Merrick Herald 05-25-2023

Artists are among ‘L.I.’s best’

By JoRDAN VAlloNE jvallone@liherald.com

Three student artists at John F. Kennedy High School in Bellmore had their artwork chosen to be displayed at the Heckscher Museum’s Long Island’s Best exhibition, held annually in Huntington.

Danielle Berkowitz, Dylan Friedman and Minami Rodger all created artwork inspired by a different piece of art they had viewed in the museum, Cheryl Fontana, the district’s director of fine & performing arts, explained in a release to the Herald.

Josh Gilmore, a student from Wellington C. Mepham High School in Bellmore, also had a piece selected for the display.

Long Island’s Best: Young Artists at The Heckscher Museum is the only judged exhibition on Long Island that accepts high school art submissions. Some 91 pieces were selected this year from over 500 submissions.

The show opened in April and will close on June 4. The entire exhibition is available online at Heckscher.org/LIBest2023.

‘Sunday at the Market’

Senior Danielle Berkowitz’s photograph

“Sunday at the Market” was inspired by the work of Susan Kozodoy Silkowitz, a New York City street photographer. Berkowitz, 18, of Merrick, decided to take photography at Ken-

Learning how to ‘Stop the Bleed’

Sydney Brewer coordinates life-saving leadership project

By JoRDAN VAlloNE jvallone@liherald.com

For the last several months, Sydney Brewer, a junior at John F. Kennedy High School in Bellmore, has been working hard to protect her fellow students. The 17-year-old has raised $3,000 to purchase 60 “Stop the Bleed” kits, which could help save someone’s life in an emergency.

New leader, new era at Merrick Jewish Centre

By JoRDAN VAlloNE jvallone@liherald.com

Though Senior Rabbi Joshua Dorsch began his journey as the spiritual leader of the Merrick Jewish Centre last summer, he was officially installed last Saturday in a ceremony full of love, laughter, memories and hope at the synagogue.

His arrival signaled the end of an era for the MJC, after Rabbi Emeritus Charles A. Klein retired in October 2021, after 43 years at the temple — in which Klein was credited for redefining the religious, social and cultural dynamics of the Jewish community in MerrickBellmore.

The center’s sanctuary, and

street, were renamed in Klein’s honor.

The ceremony explored the synagogue’s past and present, and was well attended by dozens of congregants, Klein, Dorsch’s family members and friends, former Assistant Rabbi Ravid Tilles, and local elected leaders, who have had long partnerships with the temple.

Dorsch, 37, completed extensive schooling at the Albert A. List College of Jewish Studies at Columbia University, and Columbia itself, before attending the Jewish Theological Seminary of America. He first worked at the Beth El Synagogue Center in New Rochelle, where he met his wife, Stepha-

Continued on page 4

School shooting survivors, was inspired to purchase the kits as a result of the mass murder of 26 students and staff in Newtown, Conn. in 2012, when she was in the first grade.

life.

In February, Brewer, who lives in Merrick, had expressed hope that doctors from Northwell Health would visit the high school sometime during the spring to demonstrate for students and staff how to use the items in the kit, which includes a tourniquet, gauze and trauma sheers.

DR. MAtthEw BANk Director, Northwell Health Trauma Institute

Brewer had joined Kennedy’s Leadership Program, a three-year course designed to create young leaders in the community. As a junior, she’s enrolled in Leadership II, the program’s second course, where she was tasked with planning and carrying out a civics project that would give her a voice in school or community issues.

The aim of her project was to ensure that every classroom has access to a Stop the Bleed kit.

On May 12 and 19, that goal became a reality, as instructors from Northwell Health arrived at Kennedy to teach students how to apply tourniquets, pack wounds and stop critical bleeding on medical dummies.

Brewer, who is the same age as the Sandy Hook Elementary

“These kits have essential things in them — like a tourniquet, gauze, trauma sheers — that if, God forbid, there’s ever any type of emergency, someone can be saved,” Brewer said.

Dr. Matthew Bank, director of the Northwell Health Trau-

Continued on page 18

You could save somebody’s

Keith Rossein/Herald SENioR RABBi JoShuA Dorsch, center, was officially installed at the Merrick Jewish Centre last Saturday. He was joined by members of his family, from left, Deborah-Jo Essrog; Jay Dorsch; his wife, Stef Dorsch; and Sandi and Asher Millman.

D’Esposito wants George Santos out of Congress

By ANA BORRUTO aborruto@liherald.com

It has been a busy week on the House floor, especially for U.S. Rep. Anthony D’Esposito. He not only passed his Law Enforcement Officers Bill of Rights, but spoke out in support of a resolution to expel his fellow Long Island Republican representative, George Santos.

The resolution was reportedly first introduced by a Democratic House member from California, U.S. Rep. Robert Garcia.

Santos was indicted this month, accusing him of 13 counts of wire fraud, money laundering, theft of public funds, and making materially false statements to the U.S. House of Representatives.

Last week, D’Esposito took to the podium to urge the bipartisan House Ethics Committee to take swift action in getting rid Santos, who he called a “pathological liar.” The House ultimately voted to refer the resolution to the House Ethics Committee instead of voting on the resolution itself.

“I was the first member of Congress to say that he should resign, but unfortunately, the fact of the matter is that in order for a member to be expelled, you need two thirds of the vote of Congress,” D’Esposito said. “They don’t have the numbers, so that’s the problem.

“I don’t think that George should serve another day in Congress. The quickest way to rid this institution of this stain is to refer this issue to the House Ethics Committee.”

With 18 months to go until the general election, seven candidates have already put their hats in the ring looking to take over Santos’ district. Former Democratic Hempstead town supervisor Laura Gillen and Olympian Sarah Hughes seek to face D’Esposito for his seat in the fourth congressional district.

Gillen lost to D’Esposito in November’s election, but recently said in her official announcement she is running

again “because public service can be a noble calling that makes people’s lives better.” However, “too many in Washington care about political gamesmanship, sound bites and photo opportunities than actually making real progress for our families.”

Gillen previously told the Herald one of the reasons she decided to run was because of the Republican position on the national debt crisis. The GOP insist President Biden reduce spending before they will agree to raise the debt ceiling.

D’Esposito recently helped House Republicans pass the Limit, Save, Grow Act of 2023, which is intended to

increase the federal debt limit and decrease spending. The bill also quashes several tax credits, modifies the permitting process and other requirements for energy projects, expands work requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and nullifies actions by the federal education department to suspend federal student loan payments, discharge debt and implement a new income-driven repayment plan.

D’Esposito dispelled concerns the bill would make financial cuts to Veterans Affairs. Instead, he said it essentially caps discretionary spending and decreases the spending level for fiscal 2024.

“It grows the economy, it saves taxpayers money, and it protects veterans, defense spending, Social Security and Medicare,” D’Esposito said. “We believe the Limit, Save, Grow Act is exactly what this country needed, and more importantly, it was this first step in negotiations with the president and the Senate.”

With the Santos “stain” potentially damaging the reputation of the Republican Party, Democrats could come out in full force to reclaim his district, D’Esposito’s and others to take back the House, where the GOP maintains a very slim majority.

Reflecting on the policies and efforts brought forth by his colleagues such as Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin, Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and North Hempstead Town Supervisor Jennifer DeSena, D’Esposito believes voters aren’t focused on the alleged misdeeds of one man, but looking at what the party is doing as a whole.

“I don’t believe Santos has tainted Republicans,” D’Esposito said. “I think voters see that the Republican way of governing Nassau County and Long Island is the right one.

“I’m preparing the same way I’ve prepared for every election in my life, and that is working hard now. It’s delivering on promises.”

Courtesy Matthew Capp

U.S. Rep. ANThONy D’Esposito passed a motion in the House of Representatives on May 17 to send the case of Long Island colleague to the House Ethics Committee.

Hitting the streets of Merrick for Robbie’s Run Annual event returns for 16th year to benefit Forever 9-The Robbie Levine Foundation

Hundreds of runners flocked to Merrick this weekend to take part in the 16th Annual Robbie’s Run on May 21. The morning featured a traditional 5K race, as well as a 1-mile mini run and a half-mile children’s fun run.

The event serves a great day to run, walk and enjoy food and various forms of entertainment, but it also serves a very important purpose — to raise money and awareness for Forever 9-The Robbie Levine Foundation.

Founded by Jill and Craig Levine in 2006, it honors their son, Robbie Levine, who died suddenly at the age of 9, when his heart stopped while he was running the bases during a Little League team practice in September 2005.

The foundation offers CPR and Automated External Defibrillator, or AED, courses annually, and educates on the importance of having AEDS in treating sudden cardiac arrest, with a special focus on children.

The run is the foundation’s major, annual fundraiser, and takes place in the streets of South Merrick, with Norman J. Levy Lakeside School’s parking lot serving as the finish line.

After runners finished the race, they were greeted by volunteers who provided them with food and beverages. Music, entertainment and a ceremony followed, with awards being given to the top finishers in 5-year age groups.

— Jordan Vallone

the foundatIon was created by Craig and Jill Levine, far left, in honor of their son, Robbie Levine, who died suddenly at the age of 9 in 2005, when his heart stopped while he was running the bases at a Little League practice.

the even attracts hundreds of runners every year for a 5K, 1-mile mini run and half-mile children’s run. Even a pup, left, joined in on the fun on Sunday.

Best frIends frank Venditti and James Hind, near left, both of Merrick, celebrated and they completed the race. together.

emma razukIewIcz and Ryan Friedman, far left, crossed the finish line together at the 16th Annual Robbie’s Run, which finished at Lakeside School in Merrick.

Tim Baker/Herald photos

It was a beautiful morning for Robbie’s Run on May 21. The annual event benefits Forever 9-The Robbie Levine Foundation.

Rabbi Joshua Dorsch is officially installed

nie.

Not long afterward, they decided to move across the country to California, so Dorsch could lead the Tifereth Israel Synagogue in San Diego. Three children and one pandemic later, the Dorsches decided to come back to the East Coast, he told the Herald, to be closer to family.

The opening at the MJC was both exciting and intriguing to them, and now Dorsch and his family are happy to have finally found a permanent home in Merrick.

“This moment is a beautiful moment, and this is a holy moment,” Dorsch said at the ceremony. “I just want to offer my gratitude to everybody here tonight — to the Merrick Jewish Centre — for your faith in me.”

Dorsch thanked his friends and family — especially Stephanie — as well as the installation committee, including cochairs Sharyn and Steven Kussin, Naomi and Matthew Knee, and members Donna Bartolomeo, Raymond Cohen, Rena Cohen Kozin, Phyllis Goldberg, Marilyn Hochhauser, Jon Schwartz, Allison Sussman and Howard Tiegel, whose collective efforts made the evening possible.

Klein said that as Dorsch’s tenure at the MJC has begun, they have become good friends, catching up on everything from synagogue life to their own personal lives, when they find the time. “He’s talented,” Klein said of Dorsch. “He’s cre-

ative, he is pathologically optimistic — he is deeply devoted to this congregation.

“Rabbi Dorsch, this congregation is precious to me — it really is, you know that,” Klein went on, speaking directly to Dorsch at Saturday’s ceremony. “This synagogue is my life’s work, and it’s yours to lead, to uplift, and to make certain that you give to them the teachings of our God, the God of the people of Israel, the

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God of the whole world. I offer you my friendship, occasional wisdom, but most of all, my great blessings. Mazel tov.”

State Sen. Steve Rhoads said that in all his years of knowing and working with Klein, he often commended him, saying the work of religious leaders is “vastly more important” than the work of the government.

“I may have the opportunity to be a leader in government, but (Rabbi Klein) had, just as Rabbi Dorsch has, the opportunity now to be a spiritual leader in our community, and that is so much more important,” Rhoads said. “I’m very much looking forward to working with you, Rabbi, to being partners in moving our community forward. Know that we are always here for you, and for this congregation and for our community.

“Thank you for stepping up to the challenge to lead us in this critical time,” Rhoads added. “God bless you, and God bless this congregation.”

