Merrick Herald 04-25-2024

__________________ Merrick _________________

body / mind / fitness

and April 25, 2024

HERALD

Real Estate Consultant Top Producer

Part of the Louise Pitlake

Kate Caporusso switches roles Senior Healthy Living

Vol. 27 No. 18

631-241-7117 Lisa.pellegrino@ellim an.com

Page 2

with a focus on:

$1.00 $1.00

APRIl 25 - MAY 1, 2024

Team

1254396

your HEALTH

Pre-K special ed. providers may get substantial raise gorio, Samantha Goetz and Mazi Pilip, as well as dozens of educators and parents of chilA sector of special education dren with special needs, Blakeservices for young children has man described the county’s been severely underfunded for compensation for such provid25 years, according to some law- ers as “below the average.”

Giangregorio brought this makers — but that could soon issue to light, the county execuchange.

Nassau County officials pro- tive said. He’s long been an pose giving those advocate for children early childhood interand adults with spevention service procial needs, and says viders a raise, potenthe county has had a tially elevating comhard time retaining pensation from $40 therapists because per half-hour to $50. compensation simply The increase will was not competitive affect providers who to what was being officer critical preoffered in surroundschool services — ing regions. like speech, occupa- MIChAEl “We checked with tional and physical our budget office and GIANGREGoRIo we made a determitherapy — to chilNassau County dren between 3 and 5 nation that we could with special needs as legislator increase” the comthey get ready for pensation, Blakeman kindergarten. said.

“We have many people who Giangregorio, who’s district require services here,” County represents parts of Merrick, Executive Bruce Blakeman said Bellmore, Wantagh and Seaof contractual preschool spe- ford, said he was honored to cial education services. “It pro- stand with Blakeman for this vides preschool services to chil- “monumental decision that dren throughout Nassau Coun- reflects our unwavering comty.” mitment to early childhood Joined at a recent news con- education.” Especially as a ference with Republican county Continued on page 5 leaders like Michael Giangre-

By JoRDAN VAlloNE

jvallone@liherald.com

Tim Baker/Herald photos

Students walk for charity Students in the Sanford H. Calhoun High School senior experience program hosted and took part in a charity fashion show on April 18, raising money for Be a Good Cookie Merrick. It gives back to Cookies for Kids’ Cancer, a nonprofit organization.

The evening was put together in honor of Richard Capizzi, a pastry chef from Merrick, who died recently after a battle with brain cancer. He was a longtime contributor to Cookies for Kids’ Cancer.

Above, JoJo Esposito walked down Calhoun’s runway. Right, Gretchen Witt, co-founder of Cookies for Kids’ Cancer, spoke about the organization ahead of the show.

Story, more photos, Page 3.

T

hey’re helping to improve the lives of these individuals.

April 25, 2024 — MERRICK HERALD

2

Caporusso transitions to new role in N. Merrick spective on the K-12 experience of the North Merrick student. I’m familiar with the foundational skills the students need to be successful,” Caporusso said.

Caporusso replaces Jaclyn Guidice, who served in The North Merrick School District has a new Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruc- the assistant superintendent role for the last 2 years.

North Merrick Superintendent Dr. Cynthia Senition and Personnel, Kate Caporusso.

Caporusso has served the Bellmore-Merrick Cen- uk said she thrilled to have Caporusso join the North tral High School District since 1998, where she has Merrick family, as a new leader in the district.

“We are thrilled to welcome Kate into worked in many different roles. She the North Merrick family,” Seniuk said. began her career as a social studies “Her prior experience at Merrick Aveteacher at Calhoun High School in 1998 nue will prove invaluable in helping our and later served as the assistant princiown students transition into middle pal of the summer school program before school.” becoming the district’s social studies Caporusso hopes that the own experidepartment chairperson. Previously she ences can further aid the students and served as the assistant principal at Mermake their transition between schools rick Avenue Middle School since 2019. easier.

“I’ve spent 24 years in Bellmore-Mer“I hope to be able to draw on my experick schools, and I’m honored to continue riences and relationships I have cultivatgiving back to the community that has ed over my years at the secondary level, given me so much in return,” Caporusso to further support and enhance the said. “To have the opportunity to serve articulation and transition for students the children and families of North Mer- KATE CApoRuSSo between the two districts,” Caporusso rick is so exciting.”

Assistant said.

Caporusso earned her Bachelor of Superintendent Caporusso knows that overseeing Arts degree in History from Loyola Colthese specific areas comes with a lot of lege, and a Master of Science degree in for Curriculum, Social Studies and Secondary Education Instruction, Personnel responsibility to continue to foster academic excellence, promote student from Queens College.

She also has a School District and School Building growth and supporting the professional development of educators.

Administration Certification from Queens College.

“I think North Merrick is a district that supports Caporusso feels her experience, knowledge and perspective, will be able to serve her well in North students academically, socially and emotionally,” she said. “They focus on the whole child and I look forMerrick.

“I feel that my experience in the Bellmore-Merrick ward to being part of the team that makes that hapCentral High School District gave me a unique per- pen for kids in North Merrick.”

By MELISSA BERMAN

mberman@liherald.com

T

hey focus on the whole child and I look forward to being part of the team that makes that happen.

Courtesy North Merrick School District

Kate Caporusso was named the new assistant superintendent for curriculum, instruction, and personnel for the North Merrick School District. With over two decades of experience, she wants what’s best for all the students.

Jewish Services Supervised

by Local Rabbis

­ ­ ­ ­ ­

­

­ ­

1254911

3

MERRICK HERALD — April 25, 2024 Tim Baker/Herald photos

It was a fashion show like no other. At Sanford H. Calhoun High School last week, the senior experience program chose to benefit Be a Good Cookie Merrick, which raises money for Cookies for Kids’ Cancer.

Fashion show inspires Merrick-Bellmore community Sanford H. Calhoun High School’s Senior Experience program held its yearly charitable fashion show on April 18. This year, the students chose Be a Good Cookie Merrick as their charity, which supports the funding of research for a safer, more effective treatment for childhood cancer.

Last September, the Merrick community lost a beloved friend and neighbor, Richard Capizzi, to brain cancer. While Capizzi earned many accolades in his career, he always felt that his greatest accomplishment in life was his children, who always inspired him to give back. As a pastry chef, baker, and fundraiser, Capizzi was critical in helping Cookies for Kids’ Cancer raise millions of dollars to help fund pediatric cancer research. After his passing, Capizzi’s family and friends started Be a Good Cookie Merrick to raise money for his passing in support of childhood cancer research.

Throughout the show, various prizes were raffled off, along with ad spaces for the Fashion Show program. Many businesses donated and were displayed

The recently knighted Calhoun High School teacher Sir David Goldberg took part in the show. throughout the show. 100 percent of the proceeds went directly to Be a Good Cookie Merrick.

— Mason Lauron

The evening allowed students like Sara Mascitelli and Ava Kamtet to show off their best clothes.

Fiona Cestaro, 11, and Ava Cestaro, 8, showed off their outfits on the runway.

A charitable fashion show takes place annually. Be a Good Cookie was selected in honor of Richard Capizzi, a beloved friend and neighbor, who died from brain cancer. Left, Sophia Hines and Dani Lawerence.

News briefs

Attorney advertising

Special Needs Children andFuture Grandchildren Protecting Your with Michael and Suzanne Ettinger Attorneys-at-Law

Special Needs Children and Grandchildren Parents or grandparents of a disabled child should leave assets in a Special Needs Trust, to avoid the child being disqualified from government benefits, such as SSI and Medicaid. These trusts, however, offer traps for the unwary. Since payments to the child will generally reduce their SSI payments dollar for dollar, trustees of such trusts should be advised to make payments directly to the providers of goods and services. Preserving SSI benefits is crucial since eligibility for SSI determines eligibility for Medicaid.

In other words, if SSI is lost the recipient also loses their Medicaid benefits. In addition, any benefits previously paid by Medicaid may be recovered. As such, one also has to be mindful of bequests from well-meaning grandparents. Similarly, if a sibling dies without a will, a share of their estate may go to the special needs brother or sister by law. The Special Needs Trust must be carefully drafted so that it only allows payments for any benefits over and above what the government provides.

There are two kinds of Special Needs Trusts – first party and third party. The first party trust is set up by a parent, grandparent, legal guardian or court using the child’s own money, either through earnings, an inheritance that was left directly to them or, perhaps, a personal injury award. Recent changes in the law allow the special needs child to establish their own first party Special Needs Trust if they are legally competent to engage in contractual matters. These first party trusts require a “payback” provision, meaning that on the death of the child beneficiary, the trust must pay back the state for any government benefits received.

A third party trust is usually set up by a parent or grandparent, using their own money. Here, no “payback” provision is required because it was not the child’s own money that funded the trust and the parent or grandparent had no obligation to leave any assets to the child. On the death of the child beneficiary, the balance of the trust is paid out to named beneficiaries.

ETTINGER LAW FIRM

ELDER LAW ESTATE PLANNING SINCE 1991

trustlaw.com Trusts & Estates • Wills & Probate • Medicaid

Visit us at trustlaw.com to learn more or search Ettinger Law on YouTube for our elder law estate planning videos

1255334

FREE CONSULTATION: 516-327-8880 x117 or email info@trustlaw.com

100 Merrick Rd., Rockville Centre • 3000 Marcus Ave., Lake Success Other offices in Huntington • Melville • Islandia

Questions we’ve been asked...

Courtesy Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District

Student ambassadors in the Bellmore-Central High School District have organized a Color Run, which will be hosted at John F. Kennedy High School next month.

Color run fun in Bellmore-Merrick It’s another year of the Color Run in Bellmore-Merrick.

Student ambassadors from across the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District have organized a Color Run to be hosted at John F. Kennedy High School on Saturday, May 18.

Proceeds from the event will benefit Sunrise Day Camp of Long Island.

Pre-registration is $6 and day of registration will cost $8.

The first 300 participants will receive a free T-shirt. Sunglasses or goggles are recommended.

To sign up, visit Sites.Google.com/ BMCHSD.org/bmchsd-color-run-2024/ home.

— Jordan Vallone

GUTTER clEaninG SERVicES

The latest Medicaid regulations now permit individuals to set aside a portion of their assets in an irrevocable trust account in order to have funds for future funeral expenses.

Thomas L. Kearns When an individual approaches the time when Medicaid coverage seems likely, social workers generally advise families to look into this funeral pre-funding option.

Here’s how we can help: • The Family will make an appointment with us to discuss just what we are to do when the death occurs.

• We discuss options and record their wishes not just about preferred funeral home services but cemetery, church, monument inscription, newspaper notices, etc. We inform the family of exactly what the funeral home and third party costs are at the present time.

• Funds to cover those expenses can then deposited in our FDIC insured PRE-PLAN Trust. The Trust pays sufficient interest to allow us to guaranty those future funeral home costs into the future.

• While the funds remain in the name of the individual going on Medicaid, eligibility to receive Medicaid coverage is not affected.

Licensed & insured • Nassau #H3900090000 • Suffolk #36220-H _________________ bellmore ________________

KEARNS , Inc. Funeral Directors

Thomas L. Kearns, Patrick J. Kearns, Paul C. Kearns-Stanley

(516) 794-0500 or 1-800-640-9500 (NYS)

445 East Meadow Ave., East Meadow (across from the East Meadow Post Office)

www.LEOFKEARNS.com

__________________ merrick _________________

HERALD

HERALD

HOW TO REACH US

Our offices are located at 2 Endo Blvd. Garden City, NY 11530 and are open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

If we can help you with this important matter, call us and our knowledgeable staff will answer your questions. Moreover, there is no cost involved in establishing a PRE-PLAN Trust.

Leo F.

1255010

My mother may soon be applying for Medicaid.

How does this affect funeral arrangements?

1255004

April 25, 2024 — MERRICK HERALD

4

MAIN PHONE: (516) 569-4000 ■ WEB SITE: www.liherald.com/bellmore ■ E-MAIl: Letters and other submissions: belleditor@liherald.com ■ EDITORIAl DEPARTMENT: Ext. 207 E-mail: belleditor@liherald.com

■ WEB SITE: www.liherald.com/merrick ■ E-MAIl: Letters and other submissions: merrickeditor@liherald.com ■ EDITORIAl DEPARTMENT: Ext. 207 E-mail: merrickeditor@liherald.com

The Bellmore Herald USPS 017547, is published every Thursday by Richner Communications, Inc., 2 Endo Blvd. Garden City, NY 11530.

The Merrick Herald USPS 017651, is published every Thursday by Richner Communications, Inc., 2 Endo Blvd. Garden City, NY 11530.

SUBSCRIPTIONS: Press ”7” ClASSIFIED ADVERTISING: Ext. 286 DISPlAY ADVERTISING: Ext. 249 PUBlIC NOTICES: Ext. 232

E-mail: circ@liherald.com Fax: (516) 569-4942 E-mail: ereynolds@liherald.com Fax: (516) 622-7460 E-mail: rglickman@liherald.com Fax: (516) 569-4643 E-mail: legalnotices@liherald.com

Periodicals postage paid at Garden City, NY 11530 and additional mailing offices. Postmaster send address changes to Bellmore Herald or Merrick Herald, 2 Endo Blvd. Garden City, NY 11530. Newsstand Price: $1. Subscription rates: $60 for 1 year. Annual Subscription Rates, $9.75 per quarter auto-pay or $50 one-time payment within Nassau County or $60 outside of Nassau County. Copyright © 2024 Richner Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.

Pay could increase $10 per half-hour

MERRICK HERALD — April 25, 2024

CoNtiNued froM paGe 1

Jordan Vallone/Herald

Nassau County announced a raise proposal for special educational preschool service providers last week in Mineola — the first of its kind in 25 years. Legislator Michael Giangregorio, a longtime advocate for the autism community, spoke at a news conference about the funding. must still be done to repair the damage caused by three decades of stagnation,” she said. “Moving forward, the county must raise awareness about the availability of these resources, and remain vigilant so that we can never again find ourselves paying the lowest rates in New York for these critical services.”

The raise, if approved, will be appreciated by families, according to Jon Feingold, the executive director

of the Hagedorn Little Village School, a publicly funded, nonprofit school for children with developmental disabilities in Seaford.

“Sadly, there has been a shortage of these clinicians and it’s been difficult to attract and to retain those staff members to provide these essential services to families,” he said. “With this increase, we take a giant step towards helping to address that.”

1255425

father of someone with autism.

“My son is now 23, so the last time he received (preK special education) services was quite a while ago, and there has not been a raise since he’s been in the system,” Giangregorio said. “Back then, it was difficult to find providers. These people that come into your homes, or that work in agencies — they’re really doing God’s work. They’re helping to improve the lives of these individuals.”

The earlier a child receives services, Giangregorio said, the better the outcome.

“My child will be an adult longer than he’s a child,” the county legislator said. “The costs are always more when you’re an adult. For far too long, the wages of these early intervention educators and therapists have not reflected the true value of their work.”

Dr. Irina Gelman, the county’s health commissioner, explained her office has to go before the county’s health board to propose the raise.

“We are very grateful for this opportunity to bring this forward in front of our board,” she said. “We’re very hopeful they will adopt this new rate, which will be instrumental in providing services to our children, our families, and adequately reimburse our providers.

These are rates for preschool related services that have not been raised since 1999 — so it’s long overdue.”

But Democrats in the county legislature say the need for raises has not been a secret. Siela Bynoe, for instance, says she has advocated for preschool special education funding for nearly a decade — especially so in the last few months.

“While I am glad that the county executive has heeded the advocacy of practitioners and the Democratic minority by taking this first step, much more

5

Rides open Fri.: 6pm-10pm; Sat.: 11am-10pm; Sun.: 11am-7pm.

Vendor hours 10am-6pm Sat. & Sun.

