Merrick Herald 08-24-2023

‘oliver Twist’ hits the big screen Page 3

Merrick author writes first book

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At the Herald, local news matters

There’s no place like Merrick — but you don’t need us to tell you that.

Whether you hail from north or south of Sunrise Highway, and pledge your allegiance to Calhoun, Mepham or Kennedy High School, Merrick is a place worth being immensely proud of.

It is full of kind people, an amazing fire department, wonderful restaurants, coffee shops and eateries, and pristine downtowns.

there for you in the best of times and the worst of times — no matter what.

This week’s Merrick Herald is being mailed to every home, and includes a copy of our popular annual magazine, Living In Merrick. It’s filled with great information you can use throughout the year and it features the many acts of kindness that make Merrick such a great community.

Nicholas Fauci, a Boy Scout in Troop 285 in Bellmore, worked tirelessly over the last few years to complete his Eagle Scout project, in which he installed a memorial for all those who died during the coronavirus pandemic in Merrick.

Eagle Scout project remembers coronavirus pandemic victims

By JoRDAN VAlloNE jvallone@liherald.com

A Boy Scout’s long journey to achieve the Eagle Rank was recognized by several elected officials last week in Merrick at his creation — a Covid-19 memorial, that made in memory of residents who died during the coronavirus pandemic. The ambitious project also honors the devotion of frontliners and first responders in the community.

Nicholas Fauci, 18, of North Merrick, is a 2023 graduate of Wellington C. Mepham High School in Bellmore. He’s been a member of Boy Scouts since the first grade, changing troops a few times throughout the years. For the last few years, he’s been part

of Troop 285 in Bellmore, which meets in the high school’s cafeteria.

In the fall, Fauci will study civil engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in upstate Troy. Fauci told the Herald that he’s always wanted to become an Eagle Scout, the highest rank one can achieve in the Boy Scouts of America.

“I’ve always wanted to get the highest rank,” he said. “So, I’ve always worked towards getting my ranks done — I’ve gone on all the camping trips I needed to, and I’ve just done everything in the troop that I needed to do.”

Troop 285, he said, helped him become a Life Scout, the rank before Eagle. When it

A historic community, people are willing to go miles to preserve some of the community’s oldest structures. Just down the road from the Merrick Library, there’s the Old Merrick Library — a preserved, little red building, that tells the tales of Merrick’s earliest settlers. Up the road, next to the North Merrick Public Library, there’s the Bedell Dairy Farm — a large property, reminiscent of Merrick’s fishing, farming and agricultural days.

Merokeans come together in times of need, because they want the best for not only themselves, but the people around them.

Tee off at the Merrick Golf Course or go for a walk at the Norman J. Levy Park and Preserve. In Merrick, there’s something for everyone.

The Merrick Herald is your community newspaper. We are

If you’re not a Merrick Herald subscriber, we hope a look at this week’s paper will persuade you that you should be.

Each week, we cover the big issues, and you’ll find the local news that you can’t find anywhere else.

If you’re not currently receiving the Merrick Herald by mail each week, please help keep quality local journalism alive in your community by signing up for a free subscription.

See our subscription offer inside on Page 7, or find us online at LIHerald.com/free. You can also call (516) 569-4000, Ext. 7.

If you’re already a Merrick Herald subscriber, thank you for your support. We hope you are pleased with our coverage.

Enjoy the paper, and thanks for reading!

Jordan Vallone, Editor

Tim Baker/Herald

Extended School Year program puts on ‘Oliver Twist’

Bellmore-Merrick’s students feel confident when they’re on the big screen

By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com

Students in the Extended School Year program in the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District were featured on the big screen once again, with this year’s production of “Oliver Twist.” For the last six years, the production chosen by the district’s summer school program has been recorded and made into a movie, thanks to the efforts of Kathy Brickmeier, a paraprofessional at Sanford H. Calhoun High School, and her son, Vonn.

The Extended School Year Program is for students with Individual Education Programs, also known as IEPs, who have been deemed in need of schooling during the summer so they do not regress educationally, socially or emotionally. This year, the ESY program was held at Merrick Avenue Middle School. Students range from seventh-graders through age 21.

Acting in our films enhances their social skills and it gives them a sense of accomplishment.

Kathy Brickmeier has long worked at ESY, and said the program’s teachers and paraprofessionals found that the students liked acting, and at first, they put on a play. But, they found that some of the students struggled with memorizing their lines and had stage fright.

So, Kathy and her son, Vonn, who has experience in acting and production work, came up with the idea of creating a movie instead. The kids would still be acting and performing — but could do so in a more comfortable setting.

“I always say film is much more forgiving,” Kathy said, “and it’s so true. We can make mistakes — they know they can make mistakes and laugh about it and start again. There’s not a zillion people watching them, it’s like two or three of us watching them. I think that eases the tension.”

“Oliver Twist” was ESY’s sixth film production, and it premiered in Merrick Avenue Middle School’s auditorium on Aug. 15, to crowds of students, teachers and administrators. The Brickmeiers run the company Autoroph Films, with the goal of perhaps eventually branching out and helping other special-education students outside of Bellmore-Merrick. Their work thus far has remained primarily within the Central District.

In the past, alongside several student leads, Kathy and Vonn employed the help of district teachers and administrators, who would star alongside the kids in the film. However, this year, the Brickmeiers had so many kids interested in participating that for the first time ever, the film featured only students.

This summer, there were about 70 kids enrolled in the ESY program, and over 60 of them participated in the production in some fashion.

“Oliver Twist” is based on Charles Dickens’ novels of the same name. The story tells the tale of an orphan named Oliver, who is being raised in a workhouse in London. After he escapes, he meets a gang of juvenile pickpockets, and later discovers the secrets of his family, and reconnects with remaining relatives. The book was turned into a musical, “Oliver!” which premiered in London in the 1960s.

The Brickmeiers create a modified script and screenplay for the students to follow. Vonn oversees the video operations of the production, as well as the recording and editing process, which makes use of green screens, stage lighting and special effects.

The students follow a schedule throughout their summer school day, which includes time outdoors as

well as instructional periods. The Brickmeiers said they worked with the students involved in the play every day, for various periods of time, depending on how large their role was.

Kathy Brickmeier said watching the kids go through the production process is an incredible experience. “They come to work,” she said. “Each day they come in, we do a little acting exercise and then we go right into it. It shows how hard they’ve worked, and that they take direction so well. It’s incredible.”

“The main purpose of having the kids act was to boost their self esteem, to (learn) to work together as a team and to have fun, most importantly ” Vonn added. “Acting in our films enhances their social skills and it gives them a sense of accomplishment. And honestly, they’re really great actors.”

Every year, the Brickmeiers said the production just gets better and better.

“It’s such a big change from last year,” Kathy said. “We always see growth year to year, but this was the biggest — the largest growth — we’ve seen. We would leave there smiling from ear to ear because it was just so well-received and it’s heartwarming.”

“The kids did a really good job,” Vonn said, “and they tapped into their inner courage and strength.”

Photos courtesy Vonn Brickmeier

Every year, the Extended School Year in the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District puts on a play that Kathy and Vonn Brickmeier, above, write, direct, film and produce.

Alexa Fico starred at the character, Nancy. The Brickmeiers said acting helps ESY students feel more confident.

The film premiered at Merrick Avenue Middle School on Aug. 15. Liam Lindbom in the film as the character, Dodger.

VONN BRickmEiER Autotroph Films

This year, the show was ‘Oliver Twist,’ based on Charles Dickens’ novels of the same name. Alex Cohen starred as the titular character.

Crime watCh

A crash in Merrick on Aug. 12 near the intersection of Sunrise Highway and Fox Boulevard left one person dead. Police have identified the victim as Brandon Fortune.

Victim in Sunrise Highway crash identified

A man was killed by a car in Merrick, after he was struck on Sunrise Highway on Aug. 12 around 12:15 a.m.

According to the Nassau County Police Department, a 19-year-old female was traveling east on Sunrise near the intersection of Fox Boulevard, when she struck a male pedestrian laying on the ground in the right lane.

The driver remained on the scene, and

auto LarCeny

A victim reported that an EZ-Pass was removed from her vehicle, while parked on location at Island Channel Road in Seaford.

Petit LarCeny

On Aug. 7, a victim reported their Ring Security Camera was stolen from 1965 Stuyvesant Avenue in Merrick.

The Marshalls on Old Country Road in Westbury reported that an unknown male subject removed several items from the store on Aug. 10.

A victim reported that a door wreath was removed from their home at Prospect Place in Bellmore on Aug. 10.

The Gulf Gas Station on N. Jerusalem Road in East Meadow reported that an unknown subject removed $80.04 worth of gasoline from the station on Aug. 11.

the pedestrian was taking to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The male pedestrian was identified last week as Brandon Fortune, 34. Detectives request any family members or friends of the deceased victim to contact the Homicide Squad at (516) 573-7788.

— Jordan Vallone

The Rite Aid in Bellmore reported that a male subject removed assorted items from the store located 2784 Sunrise Highway on Aug. 14.

The Ride Aid in Westbury on Post Avenue reported that 8 cases of beer were stolen by an unknown male subject on Aug. 15.

CriminaL misChief

A victim reported that an unknown subject damaged her glass back door of her home at 14 Radial Lane in Levittown.

Dwi

Stephen Chang, 47 of Westbury, was arrested for a DWI near the intersection of Merrick Avenue and Stewart Avenue in East Meadow on Aug. 14.

People named in Crime Watch items as having been arrested and charged with violations or crimes are only suspected of committing those acts of which they are accused. They are all presumed to be innocent of those charges until and unless found guilty in a court of law.

Courtesy John Scalesi

What readers can learn from Theodore Bearkins

By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com

Gina DeGregorio-Sonbert, a mom-of-three, will have her first book, “Theodore Bearkins Lost His Blue Sunglasses,” released on Sept. 16 by the Benjamin McRae Publishing Group.

DeGregorio-Sonbert, who resides in Merrick, began her career as a publicist in the music industry. She later went back to school, and got a master’s degree in clinical psychology, specializing in clinical behavioral therapy, or CBT.

After getting her degree, she had three children, and her middle son, Teddy, now 10, was diagnosed with autism in April of 2018, she said.

“When Teddy was diagnosed with autism when he was 2, I kind of decided that this is where I need to go — like this is my journey now, teaching people about autism,” she said. “I remember when he was first diagnosed, I spoke with a woman who had a son with autism, she kind of explained everything to me — I knew nothing about it.

“The one thing she said that really stood out to me was ‘My son’s going to be fine, I’m not worried about him— what I’m worried about is everybody else in the world accepting him,’” DeGregorio-Sonbert recounted. “That really stuck with me.”

After that, DeGregorio-Sonbert said her mission became teaching people about autism, to ensure that people like Teddy are accepted, involved and welcomed with open arms. She started the nonprofit, Families For Inclusion, which supports schools, teachers and parents in educating elementary-aged students about autism.

“I did this for both sides,” she said. “For Teddy, so that he’s comfortable, so people know all about him, and they don’t think that what he’s doing is strange. And then for the kids also — so that they understand what they’re see-

ing, and they’re not nervous or afraid, or that they know the questions they can ask.”

What makes “Theodore Bearkins Lost His Blue Sunglasses” different from other books that feature a character with autism, is that while the main character, Theodore, has autism, the book doesn’t explicitly say that.

“I’ve noticed that all the autism books out there, they’re wonderful and they really teach a lot,” DeGregorio-Sonbert said. “But they focus on the autism, and I feel like that’s a great book for me, because I have a child with autism, and I love to read those types of books to

my other kids and to Teddy. They’re great for people like me, who might have somebody in their life with autism.”

DeGregorio-Sonbert said she was worried that if a reader doesn’t know someone with autism, they may not be as eager to pick up a book, featuring a character that explicitly has autism.

“So, I made this book not about autism at all,” she said. “The main character has autism, but we don’t talk about that in the book. It’s just a story — a fun children’s story with cute characters.”

Theodore does things throughout the book that suggest he has autism, DeGregorio-Sonbert explained. For example, it suggests he is nonverbal, that he points to a lot of things, and that he always has someone with him, no matter what.

“These are things that a lot of people with autism do or experience,” she said.

At the end of the book, there’s a learning guide that talks about some of the things readers may read or see throughout the book. The book was illustrated by a talented artist, Claudie C. Bergeron, who DeGregorio-Sonbert said did an amazing job at bringing Theodore’s story to life.