Reflecting on the occasion, Rabbi Dorsch said that as he learns and supports the community through good and bad times, he wants the congregation to have patience, and understand that he is human, just like them.

“I have big dreams for my rabbinate, I

have dreams for my family, I have dreams for all of us at the Merrick Jewish Centre,” he said. “In my dream, our synagogue is a place in which we encounter the profound nature of our traditions as can be embraced through our contemporary experiences.

“All people who enter our synagogue are welcomed with acceptance and open arms, regardless of their ethnicity, sexual identity, abilities or religious background,” Dorsch added. “In my dream, our synagogue is a place in which every human being is treated as if they are created in the image of God, and everyone is cared for as they are.”

He added that he hoped the synagogue would learn and grow, embrace a 21st-century Jewish identity and become what he says it has the potential to be: a kinder, just and compassionate place.

“We need to dream big,” Dorsch said in closing. “And may we have the wisdom, the strength and the courage to put in the efforts, to put in the time to invest our energy — propelling all of our dreams into fruition. Thank you for the honor of serving as your rabbi — thank you for creating holy community together. The future is now, and we’re just getting started.”

Keith Rossein/Herald community leaders congratulated Rabbi Dorsch on the occasion, as he assumes the roll of Rabbi Emeritus Charles A. Klein,.

Above, Joe Baker, Rabbi Klein, Legislator Michael Giangregorio, Rabbi Dorsch, Councilman Chris Carini and State Sen. Steve Rhoads.

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spotlight athlete

KieRaN Kehoe

Mepham Junior Baseball

it DiDN’t taKe long for Kehoe to work his way into the heart of the Pirates’ batting order this spring. He began the season hot and quickly caught fire, earning All-County honors and maybe more. He finished the regular season with 5 homers and 37 RBIs to go with a whopping .650 batting average and 1.100 slugging percentage. Then in Mepham’s Class A playoff opener he blasted another home run and drove in three to lead a victory over Carey.

laCRosse playoffs

Boys laCRosse

thursday, May 25

Class A semifinals at Hofstra 3:30 and 5:30 p.m.

friday, May 26

Class C semifinals at Hoftra 4 and 6 p.m.

Monday, May 30

Class A championship game at Hofstra 5 p.m.

Class B championship game at Hoftra 7:30 p.m.

tuesday, May 31

Class C championship game at Hofstra 5 p.m.

Class D championship game at Hoftra 7:30 p.m.

giRls laCRosse

tuesday, May 31

Class D championship game at Adelphi 5:30 p.m.

Class A championship game at Adelphi 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, June 1

Class B championship game at Adelphi 5:30 p.m.

Class C championship game at Adelphi 7:30 p.m.

Hewlett surges past Kennedy

By toNy BellissiMo tbellissimo@liherald.com

The Hewlett and Kennedy girls’ lacrosse programs have both come a long way in a short time. Hewlett qualified for the Nassau Class B playoffs following a winless 2022 campaign, while Kennedy captured a second conference title in three years.

But something had to give May 16 when the teams met in an elimination game at Hewlett.

It was deadlocked late in the first half when the hosts seized control on the way to earning their first playoff win in four years. Freshman Claudia Lee’s tiebreaking score with 1:12 remaining in the half ignited a 10-goal run that propelled the Bulldogs to a 16-5 victory.

Junior Marcie Iannico scored four goals, and junior Kate Epstein and sophomore Krista Lee added three apiece as Hewlett (7-9 overall) advanced to face fifthseeded South Side. The Cougars (11-5) got three goals from junior Ella Galjanich and a pair from sophomore Lauren Robinson.

“This game was a lot of fun and shows

how much the girls worked since last season,” Hewlett coach Jackie Hughes said. “The first half was back-and-forth, but our girls found another gear in the second half that they didn’t know they had.”

Galjanich, who a week earlier scored her 100th career goal in the regular-season finale victory over Glen Cove that secured a share of the Conference 4 championship with Baldwin, notched her 50th and 51st of the year late in the first half to pull Kennedy into a 4-4 tie before Hewlett stepped on the gas behind Krista Lee and junior Brianna Ruta’s draw controls.

“Ella is a very skilled player who came back this season from a serious knee injury,” said Kennedy coach Mallory Freely, who also praised the efforts of Robinson and the Wohlleben sisters, Alexa and Jordi.

The Bulldogs led 6-4 at halftime and were off to the races in the second half when Iannico scored 36 seconds in. Hughes credited standout senior goaltender Ava Giugliano with a defensive adjustment to help contain Galjanich.

“Ava’s a five-year starting goalie and she has a great feel for the game,” Hughes said. “The first thing she said at halftime

was we need to shut off 16 [Galjanich], so we had Tella Tutino faceguard her and Kate Epstein did an excellent job helping dictate where she [Galjanich] was going.”

In addition to Tutino, seniors Emily Goldenberg and Dalilah Doncell were instrumental in keeping the Cougars off the scoreboard for most of the second half. Krista Lee’s third goal of the night and team-leading 31st of the season capped Hewlett’s run and the lead was 14-4 with 6:59 left.

“It was our best played half of the season,” Hughes said.

Giugliano finished with nine saves, giving her 145 for the campaign and 599 for her career. “We’ve played more as a cohesive unit,” she said. “Winning some games early in the season definitely sparked our enthusiasm and carried us.”

Kennedy junior goaltender Adrianna Califano finished the year with 135 saves, with 16 of those coming in a shutout victory over Baldwin that put the Cougars in the conference driver’s seat.

“We were disappointed but happy to have gotten the opportunity,” Freely said. “Tonight wasn’t our best, but we had a very strong season.”

Ron Manfredi/Herald

KeNNeDy JuNioR ella Galjanich, left, scored her 100th career goal earlier this month and added a hat trick in the playoff loss to Hewlett.

Prestigious art show to close on June 4

nedy for fun when she was a sophomore, under the instruction of Sarah Ritchie, and she discovered a passion for the art form.

Berkowitz said she enjoys taking pictures on film and developing them in a dark room. “I liked the hands-on darkroom experience, because I though it was so cool my school had a darkroom,” she said. “That’s what most of my work is, and that’s what I decided to submit for Long Island’s Best.”

Berkowitz and her friends spend a lot of time in Manhattan, exploring on the weekends, and at an outdoor market near Chelsea she snapped some photos of people shopping. Her photo of a man bending over, looking at items on the table, earned her a spot in Long Island’s Best.

“I feel like this is a great recognition for my artwork, and the opportunity to be featured in a museum with other talented artists — I think that’s super cool,” she said. “It’s a sense of accomplishment after years of photography, making something that other people recognize is good.”

In the fall, Berkowitz is heading to Cornell University, where she will study public policy on a pre-law track.

‘Birch Loop’

Friedman, 17, of Merrick, a junior at Kennedy, submitted his drawing “Birch Loop,” which was inspired by artist Shain Bard’s piece “Driving Into Twilight,

Want to see more art?

Ukraine On My Mind,” which depicts a car driving into a sunset, surrounded by snow.

Friedman said his own artwork largely focused on wildlife and nature. “Birch Loop” shows a wintery forest from the perspective of someone standing on the deck of a rustic home. Friedman captured details in the natural scenery, bringing the icy-colored sky and brown and green plants to life, while contrasting that against the shadowy aspects of the home.

The reason he was inspired by Bard’s piece, he said, is because it reminded him of Vermont. “My family and I go to Vermont every year for Thanksgiving, to my grandparents’ house,” he said. “I was just really captivated by the intense colors of the sunset, the snow.”

At Kennedy, Friedman has taken all his drawing classes from Vanessa Albaneze, and said it was an honor to have his piece selected for the show. “I was very excited,” he said. “I kept going back and forth on whether I would get in or not, because it’s such a prestigious exhibition,

with 500-something submissions and only 90 get in, so I was very honored and excited to be in myself.”

‘It’s All Too Much’

Rodger’s photograph “It’s All Too Much” was not only selected to be featured in the show, but also earned an additional honor, the Cozza Family Photography Award.

“I started art in middle school,” Rodger told the Herald, “and I originally did drawing and sketching, but I really liked photography. I just never had a chance to learn how to use cameras.”

That changed in high school, because under Ritchie’s instruction, she learned the craft.

Now a junior, Rodger, 16, of Merrick, said she usually prefers to shoot with film, but she decided to experiment with digital photos, and that’s what was submitted and chosen for Long Island’s Best.

The photo she entered was taken on a regular, digital camera. Rodger said she was inspired by a piece called “It’s Fine, It’s Fine, It’s All Fine,” and she wanted to take the concept behind its title and connect it to the stress high school students feel as they’re studying, taking Advanced Placement exams, and balancing extracurriculars.

“It’s All Too Much” was shot from above someone leaning over, engrossed in schoolwork at a desk, surrounded by a mess of books, drinks, snacks and calcu-

lators — a scene many students are likely familiar with.

“I was really surprised,” Rodger said of having her piece selected. “I think it’s a very cool opportunity for me. It was very fun to go see it. I hope to continue photography — it’s definitely not my main thing — but I do want to continue it on the side in the future.”

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Boys & Girls - Grades K-12

Courtesy Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District John f. Kennedy High School senior Danielle Berkowitz had her photograph ‘Sunday at the Market’ chosen to be featured at the Heckscher Museum’s Long Island’s Best exhibition. Two of her classmates, Dylan Friedman and Minami Rodger, also had their artwork featured.

‘Human error’ caused mailers to ID voters as Dems

By MICHAEL MALASZCZYK mmalaszczyk@liherald.com

Anyone receiving a voter mail check card erroneously identifying them as a registered Democrat, there are a few things to know.

First, it was caused by human error. Second, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman does not want any blame to be leveled at county Democrats.

According to Blakeman, in the past couple of weeks, the county has fielded many calls from disgruntled voters claiming that they received these cards that misidentified their voter registration over the past couple weeks, Blakeman — a Republican — said. There also were claims that other details like township and Assembly district were also incorrect.

But there is no conspiracy, Blakeman said. Instead, it was a simple mistake admitted to by Phoenix Graphics, the vendor used by the county elections board to print and distribute these cards.

“The voter check cards were sent out with information on a card about people and where they’re supposed to vote, what district they’re in, and what their registration was,” Blakeman told reporters at a recent news conference. “In this circumstance, everyone was identified as a Democrat. Not Republican. Not Working Families. Not the Green Party. So obviously, you can imagine that people who are Republicans or in another party were very concerned that their registration had been changed by someone else.”

This has spurred concern that voters could be confused about how they can vote in upcoming primaries, thinking their registration has been changed. Another potential concern is that the other details that could be

wrong — like township or Assembly district — could add to that confusion caused by this issue.

Blakeman says he’s reached out to the elections board, and is working to not only resolve this, but ensure it doesn’t occur again.

“If you got this, don’t go vote in the Democratic primary,” he added. “The voters rolls are accurate. These

cards are not. That is the disconnect.”

Phoenix Graphics is based out of Rochester, and while admitting to “human error” over the party affiliation, did claim no other part of the card was incorrect.

“As soon as it was discovered, we moved immediately to remedy the situation,” the company said, in a statement.

“This is an isolated event, but we apologize for our mistake, especially to Nassau County officials, who bear no responsibility for this problem. We have fixed the error and, at no cost to taxpayers, will deliver corrected voter information cards as soon as possible.”

In recent years, voter fraud concerns have risen nationwide, with many Republicans blaming Democrats for creating such situations, despite presenting little — if any — evidence to back up those claims. The most prominent case involves former president Donald Trump, who continue to state the 2020 election was stolen from him — once again with no evidence to support the claim.

But Blakeman does not wish to see that kind of sentiment rise in Nassau.

“I don’t think the Democratic Party is engaged in a conspiracy to create havoc in their own primary side,” the county executive said. “I would assume that the Democratic Party doesn’t want a bunch of Republicans showing up for their primary. So, I don’t think there’s anything nefarious on the part of the Democratic Party.

“With respect to my party, I wouldn’t want a bunch of Democrats voting in our primaries.”

The county elections board said voters can expect registration cards with the correct information coming to their mailbox ahead of the primary elections in late June.