BRINGING LOCAL SPORTS HOME EVERY WEEK

SPOTLIGHT ATHLETE

HERALD SPORTS Kennedy preps for tough stretch

By BRIAN KACHARABA sports@liherald.com

CHARLOTTE RATHJEN South Side Junior Lacrosse AN ALL-AMERICAN HONORABLE MENTION in 2023 and team MVP after scoring 44 goals and assisting on 16 others, Rathjen reached a milestone earlier this month in the Cyclones’ 14-11 victory at North Shore. She had six goals and one assist in the April 11 win, including the 100th point of her career. She has 26 goals thus far this spring to rank among the leaders in Nassau County and is a University of North Carolina commit.

GAMES TO WATCH Thursday, April 25 Softball: Freeport at Elmont ....................................10 a.m.

Boys Lacrosse: Baldwin at Freeport ........................10 a.m.

Girls Lacrosse: Kennedy at Baldwin ........................10 a.m.

Girls Lacrosse: Calhoun at Lynbrook .......................10 a.m.

Softball: Uniondale at Hewlett ................................10 a.m.

Boys Lacrosse: North Shore at Kennedy .................11 a.m.

Boys Lacrosse: Carey at Mepham ............................. 1 p.m.

Baseball: West Hemp at East Rockaway ..............4:30 p.m.

Baseball: Oyster Bay at V.S. North ............................. 5 p.m.

Baseball: Long Beach at MacArthur.......................... 5 p.m.

Boys Lacrosse: Plainview at V.S. District .................... 5 p.m.

Friday, April 26 Softball: V.S. South at Hewlett .................................10 a.m.

Softball: Clarke at Wantagh .....................................10 a.m.

Softball: East Meadow at Mepham .........................10 a.m.

Softball: Oceanside at Syosset ...............................10 a.m.

Girls Lacrosse: Clarke at Carey................................10 a.m.

Baseball: Baldwin at Oceanside ............................... 5 p.m.

Saturday, April 27 Girls Lacrosse: Calhoun at South Side ..................... 9 a.m.

Boys Lacrosse: Hewlett at North Shore ..............12:30 p.m.

Boys Lacrosse: Seaford at Massapequa ................... 1 p.m.

Nominate a “Spotlight Athlete” High School athletes to be featured on the Herald sports page must compete in a spring sport and have earned an AllConference award or higher last season.

Please send the following information: Name, School, Grade, Sport and accomplishments to Sports@liherald.com.

Kennedy’s girls’ lacrosse team will have to navigate through a tough upcoming schedule if it wants to remain in contention for a second straight conference championship.

The Cougars (5-6, 4-2 Conference 3), who also won the division crown in 2021, face undefeated Baldwin (8-0, 5-0) April 25 in a rematch between the two teams that shared the conference title last spring. Kennedy blanked the Bruins 4-0 last April 28.

Kennedy also hosts East Meadow (6-4, 6-2) on May 1, which is sandwiched around two games with Floral Park.

“Last year, we put a nice win on [Baldwin],” coach Mallory Freely said.

“We’ll watch some film during the week and we’ll see what we need to do to take care of business.”

The Cougars were hoping to carry some momentum into the contest but were denied a third straight victory with a 10-3 home loss to Glen Cove last Friday. Leading scorer Ella Galjanich had all three goals and Adrianna Califano stopped 12 shots to reach 100 for the season.

Freely believed her team was a little “distracted” after trailing 6-0 at halftime as Bellmore schools recognized autism day at the field.

“I don’t know if they were overwhelmed from the crowd for the fundraiser game. I don’t know if that distracted them,” she explained. “They were excited about that and then they came out real flat. One goal came in, two goals came in and all of a sudden they got deflated and defeated.”

It was the second time in as many tries that Kennedy failed to extend its winning streak to three games to move over .500. Victories against Plainview and Hewlett in early April moved the team to 3-3, but the good feelings ended with road losses to Kellenberg and Oyster Bay. The Cougars did recover with a 7-6 victory over Division on April 12 and a 13-6 romp at Freeport four days later

Cradling shoulder pain?

We’ve Got Specialists For That ®

Ron Manfredi/Herald

Junior Lauren Robinson plays a vital role in the midfield and in addition to helping control draws has chipped in seven goals. behind hat tricks by seniors Kaylee Ayers (14 goals) and Sophia Fischetti and two goals and four points from rising eighth grader Nicole Donoghue (10 goals).

Galjanich has 26 goals this season but has been hampered by a shin injury that has limited her to just the offensive side of the field. The injury forced Freely to shuffle her lineup and re-fill the midfield position, which began to tire and struggle in transition. Junior Lauren Robinson has been a workhorse in the midfield and draw controls, and has chipped in seven goals.

Freely said the defense was the “strong point” of the team with sopho-

mores Sam Frank and Dakota Hoehn and senior Anna Bachas leading the way with sisters Jordi and Alexa Wohlleben. Hoehn caused a turnover with 30 seconds left to seal the Division win.

“Sam Frank shined [against Glen Cove],” Freely said. “She wants the ball, hustles for anything and throws her body all over the place. Dakota Hoehn is very composed and smart playing behind the cage and doesn’t over-commit too much and Anna Bachas just went to the lower defense position this year and stepped up.”

Califano, who shut out Baldwin last season, needs 15 more saves to reach 500 in her varsity career.

4:21:36

516.536.2800 | orlincohen.com

1255376

April 25, 2024 — MERRICK HERALD

6

Lifting spirits: Balloon artist’s work really pops

7

MERRICK HERALD — April 25, 2024

By JOSEPH D’ALESSANDRO jdalessandro@liherald.com

Sculpting balloons, inspecting airplanes and making props for Hollywood movies —Renee Morgan has done it all.

Morgan, owner of Aviator Balloons in North Bellmore, makes large installations for graduations, proms, weddings, baby showers, fundraising events and more.

The sculptures cover ceilings and walls, make tunnels, and take the form of dresses, cars, trucks and people. Her largest wonderland-like installations can use tens of thousands of balloons, all for a single grand exhibit. Her work can even be found decorating Sony Hall for New York Fashion Week twice a year.

“I’m heading to Indiana to do a big balloon ball for a charity sponsor, the Ronald McDonald House,” she said of an event that took place between April 22 and 25.

“So we used 100,000 balloons to create this circus-like theme. So everything from tight ropes to giant elephants. I’m a team leader in that build, where I’ll be commanding a team of about 80 people to create this large scale wonderland of balloons.”

Morgan started doing balloon artistry 10 years ago. Her aunt needed a display for her bridal shower, but found the available options to be too expensive, including balloon-themed pieces.

“I was like, yeah, I could do that,” Morgan recounted. “So I tried it. And I epically failed my first time, because it wasn’t easy.”

She began to study balloon art more thoroughly, which brought her where she is today.

For Morgan, sustainability is key for her business and the environment. She uses biodegradable balloons and ecofriendly packaging, and does not use helium, which can cause fiery explosions if they contact outdoor power lines. She also educates each client on proper disposal and cleanup methods.

Aviator Balloons also has programs to educate aspiring artists on business and techniques in the inflatable industry.

“I have a mentorship program with 30-plus ladies internationally,” Morgan said. “We have a mentorship program that operates via Zoom where we’ll meet and we’ll discuss the business behind balloons as well as the artistry that fuels it.”

One former student, Brittany Richardson, is the production assistant for Aviator Balloons.

“I started as a student back at the end of 2020,” Richardson said. “She’s a mentor of mine. I can call her for anything. I do balloons as well, so if I’m stuck on something, she’s always one call away.

She’s so sweet.”

Over the years, Morgan’s business has grown to accept international students and clients — she has associates who work from Jamaica, Barbados and Trinidad when there is an assignment.

Morgan has experience working internationally, sourced from her long career in aviation. She was an airport inspector at John F. Kennedy airport in Queens

Courtesy Renee Morgan

Renee Morgan, a balloon artist, next to a large balloon installation she created. before retiring and pursuing her interest in balloon artistry.

Morgan has earned three undergraduate degrees as well as a master’s in aviation, with a unique expertise in meteorology. Over the course of her career, she carried out accident analysis, development research, and wrote award-winning industry papers.

Morgan worked in the aviation industry for about 15 years, and has worked at a multitude of different airports as an airport inspector.

“I’ve always been interested in it since I was a baby,” Morgan said. “Since I was a kid, I wanted to be a pilot. Once I achieved that dream, I wanted to do more. But then I felt like I was tapping out, I felt like I was at the apex of my career.

“I retired two years ago. I was doing both for a while; I’ve retired to do balloons full time,” Morgan said.

Morgan also currently works for Paramount Pictures as a contract prop and set designer for upcoming movies filmed in New York, which she could not comment on.

Morgan balances the workload of an entrepreneur and contractor with motherhood.

“I’m a mom, to an autistic son, so it isn’t the easiest thing to balance, having a special needs child and working full time in your own business,” Morgan said. “And you don’t work your typical nine to five, sometimes it’s nine to 10 at night. It’s really understanding what you’re willing to sacrifice to make the amendments in your life, and what you’re willing to put first.”

Morgan’s hopes for the future are high.

She has an interest in making an installation inside Roosevelt Field Mall. Her main priority is being able to be a full sustainable business, and potentially grab a Guinness World Record along the way.

Aviator Balloons has many local repeat clients including JD sports’ New York events, Long Island Harvest, and many school districts on Long Island, such as in Freeport and Merrick, as well as schools in Queens, Brooklyn and the Bronx.

If you are interested in a balloon sculpture, please visit AviatorBalloons.com

THANK YOU!

The Empire State Local News Coalition—more than 200 local newspapers strong—is grateful to the State of New York for including a first-in-the-nation tax credit to support local journalism in the FY'25 state budget.

A special thanks to:

Governor Kathy Hochul

Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal (Senate Sponsor)

State Senator Steve Rhoads

Assemblyman David McDonough

Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal (Assembly Sponsor) Communities throughout the Empire State appreciate your commitment to the free press and to democracy.

SaveNYLocalNews.com

1255517

Art from senior enrichment program on display At the Bellmore Memorial Library last week, a senior art show, featuring the work of Town of Hempstead residents who take part in classes at the senior enrichment center, opened to the public. Around the library’s community room, over 50 pieces were on display, created by dozens of hardworking artists.

The Town of Hempstead art classes in the Bellmore Senior Center and the Levittown Senior Center are led by teacher Joan Lazarus, who’s been teaching in recreational spaces for the last 35 years. No matter the level of skill an artist has, she helps everyone who attends her sessions tap into their creative side.

“I work with each person that comes in at the level they’re at,” she said. “If I have experienced, talented painters, I work with them — they mostly do their thing, but I’ll help if they have a question.

Brand new people, I take them right out of the gate. I teach them from scratch, which is really kind of nice.”

The classes Lazarus leads are warm and welcoming she said, so for anyone interested in joining, she said the group of artists would certainly love new additions.

“The most important thing is, and I know a lot of people don’t like to just cold go into a group,” she said, “but the group is really warm and nice.

It’s very, very welcoming.”

The art display, which opened with a reception on April 16, will remain open throughout the end of the month.

For more on senior enrichment in the Town of Hempstead, call (516) 485-8100.

Ainsely Keir/Herald

Artists from the Town of Hempstead’s senior enrichment art classes gathered at the Bellmore Memorial Library last — Jordan Vallone week for an opening reception.

1254711

April 25, 2024 — MERRICK HERALD

8

Budget includes $90M local media tax credit Gov. Kathy Hochul and the state legislature unveiled the final state budget over the weekend, which included a payroll tax credit for local news outlets, modeled on the Local Journalism Sustainability Act. With the passage of this bill, New York is now the first state in the nation to incentivize hiring and retaining local journalists.

What’s being described as a game-changer for the local news industry comes just months after the launch of the Empire State Local News Coalition, an unprecedented, grassroots campaign powered by more than 200 community newspapers across the state.

“I’m elated that our first-in-the-nation Local Journalism Sustainability Act is passing in the state budget,” said state Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal — the senate bill sponsor — in a release. “A thriving local news industry is vital to the health of our democracy, and it’s our responsibility to help ensure New Yorkers have access to independent and community-focused journalism. Our efforts will help ensure that our democracy will not die in darkness.”

The program — $30 million per year for three years — allows each eligible newspaper and broadcast business to receive a 50 percent refundable tax credit against the first $50,000 of an employee’s salary, up to a total of $300,000 per business.

The budget will allocate the first $4 million to incentivize print and broadcast businesses to hire new journalists. The remaining $26 million will be split evenly between businesses with fewer than 100 employees and those with more than 100 employees, ensuring that hyperlocal, independent news organizations have a fair shot at access to these funds.

After stalling for years, the Local Journalism Sus-

Courtesy Empire State Local News Coalition

Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages joins lawmakers and supporters like Assemblyman David Weprin, at left, and state Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal, at right, last month to call on her colleagues to support the Local Journalism Sustainability Act. A version of this measure was included in the final state budget approved this past weekend by Gov. Kathy Hochul and lawmakers. tainability Act catapulted into a top legislative priority this session following the early-2024 founding of the Empire State Local News Coalition and the coalition’s mobilization of support from hundreds of New York hometown papers, as well as a broad range of stakeholders from around the country, including the Rebuild Local News Coalition, Microsoft, and El Diario. Organized labor including NYS AFL-CIO, CWA District 1, and national and local news guilds also played a criti-

cal role in mobilizing support for this historic bill.

“The Empire State Local News Coalition is thrilled by the state budget’s inclusion of a payroll tax credit for local news outlets modeled on the Local Journalism Sustainability Act,” said Zachary Richner — founder of the Empire State Local News Coalition, and a director at Richner Communications, the parent organization of Herald Community Newspapers.

“New York is now the first state in the nation to incentivize hiring and retaining local journalists — a critical investment given that hundreds of New York’s newspapers have closed since 2004, leaving too many New York communities without access to vital local information.

“The objectivity of this credit shows that there is a fair way for public policy to support local news without jeopardizing journalistic integrity. This program is a model for other states across the U.S. to follow as communities across the country raise their voices to save local news.”

Richner said he was “incredibly proud” of the 200 newspapers that built an unprecedented grassroots movement in support of saving New York’s local news industry in a few short months. He also extended gratitude to Hoylman-Sigal, “whose tireless advocacy for this tax credit was instrumental in moving it through the legislative process.”

Since launching in February, the coalition has quickly mobilized stakeholders across the state to rally behind the bill.

New York’s leadership on this issue could change the course of local journalism in the United States, organizers say. The budget’s inclusion of this tax credit comes at a watershed moment for the journalism industry: New York state has experienced hundreds of newspaper closures in the past few decades.

Brand New Car Leasing

@capitalgroupautosales

ANY MAKE OR MODEL VEHICLE

SAVE $1000's OFF Your New Car Lease Vehicle

516.600.9266 From Your Cell Phone to Your Door

GET UP TO

2500

"We work with over 700 Dealerships Nationwide to get you the Absolute BEST numbers on your NEW LEASE"

$

RETURN ANY MAKE OR MODEL VEHICLE

Back On Your Current Lease Rerurn

Lease Return Center- We Accept Your Current Return Vehicle

327 Guy Lombardo Ave. Freeport, NY 11520

www.capitalgroupautosales.com

CAPITAL GROUP AUTO SALES & LEASING

Monday-Friday 9am-7pm, Saturday 10am-6pm, Phone and Email Only Sunday

With this coupon cannot be combined with other offers or promotions.

Offer expires 10/30/24

1228260 1255282

MERRICK HERALD — April 25, 2024

STAFF REPORT

9

April 25, 2024 — MERRICK HERALD

10

Community clean up inspires environmentalism A rainy morning turned into a great day for a community clean up with the Merrick Community Civic Association last weekend, just ahead of Earth Day. Crews gathered at the gazebo at the intersection of Broadcast Plaza and Merrick Avenue to take place in the annual event that sweeps the streets clean of debris and garbage.