On Sept. 16, “Theodore Bearkins Lost His Blue Sunglasses,” will be available for purchase, anywhere you can buy books. DeGregorio-Sonbert said the tales of Theodore will be a series, so readers will have plenty to look forward to.

The publication of the book will also be celebrated at a Music For Inclusion event at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9592 in Levittown on Oct. 14. For more on the event, visit FamiliesForInclusion.org.

“I really just want to normalize what autism is,” DeGregorio-Sonbert said. “We just want to be able to show people kindness, and know that what they’re doing and what they’re experiencing is normal. That’s what I’m looking to do.”

Courtesy Benjamin McRae Publishing Group ‘Theodore Bearkins Lost His Blue Sunglasses’ will be available for purchase on Sept. 16. Its main character, Theodore, has autism, but the story doesn’t explicitly say that.

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Mayhem team commended for its efforts

County Legislator Debra Mulé honored the coaches and members of the Merrick Mayhem 8-and-under little league team for raising more than $4,000 for the ALS Association — a feat they accomplished by literally turning lemons into lemonade.

Guided by their community spirit and a desire to give back to the community, the team sold lemonade and snacks during a recent little league game and set a goal of raising $1,400. The philanthropic

lemonade stand was a massive hit, and by the time they were done, they had tripled their goal.

“The tremendous success of this fundraiser is a beautiful demonstration of how little league and other youth sports programs can instill important values that can serve a person well throughout their entire lives,” Mulé said. “I thank the coaches and the players of the Merrick Mayhem for working so hard on behalf of such a worthwhile cause.”

Girl Scouts of Nassau County recognizes standout volunteers for exceptional work

The Girl Scouts of Nassau County honored Bellmore and North Bellmore residents Jennifer Koelling and Elizabeth Steinert at its 2023 Annual Adult Recognitions Award Ceremony and Dinner.

The annual event recognizes and celebrates the adult volunteers who go above and beyond for their service to Girl Scouts of Nassau County and to their communities. Koelling and Steinert were among 100 honorees throughout Nassau County.

“Girl Scouts of Nassau County could not thrive without the hard work, commitment and support of all our community volunteers,” Randell Bynum, the CEO of Girl Scouts of Nassau County, said. “Each honoree recognized at our Adult Recognitions Award Ceremony and Dinner has made a significant impact on our organization and help shape the Girl Scout experience for the girls we serve. Thanks to their contributions, we are able to continue building girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place.”

Koelling and Steinert both received the Spirit Award for being known in their community and exemplifying the true spirit of Girl Scouting.

For more on Girl Scouts of Nassau County volunteer opportunities and how to get involved, visit GSNC.org.

— Jordan Vallone

Courtesy Office of Legislator Debra Mulé A Merrick Mayhem 8-and-under little league team was honored by County Legislator Debra Mulé for raising over $4,000 for the ALS Association.

Courtesy Girl Scouts of Nasasu County Jennifer Koelling of Bellmore was among 100 honorees at the Girl Scouts of Nassau County Adult Recognitions Award Ceremony and Dinner. Koelling, above left, with Kristen Holm.

SCHOOLS

Theme days, where the students came dressed up for camp, added to

Summer recreation engages Merrick students

The Merrick Summer Recreation program was once again a tremendous success with more than 250 campers attending. Held at Chatterton Elementary School from June 27 to July 28 and coordinated by teachers Melissa Robinson and Kelley Merkel, the program featured engaging, hands-on experiences for students in kindergarten through sixth grade and was staffed by certified teachers and counselors.

The program is full of activities to keep students active while acclimating new students to the elementary school setting as well as their peers and staff. It’s also a great way to strengthen

existing friendships or form new ones.

Campers were grouped by school and attended five periods per day, each with a different designated activity ranging from crafts, jewelry making, art and computers to outside play and many others.

Theme days like Red, White and Blue, Crazy Sock and Hair, Pajama Day and College Day also added to the fun. One of the favorite activities was a visit from Mad Science, one of Long Island’s leading science enrichment providers that combines games, science discovery and physical activity for a dynamic experience.

The program is full of activities to keep students active while acclimating new students to the elementary school setting as well as

Photos courtesy Merrick Public Schools

the fun of Merrick’s Summer Recreation program.

The program was held at Chatterton Elementary School from June 27 through July 28.

Merrick Public Schools held its annual Summer Recreation program this summer, with more than 250 campers participating.

their peers and staff.

Purposeful Life Coach opens its doors

Courtesy

Courtesy

At Bangladeshi American Night on Aug. 11 in Eisenhower Park, there were several performances as well as a fashion show, that kept attendees entertained throughout the evening.

Bangladeshi culture is celebrated at Eisenhower Park

At Eisenhower Park, alongside a free summer concert series at the Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, there has also been several evenings dedicated to celebrating the many diverse cultures and ethnicities that make up Nassau County.

It was Bangladeshi American Night on Aug. 11, and the theatre’s fields were packed with residents from across the county. The evening was organized by the Bangladeshi Heritage of NY, Inc., in collaboration with the Nassau County Executive Office and the Nassau County Department of Parks, Recreation and Museums.

The night included a fashion show, musical performances, and traditional cuisine. Sabrina Hossain, Sabrina Rahman and Nazrul Kabir were honored with citations from Nassau County.

The headlining musical perfor-

mance featured Bindu Kona.

“The main attraction for this year’s event (was) the new generation sensation, the heartthrob musician Bindu Kona,” the Bangladeshi Heritage Inc. wrote on Facebook. “She won the hearts of the audience with her mesmerizing voice and performance.”

A dance performance was also put on by the Nritanjali School of Dance, which is located in Hicksville.

In the weeks ahead, there will be many more evenings dedicated to celebrating different cultures, including Ukrainian American Night on Aug. 24, Dominican American Night on Aug. 27, Turkish American Night on Aug. 31 and Latino American Night on Sept. 2.

For more information on upcoming events, visit NassauCountyNY.gov.

— Jordan Vallone

The event is co-organized with the Nassau County Executive Office and the Nassau County Department of Parks, Recreation and Museums. Sabrina Hossain, Sabrina Rahman and Nazrul Kabir were presented citations from the county.

Bill Windy/Herald photos

Rahat, Ayana and Samyra Hossain attended the event at the Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre.

Syed Zaki Hossain spoke on stage. Bangladeshi American Night is co-organized by the Bangladeshi Heritage of NY, Inc.

Nassau County residents who attended celebrated and embraced Bangladeshi culture.

North Merrick speech pathologist honored

Amanda Hocevar, a speech and language pathologist from the North Merrick School District, was recognized by Nassau BOCES and the Nassau Association of School Technologists as a pioneering educator who has contributed significantly to the advancement of technology in education. Hocevar was honored at the fifth annual Nassau Association of School Technologists

Award Recipient awards ceremony, held at the Nassau BOCES Brookville Outdoor and Environmental Education Center.

In all of her roles as an educator, Hovecar works to reinvent the learning experience to inspire and promote innovation. She is not only a speech and language pathologist, she is also a building and district leader, a Student Council advisor, the Extended School Year Director, Parent University Co-Chair, and Vice President of Programming for the special education PTA.

lem-solving and critical thinking. At the most recent Association of Suffolk Supervisors for Educational Technologies Conference, Hocevar presented many of her ideas for technology integration to empower student learning and establish a positive sense of community in our schools.

“Amanda Hocevar is passionate about empowering children to reach their fullest potential,” said her award nominator Christine Talbot. “She is an inspiration, and we are very lucky to have her in North Merrick.”

Christine tAlbot Award nominator

The NASTAR awards were created by the Nassau BOCES to honor educators for their innovation, leadership and support of technology initiatives in their school districts. Each recipient is selected by their district based on this criterion.

This year, a total of 27 Nassau County educators were acknowledged for their achievements in a ceremony conducted by Nassau BOCES NASTECH and Data Privacy and Security Service Supervisor Laura Pollak and Program Specialist

–Jordan Vallone

Courtesy Nassau BOCES

Amanda Hocevar, right, a speech and language pathologist from North Merrick, was congratulated on being a Nassau Association of School Technologists Award recipient by Christine Talbot, Supervisor of Instructional Technology, Library Media and Data Reporting in the North Merrick School District.

A manda Hocevar is passionate about empowering children.

HERALD SPORTS

Nassau C.C. eyes return to title stage

By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com

Getting back to the national championship stage and winning it are lofty goals, but Nassau Community College football coach Jamel Ramsay wouldn’t have it any other way.

“Last season was a bit of a rebuild with some guys who hadn’t played ball for two years,” Ramsay said. “Our defense kept us close every week, but we didn’t put everything together some games. We still finished ranked in the top five and now we’re looking to get back to the championship game and win it.”

The Lions went 6-4 with three one-score defeats in 2022. This year’s schedule features many of the usual suspects and Ramsay is excited about the return of Navy prep and Army prep to the slate. “Those two games are really good tests and experiences for our guys,” he said. “I like the schedule much more than last year’s.”

Four of Nassau’s first five games are home at Mitchel Athletic Complex. The Lions open Sept. 2 against Monroe College and close the month Sept. 30 against Hocking College. The lone trip of September is to Hudson Valley C.C. on the 16th.

Some new key faces to the offense are former Nassau County high school standouts Kevon Hall (Roosevelt running back) and William Pickett (South Side quarterback.)

In 2018, Hall captured the Thorp Award, given to the most outstanding player in the county. He rushed for

2023 Schedule

Sept. 2 Monroe Home 1 p.m.

Sept. 9 Navy Prep Home 1 p.m.

Sept. 16 Hudson CC Away 1 p.m.

Sept. 23 Lackawanna Home 1 p.m.

Sept. 30 Hocking Home 1 p.m.

Oct. 6 Army Prep Away 7 p.m.

Oct. 14 Eric CC Away 1 p.m.

Oct. 28 Hudson CC Home 1 p.m.

Nov. 4 Louisburg Away 3 p.m.

Nov. 11 Sussex CC Home 1 p.m.

over 2,000 yards and scored 22 touchdowns for the Rough Riders as a senior. “Everyone knows who Kevon is,” Ramsay said. “He’s a definite game-changer even though he hasn’t played a snap in two years. He has a lot of tools and he’ll be raring to go game one.”

Pickett is a dual-threat quarterback who played one season at Cortland and was redshirted in 2022. Ramsay said he recruited Pickett out of high school and is “overly excited” to see him get to work. “He brings a combination of tenacity, speed and power,” Ramsay said. “Most

people think of someone’s legs when they talk about dual-threat quarterbacks, but Will can really throw the ball. He has big-time leadership qualities and the sky’s the limit.”

Ramsay believes the offensive line is one of the Lions’ top position groups. It includes Jordy Garcia, Kasper Borawski, Matthew Blanco, Christian Sollecito, Ethan Bonachi, Kenroy Hutchinson and Max Adams. “They’re all talented,” Ramsay said.

Freshman tight end Alex Simmonds has turned heads in camp and at 6-6 with speed comparable to some wideouts, Ramsay sees him as an “absolute factor” in the offense. “He’s been a pleasure to watch,” the coach noted. “He has tremendous blocking ability and potential to be something special.”

At receiver, Isaiah Madrey is looking to make a splash after appearing in four games last season. Also expected to be a lead target for Pickett is former Uniondale standout Kayden Liddie.

On the defensive side, the work in the trenches will be led by Daeshaun Polk, who ranked among the team leaders in tackles for loss last fall and also had 2.5 sacks, and nose guard Cesar Villanueva. Glen Cove product Anthony Schettino heads the linebacker corps, while the secondary is likely to have Chris Hernandez and Miguel Lopez at corner, and Sonny Mayo and Kamari Maths at safety.

Kicker Tom Zabransky was a Second Team All-American selection last season, and newcomer Tommy Dellaporta will handle

punting responsibilities.

Tony Bellissimo/Herald photos

Roosevelt’s Kevon Hall, a Nassau County Thorp Award winner, is primed to lead Nassau Community College’s backfield. William Pickett, a South Side High School graduate at right, takes over as the Lions’ starting quarterback.

Mornings over easy

Start the day on the right track

School day mornings can be hectic, since as every parent knows getting kids ready for school and out the door on time is not always easy. Working parents may find school day mornings especially difficult, as their own work schedules can make mornings feel even more rushed. This time around, change up your morning routines with strategies to free up time in the morning so everyone starts their days off in a more relaxing atmosphere.

