Merrick Herald 06-22-2023

oh, the places they’ll go!

From graduation to Bonnaroo Ben Goldsmith gets his break in Nashville

By JoRDAN VAlloNE jvallone@liherald.com

If you ask 17-year-old Ben Goldsmith what he’s been working toward his entire life, the answer is simple: a career in music.

Having just graduated from John F. Kennedy High School in Bellmore on June 11, the Merrick native won’t have to wait any longer to see that dream become a reality. On June 9, Sony Music Nashville, the United Talent Agency and Universal Music Publishing Group Nashville announced that they had signed Goldsmith.

Sony Music Nashville is his record label; UTA

will manage shows and tour booking; and UMPG Nashville is managing his publishing deal, specifically for his songwriting.

Goldmsith’s debut album, “The World Between My Ears,” will drop on Sept. 22.

Just a week after graduating from high school, Goldsmith moved to Tennessee and performed at the Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival on June 17. The four-day festival attracts tens of thousands of music fans, and hundreds of artists, to Great Stage Park in Manchester, Tennessee.

Goldsmith’s musical journey began on Long Island when he was just 4, and a violin instructor

Continued on page 7

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A long road still ahead for public water

By JoRDAN VAlloNE jvallone@liherald.com

Advocacy groups have been ramping up efforts for a public takeover of Liberty Utilities after the private company, which supplies water to roughly 113,000 Town of Hempstead residents, recently sought a cumulative 34.2 percent rate hike across Nassau County.

Long Island Clean Air Water & Soil, an advocacy group that has long fought for public water, held a meeting in Merrick on June 15 to discuss what could be done to fight the rate increase.

Just over a month ago, Liberty filed a notice with the state Public Service Commission for the rate increase, which would impact three districts that Liberty serves on Long Island: Lynbrook, Merrick and Sea Cliff.

The private company is seeking the increase to offset the cost of “necessary plant investments, high tax burdens, the installation of advanced metering infra-

structure, proposed low-income and arrearage management programs, and a fee-free program for electronic payment of Liberty NYW invoices,” according to the filing.

The company added that the rate hike would also help cover the cost of 17 new jobs that were created at its Merrick offices, as well as “the implementation of a low-income program” to provide aid to certain customers.

If the state approves a rate increase after holding public hearings, it would take effect on April 1, 2024.

In November 2021, Gov. Kathy Hochul signed a bill creating the South Nassau Water Authority, a public entity with the sole purpose of taking over Liberty.

As of early May, the water authority board was composed of John Reinhardt, Ella Stevens, Robert Gizzi and Mark Plumer, with one open seat to be filled by someone appointed by the Town of Hempstead.

Continued on page 4

Courtesy Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District

Seniors at John F. Kennedy, Sanford H. Calhoun and Wellington C. Mepham High Schools graduated in separate ceremonies on June 11. Above from left, Jaxon Carvalho, Andrew Cardenas, Jeremy Camille and Luke Caditz at Calhoun’s ceremony. More photos, Page 10.

It is important for all of our state representatives to get behind the effort to get the SNWA the funding it needs.

StEVE RhoADS

State senator

Herald staffers capture Press Club awards

Four staffers from Herald Community Newspapers earned recognition last week for their work over the past year during the annual Press Club of Long Island awards dinner in Woodbury.

Reine Bethany, currently the editor of the Uniondale Herald Beacon, won third place in the government and politics category for her stories focusing on the Cleveland Avenue athletic field controversy in Freeport while she was editor of the Freeport Herald. Elected leaders from the village and the school district have been at odds over what to do with the green space, as plans for a distribution center there could bring millions of dollars into the community.

Ana Borruto, editor of the Franklin Square/Elmont Herald, took third place in the crime and justice category for her web story “Justice for Julio,” about residents in Hell’s Kitchen holding a vigil for a Bay Shore High School graduate while writing for GreaterLongIsland.com.

Borruto joined Herald Community Newspapers as a senior reporter last November, and was promoted to editor of the Franklin Square newspaper a short time later.

“Our whole editorial team has shown a knack for understanding their communities and following the stories vital to their readers,” Michael Hinman, executive editor of Herald Community Newspapers,

said. “Recognition from the Press Club of Long Island — itself a chapter of the esteemed Society of Professional Journalists — is greatly appreciated.”

Longtime Herald staffer Laura Lane was recognized as one of the best print reporters on Long Island as she picked up

a third place award in the Reporter of the Year category. Lane’s stories that contributed to the honor included one that talked about who cares for the caregivers at Glen Cove Hospital, how ex-interns led Nassau County Legislator Josh Lafazan’s congressional campaign, the limited options

facing refugees, and the funeral of famed Teddy Roosevelt impersonator James Foote.

Lane, who has been with the Herald for roughly 20 years, serves as senior editor for the Glen Cove Herald, Oyster Bay Herald, and Sea Cliff/Glen Head Herald.

Barely a year after he started working full-time at the Herald, Michael Malaszczyk placed second in the environment narrative category. His story, “New York state adds to South Shore Estuary Reserve Act,” was highlighted.

Malaszczyk began freelancing for the Herald in March 2022 while a graduate student at Hofstra University. He became a full-time reporter a few months later in charge of the Seaford Herald and Wantagh Herald, where he was since promoted to senior reporter. All while continuing to pursue his graduate degree at Hofstra.

“There are many dedicated and hardworking journalists on Long Island, and Herald Community Newspapers is proud to be a part of that community as well as the communities our papers serve,” Jeffrey Bessen, the company’s deputy editor — and a Press Club of Long Island board member — said.

The Press Club of Long Island was established in 1974 as an independent press club after a reporter was jailed for failing to reveal a source. It is now one of SPJ’s largest pro chapters. It has honored member media organizations with an annual awards presentation since 1982.

Jeffrey Bessen/Herald

ThE PRESS Club of Long Island recognized journalism excellence at its annual dinner last week. Herald staffers Michael Malaszczyk, Laura Lane, center, and Ana Borruto show off their awards for the Wantagh Herald, Seaford Herald, Oyster Bay Herald and Franklin Square/Elmont Herald. Reine Bethany, editor of the Uniondale Herald Beacon, also was honored for her previous work with the Freeport Herald.

Application at Bedell Dairy Farm withdrawn

Awaiting landmark decision, developer may need to rework plans for North Merrick property

By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com

Aproposal to divide the Bedell Dairy Farm property into three separate plots in North Merrick has stirred quite the debate in the community for a number of reasons; the first, being that a living complex with three homes may pose dangers to the people living there, and two, because the property is 116 years old, and is part of Merrick’s history.

The Bedell family has a rich history in the Town of Hempstead. Henry Bedell, who established the farm in North Merrick was the son of Charles Bedell, who owned and operated a wellknown dairy business, Atlantic Dairy, in neighboring Freeport.

The farmhouse at 1685 Meadowbrook Road, right next to the North Merrick Public Library, was built in 1907. The property also has a milk house, which is one of the last of its kind in Nassau County.

In December of last year, the Historical Society of the Merricks submitted an application to the Town of Hempstead’s Landmark Preservation Commission, with the hopes that the home and its history could officially be protected. In its current state, the home is without running water and electricity, but the historical society believes it can be restored.

But a proposal to re-imagine the space by a developer, Golden Kastle Homes, has caused some delays in the historical society’s campaign.

The developer’s application with the Nassau County Planning Commission to the divide the property in three lots isn’t without its faults. As previously reported by the Herald, the North Merrick Fire Department has said it may be unable to access the home planed to be set furthest back on the property.

A letter to an attorney representing the developer from the fire department reads: “The North Merrick Fire Department cannot guarantee that they would be able to access the property you plan to construct and develop ... the materials you provided indicate proposed plans and measurements which the Fire District apparatus may not be able to navigate during an emergency situation.”

At a Nassau County Planning Commission meeting on June 15, the concerns regarding the fire department, as well as the pending landmark status decision, were addressed.

Howard Avrutine, a lawyer representing the applicant, said he does not represent the developer in regards to the landmark application process. However, Avrutine added that he was aware the Landmark Commission meeting that took place on June 20 could determine the fate of the property.

“The applicant is not inclined to spend funds or redesign or change anything with respect to the existing proposal,” he said. “If landmark status is granted, then that will alter the entire landscape as far as a subdivision is concerned, so to ask him to redesign is seems premature at this point.”

Avrutine asked that the application be withdrawn from the agenda of the planning commission, while the developer awaits news of the landmark status. By withdrawing the application from the calendar, the file itself remains active and can be re-calendared at some point in the future, at the request of the applicant.

During a public commentary period, attendees were

Courtesy David Griffin

ThE BEDELL DAiRy Farm property in North Merrick is in danger of being re-developed into three, new homes on Meadowbrook Road. The Historical Society of the Merricks has been working towards obtaining landmark status, and partnered with an architectural historian consultant who creating a rendering of what the property could become.

concerned that if landmark status is ultimately denied, the developer may still try to build three homes on the property.

“This is not a good plan — it has no street access,” Richard Smith, president of the North Merrick library board said. “There is a landmark decision, and I don’t know how that’s going to come out. But you’ve got to the stop this threehouse version that he has put in the plan.”

John Pinto, president of the Historical Society of the Merricks, spoke on the history of the property.