Each year, the event sees a good number of community volunteers. A clean up takes place along Merrick Road and Merrick Avenue. Local scouting troops, members and leaders of the civic association, as well as students from area high schools typically participate in the clean up.

“If we don’t take care of our neighborhood, nobody else will,” Civic Association President Berta Weinstein said of the event. “We want to keep our neighborhood safe and clean for our children.”

Those participating in the event were provided tools, gloves and garbage bags, and kept safe by the Nassau County Police Department, who monitored the area.

Community clean ups serve as a tangible way for individuals to contribute to environmental protection.

By participating in cleanups, people become more aware of the extent of pollution in their communities.

Clean ups provided immediate, viable results and inform young participants about why taking care of the environment is so important.

The Merrick Community Civic Association meets monthly at the Merrick Golf Course Clubhouse, and discusses a number of key community issues.

For more, visit SouthMerrickCivic.org.

— Jordan Vallone

The civic association’s secretary Terri Cohen-Lieberman worked hard to clean up debris along Merrick Avenue.

Tim Baker/Herald photos

The community gathered for an Earth Day-inspired clean up on April 20 at the Merrick gazebo, thanks to efforts led by the Merrick Community Civic Association. Immediate Past President Joe Baker with President Berta Weinstein and Joseph Weinstein at the clean up.

Students from John F. Kennedy High School participated, including Aidan Saxe, a senior.

Ethan Arbesfeld, another senior at Kennedy, used cleaning supplies to beautify the lawns around the gazebo.

Some folks from outside of Merrick even stopped by to participate, like Mark Defrancesco, who resides in Oceanside.

STEPPING OUT

11

Courtesy Roberto Ricci

Enrico Fagone, the Long Island Concert Orchestra’s music director and conductor, was nominated for a 2023 Grammy award. He’s been defined by the classical music press as one of today’s most promising conductors at the international level.

Courtesy Long Island Concert Orchestra

Pianist Alessandro Mazzamuto is among the special guest performers who share the stage with the Long Island Concert Orchestra.

CONNECTION THROUGH

Experience the magic of Chris Ruggiero’s new show,’Teenage Dreams and Magic Moments,’ when the dynamic vocalist visits the Landmark stage. Ruggiero is an old soul. Still in his 20s, the music that speaks to him is the music of the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s, His approach to performing is more in line with that of a bygone era, bringing to the stage the panache of Frank Sinatra or Paul Anka, coupled with the energy of Jackie Wilson.

Ruggiero first came to national attention when he performed in concert on a PBS coast-to-coast special, and was featured on ‘Good Morning America.’ Since then, he has traveled the country, delivering his unique brand of vintage rock ‘n’ roll, and sharing his passion for the classics. Ruggiero tells his story by breathing new life into the timeless music of the eras he loves, with a six-piece band and live brass.

Friday, April 26, 7:30 p.m. $59, $49, $39. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. (516) 7676444 or LandmarkOnMainStreet.org.

Symphony of Hope Benefit Concert inspires unity across the world

By Danielle Schwab

Art connects us beyond divides.

That’s how Bernie Furshpan, marketing director and board member of the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center, puts it when discussing the Long Island Concert Orchestra’s upcoming Symphony of Hope Concert at Tilles Center.

While the music is, of course, at the heart of this benefit performance, the evening is so much more than a concert. The aim is to support two vital organizations: Long Island’s Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center, and the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance.

“When it comes to art, I think people in general agree that it’s something very healing and it brings people together,” Furshpan says.

“It’s a wonderful connector for people.”

Proceeds from the May 2 event benefit both organizations.

The concert includes special guests from the Israeli arts school, which is currently facing a funding crisis due to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.

Two students — one Israeli and one Palestinian — take part, sending a powerful message of unity through music. Michael Klinghoffer — Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance’s president — also participates, further emphasizing the importance of this benefit concert.

“This spectacular event is a golden opportunity for community members to support these organizations,” says David Winkler, the orchestra’s executive director and composer-in-residence. “By attending the concert, our community will not just enjoy an evening of incredible music, but will be helping JAMD and HMTC continue their essential work.”

With some 1,600 students, the Jerusalem Academy nurtures the next generation of musicians and dancers, Furshpan says. The school’s diverse student demographic — ranging from 4 years old to young adulthood — studies a cultural mixture of Middle Eastern music, European classics, baroque and jazz.

“Right now, everybody’s hurting,” Furshpan says. “So, we’re doing this as more than just beautiful music. It’s also something that’s special and philanthropic.”

During the first selection of the evening, the two participating students will perform together, accompanied by a recording of the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance Orchestra.

“We have a hybrid experience,” Furshpan says. “On the big screen,

you’re going to see the Israeli orchestra, and the students are going to be sitting alongside that screen and playing together with them.”

Klinghoffer also contributes as a keynote speaker.

• Thursday, May 2, 8 p.m.

Then, the 40-person Long Island Concert • Tickets start at $50; available Orchestra — under the baton of music director at TillesCenter.org, or (516) and conductor Enrico Fagone — takes the 299-3100 spotlight. The orchestra’s repertoire includes • Tilles Center for the the world debut of “Adriatica.” Winkler Performing Arts, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., composed the piece to celebrate the oceanic Brookville connections between people. Its namesake is a node to the Adriatic Sea, which connects Eastern Italy to the Middle East.

“It has a multifaceted melodic personality to it — several different melodies, not just one,” Winkler says.“Over the course of the work, these melodies are joined together and ultimately, they produce the finale, which is extremely uplifting and powerful.”

The orchestra is joined by acclaimed pianist Alessandro Mazzamuto, in his Long Island Concert Orchestra debut. He’ll perform Robert Schumann’s Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 54.

“I believe that love of music and artistic expression is love for humanity,” Mazzamuto says. “As a concert pianist and teacher, my heart goes out to the students of Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance. And I wish to dedicate my performance and interpretation of Schumann’s emotional piano concerto to them.”

This evening is all about bringing the local and global community together — the very definition of the Long Island Concert Orchestra.

“Our mission is to provide the best possible performances of international repertoire,” Winkler says. “To bring world-class artists, worldclass musicians, as well as world premieres of international caliber.”

The orchestra leads the way in delivering visibility to a commitment to tolerance, respect and the arts.

“Music is what brings people together,” Furshpan says. “All forms of art bring people together. We truly believe that this (concert) is going to help the two organizations do some great work.

“At the same time, Symphony of Hope is really about the audience.

They are the symphony of hope — the audience and the music in combination.”

Tracy Morgan Tracy Morgan is touring with a bracing new show, and he’s funnier than he’s ever been. A name synonymous with laughter, he continues to be reckoned with in the world of stand-up and television. Morgan boasts an impressive career spanning decades.

From his hilarious characters on ‘Saturday Night Live’ (think Astronaut Jones and Brian Fellows) to his unforgettable role on the award-winning ‘30 Rock,’ Morgan has consistently brought audiences to tears (of laughter, of course).

Coming to fame as a stand-up, Morgan became a household name through his seven-season stint on Tina Fey’s ‘30 Rock,’ playing a thinly veiled version of himself named Tracy Jordan. On his current tour, Morgan continues his comeback following his life-threatening 2014 traffic accident on the New Jersey turnpike. Morgan is always welcome back up on the stage where he belongs.

Saturday, April 27, 8 p.m. $89.50, $79.50, $69.50, $59.50, $49.50.

The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. (800) 745-3000 or Ticketmaster.com, or ParamountNY. com.

MERRICK HERALD — April 25, 2024

Chris Ruggiero’s musical moments

Your Neighborhood

THE

On exhibit On stage

May

4

‘Cold Beer on a Saturday Night’ Get a head start on beach season with Jimmy Kenny and the Pirate Beach Band. We’re all eager for summertime to arrive, meanwhile Jimmy Kenny and his band come to the rescue, back on the Paramount stage, Saturday, May 4, 8 p.m. Join in their “Ultimate Beach Party Tribute” to Kenny Chesney, Jimmy Buffett and Zac Brown Band. Parrotheads, No Shoes Nation and the Zamily: it’s 5 o’clock somewhere so let’s ‘raise ‘em up and sing along.

The Long Island based band — guided by Paul C. Cuthbert (aka Jimmy Kenny) on lead vocals/ acoustic guitar, with Linn DeMilta (aka Lovely Linn), lead and backing vocals, Luis Rio, lead guitar/ backing vocals, Frank Stainkamp, keyboard/backing vocals, Dan Prine, bass, and drummer Mike Vecchione, have been celebrating the beach country sounds of Buffett, Chesney and Zac Brown Band for over a decade, spreading their vibe up and down the Northeast. Everyone has a great time grooving to their lively mix of their popular sing-along hits and feel good, easy living flair.

If you like your toes in the sand, wasting away with a margarita or a cold beer, then you’ll surely have a great time with the Jimmy Kenny Band. $35. $25, $20, $15. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY.com.

2024 Annual Caregiver Conference

The Loneliness Epidemic: Tackling Isolation, Care Needs & Finances In Senior Living Wednesday, May 8th, 2024, 5:00 pm to 8:30 pm

Families will enjoy another musical adventure, “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!” ripped from the pages of Mo Willems’ beloved children’s books, on the Long Island Children’s Museum stage, Friday, April 26, 11:30 a.m.,2:15 p.m., 6:15 p.m.; Tuesday through Friday, April 30-May 3, 10:15 a.m. and noon. Back by popular demand after a sold-out 2023 run, see Pigeon, Bus Driver, and some zany passengers sing and dance their way to helping The Pigeon find his “thing” in this upbeat, energetic comedy based on four of Mo Willems’ popular Pigeon books.

Featuring a live band to bring Deborah Wicks La Puma’s jazzy score to life, audiences will thoroughly enjoy singing and flapping along with The Pigeon and friends. The audience is part of the action, in this innovative mix of songs, silliness and feathers. It’s an ideal way to introduce kids to theater and Willems’ books. $10 with museum admission ($8 members), $14 theater only. Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or LICM.org.

N O R T H A M E R I CA’S

1 Selling

#

Nassau County Museum of Art’s latest exhibition, “Urban Art Evolution,” is a comprehensive exhibit featuring a diverse range of compositions from the 1980s through the present by creators who were based in the rough and tumble downtown area of New York City known as Loisaida/LES (Lower East Side/East Village) and close surrounding neighborhoods.

Artists pushed the boundaries of what was considered “art” with a primary focus on street/graffiti art.

The exhibit’s scope, guest curated by art collector/gallerist Christopher Pusey, offers an even broader view from other creative residents, who worked inside their studios but still contributed to the rich fabric of the downtown art scene from different vantage points and aesthetics.

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

FREE Back by Pop SHOW ular De ER P mand!

AC K A GE !

Walk-In Tub

Featuring our Free Shower Package

Hilton Long Island / Huntington 598 Broad Hollow Road, Melville Food & Beverages will be served

Presented By

Now you can finally have all of the soothing benefits of a relaxing warm bath, or enjoy a convenient refreshing shower while seated or standing with Safe Step Walk-In Tub’s FREE Shower Package! ✓ First walk-in tub available with a customizable shower

This is a FREE Conference for Caregivers

Program Agenda

Exhibitor Expo

“The Loneliness Epidemic”

Arlene Markarian, Safe Observant Seniors Program Coordinator & Nassau County Elder Abuse Enhanced Multidisciplinary Team Coordinator, Family & Children’s Association

Social Senior Living: Why Aging-in-Place is Not Always Best Panel Discussion Moderated by Jennifer B. Cona, Esq. Managing Partner, Cona Elder Law Stuart B. Almer, President and CEO, Gurwin Healthcare System Laura LaFauci, LI Director of Community Outreach, Amber Court Communities Megan Shergill, Vice President of CDPAP Services, Community Care Julie Wexler, MPA, Director of Business Development, The Bristal Assisted Living Kerri Winans Kaley, Director of Business Development, Encore Luxury Living

Financing Care: Protecting Assets and Keeping Open Your Senior Living Options Melissa Negrin-Wiener, Esq., Senior Partner, Cona Elder Law

Presentation of Caregiver of the Year Award

Featuring senior service and elder care resources on topics such as home care, assisted living, reverse mortgages, long-term care insurance, caregiver support and resources, and more.

Become a Conference Exhibitor Six foot display table with seating for two representatives; admission to conference and reception.

Book Signing With Ron E. Roel, Author CareGiving Navigator

✓ Fixed rainfall shower head is adjustable for your height and pivots to offer a seated shower option ✓ High-quality tub complete with a comprehensive lifetime warranty on the entire tub ✓ Top-of-the-line installation and service, all included at one low, affordable price

Now you can have the best of both worlds–there isn’t a better, more aff ordable walk-in tub!

FREE SHOWER PACKAGE PLUS 15% OFF FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY

Call Toll-Free 516-717-4717

Thank You to our Conference Sponsors

With purchase of a new Safe Step Walk-In Tub. Not applicable with any previous walk-in tub purchase. Offer available while supplies last. No cash value. Must present offer at time of purchase.

www.conaelderlaw.com

631.390.5000

1255392

CSLB 1082165 NSCB 0082999 0083445 13VH11096000

Healthcare Professionals & Social Workers Welcome Register to attend and earn 2 hours of CEU credit for $50.00

Call Today for Your Free Shower Package

1-516-717-4717 FINANCING AVAILABLE WITH APPROVED CREDIT

1252670

April 25, 2024 — MERRICK HERALD

12

Baby shower for moms-to-be

The annual Father’s Day Car show returns to Merrick, Saturday, June 15, opens at 9 a.m. Money raised benefits the Nassau County Sheriff’s COBA Widow’s and Children’s Fund. Admission for pre-registered cars is $15, on the day of the show $20. The first 350 cars will get a free t-shirt and plaque. Free admission for all spectators. At the Merrick LIRR station.

Join the Merrick Chamber of Commerce for its annual spring festival, Friday through Sunday, April 26-28. A weekend of fun opens on Friday at 6 p.m., and there will rides on Saturday and Sunday, open at 11 a.m. A merchant fair on the weekend is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

It all takes place at the Merrick LIRR station. For more information, visit MerrickChamber.org.

Plaza Theatrical’s season continues with “Lady Supreme: A Diana Ross Experience,” Saturday, May 4, 7:30 p.m. Deanna Carroll, accompanied by top notch singers and musicians, covers the hits of the Supremes to Diana’s solo sensations in this spectacular tribute to the Supreme Diva.

She performs all of Diana’s biggest hits, with spot-on vocals, including “Endless Love,” “Someday We’ll Be Together,” “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” “Touch Me in The Morning,” and so many more. Get in the groove at Plaza’s stage at the Elmont Library Theatre. 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont. $40, $35 seniors. Elmont. For tickets, call (516) 599-6870 or visit PlazaTheatrical.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.

Museum Gallery Tour Join curator, art collector and gallerist Christopher Pusey for a tour of “Urban Art Evolution,” Nassau County Museum of Art’s current exhibition, Sunday, May 5, 3 p.m. Pusey, the exhibit’s guest curator, began art-making as a child and went on to pursue a career working in art galleries, and as an art dealer, in New York City. His particular interest in the art from this time and genre began with his first job at a Soho gallery in SoHo during the 80s, which had a division specializing in some of the East Village artists featured in this show. Free with museum admission. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor.

Visit NassauMuseum.org or call (516) 484-9337 for information.

Friday Night Car Show Friday car shows return, sponsored by The Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores and the Town of Hempstead, Friday, weekly through Oct. 4 (weather permitting), at the Bellmore LIRR parking lot on Broadway.