Wake up earlier. Sleep might seem like a precious commodity, but waking up just 10 to 15 minutes earlier can remove some of the stress from weekday mornings without costing you a lot of sack time. Let kids sleep in until their normal wakeup time, using your extra 10 or 15 minutes to shower or enjoy your morning cup of coffee before the house is abuzz with activity.

Tackle certain chores the night before. Delaying certain chores until you wake up makes for a hectic morning, so tackle as many morning chores as possible before you go to bed for the night. Prepare school lunches, lay clothes out for yourself and your children, and make sure kids have their backpacks packed and ready to go before they go to bed. Each of these things may only take a few minutes, but when left for the morning, they can add up to a substantial amount of time.

Encourage youngsters to pick up the pace. Some people are morning people, while others dread setting their alarms for early morning hours. Kids who fall into the latter group may drag their feet in the morning, but parents should offer encouragement when kids are moving slowly in the morning. Allowing your frustration to show may only make kids less fond of mornings, so remind them as nicely as possible that everyone has a schedule to stick to if they seem to be dragging their feet.

Keep the television off. If watching the television is ingrained in your morning routine, try going a few days without it to see if this makes it easier to get out the door on time. Kids might grow distracted by morning cartoons, and even adults may get caught up in morning news shows.

Eliminating television and screen time on other devices from your morning routine can save time and also may help your family grow closer, as you will have more distraction-free time to speak to one another. In addition to turning off the television. Resist that urge to look at your phone, tablet, etc., when getting ready in the morning.

Parents know that school day mornings can be hectic. But

you can certainly implement changes to your routine to make such mornings go more smoothly so everyone gets where they need to be on time.

Photos: Get out from under the morning chaos by changing up the daily routine for a smoother start to your family’s day.

Back to School — with a focus on SucceSS

Better bets for back to school Nutrition can be fun

Food choices the whole family can feel good about

As you gear up for a new school year, it’s important to put your kids’ nutrition on the school checklist. Countless studies link school performance and healthy eating habits. Treat this season of “academic beginnings” as a chance for the whole family to take a fresh approach to better-for-you eating.

From on-the-go breakfasts and bragworthy brown bag lunches to after-school snacks and family-friendly dinners, there are plenty of ways to pack nutrition and flavor into every meal. Often, creating healthier meals can be as easy as simply trading-up or swapping one food ingredient for a more nutritious choice.

Make smart choices

Selecting menu options that help your family eat better begins at the grocery store with your shopping decisions. If the A-B-Cs and 1-2-3s of food labels make your head spin, you can rely on tools such as the NuVal Nutritional Scoring System, which provides scores near the price on the shelf tag to identify better-for-you foods. Based on a scale of 1 to 100, the scores rank foods and beverages on their nutritional content with the most nutritious choices scoring highest.

You can take other steps to make shopping easier for healthy eating, says nutritionist Marisa Paolillo.

First and foremost don’t go when you’re hungry. ”It really is true. If you shop hungry, you’re more likely to toss foods into your cart that will satisfy the hunger pangs at the moment, rather than what you actually need for the week ahead,” she says.

Another smart shopping tip is to plan, plan, plan. Paolillo suggests starting out right by planning a full week’s worth of menus, then creating a shopping list. This

not only streamlines meal preparation, it saves household budget, aids nutrition choices and reduces the frustration and extra time associated with return trips to the store.

√ Determine what you will serve for breakfasts, lunches, snacks and dinners.

√ Create a grocery list of food ingredients that are needed.

√ Don’t forget to check specials and coupons in your store’s weekly circular.

(Consider swapping listed ingredients for seasonal or on-sale foods.)

“Taking a list to the grocery store will ensure that you stick to your budget and only buy what you need,” says Paolillo. If you’re pressed for time and on a spur-ofthe-moment shopping run, however, keep these better-for-you food basics in mind.

Breakfast: Scrambled eggs are a quick and easy breakfast - but hardboiled eggs are a great option for an on-the-go snack.

Mid-Day Snack: Get a quick protein and calcium boost during the day with cottage cheese or plain yogurt with fruit or

granola.

Lunch and Dinner: Make sure to include vegetables in all meals.

On-the-Go Snack: Fruit like apples, bananas, tangerines and pears are perfectly portable for on-the-go ease.

Dinner: Round out your day with lean protein at dinner, such as poultry or fish seasoned with herbs.

Paolillo offers some final healthy eating, back-to-school shopping tips. Take advantage of in-store nutritional scoring systems or services to help guide food choices, and make the majority of food selections from the outer perimeter of the store.

“Think produce, dairy, fish and meat,” Paolillo says. “This will ensure that most of your food choices are more nutrientpacked and fresh, versus heavily processed foods that tend to be loaded with additional sugar, salt and fat.”

Unbeatable ‘Brown Bag’ Tips

When it comes to packing school lunches, stick to what your kids like. If they aren’t crazy about something, it may end up in the garbage or get traded for an unhealthy snack. Some simple swaps will make your kids’ brown bag lunch unbeatable.

Rethink the sandwich. For sandwiches, swap white bread for brown bread or pita. And go easy on the deli. Replace deli meats with lean roasted beef or poultry or low fat cheese. Healthy choices can be tasty. For a delicious, nutritious sandwich spread, trade mayonnaise for a mashed avocado. Make fruits and vegetables a go-to snack. Chop up carrots, peppers and celery in advance and stash some in lunch bags with hummus; or sprinkle apple and pear slices with lemon and cinnamon to satisfy a sweet tooth.

Skip the sweetened beverages. Choose water to hydrate and calcium- and vitamin D-rich milk to strengthen growing bones.

Make smart swaps for after school. Chips and packaged cookies, move out of the way. Swap them for smart after-school snacks that are homemade, nutritious and fun to make.

Custom-create a smoothie. Have kids choose their favorite fruit and vegetables. Toss them into the blender with ice and fat free yogurt for a snack that’s easy, fun and filling.

Try banana sushi rolls. Top a whole grain tortilla with nut butter and a whole banana sprinkled with cinnamon. Roll it up and slice like sushi rolls. (These are great for lunches, too.)

Other after-school smart snacks include: Apple slices topped with almond butter, air-popped popcorn (avoid microwave popcorn, which is often high in trans-fat and sodium), also fresh salsa and tortilla chips.

Photo: Reinforce healthy eating habits with a new approach to mealtime.

give Your child the advantage of classical training. Your community’s choice for dance training.

Integral Ballet offers beginner through advanced classes for ages 2 thru adult in classical ballet as well as in acro, jazz, tap, contemporary, and modern dance. ABT© Curriculum, pre-primary through level 5.

Fall Enrollment now ongoing. Classes begin September 10th. Register online at integralballet.org or by calling 516.442.1590

be a part of the magic!

Nutcracker Auditions for experienced dancers, age 5-17 take place on August 26th for our December 2023 production. Register online.

Full Schedule Of Adult Classes at integralballetadulted.com

Teen Studio/ Portfolio Art:

Adult Tuesday Evening Classes ( 4 week sessions)

We attend all meetings about your child and assist parents whose children attend private or charter schools, obtain services from their home district.

Office: (516)791-1324

Cell: (516)445-1705

Helene@Agatstein.com

Website: schoolingadvocate.com

1842 Merrick r d in Merrick integralballet.org Integral Ballet is a 501 (c) 3 organization

“Your school district has a multitude of resources to which your child may be entitled. I can partner with you to design an effective, long-term plan to ensure that your child gets all that he or she requires to achieve academic success.”

Dr.

Helene

H.

Agatstein

Educational Consultant, Inc.

STARTING FRIDAY AUGUST 25TH, 2023

APPETIZERS

Spinach & Ar�ichoke Rice Balls

Lobster Cream Sauce

Shrimp & Bacon Risotto

Entrees

Lobster Cr�sted Halibut

Ser�ed with asparag�s, cor�, Saffron Risotto, Cit��s Cream

Francese St�le Soſt Shell Crabs

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Over a Vegetable Saffron Rice (asparag�s, red pepper, onions, cor�)

Seafood Fra Diavolo

Paccheri Pasta tossed with clams, shrimp, calamari, mussels & a 6 oz. Lobster Tail

Filet Mig�on – Oscar St�le

King Crab, Grilled Asparag�s & a Béar�aise Sauce

45 oz. Prime Aged Por�erhouse

Ser�ed with Broccolini & Roasted Potatoes

STEPPING OUT

frontman inducted into the Hall of Fame joins Long Island’s most elite musicians

By Daniel Offner

Robin Wilson, the iconic voice of the multi-platinum selling Gin Blossoms — and current frontman for The Smithereens — will join the ranks of Long Island legends Billy Joel, Joan Jett, Carole King, Twisted Sister, Public Enemy and countless others when he is inducted into the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame on Friday.

“I’m very gratified and surprised and amused by the whole thing,” Wilson said. “It’s kind of funny to have ended up on Long Island and to receive this cool honor.”

As the principal songwriter and lead singer/guitarist of the Grammynominated Gin Blossoms, Wilson — who calls Valley Stream home — is responsible for such ‘90s-era radio hits as “Hey Jealousy,” “Follow You Down,” “Til I Hear it from You,” “Until I Fall Away,” “As Long As it Matters” and “Allison Road.”

Wilson grew up in Tempe, Arizona, and moved to Long Island in the ‘90s to be with his now ex-wife, Gena Rositano. He still lives here, raising his son, Grey Wilson, an aspiring musician and songwriter. “It took me a long time to get used to being on Long Island,” he says. “It was a tough transition. I’m probably the only guy on Long Island who flies the Arizona state flag on his front porch.”

He met Rositano in 1993, who was working at MTV at the time, when Gin Blossoms were invited to appear as a musical guest on the first episode of “The Jon Stewart Show.” Three years later, they were married, and had Stewart — by then the host of Comedy Central’s “Daily Show” — ordained as a minister in order to officiate the ceremony.

STEPPING OUT

Creative advocacy

Apart from spending time with his family, music is still the most important thing in his life.

“It’s the only thing that makes it worth it,” he says. “It’s cool to make a living and earn money, but the thing that makes it worthwhile is performing original music.”

Wilson is excited to be going back on tour with Gin Blossoms, who will perform at The Paramount in Huntington on Sept. 12, with guests Fastball, Tonic and Sugar Ray.

In 2017, following the sudden death of The Smithereens’ frontman Pat DiNizio, Wilson was invited to join the New Jersey alt-rock group on tour.

“The Smithereens have always been an inspiration to me,” he says. “If I could go back in time and tell my 19-year-old self that I would be performing with one of your all-time favorite bands, I’d probably ask if that was even possible.”

By Karen Bloom

Voyage

The popular band takes everyone back to the ‘80s when Journey’s timeless music ruled the airwaves. Hailed by fans and critics alike as the world’s top Journey tribute band, this group performs their music with chilling accuracy.

Fronted by Hugo — a dead ringer for Steve Perry — who continues to delight fans with his miraculous resemblance, exact mannerisms and identical voice to Steve. Fans agree that Voyage delivers an experience to the original Steve Perry-fronted lineup. The band also features world class New York musicians: Robby Hoffman, Greg Smith, Lance Millard and Dana Spellman, who along with Hugo, have brought the show to critical acclaim. They play all the hits, including, ‘Don’t Stop Believin’,’ ‘Faithfully,’ ‘Separate Ways,’ ‘Any Way You Want It,’ ‘Open Arms,’ ‘Wheel in the Sky,’ ‘Lights,’ ‘Oh Sherrie,’ ‘Stone in Love,’ ‘Send Her My Love,’ ‘Lovin’ Touchin’ Squeezin’,’ ‘Who’s Crying Now? and ‘Only the Young.’

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

Southern Rockfest

Pat McGann is quickly rising as of the sharpest stand-ups on the comedy scene. A relative latecomer to comedy, he began doing standup at 31 after realizing he was very good at selling packaging.

WHERE WHEN

• Friday, Aug. 25, 7 p.m.

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

When all concerts and live performances were canceled at the height of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, Wilson — like many of his counterparts — started to livestream performances from his home studio in order to give himself something to apply his energy and skills toward.

• $40 general admission/$35 members available at LIMusicHallOfFame.org, or by calling (631) 689-5888

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

• Space is limited 97 Main St., in Stony Brook

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

And when it finally was warm enough, he decided to bring his livestream outside, where he would perform music for his neighbors in Valley Stream.

“It was really cool to provide a much-needed distraction during that weird time in everybody’s lives,” he recalls. “It’s kind of cool to be the rock singer on my block in Valley Stream.”

