School Wonders.” They as a way to do something different from go around the school, asking students in the school’s traditional Newspaper Club. every grade what their most pressing “I had seen online (that) different technol- question is — on any topic — and try to ogy teachers and librarians had podcast answer it in an episode of the podcast.

The girls said they joined the club clubs, and I was like, this would be great,” together to work on something that other she recalled. “I feel like it’s so current.”

The club had a fall session, which was kids would be interested in. “I think we immensely popular, and is now in the all wanted to kind of do something midst of its spring session, with different together, build our friendship,” Madeline students. To create the podcasts, the kids said, “and also teach people something.”

Hayley said the club has record their audio on Apple’s helped her sharpen her pubVoice Memo app on iPads, lic-speaking skills. “I really edit the sound bites together, wanted to do it to get better at and rerecord when necessary. public speaking, because I do When a podcast is complete, it lots of theater, and I like gets uploaded to the district’s speaking in front of crowds,” website. she said. “If you speak on a Molly McGovern, a sixthpodcast, then you really have grader, said she joined the MelIssa to express what you’re sayclub to improve her intering.”

FroehlIch viewing skills. “Just in case I A third group of sixthdo something that’s a podcast technology teacher graders, Gavin Jurek, Griffin when I grow up, or do interKelson, Daniel Kaden and views,” she said, “I know Justin Isaac, are working on an NFLexactly what to do and where to get my themed podcast, which covers everything plans from.”

Molly is working with her friends Jil- from game recaps to offseason trades to lian Miller and Gabriella Layne on a predictions for future seasons.

Froehlich said that technology prosocial media-themed podcast, showcasing grams in schools are changing to encomdangers kids their age should be aware of pass the latest trends. All of the students on the internet.

“I interview people asking them how in the club were excited about working on they feel about cyberbullying, and every- a podcast, she said, because they’ve seen one agrees it’s not a good thing,” Gabriel- their parents, and even characters on telela said. “This podcast is about the inter- visions shows they like, listening to them, too. net, and how it’s bad.”

Some of the other things their classJillian focuses on safety on the intermates are working on include 3D printnet, and teaching kids how to be aware of what’s online. “If you make a TikTok and ing, programming robots, and even learnyou’re wearing a Birch School hoody, it’s ing how to fly drones. “It’s way more of a public,” she said. “People would know digital push,” Froehlich said of Merrick’s where you go to school, and that you live program.

She is still working with the district to around that area. figure out the best place to post the pod“I think the message we want to get out casts, and it’s likely they’ll end up on a there is that we want people to be safe,” Jillian added. “I just want people to know section of the district site called the Stuthat anything can happen if you have a dent Corner. Fall podcasts will be rolled public account, and you should definitely out first, once a spot online is figured out, be careful about what you post and what followed by spring podcasts later this year.

To listen, once they’re uploaded, go to you chat. If something goes the wrong Merrick.SyntaxNY.com. way, anything can happen.”

I

t’s way more of a digital push.

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Hempstead approves ‘discriminatory’ maps They were angry, expressing those feelings as shame on the Hempstead Town Board. They are the group that has attended meeting after meeting, hoping to get some voice into how town board district lines would be redrawn, only to end up disappointed.

It was an unsurprising end, but one that resulted in boos.

“That’s nice, ladies and gentlemen,” Town Supervisor Don Clavin said, with unmistakable sarcasm. “That’s very polite of you.”

They had pushed for what they considered to be better representation on the town board — providing more opportunities for Hempstead’s growing minority populations to serve in elected positions through the creation of “minority-majority” districts. If they had passed, districts would be created where ethnic minorities were, in fact, the voting majority.

But none of them came to pass. Most surprisingly, with the help of Deputy Town Supervisor Dorothy Goosby — who notably challenged what she called Hempstead’s discriminatory at-large voting system in 1988 — who remained silent throughout the redistricting process, only to finally vote yes to the new map.

“In this moment in time, we are reinventing the same revisionist, segregationist history that has kept so many people behind,” said Mida Mereday of Baldwin. “Our voices have not been heard all this time — it’s not going to be anything different.”

Since the beginning of the Hempstead redistricting discussions, the concerns raised by opponents to the initial town-drawn maps has not changed: District lines should be redrawn to have a more balanced demographic representation.

Ana Borruto/Herald

HEMPSTEAD TOWN SUPERVISOR Donald Clavin faced some heat from the crowd gathered to discuss redistricting with claims he failed to listen to their concerns. Many of them had pushed for at least three ‘minority-majority’ districts, with the hopes of creating a town board that reflects the people living there.

But under the guidance of the Troutman Pepper Hamilton Sanders law firm as well as redistricting expert Sean Trende, the Town Board released a redistricting map proposal last month they said took into account public comments as well as the views of the redistricting commission — who recommended the board keep communities intact.

However, some doubted these intentions. When looking at the final map, attendees said there are communities still in danger of “packing” and “cracking,” such as Elmont, Uniondale, North Bellmore and Baldwin.

These methods fall under partisan gerrymandering — giving one side an advantage in a single district but no others, or simply breaking up voter blocs so a particular type of candidate can’t get enough support to win.

“The New York state constitution (says) the district shall not be drawn to discourage competition, or for the purpose of favoring or disfavoring incumbents or any other particular candidates or parties,” said Terry Bain, a former immigration judge from Rockville Centre. “It looks to me like this proposal may violate this spirit, as well as the letter of our state constitution.”

If Hempstead finalizes this current map, it could expose the town to costly litigation — all at taxpayer expense. Especially since a number of people in the audience who oppose the new map say they are willing to take the matter to court.

Dan Oppenheimer, a Hempstead village resident, says it’s interesting the final redistricting map was adopted while one of the six council district seats — formerly occupied by now U.S. Rep. Anthony D’Esposito — remains vacant.

As the vacancy approaches two months, some are anticipating the Hempstead town board will continue its ages-old tradition of appointing someone to fill the seat.

These vacancies are often created when a council member runs successfully for another position. Recent appointments by the board to the town council include Thomas Muscarella, Melissa Miller and Dennis Dunne.

Clavin’s response to this practice when questioned about it was only that the board plans to “comply with Town of Hempstead law.”

“This is not something to do with voting representation when you have a history, year in and year out, of appointing rather than allowing for votes,” Oppenheimer told Clavin. “You are bypassing the electoral system that the districts are supposed to address.”

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aborruto@liherald.com

MERRICK HERALD — February 23, 2023

By ANA BORRUTO

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February 23, 2023 — MERRICK HERALD

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Giangregorio: the ‘quality-of-life’ candidate Longtime autism advocate, former Herald Person of the Year

By MICHAEL MALASZCZYK mmalaszczyk@liherald.com

When he moved from Queens, Michael Giangregorio was seeking a higher quality of life. Now, as he is running to replace Steve Rhoads on the Nassau County legislature, he seeks to pay it forward and ensure that future generations can enjoy that same quality of life in Nassau.

Born in Brooklyn, Giangregorio was adopted by parents who first lived in Flatbush, but then relocated to Queens. In fact, that’s where he grew up, attending P.S. 87-The Middle Village School, and then Christ the King High School.

It was during these years he found his initial interest in activism and politics.

“We lost a lot of teachers because they were on strike for a good period of time,” Giangregorio told reporters at a recent Herald Roundtable sesMICHAEL sion. “My senior GIANGREGORIO year, we had just come out of it and Nassau■County■ I was on student Legislature■special■ gover nment. I election■candidate called myself the public relations person because I wanted to get the image of the school back to where it was. I guess it was back then that the volunteerism in my life started.”

Out of high school, Giangregorio worked for a now-defunct bank called Irving Trust Co. From there, he joined the now-defunct L.F. Rothschild merchant and investment banking firm, working his way up the ladder to eventually become manager of government operations.

After his tenure there, Giangregorio moved into a similar role at Refco Securities — even working in Utah for a number of years — before moving into a trading role at the same company.

He met his wife Alison when he returned to New York — a marriage that has now lasted 25 years. He joined JPMorgan Chase & Co., in 2006, where he still works today as a vice president.

Giangregorio and Alison have two sons: Michael and Nicholas.

“My son Nicholas is profoundly affected by autism,” Giangregorio said. “He’s 21 now. And autism is a lifelong disorder.

Individuals are adults much longer than they are children. So I’ve done a tremendous amount of advocacy work because when my son was diagnosed, we realized what was lacking.”

Giangregorio became a fierce autism advocate, seeking to provide a support system for families affected by autism that goes beyond the public school support system. For a number of years, he has overseen seasonal walks at Jones Beach to raise money for autism awareness through the nonprofit Autism Speaks.

I

’m■not■afraid■ of■being■ creative■if■I■ have■the■good■ fortune■of■being■ elected.

Tim■Baker/Herald

Giangregorio lobbied at the local and state level, helping pass a state bill in 2011 requiring New York-based insurance companies to fund autism treatments.

For his efforts on autism advocacy, Giangregorio was named the Merrick Herald’s 2013 Person of the Year. But now Giangregorio wants to be everyone’s advocate as he seeks a seat in the county legislature.

“I am certainly not a one-issue candidate because I have very strong feelings on everything that affects Nassau County,” Giangregorio said. “We want to make sure that Nassau County is accessible to all.”

During all that, however, he continued his advocacy work as board chair of the Eden II program at the Genesis Outreach Autism Center in East Meadow.

“During the pandemic — with budget cuts and never receiving a fair allocation that we’re entitled to from the state — we learned to do more with less,” Giangregorio said. “I’m not afraid of being creative if I have the good fortune of being elected.”

Giangregorio describes himself as tough on crime, working with Hempstead town councilman Christopher Carini on removing graffiti from public areas. To Giangregorio, stopping crime is yet another quality of life issue that needs addressing.

“We’re very fortunate here in Nassau that you don’t see some of the tragedies you hear about across the country,” he said. “And I credit that to the proper training that our Nassau County police officers receive, as well as the support they receive.”

But the tax assessment system certainly needs fixing, Giangregorio said. And with the current freeze on new assessments continuing another year, now could be the time to get it done.

“We’ve been in an interest rate environment that has been so low for a number of years, and now we’re on the rise,” he said.

“So mortgage rates have gone from the lowest of 2 percent to upward of 6 percent.

If we’re going to freeze, now’s probably the time to take a step back, and think about assessment. A true assessment is comparing one against the other. How do we do that properly? I don’t know if I have the answer, but I’m willing to explore.”

Living in Queens was nice, Giangregorio said, but he and his wife sought a more quiet, suburban lifestyle — something they found moving to Merrick in 1997. He recalled renting a cabana at Nickerson Beach in their first few years living on Long Island, deciding this lifestyle was for him.

Giangregorio is now dedicated to preserving that lifestyle, even as Nassau grows increasingly urban. To do this, he must speak against what he described as Gov. Kathy Hochul’s elimination of zoning in townships as a way to put up more multifamily homes.

“I’m not opposed to housing, of course,” Giangregorio said. “But eliminating rules that are in place for a reason — like to maintain a certain quality of life — is not the right way to do it. Thousands of families moving into close proximities to train stations, can our infrastructure support that? No.” Giangregorio is pro-environment as

MICHAEL GIANGREGORIO IS an■outspoken■ advocate■for■the■ autism■community,■ working■extensively■ at■the■local■and■ state■level.■He■now■ seeks■to■be■an■ advocate■for■the■ entire■community■ once■represented■ by■Steve■Rhoads■ in■the■Nassau■ County■Legislature■ —■seeking■votes■on■ the■Republican■ ticket■in■a■Feb.■28■ special■election.