Party Supplies

Grand Avenue Middle School

Tazbid Ajhor

Alyssia Bedessi

Mairead Campbell

Stephen Eleftheriou

Grace Florio

Khloe Loomis

Isabelle Martinez

Charlotte McCormack

Ashley McCormack

Yushan Xu

Merrick Avenue

Middle School

Chloe Auyeung

Jordan Hassenbein

Demetri Karounos

Sadie Laby

Derek Lee

Brandon McCabe

Justin Pfeffer

Madison Rashaad

Ian Yegidis

Sanford H. Calhoun High School

Allison Hernandez-Guzman

Alon Karlin

Jake Baglio

Sofia Monastero

John F. Kennedy High School

Madeline Hyman

Alexandra Levitt

Ari Salama

Claire Schwartz

Meadowbrook Alternative Program

AJ Flores

Cade Randell

Prep Academy

Gordon Wolfe

Wellington C. Mepham High School

Lina Murale

Olivia Ragusa

Nicholas Reardon

Maximus Walker

Michael Malaszczyk/Herald

NASSAu

CouNtY ExECutIvE

Bruce Blakeman displays a voter card he says was sent to a voter in his jurisdiction, incorrectly labeling them as a registered Democrat. According to Phoenix Graphics, the vendor used by the county elections board, a number of voter cards were misprinted with the wrong party — a mistake caused by human error.

Dan Tommasino/Herald file

SMCCA to host active shooter presentation

The South Merrick Community Civic Association, now representing all of Merrick, is hosting its monthly meeting on June 6 at 7 p.m. at the Merrick Golf Course. The Nassau County Police Department will be in attendance to do a presentation on Active Shooter situations. Officers from the first and seventh precinct will be present, along with Dominick Palma, superintendent of the Merrick Union Free School District. A question and answer session will follow — all residents are encouraged to attend, and a donation is encouraged. Any questions, please contact president Berta Weinstein at (516) 578-0649.

Another whale’s life washed up

By EdEn GoldBErG Special to the Merrick Herald

As summer approaches, people are getting out their sunscreen and bathing suits in anticipation of the 2023 beach season. They might however be in for a surprise if they find themselves tanning right next to a 20-foot washed up whale.

As of May 19, seventeen whales and many dolphins have been found washed up along the East Coast. While this is not that unusual for our area, the increase in frequency certainly is. There are many theories behind these beachings such as boat strikes, disease, and lack of food. There is however a new theory that is getting a lot of attention in the press, wind turbines. Currently, scientists are trying to install 174 wind turbines, 14-miles off of Jones Beach.

Many people are fans of wind turbines as it provides electricity without burning any fuel or polluting the air. However, scientists are speculating that the noise and sonar used to map out the ocean floor to determine turbine wind placement is cre-

ating havoc on the whales ability to navigate and even is negatively adversely affecting their health. IFL Science claims “sonar distresses beaked whales to the extent that they end up with nitrogen bubbles in their blood. This can cause hemorrhaging and damage to their vital organs.” Wind turbine advocates seem to be so caught up in installing the wind turbines, that they are in denial of identifying the real cause for the washed up whales. Time Magazine shares that “One specific claim made by some anti-wind advocates is that scientists are refusing to examine the dead whales’ inner ears, which they say could show lesions indicating damage from sonar systems used by offshore wind mapping crews.”

While the proof is not conclusive, at the very least we should take a pause in this project and investigate this matter further. While we should all support clean energy projects, it should not be at the expense of the abundant sea life that makes up our oceans.

Eden Goldberg is a sophomore at John F. Kennedy High School in Bellmore.

NCPD celebrates 98 years with open house

By KaRina KOVac kkovac@liherald.com

It’s not quite a century, but when anything reaches the ripe age of 98, it’s certainly time to celebrate. And that’s what he Nassau County Police Department did recently with its second annual open house — a three-day event at the David S. Mack Center for Training and Intelligence, that attracted somewhere in the neighborhood of 1,000 people each day.

Among those helping the department celebrate its near-milestone were groups of students from various schools who gathered to see demonstrations, learn more about the history of the department at the police museum, and visiting Children’s Safety Town.

“We have progressed like the rest of the country has with police reform and the needs, as technology advances, as types of guns on the street, drugs, different ways to commit crimes” have advanced, we have advanced,” police commissioner Patrick Ryder said. “We are very fortunate here in Nassau County that we are, I like to say, ahead of the curve.”

Staying ahead of the curve means undertaking a new training village that will replace the usual tactical training the department has done since 1925 with what Ryder describes as a more accurately simulated real-life scenario. It’ll be complete with different locations such as a school, house of worship, different types of residences, a bank, a police station, and even a train station with a trestle and platform for specialized situational training.

Through new technology and analytics, the department can adjust to the complexities modern law enforcement can encounter out in the field, Ryder said.

“Life has gotten complicated with the amount of mental health crisis people out

there” are experiencing, Ryder said. “How do we do it? And how do we do it better?

It’s a challenge for us every day. We’re working to make it better.”

The open house aimed not only to familiarize the public with police work, but also to bridge any divide in communities where trusting the police could be lacking. Ryder acknowledged past mistakes and said the department is committed to moving forward with the public’s support. And really, in the long run, they are the good guys, after all.

“We’re here to help,” he said. “You know, yeah, sometimes you’re dealing with bad things. Things happen, and you know, people are upset. We got that. We understand that. But we want them to understand. We’re here to help you. And trust in us. We’ve got to build that trust.

“We know we have errors. We’ve made mistakes. We want to get better.”

One attendee eager to see the police was Jack Mallon. The 2-year-old wore a police vest and enjoyed the repelling demonstration.

“We came just to show him a little bit and to support the police and get his interest piqued a little bit,” said Christina Mallon, Jack’s mother.

It’s important to support law enforcement, she added, because “they do so much for us so we should do a little bit for them.”

Visitors watched an array of demonstrations beyond repelling like using the Jaws of Life to help rescue people from crashed cars, and a display of police canines. Officer Michael Leone, one of the officers involved in the K-9 demonstration, was signing specialty made K-9 cards given to the kids after the display — something they could take home as a souvenir.

It was “exhilarating” to see the kids rush him for autographs, Leone said, adding that “it’s nice to be appreciated by the public.”

Steve Dembo took his children out of school early to attend some of the open house. He knew it was law enforcement

week, so he reached out to the department to see if anything was going on, and found out about the training center event he knew his two children would enjoy.

“I think it’s important for them to see what the police officers do every day,” Dembo said. “It’s interesting. They’re interested in it.”

Together, the family saw the repel demonstration, the new state-of-the-art robot dog, and even met the motorcycle unit.

“They love really everything so far,” Dembo said. And that allowed the dad to take his kids home with them the lesson that “police are your friends, and if you have any kind of trouble at all, they’ll help you.

“It’s very important that kids know that,” Dembo added. “Not to be afraid of them.”

Karina Kovac/Herald photos

Oceanside schOOl nO 4 was just one of several schools taking a field trip to an open house hosted by the Nassau County Police Department at the David S. Mack Center for Training and Intelligence, just in time for the organization’s 98th anniversary. More than a thousand people came to each of the three days of the event.

nassau cOunty POlice Department commissioner Patrick Ryder stands in front of a repelling demonstration off the David S. Mack Center for Training and Intelligence, where the department celebrated its 98th anniversary recently with an open house.

Tim Baker/Herald the gRand finale at the end of the recent Nassau County Police Department open house at the David S. Mack Center for Training and Intelligence was the take-off of the police helicopter.

Celebrating 30 years of pride with PFY

LGBTQ organization looks ahead to what still needs to be done

By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com

As PFY is gearing up to celebrate the month of pride in June, and the LGBTQ community in general, this year it is also celebrating its own history, as 2023 marks the 30th anniversary of the agency, which was the first of its kind in a suburban setting in the United States.

PFY, which formerly stood for Pride For Youth, is now known simply by its acronym, because a grant allowed the organization to expand the reach of its services, and it now provides lifelong assistance to anyone who identifies as LGBTQ on Long Island and in Queens.

The Bellmore-based organization was founded 30 years ago as an offshoot of the Long Island Crisis Center, Tawni Engel, the associate executive director of the crisis center and PFY, explained, because its founders recognized the need for services for LGBTQ individuals.

The crisis center operates a 24/7 hotline for people with mental health crises, and in the early 1990s, Linda Leonard, its former executive director, noticed an influx of calls from members of the LGBTQ community, Engel said.

“Really over the years, it’s grown exponentially into what it is today,” Engel said of PFY. “And back then, with society, the climate was very different — things were very different.”

The crisis center actually lost funding from private and public donors in the 1990s because they didn’t want to support organizations catering to the LGBTQ community, Engel said.

“I will say that we did the right thing, obviously,” she said. “What we’re sort of known for is just saying, no, we want to meet the needs, and the needs that we are seeing. There’s obviously a gap in services, and we want to be the ones saying we’re filling that gap.”

Devon Zappasodi, PFY’s director, said that as the organization celebrates the momentous anniversary, it is also important to reflect on the work that still needs to be done.

“It’s really exciting when we’re growing and creating these new, innovative programs that are really meeting

needs and helping folks,” Zappasodi said. “But there’s also, like, this somber tone, because, you know, we’re growing and growing, but then there are still needs that are just unmet.”

Some of the problems facing the LGBTQ community today include food insecurity, the inability to obtain consistent housing and job insecurity, among others. Many people struggle with their mental health, and with accessing and understanding health care services, and PFY works constantly to make sure those issues are addressed.

At the organization’s 2050 Bellmore Road location and at its Suffolk County center in Deer Park, it offers rapid HIV and syphilis testing. PFY recently partnered with the Suffolk County Department of Health to run a mobile medical clinic, where things like free Covid-19 and HPV vaccinations were offered. HPV is a sexually transmitted disease that can cause long-term issues such as cancer if untreated.

To celebrate the anniversary and Pride Month, the organization has an upcoming Pride Gala on June 13 at the Westbury Manor. Ninety-four percent of all proceeds will be devoted to helping the LGBTQ community through PFY’s services.

Attendees will hear from award-winning actor Maulik Pancholy, who is openly gay and known for his role in the sitcom “30 Rock,” among other series. For information on the gala, visit tinyurl.com/PFYEvent2023, and for more on the agency, visit LICCPFY.org.

We’re “always keeping the community close to us,” Zappasodi said, “because without them, we’re nothing — it’s really coming from them — 30 years of working with and in collaboration with the community.”

with Michael and Suzanne Ettinger Attorneys-at-Law

Home Care with Community Medicaid

Home care paid for by New York State is known as “Community Medicaid”. Paying your own living expenses, plus the cost of caregiving services, is beyond the means of many.

Since 2020, there have been numerous attempts to create a new thirty month lookback period for Community Medicaid eligibility. So far, none of these attempts have been successful and now 2024 is the earliest expected date for implementation. There is no current look-back period for Community Medicaid in New York. This means that you may move assets out of your name this month and obtain Medicaid home care benefits next month, provided you need the care.

excess income, i.e. the amount over the $1,700 per month you are allowed to keep, to the trust along with copies of your bills for food, rent, mortgage, utilities, home repairs, etc. The trust pays your bills and any amounts unused will accumulate in your account and eventually be added to the “pool” to be used for charitable purposes after your death. Any monies paid to the pooled income trust are not counted as income for Medicaid purposes, allowing you to qualify for Community Medicaid.

The number of hours you will receive depends on the county’s assessment of your needs regarding the activities of daily living (ADL’s). Some of these are eating, bathing, shopping, cooking, personal hygiene, ambulating, housekeeping, dressing, etc.

To learn more about Paws With A Cause and to find out how you help, just download this app and watch the story come to life!

To learn more about Paws With A Cause and to find out how you help, just download this app and watch the story come to life!

To learn more about Paws With A Cause and to find out how you help, just download this app and watch the story come to life!

GET ZAPPAR

ZAP THE CODE TO DONATE

Currently, an individual may keep about $1,700 per month plus the amount of any health care insurance premiums. Any excess income must be used towards their care. What if your living expenses exceed $1,700 per month? Enter the “pooled income trust”.