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

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

During the upcoming Hall of Fame induction ceremony, he’ll hit the Exhibit Hall stage for a special performance featuring son Grey and special guests, including members of The Smithereens.

The Allmost Brothers Band headlines a rockin’ night at Eisenhower Park, joined by Freebird and Brothers & Friends. Allmost Brothers fully honors the tradition of the legendary Allman Brothers Band. Working within the framework of the incredible and vast songbook of the legendary Allman Brothers, the band injects something new, fresh and exciting into the material. They stand out with high-level musicianship, authentic improvisational interplay, and dedication to the high-octane performance and power that established the original ABB back in 1969. These dedicated musicians thrive on chemistry and improvisation, bringing a unique fire to Duane Allman’s vision of spreading the gospel of American blues, R&B and jazz music everywhere. As always, bring seating.

He hustled his way to become house emcee at Zanies Chicago, where he distinguished himself especially adept at working the crowd. A husband and father of three young children, McGann’s appeal stems from his quick wit and relatable take on family life and marriage. In 2017, McGann began touring as the opening act for Sebastian Maniscalco, moving with him from clubs to theater, to arenas, including four soldout shows at Madison Square Garden. McGann’s relatively short, but impressive resume, includes Montreal’s famed Just For Laughs Festival, Gilda’s LaughFest, The Great American Comedy Festival, and more. McGann still calls Chicago home.

Saturday, Aug. 26, 7 p.m. Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, Eisenhower Park, East Meadow. For information, visit NassauCountyNY. gov/parks.

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

Courtesy Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame

Robin Wilson, frontman of the alternative rock/power pop band Gin Blossoms, has settled comfortably into his lfe on Long Island.

Pat McGann

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

THE Your Neighborhood

Max Weinberg’s Jukebox

In the middle of the Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band tour — which breaking box office records all over the world— the heartbeat of the E Street Band, the Mighty Max Weinberg is taking time between Springsteen shows to perform with his Jukebox band. He visits the Paramount stage, on Thursday, Aug. 31, 8 p.m. Max Weinberg’s Jukebox is a truly interactive experience.

Weinberg invites the audience to create the set list, in real time, that he and his crack four piece group will play that night. Performing songs from the glory days of rock n’ roll your guests choose from a menu of over 200 songs. Everything from the Beatles to the Stones to Bruce and The E Street Band’s biggest hits — and hear the group play ‘em the way the way the audience wants to hear them played! That’s right, the crowd yells out their choices and Weinberg plays them. This unique approach brings the audience right into the action for the evening. Every show is different because you — the audience — are choosing the songs. How many times have you attended a show where you yearned to hear your favorite performer play your favorite song? With Max Weinberg’s Jukebox your dream will be realized. $59.50, $39.50, $29.50, $25. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. (800) 745-3000 or Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY.com.

GET Home-field Advantage

Civil War Encampment

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On exhibit

View the landmark exhibition “Modigliani and the Modern Portrait,” at Nassau County Museum of Art. Devoted to the way that Modigliani powerfully re-defined the art of portraiture, the show includes his masterworks along with paintings and drawings by his Parisian contemporaries (Picasso, van Dongen, Laurencin). Modigliani’s enduring influence on artists even in our own time is shown in a selection of Contemporary paintings by such important figures as David Hockney, Eric Fischl, Elizabeth Peyton and others. The exhibition is being curated by Dr. Kenneth Wayne, founder of The Modigliani Project, which authenticates paintings and drawings (two of the works in the show have been recently approved by the committee). Through Nov. 5. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.

Experience life at a Civil War encampment at Old Bethpage Village Restoration, Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 26-27, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Members of the 14th Brooklyn Living History Association and friends from other units demonstrate various daily routines of soldiers who were part of 14th Brooklyn New York State Militia during the Civil War years. Old Bethpage Village Restoration, Round Swamp Rd., Old Bethpage. For information, visit OldBethpageVillageRestoration. org.

Dramatic Play

Theatre Playground returns to Long Island Children’s Museum with “Dramatic Play!,” Monday, Aug. 28, 1 p.m., taught by Lisa Rudin, Director of Theatre Playground (who visitors may already know from her role as “Piggie”!). In this interactive, theater-inspired workshop kids will act out an original story and help choose how it unfolds. Music, props, and sound effects create a theatrical world where participants are immersed in the story. Children are encouraged to express themselves as they create characters, explore different worlds, stretch their imaginations and build selfconfidence. This week’s theme: Silly Monsters. Costumes encouraged. Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or

St. Jude Run/Walk

Registration is open for the St. Jude Walk/ Run Long Island, presented by Tweezerman International during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Sunday, Sept. 10, 9 a.m., at Marcum Corporate Offices & Park. The St. Jude Walk/Run offers everyone a chance to walk or run and gather in-person or virtually to raise funds and awareness for the St. Jude mission: Finding cures. Saving children. Besides the walk/run, the event features entertainment, food and activities for the whole family to enjoy. Participants will even have the opportunity to connect with St. Jude patients and learn firsthand how their support makes a difference. 10 Melville Park Road, Melville. Register or learn more at StJude.org/ walklongisland.

Family Street Festival

The Bellmore Family Street Festival returns on Thursday, Sept. 21, running through Sept. 24. On its opening day, the carnival will commence at 6 p.m. On Saturday and Sunday, shopping the street vendors begins at 10 a.m. For a fun weekend of games, shopping and entertainment, be sure to stop by the Bellmore LIRR Station. For more, visit BellmoreChamber.com.

Walkie Talkie Tree Event

Wild Ones Long Island is having a Walkie Talkie event in the Merrick Woods neighborhood, Saturday, Aug. 26. Join the group for a walk and walk with tree ID and tree care education, with certified arborists. The event starts at 6 p.m., and will be limited to 25 people. To RSVP, contact frednass@hotmail.com. Visit LongIsland.WildOnes.org for more.

Breastfeeding Support Group

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

Having an event?

Storybook Stroll

Bring the kids to Old Westbury Gardens for a storybook adventure, Saturday, Sept. 2, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Stroll the gardens and open your ears to Mary Howitt’s classic tale The Spider and The Fly.” Later create a unique take home craft. For ages 3-5. Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. For information visit OldWestburyGardens.org or contact (516) 333-0048.

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

Westbury House Tour

For many years visitors to Westbury House at Old Westbury Gardens asked what was beyond the first floor corridor. Now go beyond the door and discover “secrets of the service wing,” during a 60-minute guided tour,Friday, Aug. 25, noon; also Sunday, Aug. 27, 1:30 p.m.; Monday, Aug. 28, noon; Wednesday, and Thursday, Aug. 30-31, noon Be introduced to the intensive labor required to create the lifestyle experienced by the Phipps family and their guests; tour the many rooms that were “behind the scenes” to create the formal dining experiences of early 20th century. Go along the corridors to the butler’s pantry and silver cleaning room then descend the 17 steps to the kitchen, scullery, and wine storage rooms located on the ground floor. Reservations required. 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. For information contact (516) 333-0048 or visit OldWestburyGardens.org.

Merrick Fall Festival

The Merrick Fall Festival kicks off on Oct. 20. The carnival and festival is held in the Merrick Long Island Rail Road station and on Merrick Avenue through Oct. 22. The carnival opens on Friday at 6 p.m. and the street festival will take place on Saturday and Sunday, starting at 11 a.m. Visit MerrickChamber.org for more information.

Bingo at Ohav Shalom

Congregation Ohav Shalom hosts Bingo games, every other Sunday, at 145 S. Merrick Ave., Merrick. For times and more information, contact (516) 378-1968 or visit Ohav.org for upcoming dates. All are welcome.

Car Show Fridays

Enjoy vintage cars, socializing and more. Every Friday night, join the Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores for a car show in the LIRR parking lot in Bellmore. It’s a summer scene not to be missed. Admission for people is free, cars costs $5. Show opens at 6 p.m. Visit BellmoreChamber.com for more.

Networking with the Merrick Chamber

The Merrick Chamber of Commerce hosts a networking event, Monday, Sept. 18, 6 p.m., at Frankie’s Restaurant. 1692 Merrick Road, Merrick. $20 admission goes towards appetizers and cash bar. For more, visit MerrickChamber. com.

Boy Scout reflects on many skills learned

Continued from page 1

finally came time to figure out what to do for his Eagle Scout project, he thought about different possibilities.

“I didn’t want to be the same,” he said. “I wanted to do something different — something that stood out to me, for the community.”

Around August of 2020, as the world was emerging from the first wave of the pandemic, Fauci said he and his dad, Paul, thought about creating a memorial.

“We drew a lot of schematics of what we wanted it to be,” he said. “We had a lot of first renditions, second renditions — a lot of changes. Once we found our final way of how we wanted to do it, the first person we contacted (was County Legislator) Tom McKevitt.”

McKevitt directed them to the Town of Hempstead, and they eventually found a spot to put the memorial — right next to the Merrick train station, where there’s a small town square and gazebo.

“My dad and I came across this raised flower bed,” Fauci said. “It was in the middle of the sidewalk — there was benches nearby. It’s in a public area. A train station is next to it, it’s going to get a lot of attention.”

The Merrick Chamber of Commerce owned and maintained the plot of land, and after meeting with its president, Ira Reiter, who approved the project in the space, Fauci got right to work.

The first thing Fauci did, alongside members of his troop, was power wash the benches directly adjacent to the memorial. Other benches occupy the gazebo area in Merrick, but the ones further away from

the memorial were actually refurbished by a different Eagle Scout.

By the spring of 2022, after fundraising efforts — which included a GoFundMe, as well as Fauci walking door-to-door and asking businesses in Merrick for donations — the memorial was finally ready to be laid into the ground.

As aspiring Eagle Scouts complete their projects, they compile a workbook throughout the duration. Completing it is a long process, Fauci explained, and once everything is done, it’s sent to the Theodore Roosevelt Council of the Boy Scouts in Massapequa.

After it goes through council, it goes to a district office. Soon, Fauci will undergo a final interview

with Austin Cannon, the Eagle Board chair, a chairman from Troop 285 and a neutral party, who will either approve or deny the Eagle rank.

Fauci periodically comes back to the memorial with his dad to clean it, collect trash and keep the weeds under control.

Fauci thanked his parents, sister, Nicole, and other family members for their constant support throughout the project. He also thanked everyone who donated to his fundraisers, and his troop for all of their help throughout the process.

On Aug. 18, elected officials joined Fauci at the memorial, and they included Town Supervisor Don Clavin, Town Councilman Chris Carini, Town Clerk Kate Murray, State Assemblyman Dave McDonough and State Sen. Steve Rhoads, as well as representatives from the Merrick Chamber and South Merrick Community Civic Association. They presented Fauci with several citations for his efforts.

“Earlier today, I had the pleasure of recognizing Nicholas from Boy Scout Troop 285 on completing his Eagle Scout project at the Merrick train station near the gazebo,” Rhoads wrote on his Facebook page. “Nicholas built a Covid Memorial Garden, dedicated to the lives lost from the pandemic. Thank you for this beautiful addition to the Merrick community.”

Fauci said, “While doing this project, you definitely learn a lot of leadership skills. Everything doesn’t work the first time and there’s a lot of changing. You learn initiative and you have to take charge. This is my project — it has to look the way I want it. It’s an Eagle Scout project, and it’s for the community.”

Tim Baker/Herald the gazebo is located at merrick’s town square, adjacent to the merrick Long island rail road Station. fauci was honored by several elected officials last week for his work.

HERALD SchoolS

Elementary school district now on Instagram

The North Bellmore School District has launched a new Instagram account to share photos and information with the community. Parents, staff, alumni and community members are invited to follow the district’s new account, @ NBUFSDPride.

The district includes John G. Dinkelmeyer School, Martin Avenue School, Newbridge Road School, Saw Mill Road School in Bellmore, and Park Avenue School in North Merrick.

There will be an Instagram account for each of the district’s five elementary schools:

Dinkelmeyer: @jgdpride

Martin Avenue: @martinavepride

Newbridge Road: @nbrpride

Park Avenue: @parkavepride

Saw Mill Road: @sawmillpride

North Bellmore’s board of education continually strives to build

and strengthen relationships between the school district and the community. Through the use of the popular and easy-to-use social media platform, the district can share good news with the broader community.

“Every day, wonderful learning takes place in our classrooms, and the new Instagram account highlights the great work of our joyful learners and our fabulous teachers and staff,” Superintendent Marie Testa said. “We encourage our community members to follow @NBUFSDPride and the building accounts to keep up to date on our community schools.”