See a variety of classic and custom cars. Spectators can enjoy the displays free of charge, while car owners are invited to showcase their vehicles for a nominal $5 admission fee. For more information, contact (516) 679-1875.

Art explorations Converse, collaborate and create at Family Saturdays at Nassau County Museum of Art, Saturday, May 11, noon-3 p.m. Get inspired by the art and objects in the galleries and then join educators at the Manes Center to explore and discover different materials to create your own original artwork.

Kids and adults connect while talking about and making art together. A new project is featured every week. $20 adult, $10 child. For ages 2-14. Registration required. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. Visit NassauMuseum.org for to register or call (516) 4849337.

Wishing all of our friends and neighbors a Happy Passover!

From the staff of

Stuart Richner Publisher

Rhonda Glickman

Michael Hinman Executive Editor

Expiration: 6/30/24

V.P. Sales

1255312

Father’s Day Car Show

Merrick Chamber Spring Festival

On stage

1255192

Enjoy an engaging afternoon of beautiful music, Sunday, April 28, 5 p.m. Tim Carl, Music Director of St. Dominic, Oyster Bay, presents a program of operatic arias and piano selections with soprano Jennifer Russo and pianist Tim Carl. A meet-and-greet reception is included. $75, $70 members of Friends of Seminary. Reservations are required. The concert takes place at Retreat and Conference Center of the Seminary of Immaculate Conception, 440 West Neck Road, Huntington. Reserve at ICSeminary.edu/events or call (63) 423-0483 ext. 102.

Bring the kids to Old Westbury Gardens for a storybook adventure, Saturday, May 4, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Stroll the gardens and listen to Antoine Ó Flatharta’s modern tale, “Hurry and the Monarch.” Later create a unique take home craft. For ages 3-5. Storybook Strolls start at the Beech Tree (next to Westbury House), and end at the Thatched Cottage. Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. For information, visit OldWestburyGardens.org or contact (516) 333-0048.

MERRICK HERALD — April 25, 2024

Spring Musicale

Mercy Hospital hosts this free event for expecting moms-to-be, Saturday, May 11, noon to 2 p.m., in the lower level cafeteria.

With raffles, giveaways for mom and baby, and meet and greets with physicians, lactation specialists, mother/ baby nurses, games and more. For moms only. 1000 N. Village Ave. Email Elizabeth.

Schwind@chsli.org to register.

For more information, visit CHSLI.org/mercy-hospital or call (516) 626-3729.

13

Storybook Stroll

Newbridge Road set to celebrate centennial

By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com

Newbridge Road School, in North Bellmore, will mark 100 years next month — a monumental milestone that is deserving of a celebration as special as the occasion.

A year and a half of planning by an anniversary committee will culminate in a daylong event on May 3 that will encourage students and staff, as well as former staff and alumni, to reflect on what Newbridge Road means, and has always meant, to the North Bellmore community.

Uncovering a slice of North Bellmore history Over the past two decades, Newbridge Road has celebrated its 80th and 90th anniversaries, and many of the documents that were uncovered during the preparation for those celebrations were vital in planning the event next week.

A schoolhouse that once stood on what is now the front lawn of Newbridge Road was built in 1908, the same year the school district was established.

“We had a lot to work with,” Lynda Brust, a third-grade teacher at the school who attended Newbridge Road as a child, said. “There are Rubbermaid tubs of documents that go back to the formation of this district in 1908. We have the minutes of the first-ever Board of Education meeting — the minutes that declare that 76 members of this community decided to

will take part in activities focused on the celebration.

“One of the things that we’re really excited about that they’ll be going to is Centennial Hall,” Licci said. “We’re transforming our gymnasium into a museum, and there are so many projects going on in that.”

Centennial Hall will feature artifacts from the past.

“We have old typewriters, going back to the ’40s, computers and education equipment that’s kind of considered outdated now,” among many other things, Brenda Adgrana, a third-grade teachFestivities on May 3 er who has taken part in the The school’s 100th celebraevent planning, said. tion will kick off with a The hall, as well as a Cenparade around the grounds tennial Native Garden on the on the morning of May 3, school’s front lawn, which Principal Amanda Licci said. LyNDA BRUsT technology teacher Michael Families will be invited to Third-grade teacher, Bevilacqua and sixth-grade watch the parade, and stu- Newbridge Road students created, will all be dents will don 100th-anniver- School stops for classes throughout sary T-shirts, purchased for the day. them by the Parent Teacher The school day will conclude with a Association.

Afterward, they’ll watch an opening dance party that will take students ceremony, and Licci will speak. Past prin- through the decades — featuring music cipals will be in attendance, the school from the 1920s, all the way through today.

For families of current Newbridge band will perform, and the entire school Road students who are interested in seewill sing “Happy Birthday” to the school.

Students will also watch a slideshow ing Centennial Hall, it will be open from on the history of the school, and then 3:15 to 5 p.m. after dismissal. gather in their classrooms, where they create a unified school district, which is awesome.”

The front façade and the main section of Newbridge Road were built in 1924, and co-existed with the 1908 schoolhouse for a few years, before it was destroyed in a fire. Over the years, extensions were added to make Newbridge Road into what it is today.

“The material was definitely there,” Brust said. “It was just a matter of going through it, and making sense of it, and putting it in chronological order.”

O

ur core values were really the same back then, so woven through the decades.

Newbridge Road has always had ‘HEART’ Newbridge Road School operates under the motto “HEART,” Licci explained, which stands for honesty, empathy, acceptance, respect and teamwork. What has been remarkable to see as the school prepares for its centennial is that while the educational system has certainly changed over the past 100 years, the mission of teachers has stayed the same.

“Our core values were really the same back then, so woven through the decades,” Brust said. “We have really stayed true to our core values as educators, as a school community. That is really very powerful.”

“How you educate may change,” Licci added, “but truly, what we’re trying to accomplish here is the same.”

On the wall outside Newbridge Road’s main office, the school’s Beautification Club painted a tree trunk. Throughout May and June, students will be invited to paint their handprints on the wall, representing leaves. This “roots” them in the celebration, Licci said.

“It is really important for them to understand we’re not just coming to school wearing a T-shirt on this day — there’s a reason we’re celebrating this,” she said. “It’s our school. It connects us all. A hundred years is hard for any of us to wrap our heads around. So, particularly for students, we’re trying to bring a little bit of understanding to the significance of that. We are a part of this history.”

Chain Store Opening Its Doors In The US. Company Investment Shares Available

Text or Email Barry 516-551-8488 • info@cottonilus.com

1254978

April 25, 2024 — MERRICK HERALD

14

Public Notices

15

LMER1-2 0425

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE OF TIKI SERIES IV TRUST,, Plaintiff, vs.

SOPHIA AKSOY; ERKUT AKSOY;, ET AL., Defendant(s).

Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on June 12, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on May 21, 2024 at 2:30 p.m., premises known as 319 Frankel Boulevard, 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 63, Block 125 and Lot 10-12.

Approximate amount of judgment is $266,677.21 plus interest and costs.

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 616143/2018.

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

Louis B. Imbroto, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No. 201125-1 146196

To place a notice here call us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

BY THE BOARD OF APPEALS Pursuant to New York State Town Law Article 16, New York State Public Officers Law Article 7, and the Town of Hempstead Building Zone Ordinance, NOTICE is hereby given that the BOARD OF APPEALS of the Town of Hempstead will hold a public hearing in the Old Town Hall, 350 Front Street, Room 230, Second Floor, Hempstead, New York on 05/01/2024 at 9:30 A.M. to consider the following applications and appeals: --------------------------------THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 9:30 A.M. 263/24.

MERRICK Freeport/Merrick Rotary Club, Amusement Rides (Special Event) duration May 23, 2024 - May 27, 2024., N/W cor. Sunrise Hwy. & Merrick Ave., a/k/a Town of Hempstead Parking Lot M-5.

271/24. MERRICK - Liza Reyes, Special exception to convert detached garage to pavilion with proposed attached roofover & outdoor kitchen, higher & larger than permitted, exceeding horizontal maximum on both sides & with lot area occupied variance., N/s Linden La., 82.71’ E/o Lindenmere Dr., a/k/a 9 Linden La. ALL PAPERS PERTAINING TO THE ABOVE HEARING ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THE BOARD OF APPEALS, TOWN HALL, 1 WASHINGTON STREET, HEMPSTEAD, NY 11550.

This notice is only for new cases in Merrick within Town of Hempstead jurisdiction.

There are additional cases in different hamlets, towns and villages on the Board of Appeals calendar. The full calendar is available a t https://hempsteadny.gov/ 509/Board-of-Appeals

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

146292

Place a notice by phone at 516-569-4000 x232 or email: legalnotices@liherald.com

LEGAL NOTICE Notice to Bidders The BOARD OF EDUCATION of the Merrick Union School District of the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, New York, hereby invites the submission of sealed bids for: SPLIT DUCTLESS AIR CONDITIONING UNITS AND UNITS WITH HEAT PUMPS - UNIT ONLY AND/OR UNIT WITH INSTALLATION Bids will be received at the Merrick Union Free School District, Business Office, 21 Babylon Road, Merrick N.Y., 11566, Attention: Facilities and labeled Split Ductless Air Conditioning Units, until 12:00 noon on Monday, May 13, 2024.

Specifications, conditions, bid forms and related documents may be obtained at the Business Office and are currently available. The Board of Education reserves the right to waive any informalities in the bids, or, to reject all bids, or, to accept any bid, which in the opinion of the Board of Education will be in the best interest of the school district(s).

Contact Mr. James O’Beirne at 516 992 7256 o r jobeirne@merrick.k12.ny. us to receive a copy of the bid document.

Participating Districts: Baldwin, Bellmore, Bellmore-Merrick, Bethpage, Carl Place, East Meadow, East Rockaway, East Williston, Floral Park Bellrose, Freeport, Garden City, Glen Cove, Great Neck, Hempstead, Herricks, HewlettWoodmere, Hicksville, Island Trees, Jericho, Levittown, Locust Valley, Long Beach, Lynbrook, Manhasset, Massapequa, Merrick, Mineola, New Hyde Park-Garden City Park, North Bellmore, North Merrick, North Shore, Oceanside, Plainedge, Plainview-Old Bethpage, Port Washington, Rockville Centre, Roosevelt, Seaford, Syosset, Uniondale, Valley Stream 13, Valley Stream 24, Valley Stream 30, Wantagh, West Hempstead, Westbury.

Pamela Amon District Clerk Merrick UFSD Town of Hempstead Nassau County, New York 146269

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU Advancial Federal Credit Union, Plaintiff AGAINST Michael A. Volino, a/k/a Michael Volino; et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered March 18, 2024 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 May 28, 2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 204 Margaret Boulevard, 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 NY, Section 56 Block 87 Lots 46, 47, 48, 49, 50 [Lot Group].

Approximate amount of judgment $293,934.68 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 615213/2022.

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.”

Brian J. Davis, Esq., Referee LOGS Legal Group LLP Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792 Dated: April 5, 2024 146331

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU MCLP ASSET COMPANY, INC., Plaintiff, AGAINST DOLORES ANNE CARUCCI-LAMPITELLI, INDIVIDUALLY AND AS EXECUTOR OF THE ESTATE OF DOLORES MARIA CARUCCI AKA DOLORES CARUCCI, et al.

Defendant(s) Pursuant to a judgment of foreclosure and sale duly entered on February 4, 2020.

I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on May 28, 2024 at 2:30 PM premises known as 1429 Little Whaleneck Rd, North Merrick, AKA 1429 Little Whaleneck Rd, Merrick, NY 11566.

Please take notice that this foreclosure auction shall be conducted in compliance with the Foreclosure Auction Rules for Nassau County and the COVID 19 Health Emergency Rules, including proper use of

masks and social distancing.

All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Merrick (unincorporated area), Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York.

Section 56, Block 22 and Lot 51.

Approximate amount of judgment $452,331.62 plus interest and costs.

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment. Index #001685/2017.

Janine T. Lynam, Esq., Referee, Aldridge Pite, LLP Attorneys for Plaintiff - 40 Marcus Drive, Suite 200, Melville, NY 11747 146277 LEGAL NOTICE AVISO MODIFICADO SOBRE LA REUNIÓN Y ELECCIÓN ANUAL DEL DISTRITO ESCOLAR DISTRITO ESCOLAR NORTH MERRICK UNION FREE, PUEBLO DE HEMPSTEAD, CONDADO DE NASSAU, NUEVA YORK POR EL PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA que se llevará a cabo una audiencia sobre el presupuesto del Distrito Escolar North Merrick Union Free en la escuela Harold D. Fayette, 1057 Merrick Avenue, North Merrick, Nueva York, el día 14 de mayo de 2024, a las 7:00 p. m., para la resolución de dichos asuntos de acuerdo con lo estipulado por la Ley de Educación.

TAMBIÉN SE NOTIFICA que la votación anual sobre el presupuesto y elección del Distrito Escolar North Merrick Union Free se llevarán a cabo en la biblioteca pública de North Merrick, 1691 Meadowbrook Road, North Merrick, Nueva York, el día martes 21 de mayo de 2024.

Durante la elección mencionada anteriormente, los votantes calificados del Distrito Escolar North Merrick Union Free y del Distrito Central de Escuelas Secundarias de Bellmore-Merrick votarán con los siguientes fines: (A) votar sobre el presupuesto escolar anual para el año 2024-2025 y para autorizar la exacción de un impuesto sobre la propiedad sujeta a tributación del distrito para los propósitos mencionados anteriormente; (B) votar sobre la siguiente propuesta que busca la autorización para gastar de un fondo de reserva de capitales que aparecerá en la boleta electoral razonablemente en la siguiente forma: “SE AUTORIZARÁ a la Junta de Educación del Distrito Escolar North Merrick Union Free a gastar $105,000 del fondo de reserva de capitales establecido el 19 de mayo de 2015 con el fin de

llevar a cabo el siguiente proyecto: reemplazo parcial del tejado en Camp Avenue School, todo lo anterior incluirá toda la mano de obra, los materiales, el equipo, los aparatos y los costos secundarios relacionados”; y (C) cualquier otra propuesta que se pueda presentar oportunamente en la reunión.

TAMBIÉN SE NOTIFICA que en la elección antes mencionada, los votantes calificados del Distrito Escolar North Merrick Union Free también elegirán a dos (2) miembros de la Junta de Educación para un período de tres años, que comenzará el 1 de julio de 2024 y finalizará el 30 de junio de 2027.

TAMBIÉN SE NOTIFICA que la votación se realizará con máquinas y las urnas estarán abiertas de 6:30 a. m. a 9:00 p. m. de ese mismo día.

TAMBIÉN SE NOTIFICA que, de acuerdo con la Sección 495 de la Ley del Impuesto sobre Bienes Inmuebles, el Distrito Escolar debe adjuntar un informe de exención al presupuesto sugerido.

Este informe de exenciones, que también formará parte del presupuesto final, mostrará qué parte del valor total calculado de la lista final de tasación usada durante el proceso presupuestario queda libre de impuestos, enumerará todos los tipos de exenciones otorgadas por la autoridad legal y mostrará el impacto acumulativo de cada tipo de exención, el monto acumulativo que se espera recibir en pagos en lugar de los impuestos y el impacto acumulativo de todas las exenciones otorgadas. El informe de exenciones se publicará en cualquier tablero de anuncios que el distrito designe para avisos públicos y en el sitio web del distrito.

TAMBIÉN SE NOTIFICA que la Junta de Educación ha designado el día viernes 19 de abril de 2024, de 8:00 a. m. a 3:30 p. m. y el día miércoles 15 de mayo de 2024, de 4:00 p. m. a 8:00 p. m., para la realización de una reunión de la Junta de Registros en la escuela Harold D. Fayette, 1057 Merrick Avenue, Merrick, Nueva York, para preparar el registro del Distrito Escolar.