“It is a beautiful piece of property, and for the wrecking ball to knock it down would be just a heartbreaker for the community,” he said. “Being that I got in this game a little late, it’s my understanding that this petition should have never gotten to this level. There were certain things that should have been checked off, and more mainly the fire department access.”

This was the fourth planning commission meeting since November of last year in which the plans for the Bedell property had been on the agenda. Commissioners on the planning board did question Avrutine as to why the plan was not reworked to be safer and approved by the fire department.

Avrutine said it was simply because of the pending landmark status application.

“Depending on what happens in that proceeding, it will likely dictate what is done,” he said. “I’ll present a hypothetical supposing the landmark status is denied. Then my direction to my client, the applicant, will be we’ve heard all these concerns — let’s address them in a way that allows you to develop your property in a reasonable fashion that also addresses all of the concerns that have been raised, but it’s premature for that.

“I don’t want the commission to think that we’re simply going to come back here again, with the identical plan,” Avrutine went on. “That would not be the case, assuming that we’re able to proceed at all depending on upon the Landmark Commission’s decision.”

AT A REcENT Nassau County Planning Commission meeting, the developer’s application to divide the property into three lots was withdrawn while the landmark status is decided. It can be re-calendared at a later date. Left, a historic photo of the home, during its heyday as a farmhouse.

The historical society has received support from state and Nassau officials. County Legislator Michael Giangregorio wrote a letter to the Landmark Commission, citing the Bedell’s history in the development of Merrick, and what the property could become if preserved.

“The restoration and preservation of this historical landmark would allow the Merrick Public Library, which is located directly next door to the Bedell Farm,” he wrote, “to work in conjunction with the Bedell Farm to educate the public on important aspects of the history of Long Island.”

If landmark status is granted to the Bedell property — or even to just the home, and not the milk house — it’s likely that plans regarding the destruction of the farmhouse would need to change. And if landmark status is ultimately not granted, the developer’s application with the planning commission can be re-calendared for review.

The Herald went to press during the Landmark Commission meeting on June 20 at Hempstead Town Hall — for the most recent information regarding the status of the home, visit LIHerald.com/Merrick.

it is a beautiful piece of property, and for the wrecking ball to knock it down would be just a heartbreaker for the community.

JOhN PiNTO

President

Historical Society of the Merricks

Courtesy Historical Society of the Merricks

South Nassau Water Authority needs funds

Liberty’s proposed increase has sparked a debate and angered town officials.

“Only 16 months after buying American Water Company, Liberty Utilities filed for a rate increase of nearly 35 percent with the Public Service Commission,” Town Supervisor Don Clavin said in a statement on May 5. “I, along with the newly formed South Nassau Water Authority, urge the Public Service Commission to reject this unconscionable rate increase. Liberty water ratepayers deserve better.”

Dave Denenberg, co-director of Long Island Clean Air, said the water authority has not held any public meetings to discuss how to take over Liberty.

“We need a public meeting,” Denenberg said. “We need the town to appoint the rest of the board — and we need the board to do their job.”

When the South Nassau Water Authority was created, Hochul also signed legislation creating a similar entity on the North Shore, the Water Authority of the North Shore. The bill gave the North Shore water authority $1 million per year for its first two years of operation, but a lump sum of $2 million for North Shore was actually worked into the state’s budget this year.

However, no state funding has not been allocated to the South Shore.

Long Island Clean Air believes the South Nassau Water Authority should still hold public meetings explaining how a takeover would work, how much it would cost, and how long the process would take.

The group’s leaders urged others to speak out about the need for a meeting and encouraged them to write letters to their elected officials. They also suggested that they attend town board meetings and speak out during the public comment period.

Hochul vetoed legislation last November intended to

provide funding for the South Nassau Water Authority. The funding, according to state Sen. Steve Rhoads, is required to “hire experts to inventory and evaluate the assets of Liberty water and assess operating costs as a public system before it can engage Liberty in discussions for a potential acquisition.”

“It is unfortunate that Gov. Hochul continues to be the biggest obstacle for the South Nassau Water Authority to fulfill its mission to study, negotiate and report on a possible transition to public water so the voters can make an informed decision,” Rhoads wrote in an email.

Rhoads has introduced new legislation addressing the matter.

“In February, I introduced S.5173, which would compel the State to provide $1 million in annual funding for SNWA to do its work,” he said. “I then wrote to the governor and the leaders in both the Senate and the Assembly to make the bill part of this year’s budget funding. Those requests fell on deaf ears.”

As the fight for public water continues, State Sen. Steve Rhoads has introduced new legislation that may help the South Nassau Water Authority get the necessary funding to facilitate a takeover of Liberty Utilities. Advocacy groups, such as Long Island Clean Air Water & Soil, still want the SNWA to hold a public meeting addressing the takeover.

Last week, Rhoads said Assemblywoman Taylor Darling and Assemblymen Brian Curran and Dave McDonough, introduced identical legislation to give the bill a chance to move through both houses of the state legislature with bipartisan support.

“With Liberty water seeking additional rate hikes which will further harm our residents,” Rhoads wrote, “it is important for all of our state representatives to get behind the effort to get the (South Nassau Water Authority) the funding it needs and to compel the governor to stop impeding progress.”

Communities in the merrick service area

Bellmore, East Massapequa, Merrick, North Seaford, North Wantagh, Levittown, North Bellmore, Massapequa, North Merrick, Seaford and Wantagh

In second marriage planning, a co-trustee is sometimes recommended on the death of the first spouse. While both spouses are living and competent they run their trust or trusts together. But when one spouse dies, what prevents the other spouse from diverting all of the assets to their own children? Nothing at all, if they alone are in charge. While most people are honorable, and many are certain their spouse would never do such a thing, strange things often happen later in life. A spouse may become forgetful, delusional or senile or may be influenced by other parties. Not only that, but the children of the deceased spouse tend to feel very insecure when they find out their stepparent is in charge of all of the couple’s assets.

If you choose one of the deceased spouse’s children to act as co-trustee with the surviving spouse there is a conflict that exists whereby the stepchild may be reluctant to spend assets for the surviving spouse, because whatever is spent on that spouse comes out of the child’s inheritance. Then what if stepparent gets remarried? How will the stepchild trustee react to that event? What if it turns out the stepchild liked the stepparent when his parent was living, but not so much afterwards?

Here is where the lawyer as co-trustee may provide an ideal solution. When one parent dies, the lawyer steps in as co-trustee with the surviving spouse. The lawyer helps the stepparent to invest for their own benefit as well as making sure the principal grows to offset inflation, for the benefit of the deceased spouse’s heirs.

The stepparent in this case takes care of all their business privately with their lawyer. The trusts cannot be raided. These protections may also be extended for IRA and 401(k) money passing to the spouse through the use of the “IRA Contract”. Surviving spouse agrees ahead of time that they will make an irrevocable designation of the deceased spouse’s children as beneficiaries when the IRA is left to the surviving spouse, and further agrees that any withdrawals in excess of the required minimum distribution (RMD) may only be made on consent of the lawyer.

When the trust terms are read the deceased spouse’s children are relieved by the protection that has been set up for them, have no concern about the stepparent’s having sole control of the assets and the relationship between them may continue to grow and flourish.

sports

Wild finishes highlight spring season

By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com

there was no shortage of thrilling finishes and heartbreak on Nassau County high school athletic fields this spring, capped by a nearly 4-hourlong Long Island Class A softball championship game between MacArthur and Bayport. Here’s a recap of the 10 wildest postseason endings to the 2022-23 sports year.

1. Carey 6, Plainedge 5

Class A softball first round

The Seahawks trailed 5-1 in the top of the sixth inning but staged a comeback of epic proportions still down three with two outs and nobody on base in the bottom of the seventh. Caylee DeMeo had a two-run single and winning pitcher Lauren Peers followed with a towering fly that dropped between outfielders, bringing home the tying and winning runs.

2. Calhoun 6, Mepham 5

Class A baseball semifinal

The host Colts were down three runs and down to their last out in Game 3 with nobody on base in the bottom of the seventh before pulling out a win for the ages. A hit batter, a single, and a walk set the stage for Joey Goodman, who blasted a walk-off grand slam over the fence in left.

3. Calhoun 6, South Side 5

Class B boys’ lacrosse semifinal

Jayden Finkelstein had a hat trick and an assist and junior goaltender Mark Restivo made 13 saves to propel the Colts to victory. Jake Lewis, Braden Garvey and Shaun Walters also scored as Calhoun avenged a 10-5 regular-season defeat to the Cyclones.

4. North Shore 11, South Side 10

Class C girls’ lacrosse semifinal

The Vikings trailed by five goals in the first half before rallying and eventually winning in triple overtime on a goal by Kylee Colbert.

5. Garden City 7, Calhoun 6

Class B boys’ lacrosse championship

Garden City, which defeated the Colts handily, 16-8, April 21, had its hands full in the rematch on the county title stage and scored the decisive goal with 1:48 remaining off the stick of Carson Kraus. Lewis scored three times for Calhoun and had the potential tying goal nullified with seconds remaining due to a crease violation.

6. Garden City 9, Long Beach 8 Class B girls’ lacrosse championship

For the second straight year Long Beach fell a goal short of topping Garden City for the county title. A late goal by Garden City’s Kendal Morris with 2:41 left in the second half proved the difference. Delaney Chernoff had a hat trick and Delaney Radin added four points for the Marines.