Certified by the state, pooled income trusts are used to allow you to send your

Several non-profit organizations exist that offer pooled trusts. Applying to join is a formal process with which the elder law firm will assist. Costs generally include minimal start-up fees, an initial deposit and reasonable maintenance fees.

Provided as a community service by this civic minded publication in conjunction with the Association of Community Publishers and Community Papers of Michigan

Provided as a community service by this civic minded publication in conjunction with the Association of Community Publishers and Community Papers of Michigan

Provided as

community service by this civic minded publication in conjunction with the Association of Community Publishers and Community Papers of Michigan

Courtesy Tawni Engel

PFY, thE ORgANizAtiON previously know as Pride for Youth, is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, and gearing up for Pride Month in June.

STEPPING OUT

Dan and Claudia Zanes

STEPPING OUT

Looktotheskies

Creative advocacy

atthe Bethpage AirShow

By Karen Bloom

t’s the moment we’ve been eagerly awaiting: Memorial Day weekend has arrived. Besides the observances, parades and barbecues, for so many of us, that annual trek to Jones Beach to watch the action overhead during the Bethpage Air Show is a beloved tradition not to be missed. This year’s extravaganza, on Saturday and Sunday, May 27-28, is helmed once again by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds.

By Karen Bloom

The distinguished squadron, back for their 9th headlining appearance, is joined by other elite military pilots including the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team, the U.S. Marines F-35B Demonstration Team, the U.S. Navy F-18 Growler Legacy Team, and the U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod Team.

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

The Thunderbirds, “America’s Ambassadors in Blue,” demonstrate the extraordinary capabilities of the F-16 Fighting Falcon — the Air Force’s premier multi-role fighter jet. The elite military pilots proudly showcase the capabilities of the $18 million,19,700-pound fighter aircraft, which can travel at speeds up to 1,500 mph. Grace meets power in this mix of six aircraft performing formation flying and solo routines. Flying only a few feet from wingtip to wingtip, observers can glimpse the superb skills that all fighter pilots must possess.

• May 27-28, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

minutes of dynamic maneuvers. We’re always improving our planes and refining our routines.”

His team is a close-knit group of five pilots, with decades of military and professional experience.

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

• $10 vehicle use fee

• Jones Beach State Park, Wantagh

“I like to say once you check in you never check out. The camaraderie of our team is what makes us special,” he says.

Pat McGann

All ages will enjoy some Memorial Day weekend fun on the Tilles Center lawn, with Grammy Award-winner Dan Zanes and Haitian-American jazz vocalist Claudia Zanes. They perform a mix of old and new songs from near and far in a style that has been called ‘all-ages social music,’ also described as an all-ages party. This interactive concert will have you dancing and singing along as the duo performs homespun, joyful music for everyone to enjoy. It’s a relaxed performance open to all, with modified sound levels and quiet spaces for those who wish to move around. Zanes occupies a unique place in American music where sea shanties, English music hall, North American and West Indian folk music, party songs, the spirit of early rock-and-roll, and soulful originals collide. Kids will also enjoy games, bubbles, face-painting and crafts, starting at 12:30 p.m., with a barbecue lunch available for purchase.

Saturday, May 27, 2 p.m. $25. LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville. TillesCenter.org, or (516) 299-3100

HERALD — February 9, 2023

• For up-to-date information, visit BethpageAirShow.com.

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

“We’re thrilled that this is our 20th year with the show. It’s so important to us as it’s our home show. For many of our friends, it’s the only time they get to see us (perform).

We are always excited to be here and put a smile on people’s faces. It’s great fun to fly down low and see everyone on the beach. This is an awesome weekend, and all the performers are great at what they do.”

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

Curated by Alexandra Giordano — the museum’s assistant director of exhibition and collection — the exhibit underscores artists’ civic responsibility and influence.

Other renowned civilian performers include the always popular Skytypers and their flight squadron of five vintage World War II aircraft. Mike Goulian, North America’s most-decorated aerobatic pilot. Folds of Honor Biplane with Ed Hamill. The American Air Power Museum Warbirds. Long Island’s daredevil pilot David Windmiller. The Warbird Thunder team. The Civil Air Patrol. And the Farmingdale State College Flying Rams, who will fly several of their 22 college-owned aircraft.

The Skytypers, an air show favorite, combine the best of old and new. The team uses five of the remaining World War II-era NA SNJ planes left in the world, meticulously restored with the latest technology.

“It highlights the vital role that artists have in activating democratic values that promise equality and freedom, encouraging civic engagement, and cultivating unity,” Giordano says. “Artists often lead the charge and expose truths that may otherwise be ignored. The artists in this exhibition take a stand and call out injustices through their art and activism on issues such as immigration, gender, reproductive rights, mass incarceration, voting rights, racial bias, gun violence, and promises unfulfilled. They all combine the making of art with public service that has a grassroots approach in the hope of mobilizing their communities and the nation to ignite movement, create awareness, and inspire others to stand with them.”

This exhibit, which runs through July 28, is in conjunction with Hofstra’s 13th presidential conference on the Barack Obama presidency coming up in April.

“These were Navy scout planes used on missions in World War II and the Korean War,” explains Larry Arken, Skytypers’ flight leader. “We’ve modernized them and give them plenty of TLC. We have to take care of our warbirds. They’ve got quite a military history. They’ve landed on aircraft carriers and as fighter trainers they trained the Greatest Generation.”

“We were interested in the idea that the artist has a civic responsibility,” says museum director Karen Albert. “The initial idea for this exhibition was inspired by an Obama Administration White House briefing that took place on May 12, 2009, where more than 60 artists and creative organizers met with administration officials to discuss the collective power of the arts to build community, create change, and chart a pathway for national recovery in the areas of social justice, civic participation and activism.”

The Farmingdale-based Skytypers are, of course, a familiar sight along beaches in the northeast with their skytyped messages generated at an altitude of 10,000 feet with puffs of smoke in dot matrix-style letters. Those messages will be on full display during the show, following their aerobatic routine.

“We like to think of this as the largest text message in the world,” Arken says.

Each message is two miles long and as tall as the Empire State building. Visible for 30 miles, they can be seen by 4 million people, according to Arken.

To that end, unlike other recent exhibits that showcased the museum’s permanent collection, Giordano reached out to contemporary artists who loaned the museum their selected works. Some 36 pieces are on view — representing all media — from Emma Amos, Molly Crabapple and the Equal Justice Initiative, For Freedoms, Miguel Luciano, Michele Pred, Hank Willis Thomas, and Sophia Victor.

“The way our climate is now, this exhibit could not be more timely than at this moment,” Albert adds.

His planes’ flying maneuvers also command attention in their five-ship formation.

“We fly low, at 500 feet,” Arken says. “We’re known for our precision skills that involve 18

Among the highlights, she points to the series of prints from the collective For Freedoms. Their four large scale photos are based on Norman Rockwell’s 1943 oil paintings inspired by President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s 1941 State of the Union address that outlined what he considered the essential four democratic values freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear. For Freedoms has

Tom Rush and Loudon Wainwright III

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

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

Yarn/Wire

Two gifted performers pair up for an exciting double bill on the Landmark stage. These legendary singer-songwriters will enthrall their audience in an evening filled with story-telling, ballads passionate gritty blues. Tom Rush, a gifted musician and performer, offers not just a performance but a musical celebration. His distinctive guitar style, wry humor and warm, expressive voice have made him both a legend and a lure to audiences around the world. For the past 52 years, Loudon Wainwright III has carved out a distinguished career as one of our most original singer-songwriters; a six-string diarist with material that is by turns, tongue-in-cheek, tender, sarcastic, heart-wrenching, and always deeply personal. Along the way, he’s released more than 20 albums, won a Grammy, acted in film and television, and had his songs recorded by artists including Johnny Cash, Mose Allison, Bonnie Raitt, and his own son, Rufus Wainwright.

Friday, June 2, 8 p.m. $55, $49, $45. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. (516) 767-6444, or LandmarkOnMainStreet.org.

Now in its 18th year, Adelphi University’s ‘new music’ series welcomes Yarn/Wire. The intrepid New York-based piano-percussion quartet has forged a singular path with endlessly inventive collaborations, commissions and performances that have made a significant contribution to the canon of experimental works. The quartet features founding member Laura Barger and Julia Den Boer on piano and Russell Greenberg, also a founding member, and Sae Hashimoto playing percussion.

Barger is a frequent guest with

Photos courtesy U.S. Air Force

Airmen and women execute daring manuevers in a thrilling display of the might of the Air Force’s premier multi-role fighter jet, the F-16 Fighting Falcon.

THE SCENE

Tom Rush and Loudon Wainwright III

Two gifted performers pair up for an exciting double bill on the Landmark stage, Friday, June 2, 8 p.m. These legendary singer-songwriters will enthrall their audience in an evening filled with storytelling, ballads and gritty blues. Tom Rush, a gifted musician and performer, offers not just a performance but a musical celebration. His distinctive guitar style, wry humor and warm, expressive voice have made him both a legend and a lure to audiences around the world. For the past 52 years, Loudon Wainwright III has carved out a distinguished career as one of our most original singer-songwriters, a six-string diarist with material that is by turns, tongue-in-cheek, tender, sarcastic, heart-wrenching, and always deeply personal. Along the way, he’s released over 20 albums, won a Grammy, acted in film and TV, and had his songs recorded by artists including Johnny Cash, Mose Allison, Bonnie Raitt, and his own son, Rufus Wainwright. $55, $49, $45. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. (516) 767-6444 or LandmarkOnMainStreet.org.

May 25

Whale of a Drink fundraiser

On exhibit

Nassau County Museum of Art’s exhibition, “Eye And Mind: The Shin Collection,” highlights the extraordinary collection masterworks assembled by 31-year-old connoisseur Hong Gyu Shin, an internationally recognized figure in the global art world. He shares his treasures, including works by Whistler, Lautrec, Boucher, Daumier, Delacroix, Klimt, Schiele, Balthus, Warhol, de Kooning, Gorky and many other important names from art history provocatively juxtaposed with the painting and sculpture of our own time from both Asia and the West. On view through July 9. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.

Support The Whaling Museum by participating in Sandbar restaurant’s Whale of a Drink, Whale of a Cause fundraising effort, now through June 21. Enjoy the Sandbar’s iconic cocktail, the Whalebone, and a portion of the purchase will be donated to the museum. A “mocktail” version is also available. To help promote the fundraiser, mixologist Dan Leopold will offer a mixology demonstration and Whalebone tasting at the Museum’s Whales & Ales event on June 3, 2:303 p.m. Funds will support the Whaling Museum’s community education programs during its 2023 summer season. 55 Main St, Cold Spring Harbor. For information, visit SandbarColdSpringHarbor.com.

Passion for Pride

Support PFY, a division of Long Island Crisis Center, at a 30th Anniversary Benefit celebration, Tuesday, June 13, 6-10 p.m. With drag bingo and performances by Ivy Stalls and Syn; also special guest honoree actor-authoractivist Maulik Pancholy. The event, honoring PFY’s 30 years serving Long Island/Queens’ LGBTQ+ communities, is at Westbury Manor, 1100 Jericho Turnpike, Westbury. For more information and tickets, go to tinyurl.com/pfyevent2023.

Art talk

Join Nassau County Museum

Director Charles A. Riley II, for a Director’s Seminar, Tuesday, June 20, 4 p.m. He’ll discuss “Baldessari and the Making of the Avant-Garde.” John Baldessari’s roster from Cal Arts featured famed artists, from Eric Fischl (who never technically took a class with him) to David Salle, James Casebere, Tony Oursler, Ericka Beckman, Ross Bleckner, Carrie Mae Weems, James Welling and so many other art stars. Examine not only Baldessari’s own art but some of the famous assignments offered by the man many consider the most influential art school teacher of the 20th century. Participation is limited; registration required. $40, $20 members. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. Visit NassauMuseum.org or call (516) 484-9337.