Los residentes también pueden registrarse en la oficina de la secretaria del Distrito durante los días de actividad escolar desde las 9:00 a. m. hasta las 3:00 p. m., hasta cinco días antes de la votación del Distrito. Para ser elegibles para votar durante la reunión anual y sobre el presupuesto y las propuestas del Distrito Escolar Central de Escuelas Secundarias de Bellmore-Merrick, los residentes calificados del

Distrito Escolar Libre Unificado de North Merrick deben registrarse en ese momento si no lo han hecho antes. Toda persona tendrá derecho a que su nombre se incluya en el registro, siempre y cuando se sepa o se demuestre ante la secretaria del Distrito o algún miembro de la Junta de Registros que dicha persona tiene, en ese momento o en adelante, derecho a votar en la elección anual del distrito, para la cual se prepara dicho registro. Si un votante está registrado y es elegible para votar en virtud del Artículo 5 de la Ley de Elecciones, también es elegible para votar en esta elección sin necesidad de ningún registro adicional.

NINGUNA PERSONA tendrá derecho a votar en la reunión anual de presupuesto y la elección del Distrito Escolar North Merrick Union Free ni en la votación de presupuesto del Distrito Central de Escuelas Secundarias de BellmoreMerrick si su nombre no aparece en el registro del Distrito Escolar North Merrick Union Free o en las listas de registro del condado provistas por los funcionarios electorales del condado.

TAMBIÉN SE NOTIFICA que los votantes que cumplan con los requisitos para votar mediante boleta electoral por ausencia o boleta electoral anticipada /por correo pueden solicitar y recibir una boleta electoral por ausencia o una boleta electoral anticipada por correo a través de la secretaria del Distrito. La secretaria del Distrito deberá recibir la solicitud no antes de los treinta (30) días previos a la elección para la cual se solicita una boleta electoral por ausencia o una boleta electoral anticipada por correo. La secretaria del Distrito debe recibir las solicitudes de boleta electoral por ausencia y boleta electoral anticipada por correo completas por lo menos siete (7) días antes de la elección si la boleta electoral debe enviarse al votante por correo, o hasta el día antes de la elección si la boleta electoral debe entregarse al votante o a la persona designada por este en persona. Al recibir una solicitud oportuna para enviar por correo una boleta electoral por ausencia o una boleta electoral anticipada por correo, la secretaria del Distrito enviará por correo dicha boleta a la dirección indicada en la solicitud a más tardar seis (6) días antes de la votación. La secretaria del Distrito debe recibir las boletas electorales por ausencia y las boletas electorales anticipadas

por correo antes de las 5:00 p. m. del día martes 21 de mayo de 2024.

Durante los cinco (5) días anteriores al día de la elección, excepto los domingos, en la oficina de la secretaria del Distrito se encontrará a disposición una lista de todas las personas a quienes se les hayan emitido boletas electorales por ausencia y boletas electorales anticipadas por correo.

TAMBIÉN SE NOTIFICA que los votantes militares que no estén registrados actualmente pueden solicitar su inscripción como votantes calificados del distrito escolar. Los votantes militares que sean votantes calificados del Distrito Escolar podrán enviar una solicitud de boleta electoral militar. Estos votantes pueden indicar su preferencia de recibir un registro de votante militar, una solicitud de boleta electoral militar o una boleta electoral militar por correo postal, fax o correo electrónico en su pedido del registro, de la solicitud de boleta electoral o la boleta electoral. Los formularios de registro de votantes militares y los formularios de solicitud de boleta electoral militar se deben recibir en la oficina de la secretaria del Distrito antes de las 5:00 p. m. del 25 de abril de 2024.

Las boletas electorales militares no serán escrutadas, a menos que (1) la oficina de la secretaria del Distrito las reciba antes del cierre de la votación el día de la elección y tengan una marca de cancelación del servicio postal de los Estados Unidos o del servicio postal de un país extranjero, o un endoso fechado de recepción por parte de otro organismo del Gobierno de los Estados Unidos, o bien (2) la oficina de la secretaria del Distrito las reciba antes de las 5:00 p. m. del día de la elección, y estén firmadas y fechadas por el votante militar y un testigo de ello, con una fecha asociada que no sea posterior al día previo a la elección.

TAMBIÉN SE NOTIFICA que cualquier votante calificado del Distrito podrá obtener una copia de las declaraciones de la cantidad de dinero que será requerido para fines escolares para el año siguiente, a excepción de los fondos públicos, durante los catorce (14) días inmediatamente anteriores a la reunión anual, excepto los sábados, domingos o feriados, en la oficina central del Distrito ubicada en 1057 Merrick Avenue, de 9:00 a. m. a 3:30 p. m., y en cualquiera de las sedes escolares del Distrito, es decir: las escuelas Camp Avenue, Harold D. Fayette y Old Mill Road, la biblioteca pública de North Merrick, el sitio

MERRICK HERALD — April 25, 2024

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE FOR RMAC REMIC TRUST, SERIES 2009-9, Plaintiff, vs. CLAUDIO JOVELL, ET AL., Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on October 25, 2016, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on May 14, 2024 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 1720 Montague Avenue, 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 24 and Lot 120. Approximate amount of judgment is $633,799.60 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 003996/2014. Cash will not be accepted. This foreclosure sale will be held on the north side steps of the Courthouse, rain or shine. COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed at the foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the Court Appointed Referee will cancel the sale.

Jeffrey Halbreich, Esq., Referee Knuckles & Manfro, LLP, 120 White Plains Road, Suite 215, Tarrytown, New York 10591, Attorneys for Plaintiff 146094

16

Public Notices

April 25, 2024 — MERRICK HERALD

LMER2 425

web del Distrito y en la reunión anual.

TAMBIÉN SE NOTIFICA que el registro del Distrito Escolar se presentará en la oficina de la secretaria del Distrito, donde quedará abierto para la inspección de los votantes calificados del Distrito Escolar, de 9:00 a. m. a 3:00 p. m. durante los cinco días anteriores a la elección y el mismo día de la elección anual del distrito, excepto el domingo, y el sábado 18 de mayo de 2024 con cita previa.

TAMBIÉN SE NOTIFICA que la Junta de Registros del Distrito Escolar North Merrick Union Free School se reunirá durante el horario de votación el día 21 de mayo de 2024 en el lugar de votación con el fin de preparar un registro para elecciones o reuniones del Distrito que se realizarán después del 21 de mayo de 2024.

Dicho registro incluirá: (1) a todos los votantes calificados del Distrito Escolar Libre Unificado de North Merrick, que deberán presentarse personalmente para el registro; (2) a todos los votantes calificados registrados permanentemente en la Junta de Elecciones del condado de Nassau, y (3) a todos los votantes previamente calificados del Distrito que se hayan registrado previamente para cualquier elección o reunión anual o especial del Distrito y que hayan votado en alguno de estos eventos realizados o llevados a cabo en cualquier momento durante los cuatro años calendario (2018-2022) previos a la preparación del registro de votantes.

TAMBIÉN SE NOTIFICA que las peticiones para nominar candidatos para el cargo de miembro de la Junta de Educación deberán presentarse ante la secretaria del Distrito en su oficina, a más tardar el 22 de abril de 2024, de 9:00 a. m. a 5:00 p. m. Los puestos vacantes de la Junta de Educación no se consideran cargos específicos ni independientes; los candidatos se presentan en general. Las peticiones de nominación no deben describir ninguna vacante específica de la Junta para la cual se nomina al candidato, deben estar dirigidas a la secretaria del Distrito, deben estar firmadas por 25 votantes calificados del Distrito, deben indicar el nombre y la residencia de cada firmante y el nombre y la residencia del candidato.

TAMBIÉN SE NOTIFICA que, de acuerdo con una regla adoptada por la Junta de Educación en virtud de la Sección 2035 de la Ley de Educación, cualquier referéndum o propuesta para modificar el presupuesto, o que se presente por otra forma para su votación en dicha elección, debe realizarse

ante la secretaria del Distrito con el tiempo suficiente para permitir el aviso de la inclusión de la propuesta con el aviso de audiencia pública, votación de presupuesto y elección, si fuera necesaria su inclusión en dicho aviso, a más tardar el día 22 de marzo de 2024 a las 5:00 p. m., hora vigente, debe estar escrita o impresa en idioma inglés, debe estar dirigida a la secretaria del Distrito, debe estar firmada por al menos 75 votantes calificados del Distrito y debe indicar el nombre legible de cada firmante. Sin embargo, la Junta Escolar no considerará ninguna solicitud de presentar ante los votantes una propuesta cuyo propósito no esté dentro de sus facultades de decisión, que esté fuera de la ley o que no incluya una asignación específica cuando dicha propuesta requiera un gasto de dinero, o cuando exista alguna otra razón válida para excluir la propuesta de la boleta electoral.

TAMBIÉN SE NOTIFICA que esta Junta establecerá una reunión especial a partir de ese momento, dentro de las veinticuatro horas luego de la presentación ante la secretaria del Distrito de un informe escrito de los resultados del voto, con el fin de examinar y tabular dichos informes del resultado del voto y declarar su resultado; que, por el presente y de acuerdo con la Sección 2019-a, subdivisión 2b, de la Ley de Educación, la Junta se designa a sí misma como un grupo de presidentes de mesa para emitir y escrutar los votos durante dicha reunión especial de la Junta.

POR ORDEN DE LA JUNTA DE EDUCACIÓN, DISTRITO ESCOLAR NORTH MERRICK UNION FREE Pueblo de Hempstead, Merrick, Nueva York JOANNE LONG, SECRETARIA DEL DISTRITO 1057 Merrick Avenue, Merrick, Nueva York Merrick Herald Life: 4 de abril, 18 de abril, 2 de mayo y 16 de mayo Long Island Business News: 5 de abril, 19 de abril, 3 de mayo y 17 de mayo 146369 LEGAL NOTICE AMENDED NOTICE OF ANNUAL SCHOOL DISTRICT MEETING AND ELECTION NORTH MERRICK UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Budget Hearing of the North Merrick Union Free School District will be held at Harold D. Fayette School, 1057 Merrick Avenue, North Merrick, New York, on the 14th of May 2024, at 7:00 PM for the transaction of such

business as is authorized

by Education Law. NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that the annual budget vote and election of the North Merrick Union Free School District will be held at the North Merrick Library, 1691 Meadowbrook, Road, North Merrick, New York on Tuesday, May 21, 2024. At the afore-said election, qualified voters of the North Merrick Union Free School District and Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District shall vote for the following purposes: (A) vote upon the annual school budget for the year 2024-2025 and to authorize the levying of a tax upon the taxable property of the district for the foregoing purposes; (B) vote upon the following proposition seeking authorization to expend from a capital reserve fund which shall appear on the ballot in substantially the following form: “SHALL the Board of Education of the North Merrick Union Free School District be authorized to expend $105,000 from the Capital Reserve Fund established on May 19, 2015 for the purpose of performing the following project: partial roof replacement at Camp Avenue School, all of the foregoing to include all labor, materials, equipment, apparatus and incidental costs related thereto”; and (C) such other propositions as may properly come before the meeting.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that at the aforesaid election, qualified voters of the North Merrick Union Free School District shall also elect two (2) members of the Board of Education for a three-year term, commencing July 1, 2024 and expiring on June 30, 2027.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that voting will be on machines, and polls will be open between 6:30 AM and 9:00 PM on that day.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that pursuant to Section 495 of the Real Property Tax Law the School District is required to attach to its proposed budget an exemption report. Said exemption report, which will also become part of the final budget, will show how much of the total assessed value of the final assessment roll used in the budgetary process is exempt from taxation, list every type of exemption granted by statutory authority, and show the cumulative impact of each type of exemption, the cumulative amount expected to be received as payments in lieu of taxes, and the cumulative impact of all exemptions granted. The exemption report shall be posted on any bulletin board

maintained by the District for public notices and on any website maintained by the District.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN the Board of Education has designated Friday, April 19, 2024 between the hours of 8:00 AM and 3:30 PM and Wednesday, May 15, 2024, between the hours of 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM for the Board of Registration to meet to prepare the register of the School District at the Harold D. Fayette School, 1057 Merrick Avenue, Merrick, New York.

Residents may also register on school days between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM in the District Clerk’s office until five days before the District vote. Qualified residents of the North Merrick Union Free School District must register at this time if not previously registered, in order to be eligible to vote at the annual meeting and on the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District Budget and Propositions. Any person shall be entitled to have his/her name placed upon such register provided that he/she is known or proven to the satisfaction of the District Clerk or a member of the board of registration, to be then or thereafter entitled to vote at the annual district election for which such register is prepared. If a voter is registered and eligible to vote under Article 5 of the Election Law, he or she is also eligible to vote at this election without further registration.

NO PERSON will be entitled to vote at the annual budget meeting and election of the North Merrick Union Free School District and the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School Budget Vote whose name does not appear on either the Register of the North Merrick Union Free School District or the County registration lists provided by the County election officials.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that voters qualifying to vote by absentee o r early mail /ballot may apply and receive an absentee or early mail ballot from the District Clerk of the District. An application must be received by the District Clerk no earlier than thirty (30) days before the election for which an absentee or early mail ballot is sought.

Completed absentee and early mail ballot applications must be received by the District Clerk at least seven (7) days before the election if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter, or the day before the election, if the ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter or his/her designated agent.

Upon receiving a timely request for a mailed absentee or early mail

Courtesy Town of Hempstead

Adamovich named Hempstead Pathfinder Tatyana Adamovich of Bellmore was presented the Town of Hempstead Pathfinder Award by Town Supervisor Don Clavin, Town Councilman Chris Carini, Town Clerk Kate Murray and Receiver of Taxes Jeanine Driscoll.

Public Notices

ballot, the District Clerk will mail the ballot to the address set forth in the application by no later than six (6) days before the vote. Absentee and early mail ballots must be received by the District Clerk not later than 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 21, 2024. A list of all persons to whom absentee and early mail ballots shall have been issued, will be available in the Office of the District Clerk on each of the five (5) days prior to the day of the election except Sundays.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that military voters who are not currently registered may apply to register as a qualified voter of the school district. Military voters who are qualified voters of the school district may submit an application for a military ballot. Military voters may designate a preference to receive a military voter registration, military ballot application or military ballot by mail, facsimile transmission or electronic mail in their request for such registration, ballot application or ballot.

Military voter registration forms and military ballot application forms must be received in the Office of the District Clerk no later than 5:00 p.m. on April 25, 2024. No military ballot will be canvassed unless it is (1) received in the Office of the District Clerk before the close of the polls on election day and showing a cancellation mark of the United States postal service or a foreign country’s postal service, or showing a dated endorsement of receipt by another agency of the United States government; or (2) received by the Office of the District Clerk by no later than 5:00 p.m. on election day and signed and dated by the military voter and one witness

thereto, with a date which is associated to be not later than the day before the election.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that a copy of the statements of the amount of money which will be required for the ensuing year for school purpose, exclusive of public monies, may be obtained by any qualified voter of the District during the fourteen (14) days immediately preceding the Annual Meeting except Saturday, Sunday, or holidays, between the hours of 9:00 AM and 3:30 PM at the District’s central office located at 1057 Merrick Avenue, and at each of the school houses in said District, to wit: Camp Avenue, Harold D. Fayette, and Old Mill Road Schools, at the North Merrick Public Library, on the District’s website, and at the Annual Meeting.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that the register of the school district shall be filed in the Office of the District Clerk where it shall be open for inspection by any qualified voter of the School District, between the hours of 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM on each of the five days prior to and the day of the Annual District Election, except Sunday, and on Saturday, May 18, 2024 by appointment.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that the Board of Registration of the North Merrick Union Free School District will meet during the hours of voting on May 21, 2024, at the polling place for the purpose of preparing a register for District meetings or elections to be held subsequent to May 21, 2024. Said register shall include: (1) all qualified voters of the Union Free School District, who shall present themselves personally for registration; and (2) all qualified voters

permanently registered with the Nassau County Board of Elections; and (3) all previously qualified voters of the District who shall have been previously registered for any annual or special District meeting or election and who shall have voted at any annual or special District meeting or election held or conducted at any time within the four calendar years (2018-2022) prior to preparation of the registration of voters.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that petitions nominating candidates for the office of member of the Board of Education shall be filed with the District Clerk at the Office of the Clerk between the hours of 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM on or before April 22, 2024. Vacancies on the Board of Education are not considered separate, specific offices; candidates run at large.