7. Manhasset 13, North Shore 12 Class C girls’ lacrosse championship

The Vikings dropped an OT heartbreaker after leading 12-9 with less than six minutes remaining in regulation. Colbert had seven goals to finish the campaign with 101. Ava Bartoli and Daniela Martini scored twice apiece.

8. Seaford 1, Center Moriches 0 L.I. Class B softball championship

Scoreless in the bottom of the ninth, the Vikings captured their first Long Island crown in walk-off fashion on Kaitlyn Young’s bases-loaded single to left with one out to bring home Gabby Bellamore. Pitcher Skyler Secondino dominated in the circle with 15 strikeouts.

9. Babylon 6, Seaford 5 L.I. Class B baseball championship

One strike away from making more program history after winning its firstever county title, Seaford baseball was unable to shut the door against Babylon. The Phantoms scored four runs in the bottom of the ninth to win it in unbelievable fashion after the Vikings plated three runs in the top of the inning.

10. Bayport 4, MacArthur 2 L.I. Class A softball championship

After defeating Clarke for the county championship in a series that went the distance, MacArthur gave everything it had in a marathon L.I. Class A title game before falling in 12 innings. The Generals tied it in their final turn at-bat on star pitcher Taylor Brunn’s RBI double.

Brian Ballweg/Herald photos KAITLYN YOuNG, ABOVE, had the walk-off hit for Seaford in its 1-0 victory over Center Moriches in the Long Island Class B softball title game.

KYLEE COLBErT’S GOAL in triple overtime lifted North Shore over South Side in a thrilling Nassau Class C girls’ lacrosse semifinal.

Multidimensional artist performs at Bonnaroo

realized he had a knack for singing. In addition to the violin, Goldsmith also learned guitar, and he performed at local community events, fairs and clubs throughout middle school.

He studied jazz guitar at the Manhattan School of Music and the Mannes School of Music, and perfected his skills with the instrument under the mentorship of Tomo Fujita, a professional musician and an instructor at the Berklee College of Music in Massachusetts, who previously taught John Mayer, among others.

“This is the stuff I’ve been dreaming about since I was 6, when I first fell in love with playing the guitar,” Goldsmith told the Herald. “It’s crazy how all of this is coming to fruition as I graduate high school.”

As his love of music, and his talent, has deepened in recent years, he has had some unique opportunities. He attended a music-themed summer camp at Berklee, and performed in bands with friends in Merrick. Having also honed his craft in the School of Rock, a worldwide music education program with locations in Manhattan and Rockville Centre, Goldsmith was selected to take part in a crosscountry tour with the school’s AllStars

program. Fewer than 1 percent of School of Rock students are chosen for the tour.

His musical style today, he said, was inspired by groups such as Aerosmith, Dave Matthews Band and Queen, and artists like Elton John and Bob Dylan. More recent inspirations include Zach Bryan and Olivia Rodrigo.

In a news release, Sony Music Nashville said that Goldsmith’s “multidimensional artistry transcends format and genre.”

In an interview with the Herald, Goldsmith humbly agreed. “It’s beyond a sound or vibe — it’s emotional,” he said of his music. “It leaves listeners in their feelings — if it’s a euphoria or blissful vibe or if it makes listeners cry. I’m attracted to creating and listening to emotional and melodic music that hits you in the gut.”

Goldsmith is managed by Mike Crowley, who has been involved with a wide range of well-known talents. Crowley introduced Goldsmith to music producer Brad Jones in Nashville, who came to New York, impressed by Goldsmith’s talent. Jones helped Goldsmith get acquainted with the Nashville music community, and the rest is (recent) history.

Late last year, when Goldsmith was 16, he performed for executives at Sony in

Nashville, and they offered him a deal on the spot. He has already released some songs on streaming platforms, including

“One Day Believer,” “It’ll All Be Alright” and “Wolves.”

The signing announcement on June 9 included the release of a new track, “Flowers In Your Hair,” which will be part of Goldsmith’s upcoming album, coproduced by Jones.

“In a way, I’ve been working towards this since I was 3 or 4,” Goldsmith told Sony last December. “I’ve never strayed. It’s the only thing I’ve ever wanted to do.”

He said he owes a lot to the people who helped his succeed, and in particular his friends from home. “They’ve stuck by my side through all of this, and I’m so lucky to have such supportive friends that champion me and lift me up,” Goldsmith said. “They’re friends that I don’t even really talk about music with, and I can just be a kid with.”

As his career kicks off, Goldsmith recalls the days when he mapped out imaginary tours for himself across the United States. At one point he even competed in a Merrick Avenue Middle School Geography Bee, which put his mapping skills to the test.

“I’m really looking forward to touring and playing live,” he said. “I’m literally living out dreams from when I was a kid — for that to become a reality is surreal to me.”

For more on Goldsmith, his music, and links to his Instagram, Facebook and other social media accounts, go to BenGoldsmith.net.

Courtesy Sony Music Nashville Merrick native Ben Goldsmith, a new graduate of John F. Kennedy High School in Bellmore, recently signed a deal with Sony Music Nashville, the United Talent Agency and Universal Publishing Group Nashville.

i’m literally living out dreams from when I was a kid.

Ben goldsMith Singer-songwriter

Tenants don’t want rents going up this year

Landlords blame economy, need for upgrades, for raise request

By BRANDON CRUZ bcruz@liherald.com

They don’t just want to pause rent increases in rentstabilized apartments in Nassau County. They want to go back to 2021, before the Nassau County Rent Guidelines Board allowed 2 percent increases on one-year leases, and 3.5 percent on two-year leases.

Those tenants along with politicians supporting them banded together at the Hempstead Town Hall last week to issue those demands, which were set for a final vote on Wednesday after the Herald’s publication deadline.

The rent guidelines board is responsible for imposing rent caps on rent-stabilized apartments in the county, a quarter of which are in Hempstead. Rent stabilization was implemented in 1962 to help prevent the displacement of low- and middleincome residents from excessive rent increases in an effort to provide affordable housing.

Buildings offering rent-stabilized units are typically larger properties built before 1974 that are privately owned and operated.

“Democracy is a participation sport, and it’s essential that people go out and voice their concern,” Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages said.

Last week’s demonstrations were organized by the Long Island Progressive Coalition, Working Families Party, and Nassau Democratic Socialists of America.

Jeremy Joseph, an advocate and organizer with DSA, claims tenants weren’t notified about the open hearings regarding raising their rent.

“We knocked on a lot of doors, we put up flyers in buildings,” he said. “By the next day, almost all of those flyers were taken down by landlords because they don’t want their tenants to come out and speak their minds.

“Every year landlords show up because it’s their job to know about this. They want to raise the rent as much as they can, but they don’t tell the tenants.”

Landlords seeking another raise in rent due to infla-

tion and because they say they want to use the extra money to help upgrade poor conditions of the buildings they own. Richard Rush, a landlord whose real estate firm owns and manages various apartments throughout Nassau, said the buildings “require a lot of repairs and maintenance to upkeep, and landlords should be incentivized to maintain their buildings for the benefit of the tenants.”

But Darinel Velasquez, an advocate from New York Communities for Change, says it is absurd landlords need to feel incentivized in order to provide an inhabitable space to their tenants.

“Landlords have been making consistent profit every year while failing to maintain and upkeep the buildings they own,” he said.

Data compiled by the tent guidelines board reveals the consumer price index surged by nearly 4 percent in the metropolitan area over the past year through April. Meanwhile, Nassau landlords saw their income grow nearly 3 percent, but their expenses expand wider at nearly 4.5 percent between 2021 and 2022.

However, tenant advocates are questioning the credibility of this data, claiming it was developed by landlords and lacked independent auditing. Landlords, however, say the data inflates their income by incorporating earnings from non-stabilized units, which they say are considerably more profitable.

The state’s housing and community renewal division has found the average rent for a rent-stabilized apartment in Nassau County was $1,474 per month in 2022, resulting

AssemBLywOmAN mIChAeLLe sOLAges tells the Nassau County Rent Guidelines Board it should carefully consider the impact any rent increase would have right now on tenants working through the same inflationary pressures as landlords.

in a profit of more than $360 per month for landlords.

Joseph calls this new attempt to raise rents to nothing more than landlord greed, who place profits over people and already charge more than market value for their other non-stabilized properties.

“The problem with treating housing like a commodity is that its value outpaces our wages,” he said.

Some tenants shared with the rent guidelines board their issues with their landlords, while they as tenants continue to struggle financially.”

Some tenants claimed they were pressured into signing leases without reading them, having their rent randomly raised, and even charging upward of $150 per month for parking.

That has forced some residents, like Melissa Devone, a 62-year-old battling lung cancer, to park three blocks away from her apartment after chemo treatments because she simply cannot afford that additional monthly expense.

Tenants also claimed rodents run rampant through many units, mold, a lack of security and sense of safety, lack of maintenance and upkeep, and an overall lack of quality living.

Although the vote was expected to happen this week, some organizations do offer free legal resources for tenants who might find themselves in an untenable situation. Long Island Housing Services is a private, non-profit fair housing advocacy and enforcement agency serving Nassau and Suffolk counties. They can be reached at LIFairHousing.org.