Mobile office hours

Steve Rhoads is hosting mobile office hours at the Bellmore Memorial Library, Saturday, June 10, from 1 to 3 p.m. 2288 Bedford Ave., Bellmore. To schedule an appointment, call (516) 882-0630. Appointments are required, but walk-ins, if times permits, are welcome.

May 27

Native Plant Sale

Reintroducing native plants to your garden can help make your outdoor space more colorful and also attract native pollinators. Stop by the native plant sale for the Fr. Jeremiah J. Reilly Council Knights of Columbus on Memorial Day Weekend at the Sacred Heart Church parking lot to pick up new additions for your garden, Saturday, May 27, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.;

Sunday,May 28, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

720 Merrick Ave., Merrick. Call (516) 662-5069 for more.

Walk with a Doc

Join Dr. Linda Mermelstein, associate director of Community Outreach and Engagement at the Stony Brook Cancer Center for ‘Walk with a Doc,’ a free community walking event, Saturday, May 27. 11 a.m., at Camman’s Pond Park in Merrick. Visit EventBrite.com for more information, and search ‘Walk with a Doc: Merrick.’

Having an event?

Colin Jost

The SNL star brings his standup act to The Paramount stage, Thursday, June 1, 8 p.m. As one of SNL’s main writers, he’s never at a loss for words. $89.50, $79.50, $69.50, $59.50, $39.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. (800) 745-3000 or Ticktmaster.com or ParamountNY. com.

Temple B’Nai Torah Garden Party

Wantagh’s historic Temple B’Nai Torah is part of the cause to provide pantries and shelters with fresh produce, Mark your calendar and join in a garden party on June 10. For more information send an email to rfauci@gmail.com.

Annual Plant Sale

The Merrick Garden Club of the Federated Garden Clubs of New York holds their annual plant sale, Saturday, June 3, with a rain date of June 4. Primarily perennials are available for purchase. It’s at 150 Woodpecker Lane in Merrick.

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.

On stage

Back by popular demand, families will enjoy a musical adventure, ripped from the pages of Mo Willems’ beloved children’s books, on the Long Island Children’s Museum stage, Wednesday, May 31, 10:15 a.m. and noon; Thursday, June 1, 10:15 a.m. and noon. Elephant and Piggie storm the stage in a rollicking musical romp filled with plenty of pachydermal peril and swiney suspense perfect for young audiences. Together with nutty backup singers, The Squirrelles, the comedic duo even gets the audience involved in the action. $9 with museum admission ($7 members), $12 theater only. Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or LICM.org

Westbury House Tour

For many years visitors to Westbury House at Old Westbury Gardens asked what was beyond the first floor corridor. Now beyond the door and discover “secrets of the service wing,” during a 60-minute guided tour, Friday, May 26, noon-1 p.m.; Monday, May 29, noon1 p.m.; Wednesday, May 31, noon-1 p.m. and 1:30-2 p.m. Be introduced to the intensive labor required to create the lifestyle experienced by the Phipps family and their guests; tour the many rooms that were “behind the scenes” to create the formal dining experiences of early 20th century. Go along the corridors to the butler’s pantry and silver cleaning room then descend the 17 steps to the kitchen, scullery, and wine storage rooms located on the ground floor. Reservations required. 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. For information contact (516) 333-0048 or visit OldWestburyGardens.org.

Top lawyers honored for time in, out of office

By MALLORY WILSON mwilson@liherald.com

It was an experience that provided plenty of perspective, including for Frank Torres.

“Whenever I’m honored and recognized for what I do in my field of law, it’s so humbling,” said Torres, an associate attorney with Duffy & Duffy. “I never would have expected so many years later after getting out of law school that I would have gotten to this point.”

That point was being recognized as one of the Top Lawyers of Long Island during a ceremony last week, May 17, at the Heritage Club at Bethpage. Hosted by RichnerLive — the events division of Richner Communications and Herald Community Newspapers — the event featured some 300 attorneys, all mingling and congratulating each other on their achievements.

Lawyers were awarded for their accomplishments in a wide range of fields, including civil rights litigation, land use and zoning, commercial litigation, personal injury, and dispute resolution.

Jothy Narendran, a co-managing partner with Jaspan Schlesinger Narendran, was named one of the philanthropists of the year. She encourages everybody at her firm to get involved with a charity that they connect with on some level. For Narendran, that work involves Spectrum Designs, a custom apparel shop that employs individuals who are neurodiverse.

“It’s so nice to be recognized, especially in the community that we’re in,” Narendran said. “I don’t think there’s success without giving back.”

Amy Amato, executive director of RichnerLive, expressed gratitude for all who attended and made the event possible. Herald publisher and chief executive Stuart Richner described the gala as a “great way to celebrate all of the legal firms and professionals that contribute to our community. They are critical to ensuring that everyone’s interests are represented both fully and fairly. And I congratulate all of the winners for their hard work, passion and expertise.”

A portion of the ticket proceeds were donated to the Suffolk County Bar Association Charity Foundation, and the Nassau County Bar Association We Care Fund. There the money will be used for educational and charitable purposes, including the improvement of citizenship and justice, and to provide scholarships, grants and charitable programs to help those in need.

Brad Cronin, founding partner of Cronin & Cronin Law Firm, was honored with the lifetime achievement award for tax certiorari. He’s been practicing in his field for 40 years.

“You do a lot of hard work to get to this point,” Cronin said, “but the wonderful thing is I have a wonderful staff that’s been with me for 20, 30 years. And it means a lot that they’ve been able to support me and everything I do.”

Giuseppe Franzella, member of Bond Schoeneck & King, was honored for his work in commercial litigation. Franzella chose this particular path of law because of his family, and that he’s known that that was what he wanted to do since he knew what work was.

“I just wanted to be able to advocate for people and really solve people’s problems, which is what I do today as a litigator,” Franzella said. “I’m very flattered to be honored. It feels great to have the support of my firm and the local legal community, and it’s an honor to be among this group that’s been nominated, which is people I’ve worked with in the legal community, and looked up to, for a long time.”

Top Lawyers of Long Island sponsors

Major Sponsor Easy Tax Credits

TenantBase

photo Booth Sponsor Jaspan Schlesinger Narendran LLP

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Nixon Peabody LLP

PBI Payroll

Raimondi Law, P.C.

Rosenberg Calica & Birney LLP

Sahn Ward Braff Koblenz PLLC

Schroder & Strom, LLP

Touro Law Center

Verron Law Group, P.C.

Vishnick McGovern Milizio LLP

Tim Baker/Herald photos

TOp LAWYeR HONOReeS enjoying dinner during the awards ceremony with friends, family & loved ones.

THe VISHNIck McGOVeRN Milizio LLP team.

HON. IRA B. Warshawsky (Ret.) from Meyer, Suozzi, English & Klein, P.C. & NAM (National Arbitration and Mediation).

BRAd W. cRONIN from Cronin & Cronin Law Firm, PLLC.

Top Lawyers of Long Island 2023 Honorees

Gilbert L. Balanoff of The Law Offices of Gilbert L. Balanoff

John T. Bauer of Littler Mendelson

Jon Bell of Bell Law Group

Frederick K. Brewington of The Law Offices of Frederick K. Brewington

Richard P. Byrne of L’Abbate, Balkan, Colavita & Contini | National Arbitration and Mediation

Michal E. Cantor of Nixon Peabody

Jayson J.R. Choi of Meyer, Suozzi, English & Klein

Allan H. Cohen of Nixon Peabody

Andrew M. Cohen of Law Offices of Andrew M. Cohen

Nathaniel L. Corwin of Meyer, Suozzi, English & Klein

Brad W. Cronin of Cronin & Cronin Law Firm

Peter Egan of Nixon Peabody

Anthony J. Fasano of Guercio & Guercio

Giuseppe Franzella of Bond, Schoeneck & King

Simone M. Freeman of Jaspan Schlesinger Narendran

Avrohom Gefen of Vishnick McGovern Milizio

David Green of Campolo of Middleton & McCormick

Jay M. Herman of Herman Katz Cangemi Wilkes & Clyne

Leah Jackson of The Law Offices of Frederick K. Brewington

Glenn M. Jones of Harris Beach

Jared S. Kaplan of Kaplan, DiTrapani, Faria & Rabanipour

Matthew E. Kasindorf of Meister Seelig & Fein

Ken Kern of Cona Elder Law

Adam H. Koblenz of Sahn Ward Braff Koblenz

Elena B. Langan of Touro Law Center

Steven L. Levitt of Levitt

Alyson Mathews of Bond, Schoeneck & King

Jennifer A. McLaughlin of Cullen and Dykman

David L. Mejias of Milgrim, Alvarado & Lindo

Randi M. Milgrim of Mejias, Milgrim, Alvarado & Lindo

Joseph G. Milizio of Vishnick McGovern Milizio

Brendan J. Mooney of Cullen and Dykman

Mika Mooney of Mika Mooney Law

Andrew S. Nachamie of Andrew S. Nachamie

Michael D. Napolitano of Meyer, Suozzi, English & Klein

Jothy Narendran of Jaspan Schlesinger Narendran

Scott A. Newmark of Meister Seelig & Fein

David R. Okrent of The Law Offices of David R. Okrent

Joseph C. Packard of Schroder & Strom

Constantina S. Papageorgiou of Vishnick McGovern Milizio

Christopher A. Raimondi of Raimondi Law

Ronald J. Rosenberg of Rosenberg Calica & Birney

Deborah G. Rosenthal of Rosenthal, Attorneys at Law, and Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York

Stuart H. Schoenfeld of Capell Barnett Matalon & Schoenfeld

Jacqueline Silvey of National Arbitration and Mediation

Hon. Peter B. Skelos (Ret.) of Forchelli Deegan Terrana | National Arbitration and Mediation

Lawrence J. Tenenbaum of Jaspan Schlesinger Narendran

Frank Torres of Duffy & Duffy

Tyleana K. Venable of Jaspan Schlesinger Narendran

Rochelle L. Verron of Verron Law Group

Hon. Ira B. Warshawsky (Ret.) of Meyer, Suozzi, English & Klein | National Arbitration and Mediation

Ellen C. Yaroshefsky of Maurice A. Deane School of Law, Hofstra University

Brian K. Ziegler of Certilman Balin Adler & Hyman

Top Law Firms

Jaspan Schlesinger Narendran LLP

Sahn Ward Braff Koblenz PLLC Vishnick McGovern Milizio LLP

THe SaHn Ward Braff Koblenz PLLC team.

BrIan K. ZIegLer from Certilman Balin Adler & Hyman, LLP.

aLySon MaTHeWS FroM Bond, Schoeneck & King PLLC.

gLenn M. JoneS from Harris Beach PLLC.

FranK TorreS oF Duffy & Duffy, PLLC.

THe JaSpan ScHLeSInger Narendran LLP team.

Northwell Health visits Kennedy H.S. for training

Continued from front page

ma Institute, described the significance of keeping the kit handy.

“It’s horrible, but we hear about school shootings and workplace shootings, it seems like everyday,” Dr. Bank said. “The way you die after getting shot is you bleed to death. There are some bleedings that it’s difficult to control, if you get shot in the chest or abdomen — but if you get shot in the leg or arm or neck, you can stop that.”

And while the threat of a tragedy occurring in a school is a real concern nowadays, learning how to use the kits can be helpful in other scenarios as well, like after a car crash or accident in the home.

EMS personnel usually should arrive on the scene of an emergency within 10-12 minutes, Bank said.

“But if you have an immediate responder, which is basically the lay public, and they know some very basic skills we can teach them, you could save somebody’s life,” he added.

Earlier this month, Stop the Bleed training actually helped save the life of a police officer who was shot in the line of duty in Suffolk County, Bank said.

“The tourniquet was placed on him by his fellow officers — it was not by the public, it was not by EMS, it was by fellow officers who had been trained in this course,” Bank said.

“This course, we train you, and it takes about 30 to 60 minutes,” he added. “Our plan is to train hopefully about a third of the population in the United States. It has been shown to be effective in the military,

as well as civilian areas, and it may not even be a school shooting — it may be at home, you may cut yourself with a knife — these skills are very applicable to all of it.”