Michael Giangregorio ■■ 57■years■old ■■ Born■in■Brooklyn,■adopted■to■a■ Flatbush■couple ■■ Grew■up■in■Queens ■■ Moved■to■Merrick■in■1997 ■■ Has■worked■at■JPMorgan■Chase■&■ Co.,■since■2006 well, and aims to live by the Boy Scout mantra of “leave no trace,” which he described as leaving a place better than when you found it.

It’s all how Giangregorio describes himself as a candidate, and hopefully come Feb. 28, a county legislator.

“I want to be the voice of people in government,” Giangregorio said. “I want to make sure that our community has a voice. I want to be the community that the candidate that is accessible. You know, when I go to door-to-door and meet people, I want to be able to say, ‘Is there something I can help with?’”

Miles wants non-partisan solutions for Nassau

MERRICK HERALD — February 23, 2023

Attorney already has experience working with legislature

By MICHAEL MALASZCZYK mmalaszczyk@liherald.com

The special election for the Nassau County Legislature seat once held by Steve Rhoads comes Tuesday, Feb. 28, and if Democrats in the district have their way, it will be filled by Robert Miles.

The 30-year-old is originally from Elmont, but moved to Merrick when he was in elementary school. He graduated from Kennedy High School before attending Binghamton University, graduating with his bachelor’s degree in 2014. He then returned home to attend law school at Hofstra University, g r a d u at i n g i n 2017.

“Out of law school, I got hired by the Mangano administration to work for the county attor ney’s o f f i c e, ” M i l e s said. “I was doing appeals and opinions, writing laws — and I was helpROBERT MILES ing with assessment part-time.

Nassau■County■ like to think I Legislature■special■ I’d h ave a b a c k election■candidate g r o u n d t h a t ’s very heavy on policy.”

Miles says his experience working with both Republicans and Democrats makes him a good fit for this elected position. He believes it gives him an advantage when it comes time to find solutions that are not necessarily Democratic or Republican — rather, just good government working on behalf of the people.

Property tax assessment is the type of bread-and-butter issue Miles has experience with in a bureaucratic capacity.

Annual freezes became an issue under former County Executive Ed Mangano’s tenure. His successor, Laura Curran, briefly ended that until Covid-19 hit. Since then, Curran and her successor, Bruce Blakeman, have left such assessments frozen.

“The freeze during the pandemic made sense to me,” Miles said. “I think Laura was bold in trying to fix the system. But what we could have done better is communicate with the taxpayers and residents. I think what we should do is a cyclical reassessment every three years to keep the system up to date, so that we can avoid taxpayers feeling the need to grieve on a yearly basis.

“Assessment is supposed to be about equity, but there are different exemptions for that, and that’s a sticking point. It’s a complicated system, and it needs to be cleaned up.”

One of Miles’s biggest interests as he winds up this special election campaign focuses on both environmental and energy law. To further a pro-energy agenda, Miles would like to see a carbon neutrality bill, which he says Legislators Joshua Lafazan and Arnold Drucker are currently

I

’d■like■to■ think■I■have■ a■background■ that’s■very■ heavy■on■ policy.

Tim■Baker/Herald

working on that would see Nassau take a big step toward reversing global warming by 2035.

“My district has been hit with flooding in extreme weather events, especially in the canals,” Miles said. “Homeowners in Nassau invest a ton of money in where they live — including property and schools taxes — and to consistently have this flooding issue is not fair to them.

“The state is trying to be aggressive in favor of the environment, and I’m fully supportive of that. We just have to be costeffective when we do it.”

If elected, Miles would be younger than typical politicians at just 30. But his relative youth has something to do with why he chose to run, as Miles himself knows what it’s like trying to make it as a young person on Long Island.

“I see a lot of my friends trying to own homes in Nassau, and it’s a struggle,” he said. “Affordability is a struggle. In my capacity as an attorney, I’ve had to deal with a ton of residents who are shocked by the level of taxes after they moved here.

So, I think a candidate who has witnessed these problems firsthand — and also has his own struggle with it — is important for the people.”

An issue that Blakeman and the Minority Caucus Miles wants to join recently sparred was gun control — although this is an issue that is more up to the state than the county. Blakeman said last fall he would enforce “safe zone legislation,” but hoped to see it deemed unconstitutional, while Minority Leader Kevan Abrahams praised the concept of gun-free areas.

“I think that New York state had set a

very strong precedent in making sure that gun violence wouldn’t take hold of the state,” Miles said. “With the rise of extremism, antisemitism and racism, I think it’s important to have smart regulation. I support the Constitution and the Second Amendment, but there has to be smart regulation such as locking up the guns at night, and locking up the guns when children are around.”

Miles also praised ERPOs — extreme risk protection orders — also known as red flag laws, that would limit, if not outright prohibit, someone from buying a weapon if they are believed to be a threat to others or themselves.

But there are other county level laws Miles wants to focus on: namely red light cameras, which he sees as illegal. In fact, he wants to get rid of them entirely.

“Whether it’s through a separate legislative process or through the budget, those fees — including the tax map verification fee — are legally unsound,” Miles said. “I have a hard time seeing how these survive legal challenges.”

Miles doesn’t want to wait for legal challenges, however, because the tickets drivers are receiving are expensive and pile up fast.

And, according to Miles, it’s not as if the county doesn’t already have money.

The county already has $250 million in funds from the American Rescue Plan, as well as a county surplus.

This makes some of these fines unnecessary.

Miles would also like to see more action taken to protect children from the fentanyl crisis, which includes putting testing

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ROBERT MILES IS the■Democratic■ candidate■running■ to■replace■newly■ elected■state■Sen.■ Steve■Rhoads■in■ the■Nassau■ County■ Legislature.■Miles■ boasts■years■of■ experience■ working■for■the■ legislature■as■an■ attorney,■and■ hopes■to■bring■ that■bureaucratic■ experience■to■ elected■office.

Robert Miles ■■ 30■years■old ■■ Born■in■Elmont,■grew■up■in■Merrick ■■ Earned■bachelor’s■degree■from■ Binghamton■University■in■2014 ■■ Earned■law■degree■from■Hofstra■ University■in■2017 ■■ Has■worked■in■various■legal■counsel■roles■for■Nassau■County■since■ 2017 strips in Narcan kits, which otherwise are used to help someone known to have suffered an opioid overdose. This idea has faced some scrutiny in the legislature, and Miles would be a vote in favor of this if elected.

“If the counterpoint was, ‘You’re putting out fentanyl testing strips to promote drug use,’ the response would be they’re already here,” Miles said. “We didn’t stop anything. We didn’t plug the flood. We have to work with what we have now.

“It’s not promoting anything. It’s a mitigation measure.”

Vets can get free emergency mental health care A NEW FEDERAL policy will allow veterans in ‘acute suicidal crisis’ to receive free mental health care, including in-patient care for up to 30 days, and outpatient care for up to three months.

By MALLORY WILSON mwilson@liherald.com

Neil Miller/Herald file

“These kids coming home today from Iraq, Iran and everything, they got problems. And they’re hurting.”

The policy will also apply to former members of the armed forces, including reserve members, who served “more than 100 days under a combat exclusion or in support of a contingency operation.” It’s also open to those discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, who were the victim of sexual assault, sexual battery, or sexual harassment while serving.

“The need is more and more, that’s why the government — I believe — started this program,” Esposito said.

“They see it. It’s happening all over. And we’re doing all we can to get them out.”

At the Nassau VSA in East Meadow, vets needing mental help are sent to speak with counselors that are right there for them, Esposito said. There’s also a food pantry if they’re hungry, and where they can pick up other supplies as well.

“It’s heartbreaking because they’re young,” he said.

“It’s a big thing, but I’m really happy that they did this and that we have this program going.”

According to the National Veteran Suicide Prevention annual report, there were 6,146 veteran suicides in 2020 — down 5 percent from the year before, and “lower than each prior year since 2006.”

“Veterans have a hard time dealing with the military experience,” said Frank Salamino, quartermaster for the East Meadow Veterans of Foreign War Post 2736. “They have a very hard time. I know myself firsthand.

The new program is a step in the right direction for veteran care, Salamino added, but more needs to be done.

Starting with talking to veterans before they leave the service about what they’re thinking and what they need.

And when they do get home and look for medical care from the government, appointments are hard to come by — oftentimes spread out with months in between.

“It took me a long time to get some help,” Salamino said.

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Any student currently enrolled in a recognized journalism program is eligible to compete for an internship with a net $2,600 stipend provided by NYPA. Applicants must attend college during the 2023-2024 academic year.

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Suicides among military veterans have been in decline over the past couple years, but today, a former soldier still takes his or her life every 85 minutes on average.

But now, veterans deemed to be in “acute suicidal crisis” can receive free emergency mental health services, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

That’s help that includes up to 30 days of in-patient care, and three months outpatient.

Veterans can find that help at any VA or non-VA health care facility at no cost. They don’t even need to be enrolled in the VA system to use this benefit.

Part of the Veterans Comprehensive Prevention, Access to Care and Treatment — or COMPACT — Act of 2020, the new rule allows veterans discharged after more than two years of service under conditions other than dishonorable are eligible for the care, which will either be paid for or reimbursed by the VA. The expanded care is meant to, “help prevent veteran suicide by guaranteeing no cost, world-class care to veterans in times of crisis,” according to a news release.

“Free or not free, the priority is getting them health care,” Pete Wenninger, immediate past commander of the East Meadow American Legion Post 1082, said. “The being burdened with a cost is not going to be helpful to them, but it is critical that when a veteran needs mental health, that they get it.”

The policy will provide, pay for, or reimburse for treatment of those who qualify for emergency suicide care, transportation costs, and follow-up care at a facility. It will also help veterans by making appropriate referrals while determining eligibility for other VA services and benefits.

“I think it was a great move,” said Ralph Esposito, director of the Nassau County Veterans Service Agency.

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February 23, 2023 — MERRICK HERALD

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Bringing local sports home every week

Elmont fends off scrappy Calhoun, 46-43

By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com

Ron Manfredi/Herald

PJ KaKaLOS, LEfT, scored 13 points last Friday but Calhoun dropped a hard-fought 46-43 playoff matchup at Elmont.

39-36, but DiPaola answered with a pair of baskets to give the Colts their first lead since the second quarter — 40-39 — with 2:55 to go.

A Frias-Walsh bucket gave Elmont the lead back for good, and Moore’s clutch three-pointer made it 44-40 with 1:48 remaining.

expires 3/31/23

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A pair of defensive stops over the final 15 seconds of regulation allowed third-seeded Elmont to escape with a 46-43 home victory over No. 14 Calhoun last Friday evening in a Nassau Class A boys’ basketball playoff matchup.

Clinging to a one-point lead in the waning seconds, the Spartans forced two turnovers before junior Cassius Moore sank a pair of free throws with 1.4 seconds remaining for the final margin. The Colts, who overcame a 9-point deficit late in the third quarter to grab the lead in the fourth, had a desperation heave fall short at the buzzer.

“Calhoun played hard and tough and is a lot better than a 14-seed,” Elmont head coach Ryan Straub said.

“We created plenty of good looks but didn’t get many shots to fall. At the end of the day, we’re happy to be moving on.”