Brandon Cruz/Herald photos

PROtesteRs fROm LONg IsLAND Progressive Coalition, the Working Families Party, and Nassau Democratic Socialists of America come together for a quick group photo before heading into the Nassau County Rent Guidelines Board hearing to voice their opinions about proposed increases to rent-stabilized apartment leases in Nassau County.

Democracy is a participation sport, and it’s essential that people go out and voice their concern.

mIChAeLLe sOLAges Assemblywoman

Bank of America presenting sponsor of new WE Summit

More women are leading businesses than ever before, and Bank of America is on the forefront to support those efforts, whether across the country or here on Long Island.

Bank Of America has been named the presenting sponsor of the inaugural Women’s Executive Summit, set for Monday, Aug. 7 at The Crescent Beach Club in Bayville.

Hosted by Herald Community Newspapers and RichnerLive, the WE Summit highlights how every business around the world is undergoing salient changes to the way they operate, no matter what industry they’re in.

Courtesy Bank of America

ThE inAuguRAl WOmEn’S Executive Summit — presented by Bank of America and hosted by Herald Community Newspapers and RichnerLive — takes place Monday, Aug. 7 at The Crescent Beach Club in Bayville.

From technology use and investment. To skill development and cultural barriers. To equal pay and going hybrid — or fully remote. Every organization must adapt, or run the risk of being left behind.

As we navigate this time of pivotal change, the 2023 WE Summit brings together thought leaders, innovators, and barrier-breaking women for conversations around the theme “The Future is Now.”

“We are excited for the opportunity to partner with Bank of America at the Women’s Executive Summit,” Amy Amato, executive director of RichnerLive, said in a release. “Since the pandemic, the work space has evolved dramatically, and we are bringing thought leadership together to help navigate these uncharted water.”

For more information on how to be a part of the Women’s Executive Summit,

Is there a fee charged for making funeral pre-arrangements?

There is absolutely no fee or other charge in New York State when you make “pre-arrangements”. Moreover when you pre-fund those arrangements through the Pre-Plan Trust there is no additional expense in establishing the trust account. A trust account that remains under your control and your funds are FDIC insured.

No commission, no set-up fees, no extra expenses. Just accurate, helpful information, and a plan that conforms to all New York State Regulations and SSI-Medicaid regulations as well. An enhanced rate of interest on the Pre-Plan Trust enables us to guarantee the funeral home costs when a complete funeral is arranged and paid for.

If you would like to discuss these issues, call us and we’ll arrange to have one of our licensed funeral director professionals meet with you and answer your questions.

You’ll receive clear answers, an itemized list of the costs, and some peace of mind.

F.

JFK, Mepham and Calhoun H.S. graduate in style

John F. Kennedy, Wellington C. Mepham and Sanford H. Calhoun High Schools’ Class of 2023 in the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District graduated in separate outdoor ceremonies on June 11, to crowds of cheering family members, friends and school officials donning green, maroon and blue, respectively.

The valedictorian and salutatorian at Kennedy was Otto Velting and Ty Gelman, and at Mepham, Matthew Manno and Gabriella Simal. Calhoun had two, co-valedictorians, Evana Tomazatos and Serena Palmer. The salutatorian was Joseph Fiscella.

At Kennedy’s ceremony, Principal Gerard Owenburg emphasized the importance of gratitude and encouraged graduates to carry that quality with them as they move on in life.

“Happiness can be a difficult goal to assess,” he said. “As you continue your journey throughout life, I want you to remember my wish for you – making every moment count isn’t about striving to be successful. It’s about your happiness, living in the moment and enjoying all of the people around you. If there’s one thing that affects your happiness more than anything else, it’s gratitude. Today serves as a great opportunity to reflect on all that we have and all that we are grateful for.”

At Mepham, Principal Anthony DeMartinis recalled the building’s 85-year rich history and how the senior class “reinvented what it means to be a Pirate.”

“You all provided the template,” he said. “You brought services, sports, clubs, arts, music to a place of excellence never before reached. You have set the bar very, very high.”

Calhoun’s Principal Nicole Hollings called for graduates to take advantage of opportunities that will help develop strength and resilience.

“As you venture into the vast tapestry of the world, remember that true success isn’t defined by external measures, but rather by the person you become,” she said. “It is not merely about achieving fame, wealth or titles, but rather about finding purpose and a pathway while making a positive impact on the lives of others.”

MephaM high School’S valedictorian Matthew Manno and salutatorian Gabriella Simal, near left.

Kennedy high School’S Salutatorian Ty Gelman and valedictorian Otto Velting, far left.

gabby dentale, paige Lipman, Emma Mohr, Caroline Scali and Gabriela Mazzaferro, below, showed off their beautifully decorated hats.

Jayden FinKelStein and Anthony Franco, bottom left, at Calhoun’s graduation ceremony.

Photos courtesy Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District calhoun high School’S co-valedictorian Serena Palmer, salutatorian Joseph Fiscella and co-valedictorian Evana Toumazatos.

June 30

Motor City Revue

Journey back in time to 1960s Detroit and the birth of the Motown sound, when Motor City Revue visits the Landmark stage, Friday June 30, 8 p.m. This 11-piece tribute band will have everyone dancing and singing along to the songs immortalized by Smokey Robinson & The Miracles, Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, The Supremes and countless others. From Hitsville to Soulsville, they’ll perform it all, with a passion and delivery of the true Motown sound that is undeniable. Their ability to match the vocal harmonies and instrumental mix that distinguished the original recordings is not to be missed. All will be humming along to these iconic tunes that defined a generation, in this authentic recreation of the great era that revolutionized the music industry. $47, 42, $38. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. (516) 767-6444 or LandmarkOnMainStreet.org.

In a ‘New York State of Mind’

Plaza Theatrical continues its season with “All About Joel: A Billy Joel Tribute,” Sunday, June 25, 2:30 p.m. David Clark’s stunningly accurate piano playing, lead vocals and an eerily similar stage look to the Piano Man himself delights audiences, while engaging everyone with wit and humor. Come hear all your favorite tunes including “Just the Way You Are,” “New York State of Mind,” “Piano Man,” and so many more. It’s performed at Plaza’s stage at the Elmont Library Theatre, 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont. $40, $35 seniors. Elmont. For tickets, call (516) 599-6870 or

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

July 8 June 24

Summer sounds

Radio Flashback rocks

Eisenhower Park, Saturday, 24, 8 p.m. Highlighted by their 4-part harmonies, this is a classic rock tribute to the music, the artists and the experiences everyone fondly remembers. Bring seating. Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, Eisenhower Park, East Meadow. For information, visit NassaucCountyNY.gov.

Pollinator Garden Day Part

The Garden at St. Francis Episcopal Church is partnering with Thrive LI to host a garden party in honor of National Pollinator Day. Many activities are scheduled on Saturday, June 24, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Join the garden in planting a new recovery garden, learning about pollinators and harvesting the first farm stand for the season. With a free food truck starting at 1 p.m. 1692 Bellmore Ave., Bellmore. Contact (516) 6791184 for more.

Moonlight Mile

EliteFeats is hosting a Moonlight Mile at Newbridge Road Park in Bellmore, Friday, Aug. 11, at 6:30 p.m. The event will take place rain or shine, and runners can get a soft, glow in the dark t-shirt. Event can be completed as a race or walk. The cost to register is $25. 2600 Newbridge Road, Bellmore. Visit Events. EliteFeats.com for more information.

Men’s Club BBQ

Merrick Jewish Centre hosts a Men’s Club Barbeque, Thursday, June 22, 6:30 p.m. With food, drinks, games and more. Free for paid-up Men’s Club members; $5 per member’s spouse or child, capped at $15 per family. $10 non-members. RSVP at MerrickJC.org. Payments can be mailed to 225 Fox Blvd., Merrick, or Venmo @ MerrickJC-MensClub. Contact (516) 379-8650 for more.

Having an event?

Family Bat Walk

Stroll Old Westbury Gardens with Gabriel Willow, a New York Citybased urban naturalist and environmental educator, Saturday, July 8, 7:309:30 p.m. He will lead a walk through the gardens to listen and look for bats while discussing bat ecology and conservation. All ages are welcome. Space is limited and reservations are required. Rain date is Saturday, July 15. 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. For information contact (516) 333-0048 or visit OldWestburyGardens.org.

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

Westbury House Tour

For many years visitors to Westbury House at Old Westbury Gardens asked what was beyond the first floor corridor. Now beyond the door and discover “secrets of the service wing,” during a 60-minute guided tour, Friday, June 23, noon; Sunday, June 25, 1:30 p.m.; Monday, June 26, noon, Wednesday, June 28, noon; Thursday, June 29, noon and 1:30 p.m. Be introduced to the intensive labor required to create the lifestyle experienced by the Phipps family and their guests; tour the many rooms that were “behind the scenes” to create the formal dining experiences of early 20th century. Visit 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.

June 23

Car Show

Friday night car shows with the Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores are back. Stop by the Bellmore Long Island Rail Road parking lot, 6 to 10 p.m., to see dozens of cars of all makes and models. Free for spectators to walk through, admission for cars is $5. For more, visit BellmoreChamber.com.