Catherine Dunckley, Northwell Health’s coordinator of administrative operations and a Stop the Bleed trainer, led a presentation during a gym class at Kennedy on May 12, explaining situations in which the training could be useful and giving step-by-step instructions to the students on how to apply gauze and make a tourniquet.

She said tourniquets could cause excruciating pain to an injured person, but that doesn’t mean they should not be applied.

“Tourniquets hurt, and they hurt a lot,” she said. “It doesn’t mean that you put it on incorrectly or to remove it.

“The only person who should be removing a tourniquet is either EMS when they arrive on scene, and even then, they’re going to leave it in place and allow the doctors to remove it in a more controlled environment,” Dunckley added.

Most of the items in the kit are easy to use with proper training, officials said.

Brewer said she was excited to see her project through to completion and hoped her peers now have a greater understanding why Stop the Bleed trainings are so important.

“I’m so proud of myself and everyone that’s helped me to do this,” Brewer said. “Now I feel like people can actually know what to do in a life-threatening situation, and there won’t be any hesitation, and hopefully more lives can be saved.”

Tim Baker/Herald a junior at Kennedy High School, helped the school purchase 60

the Bleed

which could save someone’s life in an emergency. Above, Brewer is with Catherine Dunckley, a Stop the Bleed trainer from Northwell Health.

SUMMER YOUTH EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM

Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) is the nation’s largest youth employment program, connecting the Town of Hempstead (TOH) and City of Long Beach youth between the ages of 16 and 20 with career exploration opportunities and paid work experience each summer.

By participating in structured project and work-based opportunities, Long Island youth are better prepared for careers of the future.

WHAT THE PROGRAM OFFERS

Career Exploration: Hone your research skills and uncover exciting new career possibilities.

Structured Work-based Opportunities: If you're a TOH and City of Long Beach youth between the ages of 16 and 20, you can get paid to learn about different careers and make a positive impact in your community through work-based activities.

Work Experiences: TOH and City of Long Beach youth between the ages of 16 and 20 can develop job readiness skills and explore diverse career pathways through paid summer jobs in various industries throughout Nassau County.

Earn Money: Don't miss out on the chance to earn money while gaining valuable experience and exploring your career options!

WORKSITE PARTNERS

Partner with the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) at HempsteadWorks and provide valuable work experience to youth while expanding your business's staff at no cost. The program pays participant wages in full, so there's no financial burden on the hosting employer. As a SYEP worksite, you can play a vital role in the region's economic development and access a pool of talented, hyperlocal youth who are the future workforce.

Please review the important information below for details on this summer's program.

SYEP 2023:

Participants can work up to 30 hours per week

Rate of pay is $16 per hour, paid by the TOH Participants go through physical clearance and drug screening

Worksite Responsibilities:

Ensuring youth time and attendance procedures are followed, and the timesheets are complete and accurate Supervision of participants, along with guidance and training as appropriate Monitoring youth attendance, punctuality, and job performance

Don Clavin Supervisor

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT: NASSAU COUNTY. DBW

TL HOLDCO 2016, LLC, Pltf. vs. PAUL SKUBY, AS EXECUTOR OF THE ESTATE OF CATHERINE BABEY, et al, Defts. Index #608049/18. Pursuant to the amended judgment of foreclosure and sale entered October 7, 2022, I will sell at public auction on the north side front steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on June 6, 2023 at 2:30 p.m., prem. k/a 1809 Horatio Avenue, Merrick, NY a/k/a School District 29, Section 55, Block 77, Lot 1091, Group Lot 1091-1092, 1180. Approx. amt. of judgment is $50,522.79 plus costs and interest. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale and the right of the United States of America to redeem within 120 days from the date of sale as provided by law. Foreclosure auction will be held “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, then the court appointed referee will cancel the auction.

DOMINIC VILLONI

Referee, BRONSTER, LLP, Attys. for Pltf. 156 West 56th Street, Ste. 703, New York, NY. File No.

305409.429- #100325

139289

LEGAL NOTICE

REFEREE’S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE

SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU

ANTONIO CAPICOTTO, SR. MARGHERITA

CAPICOTTO, ANTONIO CAPICOTTO, JR, FRANCA

CAPICOTTO, JOSEPH T.

LEE AND RINA

CAPICOTTO LEE, Plaintiff - against - SANDRA E. BOBB A/K/A SANDRA BOBB, et al Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on March 22, 2023. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 “Rain or Shine” on the 13th day of June, 2023 at 2:00 PM.

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.

Premises known as 14 Buckingham Road, Merrick, NY 11566.

(Section: 55, Block: 173, Lot: 141)

Approximate amount of lien $191,067.01 plus interest and costs.

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale.

Index No. 603504/2019. Lisa Goodwin, Esq., Referee. Stein, Wiener & Roth LLP Attorney(s) for Plaintiff

1400 Old Country Road, Suite 315 Westbury, NY 11590

Tel. 516-742-1212

BOBB-75388

Dated: April 5, 2023

During the COVID-19 health emergency, bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of sale including but not limited to, wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6-feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale.

139456

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT: NASSAU COUNTY. UMB BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS LEGAL TITLE TRUSTEE FOR LVS TITLE TRUST VI, Pltf. vs. ANSAR PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT INC., Defts, Index #605957/19. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale dated March 23, 2022, I will sell at public auction on the north side front steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on June 12, 2023 at 2:30 p.m., prem. k/a 131 Gregory Avenue, Merrick, NY a/k/a Section 55, Block 140, Lot(s) 245-246. Approx. amt. of judgment is $612,974.74 plus costs and interest. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. Foreclosure auction will be held “rain or shine.” If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the court appointed referee will cancel the auction.

MARIA SCHEURING, Referee. DEUTSCH & SCHNEIDER, LLP, Attys. for Pltf. 79-37 Myrtle Avenue, Glendale, NY.

File No. LF-258- #100334

139454

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE TO BIDDERS SEALED PROPOSAL WILL BE RECEIVED by the Division of Purchasing of the Town of Hempstead, 350 Front Street, Room 122, Hempstead, N.Y. 11550-4037 until 11:00

AM prevailing time Thursday, June 1, 2023 at which time the following Formal Bids and Contracts will be publicly opened, read and approved as soon thereafter as practicable

FB#21-2023

Labor And Material To

Repair/Replace Parts For TOH Existing Dust Collector

FB#22-2023

*Furnish & Install 3”

Thick Foam Insulated Patio Roof and Two (2)

Dry Wells

FB#23-2023

Complete Restoration Of Courtroom Benches

FB#24-2023

Purchase And Installation Of Two (2) AC units For

DGS Printshop

YEARLY REQUIREMENTS

FOR: *TOWN BOARD TO MAKE AWARD

Bid/RFP/RFQ packets may be picked up only between the hours of 9:00 A.M. to 4:15 P.M. Bid/RFP/RFQ Packets may also be obtained via email request to Paul J. LoRaso paullor@hempsteadny.go

v Please include Firm name, address, contact person and contact telephone number. Also include Bid/Offer number that you are requesting. All Bids/Offers must be made on bidding sheets furnished by the Division of Purchasing of the Town of Hempstead and subject to all specifications, terms and conditions stated therein.

The Division of Purchasing and or the Town Board reserves the right to reject any and all Bids/Proposals and to accept the Bid/Proposal(s) that is deemed most favorable to the interests of the Town ATTENTION VETERANS:

You have certain rights under Section 162 of The New York State Finance Law in connection with public contracts for the purchase of commodities or provision of services. Specifically, This law may authorize acceptance of a bid submitted by a “Qualified Veteran’s Workshop” provided that the bid shall not exceed the lowest responsible bid by greater than 15%. It is incumbent on you to submit all required documentation to the Town, demonstrating your qualification for treatment under that section. You should consult your attorney to determine your qualification for treatment under this provision.

Under local law 62.5 this law may authorize acceptance of a bid submitted by a local veteran-owned business that maintains a place of business in or sells supplies, materials or equipment manufactured in the County of Nassau and submit a bid not to exceed 7.5% more than the otherwise lowest responsible bidder, and also does not exceed the bid of the otherwise lowest responsible bidder who qualifies for the local (non-veteran) preference by more than 2.5%.

Certification as to the

enterprise is required to be by the NYS Office of General Services or US Department of Veterans Affairs.

DATED: May 19, 2023

HEMPSTEAD, N.Y.

DONALD X. CLAVIN JR.

SUPERVISOR

KATE MURRAY TOWN CLERK

DOMINICK A. LONGOBARDI

DEPUTY TOWN

COMPTROLLER 139613

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT

COUNTY OF NASSAU

Wells Fargo Bank, N.A, FKA Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota N.A., as Trustee for the Holders of The CWMBS, Inc. Reperforming Loan Remic Trust Certificates, Series 2002-R3, Plaintiff AGAINST Nassau County Public Administrator, as the Limited Administrator of the Estate of William F. Pearsall a/k/a William Pearsall; et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered May 18, 2022 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 June 15, 2023 at 2:00PM, premises known as 170 Sherman Avenue, Merrick, NY 11566. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Merrick, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York, Section 56 Block 22 Lot 310. Approximate amount of judgment $704,731.93 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 608549/2017. 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.”

Robert Litt, Esq., Referee LOGS Legal Group LLP f/k/a Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792

Dated: May 4, 2023

76292

139526

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

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS LEGAL TITLE TRUSTEE FOR TRUMAN 2016 SC6 TITLE TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. JOHN GUIDA A/K/A JOHN J. GUIDA, ET AL., Defendant(s).

News brief

Registration for Chabad Hebrew School opens

Registration is now open for the 2023-24 school year at the Chabad Hebrew School of Merrick-Bellmore-Wantagh.

The Chabad is again offering a 1-day a week Hebrew school for students in Pre-K through eighth grade. Parents can choose a Sunday or Wednesday track.

The Chabad also has a Jewish Teen Club to students in 8th grade, that meets on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and Wednesday from 5 to 6:30 p.m. There, teens can learn about Jewish heritage, gain leadership skills, socialize with other Jewish teens and give back to the

community and Hebrew School.

Right now, there is a promotional, early bird discount, valid through June 15 — parents can get $100 off per child. All payments are refundable through June 30.

For program questions, email chs@ chabadjewishlife.org or call (516) 833-3057.

For registration and billing questions, email office@chabadjewishlife.org, or call (516) 833-3057 ext. 107.

Visit ChabadJewishLife.org/chs in order to view more on the curriculum, schedule options and registration information.

Public Notices

Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on February 28, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on June 20, 2023 at 2:30 p.m., premises known as 1718 Laurel Street, Merrick, NY 11566. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Merrick, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 55, Block 167 and Lot 212. Approximate amount of judgment is $554,722.89 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 607306/2020. 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.

Jane Pastor Shrenkel, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.: 193355-1 139561

LEGAL NOTICE REFEREE’S LEGAL NOTICE OF POSTPONEMENT OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU CITIGROUP MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST INC. ASSETBACKED PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-FX1, U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, Plaintiffagainst - ZEEV RIBENBACH, et al Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on October 30, 2018. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 “Rain or Shine” on the 4th day of May, 2023 at 2:30 PM. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Merrick, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York.

Premises known as 82 Shoreham Way, South Merrick, (Town of Hempstead) NY 11566. (Section: 63, Block: 148, Lot: 28,29,57,59) Approximate amount of lien $1,236,858.75 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale.

Index No. 606837/2017. Eun Thorsen, Esq., Referee. Davidson Fink LLP Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 400 Meridian Centre Blvd, Ste 200 Rochester, NY 14618 Tel. 585/760-8218

Dated: March 1, 2023

During the COVID-19 health emergency, bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of sale including but not limited to, wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6-feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale. The above sale, originally scheduled for 5/4/23 at 2:30 p.m. has been postponed. The new sale date is June 01, 2023 at 2:30 pm. at the same place. Eun Chong

Thorsen, Esq., Referee.