Moore (13 points), senior Joshua Phifer (12) and junior Gemere Frias-Walsh (11) all scored in double figures to lead the Spartans (15-6), who advance to face district rival Sewanhaka, the No. 6 seed, in the quarterfinals. Elmont defeated the Indians twice during the regular season by a combined 47 points. “We know how tough it is to beat a team three times,” Straub said.

Seniors Sean DiPaola (game-high 16 points), PJ Kakalos (13) and Matt Kalfas (11) reached double digits

for the Colts (12-10), who knocked off Long Beach in an outbracket playoff game two days earlier.

“It’s a difficult loss,” Calhoun head coach Jay Kreutzberger said. “The guys competed at an extraordinary high level and demonstrated a mental toughness that you need on the road in the playoffs.

“Points were hard to come by and we battled back a couple of times,” he added. “We made it a point to drive strong to the rim on those last two possessions and came up just a little short.”

A back-and-forth first half featured seven lead changes and concluded with Elmont clinging to a 25-24 lead. Calhoun was 1-for-7 from the foul line in the first half and finished 2-for-10. The Spartans were slightly better and had nearly double the trips, going 11-for-19.

“They’re free but you’ve got to make them,” Kreutzberger said of the free-throw opportunities.

The Spartans scored the first eight points of the second half to build the largest lead for either team at 33-24. Phifer hit consecutive baskets out of the break to jumpstart the spurt.

The Colts were scoreless through the first 6:07 of the third quarter before DiPaola, who was held to a single basket in the first half, took over. He hit four field goals sandwiched around a Phifer trey and Calhoun closed within 36-32 heading into the fourth.

It was tied at 36 with 4:37 left when Kalfas committed his fifth foul on a basket by Elmont junior big man Osagie Ekhator. The three-point play put the hosts ahead

MERRICK HERALD — February 23, 2023

Herald sports

What’s neWs in and out of the classroom

Herald ScHoolS Cyber Patriot Team awarded state championship Cougar Cyber Patriots excelled in the qualifying rounds, demonstrating teamwork, critical thinking skills, and technical knowledge that is key to a successful career in cybersecurity.”

All three teams advanced to the state round and two Kennedy teams earned spots to compete in the national semifinals.

“Our students studied windows and Linux operating systems and completed online coursework in the CISCO Net Academy while learning how to use industry networking software such as Packet Tracer and VMware,” he added.

The 2023 Cougar Cyber Patriots include Tyler Bissoondial, Chris Field, David Greenberg, Dylan Hovell, Richie Ippoliti, Evan Kolberg, Michael Lamaze, Jack Levitt, Gabe Leyderman, Daniel Lin, Jason Lin, Massimo Marino, Mark Prainito, Mason Tso, Leonard Weber, Handsome Zheng and Daniel Zhou.

Courtesy Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District

The upperclassman cyber paTrioT Team aT John F. Kennedy High School.

SPECIAL ELECTION ELECTION ALERT! SPECIAL ALERT! Tuesday, February 28th

VOTE: Rob Miles VOTE ROB MILES for County Legislator, For County Legislator District 19 District 19 He’ll work to stop the tax hikes and protect your

He'll work tothestop the tax interests!

Don’t let party of Santos fool hikes, you again! cut fees, and keep you safe!

VOTE Early:

Now through February 26 at 26 VOTE EARLY: Now through February At one of the following locations: one of the below locations: Temple Beth Am, Merrick; St. Frances de Chantal, Wantagh Nassau County Board of Elections, Mineola

• Temple Beth Am, Merrick VOTE DAY • St. Frances deELECTION Chantal Church, Wantagh February 28 •Tuesday, Board of Elections, Mineola At your designated polling location!

VOTE ON ElECTiON DAy, FEBruAry 28 VOTE ROW A! lOCATiON AT yOur rEgulAr pOlliNg Rob Miles for County Legislator Paid for by Friends of Rob Miles Paid for by Friends of Robert Miles

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he upperclassman Cyber Patriot team at John F. Kennedy High School in the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District was awarded the New York State Championship in the Air Force Association CPXV competition Platinum Tier.

The freshman team was awarded third place in the New York State CPXV Gold Tier.

Established by the Air Force Association in 2009, the CyberPatriot National Youth Cyber Education Program is designed to excite, educate, and motivate students toward careers in cyber security and other science, technology, engineering and mathematics disciplines critical to the nation’s future.

“This year, three teams of students from Kennedy High School participated in four rounds of sixhour competition events,” explained Rob Soel, a district science/STEM chairperson. “Our

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February 23, 2023 — MERRICK HERALD

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STEPPING OUT

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The band brings their distinctive sound to the Landmark stage.

Emerging a decade ago from the underground parties of Brooklyn to touring worldwide and recording a string of albums that’s racked up more than 60 million streams across digital platforms, the Hot Sardines’ own “potent and assured” (The New York Times), “simply phenomenal” (The Times of London) brand of reinvigorated classic jazz landed them at the center of a whirlwind. Their unique recipe blends hot jazz and sultry standards from the ’20s, ’30s, and ’40s, rich New Orleans sounds, a dash of ’40s Paris flavor, and vibrant musical surprises. It’s all steeped in salty stride piano and the music Louis Armstrong, Django Reinhardt and Fats Waller used to make. The result is straight-up footstomping jazz. Their name says it all: their iconic ‘hot’ styling will paint a vibrant picture with smoky sounds and audiences revel in the steamy, swanky influence of their art form.

By Karen Bloom

Pigeon is here. Elephant and Piggie, Knuffle Bunny, too. Families will have “Mo” fun at Long Children’s Museum, with “The Pigeon Comes to Long Island! A Mo Willems Exhibit,” which encourages all to step inside Willems’ imagination.

This being the children’s museum, of course, the traveling exhibit — co-organized WHeRe

by Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh and the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art — is WHen fully hands-on — inspired by the art and • Now through May 14, characters of the beloved children’s author.

Tuesday through Sunday, 10 “We know our audience, families, finds a.m. to 5 p.m. these books really appealing,” says Ashley • $17 museum admission, Niver, the museum’s director of education. $16 seniors 65 and older; “Kids really relate to these characters, their additional fees for theater feelings and how they work through their programming conflicts. The characters are playful and curious • View the LICM events calendar at LICM.org for and the kids identify and respond to them.” additional information or call The familiar characters immediately get an (516) 224-5800 enthusiastic response — including best friend • Long Island Children’s duo Elephant and Piggie, faithful companion Museum, Museum Row, Knuffle Bunny, and The Pigeon, that wily city Garden City. bird best known for his antics in “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!” Activities showcase Willems’ whimsy and humor, giving families opportunities to make art-inspired

by Willems and learn about the rich social and emotional lives of the author’s characters. Illustrations, including sketches and other preliminary materials, are also on display.

At the heart of it all, the exhibit is designed to instill a love of reading.

“Mo Willems’ books are frequently the starting point for a child to understand the power of choice they hold in what to read and reread,” vice president for program and visitor experience Aimee Terzulli explains. “Willems creates characters that get children invested in wanting to spend more time with them as they choose to read more of his popular stories.”

The many components are approachable, even for the youngest kids.

Highlights include: • A bus station where kids can put on a bus driver costume and “drive around” the exhibit space.

• Kids can have hilarious conversations in the voices of Elephant, Gerald and Piggie at the “Elephone” double-sided phone booth.

• Use the hot dog launcher to launch foam hot dogs at The Pigeon and play the plinko game to give Duckling a cookie. “So silly and fun,” Niver adds.

“Kids get a kick out of the hot dogs flying through the air.”

• Explore the laundromat and uncover Knuffle Bunny and other surprises among the clothes.

• Dress up Naked Mole Rat and send him down the runway for a one-of-a-kind fashion show.

• Work with the “lightbox” to try out illustration techniques that Willems uses for his books.

As always, related programming enhances the exhibit experience. The museum theater is especially active at the moment, with performances of Willem’s newest show “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical!” (through March 25), followed by the return of the always-popular “Elephant & Piggie’s “We are in a Play!” (April 23 to June 3).

Saturday, March 6, 8 p.m. $60, $50, $46. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. (516) 767-6444 or LandmarkOnMainStreet.org.

‘The Rocketman Show’

Remember when rock was young?

You sure will at this tribute show.

Rus Anderson, Elton John’s official body double for his Farewell Yellow Brick Road world tour launch, recreates an early Elton concert complete with colorful and flamboyant costumes actually worn by Elton himself. Enjoy a nostalgic night of Elton’s greatest hits, wildest outfits and outrageous stage antics. Anderson recreates the magic and live persona of a young Elton like no other. Storming around the stage with a fun-loving sense of flamboyance; part diva, part soccer player, killer vocalist, fierce piano player, all rock ‘n roller.

His painstaking attention to detail includes wearing outlandish and spectacular costumes, including Elton’s iconic boots, glasses and jumpsuits from 1973, as well as a sparkly Swarovski tuxedo from 1984.

Photos courtesy Long Island Children’s Museum

Everyone enjoys Mo fun. Each element in the gallery relates to specific books in the Mo Willems collection.

Friday, March 17, 8 p.m. $60, $45, Saturday, March 18, 8 p.m. $65, $45, $35, $30. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. (800) 745-3000 or Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY.com.

MERRICK HERALD — February 23, 2023

The Hot Sardines

Your Neighborhood

THE SCENE

How to file a tax grievance workshop Freeport Merrick Rotary Club is sponsoring a free seminar, presented by Dave Denenberg, on how to file a property tax grievance on your own at no cost, Monday, Feb. 27, 6 p.m.

Open to anyone confused about assessment or paying too much on their property taxes, Merrick Library, at 2279 Merrick Ave.

Problem Orienting Policing Unit Meeting with SMCCA The 1st and 7th precincts Problem Orienting Police Units meet with the community, Tuesday, Feb. 28, 7 p.m., Merrick Golf Clubhouse at 2550B Clubhouse Road. All residents are welcome to attend.

Contact Joe Baker for more information at (516) 978-8310.

PACE Meeting The Progressive American Community Empowerment organization meets, Thursday, Feb. 23, 7 p.m., at the Merrick Golf Clubhouse, 2550 Clubhouse Road, Merrick. All residents are invited to attend and learn about their mission to promote diversity and understanding of other cultures.

Refreshments will be served.

On stage

March

Brandon ‘Taz’ Niederauer

The young guitar sensation visits the Landmark stage, Saturday, March 6, 8 p.m. Nineteenyear-old Brandon Niederauer, nicknamed “Taz” for his ferocious guitar playing, is living proof that dreams really do come true. Having performed in some of the most legendary venues with many of the most prominent musicians ofof our time, he has already earned himself quite the reputation. It all started at eight years old, when he watched the movie “School of Rock.”

From then on, his guitar rarely left his hands. Just four years later, Brandon was cast in the principal role of guitarist “Zack Mooneyham” in the Tony Award-nominated Broadway production of “School of Rock the Musical.” And he never looked back. $30, $25. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. (516) 767-6444 or LandmarkOnMainStreet.org.

6

Mo Willems’ popular The Pigeon comes alive on the Long Island Children’s Museum stage, Friday and Saturday, Feb. 24-25, 2 p.m.; Thursday, March 2, 10:15 a.m. and noon. Pigeon is eager to try anything, with the audience part of the action.

Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or LICM.org.

Eric Neumann Eric Neumann, a rising standup comic who made his debut on The Tonight Show, performs at the Brokerage in Bellmore, Friday and Saturday, Feb. 24-25. Doors open at 6 p.m., show starts at 8 p.m. Friday, 7:30 p.m. Saturday. $25. Must be 16 and older to attend, 2 item minimum per table. 2792 Merrick Road, Bellmore. Call (516) 781-5233.