Bingo at Ohav Shalom

Congregation Ohav Shalom hosts Bingo games every other Sunday. The next game will take place on June 25. Temple is located at 145 S. Merrick Ave., Merrick. For times and more information, please contact (516) 378-1968. Visit Ohav.org for upcoming dates. All are welcome.

Freedom Church’s Outreach Concert

Freedom Church’s Outreach Concert is held Saturday, July 1, at 7 p.m., on the Nautical Mile next door to Off The Hook restaurant. 195 Woodcleft Ave Performances from recording artist Anthony John Gibbon, Christian band Red Words and Magic by Vinny.

Gala shares pride in PFY

It was a celebration of 30 years proving service and guidance to the young LGBTQ community of Long Island, and it was a celebration in style.

PFY — formerly known as Pride for Youth — raised thousands of dollars for its Long Island Crisis Center programs last week during its annual gala at Westbury Manor.

Special guest at this year’s event was Maulik Pancholy, the openly gay actor many would know for his roles in the NBC sitcom “30 Rock” as well as the children’s series “Phineas and Ferb.”

maulik Pancholy, acTor from shows like ’30 Rock’ and ‘Star Trek: Discovery,’ shares why organizations like the Long Island Crisis Center’s PFY group are so important to helping the LGBTQ community. The gala at Westbury Manor raised tens of thousands of dollars for PFY’s programs.

“I think the gala is going to be a time for us to kind of get together and reflect on where we have come as an agency, where we need to go as an agency, and really honor the pioneering leadership and spirit that has laid

the groundwork that has made PFY what it is,” PFY director Devon Zappasodi told the Herald ahead of the event.

The organization was originally intended for young people, but grants have allowed PFY to expand to serve anyone who identifies as LGBTQ on Long Island and in Queens.

The crisis center operates a 24/7 hotline for people with mental health crises, and PFY was formed in 1993

after former executive director Linda Leonard noticed an influx of calls from members of the LGBTQ community.

“They were actually getting a lot of calls on the hotline for folks who were looking for LGBTQ services, such as counseling … or support groups,” said Tawni Engel, the crisis center’s associate executive director. “There was nothing like that that existed at the time.”

Anyone seeking more information or help can visit LICCPFY.org.

NORTH BELLMORE – NORTH MERRICK BASKETBALL LEAGUE

celebrating

DEADLINE: JULY 31, 2023

Grades 3rd - 10th

Grades 2nd - 12th

Photos courtesy Jonah Murdoch

The sTaff from Long Island Crisis Center’s PFY group that focuses on the LGBTQ community of Long Island and Queens, gather for a group picture during the organization’s annual gala last week at Westbury Manor, celebrating 30 years of the program on Long Island.

When you were a kid, so many people commented on who you were and what you should be doing that their words undoubtedly affected how you viewed yourself then - and even now.

Maybe your big brother told you to “toughen up kid; you’re too sensitive.” Or, kids in school called you “a ditz.” Or, your mom’s criticisms kept reminding you that “you weren’t good enough.” Or, your dad constantly reminded you how “lazy” you were. Could those voices from many years ago still echo in your mind?

Yes, messages from another era can have sufficient staying power to undermine your self-worth, drowning out the positive voices you hear today. It’s likely that for each person who thought you were too sensitive then, there could be twice as many now who appreciate your sensitivity. Whoever though you could do nothing right then, I bet many more today admire your skills and knowledge.

So, the crucial question is: Whose voice will you listen to? I urge you to listen to the voices that help you develop confidence, build backbone, and bring a smile to your face - the ones that are valid in today’s context.

Consider that for every aphorism, another one asserts the opposite. Which one is right?

■ “A stitch in time saves nine” or “Haste makes waste?”

■ “Opposites attract” or “Birds of a feather flock together?”

These contradictory aphorisms may both be good advice - depending on the context. The same holds true for comments people make about you. For this reason, make sure that the voice you listen to is helpful at this time, in this context.

Protect yourself from the openly critical voice that’s designed to humiliate you. “You’re such a loser. You slur your words and speak so fast that nobody understands what you’re saying.” Instead, pay attention to those that offer constructive criticism in a helpful manner. “Try not to rush your words. Take your time, slow down, and it’ll be easier for people to understand what you’re saying.”

It’s also important to discover your own voice. When Eva’s mom said, “Don’t waste your money going to college; it’s too expensive and not that important for girls,” Eva instantly knew that she had to go. Once you free yourself from early childhood messages, your own voice emerges. You acknowledge that the other person’s way is not your way.

Yes, I know, it’s not easy to make a neg-

A new voice to listen to!

ative voice disappear just by wishing it away. In fact, the more you wish something isn’t there, the more you reinforce its presence, making it the elephant in the room. Hence, if you’re struggling with letting go of a negative voice, give credence to a positive person’s voice. Let’s do a simple exercise to reinforce this idea:

1. Write down the name of a person you look up to.

2. Write down what you hear him/

her saying to you.

3. Tell yourself why these words are important to you.

4. Now make those words your own. Say them to yourself whenever you need reassurance.

Congratulations, now you’re on track to letting go of messages that inhibit your growth and undermine your self-confidence. You’ve replaced them with messag-

es that stimulate your growth and build your self-confidence. How fantastic that feels!!!

©2023

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

Linda Sapadin

Person to Person

GOLD SPONSOR: SILVER SPONSORS: GIFT BAG SPONSOR: SNACK SPONSOR:

VENUE SPONSOR:

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME

COURT NASSAU COUNTY

WELLS FARGO BANK

N.A., AS TRUSTEE, FOR CARRINGTON MORTGAGE

LOAN TRUST, SERIES

2006-NC4 ASSETBACKED PASS-THROUGH

CERTIFICATES, Plaintiff against ABRAHAM KLEIN, et al Defendant(s) Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Fein Such & Crane, LLP, 28 East Main Street, Suite 1800, Rochester, NY 14614.

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered June 8, 2018, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on July 19, 2023 at 2:30 PM. Premises known as 2794 Lincoln Boulevard, Merrick, NY 11566. Sec 63 Block 127 Lot 64, 65, 66 & 74. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being in at Merrick, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $779,655.70 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 007490/2015. The foreclosure sale will be conducted in accordance with 10th Judicial District’s Covid-19 Policies and foreclosure auction rules. The Referee shall enforce any rules in place regarding facial coverings and social distancing. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the Court Appointed Referee shall cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.” Karl C. Seman, Esq., Referee CARN203 140161

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU

THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON FKA THE BANK OF NEW YORK, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE CERTIFICATE HOLDERS OF THE CWMBS, INC.,

CHL MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH TRUST 2004-

J9, MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES 2004-J9, Plaintiff, v. YANA SLUTSKY AKA YANA ABRAMOVICH, ET AL Defendant.NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE

THAT In pursuance of a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the Office of the County Clerk of Nassau County on October 13, 2022, I, Lisa Goodwin, Esq. the Referee named in said Judgment, will sell in one parcel at public auction on July 18, 2023 at The North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501, County of Nassau, State of New York, at 2:00PM the premises described

as follows: 107 Byron Ct Merrick, NY 11566 SBL: 62-27-202 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. The premises are sold subject to the provisions of the filed judgment, Index No. 004047/2016 in the amount of $960,146.38 plus interest and costs. Foreclosure Auctions will be held Rain or Shine. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the Court Appointed Referee will cancel the foreclosure auction. Richard S. Mullen Woods Oviatt Gilman LLP Plaintiff’s Attorney 500 Bausch & Lomb Place Rochester, NY 14604 Tel.: 855-227-5072 140129

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR OPTION ONE MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST

2003-3, ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2003-3, Plaintiff, vs. KEVIN P. MURPHY A/K/A KEVIN MURPHY, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale After Inquest and Appointment of Referee duly entered on January 31, 2017, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on July 18, 2023 at 2:30 p.m., premises known as 1811 Bedford Avenue, Merrick, NY 11566. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 55, Block 123 and Lots 61, 62, 63 & 108. Approximate amount of judgment is $321,049.80 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 12007487. 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. George Esernio, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm file No.: 180558-1 140150

NORTH MERRICK U.F.S.D. TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU

NOTICE TO BIDDERS: In accordance with provision of Section 103 of the General Municipal Law, the Board of Education of the Bellmore-Merrick Transportation Consortium hereby invites the submission of sealed bids for: Bellmore-Merrick

Cooperative 2023-2024 School Year Bid Bids will be publicly opened and read at the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District Business Office, 1260 Meadowbrook Road, North Merrick, New York, on Tuesday, June 30, 2023, at 10:00 am. Specifications and Bid Forms may be obtained from the office of Tom Volpe, Director of Transportation, between the hours of 8:00 am and 4:00 pm. The Board of Education reserves the right to waive any informalities in or to reject in whole or in part all bids or to accept any bid which in its judgment is in the best interest of the school district. By order: Board of Education BELLMOREMERRICK CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT

BELLMORE U.F.S.D.

MERRICK U.F.S.D. NORTH

BELLMORE U.F.S.D. NORTH

MERRICK U.F.S.D. 140326

LEGAL NOTICE

North Merrick Fire District INVITATION TO BID

NOTICE is hereby given that the NORTH MERRICK FIRE DISTRICT will receive independent bids for the following: CONTRACT No. 1 - The installation of Duro-Last Roofing System

For headquarters building of the NORTH MERRICK FIRE DISTRICT, located at 2095 Camp Avenue, North Merrick, New York. Independent bids will be received on or before by the NORTH MERRICK FIRE DISTRICT at 2095 Camp Avenue, North Merrick, NY 11566. On July 11, 2023 at 7 PM all bids received will publicly be opened and read aloud in accordance with §103(2), of the General Municipal Law. No bids will be accepted thereafter.