Dated: April 25, 2023

139683

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and Municipal Home Rule of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing will be held in the Town Meeting Pavilion, Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, on the 6th day of June, 2023, at 10:30 o’clock in the forenoon of that day to consider the enactment of a local law to amend Section 197-5 of the code of the Town of Hempstead to INCLUDE “ARTERIAL STOPS” at the following locations:

MERRICK HENRY ROAD (TH 176/23) - STOP - All traffic traveling southbound on Northridge Avenue shall come to a full stop.

ENRY ROAD (TH 176/23)STOP - All traffic traveling northbound on Northbridge Avenue shall come to a full stop.

ROOSEVELT EAST GREENWICH AVENUE (TH 141/23) - STOP -

All traffic traveling southbound on Park Avenue shall come to a full stop.

EAST GREENWICH AVENUE (TH 141/23)STOP -

All traffic traveling northbound on Park Avenue shall come to a full stop.

UNIONDALE COLERIDGE ROAD (TH 155/23) - STOP - All traffic traveling northbound on Ditmas Avenue shall come to a full stop.

ALL PERSONS INTERESTED shall have an opportunity to be heard on said proposal at the time and place aforesaid.

Dated: May 23, 2023

Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD

DONALD X. CLAVIN, JR. Supervisor

KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 139695

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE HOLDERS OF THE SPECIALTY UNDERWRITING AND RESIDENTIAL FINANCE TRUST, MORTGAGE LOAN ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-BC5, Plaintiff AGAINST Edward Maniscalco; et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered January 4, 2017 I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on June 26, 2023 at 2:30PM, premises known as 7 Abby Road, Merrick, NY 11566. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Merrick, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York, Section 55 Block 177 Lots 21, 22, & 23. Approximate amount of judgment $873,941.79 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 014940/2009. The auction will be conducted pursuant to the COVID-19 Policies Concerning Public Auctions of Foreclosed Property established by the Tenth Judicial District. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.”

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

Dated: May 3, 2023 139631

H ebrew Academy of Long Beach seeks educators to join our exceptional school faculty in fostering a culture of academic exploration and excellence and dedication to spiritual, intellectual, and personal growth of all students. We are currently looking for candidates in the following divisions: Lev

Time Morah

Middle School Morah

Full Time Rebbe

Middle School Math Teacher

DRS Yeshiva High School for Boys:

English Teacher

Science Teacher

Learning Center Teacher

Assistant College Guidance Counselor

SKA High School for Girls:

Graphic Design Teacher

Ivrit Teacher

Halacha Teacher

AP Computer Science Teacher

To learn more about our school community, please visit www.halb.org. We look forward to hearing from you! Please send resumes or inquiries to resumes@halb.org

HomesHERALD

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

European Style Townhome

Agreat location that is perfect for a large family. This spacious home has 5 bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms, plus additional rooms for home gym and home office. This home boasts 2-zone gas baseboard heat, new electric service, new roof, new water service, new boiler, new hot water heater, new sewer lines and all new masonry in the garage. There's a fire sprinkler system throughout the home, and a new first floor double-size outside deck perfect for entertaining, with a 2 car garage plus another parking spot behind the home. You will enjoy the ceiling fans and hardwood floors that are throughout the home. It is close to shopping, restaurants and public transportation, with the beach just blocks away. Come see for yourself, this maintenance-free home has it all! Low Flood Insurance and FEMA compliant.

A painter says he can do more than paint

Q. We started doing work to our home and are just finishing, and the painter suggested that a wall could be taken down to open up the rooms. He says he can do this himself because it’s not a support wall. We’ve looked into it, thinking about an island in the kitchen and matching the floor or replacing it. The painter said we might need an architect, but since the work is interior, it won’t need a permit. We’re wondering what we should do, because we know you’ll say we need a permit, but the painter says we can get one after the work is done, and he can start right away so he can finish the work and avoid interruptions. Do you think this is a good idea?

A. The permit, as a piece of paper or a process of reviewing the work, isn’t the point. As you read this, hundreds of projects around you are underway with no permits. Most of them will either never be found out or are of such small consequence that when an issue comes up, it will be ignored.

Usually, I only learn about problems when either a buyer or a lending bank wants something put on record. I receive frantic calls asking if plans can be made quickly and a permit obtained before the closing in a week. Anyone who tells you the permit process is quick is trying to sell you something.

REAL ESTATE

Open Houses

HEWLETT Ba, 257 WILLARD Dr, MUST SEE NEW KITCHEN UPDATES!! Spacious 5 BR, 3 Bth Exp Ranch With Open Layout.Main Floor Mstr Ste Plus Potential Mstr Ste on 2nd Flr. LR/Fpl, FDR, EIK & Sundrenched Family Rm w/ Doors to Deck. Fin Bsmt. Att Gar. Loads of Updates!! SD#20(Lynbrook)No Flood Insurance Req. MUST SEE THIS!..$1,025,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-429

HEWLETT BAY PARK BA,190 Meadowview Ave Ever Dream of Living in A Castle? This 8000 Sq Ft Mansion is Full of Character. Amazing Architectural Details, Soaring Ceilings, Stained Glass Windows. 5 BR, 6.55 Bths. Sprawling 1.3 Acre Prop with IG Gunite Pool. SD#14.Near All. Must See This Unique Home!..$3,200,00 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas elliman 516-238-429 ba

HEWLETT HARBOR BA 1299 Seawane

NEW! Move Right Into This Beautiful 4 BR, 3 Bth Exp Ranch with Open Layout in Prime Location. LR, FDR, State of the Art Kit & Great Room Overlooking Magnificently Landscaped æ Acre Property. SD #14...$1,799,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299

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

SD#14.Near All!..$1,149,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299

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

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But remember, the permit document isn’t really the important thing. The permit is a symbol representing a more important issue — safety. Safety not only includes your well-being against doing something dangerous; it also means preventing health risks and the potential of losing a large sum of money if something goes wrong.

Removing a non-structural wall is a little misleading. The wall may not be supporting anything, but it has weight that you want to replace with another load. In general, people rarely look at any kind of building as a system of puzzle pieces, all fitting together in a specific way.

As an example of what can happen, I once got a call from someone who had that wall removed and added an island. The wall load was removed from the beams below, which was a good thing because those beams were now carrying less of a load. Then an island was installed, a four-foot-wide model with a beautiful quartz countertop, a sink and a sixburner stove. The homeowner also wanted an open display for restaurant-sized canned peeled tomatoes, ready for use with one of their famous recipes.

The island load was calculated after the finished flooring began to distort and come loose and sagged 4 inches, when I was called to figure out what was going wrong. The island weighed at least six times the load of the wall, and the beam below was buckling. The floor bounced and the wine glasses in a nearby cabinet clinked together every time someone walked by.

© 2022 Monte Leeper

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

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Yes, we’re a nation of immigrants, but . . .

The ongoing influx of undocumented immigrants into New York City now threatens not just to overwhelm the city, but to spread into the suburbs, as we have already seen in Rockland and Orange counties, raising serious quality-of-life issues.

Let me make it clear from the start. America is a nation of immigrants. They have always been the lifeblood that gives America its unique sense of determination and ingenuity. I am a grandson of immigrants. Like the late Gov. Mario Cuomo, I consider America to be more a mosaic and stained glass window than a melting pot.

No country has more legal immigration than the United States. Having said that, we cannot be a nation without borders or one that allows entry to unlimited numbers of migrants. There must be an orderly process and procedure for immigration, not just to safeguard our society and communities, but for the welfare of the immigrants. We cannot financially afford the surge of undocumented immi-

grants we are seeing today.

Coming out of the coronavirus pandemic, our economy was straining to recover. Mental health and education needs caused by Covid had to be met and paid for, with diminished revenues. Crime in our streets had to be brought under control to protect our residents and to make cities safe for people to return to work and play. Housing had to be provided for the growing numbers of homeless, including America’s veterans. Adding 60,000 undocumented immigrants to New York City is unsustainable, especially since we have virtually no idea who these people are and what physical, mental and educational needs they have. Nor do we know the criminal histories some may have.

While the overwhelming majority of undocumented immigrants are good people, some are not. I saw examples of the negative results of uncontrolled illegal immigration on Long Island in 2014 and 2015, when there was a surge of undocumented minors across the southern border. A significant numbers of those kids were sent by the federal government to communities such as Brentwood and Central Islip, many of whose residents are

hardworking immigrants from Central America. This put a severe burden on the local school districts, which had to accept these kids on very short notice while addressing their unique educational and psychological needs and deficiencies as well as the language challenges.

Despite Rep. Steve Israel and I making requests and introducing legislation, the Obama administration refused to provide these school districts with any added funding. There was also the chilling reality that a number of these young people were connected to the MS-13 gang, which was recruiting new members and carrying out brutal acts of violence against other students. In the 18 months from the fall of 2015 to the spring of 2017, MS-13 carried out a reign of terror in the immigrant community, brutally murdering 25 mostly young people.

You can understand why residents in communities in Brooklyn and Staten Island are so opposed to large numbers of undocumented immigrants being housed close to schools and neighborhood facilities.

This crisis of undocumented migra-

tion would be severe enough if there were any end in sight. Instead, more buses of immigrants arrive at the Port Authority every day. New York City Mayor Eric Adams wants to lessen the city’s burden by sharing it with neighboring counties, which are no more able to provide the necessary services than the city. Not surprisingly, Rockland and Orange counties are resisting through legal proceedings, and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman has made clear his opposition to Adams’s plan.

The only answer to this humanitarian crisis is for the Biden administration to secure our porous border as quickly as possible. Despite the president’s protestations, he doesn’t need congressional authorization to get the job done. He has the necessary power and authority.

Congress will not consider legislation on undocumented migrants already in the country until there is assurance that the border is secure, and the asylum system is reformed so that just claiming asylum won’t provide long-term sanctuary until hearings are held years in the future. Our challenge must be to stop illegal immigration while ensuring that America remains a nation of immigrants.

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

Dishing up an old-time menu for the holiday

The Memorial Day acai bowl just will not work. Neither do I want to see a tofu hot dog or an Impossible Burger vegging out at my table. Save the kale smoothies for another time. This year, after all the pandemic deprivations and accommodations and missed celebrations, I look forward to an old-time cookout, me and my old friends: carbs and salt and fat.

Even as I write this, it feels transgressive. I’m a good girl — I am. I eat healthy day in and day out. For heaven’s sake, even on Thanksgiving I now prepare stuffed butternut squash as a main dish and cooked fruit for dessert.

Eating natural didn’t come naturally. I didn’t grow up breakfasting on mango, granola and yogurt, lunching on avocado toast and dining on six ounces of salmon. I grew up the old-fashioned way, boosted by sugar, highly processed cereal, egg salad with mayo for lunch and liver and red meat for dinner. I stored bags of potato chips under my bed. I

know, you’re as surprised as I am that I reached this age.

My parents’ childhood diet was worse. As Jewish people of European descent, they ate everything with a scoop of chicken fat on top. Chopped liver was a fave. They were poor, so my mother’s family of six would share one chicken and fill themselves up with mounds of mashed potatoes (laden with chicken fat, of course). They served up pots of soup, also glazed with fat. The preferred cooking method was frying, and they weren’t using canola oil, believe me.

My mom and dad lived to 95 and 97, which does raise the question of whether chicken fat is an undiscovered health food. In their 60s they started eating fish and chicken, broiling instead of frying, consuming very little sugar and bulking up fruits and vegetables. They also started exercising, every day, in dogged moderation.

My food evolution began in college, when, after playing the vending machine cookie and cocoa slots, I gained 12 pounds. I hadn’t thought about it before: Would eating cookies and drink-

ing sugar make me unhealthy? Was I prepared to buy all new clothes to accommodate my chocolate chip cookie habit?

As my parents improved their eating habits in the 1960s, I too educated myself about nutrition and began grazing at the salad bars rather than the dessert buffet.

I was an awful cook when we set up our first apartment. At my first official dinner party for the family, I cooked Cornish hens, plated them, and served them to our parents. They were hens on steroids, and it looked as if a flock of geese had landed on our table. When my mother-in-law stuck a fork in hers, blood spurted out.