The district will be discontinuing all X — formerly Twitter — accounts, and will be using Instagram as its primary social media platform. North Bellmore’s website, NorthBellmoreSchools.org continues to remain a robust source of information, featuring school and district news, academic resources, announcements, contact information and important dates.

Courtesy North Bellmore School District

The North Bellmore School Distirct launched Instragram accounts for each of its elementary schools. Above, students in the Summer Scholars program at Park Avenue School in North Merrick.

After shots are fired on busy roads, police take action

By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com

A scary scene unfolded last week in North Bellmore, when the Nassau County Police Department received several 911 calls on Aug. 15, reporting a woman firing a black handgun into the air near the busy intersection of Jerusalem and Bellmore avenues.

When they arrived, officers said, they saw a female subject pointing a black and silver handgun at passing motorists and police. A patrol vehicle sideswiped her and knocked her to the ground.

At that point, police arrested Kiber Calderon, 31, of 454 Lexington Ave. in Brooklyn, who, it turned out, is a man who also goes by the name Hanna Carillo.

Calderon sustained minor injuries and was being treated at the Nassau University Medical Center in East Meadow, and also undergoing psychological evaluation.

The officer who drove the patrol car was taken to an area hospital and treated for trauma, and remained out on sick leave as the Herald went to press on Tuesday.

The day after the incident, the NCPD held a press briefing to address several questions about the incident. County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder joined County Executive Bruce Blakeman at the Nassau County Police Academy, in Garden City, to detail the suspect’s reported gender discrepancy and to discuss how Calderon was taken down by police.

“The original call came in with a description of a female and the clothing description of an orange top, blue jeans and a green hat,” Ryder said. “That was the exact description when we pulled up on the scene, and obviously, she was waving a firearm. She appears to be a woman — she identifies, though, as a male when we speak to her.”

Calderon was charged with two counts of criminal possession of a weapon and criminal possession of a

firearm, three counts of menacing, reckless endangerment, menacing a police officer, criminal contempt of court, and criminal possession of a controlled substance.

Prior to the shooting, Calderon was seen leaning on a fence, according to a witness, Ryder said. The suspect then pulled out the firearm, pointed it in the air and fired a round, before walking down Jerusalem Avenue toward Bellmore.

“The law is written that any deadly, physical force used against you or another — you can equal that force with deadly physical force,” Ryder said of the police

vehicle knockdown. “In this situation, the officer made a choice to use his vehicle.

“He posted his weapon after having it out,” Ryder went on, referring to the officer. “I asked him at the hospital: why? He said, ‘Because if I fired and I missed, there were people standing behind.’ That officer made a sound decision, a very good decision, and because of the decision, probably saved the lives of not (only) others, but himself and the individual with that gun.”

Blakeman called the actions of the officer “ingenious.”

“This police officer took the action that he took, and why is that?” he said. “Because you had a subject that was pointing the gun at the public, discharged the firearm on a public street, and pointed the firearm at police officers and then pointed the firearm at his head, which obviously meant that he might have committed suicide, had not the police officer taken swift and effective action.”

Calderon was arrested twice in June for burglary in New York City, and released without bail.

“Here we go again,” Blakeman said. “The revolving door of justice which makes our communities less safe. But again, this individual was very fortunate to not be seriously injured — we are very fortunate that none of our police officers, no members of the public, were injured.”

Town Councilman Chris Carini, who represents Bellmore and Merick, told the Herald that he agreed that Calderon should not have been let go under the state’s cashless bail policy after his arrests in June.

“This individual should not have been free on our streets,” he said. “A soft-on-crime approach by Albany and New York City spills on our streets. This individual, after back-to-back felony arrests, should not be free on our streets. As a retired police officer, I will continue to

Jordan Vallone/Herald Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder, at lectern, with County Executive Bruce Blakeman, addressed the shooting last week in Bellmore. A Brooklyn man was arrested for allegedly firing shots in the air near the intersection of Jerusalem and Bellmore avenues.

Person to Person

I’d never tell anyone this but …

Wa ny years ago, when I was in group therapy, a fellow participant shared her story that stays with me to this day.

I was 12 years old when my older cousin invited me to his room to show me some photos and started feeling me up. I was so shaken and scared. He blocked my exit, and I didn’t know what to do. When I came home, I told my mother. I’ll never forget what she said to me, “Stop making up stories. Your cousin is a good boy. You know that. Why would you want to say bad things about him? What’s wrong with you?

I froze. Could I have imagined the whole thing? Could it not have happened? Could it have been my fault? I ran up to my room and never mentioned the incident again.

But how alone I felt! How confused I was! Why was my experience thrown out the window? I wanted to scream. But I couldn’t. All I knew was that I’d better be quiet and not start trouble. I should pretend that the whole thing never happened.

Book Review:

Healthy at 100 by John Robbins (Part One)

meditate, pray. No right or wrong answers. Just acknowledge your thoughts as yours.

Ask yourself reflective questions, such as, “What do I think about the lead story in the news?” What would I do if I won the lottery?” Keep in mind that there are no right or wrong answers to these questions. It’s your thinking that counts.

Keep a dated journal to record, reread, and contemplate your thoughts as they change over time.

Tell your story to a non-judgmental friend, one who is willing and able to listen to you with understanding and compassion.

As you tell your story, see if you can derive new meaning from it, new insights about how the event affected you.

Let yourself feel whatever emotions you feel. You don’t need to evaluate your emotions, just let them be.

Linda Sapadin

And pretend I did. For many years. In truth, for many decades. It wasn’t just that one incident. There were many times when I was made to feel that what I thought, felt, and experienced was nonsense. It didn’t count. I didn’t count.

Now that I look back on it, I realize that my siblings and I lived in my mother’s world. She was strong willed. Self-centered. Focused on her own needs. And not the least bit empathetic to anyone else’s. If I said something she didn’t agree with, she’d silence me with a disdainful look and a ‘What do you know?’ retort. Then she’d look away, like I wasn’t worth wasting her time on.

In those days, I didn’t trust my own thoughts. I would listen, obey, and acquiesce. A pleaser, par excellence! When told to jump, I’d ask how high. It took me forever to develop my own voice. To trust that I had something worthwhile to say. To believe that someone would care what I thought.

If you’ve experienced a similar struggle and are still searching for ways to find or strengthen your inner voice, here are a few ways to speed up the process:

Create quiet time alone to think,

Consider seeing a psychologist who can guide you through this painful process as you develop greater awareness and trust in yourself.

Know that your story is as unique as your fingerprints. It is precious. Even the painful part is precious, because it has made you, you.

It’s liberating to acknowledge your experiences rather than suppress them and pretend they didn’t happen.

It’s healing to relate your story to a caring soul rather than hiding what was and still may be traumatic for you.

As you tell your story once more, you come to understand how earlier experiences affected you in years past and may still affect you today.

Expect that the healing that comes from this process will be profound!

©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.

Subtitled “How You Can - At Any AgeDramatically Increase Your Life Span and Your Health Span”, Mr. Robbins’ book is one that appealed to us for a very specific reason. So many of our clients over the years have said, “Oh no! I wouldn’t want to live to 100”, the assumption being that they would inevitably be infirm.

Our culture, in television and movies, reinforces this thinking by portraying the elderly as feeble, unproductive, and out of sorts. Elders are demeaned with stereotypes as being unworthy of consideration or positive regard, according to Robbins.

Baby boomers today range in ages from 63 - 78. It’s time to shed these old myths. Author Robbins describes four cultures in the world as follows:

Abkhasia: Ancients of the Caucasus where people are healthier at ninety then most of us are at middle age.

Vilcabamba: The Valley of Eternal Youth where heart disease and dementia do not exist.

Hunta: A people who dance in their nineties where cancer, diabetes and asthma are unknown.

The Centenarians of Okinawa: Where more people live to 100 than anywhere in the world.

The major takeaway from these ancient cultures are the diets, physical activities, social ties and respect for the elderly these societies engender to account for their extended life expectancies.

Perhaps one of Robbins best lines is “the whiter the bread, the sooner you’re dead”. When whole wheat flour is refined into white flour here is just some of what is lost: protein 25%, fiber 95%, calcium 56%, iron 84%, vitamins, an average of over 70%. The long-term perils of eating too much sugar are discussed: obesity, kidney stones, osteoporosis, heart disease and diabetes.

It’s never too late to change. As the book says “people don’t grow old. When they stop growing, they become old”

Tips for conserving water in summer heat

The Long Island Commission for Aquifer Protection, a bi-county organization formed to address issues facing Long Island’s sole-source aquifer system, has launched a multi-faceted messaging campaign to encourage water conservation this summer.

Through the expansion of LICAP’s Our Water, Our Lives campaign, the organization aims to enlist the help of residents in protecting Long Island’s only source of water and relieve the extreme stresses drinking water infrastructure faces when trying to keep up with demand.

“We all share our amazing aquifer that provides our bountiful and precious supply of water,” LICAP Chairman Jason Belle said. “We also share a responsibility to protect it. Slight changes to irrigation schedules and other simple habit changes to watering will make the difference when it comes to protecting our continued use of our most precious natural resource and improve the sustainability of our only water source for our communities.”

LICAP said making small adjustments to irrigation practices has substantial results that keep money in the pockets of residents, improve lawn health and maintain public safety and Long Island’s water supply and infrastructure. Overwatering encourages

MULTIM SALES EXEC

MULTIMEDIA SALES EXECUTIVES

pressure. Residents are advised to adjust their irrigation cycles to allow for the proper water flow and pressure that keeps our communities safe and ensures our infrastructure works efficiently.

MULTIMEDIA SALES EXECUTIVES

Outside sales and new business deve dynamic and excitin

Direct Marketing/Advertisin

Outside sales and new business development best describes this dynamic and exciting position

Outside sales and new business development best de dynamic and exciting position

Direct Marketing/Advertising to local clients

Direct Marketing/Advertising to local clie

Identify and develop new business relat

Identify and develop new business relationships

LICAP encourages homes to follow an odd and even water schedule, which means even-numbered homes water on even days and odd-numbered homes water on odd days. Residents with automatic irrigation timers are also encouraged to switch to a smart irrigation timer, which uses Wi-Fi to tap into local weather stations to provide your lawn with the appropriate amount of water based on past, present and future weather conditions.

Identify and develop new b Consult with clients on deve digital and print advertising

Consult with clients on development and digital and print advertising

Consult with clients on development and design of digital and print advertising

We offer training, a strong team sick/personal days, vacation and pa with commission plan Sales e

We offer training, a strong team environment, paid sick/personal days, vacation and paid holidays. Base salary with commission plan Sales experience is a plus

shallow root development and makes lawns susceptible to burning, while shortened irrigation cycles keep lawns healthy.

These cycles changes reduce the cost of water bills. Overuse of irrigation sys tems also put fire protection at risk as a result of limiting water availability and

With irrigation systems being the overwhelming user of water during peak summer months, LICAP reducing an irrigation system’s watering per zone by five minutes can save 20 percent on overall usage. Irrigation systems should be checked for leaks and broken sprinkler heads to prevent unknowingly wasting thousands of gallons of water each month.

We offer training, a strong team environment, sick/personal days, vacation and paid holidays Ba with commission plan. l i i

“Conserving serves to keep costs low,

N OUR

Full Time and Part-T

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JOIN OUR TEAM!

Full-Time and Part-Time Available

email your resume to rglick Or Call Rhonda Glickman 5 (must have reliable transportation)

Full-Time and Part-Time Available

rglickman@liherald com Or Call Rhonda Glickman 516-569-4000 x250 (must have reliable transportation)

email your resume to rglickman@liherald.com Or Call Rhonda Glickman 516-569-4000 x250 (must have reliable transportation)

Full-Time and Part-Time Available

email your resume to: rglickman@liherald.com

Or Call Rhonda Glickman, 516-569-4000 x250 (Must have reliable transportation)

Herald file photo

The Long Island Commission for Aquifer Protection launched campaign to help address issues facing the island’s aquifer system.

BEST ADULT ED-CONTINUING EDUCATION & BEST COLLEGE / UNIVERSITY: Molloy University

1000 Hempstead Ave, Rockville Centre (516) 323-3000

molloy.edu

With more than 50 academic undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degree programs at Molloy, a multidimensional college committed to student success. Small classes allow students to think critically, explore their creativity and engage in a more focused group. Combining leadership, academic excellence and passionate mentoring, students are able to thrive. From international studies, service opportunities and more than 60 clubs and honor societies, internships, NCAA Division II sports teams and so much more.