Nominating petitions shall not describe any specific vacancy upon the Board for which the candidate is nominated; must be directed to the Clerk of the District; must be signed by 25 qualified voters of the District; must state the name and residence of each signer, and the name and residence of the candidate.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that pursuant to a rule adopted by the Board of Education in accordance with §2035 of the Education Law, any referenda or propositions to amend the budget, or otherwise to be submitted for voting at said election, must be filed with the District Clerk in sufficient time to permit notice of the proposition to be included with the Notice of the Public Hearing, Budget Vote and Election, if required to be included in said notice, or on or before March 22, 2024, at

5:00 p.m.; prevailing time; must be typed or printed in the English language; must be directed to the District Clerk; must be signed by at least 75 qualified voters of the District; and must legibly state the name of each signer.

However, the School Board will not entertain any petition to place before the voters any proposition the purpose of which is not within the powers of the voters to determine, which is unlawful or any proposition which fails to include a specific appropriation where the expenditure of monies is required by the proposition, or where other valid reason exists for excluding the proposition from the ballot.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that this Board shall convene a special meeting thereof within twenty-four hours after the filing with the District Clerk of a written report of the results of the ballot for the purpose of examining and tabulating said reports of the result of the ballot and declaring the result of the ballot; that the Board hereby designates itself to be a set of poll clerks to cast and canvass ballots pursuant to Education Law §2019-a, subdivision 2b at said special meeting of the Board.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION NORTH MERRICK UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT Town of Hempstead, Merrick, New York JOANNE LONG, DISTRICT CLERK 1057 Merrick Avenue, Merrick, New York Merrick Herald Life: April 4, April 18, May 2, May 16 Long Island Business News: April 5, April 19, May 3, May 17 146367

17

H1 04/25

Employment

CLASSIFIED

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.

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

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.

Full Time Cleaner

Evenings Monday – Friday, 3:00–11:00 pm (Summer Hours 9:00am–5:00 pm)

$44,586

Summer Cleaners

6:30am – 3:00 pm Monday – Friday

JOBS, MERCHANDISE, REAL ESTATE & MORE...

JOBS, MERCHANDISE, REAL ESTATE & MORE...

JOBS, MERCHANDISE, NOW HIRING: REAL ESTATE & MORE...

JOBS, MERCHANDISE, REAL ESTATE & MORE...

JOBS, MERCHANDISE, It’s in the REAL ESTATE & MORE...

Herald Classifieds ...

JOBS, MERCHANDISE, To Advertise 516-569-4000 REALCall ESTATE & MORE... press 5 JOBS, MERCHANDISE, REAL ESTATE & MORE...

JOBS, MERCHANDISE, REAL ESTATE & MORE...

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

JOBS, MERCHANDISE, REAL ESTATE & MORE...

Helping find JOBS,you MERCHANDISE, REAL ESTATE & MORE... a HOME or sell a HOME … a place JOBS, MERCHANDISE, to call REAL ESTATE & MORE...

Be A Part Of A Growing Multi Media Company Based in Garden City

Minimum age to apply 16-17 (Must have Working Papers)

SALES/MULTI MEDIA CONSULTANTS – INSIDE & OUTSIDE* FT/PT

Send cover letter & resume to: hr@merrick.k12.ny.us

Salary Range $33,280 to $100,000 including Commissions & Bonuses

1253686

$16.00/Per Hour

In the email subject line please include the job title for which you are interested in applying. EOE

EMPLOYMENT Help Wanted

GOODYEAR AUTO CENTER

AUTO MECHANIC (F/T or P/T) $2000.00 HIRING BONUS Starting Salary $75,000 Experience in General Repairs Long Beach And Queens

DRIVERS WANTED

Full Time and Part Time Positions Available!

Busy Print Shop in Garden City is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers.

Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience.

Hours Vary, Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $21 per hour Night Availability is a Must.

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

DRIVING INSTRUCTOR

Company Car/ Bonuses. Clean Driving Record Required, Will Train. Retirees Welcome! $20 - $25/ Hour Bell Auto School 516-365-5778

Email: info@bellautoschool.com

DRIVING INSTRUCTORS WANTED Will Certify And Train HS Diploma

NYS License Clean 3 Years $20 - $25/ Hour

Call 516-731-3000

EDITOR/REPORTER

Part Time & Full Time. The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business.

H i s t o r i c a l l y, r e p o r t e r s w h o h ave launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to mhinman@liherald.com

Call (516) 661-8471

Send Resume: yonab@autofix.com

MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City.

We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required.

Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges fromo $16 per hour to $20 per hour.

Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com

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

REPORTER/EDITOR FT/PT (Salary Range $20,000 to $45,000)

MAILROOM/WAREHOUSE HELP FT/PT (Salary Range $16 per hour to $17 per hour)

PRINTING PRESS OPERATORS FT/PT

(Salary Range $20 per hour to $30 per hour)

Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships.

Earning potential ranges from $33,280 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses.

Compensation is based on Full Time hours Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off. Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250

DRIVERS FT/PT (Salary Range $17 per hour to $21 per hour)

Email Your Resumes to Careers@liherald.com or Call

ext 200

*Outside Sales must have car

PRINTING PRESS OPERATORS FT & PT. Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for Printing Press Operators in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop.

Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges from $20 per hour to $30 per hour.

Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com

Eldercare Needed

SENIOR LADY WANTS Other Senior For Doctor's Visits, Shopping. Use Light Transport Chair. $14+/Hr. 516-354-6280

RECEPTIONIST/ P/T: SEASONAL, Warm, Friendly, Excellent People Skills, Office Work/ Customer Service, Beach Club. 516-239-2150

Health Care/Opportunities

WE HAVE THE HELP YOU NEED!!!

HHA's, LPN's, Nurse's Aides Childcare, Housekeeping Day Workers No Fee To Employers

OUTSIDE SALES

CIRCULATION ASSOCIATE FT/PT (Salary Range $16 per hour to $23 per hour)

1234932

MERRICK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT

MERRICK HERALD — April 25, 2024

HERALD

Serving The Community Over 20 Years

Evon's Services 516-505-5510

Situations Wanted ADMINISTRATOR AVAILABLE To Work For You FT/ PT Immediately. I'm Experienced. RVC Vicinity. Call 516-536-6994

Eldercare Offered SANTA CRUZ SERAG Caregivers Provide The Best Male/ Female Caregivers In America. Certified HHA's, Professional. Experts In Dementia, Alzheimers, Parkinsons Cases. Live-in/Out. Gertrude 347-444-0960

your own.

Suburb or country, house, condo, townhouse or apartment, our Classifieds can help you find a HOME that fits your style, your budget and Real Estate needs... it’s a MUST SEE!

Call us today!

Your Hometown Newspaper

To Place an Ad Call: 516-569-4000 • Press 5

H2 04/25

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

Long Beach

Beachside Beauty

C

ome see this beautiful open floor plan home, only one block from our pristine beaches. This beauty features 3 bedrooms, including a large master bedroom with ensuite and a custom walk-in closet. The first floor has a family room/den, two additional bedrooms with walk-in closets, a full bath, and laundry. There are sliders that extend out to the driveway and fenced in patio with outdoor shower, and garden with sprinkler. The garage is equipped with an Elfa shelving system. The kitchen has a Bosch stove & refrigerator and granite countertops. The home boasts a stone gas fireplace and sliders to a deck with gas barbeque connected to the house.

Additional amenities include an enclosed loft with full bath, hardwood floors and a whole house water filtration system.

Rhonda Healy CENTURY 21 Verdeschi & Walsh Realty 1025 W. Beech Street Long Beach 516-236-7269 rhondaghealy@gmail.com

A BETTER WAY TO BUY AND SELL REAL ESTATE! “Call A Realtor With Proven Experience!”

Rob Kolb Licensed Real Estate Salesperson Tripodi Shemtov Team

1254297

Douglas Elliman Real Estate

30 West Park Ave | Long Beach, NY 11561 Cell: 516-314-1728 • Office: 516-432-3400 Rob.Kolb@elliman.com • Elliman.com/RobKolb

Results that Move You

1240395

REAL ESTATE Apartments For Rent 1251569

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.

(516)860-6889/ (516)852-5135/ (516)582-9978

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!

“Leading Edge Award Winner” Robin Reiss

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

1251967

April 25, 2024 — MERRICK HERALD

18

ISLAND PARK: 1 BR, ground floor, all renovated, water/heat included. No Pets. $2200/ month. 516-316-6962

Commercial Prop./Rent EAST ROCKAWAY: 131 Main Street 2nd Floor Offices. 200-700 sq.ft. 24/7 access. Utilities included. Starting $575/ month. Retail Space 1500 sq.ft. $3,900/ month. OWNER 516-637-2182 F R E E P O RT A R E A : C O M M E R C I A L Parking Available. Sunrise Highway/Henry Street Vicinity. Property is Illuminated and Fenced in. Vans and Trailers Welcome. $ 3 0 0 / m o n t h . C a l l / Te x t B o b @ 516-779-1661

Cemetery Plots BETH DAVID CEMETERY: Elmont, NY. 3 Plots. Separate Or All Together. Graves 18, 25, and 32. Purchase Separate $5000; Purchase Together $14000.

Negotiable. Call 845-641-7316

Rent Your Apartment through the Herald and PrimeTime Classified section. Call us for our great *specials. 516-5694000, press 5 for Classified Dept. *(private party only)

Protecting a condo from flooding

Q. I want to buy an attached home, and the houses around the condos have been raised. Our community got a lot of water during a big flood, so I’m told, since I didn’t live there at the time.

I’m wondering, if I move into this condo, which I have to decide about right away, what can I do to protect it from flooding? It doesn’t look like the owners association wants to do anything. What can I do to this unit to be flood-proof?

A. The flooding you’re referring to could have been from any number of high tide and storm episodes, but I’m pretty sure you’re talking about Superstorm Sandy or Tropical Storm Irene. In both events, many of us witnessed the water levels and understood the impact of a high tide, and what high winds can produce. onte eeper There are things you can do, such as checking to see what level the building is, by going on the Federal Emergency Management Website, MSC. FEMA.gov. Look for the icon for flood maps and type in the building address. You’ll see a very detailed satellite image of the water lines that were recorded specifically at the crest of the highest water episode in recent years.

Look for your building. The streets should be labeled, but if not, look for identifiable shapes of buildings, street curves, main roads or even railroads to figure out the building location.

Next, look for the letters and numbers for the different colored areas. If your potential building is in the area marked with an X, this is a good sign. It means the particular outlined area was not subject to the flooding. If it has an ae and a number, such as 8, 9, etc., with the letters, that indicates that zone got flooded, and your floor is required to be at least 2 feet higher than that designation.

You find the level of the first floor and lowest floor by examining records at your local building department, if they have the updated record since around 2012, or you’ll need to get an elevation certificate made by hiring a land surveyor.

Since time is not on your side and a surveyor has to go to the site and take heights to determine what to put in an official elevation certificate, you are left to ask neighbors questions, or take the risk, or move on.

Nothing seems to move as fast as a real estate decision, and quite often I’m asked questions for which the answers are what neither buyer nor seller really wants to hear. Details are critical for one of the most important investments you’ll ever make, one that controls your financial life, so if you don’t have the time, decide on what risk to take. You could flood-proof all of the first floor walls, but how can anyone be certain the neighbor’s walls are also flood-proofed? Good luck!

Ask The Architect

M

L

© 2024 Monte Leeper Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.

19

H3 04/25

FRANCISCO’S TREE SERVICE

1253790

FREE ESTIMATES

1251323

MERRICK HERALD — April 25, 2024

& lANdSCApINg • Tree Removal • Stumps • Fertilization • Planting • Land Clearing • Topping Lic# H206773000

Office: 516-546-4971 Cell: 516-852-5415

OWA_GotClutter_BW_Bold

CALL FOR YOUR Sunday, August 02, 2020 11:31:01 AM

ANNUAL TUNE UP

ELECTRICIAN

Your Safety Is Our Top Priority Now Offering Seasonal Tune Ups Starting At $199 with FREE Chimney Inspection.

Beato Fuel Serving Nassau And Suffolk Counties For Over 115 Years

For All Your Electrical Jobs"!

SINCE 1988 A + Rated Member BBB Lic./Ins. Free Est

10% OFF

w/ad (Not to exceed $200)

1253228

Exp. 7/15/24

www.beatofuel.com

$100 OFF

Service Upgrades Exp. 7/15/24

Ceiling Fans, Indoor/Outdoor Lighting Generators, Pools/Spas, Bath Exhaust Fans, Attic Fans, Service Upgrades & More!

general contracting

FIELACK ELECTRIC 516-932-7900 www.fielackelectric.com (24HD)

sPecIalIZING IN: expert leak repair

1254845

516-223-2951

CALL THE TROUBLESHOOTING EXPERTS!

GUARANTEED BEST PRICE BECAUSE WE CARE

1254653

Dormers & Extensions • Fire, Flood & Mold Remediation Bathrooms • Kitchens • Basements • Carpentry • Roofing Flat Shingle • Expert in Fixing Leaks • Attics • All Renovations Masonry • Stoops • Brickwork • Waterproofing • Painting Power Washing • Plumbing • Electric

call 516-428-5777

TREE

FREE

SERVICE

ESTIMATES

OWNER OPERATED

RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL

CERTIFIED ARBORIST ON STAFF

C.J.M. Contracting Inc.

TREE REMOVAL • LAND CLEARING • PRUNING STUMP GRINDING • ELEVATING • STORM PREVENTION 80 FT. BUCKET TRUCK

1251261

chris mullin Lic. H18C6020000 • LIAB. DISAB + W/C INS.

CALL OWNER DIRECT

CHRIS 516-216-2617 ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED Nass. Lic. # 185081

WWW.WECARETREESERVICE.COM

1253995 #1230413

small jobs welcome

CLEAR DRAINS, TUBS, TOILET & SINK SEWERS

Suff. Lic# HI65621

DON’T YOU DESERVE A BEAUTIFUL LAWN? For All your Landscaping Needs….

Organic Lawns • Weekly Maintenance NYS Pesticide License Applicator • Insect Control • Branch Removal Organic Fertilization/Lime Program Stump Grinding/Deep Root Feeding • Much More

OFFERING THE BEST PRICES FOR THE RIGHT JOB...

Serving Your Community for Over 25 Years ACE LANDSCAPING SERVICES, INC,

1253843

1253401�

1250282

516-791-6241 www.acelandscapingservices.com Lic/ins. Nassau County & NYC

PROFESSIONAL CHIMNEY SERVICE

10%OFF FOR NEW CUSTOMERS 855-244-6880 • 516-830-0166 Fully Licensed And Insured

www.alwaysaffordablechimney.com

TermiTe & insecT service

OIL BURNER SERVICE EXPERTS Servicing All of Nassau County MENTION THIS AD For all your oil burner repairs, AND RECEIVE 10% OFF installs, and cleaning.

SERVICE

Exp. 5/31/24

1251587

Robert O'Brien Oil Burner Service LLC 516-732-1160. Free Estimates.