Some food fads of the day were fondues, either chocolate or cheese, processed white bread and Tang (dehydrated orange juice). I did own a fondue pot, but eventually, dipping bread chunks into melted cheddar lost its appeal. Everyone I knew had a bun warmer to hold the doughy rolls we served with dinner.

Eventually I learned to cook, and have been doing it every day for more than 50 years. We have moved toward

the food paradigm of lots of vegetables and a small amount of protein, preferably fish. I eat lower-fat foods and less sugar because I believe in science, and I know that a hot dog a day will put me away. But one or two a year is good for my personal sense of well-being.

We all associate food with memories, and the coming together on Memorial Day, a holiday both celebratory and somber, has always included a gustatory launching of the summer season. The meal demands fresh corn and watermelon. Beer for the grownups.

This weekend, as we honor those who have given their lives keeping us safe and strong, let’s go back to basics. Even as fake news, fake intelligence and photo fakery overtake us, let’s serve up real hot dogs, rolls, sauerkraut, relish, hamburgers and ketchup, and let’s top it all off with a gaudy and gigantic red, white and blue Jell-O mold, which has no real ingredients at all aside from food coloring.

I don’t know why the prospect of an old-fashioned barbecue feels so satisfying, and I’m not going to analyze it. Just save a seat for me at the long table with the paper tablecloth and pass me a dog with the works.

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

RANDI KREISS

I know that a hot dog a day will put me away. But this weekend, serve ’em up.

p resident Biden must secure our porous borders as quickly as possible.

HERALD

How not to make a mountain out of a molehill

Political animosity in America is as old as the Constitution.

Divisiveness and rancor are not traits unique to American politics, either. Humans have learned and relearned how to debate without smashing one another over the head with clubs. Politics is messy. It will always be a blood sport. Political parties exist to dismantle their enemies. But hope remains that discourse will win the day over destruction.

Last week in Nassau County, there was a moment of collective breath-holding for those who support the rule of law, after a printing company made every active voter in the county a Democrat.

The company, Phoenix Graphics, of Rochester, assured the public the mistake was a printing error, and that no one’s party registration had been changed by the Nassau County Board of Elections. Phoenix promised to fix the error, and print and mail updated voter registration cards to everyone.

County Executive Bruce Blakeman, a Republican, held a news conference anyway, clutching one of the incorrectly printed voter registration cards.

To his credit, Blakeman resisted a rhetoric-filled speech to score political points. It would have been so easy for him to blame Democrats or cast doubts on the June primaries and the November election, especially since this election cycle will be the first with newly redrawn county legislative districts.

Redistricting is a bare-knuckled politi-

letters

cal process that already causes voter confusion. Blakeman could have added to the confusion and distrust by blaming political enemies. He didn’t.

In fact, Blakeman explicitly said that Democrats weren’t engaged in a conspiracy. He emphasized that the county’s voter rolls are correct. He said there was nothing “nefarious” in the printing error. And he made light of any possible allusion to a conspiracy by saying that it would be nonsensical for Democrats to want Republicans to vote in Democratic primaries.

Pause and reflect for a moment on how significant Blakeman’s actions and words were. He could have made vague accusations, sown doubt and appeared to supporters as a hero battling dark forces.

The era of McCarthyism, the Gilded Age, the Civil War — there have been a number of times in our history when all hope of working with political rivals seemed dead. Our present-day political polarization has been described as among the most divisive in history. The ability to talk respectfully with people who disagree seems all but lost. Gerrymandering and U.S. Supreme Court rulings continue to separate us, and at any time there are a host of wedge issues that prevent reform.

Mention “stolen election” and people reach for pitchforks and torches.

Blakeman may not have scored political points with overzealous conspiracy theorists. Much more important, he sought to calm the electorate and reassure people’s faith in voting and democracy.

Grogan’s letter was short on facts

To the Editor:

Re Steve Grogan’s letter to the editor, “Democrats favor felons over disabled veterans” (May 11-17), referring to the Democratic lawmakers who have decriminalized adult-use recreational marijuana in New York:

Grogan argues that Conditional Adult-Use Retail Dispensary licenses to sell marijuana have gone to convicted felons, without providing the context behind the assertion. According to a March article in the Albany Times Union, state officials have reserved more than 300 “justice-involved” licenses in the first round, begun last November, for those previously convicted of a marijuana offense, or those whose immediate relatives were convicted. Lawmakers did so, in large part, to help compensate historically marginalized communities of color that were harmed by disproportionately higher marijuana possession arrests compared with predominately white areas.

From January to March 2018, for example, 93 percent of those arrested for marijuana possession in New York City were people of color. Of 4,087 arrests, 2,006 were Black people, 1,621 were Latino, and 287 were white, according to the Innocence Project. Yet Brookings Institution statistics from the time tell us there was relative-

Now that he has poured cold water on a potential simmering issue, he and county legislators must focus on continuing to reassure voters that the county’s voting systems are secure. First, the county must investigate how the printing error occurred. Was it caused by an inadvertent keystroke? Did Phoenix check information before printing nearly 1 million copies of the registration cards?

Next, Nassau legislators must adopt a local law that stipulates that vendors are responsible for fixing such errors at no cost to taxpayers, and that vendors submit a statement of accuracy verification prior to publication. Phoenix voluntarily owned up to its mistake and said it would pay to fix it, but county taxpayers shouldn’t have to rely on the goodwill of vendors when they err.

Finally, the county must insist on prior review by a Board of Elections employee, who would examine voter registration cards and give the OK for printing.

Blakeman should hold another news conference with Democratic and Republican legislators before next month’s primary to reassure voters that the voter rolls are correct, and that no party registrations were incorrectly changed.

Partisanship in our country is close to all-time highs. Blakeman deserves credit for resisting an easy layup to score political points. He and the Legislature must, however, work hard in the coming months to reassure voters that their registration information is correct, and that their votes will be accurately counted.

ly little difference in marijuana use among people of different races.

Grogan writes that licenses went “mostly” to convicted drug dealers, with-

out attributing the statement to a source.

Meanwhile, Section 137 of the state’s cannabis law prohibits anyone convicted of marijuana trafficking within the last

Israel’s safety must be America’s priority

In many corners of the world today, instability and democratic backsliding reign supreme. We see this phenomenon playing out in real time as Russia continues its malicious invasion of Ukraine, China further cracks down on human rights, and Sudan braces for a potentially protracted civil war. In the face of such a deteriorating international security situation, it is extraordinarily important that the United States reaffirms its commitment to standing for freedom, and continues to nurture democracy around the globe wherever there is fertile soil. America’s greatest ally in this generational struggle is Israel — a free country whose miraculous establishment by the Jewish people and survival against great odds has often drawn the ire of its antisemitic, authoritarian neighbors.

Recently I had the opportunity to travel to Israel as part of a bipartisan congressional delegation led by House Speaker

Kevin McCarthy, to see for myself the manifestation of that country’s great democracy and celebrate the 75th anniversary of Israel’s hard-fought freedom. During our time in Israel, my House colleagues and I met with President Isaac Herzog, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Speaker of the Knesset Amir Ohana, and several other Israeli lawmakers, and briefed them on ways Congress is working to help Israel combat violence perpetrated by terrorist groups and state sponsors of terror, such as Iran.

While speaking to our Israeli partners, my colleagues and I reaffirmed our support for enhancing Israel’s “Iron Dome” missile defense system, and announced our participation in a new joint U.S. House-Knesset Parliamentary Friendship Group — a bilateral association of legislators from the United States and Israel designed to promote avenues of cooperation between our countries.

What’s more, the American delegation formally delivered a copy of a congressional resolution I co-sponsored that calls for

Letters

three years from obtaining a license, pending state board review. All license applicants must also prove they have owned a profitable, legal business for at least two years. For more, go to bit. ly/436glY2.

Finally, Grogan states that no disabled veterans have received licenses in Round One, again without attribution. The state’s Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act of 2021, however, requires that service-disabled veterans receive priority treatment in the licensing process, along with minority- and women-owned businesses and distressed farmers.

For more, go to Cannabis.ny.gov.

SCOTT BRINTON Merrick

Larger lawsuits will only damage our health care

To the Editor:

The State Legislature is again considering legislation (A.6696/S.6636) that would exponentially expand damages awardable in wrongful death lawsuits. This bill is very nearly the same as one that was — thankfully — vetoed by Gov. Kathy Hochul last January. The physicians at the Nassau County Medical Society and throughout the state worked tirelessly to have this bill vetoed, but this issue is now resurfacing.

As doctors, we have great sympathy for the grieving families of our patients, and we understand that this legislation seeks

to help them. However, any legislation to expand costly lawsuits must be balanced to help prevent the enormous adverse impact it would have on our health care system. Had the first bill been signed into law, it would have made it even more difficult for our struggling community hospitals and medical practices to continue to provide needed patient care.

While the new bill purports to respond to the governor’s veto, it in fact does not.

Hochul identified several reasons for vetoing the earlier bill, including that it “would increase already high insurance burdens on families and small businesses and further strain already distressed health care workers and institutions,” which would be “particularly challenging for struggling hospitals in under-served communities.”

Furthermore, the governor articulated her concerns that the bill “passed without a serious evaluation of the impact of these massive changes on the economy, small businesses, individuals, and the State’s complex health care system.”

The new bill does not address these concerns. It would continue to enable the awards of new categories of damages that multiple actuarial studies show will lead to a nearly 40 percent growth in liability costs, on top of the already unaffordable costs facing our physicians and hospitals.

Studies from Diederich Healthcare show that from 2019 to 2021, New York had the highest cumulative medical liability payouts of any state in the country, $1.4 billion, nearly twice as much as the secondhighest state, Florida. It also had the high-

the strengthening of the Abraham Accords. The accords — a historic framework brokered by Nassau County’s own David Friedman, who served as America’s ambassador to Israel — provide a path to lasting peace in the Middle East, and I am proud that a Long Islander played such a large part in their formation.

wWe were shown such warmth by the Israeli people as we toured large swaths of Jerusalem, including the Western Wall and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre — moving visits to sites important to my Catholic faith. I also paid my respects to the victims of the Holocaust at Yad Vashem, which serves as a palpable reminder to the world that we must work tirelessly to prevent such evils from ever being carried out again.

Indeed, Jerusalem truly is a holy city, and I am grateful to the Israeli people for their considerate caretaking of so many important religious places of worship and other sacred sites. Sadly, however, the carefully maintained peace established by Israel that I observed was shattered as rockets fired from Gaza targeted innocent

Israelis in the southern sections of the country near the end of my visit — a painful reminder that Israel remains under siege, and that underscores the need for the United States to continue supporting our greatest ally in its struggle for survival.

On my flight back to New York from Jerusalem, I couldn’t help but think of those poor Israeli men, women and children forced to live in fear of indiscriminate death falling from the sky. We cannot allow this to remain the reality for the people of Israel.

I have seen firsthand how Israel stands as a beacon of hope in a world cloaked by darkness, and a shining example of the power of liberty in building a free, fair and just society. The United States must do everything in our power to safeguard our Israeli allies, for Israel’s very existence is a victory for the free world, and its success is America’s success. As a member of Congress, I will continue to do everything in my power to provide Israel the tools necessary to ensure that the blue and white banner forever flies high over the country’s eternal capital of Jerusalem. Israel will remain.

Framework by Tim Baker

est per-capita liability payment, 33 percent more than the second-highest state, Pennsylvania. And it far exceeds states like California and Texas, which New York is competing with to attract and retain the best and brightest physicians.

We just completed a budget cycle in which significant steps were taken to address the stability of our community health care providers, particularly those providing needed care in our undeserved areas. Yet this legislation would under-

mine the positive steps the Legislature has taken to protect access to care.

I urge the Legislature to work toward the adoption of truly balanced legislation that can expand the rights of grieving families, while at the same time preserving our patients’ ability to continue to receive needed health care in our communities.

DR. DAVID PODWALL President, Nassau County Medical Society

Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Camp Avenue School — Merrick

Congressman Anthony D’Esposito represents New York’s 4th Congressional District.

e cannot allow indiscriminate bombing to remain the reality for its people.

antHonY D’esposIto