BEST BEAUTY SCHOOL:

Nassau BOCES Joseph M. Barry Career & Technical Education Center

1196 Prospect Ave, Westbury (516) 622-6800

NassauBoces.org/barrytech

A key resource in the state, Nassau BOCES offers life changing state-of-the-art programs for students of all ages with any ability. It is a cost-effective way to gain an education in specific fields and gain hands-on experience that is useful for future careers. They also have a Long Island High School for the Arts, special education programs and even outdoor education.

BEST DRIVING SCHOOL: Prosperity Auto Driving School, Inc.

2101 Wantagh Ave, Wantagh (516) 717-1819

prosperitydrivingschool.com

The knowledgeable, highly skilled and patient instructors at Prosperity Auto Driving School can teach you and your loved ones how to drive safely and defensively. They are specialized in nervous and first-time beginner students. From private 45-minute lessons and refresher courses, to pre-licensing class, written/road test services, free road test evaluation and free door to door service with each lesson available 7 days a week.

LONG ISLAND’S BEST IN EDUCATION

Choice

BEST COLLEGE PREP SERVICES

& ADVISORS: Pinnacle College Consultants

173 Woodbine Rd, Roslyn Heights (516) 484-0629

pinnaclecollegeconsultants.com

The mission of Pinnacle College Consultants is to empower high school students to excel in the college or job application process. Through one-on-one coaching, students are taught the life skills required to make the best first impression via a written essay or resume or face-to-face interview. All of their services begin with brand positioning—helping the student develop their unique “elevator speech” or personal story to convey to colleges or potential employers.

BEST CHARTER / PAROCHIAL / PRIVATE SCHOOL:

Lawrence Woodmere Academy

336 Woodmere Blvd, Woodmere (516) 374-9000

lawrencewoodmere.org

Lawrence Woodmere Academy, established over a century ago, offers all the benefits of a private school at an affordable cost from preschool to 12th grade. The academy offers one on one college prep and placement, a 5:1 student to faculty ratio in classes meaning that each student receives individualized attention. Their curriculum is part of the world renowned “Project Lead the Way” and the school culture is racially, ethnically and socio-economically diverse, with each student’s needs being met.

BEST LEARNING CENTER / TUTOR:

Cornerstone Behavioral Services

136 Washington Ave, Cedarhurst (516) 569-0808

cornerstonebehavioralservices.com

Cornerstone Behavioral Services was started by Nicole Iannarone, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Nicole has worked with a wide array of learners and has been successful in treating challenging behaviors as well as helping learners develop language skills. . Their team of Bachelors Level Behavior Therapists, Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs), and Board Certified Behavior Analysts possess a well rounded understanding of behavior analysis and techniques.

BEST DAY CARE:

Five Towns Early Learning Center

112 Wahl Ave, Inwood (516) 239-4660

www.fivetownselc.org

Five Towns is one of the oldest child care centers in Nassau County, established in the 1930s as a private care center. The center has cared for the children of working parents for well over 70 years, providing stimulation, education, breakfast and afternoon snacks and so much more. They have also created a scholarship fund with the support of the local community

BEST NURSERY SCHOOL:

Bellmore United Methodist Nursery School

2657 Clarendon Ave, Bellmore (516) 221-1220

www.bellmoreumc.org

Bellmore United Methodist’s goal is to provide an environment that is stimulating and engaging that way children develop socialization skills and confidence. Children are meant to feel good about themselves and want to go to school. The faculty focuses on ensuring that their first school experience is positive and enjoyable. For pre-kindergarten students there are additional enrichment classes from language and literature to science and math and more.

Rhoads meets with religious leaders from 5th District

State Sen. Steve Rhoads hosted his first series of three Interfaith Roundtable breakfast meetings, bringing together local religious leaders from all faiths for an open and honest discussion of the issues that matter most to their communities.

Rhoads invited over 110 faith groups from across his Senate district to attend the three Interfaith Roundtables that took place on Aug. 9 at the Grand Stage Diner in East Meadow, Aug 15 at the Embassy Diner in Bethpage, and on Aug. 17 at the Mediterranean Diner in Bellmore. The interfaith discussions were attended by local representatives from various denominations of Christianity, Judaism,

Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and other faiths.

At each of the meetings, Rhoads welcomed the faith leaders, highlighted his role as a New York State Senator, and spoke about the importance of interfaith dialogue and how it can help to bring people of different faiths together to better understand each other’s perspectives.

He discussed legislative proposals for the 2024 session as well as the resources and partnership opportunities available to the faith groups through his office. The Senator’s action-focused meetings are a huge step towards uniting the greater community and bringing people together.

During the meetings, each religious

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT

COUNTY OF NASSAU

Wells Fargo Bank, N.A, FKA Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota N.A., as Trustee for the Holders of The CWMBS, Inc.

Reperforming Loan Remic Trust Certificates, Series

2002-R3, Plaintiff

AGAINST Nassau County Public Administrator, as the Limited Administrator of the Estate of William F. Pearsall a/k/a William Pearsall; et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered May 18, 2022 I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on September 14, 2023 at 2:00PM, premises known as 170 Sherman Avenue, Merrick, NY 11566. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Merrick, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York, Section 56 Block 22 Lot 310. Approximate amount of judgment

$704,731.93 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 608549/2017. The auction will be conducted pursuant to the COVID-19 Policies Concerning Public

Auctions of Foreclosed

Property established by the Tenth Judicial District.

Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.”

Robert Litt, Esq., Referee

LOGS Legal Group LLP

f/k/a Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York

14624 (877) 430-4792

Dated: August 2, 2023

77400

141261

LEGAL NOTICE

BELLMORE-MERRICK 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.

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 School Year 2023-2024

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 Wednesday, September 6, 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

BELLMORE-MERRICK

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.

141473

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

hearing will be held in the Town Hall Meeting Pavilion, Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, on the 6th day of September, 2023, at 10:30 o’clock in the forenoon of that day to consider the enactment of a local law to amend Section 192-1 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead by the insertion of a location into subdivisions “T” and “BB” thereof, in relation to gross weight restrictions upon commercial vehicles using certain town highways, as follows:

“T” - NORTH MERRICK CEDAR STREET - between Merrick Avenue and Oak Street.

(TH-318/23)

CEDAR STREET - between Little Neck Road and Oak Court.

(TH-318/23)

“BB” - WANTAGH

CAYUGA PLACEbetween Wantagh Avenue and Merikoke Avenue.

(TH-285/23)

The proposed local law is on file in the office of the Town Clerk of the Town of Hempstead, Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, where same may be inspected during office hours.

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

Dated: August 1, 2023

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

DONALD X. CLAVIN, JR.

Supervisor

KATE MURRAY Town Clerk

141448

leader took the time to share their own beliefs, experiences, and successes and challenges facing their congregations. Topics discussed ranged from Rhoads’ anti-hate crime legislation to community safety, cashless bail, artificial intelligence, mental health, overcoming the effects of Covid-19, parenting, education, cyber-bullying, preserving the family unit, as well as the value of mentorship programs. Everyone in attendance was able to appreciate the differences between the different faiths while also recognizing the common ground that exists between them.

The diverse group of faith leaders shared a commitment to work together to find common ground and build meaningful relationships.

ties that we all share. It was a great opportunity to come together and bridge the gaps between different faiths and unite as a community as well as support local diners as they work towards bouncing back after Covid. I look forward to hosting more Interfaith Roundtable discussions in the future to promote understanding and foster positive dialogue to better our community.”

516-569-4000

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and the Municipal Home Rule Law of the State of New York, as amended, a public

public hearing will be held in the Town Meeting Pavilion, Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, on the 6th day of September, 2023, at 10:30 o’clock in the forenoon of that day to consider the enactment of a local law to amend Section 202-1 of the code of the Town of Hempstead to INCLUDE “PARKING OR STANDING PROHIBITIONS” at the following locations:

ELMONT

BRUCE STREET (TH 279/23) North Side - NO PARKING ANYTIMEstarting at a point 11 feet west of the west curbline of Clement Avenue, west for a distance of 27 feet.

MERRICK

MEROKEE DRIVE

(Western Leg)(TH 282/23) West Side - NO STOPPING HERE TO CORNERstarting from the south curbline of Smith Street, south for a distance of 35 feet.

MEROKEE DRIVE

(Western Leg)(TH 282/23) East Side - NO STOPPING HERE TO CORNERstarting from the south curbline of Smith Street, south for a distance of 35 feet.

MEROKEE DRIVE (Eastern Leg)(TH 282/23) West Side - NO STOPPING HERE TO CORNERstarting from the south curbline of Smith Street, south for a distance of 35 feet.

MEROKEE DRIVE (Eastern Leg)(TH 282/23)

East Side - NO STOPPING HERE TO CORNERstarting from the south curbline of Smith Street, south for a distance of 35 feet.

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

Through an open dialogue and discussion facilitated by Senator Rhoads, a powerful and unifying consensus was reached that will hopefully benefit the entire community.

“I was happy to be able to host three successful Interfaith Roundtable discussions this summer and it is my hope that these are the first of many intercultural interfaith conversations that will foster an environment of mutual respect and understanding between people of all religions, spiritual paths, and cultural backgrounds,” Rhoads said. “With acts of hate against religious communities on the rise, it was time to for action – that’s why these interfaith meetings were so important. It’s imperative that we come together as a community to show a united effort that hate has no place in our community and work towards actively promoting understanding and tolerance.

“As a Youth Minister for over a decade, I was truly inspired by the conversations and ideas that were shared” he added. “These meetings were a great success because they enabled attendees to more deeply understand the value of religious diversity and to recognize the commonali-

“I think the greatest gift that Senator Rhoads gave us at this meeting was each other,” Rabbi Ira Ebbin of Congregation Ohav Shalom said. “I’ve been serving at my Synagogue in Merrick for 13 years and while I have friendships with some of my fellow clergy colleagues, there are so many whom I have never even had the honor and pleasure to meet.

“At this roundtable, we not only discussed how much we have in common with each other, but we also discussed and proposed many very practical opportunities to collaborate on community and charitable projects that our respective memberships can work jointly on,” Ebbin went on. “I think this could be a game changer for our community, and I’m so appreciative to Senator Rhoads and his staff for creating this long overdue initiative.”

“New York State is a harmonious blend of cultures, faiths, and traditions, each contributing to the richness of our collective existence,: Imam Thanvi of Bellmore Masjid said.

“The Quran reminds us that we were made into different nations and tribes so that we may know one another. Embracing this wisdom, we must actively seek opportunities for interfaith dialogue and cooperation. In a world often marked by division and misunderstanding, interfaith initiatives become the cornerstone of peace and coexistence.”

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and Municipal Home Rule of the State of New York, both as amended, a

Dated: August 1, 2023 Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD

DONALD

X. CLAVIN, JR. Supervisor KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 141445

— Office of State Sen. Steve Rhoads

These meetings were a great success because they enabled attendees to more deeply understand the value of religious diversity and to recognize the commonalities that we all share.

STeve RhoadS State Sen

Courtesy Office of State Sen. Steve Rhoads State Sen. Steve Rhoads hosted his first series of three Interfaith Roundtable breakfast meetings.

The Seaford Union Free School District has the following opening:

SCHOOL NURSE (Floater)

FULL-TIME

Effective Date: August 30, 2023

*Starting Salary $60,948

RN NYS License required, BLS certified

• Experience with school aged children, including students with disabilities preferred.

• Knowledgeable of CDC, OHSA, NYSDOH guidelines as they pertain to disease and or illness including COVID.

• Maintains records and performs screenings as per N.Y.S guidelines.

• Provides basic healthcare and first aid to students that are ill, medically fragile and/or injured.

• Provides treatment, documents injuries and maintains ongoing student medical records.

• Administers daily medications.

• Knowledgeable of diabetic care and seizure protocol in a school setting.

• Must have superior nursing skills to include experience in emergency procedures, anaphylaxis, injuries and general triage.

• Must be highly skilled communicator, with strong interpersonal and organizational skills.

• Must be collaborative in nature and contribute to the health and well being of the school community.

On-Line Applications Only www.olasjobs.org/nassau

PROFESSIONAL REGISTERED NURSE

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

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

Official transcripts are required for appointment.