BOBSBURNERS.COM Nassau License H2409300000

1249267

Offers Valid Valid Through Through12/23/23 6/8/24

alwaysaffchimney@aol.com

1254780 1239965

1250882

Always Affordable Chimney Inc.

20

HERALD

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

HERALD

Stuff

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

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

Home Improvement WIREMAN/CABLEMAN/HANDYMAN FLAT TVS mounted, Phone, TVs&Computer wiring installed & serviced, camera &stereos, HDTV – Antennas- FREE TV w w w. d a v e w i r e m a n . c o m C a l l D a v e 516-433-WIRE (9473) 631-667-WIRE (9473) or Text 516-353-1118

Miscellaneous

Free estimates...Best Price For High Quality service

ANNOUNCEMENTS Tag Sales ELMONT: CARRIAGE HOUSE. Saturday, 4/27/24 10am- 2pm. 1601 Johnson Avenue, Unit 23. Everything Must Go!

Garage Sales MERRICK: 2303 MARGARET BLVD. 4/27, 10AM-3PM. No Early Birds! Rain/ Shine. Crystal, Kitchen, Holiday, Toys, Furniture...

Announcements SAVE ON YOUR TRAVEL PLANS! Up to 75% More than 500 AIRLINES and 300,000 HOTELS across the world. Let us do the research for you for FREE! Call: 877 988 7277

MERCHANDISE MART Antiques/Collectibles We Buy Antiques, Fine Art, Coins & Jewelry Same Day Service, Free In-Home Evaluations, 45 Year Family Business. Licensed and Bonded, Immediate Cash Paid.

SYL-LEE ANTIQUES www.syl-leeantiques.com 516-671-6464

WE GET YOUR SEWER AND DRAINS FLOWING AGAIN

$69 $49

Sewer Drains

www.unclogitnow.com

JVR Plumbing & Heating - Nassau Master Plumber lic # 2520 Suffolk # 2111 /Ins

$99

new Hi-Tech Jetting customers only

CALL NOW 888-777-9709

GET BOOST INFINITE! Unlimited Talk, Text and Data For Just $25/mo! The Power Of 3 5G Networks, One Low Price! Call Today and Get The Latest iPhone Every Year On Us! 844-329-9391

Plumbing PLUMBER! PLUMBER! PLUMBER! FREE ESTIMATES! Heating, Repairs, Installations. $25 OFF New Customers.

24 Hour Emergency Response.

516-599-1011.

Wanted To Buy

Finds Under $100

Power Washing

FREON WANTED: Certified buyer looking for R11, R12, R22 & more! Call Clarissa at 312-535-8384

G UA R D I A N BAT H T U B T R A N S F E R Bench: Brand New, Fully Assembled. $45 516-826-3727

POWERWASHING ALL SURFACES: H o u s e s , Fe n c e s , C o n c r e t e / B r i ck , Decks/Sealing. . ANTHONY & J HOME IMPROVEMENT, INC. 516-678-6641

FINDS UNDER $100

RADIAL TIRE R255/65R16 In New Condition. $20 Firm! 516-486-7941

Finds Under $100

SHARP AQUOS 37" LED TV, Model LC-37D43U, 2 remotes, Operator's manual, Excellent. $90.00 516-343-4010

BISELL ELECTRIC CARPET Shampoo Machine with Cleaning Supplies. Like New. $85. 516-486-7941

SERVICES

FORD MUSTANG 5 slot 14" hubcaps with center hub. Model C6ZZ130A. $75.00 for all. 516-859-5099

HErald

Crossword Puzzle

Brick/Block/Concrete/Masonry

*MICHAEL LO BAIDO CONSTRUCTION*

Cement Specialist, Brickwork, Interlock Bricks, Belgium Blocks, Stoops, Patios, Driveways, Sidewalks, Basement Entrances, Pavers, Waterproofing. Quality Work, Lic./ Ins. Owner Always Onsite Free Estimates 516-354-5578

Cable/TV/Wiring Get DISH Satellite TV + Internet! Free Install, Free HD-DVR Upgrade, 80,000 OnDemand Movies, Plus Limited Time Up To $ 6 0 0 I n G i f t C a r d s . C a l l To d a y !

1-866-782-4069

Electricians E-Z ELECTRIC SERVICES, INC. All Types Residential/Commercial Wiring, Generators, Telephone/Data, Home Entertainment, Service Upgrades, Pools, Spas.

Services/Repairs. Violations Removed.

Free Estimates Low Rates.

516-785-0646 Lic/Ins.

Exterminating PEST CONTROL: PROTECT YOUR HOME from pests safely and affordably.

Roaches, Bed Bugs, Rodent, Termite, Spiders and other pests. Locally owned and affordable. Call for service or an inspection today! 1-866-448-8311 Have zip code of property ready when calling!

Handyman HANDYMAN Repairs and Installations for the Household. Careful and Reliable and Vaccinated.

Licensed and Insured. 30-Year Nassau County Resident. Friendly Frank Phone/Text 516-238-2112 E-mail-Frankcav@optonline.net

Home Improvement BEAUTIFUL BATH UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Superior quality bath and shower systems at AFFORDABLE PRICES! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Call Now! 1-855-399-2076

Health & Fitness ATTENTION OXYGEN THERAPY USERS! Discover Oxygen Therapy That Moves with You with Inogen Portable Oxygen Concentrators. FREE information kit.

Call 1-855-399-2719 Attention: VIAGRA and CIALIS USERS! A cheaper alternative to high drugstore prices! 50 Pill Special - Only $99! 100% guaranteed. CALL NOW: 1-855-399-2582 HEARING AIDS!! HIGH-QUALITY rechargeable, powerful Audien hearing aids priced 90% less than competitors. Tiny and NEARLY INVISIBLE! 45-day money back guarantee! 855-819-7060

Legal Services

Sprinkler Syst./Irrig.Wells

INJURED IN AN ACCIDENT? Don't Accept the insurance company's first offer.

Many injured parties are entitled to major cash settlements. Get a free evaluation to see what your case is really worth. 100% Free Evaluation. Call Now: 1-888-454-4717. Be ready with your zip code to connect with the closest provider

Telecommunications AFFORDABLE TV & INTERNET. If you are overpaying for your service, call now for a free quote and see how much you can save! 1-855-399-2803

AUTOMOBILE & MARINE

• System Turn-Ons

• Installations/Renovations Service • Repairs Certified Backflow Tester Free Estimates Licensed and Insured

Joe Barbato 516-826-7700

1251269

Residential and Commercial - All Surfaces Call Anthony Romeo “The Local Guy” “Anthony & J Home Improvement, Inc.” Also specializes in ★ Deck Renovation ★ Driveways ★ Siding ★ Masonry ★ Fences ★ Roofing ★ Interior/Exterior Painting.

(516) 678-6641 - Licensed & Insured

1253365

*Power washing sPecialist*

1252201

April 25, 2024 — MERRICK HERALD

Market Place •

H4 04/25

Tree Services FRANCISCO'S TREE SERVICE

AND LANDSCAPING: Tree Removal, Stumps, Fertilization, Planting, Land Clearing, Topping. Free Estimates. Lic# H206773000. Office 516-546-4971, Cell 516-852-5415

Satellite/TV Equipment DIRECTV SPORTS PACK – 3 Months on Us! Watch pro and college sports LIVE. Plus over 40 regional and specialty networks included. NFL, College Football, MLB, NBA, NHL, Golf and more. Some res t r i c t i o n s a p p l y. C a l l D I R E C T V 1-888-534-6918

Autos For Sale FORD BOXTRUCK 1989: White, Diesel Motor, 13.900 Original Miles, Sold As Is. Best Offer Will Be Accepted. If Interested Call The West Hempstead Water District.

516-483-1180., LINCOLN CONTINENTAL MARK 4, 1974. All Black, 80K Miles. Best Offer. Call 516-242-3635

Autos Wanted ***AAA*** AUTO BUYERS $Highest$ Ca$h Paid$. All Years/ Conditions! WE VISIT YOU! Or Donate, Tax Deduct + Ca$h. DMV ID#1303199. Call LUKE 516-VAN-CARS. 516-297-2277

Junk Cars Wanted

HIGHEST CA$H PAID All Cars Bought 24/7 FREE Pickup

Serving Nassau County 41 Years No Title, No Keys=No Problem ID Required. CALL US LAST!

Call us at 516-766-0000

Answers to todAy’s puzzle

21

opinions

any Nassau County residents have their roots in Queens or Brooklyn, having made the decision to migrate from crowded city neighborhoods to leafy, bucolic suburbia. My own experience is probably typical of many. Born in Manhattan, raised in Queens, I attended high school and college in Brooklyn, and moved to Seaford over 50 years ago, where Rosemary raised our family and where we still live.

While all has gone well over the years and I pETER have no regrets about making the KinG move, I do have lasting memories of the friendships I made and the values I learned from those city streets and neighborhoods. There’s a group of eight or nine guys from my high school days in Brooklyn that I still get together with regularly at the ValBrook Diner in Valley Stream.

My high school was Brooklyn Prep, near where Ebbets Field used to be and

W

within walking distance of St. John’s Place, where my father grew up, and where my grandparents were still living during those years. I spent a lot of time hanging out with Tom Dewey, who was in my high school class and lived across the street from my grandparents. Dewey and his neighborhood group all shared his trait of never having a good word to say to or about anyone.

Tom, who would eventually move to Valley Stream, had a successful career as a teacher and track coach, and was actually elected to Fordham’s Hall of Fame, without ever breaking his vow of surliness.

Last week, Tom and I, along with his cousin Allen Ryan and Charlie Norton, decided to spend a day in the old neighborhood. (Ryan, now in Hicksville, had lived in the same apartment house as Dewey; Norton a few blocks away.) Ryan and Norton had distinguished careers with the NYPD, and Ryan was on the crime scene unit the night mob boss Paul Castellano was rubbed out.

Joining us on this visit to the past was Melissa Zimmerman, a retired Nassau detective, who was on my secu-

V

rity detail when I was in Congress, and for some reason found it interesting to listen to the endless banter and mindless conversations she would hear whenever our group got together.

Among our stops was Tom’s a famed luncheonette on Washington Avenue that has been around for almost 90 years and, as Zimmerman pointed out, still typifies neighborhood cuisine and personality. Then there was a walk up and down both sides of St. John’s Place, as we looked at the classically structured apartment houses still standing strong more than 100 years after their construction. This neighborhood and block went through several decades of rough times, but beginning in the 1990s had come back stronger than ever. (Listening to Dewey and Ryan reminisce, so too were their memories of St. John’s Place coming back.)

Then we went over to the local public school where we had played stickball, and then drove to Carroll Street to see what was once Brooklyn Prep and is now Medgar Evers College. Dewey and I pointed to the third floor window from which we could see Ebbets Field

isiting, among other childhood haunts, the school where we played stickball.

before that historic structure was torn down after our beloved Dodgers abandoned Brooklyn for the vacuous environs of Los Angeles.

We finished our memory tour at Farrell’s Bar in nearby Park Slope/Windsor Terrace, where we had a few beers (but not Zimmerman, who was driving) and enjoyed the company of the midafternoon customers. Farrell’s is a famed neighborhood gathering place being featured in a soon-to-be-released film documentary. It hasn’t changed even the slightest over the years.

This trip back to Brooklyn, and being with Tom, Allen and Charlie, was more than just nostalgic. It was a reminder of the days of neighborhood beliefs, of learning that life isn’t fair, that the world doesn’t owe anyone a living and that not everyone will get a trophy. What matters is not hugging one another or looking for praise or compliments, but being loyal and standing by friends no matter what — and being a proud patriot, loving America, respecting the police and military.

It was a great day. Thanks for the memories.

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

It’s easy to tell this Kennedy from the others

e are six months away from Election Day. Despite the media efforts to stir up public interest in a former president and the current president, the public isn’t ready to get serious.

November is a long time from now, and there will be many distractions ahead before the polls become accurate and the voters give the candidates real consideration.

There are three announced third-party candidates, but only Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is a serious contender, who at JERRY best is running as KREMER a spoiler.

I have been a student of Kennedy family history for many years. I had the good fortune to campaign for re-election to the State Assembly in 1968 with Sen. Robert F. Kennedy. He was a brilliant public servant with an illustrious record. He sat side by side with his older brother, President John F. Kennedy, during the Cuban missile crisis, and he helped the late president navigate historic legislation through Congress.

Robert Kennedy Jr. has never served

a day of his life in a serious government position and brings no relevant experience to his campaign. He claims that he has been exposed to the family’s various challenges, but that doesn’t constitute real on-the-job training. I am close to my son-in-law, who is a urological surgeon, but I don’t think that qualifies me to operate on any of our readers.

Kennedy is well known for his attacks on the use of vaccines on children.

He is entitled to his First Amendment rights, but long before his rhetoric about the dangers of the Covid jab, he was asserting that drugs such as ivermectin, which is used to treat parasites, and the anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine were good treatment for children with the coronavirus. These two drugs were also being pushed by the Trump administration, with no proof of their effectiveness.

Kennedy has frequently used the word “holocaust” in remarks about vaccines, which has attracted severe criticism. He has even invoked Anne Frank as an example of a vaccine victim, which has drawn sharp criticism even from his wife, actress Cheryl Hines.

Kennedy was forced to apologize for his

R

reference to this tragic character in history, but it hasn’t stopped him from making wild claims on a variety of subjects.

In a recent CNN interview, Kennedy claimed he had the support of “some of my siblings,” but he didn’t name any of them. Last October, Kennedy’s sisters Rory and Kerry Kennedy Townsend and his brother Joseph P. Kennedy II criticized his candidacy, stating that his decision to run as a third party candidate was “dangerous to our country.”

They added, “Bobby might share the same name as our father, but he does not have the same values, vision or judgment. We denounce his candidacy as perilous to our country.”

The friction between the Kennedy family and Robert is nothing new. In 2021, Sirhan Sirhan, who was convicted of killing Kennedy’s father in 1968, was up for parole in California. Kennedy published an op-ed in the San Francisco Chronicle claiming that Sirhan was innocent of his father’s murder and should be set free from jail. Kennedy’s mother, Ethel, attacked his statement, saying, “Our family and our country suffered an unspeakable loss due to the inhumanity of one man. We believe in

FK Jr. has frequently used the word ‘holocaust’ in remarks about vaccines.

the gentleness that spared his life, but in taming his act of violence, he should not have the opportunity to terrorize again.”

The real question behind Kennedy’s candidacy is how independent he really is. He told CNN that President Biden is “the greatest threat to democracy,” words often used by Democrats to describe former President Donald Trump’s candidacy. A key Kennedy staffer stated two weeks ago that “Bobby is running to stop President Biden.” Kennedy’s biggest contributor is Timothy Mellon, who happens to be Trump’s biggest donor.

It’s hard not to be cynical about Kennedy’s candidacy, especially because all he brings to the table is his father’s name. Before he chose attorney Nicole Shanahan as his running mate, he was considering New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Time will tell whether Kennedy was put up by Trump donors as a way to help him defeat Biden. We won’t know the true answers to the Kennedy campaign mystery until all the votes are counted.

Jerry Kremer was an Assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years.

He now heads Empire Government Strategies, a business development and legislative strategy firm. Comments about this column? jkremer@liherald.com.

MERRICK HERALD — April 25, 2024

M

A memory-filled trip back in time

22

HeraLd editoriaL

Merrick

April 25, 2024 — MERRICK HERALD

HERALD and Merrick Herald News Established 1994

Incorporating Merrick Life Merrick Beacon 1950-2020

Jordan Vallone Senior Editor Joseph d’alessandro Reporter robert Cummings Multi Media Marketing Consultant lisa malkin Multi Media Marketing Consultant offiCe 2 Endo Boulevard Garden City, NY 11530 Phone: (516) 569-4000 Fax: (516) 569-4942 Web: www.liherald.com E-mail: merrickeditor@liherald.com Copyright © 2024 Richner Communications, Inc.