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February 23, 2023 — MERRICK HERALD

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Transportation requests

North Bellmore Union Free School District provides transportation for students in kindergarten through third grade living a distance greater than a half mile up to 15 miles and in grades fourth through sixth living a distance greater than one mile up to 15 miles from the school they attend. Transportation to a day care is also provided under certain circumstances, also to private and parochial schools. Transportation requests to schools outside of the district must be made by April 1 — the child must be registered in the district. Applications are online at NorthBellmoreSchools.org or call 516) 992-3000 for info. Requests should be sent to 2616 Martin Ave., Bellmore.

Volunteer Opportunity On exhibit Photography’s ascent in the art world is an international phenomenon. Nassau County Museum of Art’s exhibition spans the historical roots, wth works by Ansel Adams and his generation and such contemporary masters as Cindy Sherman, Thomas Struth, James Casebere and Gregory Crewdson.Through March 5.

NCMA, 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.

The Garden at St. Francis seeks volunteers, Saturdays, 10 a.m.-noon, at the church’s Charity Crafting Circle. Email stfrancisec@gmail. com for info or call (516) 679-1184.

Church is located at 1692 Bellmore Ave., North Bellmore.

Voyage The Journey tribute band visits The Paramount, Saturday, Feb. 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. $40, $35, $30, $25.

The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. (800) 7453000 or Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY.com.

Having an event?

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.

3/3/23.

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Musical revue

3/3/23.

Plaza Theatrical continues its season with “Bette, Babs & Beyond!,” a showstopping tribute to the legendary ladies of music, Sunday, Feb. 26, 2:30 p.m.

Celebrate the stories and songs of pop music’s most iconic women including Bette Midler, Barbra Streisand, Cher, Tina Turner, Aretha Franklin, Dolly Parton, Janis Joplin, and more. It’s performed at Plaza’s stage at the Elmont Library Theatre, 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont. $40, $35 seniors. For tickets, call (516) 599-6870 or visit PlazaTheatrical.com.

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

3/3/23.

MERRICK HERALD — February 23, 2023

Requests for transportation to private or parochial schools outside of the North Merrick Union Free School District must be received by April 1. Children must be registered in the North Merrick District first before submitting an application.

Families moving into the district after April 1 have 30 days to submit a request. Transportation is not provided to those older than 6th grade, children who will not be 5 by Dec. 1, 2023, to schools located further than 15 miles from a child’s home, or to schools located less than 2 miles from a child’s home. All requests must be sent to 1057 Merrick Ave., North Merrick.

Applications can be picked up at Fayette School, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday to Friday.

N. Bellmore transportation information

Person to Person

I

Linda Sapadin

Psychotherapy for guys!

t’s 2023 — an enlightened era! Still, only about 33 percent of people seeking out psychotherapy are men. The reason for this, it’s been said, is that women are more open to expressing their emotions, and asking for help and support.

Guys, in contrast, are viewed as too macho or self-contained to consider psychotherapy. Damn, they can’t even ask for directions — how can they ask for help when feeling vulnerable, weak, or confused? Why would they want to yackety-yak to a stranger about what’s making them feel unsafe? It’s dropping their protection, exposing the chink in their armor, and letting themselves

be blamed; who’d want to do that?

Yet perhaps we’re being harsh on men as it’s only fair to acknowledge that traditional talk therapy has always been more oriented toward women’s ways. In therapy, you’re supposed to self-disclose, explore your feelings, reflect on the past, trust your therapist and be open to receiving aid and advice. This is a woman’s dream; expressing feelings is what we want. Opening up to a non-judgmental, listening ear is heaven for us. Feeling understood is what we crave. Trusting another who knows more than we know makes us feel secure.

For many, not all, men it’s different. They

STATE OF NEW YORK PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION CASE 22-T-0346 - Application of Empire Offshore Wind LLC for a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Need for the Construction of Approximately 12 Miles of Transmission Lines from the Boundary of New York State Territorial Waters to a Point of Interconnection in the Town of Hempstead, Nassau County.

NOTICE INVITING PUBLIC COMMENT AND ANNOUNCING PUBLIC STATEMENT HEARINGS (Issued February 10, 2023) Public comment is sought regarding a request by Empire Offshore Wind LLC (EOW) to construct, operate and maintain the New York portion of the transmission facilities required to interconnect EOW’s proposed Empire Wind 2 Offshore Wind Generating Facility, to be located within the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management designated Renewable Energy Lease Area OCS-A 0512, to a Point of Interconnection with the New York State Transmission System, located at an expansion of the Barrett 138-kilovolt (kV) Substation located in Oceanside in the Town of Hempstead, New York (the NY Project).

The NY Project includes several components: three three-core 230-kV high-voltage alternating current (HVAC) submarine export cables located within an approximately 7.7-nautical mile (nm) submarine export cable corridor from the boundary of New York State waters three nms offshore to the cable landfall; a cable landfall in the City of Long Beach; three 230-kV onshore export cable circuits, each with three single-core HVAC onshore export cables within an approximately 1.5-mile-long onshore export cable corridor from the cable landfall to the onshore substation; an onshore substation in the Village of Island Park, within the Town of Hempstead, which will step up the voltage to 345-kV for the onshore interconnection cables; and, up to three 345-kV interconnection cable circuits, each with three single-core HVAC interconnection cables within an approximately 1.7-mile-long interconnection cable corridor from the onshore substation to the point of interconnection.

Under New York State Law, the Commission may adopt or reject EOW’s proposal, in whole or part, or modify it. In doing so, the Commission will consider input from the participating parties and the general public. Administrative Law Judges (ALJs) are presiding over the gathering of public comments and all evidence related to the NY Project. As indicated in this Notice, public statement hearings will be held to obtain comments from the public concerning EOW’s proposal.

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that virtual public statement hearings will be held before ALJs Ashley Moreno and Lindsey Overton as follows: Date: Thursday, March 9, 2023 Time: 5:00 p.m.

Time: 1:00 p.m.

Event Number: 2330 951 2704 Event Number: 2339 722 2371 Password: Mar9-5pm Password: Mar9-1pm Phone-Only Access: (518)549-0500 Phone-Only Access: (518)549-0500 Access Code: 2330 951 2704 Access Code: 2339 722 2371 Those wishing to comment on any aspect of this proceeding will have the opportunity to make a statement on the record at the virtual public statement hearings. Any person wishing to provide a public statement on the record at the hearings must pre-register to do so by 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 7, 2023.

To pre-register and provide a statement electronically: Participants who would like to provide a statement and will log in to a hearing electronically must pre-register by the date and time indicated above by visiting www.webex.com, where they should click “Join” at the top right-hand corner of the screen, enter the event number listed above, and provide all requested information.

When logging in on the date and time of the hearing, participants will be asked to “select audio system.” It is recommended that participants opt to have the system “call me” or “call using computer.” The “call me” option will require participants to enter their phone numbers.

To pre-register and provide a statement by phone: Any participant who is not able to log in to a hearing electronically may participate by phone. Call-in participants wishing to make a statement must pre-register by the date and time indicated above by calling 1-800-342-3330, where they should follow prompts to the appropriate hearing and provide the following information: first and last names, address, and phone number.

On the day and time of the hearing, all call-in participants should dial 518-549-0500 and enter the access code listed above to join the hearing.

The public statement hearings will be held open until everyone who has registered to speak has been heard or other reasonable arrangements to submit comments into the record have been made. Reasonable time limits may be set for each speaker as necessary to afford all registered speakers an opportunity to be heard. It is recommended that lengthy comments be submitted in writing and summarized for oral presentation. A verbatim transcript of the public statement hearings will be made for inclusion in the record of this case.

Persons with disabilities requiring special accommodations should call the Department of Public Service’s Human Resources Management Office at 518-474-2520 as soon as possible. TDD users may request a sign language interpreter by placing a call through the New York Relay Service at 711. Individuals with difficulty understanding or reading English are encouraged to call the Department at 1-800-342-3377 for free language assistance services regarding this notice.

Other Ways to Comment: For those who cannot attend or prefer not to speak at the public statement hearings, there are several other ways to provide your comments to the Commission. Comments should refer to “Case 22-T-0346.” Although comments will be accepted throughout the pendency of this proceeding, they are requested by March 24, 2023.

Internet or Mail: Go to www.dps.ny.gov, click on “File Search” (located under the heading “Commission Files”), enter “22-T-0346” in the “Search by Case Number” field, and then click on the “Post Comments” box located at the top of the page.

Alternatively, comments may be mailed to the Hon. Michelle L. Phillips, Secretary, Public Service Commission, Three Empire State Plaza, Albany, New York 12223-1350. All written comments will become part of the record considered by the Commission and may be accessed on the Department of Public Service website by searching the case number, as described above, and clicking on the “Public Comments” tab.

Toll-Free Opinion Line: You may call the Commission’s Opinion Line at 1-800-335-2120. This number is set up to take comments about pending cases from in-State callers 24-hours a day. These comments are not transcribed verbatim, but a summary is provided to the Commission.

(SIGNED) MICHELLE L. PHILLIPS, Secretary

tend to be uncomfortable articulating what they feel. It’s tough for them to trust another with their innermost feelings. Since they were kids, they got the message that they need to be tough and competitive. Showing fear is shameful. Being weak is reprehensible. Show your sensitivity and you’ll be ridiculed and ostracized by your peers. Though in today’s climate, there are more relaxed messages about manhood, not all men have received or buy the new message.

Often men feel that there’s no safe environment to express their feelings. Though they may long for emotional intimacy, expressing themselves often backfires on them. Why? Because when a man finally opens up and talks about his feelings, he often feels worse. Too often, he’s told what’s wrong with him, what he should be doing, what he shouldn’t have done. Bruised and hurt, he withdraws to his cave to lick his wounds.

Hence, it’s no wonder that many guys resist traditional talk therapy. They know that it requires them to do things they’re uncomfortable with - open up, let yourself be vulnerable, express your feelings and accept help.

Therapy is even more threatening if he’s sent by a spouse making an ultimatum, a work situation that demands it, or a family intervention. He may fear, often rightly so, that he’ll be criticized, ridiculed, patronized, or asked questions that’ll make him look stupid. As a defense against these feelings, he may enter therapy with an attitude of superiority (you can’t teach me anything), entitlement (I’ll do whatever I damn well want to do), and contempt for the process of psychotherapy (this is all bullshit).

Now, before I receive a slew of angry letters, the above description is not true for all men. Yet, it’s true for many. So rather than requiring men to set aside their socialization experience and adapt to traditional therapy, perhaps it’s time for therapy to become more oriented toward guy’s ways. Here are my ideas for what would be effective guy therapy.

■ An emphasis on exploring how you think rather than how you feel.

■ Appealing to a man’s competence and strengths to remedy a situation.

■ Exploring fix-it solutions that bolster a man’s ego.

■ Being sensitive to a man’s discomfort with vulnerability.

■ Emphasizing building something better rather than analyzing problems.

■ Using metaphors men are comfortable with (sports, business, computers, cars, tools) as you run the ball down the field.

When men recognize that psychotherapy respects and values their ways of being in the world, they’ll be open to muscling into the strengths and solutions that therapy can offer.

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February 23, 2023 — MERRICK HERALD

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©2023 Linda Sapadin, Ph.D., psychologist, coach and author specializes in helping people improve their relationships, enhance their lives and overcome procrastination and fear. Contact her at DrSapadin@aol.com. Visit her website at www.PsychWisdom.com.