Bidding Documents, Information for Bidders, Form of Bids, Plans and Specifications may be picked up at the following location on or after 9:00am on Wednesday June 14, 2023. PICK UP DOCUMENTS ONLY AT THE OFFICE OF: David M. Ward North Merrick Fire District 2095 Camp Avenue North Merrick, New York 11566 Phone: (516) 223-4102

Fax: (516) 223-4105

Mon-Friday-Hours: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm One full set of documents may be obtained from the abovementioned location(s) only. Only one full set of documents shall be given to each bidder. Documents will not be mailed or faxed. A signature is required. Pursuant to §220 of the Labor Law, the contract will contain a provision that every mechanic,

laborer and workman employed in or about the work contemplated by the contract shall be paid not less than the prevailing rate of wages and provided with not less than the prevailing supplement which are set forth in the Bidding Documents. The NORTH MERRICK FIRE DISTRICT reserves the right to waive any informalities in, to accept or reject any or all bids, to award the contract to other than the lowest bidder or to advertise anew if in the judgement of said board it is in the best interests of the Fire District to do so. No bidder shall withdraw his bid within 45 days after the formal opening thereof.

BY ORDER OF THE NORTH MERRICK FIRE DISTRICT 140327

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF NASSAU WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, D/B/A CHRISTIANA TRUST, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE ON BEHALF OF CSMC TRUST 2015-2, Plaintiff -against- WAFA ABBOUD, et al Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated October 25, 2018 and entered on October 26, 2018, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on July 26, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. ALL that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, Nassau County, New York, known and designated as Section 63 Block 146 Lot 34. The Foreclosure Sale will be conducted in accordance with 10th Judicial District’s COVID-19 Policies and Foreclosure Auction Rules. All bidders must wear a face mask/ shield at all times and social distancing must be observed by all bidders at all times. Bidders who do not comply with the face mask and/or the social distancing mandate will be removed from the auction. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the Court System’s COVID-19 mitigation protocols and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale. Foreclosure Auctions will be held Rain or

Standing up to antisemitism

South Shore synagogues will be standing up to anti-Semitism at a special event taking place at the Merrick Jewish Centre this weekend. There will be breakout sessions detailing how rabbis are responding to antisemitic acts, and how to prepare for antisemitic instances in schools. Coffee and light refreshments will be served. The event is slated for June 25 at 10:30 a.m. at 225 Fox Blvd., Merrick. Register at MerrickJC.org.

South Merrick civic to hold monthly meeting

The South Merrick Community Civic Association, now serving all of Merrick, will host its monthly meeting on June 27 at the Merrick Road Golf Course Clubhouse, 2550B Clubhouse Road, Merrick. All residents are welcome to attend. For more information, please contact President Berta Weinstein at (516) 578-0649.

DRIVERS WANTED

Full

Help Wanted

MULTI MEDIA ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT

Inside Sales

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

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

DRIVING INSTRUCTORS WANTED

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

EDITOR/REPORTER

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

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

LINE COOK: Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday 10am-6pm. Sandwiches/ Salads. Beach Restaurant. Great Summer Job. 516-835-2819

MACHINE PROGRAMMER/ MACHINE OPERATOR

Will Train

*Math Skills Helpful.

*Work In A Machine Shop. Northfield Precision Instruments Phone 516-431-1112 Ask For Charles. E-mail Resume sales@northfield.com

Manager On Duty

At Blaze, Old Bethpage Village Outdoors From September Through November 5-8 Hour Shifts. Serve As The Primary Point Of Contact For All Issues That May Occur During The Event, Seeing Each Through To Resolution. Serve As The Primary Point Of Contact For Emergency Personnel Hourly Rate $25-$30

To Apply: https://hudsonvalley.org/ employment/

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

OFFICE HELP PT/FT: Computer Literate. Answer Phones, Packing, Process Orders. Baldwin Dental Supply Company. 516-783-7800

OUTSIDE SALES

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

Path Monitor

At Blaze, Old Bethpage Village Outdoors From September Through November

5-8 Hour Evening Shifts Providing A Welcoming Atmosphere And Ensuring Guest Safety. Hourly Rate $20. To Apply: https://hudsonvalley.org/ employment/

PRESS-ROOM/WAREHOUSE HELP

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

SEWING MACHINE OPERATOR/ CANVAS FABRICATOR For Foreman Position. Experience a Must. Awning Company. Call/Text Tommy 516-250-8094; tgawnings@aol.com Send Resume

Business/Opportunities

NICHE FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITY

THEFANWHISPERER.COM REPLACING NOISY BATHROOM FANS & PLAY EASY. I TRAIN. 1-888-888-2134

REAL ESTATE

Open Houses

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 1051 Channel Dr, OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY 6/25, 12-1:30, FIRST TIME ON MARKET! 3/4 BR, 2.5 Bth Split on Beautiful Ω Acre Parklike Property. Updtd Gran/Wood EIK, Spac LR/DR with Vaulted Ceiling & Fpl, & Fam Rm. 2 Car Att Gar.Endless Possibilities!

SD#14...$1,349,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-429

HEWLETT HARBOR 6/25, 2-3:30, 246 Adams Rd, FIRST SHOW! Elegant & Stately 4200 Sq Ft CH Col on Beautiful Quiet St. 5 BR, 4.55 Bth. Sweeping Staircase. All Spacious Rooms with Top Quality Finishes. Amazing Fam Rm with Cathedral Ceiling Overlooking 1 Acre Resortlike Prop Featuring IG Gunite Pool, Patio & Tennis Ct. XL Fin Bsmt. Upper Level has Primary Ste w/ Dressing Rm & Bth Plus 3 BRs & 2 Bths. 2 Car Att Gar. Low Taxes!

SD#20..$2,500,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299

Open Houses

WOODMERE BA, 504 Saddle Ridge Rd., FIRST TIME ON MARKET! Move Right Into This Renovated 4 BR, 2 Bth Split with Open Layout in Prime Location! Granite/Wood EIK Opens to Dining Room & Living Room. Lower Level Den. HW Flrs, Gas Heat, CAC. Oversized Property! SD#14.Near All!..$999,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299

Apartments For Rent

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Garages For Rent

OCEANSIDE 2 CAR

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

Impeccably Restored Victorian

This grand home is set on park like grounds (.43 acre) just blocks away from Rockville Centre's vibrant downtown and LIRR. This grand home has all of todays most sought after amenities, combined with yesterday's master craftsman details. A gracious welcoming front porch and private rear gazebo are perfect for outdoor entertaining. Inside you'll marvel at the 11 foot ceilings, original pocket doors, multiple window seats, and irreplaceable original parquet banded floors. Any chef would delight in the expansive kitchen with high end appliances, tons of counter space, and the perfect island for your guests. Other amenities include a walk in pantry, three full baths, five bedrooms on the second level, and second floor laundry room. $1,999,999 . Please contact Maureen Lane or Theresa Ahern for a private viewing of this special home!

How does your potential contractor drive?

Q. We need some advice on how to pick a contractor. Our neighbors down the street are going through a tough time with delays, seemingly shoddy work that didn’t pass inspection and extra costs for things they didn’t want or expect. Do you have any suggestions on how to interview a contractor, and what to ask about or look for in their proposal? We want to avoid what our neighbor is going through.

A. If it were up to me, I would ask them to drive me around to look at their work. This helps in many ways. One, you have more conversation and maybe a little less sales pitch while they’re navigating the streets. Two, you can tell a lot about a person by the way they drive, such as whether they obey the laws. If they blow through every stop sign, cut people off or otherwise drive recklessly, you’ll realize right away that they have little regard for others and won’t follow regulations, or your interests.

People who don’t follow basic rules we all have to live by aren’t going to do things for you as much as for themselves. If they tell you “you don’t need a permit,” give you a ridiculously low number compared with others or confidently tell you they will have the work done way before you expected, be concerned. If their proposal doesn’t spell out the process and the materials to your satisfaction, at least with milestone breakdown numbers — such as windows and doors, $40,000, concrete work, $30,000, etc. — and you feel that they’re evasive when you ask questions, then move on.

FIRST SHOW! Elegant & Stately 4200 Sq Ft CH Col on Beautiful Quiet St. 5 BR, 4.55 Bth. Sweeping Staircase. All Spacious Rooms with Top Quality Finishes. Amazing Fam Rm with Cathedral Ceiling Overlooking 1 Acre Resortlike Prop Featuring IG Gunite Pool, Patio & Tennis Ct. XL Fin Bsmt. Upper Level has Primary Ste w/ Dressing Rm & Bth Plus 3 BRs & 2 Bths. 2 Car Att Gar. Low Taxes! SD#20 $2,500,000 HEWLETT B ay Pa RK

190 Meadowview Ave, BA, 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 HEWLETT

1638 Ridgeway Dr, BA, FIRST TIME ON MARKET! Well Maintained 6 BR, 3.5 Bth 3500

Sq Ft Exp CH Colonial on Beautiful St. LR/Fpl, Spac Fam Rm/Fpl, FDR, EIK & Sun Rm

Overlooking 1/3 Acre Resortlike Prop w/ IG Lap Pool, Hot Tub,Bar & Gazebo. Fin Bsmt.