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

Cliff Richner Publisher, 1982-2018 Robert Richner Edith Richner Publishers, 1964-1987 ■ stuart riChner Publisher ■ Jim rotChe General Manager ■ miChael hinman

Executive Editor Jeffrey bessen

Deputy Editor Jim harmon

Copy Editor karen bloom Features/Special Sections Editor tony bellissimo Sports Editor tim baker Photo Editor ■ rhonda gliCkman Vice President - Sales amy amato Executive Director of Corporate Relations and Events lori berger Sales Director ellen reynolds Classified / Inside Sales Director ■

Jeffrey negrin Creative Director Craig White Art Director Craig Cardone Production Coordinator ■

dianne ramdass Circulation Director ■ herald Community neWspapers Baldwin Herald Bellmore Herald East Meadow Herald Franklin Square/Elmont Herald Freeport Herald Glen Cove Herald Hempstead Beacon Long Beach Herald Lynbrook/East Rockaway Herald Malverne/West Hempstead Herald Merrick Herald Nassau Herald Oceanside/Island Park Herald Oyster Bay Herald Rockaway Journal Rockville Centre Herald Sea Cliff/Glen Head Herald Seaford Herald South Shore Record Uniondale Herald Beacon Valley Stream Herald Wantagh Herald

member:

Americas Newspapers Local Media Association New York Press Association Merrick Chamber of Commerce

Published by richner Communications, inc.

2 Endo Blvd. Garden City, NY 11530 LIHerald.com (516) 569-4000

Your voice counts in school budget decisions

t

uesday, May 21 is an important day — not just for our local school districts, which are busy putting together their budgets for the upcoming academic year, but for the future of our communities as well.

That’s the day when we head to voting booths and cast ballots not only to express our opinions on how our districts are spending money, but also on the school board trustees who will manage it.

It’s a valuable opportunity to have your voice heard, because our local schools are just that — local and ours.

Unlike any other government spending plans, school budgets aren’t final until the people tasked to fund them decide they’re final with their votes.

Some may think voting isn’t necessary anymore because the property tax cap limits increases, and no local district wants to exceed its cap. But our voices are always necessary, because the budget isn’t just about how much money is raised for our schools, but how that money is spent. What programs will remain, what will go, and what new ones might begin — all of those decisions are in the hands of every one of us.

The May 21 vote isn’t just about spending, either. There are contested

school board races in many districts.

The people who win will make decisions that affect the entire community. The people who are elected will be the ones who keep the “local” in local decisionmaking.

But there’s one vital caveat: understanding what you’re voting on when you cast your ballot.

If you’re concerned about how much money your district plans to spend, find out what’s in the budget before you vote. you can typically find that information on the district’s website, or through the reporting here in the Herald.

However you vote, understand that your decision has an impact. We, as a collective society, should have a say in which direction our society takes, and that largely begins in schools.

In Rockville Centre, for example, annual school taxes are expected to jump $260 — a little over $20 per month.

But those funds will be used to improve the district’s facilities, enhance cybersecurity, and create new classes in coding and robotics. The spending plan also avoids layoffs, introduces new sports teams, and appoints a new security director.

In Glen Cove, the district’s budget is focused on safety, intended to help parents send their children to school with-

out worry. At the middle school, the public address system will be repaired for $1 million, as will the fire systems and clocks. And the spending plan will allow the district to hire more teachers, so students at the middle school can take more arts and language programs.

If a majority of voters reject a budget, the district must either hold a second vote — offering the same spending plan or a revised one — or adopt what is called a “contingency budget.” It’s also described as an “austerity budget,” and the tax levy issued with this spending plan can’t be larger than the previous year’s levy. The portion of the budget that is devoted to administrative costs cannot increase from the lower of either the previous year’s budget or the justdefeated budget. On top of that, any non-contingent expenditures must be removed from a contingency budget.

Whether you vote “yes” or “no” on school spending plans, it’s important to understand the implications. As the voting day nears, make sure you know where to go to cast your ballot. Contact your school district or visit its website.

School district elections and the budget referenda are extraordinarily important. It’s your money. Take your responsibility seriously, and be an informed voter.

Letters There D’Esposito goes again To the Editor: Re U.S. Rep. Anthony D’Esposito’s op-ed, “Migrants get more government support than veterans,” last week: His party is in the majority, and he is a valuable and loyal member of his caucus. Unable to deliver a meaningful benefit to the voters of his district — our promised deduction for state and local taxes — D’Esposito decides to attack the Democrats for their migrant policies.

The Senate passed a bipartisan immigration bill, but the Republicans wouldn’t even bring it to the floor in the House. They spent their time impeaching Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, and what happened when that got to the Senate? We have serious problems with our current immigration system. We expect our elected representatives to work together to find an equitable solution, not to write misleading and incendiary articles to divert attention from their inability to pass any meaningful legislation that will actually benefit the voters in their districts.

In D’Esposito’s analysis, he described the assistance available to immigrants as greater than the assistance given to our disabled veterans. The problem isn’t that we’re giving immigrants too much; the problem is that we’re giving veterans too little. D’Esposito should stop trying to divert attention from his inability to pass legislation that will benefit the voters in his district and actually do something — anything.

DEnnIS BRADy Rockville Centre

Happy 190th anniversary, Long Island Rail Road To the Editor: Let’s all wish the Long Island Rail Road a happy 190th anniversary. On

April 24, 1834, the railroad was officially chartered by the state of new york.

In 1900, the Pennsylvania Railroad bought a controlling interest, as part of its plan for direct access to Manhattan, which began on Sept. 8, 1910. The Pennsylvania Railroad subsidized the LIRR into the late 1940s. This provided the finances for expansion and upgrades to

23

opinions

s we mark another Medicaid Awareness Month this April, we must reflect on the profound impact this program has had on the lives of millions of Americans. Signed into law in 1965 by President Lyndon B. Johnson, Medicaid has transformed access to health care for lowincome, disabled and elderly Americans.

Building on this progress, New York has long been a national leader in joseph offering compresackman hensive health coverage to its residents, including roughly 7.5 million — more than a third of the state’s total population — in the Medicaid program. On Long Island alone, more than 765,000 people are enrolled.

While Medicaid provides financial security and access to health care to

more New Yorkers than ever before, Republicans in Congress, including Rep. Anthony D’Esposito, are threatening Medicaid by pushing for devastating cuts to key federal programs.

Earlier in his tenure, D’Esposito claimed to support fully funding critical lifeline programs like Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. He has gone back on this promise time and time again, however, including supporting a provision that would slash nearly all government funding by 30 percent.

Long Island families are already grappling with financial hardships, including difficulties affording mortgages, utilities and groceries. Cutting funding to critical safety-net programs like Medicaid would directly harm hardworking families who are just trying to find health care for their loved ones and make ends meet.

The consequences of cutting Medicaid funding would be disastrous, espe-

t

he program decreases the uninsured rate and reduces the cost of uncovered care.

Letters service and infrastructure.

At the end of World War II, the LIRR began to decline, and there was a corresponding loss of revenue. The Pennsylvania Railroad began to reduce its financial support as well. The LIRR went into receivership in 1949, but in recognition of the role it played in the economy of Long Island and New York City, the state began providing financial assistance in the 1950s.

The “Line of the Dashing Dan” was officially chartered as the Metropolitan Commuter Transportation Authority on April 24, 1965, by the state. Up to that point, the LIRR had derived almost 100 percent of its funding for both capital and operating expenses from fares. The MCTA was created to purchase and operate the bankrupt LIRR. In 1966, the state bought the railroad’s controlling stock from the Pennsylvania Rail Road and put it under the MCTA. The MCTA changed its name to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority in 1968, when it took over operations of the New York City Transit Authority.

With MTA subsidies, the LIRR modernized further and grew into the busiest commuter railroad in the United States. Over the past 50 years, several billion dollars in combined county, city, state and federal taxpayer-generated dollars have subsidized its capital and operating costs.

Riders must remember that fare hikes are required periodically if the MTA is to provide the services millions of New Yorkers use daily. They are inevitable due to inflation, along with increasing costs of labor, power, fuel, supplies, materials, routine safety, state

cially for children. The program covers more than 38 million children, and pays for 41 percent of all births nationwide.

Additionally, 60 percent of children with disabilities receive their coverage from Medicaid.

The program also plays an important role in addressing the opioid epidemic, one of the most urgent public health crises facing Long Island. Thousands of Island residents have died of overdoses since the crisis began, and drug deaths hit a record 109,689 nationwide in 2022, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Long Islanders battling substance abuse disorders rely on Medicaid coverage for treatment and behavioral health services.

While President Biden and Democrats in Congress have championed reducing health care costs and improving access to care for the American people, Republicans like D’Esposito are actively working to roll back that prog-

of good repair, replacement of worn-out rolling stock, upgrades to stations, yards and shops, along with system expansion projects necessary to run any transit system.

In the end, quality and frequency of service depend on secure revenue streams. We all have to contribute — be it at the fare box or tax revenue redistributed back to the MTA. There ain’t no such thing as a free lunch — or in this case, a free ride.

ress.

Fully funding Medicaid is simply common sense: It has drastically decreased the uninsured rate, improved health outcomes and reduced the costs of uncompensated care. Having health insurance through Medicaid helps Americans stay healthy, go to work, care for their families and pay their bills.

The program helps our communities, hospitals, schools and economy thrive.

But D’Esposito’s voting record shows that time and again, he is in line with MAGA extremists who are pushing for Medicaid cuts, going against the best interests and well-being of our Long Island communities.

Rep. D’Esposito, I urge you to listen to your constituents, who are calling on you to fully fund these vital programs.

In the wealthiest nation on earth, no one should have to go into debt to cover the cost of their basic medical needs. If your MAGA Republican colleagues get their way, the most vulnerable New Yorkers will be left behind.

Joseph Sackman is the chief of staff of the Long Island Progressive Coalition.

Framework by Tim Baker

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

Pay attention at the wheel, and keep highway workers safe To the Editor: Last week was National Work Zone Awareness Week. Each year at the start of the highway construction season, the state Department of Transportation participates in this national campaign to remind motorists about the importance of driving safely and responsibly in and around work zones.

At NYSDOT, safety is our top priority.

We take every step possible to protect our highway workers by deploying the latest technology in crash attenuators, flashing yellow lights, signs, cones, bar-

Along the quiet side of Guy Lombardo Avenue — Freeport

rels, reflective gear, etc.

The biggest risk to our highway workers is the motorist. By paying attention to your driving, you are saving a life! Please do your part to help our highway workers return home safely to their families each night. Put down your cellphone, move over for flashing lights, and slow down. There is someone’s life behind those work zone traffic control

devices.

And for those who choose to ignore the rules of the road, be forewarned: NYSDOT is working with the police on targeted enforcement and deploying automated speed-enforcement cameras in our work zones.

RICH CAUSIN Long Island regional director, NYSDOT Hauppauge

MERRICK HERALD — April 25, 2024

a

D’Esposito must support fully funding Medicaid

Sponsorships & Journal Ads Still Available for May 13th Outing

Support Better Health Care on the South Shore Be a Part of Mount Sinai South Nassau’s Day of Golf Monday May 13, 2024

SHOTGUN START: 10 AM

HONORING

HONOREE

COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD

Partner, NGL Group L.L.C. Advisory Board Member, Mount Sinai South Nassau

Former FDNY Commissioner Rockville Centre Resident

Jeffrey Greenfield

Tom Von Essen

LIVE Auction Items!

(2) Super Bowl Tickets (2) Tickets to Billy Joel’s Last Concert at MSG Boca Golf Package Call 516-377-5360 to place an early bid.

Event Sponsor

Thank You to All Our Sponsors and Our Honorees Anthony Cancellieri, Golf Chairman

Eagle Sponsors • Terri & Steven Gold • Haugland Group • Orkin Termite & Pest Control Commercial Services • Steel Equities, Inc. Birdie Sponsors • Christine & Larry Ferazani • Flagstar Bank, N.A. • L.E.B. Electric Ltd. • NGL Group, LLC • Park Strategies, LLC • Sloane & Walsh • The Central Orthopedics Group, LLP Par Sponsors • Elayne & Jeffrey Frisch • Parking Systems Premier Sponsors • a4media • Aaronson Rappaport Feinstein & Deutsch, LLP • Caduceus • Celebrity Moving • Champion Cutting Tools • Cibellis Contracting, Inc. • Clyde Construction Engineering, Inc. • E.W. Howell • Harris Beach PLLC • Nancy Koopersmith • Lizardos Engineering Associates PC • Mount Sinai South Nassau Medical Staff • NSPC Brain & Spine Surgery • Wendy Ponte

• Richmond County Ambulance • ROCA Management • Ellen & George Schieren • SDM Metro • TD Bank • Tom Von Essen • Western Specialty Contractors Honors Sponsors • Aetna • AKF Group • Anron Air Systems, Inc. • Axis Construction • Diane & Dave Bonagura • Bert Brodsky • Consigli Construction Co. Inc. • Guardian Bus Co. • HiLume Corp.

• Illuminado Partners • JVR Electric, Inc. • Med-Metrix, LLC • Merrill Lynch Nastasi-Silver Group • Mount Sinai Heart at Mount Sinai South Nassau • Morgan Stanley Wealth Management • Premier Mechanical Services • Reese Bros, Inc. • Rivkin Radler, LLP • Robbins & Cowan, Inc. • Shaub Ahmuty Citrin & Spratt • The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company Champions Sponsors • AceJan Capital LLC • Beach Terrace & Oceanside Care Centers • CDW-G Healthcare

• C&G Cleaning Solutions • DOPF, PC • Gordon L. Seaman, Inc. • Group PMX, LLC • Jamaica Ash • Meadowbrook Care Center • P.W. Grosser Consulting • The PAR Group • The Grand Rehabilitation & Nursing at South Point • Unitex & Med Apparel

Golf Balls Underwriter • Axis Construction

Rockville Links Foursome Sponsors • Clinical Delivery Systems, Inc. • John & Laura Curran • Christine & Larry Ferazani • First Nationwide Title • K&S Restoration • Molloy University • POM Recoveries, Inc. • Senior Care Emergency Medical Services

Driving Range Underwriters • Concierge Choice Physicians, LLC • Joseph Fennessy • Garfunkel, Wild, P.C. • USI Consulting Group • The Dover Group • The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company

Golfer Gift Underwriters • Mount Sinai South Nassau Medical Staff • The Dover Group • Jeffrey Greenfield Golf Carts Underwriters • B2K Development • Long Beach Nursing & Rehabilitation • Parking Systems Photography Underwriter • Richner Communications, Inc.

Three Courses: The Seawane Club, The Rockaway Hunting Club, and The Rockville Links Club To buy tickets online or to donate, visit southnassaulifesaver.org or call 516 377-5360.

All proceeds to benefit Mount Sinai South Nassau and the special needs of our cancer patients.

Beverage Cart Underwriters • Balder Family • Lewis Johs Avallone Aviles, LLP • RMB Drafting Services & Electrical Inspectors • Rubin Paterniti Gonzalez Rizzo & Kaufman Caddies Underwriter • Parking Systems

Air Cannon Underwriter • Rapid Steel Supply Corp.

Hot Dog Cart Underwriter • Jeffrey Greenfield Pickleball Underwriter • Total Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Hole-In-One Sponsors • Crown Ford of Lynbrook • Mercedes-Benz of Rockville Centre Sponsors as of 4/18/24

GO L F

TO U

RNA

M E NT

1253851

April 25, 2024 — MERRICK HERALD

24