Connecting trails from Manhattan to Montauk mwilson@liherald.com

Stretching some 175 miles, the Long Island Greenway is intended to serve walkers and cyclists alike on a trail beginning in Manhattan and terminating on the east end of Montauk.

The brainchild of the nonprofit Trust for Public Land, the trail would connect parks, trail and other public land within communities, allowing people to bike, jog or walk for leisure. And, in many cases, could even become a green means to commute to work.

Construction is set to begin next year, focusing on a 25-mile stretch between Eisenhower Park in East Meadow and Brentwood State Park.

“The abundance of beautiful parklands, trails and natural open spaces are one of the aspects that make our island such a desirable place to live,” John Cameron, Long Island Regional Planning Council chair, said in a release. “The Long Island Greenway will connect our communities and enable Long Islanders to better enjoy an active lifestyle.”

Carter Strickland, the Trust for Public Land state director, presented details about the project’s progress to the planning council last week. That includes a trail linking 26 parks, 46 train stations and 60 bus routes through a combination of off-road and on-road connections among more than two-dozen communities. It’s estimated to draw roughly 34 million visitors annually.

“Some of the benefits of ending in these existing parks — or beginning — is that they have bathrooms, they have parking areas, we can minimize that need to build anything new,” Strickland said. “Along the themes of making the most of our existing assets, that’s the whole vision.”

Throughout this 25-mile stretch, there are more than 130,000 residents who would find access. More than a

Courtesy Metro Commons

THE LONG ISLAND Greenway, a 175-mile bicycle and pedestrian trail, aims to get people more active within nature and their communities. The first phase of construction — connecting Eisenhower Park to Brentwood State Park — is set to start next year. dozen parks can be accessed by the trail, and another 36 schools and universities are within a mile.

One of the benefits of the trail overall, Strickland says, include a safer area for pedestrians and bikers to traverse.

“Long Island, unfortunately, kind of leads the state in terms of pedestrians killed or injured,” he said. “The statewide average is a third or a quarter of the amounts in Nassau and Suffolk, and it’s a public health crisis.

We’ve got to address it.”

Increased physical activity is another reason to sup-

port this trail.

“We know that in our day and age, obesity, chronic diseases are problematic,” Strickland said. “It’s what kind of plagues us. To prevent that, one of the best ways is to create recreational infrastructure, increase walking, or biking physical activities. It doesn’t always have to be superrigorous.

“If we weave it into our lives, it’ll make us healthier, and overall reduce health care costs.”

The route aims to include the Nassau Hub, Belmont Park, and others throughout the island. The greenway would be the Long Island leg of New York state’s 750-mile Empire Trail that connects New York City to areas like Buffalo, Albany and Plattsburgh.

The plan is funded through a combination of private and taxpayer support. Now, the trust is applying for a federal grant to pay for the second phase of the trail between Riverhead and Montauk — approximately 50 miles.

They hope to get a grant under President Biden’s infrastructure law and its Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity program. With the support of the planning council, Strickland sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation showing its support for grant money to help with the design stage of the next leg.

“The benefits of hike and bike trail networks are welldocumented,” the letter, signed by Cameron, stated.

“Trails create more livable communities through the revitalization of downtown areas and creation of transportation alternatives, improve public health by increasing access to recreational opportunities, and represent a meaningful equity investment in providing safe infrastructure to diminish reliance on private vehicle ownership.”

The trust hopes to be construction-ready for the second phase by 2025.

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MERRICK HERALD — February 23, 2023

By MALLORY WILSON

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Public Notices

News brief

February 23, 2023 — MERRICK HERALD

LMER1 0223

LEGAL NOTICE Notice of formation of Lily J. Sweets, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY on 11/5/2022. Office: Nassau County. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC, Legal Zoom.com, Inc., 7014 13th Avenue, Suite 202, Brooklyn, NY, 11228. Purpose: any lawful purpose.

137059

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, NRP MORTGAGE TRUST I, Plaintiff, vs.

1480 JERUSALEM LLC, ET AL., Defendant(s).

Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on November 22, 2022, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on March 8, 2023 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 1480 Jerusalem Avenue, North Merrick, NY 11566.

All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 55, Block 540 and Lot 68.

Approximate amount of judgment is $685,781.26 plus interest and costs.

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 612453/2021.

This foreclosure sale will be held on the north side steps of the Courthouse, rain or shine. COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed at the foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the Court Appointed Referee will cancel the sale.

Oscar A. Prieto, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff Firm File No. 211568-1 137066 LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC, Plaintiff, vs. HARVEY BERK, ET AL., Defendant(s).

Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on May 2, 2019, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on March 15, 2023 at 2:00

p.m., premises known as 1900 Leonard Lane, Hempstead, NY 11566 a/k/a 1900 Leonard Lane, Merrick, NY 11566. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 62, Block 199 and Lot 15. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 17-001247.

This foreclosure sale will be held on the north side steps of the Courthouse, rain or shine. COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed at the foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the Court Appointed Referee will cancel the sale.

Joseph Juliano, Esq., Referee Berkman, Henoch, Peterson, & Peddy, P.C., 100 Garden City Plaza, Garden City, NY 11530, Attorneys for Plaintiff 137251 LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, D/B/A CHRISTIANA TRUST, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE ON BEHALF OF CSMC TRUST 2015-2, Plaintiff against- WAFA ABBOUD, et al Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated October 25, 2018 and entered on October 26, 2018, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on March 23rd, 2023 at 2:00 p.m.

ALL that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, Nassau County, New York, known and designated as Section 63 Block 146 Lot 34.

The Foreclosure Sale will be conducted in accordance with 10th Judicial District’s COVID-19 Policies and Foreclosure Auction Rules.

All bidders must wear a face mask/shield at all times and social distancing must be observed by all bidders at all times. Bidders who do not comply with the face mask and/or the social distancing mandate will be removed from the auction.

The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the Court System’s COVID-19 mitigation protocols and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the

time of this foreclosure sale. Foreclosure Auctions will be held Rain or Shine.

If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the Court Appointed Referee will cancel the foreclosure auction.

Said premises known as 2739 MERRICK AVENUE, MERRICK, NY Approximate amount of lien $1,216,154.12 plus interest & costs.

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale.

Index Number 003460/2017.

LAWRENCE FARBMAN, ESQ., Referee DRUCKMAN LAW GROUP PLLC Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 242 Drexel Avenue, Westbury, NY 11590 For sale information, please visit www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832. {* Merrick Life*} 137351

To Place A Notice Call 516-569-4000 x232

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU GREEN TREE SERVICING LLC, Plaintiff AGAINST ELIZABETH VITALE, JACK GANDOLFO, Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered September 27, 2018, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on March 21, 2023 at 2:30PM, premises known as 46 SHAW DRIVE, MERRICK, NY 11566. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at North Merrick, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 56, Block A02, Lot 12A-12B. Approximate amount of judgment $614,616.06 plus interest and costs.

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #007977/2014.

The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the NASSAU County COVID-19 mitigation protocols and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the court appointed referee will cancel the foreclosure auction.

Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine”. Jennifer Ettenger, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 17-001468 74870 137173

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD LOCAL LAW NO. 1-2023 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 January 10, 2023 , by the Town Board of the Town of Hempstead on the proposed adoption of Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 1-2023, and following the close of the hearing the Town Board duly adopted Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 1-2023, amending Chapter 202 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, to include and repeal “REGULATIONS & RESTRICTIONS” to limit parking at various locations.

Dated: January 10, 2023 Hempstead, New York

BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD DONALD X. CLAVIN, JR. Supervisor KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 137505

LEGAL NOTICE CASE NO.21527 RESOLUTION NO.5-2023 Adopted: January 10, 2023 Councilmember Muscarella offered the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING AND SETTING ASIDE CERTAIN PARKING SPACES FOR MOTOR VEHICLES FOR THE SOLE USE OF HOLDERS OF SPECIAL PARKING PERMITS ISSUED BY THE COUNTY OF NASSAU TO PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED PERSONS AND THE REPEAL OF CERTAIN OTHER LOCATIONS, WHICH WERE PREVIOUSLY, SET ASIDE AS PARKING SPACES FOR PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED PERSONS. WHEREAS, pursuant to Resolution No. 1493-2022, adopted December 6th, 2022, a public hearing was duly held on the 10th day of January, 2023, at the Town Meeting Pavilion, Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, on the proposed establishment and setting aside of certain parking spaces for motor vehicles for the sole use of holders of special parking permits issued by the County of Nassau to physically handicapped persons, in accordance with Section 202-48 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, all as set forth in said resolution; and WHEREAS, after due consideration, this Town Board finds it to be in the public interest to establish and set aside certain parking spaces for

Courtesy Joe Baker

Equity, inclusion meeting set for Feb. 23 The Progressive American Community Empowerment organization, led by Saeed Hassan, will have a meeting next week in Merrick, at the Merrick Golf Course Clubhouse. The golf course is located at 2550 Clubhouse Road, Merrick. State Sen. Steve Rhoads will be in attendance to meet with Bellmore, Merrick neighbors and members of PACE. Call Joe Baker, president of the South Merrick Community Civic Association, at (516) 978-8310, or Hassan from PACE at (917) 678-4120 for more information regarding the upcoming meeting.

Public Notices

motor vehicles for the sole use of holders of special parking permits issued by the County of Nassau to physically handicapped persons; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that in accordance with Section 202-48 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, the following parking spaces be and the same hereby is set aside for the sole use of holders of special parking permits issued by the County of Nassau to physically handicapped persons: EAST MEADOW WILSON LANE - west side, starting at a point 60 feet south of the south curbline of 5th Street, south for a distance of 20 feet.

(TH-559/22) FRANKLIN SQUARE HOFFMAN STREET - west side, starting at a point 29 feet south of the south curbline of Gabriel Avenue, south for a distance of 17 feet.

(TH-545/22) MERRICK LITTLE WHALENECK ROAD - east side, starting at a point 173 feet north the north curbline of

Linden Place, north for a distance of 20 feet.

(TH-547/22) BENSON LANE - south side, starting at a point 258 feet west of the west curbline of Kees Place, west for a distance of 20 feet.

(TH-199(C)/22) and on the repeal of the following locations previously set aside a parking spaces for physically handicapped persons: GARDEN CITY SOUTH WELLINGTON ROAD SOUTH - east side, starting at a point 25 feet south of the south curbline of Terrace Avenue, south for a distance of 22 feet.

(TH-111/95 - 6/06/95) (TH-552/22) ; and, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk shall enter this resolution in the minutes of the Town Board and shall publish a copy of this resolution once in a newspaper having a general circulation in the Town of Hempstead, and shall post a copy hereof on the signboard maintained by her, and file in her office affidavits

of such publication and posting. The foregoing resolution was seconded by Councilmember Goosby and adopted upon roll call as follows: AYES: FIVE (5) NOES: NONE (0) 137509

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE HOLDERS OF THE SPECIALTY UNDERWRITING AND RESIDENTIAL FINANCE TRUST, MORTGAGE LOAN ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-BC5, Plaintiff AGAINST Edward Maniscalco; et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered January 4, 2017 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 March 28, 2023 at 2:30PM, premises known

as 7 Abby Road, Merrick, NY 11566. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Merrick, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York, Section 55 Block 177 Lots 21, 22, & 23. Approximate amount of judgment $873,941.79 plus interest and costs.

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 014940/2009.

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.”