2 Car Gar. SD#20 $1,149,000

1193 E. Broadway # M23, BA, Move Right Into This Stunning Gut Renovated 2 BR, 2 Bth Coop in Garden Town. Gourmet Kit W/Thermdore St Steel Appl Opens Into DR & LR.

Primary BR w/Bth Plus Spac 2nd BR. W/D in Unit. New Self Controlled CAC. Oak Flrs, LED

Lights. Near LIRR. Parking Avail. SD#14. You Don’t Want to Miss This $359,000

1599 Lakeview Dr, BA, 4 BR, 3 Bth Exp Ranch on Tree Lined St in SD#14. Spacious LR, DR & Family Rm, EIK & Fin Bsmt. Att Garage. HW Flrs. Near Park, Trans, Shops & Houses

of Worship REDUCED! $799,000

1534 Broadway #205, BA, Extra Large 2000 Sq Ft, 2 Bedroom (Originally 3 BR), 2 Bath

Condo in Prestigious Jonathan Hall with Doorman & Elevator. Updtd Wood/Quartz Kit, LR & DR. Washer/Dryer in Unit. Underground Pkg. Loads of Closets. Terrace Faces Back. Easy Ranch Style Living BIG REDUCTION!! MOTIVATED SELLER! $579,000 WOO dMERE

504 Saddle Ridge Rd, BA, Move Right Into This Renovated 4 BR, 2 Bth Split with Open Layout in Prime Location!

I recommend that the payments be organized by those milestones, since you can see that all the concrete work is done and write a check, or confirm that all the windows and doors are installed and make a payment, instead of guessing when 30 percent of the work has been completed or wondering why they need to get paid every Friday when nobody has been there for two weeks. It may be obvious to say that you need to feel that what the plans show is what you want, and you have to feel confident that this person and their team can give you what you need.

I often get calls and end up acting as adviser and therapist to spouses who are now arguing with each other about how unhappy they are instead of sitting the contractor down with a third party, like a building official, who usually won’t tolerate the excuses. Many inspectors don’t have the time or the patience for a contractor who is creating code or safety violations, since it can reflect on the official who lets the work be approved with cut corners. One inspector recently told a contractor who was falling short of the regulations that the official gets audited and will not accept work that can be questioned later on by an auditor.

You need satisfaction. More on licensing, insurance and experience in upcoming columns. Good luck!

© 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.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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WITNESS WANTED To The Accident

That Occured On May 15th around 2pm At The Intersection Of Lakeville Road And Marcus Avenue. Please Call 347-235-0525

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FINDS UNDER $100

Finds Under $100 3 PIECE BEIGE leather sectional couch. Good condition. $99 call Lisa @ 516-241-7713

Announcements

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From a House committee room to the Valbrook Diner

Last week I was at two events that, in very different ways, encapsulated significant aspects of my life. The first was in Washington, where I was invited to testify before the House Intelligence Committee, along with four other retired members of Congress — two Republicans, Frank LoBiondo and Ileana RosLehtinen, and two Democrats, Jane Harman and Jim Langevin, who had also served on the committee. Except for a few fleeting hours in February, this was my first time back in Washington since late December 2020, just days before my retirement.

The chairman of the Intelligence Committee, Republican Mike Turner, and the ranking member, Democrat Jim Himes, wanted our perspective on what the committee’s current focus should be, and on the need to restore bipartisanship, which has been sorely lacking over the past six years. In my testimony, I stressed the necessity of not losing sight of the continuing threat of Islamist ter-

rorism. None of us wants to experience another 9/11, and the terrorists are in many ways as lethal as they were on Sept. 10, 2001.

I also joined my former colleagues in strongly urging bipartisanship. The committee is a vital component of our national security, and should not be politicized.

Besides testifying, I met with Long Island Representatives Andrew Garbarino, Anthony D’Esposito and Nick LaLota and joined Speaker Kevin McCarthy at a meeting in his office with elected officials from Northern Ireland. I also ran into various congressmen, Capitol Police officers and reporters I knew from my days on the Hill. And I went to my old haunt, the Dubliner, to have dinner with staff members from my office and the Homeland Security Committee.

Being back in the halls of Congress with current and former members brought back 28 years of memories encompassing victories, tough losses and challenges as well as meetings with presidents and world leaders. While I made the decision to retire from Congress and turn the page, I never regret

even a day that I was fortunate to be there. Those were almost three decades of unparalleled moments that I had never imagined I would experience.

Back on Long Island two days later, I relived different, but equally meaningful memories. Several times a year, Tom Dewey, my Brooklyn Prep classmate and a Fordham Hall of Fame track coach, organizes a get-together of a group of guys I hung out with during my high school years, just blocks from fabled Ebbets Field in Brooklyn. Meeting at the Valbrook Diner in Valley Stream with Tom, Charlie, Allen, Johnny and Jackie is like going back in time. For better or worse, no one has changed. There’s the same banter, sarcasm and stories, with no one allowed to take himself seriously. In the past few years, we’ve been joined by retired Nassau County Police Department Detectives Jim Skopek and Melissa Zimmerman, who were on my security detail when I was in Congress and fit right in. Before his days as a Nassau cop, Skopek was an NYPD officer patrolling the Prospect Heights, Brooklyn, neighborhood where these guys grew up.

Zimmerman’s classic moment last week was when she asked my old friends what they thought of my recent successful cancer surgery, and she was met with blank looks, grunts and smirks. Not a hint of sympathy or concern.

Behind all this tough-guy talk, though, there is genuine friendship and loyalty, as well as a real knowledge of life and reality. These guys have all done well, but never brag about it. I’m not one of those guys who say the good old days were perfect or so much better. But during these diner reunions, I’m struck by the true authenticity of these guys — an authenticity I sense is diminishing in today’s world.

During my years in Congress and politics, I was known for not backing down or caring about what was said about me. This thick skin — or thick-headedness — was in many ways attributable to the street smarts I learned from these old friends. It’s reassuring to see nothing has changed.

All this interconnection of experiences came together for me again during those few days last week. Thanks for the memories.

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

An open letter to my dad on his birthday

Ishould point out that this is a really open letter, because my dad died four years ago.

I write because I have so much to tell him. My dad, who would have been 101 last week, loved his time on earth; he so enjoyed the rhythm and small pleasures of his days.

Every morning he woke up thinking about his first cup of coffee, and he prepared it with all the exquisite ritual of a Japanese tea ceremony. He moved slowly, and the making of the coffee could easily take 15 minutes.

RANDI KREISS

Once it was brewed, he filled his cup to the very brim and sloshed it all over the floor before he got to the table.

“Why do you have to make the cup so full?” my mother said pretty much every day for 72 years.

I like to think he’s with my mom, who died two years ago. They were married so long that they walked, talked, ate and laughed with a special kind of synchro-

ny. Hard to tell where one left off and the other began.

Dad would have been gripped by the public drama of the impeachment hearings. He died the day Donald Trump got elected, and although I’m not suggesting cause and effect, he did say,

“I can’t believe I lived to see this day,” before he succumbed to a major heart attack at 97.

He would read the newspapers at the breakfast table as breakfast lingered into lunch in his last years. He read the best parts out loud to my mother, and she was his cheerleader, damning the folks he saw as the bad guys and taking into her heart, like family, the leaders he loved. Their fierce loyalty to the Dems, going back to FDR, was part of what kept them chugging along. They cared. They followed the news. They talked back to the TV.

some time, couldn’t we, reassuring ourselves that no, the United States of America would never elect a man like Donald J. Trump, and then we did. Dad, it’s worse than we feared, but I believe in our better angels, and I’m patient. I know our country will right itself. I’ll keep you posted. Promise.

You missed the coronavirus. Missed Roku. Missed cauliflower pizza crusts.

So, Dad, I’m sorry you missed this state of affairs, this unraveling of our government and erosion of our moral center, because you would have found it fascinating, even if it depressed the hell out of you. Mostly I miss commiserating with you about it all. We could go on for

You missed the coronavirus. Missed Roku. Missed cauliflower pizza crusts.

You knew about Amazon but you missed letting it rule your life. You and Mom went to stores, right? Well we hardly do that now, because if you need anything, from the 4.0 readers you wore to rare Ethiopian pistachio nuts, you can order them online and Amazon will get them to you in hours, or days at most.

You missed some terrific books, Dad. We spent a lot of time talking about what we were reading, and even in your last months, when you were kind of dreaming your days away, you still held a book in your lap because it felt familiar. You kept saying you wanted to learn how to use a Kindle.

You missed the great-grandkids get-

Randi is on a brief leave. This column was originally published Feb. 20-26, 2020.

ting braces, and learning to drive, and several mitzvahs. You missed that we bought a new vacation house. I gave some thought to the idea that you might not be able to find me, but I suppose your travel rules are different. In my old place, I used to see the occasional heron on the beach or a dolphin in the surf and imagine it might be a kind of visitation.

I did see an unseasonal robin the other day that gave a wicked shake of its wing as it landed on a naked branch, and I confess, I thought of you.