SALARY: $26,631

ANTICIPATED STARTING DATE: On or about August 31, 2023

Candidates are to submit a letter of interest with resume

DRIVERS WANTED

DRIVING INSTRUCTOR

Retirees Welcome! Bell Auto School 516-365-5778 Email: info@bellautoschool.com

DRIVING

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

newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to mhinman@liherald.com

Help Wanted

MULTI MEDIA ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT

Inside Sales

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

Call 516-569-4000 X286

OUTSIDE SALES

Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Salary, Commission, Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off.

Will Consider Part Time.

Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250

PART TIME ASSISTANTS

Garden City Childcare Center

Monday through Friday

$15 per hour

HS Diploma Required

Call 516-572-7614

PERSONAL TRAINER : Fitness Studio East Rockaway. Competitive Compensation. Experience Required. Email resume amplifiedems@gmail.com Call (516)253-5450

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

HomesHERALD

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

Hewlett

Beautiful Residence

Welcome to this updated and spacious 4 bedroom, 3 full bathroom expanded Ranch located in Hewlett's highly desirable school district 14 area. This beautiful house offers everything you could want and more! All new windows throughout provides plenty of natural light while the kitchen features granite counter tops. The huge, finished basement with high ceilings provides plenty of storage space, plus closets for all your needs. Enjoy some outdoor time on the landscaped grounds or take a stroll around Grant Park nearby. Plus, you're just moments away from shops, restaurants and public transportation! With proper permits this home can even be used as a mother-daughter residence; it's an opportunity not to be missed! Call today to schedule a tour!

Did we have the right kind of engineer?

Q. We were looking at our permit plans and noticed that they were stamped by an engineer we never met. I looked him up, and found out he’s a chemical engineer, but he sealed our plans for the structure. It made me wonder, can a chemical engineer do that, seal plans for structural? I know there are many different types of engineers from reading your column, like electrical engineer, mechanical, plumbing, etc. Can a chemical engineer be responsible for beams in our house? It just seems like the contractor, who took care of everything, just got a guy to stamp the plans. What can you tell us?

A. That’s a great question, but you may find the answer confusing, as I did when I posed it to the Engineering Division of the New York State Office of the Professions. This is the board that qualifies professionals through exams, issues licenses and reviews complaints for prosecution. The person I spoke to was articulate and clearly had been asked this question before.

Results t hat Move You

1222151

Open Houses

REAL ESTATE

Open Houses

HEWLETT BA, 1390 Broadway #102, NEW! Move Right Into This Magnificent

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516-238-4299

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HEWLETT BAY PARK 8/27, 11:30-1.190

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$2,700,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas elliman 516-238-4299

WOODMERE 8/27, 1:30-3, 504 Saddle Ridge Rd.,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

CEDARHURST NO FEE Private Entrance, Modern 1BR, 2BR, 3BR, CAC, W/D, Storage, Wall To Wall Carpeting, Indoor Parking Space. Starting At $1450 For One Bedroom When Available. (516)860-6889/

V. I. Properties, INC. 516-791-1313

1208 Broadway Hewlett, NY 11557 516-791-1313 vipropertiesny.com

Ronnie Gerber 516-238-4299

OPEN HOUSES SUNday, 8/27/23

HEWLETT Bay Pa RK

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HEWLETT

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

She stated that the state Office for Engineering Licensing does not license by “discipline.” This means they do not specifically differentiate among mechanical, electrical or plumbing engineers, and they “assume” the person providing the service will use good professional judgment. They also told me that a complaint can be filed if the person has acted in a way that shows they were not qualified or competent to perform the service. This means you would have a structural failure, revealing that the person acted outside the scope of their competency, education and training.

In every instance, the answers I got were sprinkled with assumptions that a person would not knowingly practice in a field they were not qualified for. Clearly, or actually unclearly, the answer to your question would seem simple, but nothing I researched, and nobody I spoke to, had a clear answer, leaving it up to the licensed professional to “do the right thing.”

I remember designing a large renovation for a family in which the father was an aeronautical engineer who had designed the wing attachments on aircraft. He asked to sit with me while I designed the main beams of his home. I took him, step by step, through the process, and he was very confident at the end that his home was structurally sound. Even though he had the capability to follow the process as an engineer, he didn’t do this kind of work, and admitted that it was different from what he did.

It makes me wonder if the chemical engineer even knows his seal was being used for this structural design, or whether it was properly calculated. I often find that structure is over-compensated and more expensive than necessary in these instances. There are even cases of plans bearing the seal of people long deceased, so at least the chemical engineer is still alive to answer your question. Good luck!

© 2023 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.

Ask The Architect

Monte Leeper

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LAND FOR SALE

Garages For Rent

OCEANSIDE 2 CAR Garage.Great Location.Good for Classic Cars or Storage. Call For Further Informations. Must See! 516-476-8787

Florida Real Estate

DELRAY BEACH, FL: For Sale, opportunity before it hits the market! Single Story Ranch Condo. Beautifully appointed in desirable Emerald Pointe gated community, Approx 1800 Sq Ft. Furnished, All Appliances, 2 Bed / 2 Bath, Eat-In Kitchen, Walk-In Closets, Great Interior Storage and Exterior Storage Room, Screened-In Porch with Dual Interior Access, New Rheem HVAC Jan 2019, Ceiling fans throughout, 4 Private Parking Spots, Clubhouse with Auditorium, Pool, Gym, Tennis, Pickleball (TBD), Game and Card Rms, Interior Walking-Paths, Pet Friendly, 55+ Community, Easy access to Palm Beach International and Ft Lauderdale Airports. Exciting Downtown Delray offers beautiful Beaches, Shopping, Restaurants, and Nightlife. Asking $309,999. Call David at 248-240-8154 SWCGRPMI@gmail.com

Residential in Manorville, NY $365,000 3 acres on LIE route 495 East exit 69 Freeman lane. Eastport schools and farms. Leave message after viewing property with name phone number and address 631-581-9443

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Home Sales

A sampling of recent sales in the area

Baldwin $820,000

Ocean Street. Contemporary. 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathroms. Finished basement. Eat-in kitchen with granite countertops. Open layout. Formal dining room. Den/family room. 2 fireplaces. Upper and lower deck.

Taxes: $12,373

East Meadow $690,000

Park Lane. Ranch. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Finished basement. Eat-in kitchen. Formal dining room. Many updates including skylight and central air conditioning. Convenient location in the heart of Barnum Woods. Security system.

Taxes: $10,677.53

Elmont $580,000

Grand Street. Cape. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. New eat-in kitchen with granite countertops. Formal dining room. Den/ family room. First floor bedroom. Large private backyard. Many updates. Convenient location near transportation, parkways, schools, shopping, and more.

Taxes: $16,000

Hewlett $620,000

Keystone Place. 2 Story. 4 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms. Eatin kitchen. Formal dining room. Den/family room and home office. First floor bedroom.

Taxes: $15,869.45

Lido Beach $1,420,000

Blackheath Road. Custom Waterfront Colonial. 5 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms. Gourmet eat-in kitchen with 2 dishwashers and sinks, with butler’s pantry. Formal dining room. Den/ family room. Finishes include skylights and fireplaces. All large rooms. Master bedroom with porch. Resort-style backyard with inground swimming pool and patio with kitchen area, and much more.

Taxes: $14,429.72

Merrick $913,000

Hewlett Avenue. 2 Story. 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms. Eat-in kitchen with granite countertops and pantry. Formal dining room. Den/family room and guest quarters. Updates include cathedral ceiling. First floor bedroom.

Taxes: $24,463.08

Oceanside $585,000

Derby Drive. Ranch. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Finished basement. Eat-in kitchen with granite countertops. Formal dining room. Den/family room and home office. Updates include skylight and security system.

Taxes: $13,617.41

Rockville Centre $905,000

Fonda Road. Colonial. 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms. Finished basement. Eat-in kitchen. Formal dining room. First floor bedroom. Security system.

Taxes: $14,006.84

Valley Stream $680,000

Hungry Harbor Road. Expanded Ranch. 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms. Eat-in kitchen with granite countertops. Formal dining room. Den/family room.

Taxes: $11,139

Source: The Multiple Listing Service of Long Island Inc,, a computerized network of real estate offices serving Nassau, Suffolk, Queens, and Brooklyn.

HERALD

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FINDS UNDER $100

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Thank God for the writers’ strike

on May 2, the Writers Guild of America ceased its activities and went on strike. After years of stagnating compensation and job insecurity due to AI, the hand of Hollywood writers was forced as upper management refused to ratify a new bargaining agreement in time. On July 14, the WGA was joined by SAG-AFTRA, the actors’ union. The members of both unions voted over 97 percent in favor of a strike; frustration with production companies had reached a tipping point.

The dismissal of workers’ concerns and open cruelty by Hollywood bosses has been shocking, but not surprising. One executive quoted in Deadline Hollywood said, “The endgame is to allow things to drag on until union members start losing their apartments and losing their houses,” a tactic described as a “cruel but necessary evil.”

The audacity. The CEOs, who do not do the acting, the writing or the editing, yet somehow take home most of the money,

would sooner make people homeless than provide better working conditions. They admit their actions are cruel and evil, but they are not at all disturbed. The only thing that disturbs them is a drop in profits.

Let’s not forget that better working conditions are indeed what these workers are striking for, because the anti-union mainstream media is out to paint them as nothing more than a mischievous cadre of banditti.

Fox News quoted a Paramount CEO as saying that the strikes would cause the “absolute collapse” of Hollywood. On the other side of the spectrum, the putatively liberal The Week magazine described striking workers as “No shows” on the cover of its July 28 issue, lambasting striking film workers for not doing the work they should be doing.

That’s the first reason I’m so grateful for this strike: It has exposed the entitlement that so many in society, especially those with means, feel when it comes to entire sectors of labor. It is taken for granted that certain workers cater to our needs. Firefighters must put out fires, delivery drivers must bring us food, and actors

must entertain us — and when they refuse to, anger and disrespect for these workers is justifiable.

The reality is, their labor was never ours to take for granted. It will always be the case that “essential workers” are offering their labor in exchange for just compensation and fair treatment, and that at any moment that labor could be withdrawn. There is no “required labor,” and the strike has brought this into focus.

The second reason that I’m grateful for the strike is that it offers all of us a refreshing break. Media consumption has been on the rise in recent years, and my question is, are we watching these media for entertainment, for enlightenment, for enjoyment? Or are we trying to numb the pain? The perpetual rewatching of old clips already seen; watching our fifth identical dating show. Are we truly immersing ourselves in entertainment, or are we immersing ourselves in audio-visual stimuli to cut off the volume of our brains?

I think too many of us, myself included, have fallen into the second category. This cultural tsunami is the 21st-century equiv-

alent of cocaine and alcohol, to distract us from the difficult questions confronting us.

Your boss yelled at you again today. You don’t think it’s fair, but it’s easier to click on the remote. You don’t like the news, so you indulge in fantasies. All around you, it seems, the world is swirling. Deep down, you feel it may be best to confront it, but snuggling up in your sheets sounds good, too.

It’s comforting to retreat. It’s also mollifying, and when you’re mollified you cannot shape your world. When many people are mollified, you cannot band together and face the tasks that require the efforts of many people. The good striking workers have said, “Enough of that!” and plunged us into cold water. We are afforded a short respite to unplug and consider the world around us.

Keep at it, Hollywood workers. I’m with you, and so are others. You are fighting for a good cause, and in fighting for yourselves you fight for us. You have given us all much to think about. Our TVs may be dark for some time, but it is the darkest skies that have the brightest stars.

Matthew Adarichev is a public policy major at Hofstra University, a political activist and an aspiring journalist whose work has appeared in the Hofstra Chronicle and the Anton Media Group.

A gold-plated hydrant for a pet’s Valentine’s Day?

As Valentine’s Day approaches, I’m obsessing about how to impress, and basically ingratiate myself to, my domestic partner. Admit it: A certain anxiety fuels the hysteria over finding the perfect roses or just the right jewelry to meet expectations.

Feb. 14 triggers a commercial and emotional frenzy, with us trying to please someone when we have no idea what that someone wants. Worse, we feel obligated to buy a gift because we’ve been brainwashed by advertising, soppy postings on social media and reruns of “Pretty Woman,” “Sleepless in Seattle” and “Out of Africa.”

Note to husband: The striped umbrella was not an inspired gift two years ago. Neither were the polka dot pajamas last year. Think 18 karats. Or, if funds are short, I’m a sucker for the written word. Pen me a pretty Valentine.

As for my gift giving, I’ve been living with my husband for decades, and I’m not a bit concerned about being able to make him happy on Valentine’s Day. A glass of his favorite Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, a homemade crab cake and he’s mine.