Charles J. Casolaro, Esq., Referee LOGS Legal Group LLP f/k/a Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792 Dated: January 26, 2023 137462

To Place A Notice Call 516-569-4000 x232

17

H1 02/23

Employment

CLASSIFIED

To pLACE your AD CALL 516-569-4000 - press 5

Fax your ad to: 516-622-7460 E-mail your ad to: ereynolds@liherald.com E-mail Finds Under $100 to: sales@liherald.com DEADLINE: Monday, 11:00 am for all classified ads.

Every effort is made to insure the accuracy of your ad. Please check your ad at the first insertion. Credit will be made only for the first insertion. Credit given for errors in ads is limited to the printed space involved. Publisher reserves right to reject, cancel or correctly classify an ad.

North Bellmore U.F.S.D Bus Matron Part-time

JOIN OUR TEAM!

HERALD

North Bellmore U.F.S.D is seeking a Part-time Bus Matron effective immediately.

Hours: 7:00am-9:00am & 2:00pm-4:00pm.

Homes

MERRICK HERALD — February 23, 2023

HERALD

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

Pay Scale $17.96/hr • Fingerprints from Nassau Police department (to obtain a school bus aide id card) • Fingerprints from NYSED • Physical performance test

Email: HR@northbellmoreschools.org or Apply online on OLAS or Indeed

• Sales/Multi Media Consultants*

• Drivers • Pressman/Press Helper

NEW

Help Wanted ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT FT: RVC. Administrative Work, Answering Phones, Computer Skills – Microsoft, Excel, Outlook, Financial background helpful. No Health Beneifts.

516-763-9700 frances.difede@lpl.com

ADMINISTRATIVE OPENINGS MONTICELLO Central School School Building Principal (2 positions) The Monticello CSD is seeking forward thinking and dynamic School Building Principals who can lead MCSD's highly engaged faculty, staff, parents, students and community. The successful candidate will have a vision of educational excellence, be highly motivated and demonstrate the ability to impact student learning. Starting salary: $125,000, commensurate with experience. NYS SDA/SDL/SBL Certification Required plus 2 yrs. of previous administrative leadership and 5 yrs. exp. as a classroom teacher preferred. Please apply online by March 5th at https://monticelloschools.tedk12.com/hire EOE

ADMINISTRATOR/ GENERAL MANAGER Immediate F/T position. For Assisted Living Facility to oversee & manage entire facility. Fast paced, excellent in communication & Administrative skills, multitask & organized. Excel salary & Benefits. Must have experience and recent checkable references. Please send resume to: Estiefriedman@icloud.com

1204568

Mail Your Resumes to Careers@liherald.com or call 516-569-4000 ext 235

Aesthetician/ Laser Technician Oceanside,NY-PT (may lead to FT) Saturdays are mandatory. Must have a valid NYS Aesthetician & Laser Certification Friendly, punctual, responsible & detail oriented.

Duties include Laser Hair Removal / Microneedling / Facials Call 516- 240-1919 or email resume to dolceaestheticsny@gmail.com

ASSISTANT BOOKKEEPER

Valley Stream, NY We are a small real estate management firm looking for support to our Accounting Department. Must have previous Accounts Payable and Receivable experience.

This full-time position will require knowledge of Microsoft Excel. Will also include light clerical work.

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

AUTO TECHNICIAN FT

Experienced And Reliable. NYSI A Plus.

Busy Merrick Shop. Call 516-781-5641

DRIVING INSTRUCTORS WANTED Will Certify And Train HS Diploma

NYS License Clean 3 Years

Call 516-731-3000

RETIRED NYC EMS fire lieutenant selling quarter to half acre lots in Palm Coast Florida. We pay closing costs. We have a travel program to buy call 1-386-437-7058

DoN’T MISS The Bus! STARTING SALARIES Big Bus Van

$27.18/hr.

Non-Benefit Rate

$24.41/hr.

Non-Benefit Rate

Sign On Bonus $2,500.00 for CDL driver bus and van

*Some restrictions may apply.

Open Houses

$500.00 for non CDL drivers. Will train qualified applicants

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• Reporter/Editor

EDUcATIoNAL BUS TRANSpoRTATIoN EOE 516.454.2300 FULL TIME LIBRARY AIDE Are you customer-service focused? Do you love libraries? Apply for a FT Library Aide position at the Baldwin Public Library. This is a rare opportunity that does not require a Civil Service exam. Job is 35 hours per week with at least one night per week and rotating on Saturdays. $30,000-40,000 depending on qualifications and experience. Possibility of Sunday hrs. Send resume and cover letter to dkelly@baldwinpl.org.

Kaplan & Associates CPAs PLLC seeks Accountant (Mineola, NY) to prep. tax return/financ. stmt./payroll tax, perf. tax rsrch., asst. audits, etc. Req. Bachelor degr. in Acct., w/ 6mon+ work exp. at same or related role, e.g. accountant/tax project asst., with CPA firm. $66,310-$78K. Mail res. to Kaplan & Associates CPAs PLLC at 23 Roslyn Rd, Mineola, NY 11501, or email paul@cpakaplan.com

REAL ESTATE Real Estate

S RIVER BUS D NTED WA

• Receptionist

EMPLOYMENT

1204617

• Must attend a 2-hour refresher course twice a year

Now Hiring:

*must have a car

1197437

• 3-hour bus safety course

Be apart of a growing multi media company based in Garden City

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For Beautiful Nail/ Med Spa In Garden City. Must Be Licensed.

Call 516-739-1111 Email melobeautybarinc@gmail.com RECEPTIONIST & CLERICAL Positions P/T. Seasonal. Franklin Square. Call: 516-358-9455. Fax Resume 516-358-9483 E Mail: ed@loturco.com.

RECEPTIONIST/ P/T: SEASONAL, Warm, Friendly, Excellent People Skills, Office Work/ Customer Service, Beach Club. 516-239-2150 S E C U R I T Y G UA R D T R A I N I N G : Available Rockaway Area. Armed/ Unarmed. Annual, Fireguard, CPR. Free Job P l a c e m e n t Ava i l a bl e W i t h Tra i n i n g .

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CEDARHURST BA, 332B Peninsula Blvd, Move Right Into This Updated 3 Br, 2 . 5 B t h C o o p Tow n h o u s e. L R , D R , Gran/Wood Kit w/ Stainless Steel Appl.

Trex Deck Off LR.Primary Ste Features Updtd Bth & WIC. Att Gar Plus 1 Pkg Spot incl in Maintenance. W/D in Unit.Pull Down Attic.SD#15. Convenient to Shops, Trans & Houses of Worship...$449,00 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299 FAR ROCKAWAY BA, 33-47 Bay Ct, REDUCED! Enjoy the Waterviews in This Bayswater 4 BR, 1.5 Bth Split Tucked Away in Cul de Sac. Fin Bsmt. Att Gar. O/S Resortlike Yard on the Bay. Opportun i t y t o M a k e T h i s Yo u r D r e a m Home!..$675,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-429 HEWLETT BA, 257 WILLARD Dr REDUCED!! Spacious 5 BR, 3 Bth Exp Ranch With Open Layout.Main Floor Mstr Ste Plus Potential Mstr Ste on 2nd Flr.LR/Fpl, FDR, EIK & Sundrenched Family Rm w/ Doors to Deck. Fin Bsmt. Att Gar. Loads of Updates!! SD#20(Lynbrook)No Flood Insurance Req. MUST SEE THIS!..$1,025,000 R o n n i e G e r b e r, D o u g l a s E l l i m a n 516-238-4299

Open Houses H EW L ET T 1 53 4 B ROA DWAY # 103 , OPEN HOUSE BY APPT, REDUCED! Magnificent New Renovation! One of a Kind Ranch Style Living in Luxurious Jonathan Hall Condominium with Doorman & Elevator. Just Move into This Gut Renovated, Spacious 2 BR, 2 Bath Apt with Open Layout.Large Designer Eat in Kitchen with Sep Pantry & Laundry Rm.Master BR Boasts Gorgeous Bth & Walk in Closet.

Terrace Faces into Cour tyard. Garage Parking Incl...$699,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299 H EW L ET T 1 53 4 B ROA DWAY # 205 , Open House By Appt! Extra Large 2000 Sq Ft, 2 Bedroom(Originally 3 BR), 2 Bath Condo in Prestigious Jonathan Hall with Doorman & Elevator. Updtd Wood/Quartz Kit, LR & DR. Washer/Dryer in Unit. Underground Pkg. Loads of Closets. Terrace Faces Back. Easy Ranch Style Living...$699,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299 HEWLETT BA, 1608 Ridgeway Dr, Drastic Reduction! Move Right Into This Completely Gut Renovated 4 BR, 3.5 Bth Col on 1/4 Acre Prop. New Kosher EIK, FDR, LR w/ Fpl, Den & Enclosed Porch. Radiant Htd Flrs. Full Fin Bsmt. 2 Car Att Gar. MUST SEE!! SD#20...$1,469,000 RENTAL $6500 PER MONTH Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-429

Retail Space For Rent GREENPORT: NORTH FORK commercial/retail. Prime main street village location. 857 sq. ft. Original floors and architectural details. Excellent exposure. Owner, 516-241-8135.

JOBS, MERCHANDISE, REAL ESTATE & MORE...

JOBS, MERCHANDISE, It’s in the Herald Classifieds...

REAL ESTATE & MORE...

Call 516-569-4000 JOBS,To Advertise MERCHANDISE, REAL ESTATE & MORE...

JOBS, MERCHANDISE, REAL ESTATE & MORE... press 5

H2 02/23

Homes

HERALD

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

HOME Of tHE WEEK

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

ResCheck, Part 2

Q. We’re in a quandary about insulation. Our house was built in 1948, and isn’t insulated well. We decided to add a master bedroom and kitchen extension and insulate as much as we can. Our building plans examiner wants something called a ResCheck from our architect, and wants to know how much of the house we’re going to do. We only want to tell them about the additions, even though we want to do our attic and the whole exterior from the outside, if we can. We understand that if we tell the plans examiner about the rest of the house, they can make us do a more expensive energy analysis, which we don’t think is necessary. Also, our contractor wants to only insulate the attic floor, but the architect said that the latest energy code requires us to insulate the roof and not the attic floor. Can you advise?

Hewlett

Gorgeous Renovated Colonial

A. Last week I described the ResCheck energy analysis to show the designed heat loss that architects and engineers are required to prepare for most renovations, and the more expanded Home Energy Rating System that is prepared by a certified engineer for projects that constitute over 50 percent of the home area or value. onte eeper From what you’ve described, your contractor just wants to do whatever they want, and although the approved construction plans are supposed to be binding and the contractor must abide by them, this doesn’t happen as often as you would expect. Many times, the contractor waits to see whether the building official will notice that the plans weren’t followed, and the contractor then seems enabled to do whatever they want to when their work passes, anyway.

Since the owner usually just wants to get the job done the cheapest way possible, the building designer, who was held to a higher standard by a plans examiner than the contractor, is left to wonder why so much effort went into the energy analysis in the first place. When the plans require changing to match what the contractor did and what the inspector passed, the owner often uses the “m” word, for mistake, to describe to the architect why the plan changes should be done for free.

Basically, the process becomes muddled in a power struggle, when the real intention was to protect the owner from expensive utility bills for the rest of their life in their home and to cut waste.