Mostly, Dad, I hate the idea that you aren’t in the world, in the light, in the realm of sunrises and sunsets, just a phone call away, at the Thanksgiving table.

We all think about loved ones who have passed. Some write letters or post to websites for the departed. It all helps.

Many find that Shakespeare offered wise counsel to those who grieve when he wrote, “Give sorrow words.”

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

In one memoryfilled setting, I was testifying. In another, I ribbed old friends.

HERALD

Public water needs money, and transparency

it’s no secret that Town of Hempstead residents who receive water from Liberty Utilities pay more for the natural resource than those who live in areas serviced by public companies.

And we’re not talking about a little difference.

Some 113,000 residents between the Five Towns and Seaford receive private water. Bills — especially in the summertime — can be up to 1,300 times more expensive than public water bills.

A Baldwin resident with the private utility used roughly the same amount of water as his mother, who lives in a publicly serviced area, over the course of a month.

His bill was $116. Hers? $8.

The reason bills are so much higher is simple: Liberty is privately owned. The Town of Hempstead is allowed to tax its property. The people who pay those taxes are those who receive water.

As residents are burdened by astronomical bills, they may wonder: Why isn’t anything being done about this?

But that’s where they’re wrong, because something is being done. Albeit questionably.

The power to take over the private entity, which used to be New York American Water until it was purchased by Liberty in January 2022, was given to public when Gov. Kathy Hochul signed a bill creating the South Nassau Water Authority that previous November.

Five water authority board members were appointed by Hempstead town and

letters

Republicans love those fossil fuels

Dear Congressman D’Esposito:

Nassau County officials to begin working toward a takeover early last year.

To date, however, the water authority has never held a public meeting addressing the matter. In fact, it seems as if many have forgotten the South Nassau Water Authority even exists.

When Liberty proposed a rate increase last month that could raise water bills in and around Merrick by up to 42 percent, public comments on local Facebook threads left people confused. They knew of groups working toward a public takeover. But what they didn’t know is why nothing had been done.

For starters, it is important to address the elephant in the room: money.

The same bill that created the South Nassau Water Authority also created a similar public entity just north of there: the Water Authority of the North Shore. In the Sea Cliff service area, some 5,000 homes receive Liberty water — nowhere near the amount of people who receive it on the South Shore.

In the bill, the North Shore authority was promised $2 million in state funding over a two-year period. Just last month, it received all the money as a lump sum. The funding was included in the state’s budget, which helped streamline the process.

The South Nassau Water Authority, however, received no state aid — giving its board members a near impossible task. How could a public entity take over a private one, without any resources to effectively do so?

State legislators who represent con-

stituents in the Merrick service area — which includes Bellmore, Merrick, Wantagh, Seaford and parts of Levittown and Massapequa — did advocate for South Nassau Water Authority funding to be included in the state’s budget as well, but ultimately the money was nixed.

A bill that would give the authority funding has been introduced, and in its early stages, appears to have bipartisan support. But there’s no way of knowing if — or when — the bill might pass.

A public water authority is needed. Public ownership of a crucial resource would give people what they want: local control. It would keep money in the community, create jobs, and operate in the public’s best interest.

The community must get involved, and put pressure on both state and local officials. Or else they will never see change. Private water customers will continue to pay higher rates for water despite the fact a pathway to a cheaper future was already created.

The South Nassau Water Authority needs money. There’s no way to beat around that bush.

But the South Nassau Water Authority also needs to come forward with the reason why it’s experiencing setbacks. It needs to be transparent and advocate for the resources it deserves.

That starts with public meetings to education the general public. And to not let the very agency designed to help our community lower utility bills fade into obscurity, forcing all of us to suffer in silence — and ignorance.

While New Yorkers choke on fumes from Canadian wildfires fueled by climate change, it’s worth highlighting the role that Republicans are playing in making the problem worse. House Republicans, including my own representative, Anthony D’Esposito, brokered a debt ceiling bill that advances construction of the controversial Mountain Valley Pipeline and makes it easier to build fracked-gas pipelines. This dirty deal will increase profits for the fossil fuel industry while increasing air pollution and wrecking our climate.

The dangerous air we are breathing now is only the beginning — we must reverse course and move off fossil fuels. As a grandfather and a member of Food & Water Action, I urge D’Esposito to stand up for Long Islanders, not the fossil fuel industry. And as a Long Islander, I urge my neighbors to remember the Republican dirty deal at the ballot box.

We honor the fallen, but must not forget our veterans

all of us owe an immeasurable debt of gratitude to the heroic men and women who lost their lives while protecting our country as members of our nation’s armed forces.

our end to care for them when they come back home.

Across the country, fewer than 50 percent of returning veterans in need receive any mental health treatment. An estimated 250,000 veterans are unemployed and in need of work. And with 68,000 of them homeless, there are 5,000 veterans here in Nassau who are at risk of homelessness.

■ The right to be supported in the community, in such organizations as VFWs and American Legions.

sure make them valuable candidates for public service.

JosHUa a . LaFaZan

Americans recently commemorated Memorial Day — a sobering occasion that reminds us that freedom is never free, and that in a perilous world, we sleep safely at night precisely because of those servicemen and women who are fighting for us.

After our collective pause to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice, it behooves us to take the next step by renewing our commitment to taking care of veterans right here in Nassau County.

Some 67,000 of the 16.5 million veterans in the United States call Long Island home. And there’s no denying that while these heroes have upheld their end of the contract to protect and serve the nation, we haven’t adequately fulfilled

Those statistics should shock the consciences of every American and provide clear evidence that this moment requires immediate action. That’s why I have proposed the creation of a 21st-century Veterans’ Bill of Rights that would ensure that none of them are ever left behind in Nassau County.

Such a bill would reaffirm the fundamental rights for veterans that must be protected:

■ The right to dignified housing.

■ The right to gainful employment.

■ The right to be protected from discrimination.

In addition, the Veterans’ Bill of Rights would formally commission a study to identify where resources are needed to best serve our veterans, and recommend additional investments ranging from new technology to advancements in health care, and more. Once completed, the study’s findings would be presented at a public hearing of the County Legislature’s Veterans Committee.

My office has already taken important steps toward fulfilling the tenets of the Veterans’ Bill of Rights. In January 2022, the Legislature unanimously passed the Hiring Our Heroes Act, a measure I sponsored that exempts veterans and active-duty service members from county civil service exam fees. Not only does removing a financial burden of up to $200 from eligible applicants incentivize their return to the civilian workforce, but it also recognizes how veterans’ leadership, military experience and ability to perform under pres-

Letters Framework

In Albany, Democrats are ‘out of touch’

To the Editor:

As my first legislative session came to a close, I was struck by just how out of touch Albany Democrats are with the needs of New Yorkers. The concerns about rising crime rates and a struggling economy, both of which make it more difficult for many to live, work and thrive in our communities, are at an all-time high. To combat this, my State Senate Republican colleagues and I introduced a plan to Rescue New York, which fell on deaf ears. We will continue to fight for common-sense, realistic solutions to the hardships faced by families and business owners.

During the 2023 legislative session, Albany’s misplaced priorities came in the form of new laws and policies that exacerbate our hardships instead of relieving them. The budget was a month late and spent a record $229 billion, more than $8 billion over what was spent last fiscal year. It included new taxes on businesses and individuals, and provided no relief for middle-class families and struggling small businesses; rather, it allocated $1 billion for transporting and housing illegal immigrants instead of directing funds to struggling New Yorkers.

Instead of focusing on why New Yorkers are leaving the state, a bill was passed that moves all local elections to even years, over the objections of local communities and boards of election. The justification was to increase voter turnout, yet it excluded New York City, where voter turnout is the lowest in the state.

Additionally, “Clean Slate” legislation was passed allowing the records of violent criminals to be sealed while ignoring the rights of law-abiding victims. In addition, the overriding theme of the legislation passed this session was an erosion of parental rights and an increase in government control, both of which will continue to destroy the New York

by Tim Baker

This legislative measure builds on the Dignity for Our Heroes initiative, another legislative package that I sponsored and passed in 2019 that protects veterans from discrimination in housing and employment, and convened the Nassau Commission on Ending Veteran Homelessness.

While I take great pride in these earlier measures, they should be viewed as a foundation to build on. We must not cease in our efforts until every veteran in the county has access to the resources they need to meet their health care, housing and workforce needs. And it is imperative for all of us to approach this issue with compassion and care, so that we can continue chipping away at harmful stigmas that dissuade our heroes from seeking the assistance they need and deserve.

These men and women have always had our backs, and it is imperative for us to always have theirs. Please contact your legislator and ask them to support the Veterans’ Bill of Rights. And I ask you to never forget our fallen heroes, or our veteran heroes at home.

we know and love.

We deserve better than one-party rule that places political aims above all else. There’s still so much work to be done, but Senate Democrats, who hold a supermajority, continue to disregard New Yorkers’ needs. I will continue to fight for a safer and more

affordable New York while standing up for our values and working to restore balance, accountability, and common sense to our state government.

Stoked for a summer of keeping swimmers safe — the Freeport Recreation Center lifeguards take a break from training.

Joshua A. Lafazan represents the Nassau County Legislature’s 18th District.

too many who have come home lack housing, jobs and mental health care.