My deep, deep concern is my other

housemate, Lilly Bee, our one-year-old Malagasy Coton de Tulear. As dogs take over the country, from airlines to restaurants to department stores, we need to hone our gift-giving skills to meet canine desires and fantasies. Very soon, our fourlegged friends will rule the world. (This is a fake fact, but that’s OK, right?)

According to recent statistics, there are 323 million people in the U.S. There are also 90 million dogs kept as pets in American households. (These are real facts. Doesn’t it get confusing?)

That doesn’t count the street dogs, wild dogs and shelter dogs that are conspiring to get a leg up on humanity.

You think I’m kidding? Barking up the wrong tree?

The 90 million dogs we know about are increasing in numbers exponential. Visit any dog park and see for yourself what happens when male and female dogs get together. They aren’t exactly discriminating in their romantic encounters.

I don’t know exactly when (because I’m making this up), but pretty soon there will be more dogs than people in the U.S., and we humans better be ready to please them. We already see signs of a dog-centric culture. When did the dog stroller become ubiquitous? Why do we see water bowls for dogs outside restaurants when homeless people have to scrounge to get a drink?

And airlines? The rules state that “emotional support” dogs take priority over humans with allergies or aversions to the smells and potty problems that sometimes come with canine passengers. Dogs are born with all the clothes they need on their backs, yet the dog clothing industry is a multi-billiondollar business.

Guess what other dogcentered biz is booming? Products for overweight and obese pets. And they aren’t fat because they patronize food courts. They’re fat because their owners feed them the same way they feed themselves: too much.

According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, an astounding 94 percent of owners of fat dogs think their pets are a normal weight. When advised that their pups are putting on pounds, humans buy lower-fat dog food and other slim-down products. Thus a new industry is born.

And this is just the beginning. Come the day that dogs outnumber people, they’re sure to organize. Since poodles are reputed to be the brainiacs, they will no doubt seek the vote. A poodle president? I understand that poodles can identify a number of individual toys by shape and color. I’m not making comparisons, but that could be awesome in a president.

A dog majority would change food-buy-

Randi is on a brief leave. This column was originally published Feb. 18-24, 2018.

ing habits, demanding raw-meat menus and a reduction in the current consumption of smoothies and veggies. Veterinary schools would proliferate. We might see grooming taken to a new level. Aging dogs would demand hair color, and even a bit of “work” when their jowls droop.

Canine candidates would promise hydrants in every public park and a chicken in every doghouse. Puppy classes would become passé, and higher education would be available to all dogs, regardless of breed, shape of ears or length of tail. I imagine my Lilly Bee might follow the tried-and-true advice to study what she loves: Stuffies.

In a dog-dominant America, there would be a lottery for any mutt with a dollar and a dream.

Once the dog population tops the human population, the balance of power will tip in favor of Fido. We’ve all seen those paintings of Rover and Lassie and their friends sitting around a poker table. Fanciful, you say? I say, stay tuned.

In the meantime, I’m hedging my bets this Valentine’s Day. A box of genuine goat bones is on its way to Lilly Bee.

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

RAnDi KREiss

pretty soon there’ll be more dogs than people, and we better be ready to please them.

Must actors entertain us? Their labor was never ours to take for granted.

MATTHEW ADARiCHEV

American Sign Language opens many doors

For many of us growing up, high schools offered so many different languages we could learn beyond English. Everything from Spanish and French to German and Hebrew. Even Latin.

But a growing number of public schools — including many here in Nassau County — are offering something many wish they had years ago: American Sign Language. And even if you’re too old for public school, it’s never too late to learn a language that, for more than a half-million Americans, is the primary — and sometimes the only — way to communicate.

Many of us mistakenly believe ASL is a language only for those who are deaf or hard of hearing. But effective communication requires both sides — the transmitter and the receiver — to clearly understand what’s being shared. ASL, like any language, is only good if the people being communicated to understand what is being shared.

And that’s the problem so many who depend on ASL face time after time. They speak through a complex series of gestures, but so few people understand. It makes everything from social experiences to school, and especially trying to function in a work environment, more difficult, if not impossible.

Making ASL fluency more widespread

Letters

Prosecuting Trump is exactly what America is about

To the Editor:

is the difference between someone who depends on ASL just fitting in, or thriving. That’s the argument Ariana Molina made in an opinion piece published last year for Cal State-Fullerton’s student publication, the Daily Titan.

“ASL is not only a practically useful language, but can also remove stigmas surrounding the deaf and hard of hearing community,” Molina wrote. “ASL courses are necessary for people to better understand the struggles of the Deaf community.”

The New York State Education Department promotes ASL as one of its key languages when it comes to awarding schools its Seal of Biliteracy. Yet on Long Island, the vast majority of students choose Spanish as their second language, while only a relative handful chose ASL.

That’s not for lack of trying by schools. Finding ASL educators isn’t as easy as it is to find those who teach Spanish, French or even Italian. But schools are looking, and they are making an effort to promote American Sign Language to the broader population, no matter what their hearing status is.

Nassau County’s emergency services also have worked hard to broaden access to its services, not necessarily by adopting ASL, but by offering the ability to text 911 once the new custom interface in which it invested more than $100,000 goes live.

Re Peter King’s column, “Prosecuting Trump is not what America is about,” in last week’s issue: Respectfully, I disagree. The rule of law, not of men, is precisely what America was intended to be about.

Mr. King suggests that “political struggles and battles should be fought in the political arena, not in the criminal courtroom.” This is absolutely true. We must not forget that the Biden-Trump battle in 2020 was fought, and decided, in the political arena, according to the political rules established by law.

It was Mr. Trump’s efforts to void that political decision, to circumvent those laws, that now move us into the criminal arena. Should law and order now to be decided by popularity, by Tomato-meter? Remember how that worked out for Barabbas?

More relevant is Thomas Jefferson. In his “Notes on the State of Virginia,” he stated plainly: “An elective despotism is not what we fought for.” Mr. King would have us believe that the only limits on free speech are “incitement to violence or riot.” There are clearly others, including fraud and lying when used to further a crime, both relevant to the allegations. And reading Trump’s mind is not as mysterious as implied, because actions, as we all know, can be stentorian.

Our first president set the standard. When our former king, George III, heard that the rebel Washington

But opening the world even wider to our friends in the Deaf community is something each of us can do as well. Nassau BOCES offers two courses — a sixweek instructor-led course, or a self-paced course with no instructor — for just over $100. Nassau Community College offers its students a number of courses, from four levels of ASL to communication and culture in the Deaf community.

Also offering a significant program for its students is Hofstra University — a 160hour experience that immerses them in the world of American Sign Language.

And for those who don’t mind the drive to Nesconset, the Cleary School for the Deaf offers American Sign Language classes for anyone 12 and older.

There are a number of other programs offerings ASL — many of them a simple online search away.

George Bernard Shaw once said, “The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.” We tell ourselves that everyone who can be communicated with is being communicated with, but the reality is that so many people are being left out.

Making ASL a part of all of our lives — whether we are part of the Deaf community or not — will ensure that more than a half-million of our friends, family members, fellow students and coworkers are never left out.

was to retire, surrendering his presidency, he said, “If he does that, he’ll be the greatest man in the world.” That is the spirit of our Constitution, and what is expected of our presidents. It was so until No. 45.

And Mr. Trump remains free to run, free even to run if convicted, as Eugene Debs did. Yet Mr. King’s conclusion is

clear and correct: “The Constitution and its protections apply to all Americans,” he writes. Indeed so, it was written explicitly to protect all Americans from characters like Nixon and Trump.

It’s time to deliver on our promise to never forget

we all remember where we were that day. I remember every detail.

We all knew someone who was killed — a neighbor, a friend, a sibling, a parent.

On Sept. 11, 2001, New York, the nation and the world experienced one of the darkest days in history. Nearly 3,000 people lost their lives, including hundreds of first responders. Now those who survived need our help, and I am fighting to ensure they get it.

With toxic ash filling the Manhattan air and countless victims buried under the rubble, Long Islanders answered the call, setting out en masse to help with rescue and cleanup efforts — acts of heroism that many are paying dearly for today. Every year, more survivors and first responders fall ill with cancers and other 9/11-related illnesses. Nearly 22 years later, Americans are still getting sick. More first responders have died since Sept. 11 than on the actual day.

The men and women who ran into crumbling buildings to save others, and the survivors who lived through one of the worst experiences imaginable, are suffering from illnesses and injuries that resulted from an act of terrorism. We owe it to them to make sure they receive the medical attention — screenings and treatment — they need to fight back and have the best chance of surviving.

That access to health care is now in danger due to the impending funding shortfall in the World Trade Center Health Program. That’s why I have made it my mission to close the shortfall and make sure that our heroes and survivors never have to worry about losing health care coverage again.

Congress established the health program in 2011 to provide medical treatment and monitoring for 9/11 responders and survivors suffering from the effects of the toxins at ground zero. The program covers the lifespans of all who were exposed, including responders and survivors of the attack on the Pentagon as well the crash in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, and the children who were in schools in downtown Manhattan on 9/11

Letters

NICE Bus is still a great deal

To the Editor:

Even with the 15-cent NICE Bus fare increase from $2.75 to $2.90, it will still be one of the best public transportation bargains around. Since the last fare increase eight years ago, inflation has increased 28 percent. Most bus transit agencies raise their fares far more frequently.

Since the 1950s, the average cost of riding a bus in Nassau County has gone up at a lower rate than either the consumer price index or inflation. The MTA Metro Card, introduced in 1996, allows a free transfer between NICE buses and New York City Transit buses and subways, and thousands of NICE riders take advantage of it. Purchasing a weekly or monthly pass further reduces the cost per ride. Many employers offer transit checks, which pay even more of the costs.

NICE tries to schedule bus replacements every 500,000 miles or 12 years, whichever comes first, in accordance with Federal Transit Administration guidelines. Since 1973, buses operated by NICE under

contract to Nassau County are now on the fourth replacement cycle. Most are under 12 years old. This wasn’t the case decades ago, when the average age of the fleet was closer to 12 years.

In the end, it comes down to the availability of increased funding for additional transportation service for residents. Operating subsidies are required to increase the level of service and reduce the amount of time you spend waiting for a bus. The same goes for adding more off-peak, evening and weekend service.

Funding for NICE buses is a four-way dance among what riders pay in fares and a combination of capital and operating assistance from Nassau County, New York state and Washington. Everyone needs to have skin in the game. There ain’t no such thing as a free lunch — or in this case, a free bus ride.

and during the cleanup. Today it provides services for over 120,000 people in all 50 states.

No one could have foreseen just how many people would fall ill, how sick they would get, or how aggressive the cancers would be. Given the rising cost of health care, the funds originally authorized for the program didn’t go as far as intended. This issue is deeply personal to me, as it is for so many New Yorkers. I have friends fighting for their lives right now. I have spoken to countless firefighters and other first responders going through the same thing. If more money is not appropriated, those who need it most will face cuts in services, and those who may begin experiencing 9/11-related illnesses in the future will not be able to receive the care they deserve.

I introduced the 9/11 Responder and Survivor Health Funding Correction Act of 2023 earlier this year, with Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, which, if passed, would eliminate the funding shortfall of the World Trade Center Health Program and ensure that it remains financially stable for years to come. While this legislation has yet to be brought up for a vote in the

Framework

House or Senate, I am doing everything possible to gain funding for the program in the meantime and push off any potential program cuts.

I recently fought to have funding for the program included in this year’s National Defense Authorization Act. Whether the provision will pass as part of the final package remains to be seen. Although this would only be a partial fix, it would provide another cushion for the program before cuts are necessary, and allow us time to secure the full funding needed. I, along with my fellow New Yorkers in Congress, will fight like hell to get this funding through the final stages of the legislative process and ultimately signed into law.

We all collectively promised to never forget, but it seems that too many have turned a blind eye to the ongoing suffering of our 9/11 heroes, survivors and their families. But I haven’t forgotten, and I know that no Long Islander has forgotten. Together we will deliver on America’s promise by securing the funding needed to safeguard the World Trade Center Health Program in whatever way we can.

Congressman Andrew R. Garbarino represents the 2nd District, and sits on the House Committees on Homeland Security, Financial Services and Ethics.

by Emma Bellissimo

The view is only half of the thundering thrill — Niagara Falls

we can’t let the World Trade Center Health Program run out of money.

LARRY PENNER Great Neck

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