The reason for the attic rafters to be insulated instead of the attic floor is because many people have cooled air-conditioning ducts running through hot attics. Somebody figured out that this makes no sense, and that insulating the attic to be part of the air-conditioned space, at about 75 to 80 degrees instead of 120 to 130 degrees, just makes more sense. The latest energy codes require an incredible R-49, which is more than a foot-thick insulation, unless a “parts” method is broken down and identified, piece by piece, in the ResCheck previously described. Good luck!

Ask The Architect

Open House - Sunday Feb 26, 12-1:30 1608 Ridgeway Drive, Hewlett

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ove right into this beautifully renovated 4 bedroom colonial with open layout. The spacious new granite/wood kosher kitchen with top of the line appliances is a delight. The living room with gas fireplace, formal dining room, family room and sun room will get plenty of use. The master suite boasts a new bath and walk in closet. This home sits on a 1/4 acre of property with patio and room for Pool! It also has radiant heat throughout the first floor, a fabulous finished basement, 2 car attached garage, new plumbing, electric, gas heating system and stucco exterior. It is in Lynbrook’s School District #20. Join me at an Open House Sunday, February 26 from 12-1:30 or Call to Arrange a Private Viewing 516-238-4299.

Ronnie Gerber 516-238-4299

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RONNIE GERBER Licensed Real Estate Salesperson

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Mobile: 516-238-4299 Office: 516-623-4500 Ronnie.Gerber@elliman.com Douglas Elliman Real Estate 2300 Merrick Road Merrick, NY 11566

Results that Move You

OPEN HOUSES SUNday, 2/26/23 HEWLETT

1608 Ridgeway Dr, 12-1:30, Move Right Into This Completely Gut Renovated 4 BR, 3.5 Bth Col on 1/4 Acre Prop. New Kosher EIK, FDR, LR/ Fpl, Den, Enclosed Porch, Radiant Heated Flrs. Full Fin Bsmt. 2 Car Att Gar. MUST SEE!! SD#20 ........DRASTIC REDUCTION! $1,469,000 ALSO FOR RENT $6,500 per month

1534 Broadway #103, BA, Magnificent New Renovation!

One of a Kind Ranch Style Living in Luxurious Jonathan Hall Condominium with Doorman & Elevator. Just Move into This Gut Rvated, Spacious 2 BR, 2 Bath Apt with Open Layout. Large Designer Eat in Kitchen with Sep Pantry & Laundry Rm. Master BR Boasts Gorgeous Bth & Walk in Closet. Terrace Faces into Courtyard.

Garage Parking Incl .................REDUCED & MOTIVATED!! $699,000 1534 Broadway #205, BA, Extra Large 2000 Sq Ft, 2 Bedroom (Originally 3 BR), 2 Bath Condo in Prestigious Jonathan Hall with Doorman & Elevator. Updtd Wood/Quartz Kit, LR & DR. Washer/ Dryer in Unit. Underground Pkg. Loads of Closets. Terrace Faces Back. Easy Ranch Style Living ................................ BIG REDUCTION!!

MOTIVATED SELLER! $699,000

CEdaRHURST

332B Peninsula Blvd, BA, Move Right Into This Updated 3 Br, 2.5 Bth Coop Townhouse. LR, DR, Gran/Wood Kit w/ Stainless Steel Appl. Trex Deck Off LR .Primary Ste Features Updtd Bth & WIC. Att Gar Plus 1 Pkg Spot incl in Maintenance. W/D. Pull Down Atti,.

SD#15. Convenient to Shops, Trans & Houses of Worship .. $449,000

FaR ROCKaWay

33-47 Bay Ct, BA, Enjoy The Waterviews in This Bayswater 4 BR, 1.5 Bth Split Tucked Away in Cul de Sac. Fin Bsmt. Att Gar. O/S Resortlike Yard on the Bay. Opportunity to Make This Your Dream Home!................................................................. REDUCED! $675,000

Apartments For Rent CEDARHURST NO FEE Pr ivate Entrance, Modern 1BR, 2BR, 3BR, CAC, W/D, Storage, Wall To Wall Carpeting, Indoor Parking Space. Starting At $1450 For O n e B e d r o o m W h e n Ava i l a bl e.

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1202330

This Robin won’t rest until you are in your new NEST! How’s the market?? Please contact me for your free market report and personalized service!

Robin Reiss

Licensed Real Estate Salesperson Cell: 516.510.6484 Office: 516.623.4500 Robin.Reiss@elliman.com

Opening DOOrs & Changing Lives!

HEWLETT Fabulous Location! 4 Br, 2.5 Bath Colonial. Close to LIRR and Shopping! ......$989K EasT ROCKaWaY CO-OP L-Shaped Studio.

Close To LIRR, Shopping and More! ..........$155K LYNBROOK Cape, 4 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath . ...............$619K

Lisa Fava

Licensed AssociAte Broker

516-815-2434

LisaFava1@yahoo.com • LisaFavasellshomes@gmail.com Becker realty, 50 hempstead avenue, Lynbrook, nY

MoneyTo Lend Apartments For Rent WEST HEMPSTEAD: SPACIOUS Lower Level, All Included, Separate Entrance, Backyard, EIK, Fbth, Near All/ LIRR. $2100. 917-640-3028

1205201

257 Willard Dr, BA, Spacious 5 BR, 3 Bth Exp Ranch With Open Layout. Main Floor Mstr Ste Plus Potential Mstr Ste on 2nd Flr., LR/Fpl, FDR, EIK & Sundrenched Family Rm w/ Doors to Deck.

Fin Bsmt. Att Gar. Loads of Updates!! SD#20 (Lynbrook) No Flood Insurance Req. MUST SEE THIS! ..................REDUCED!! $1,025,000

1205455

February 23, 2023 — MERRICK HERALD

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ARE YOU BEHIND $10k OR MORE ON YOUR TAXES? Stop wage & bank levies, liens & audits, unfiled tax returns, payroll issues, & resolve tax debt FAST. Call 888-869-5361 (Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-5pm PST)

Rent Your Apartment through the Herald and PrimeTime Classified section. Call us for our great *specials.

516-569-4000, press 5 for Classified Dept. *(private party only)

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© 2022 Monte Leeper Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.

19

H3 02/23

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

To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5 If Your Plumbing STInkS

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MERRICK HERALD — February 23, 2023

HERALD

February 23, 2023 — MERRICK HERALD

20

HERALD

Stuff

To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5 MERCHANDISE MART Antiques/Collectibles We Buy Antiques, Fine Art & Jewelry Same Day Service, Free In-Home Evaluations, 45 Year Family Business. Licensed and Bonded, Immediate Cash Paid.

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H4 02/23

FINDS UNDER $100

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HErald

Crossword Puzzle

Home Improvement

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Answers to todAy’s puzzle

21

opINIoNS

uman civilization has developed side by side with technology — some may say, in competition with it. Technological innovations have diminished the need for workers in jobs requiring physical labor, efficient repetition or mass production, because such skills are easily replaceable.

Artificial intelligence is a leap forward in such technology that is no longer a dream of science fiction movies. Rather, it is a reality that threatens to change the way IlANA we interact with world. AI recGREENbERG the ognizes our faces when we unlock our iPhones, gives us movie recommendations on our favorite streaming services, and now, with the creation of ChatGPT, AI is a student’s dream come true: It can write essays.

Historically, the replacement of humans with machines isn’t an uncommon occurrence. And now I can’t help

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but ask, is creativity, too, a thing of the past?

Before machines, there were skills valued as attributes that couldn’t be replicated. During the Industrial Revolution, however, the skill of sewing a dress — and later, in the second Industrial Revolution, the ability to put a tire on a car — became devalued, because they were no longer abilities unique to humans. A “skilled” worker wasn’t enough; machines were just as “skilled,” and technology had raised the standard.

In more recent times, the achievements of NASA’s “human computers,” whose intellect put a man on the moon, no longer compare to the mathematical and computational power of the smartphones we hold in our hands. Even intelligence seems to be replaceable. Now a computer claims to generate creativity, jeopardizing the jobs of those with abilities like programming and writing. If your talent is something that a computer can do, it’s not good enough.

As a student with access to techno-

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logical resources that simplify everything from conducting research to learning a language, I suppose I should embrace technological advancement.

But quite frankly, I’m tired of it. For one thing, my dependence on the newest gadgets and gizmos has limited my practical abilities. I don’t know how to search through a library to conduct a research project.

I find it difficult to study without online aids. And I can’t even hand in an assignment without internet access to Google Classroom.

Is it too much to ask to be able to turn in an essay without worrying that a teacher will question whether it was written by a robot?

I fear that technology has not only limited our independence in our daily activities, but has also undermined the values of hard work and self-achievement. My high school offers an introductory class called Writing Lab, giving ninth-graders a year of individualized instruction on how to craft a concise and engaging essay. But ChatGPT knows how to write an introduction, a thesis

echnology has left us clueless in a real library, and now there’s ChatGPT.

and three body paragraphs — with citations in MLA format — in less than a minute, which is more than some freshmen can do by the end of the year.

The potential uses of ChatGPT raise a host of philosophical questions. If, supposedly, technology’s completion of creative tasks is as effortless as its mastery of physical labor, does this suggest that creativity isn’t a distinctly human quality? And that creativity itself is synthetic, predictable and reproducible?

I worry about what effect this will have on my own future. Will there come a day when years devoted to academic achievement will be devalued in an instant? And, even scarier, is every hour that I devote to my love of writing now worth no more than a two-minute chatbot query?

To ease my concerns, I imagine that we can learn to live in cooperation with technology, not in competition with it.

The true value of progress lies in our use of the tools at our disposal to enhance, not replace, human achievement. Let’s remember that technology is our puppet. We are still its masters.

Ilana Greenberg, of Valley Stream, is a sophomore at North Shore Hebrew Academy High School, in Great Neck.

Thirteenth letter to my grandchildren

ey, sweeties, Can it be that you are now 20, 18, 16 and 14?

Do you read the paper?? Are you catching this online? Or is this exercise something I do to feel connected with all of you, geographically scattered, but emotionally the pulsing blips on my grandma radar?

Stay with me.

This is a big ask, and a big confession.

Authentic, uncomplicated love is a precious thing, and when I think of each of you, every single day, singing or RANDI sad, dancing, skiKREISS ing, studying, making videos, shooting hoops, finding friends, making trouble, growing into your own skins, what I feel is that … uncomplicated love.

From time to time over the years, I’ve dedicated columns to you. The moments seemed to demand it. I imagine readers understand the impulse to put a pin in history for the next generation as we live our lives.

In 2008 I wrote a celebratory column etching in memory the election of

Barack Obama. Of course, you were only 5, 3 and 1. One of you hadn’t been born yet. You had no way to know how profoundly that election changed history.

Then I wrote in 2012. I was worrying about President Obama’s re-election. He was running again Mitt Romney, but Romney was a decent man, and the stakes didn’t feel like life and death. I wrote to you about the Arab Spring and concerns about the economy, but all in all, things were OK. In 2017, my letter to you described the shocking political tragedy of Donald Trump’s election and all the ways it threatened our freedom, our democracy and our sense of right and wrong. It turned out worse than I imagined. Trump’s ascension cleaved America in half, and we are still in bitter conflict. By then you were 14, 12, 10 and 8.

In the next election, 2024, two of you will vote.

I start with the political because the personal we share day to day, with calls and texts and intuition and telepathy.

My worries aren’t so much for each of you, but for all of us, collectively.

Since that 2017 letter, you’ve survived a global pandemic that killed more than

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a million people in our country. One million. We closed your schools, subjected you to constant Covid tests, and canceled your sports, your proms and your college dreams. The pandemic threatened your health, confined you to your rooms and compromised your life for over two years.

We were scared, and we didn’t have any defense against a virus that could kill so many people so quickly.

I say this to acknowledge what you suffered, your disappointment and your pain in all that was lost. We can’t change the catastrophe that was Covid-19. The four of you, and millions of other kids, got through it, day after boring day, and I am in awe of your resilience and strength. How do you trust the world again? We read that anxiety and stress are epidemic among teens.

So this is your time, and your challenge.

The story of hope is written in our history. Teenagers have survived and healed and triumphed and lived brilliant lives after world wars, genocide and national disasters. Today in Ukraine, teens are fighting for their

he four of you, and millions of other kids, got through the pandemic, and I am in awe.

lives. Every day in our high schools, teenagers must summon courage just to attend class in a gun-crazed society.

We have let you down with our disregard for our planet. We have allowed fakery to displace truth in our communications. We have sent clowns to Congress.

For those of us who believe in a free and fair and healthy America, our backs are to the wall. Across the country, women’s rights have been upended. In Florida, which is ground zero for racism and division, a state college won’t host an art display called Embracing Our Differences because it depicts racial and gender diversity. And Pensacola Christian College canceled a performance by an a cappella group because one of the singers is gay.

This is another pandemic, of bigotry and fear.

You kids have survived a historic global catastrophe. Give it its due, get the help to get yourselves healthy again, and then do the work that will make America healthy again. We can only move forward, and many of us are here to help. As I said, it’s a big ask, but I have faith in each of you and the energy of your rising generation.

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

MERRICK HERALD — February 23, 2023

H

Is creativity a thing of the past?

22

Herald editorial

Merrick

February 23, 2023 — MERRICK HERALD

HERALD and Merrick Herald News Established 1994

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Teddy Roosevelt: a president who defied labels

M

onday was Presidents Day, a holiday that, unless you work in a bank or the government or a school, you might have

missed.

At the federal level, the holiday marks the birthday of George Washington, who was born Feb. 22, 1732. It’s observed on the third Monday of February, and is intended to honor not only Washington, but all the presidents — whether you liked them or not.

It’s easy to label many of our presidents. Washington, of course, was the “father of the country.” Abraham Lincoln was a liberator and a unifier — even if it took a war to make that happen.

James Madison was a father, too — considered the “father of the Constitution.”

While many commanders in chief would find their way to Long Island for various reasons, none have a connection to our home like Teddy Roosevelt, the 26th president, who spent the last 30 years of his life at his beloved Sagamore Hill in Oyster Bay. Although he was born in New York City, the Roosevelt family had a long association with Long Island, like many wealthy families in the city at the time.

Teddy, however, came to love 150 acres or so of land on Cove Neck — just north of Oyster Bay Cove — that he bought just before he entered politics in 1880, when he was just 22.

He would spend upward of $500,000 in today’s money to build a 22-room mansion he had intended to call Leeholm, after his wife, Alice. But she died before the house was finished, and Teddy would

remarry. Instead of naming it in honor of future First Lady Edie Carow, Teddy instead named it Sagamore Hill, an Algonquin word for “chief.”

Labeling Roosevelt is no easy task.

When he first stepped into the White House as president in 1901, following the assassination of William McKinley, he was a Republican. Yet he was also described as “progressive” — something many Republicans today would consider an insult.

T.R. was certainly a conservative — for the environment, that is. In just a few years, he doubled the amount of forests protected by the federal government. He did so much that Congress limited the power the president had to designate national forests.

Teddy, however, was also an imperialist. “Speak softly, and carry a big stick — you will go far” summed up his approach to international diplomacy of coming in peace, but if things don’t go your way, be ready to back it up with might.

While we see the United States as a military superpower today, at the beginning of the 20th century it was not. European powers counted their soldiers in the millions. America? In the tens of thousands. It wouldn’t be until the U.S. entry into World War I — in the final two years of Roosevelt’s life — that President Woodrow Wilson would commit billions of dollars to build what he called a million-man army.

Even with a small military, Teddy was committed to supporting the Monroe Doctrine, which treated any European influence on the politics of the Americas

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Randi takes on George Santos

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To the Editor: Thanks to Randi Kreiss for her column last week, “Minx or madman: the George Santos story,” on the enigmatic nut job, George Santos, or whatever his name may be.

I worry for our kids and grandkids and the future of America. Just what is warping our brains? It started with the vast wasteland of TV for us baby boomers, and continues with portable devices/social media.

And why do 99.9 percent of the cuckoos surface in the Republican Party?

As I write, I’m babysitting for our newest grandson, who’s 2½. How to teach him the difference between good and evil, right and wrong? Is there hope? And is “Paw Patrol” a safe venue to begin his adventures?

Thank you, Randi, for your contributions each week. They’re a ray of hope, sanity and humor in a chaotic landscape.

RICK HERMAN Lido Beach

as a hostile act against the United States.

Roosevelt used the doctrine not only to kick Spain out of Cuba, but also to construct the Panama Canal. The Monroe Doctrine had never been popular in other countries of the Americas, but it never bothered Teddy.

He was a fan of diversity, but only to a point. During the Spanish-American War, his Rough Riders took men from all walks of life. And T.R. appointed more African Americans to federal government positions than all the presidents before him — combined.

But Roosevelt made it clear that once you were an American, you were an American. That hyphens should be left at the door, fearing it would permit the United States to become a “tangle of squabbling nationalities.”

These are just some examples of where Teddy’s policies and philosophy conflicted with both major political parties of today. Then again, a lot has changed in the 120-plus years since he was in the White House, and where we draw the lines in 2023 is much different from where they were drawn in the sand in 1901.

No matter his philosophy, his triumphs — even his flaws — we can’t deny that Teddy Roosevelt was very much his own man, and because of that, was also a great president. The United States is a better place today because of his leadership.

Here’s hoping you didn’t overlook Presidents Day, and miss how special Roosevelt’s role was, especially right here in our own backyard.

23

opinions

ost Long Islanders are rightly confused about who is responsible for our ever-rising electricity bills. On TV we see PSEG commercials. On the streets we see PSEG trucks. We get our electric bills from PSEG. Yet there is also the Long Island Power Authority, as well as National Grid. Who does what? And how does this add up to unnecessarily high electric bills?

Long Island has a unique way of providing electricity to customers.

The Long Island Power Authority, which most people Fred know little about, the wires and Harrison owns substations. But this public authority hires private companies like PSEG to actually run the system. Nor does LIPA own any power plants. It purchases the electricity we use mostly from National Grid, the same company that sells natural gas on Long Island.

LIPA was created by New York state after the Long Island Lighting Company almost bankrupted ratepayers with its

failed Shoreham nuclear power plant.

LIPA brought in another for-profit utility, KeySpan, to manage and operate the system. KeySpan was later bought out by National Grid. Still with me?

After National Grid badly mismanaged the preparation for and aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, it was replaced by PSEG, a New Jersey-based utility. PSEG’s own management performance proved so terrible during Hurricane Isaias, in 2020, that LIPA sued it for “corporate mismanagement, misfeasance, incompetence and indifference.” The suit was withdrawn only after a new LIPA-PSEG contract was renegotiated last spring, imposing more controls over PSEG for the remaining three years of the agreement, through 2025.

Three for-profit utilities — LILCO, KeySpan/National Grid and PSEG — have made lots of money off Long Island ratepayers. Even though LIPA pays PSEG an $80-million-per-year management fee, LIPA has faced continual frustration.

Most recently, PSEG has been taken to task for its dismal customer satisfaction

F

or-profit utilities have made too much money off Long Island customers.

Letters The polarization began many years before Clinton and Trump

ratings. LIPA board members past and present have voiced serious questions about continuing to “outsource” our electrical system.

State legislators from Long Island, working with ratepayers, community groups and the Reimagine LIPA campaign, created after Isaias, lobbied for the establishment of a state legislative commission to chart a future for LIPA without PSEG. The Legislative Commission on the Future of LIPA, created last spring, has been tasked with coming up with a plan for 2025 that would allow LIPA to run the electrical system directly, saving ratepayers lots of money.

This is neither a radical nor a fanciful idea. Nonprofit, publicly owned electric systems are common. In some of the most conservative states in the nation, like Nebraska and Mississippi, virtually every community is served by a nonprofit utility.

These public power systems are a matter of civic pride and customer satisfaction.

Like water service, electric power works best when not run by private interests.

Hundreds of businesses on Long Island

have long sought the low-cost electricity made available by the New York Power Authority, the state’s nonprofit power supplier. The communities of Freeport and Rockville Centre have nonprofit municipal electric systems, and enjoy rates that are as much as 40 percent lower than what the rest of us PSEG customers pay.

How do they do it? They eliminate as much profit-making as possible from the cost of electricity. Getting rid of high salaries at PSEG and profits for its shareholders would mean major saving for ratepayers. Public ownership, through LIPA, of renewable electricity sources would dramatically reduce the cost of that electricity.

Eliminating the profit from the production of electricity is a sure-fire way of lowering rates. And it’s a tried-and-true idea.

The New York Power Authority has been providing cheap electricity for over 60 years. LIPA and Long Island ratepayers need the same opportunity. Now is the time to move forward on the full municipalization of LIPA. Fred Harrison, a retired history teacher at Calhoun High School in Merrick, is a ratepayer advocate working with Food and Water Watch, which is part of the Reimagine LIPA campaign.

Framework by Tim Baker

counsel to any others he can find.

BRIAN KELLY Rockville Centre

Go easy on the coffee, Re Peter King’s column last week, East Side LIRR riders

To the Editor:

“How political extremism became the norm”: Mr. King’s answer goes astray from the start, using Yeats too broadly.

“Things fall apart; the center cannot hold…” applies to only one party. With Mr. King’s 28 years of experience in Congress, he must remember that the major turning point toward extremism was House Speaker Newt Gingrich’s intentional and explicit radicalism.

“This war,” Gingrich said, “has to be fought with a scale and a duration and a savagery that is only true of civil wars,” and he referred to Democrats as “ thugs,” “crooks” and “traitors.” Thus, Clinton-Trump in 2016 was the fruit, not the root, of our current polarization.

Mr. King is also surely aware of House Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s trajectory from Tea Party aggression through Freedom Caucus ideology to the “further rejection of tradition and civility” the current House displays.

Mr. King’s call for the “sane forces on both sides to step forward” is disingenuous, because the sane Republicans have been culled. Mr. King, being among the sane, should volunteer his

To the Editor: Re Juan Lasso’s story “Full LIRR service to East Side finally coming” in last week’s issue: Not when it comes to critical ridership amenities.

Remember the long lines commuters faced in the Seventh Avenue Penn Station LIRR restrooms? At the new $12.6 billion LIRR East Side Access Grand Central Madison terminal, nothing has changed. There are only two men’s restrooms, with a total of 18 urinals and 13 toilets; two women’s restrooms, with a total of 25 toilets; one lactation room; and two single-capacity gender-neutral bathrooms. If you have to go, you’d better have a strong bladder to make it from the upper- or lower-level platforms and mezzanine to a restroom on the Madison Concourse level.

LARRY PENNER Great Neck Larry Penner is a transportation advocate, historian and writer who served as a director in the Federal Transit Administration Region 2 New York Office of Operations and Program Management.

An iconic image memorialized at Eisenhower Park — East Meadow

MERRICK HERALD — February 23, 2023

m

It’s time for our energy to go public

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