Merrick Herald 12-01-2022

Balloon Mission is up and away

Planning

initial projects, nonprofit

By JoRDAN VAlloNE jvallone@liherald.com

Where do balloons go when they’re released into the sky?

Cynthia Seibold had that same question.

The North Merrick resident, who has a background in insurance underwriting, spent a lot of time outdoors at the start of the coro navirus pandemic, and noticed that among all the litter that is found at Long Island’s parks, preserves and beaches, one category stood out: balloons.

Or rather, shreds of balloons. Seibold found their strings, and particles from their plastic or rubber bodies, impacting trees and plants

sets tone for future

and, of course, wildlife, which may mistake balloon pieces for food.

During the pandemic, Seibold said, people looked for different ways to share events like birthdays, graduations and retirements. Bal loon releases have always been popular, but they became even more so, as people looked for ways to express their emotions and celebrate in any way they could.

“Balloons are (a) leading cause of pollution in our waters and our air — they break down into microplastics and nanoplastics,” Seibold said. “I kept saying to myself, ‘There has to be a better way.’

“We’re always on the defense,” she added.

Bond vote set for school renovations

By JoRDAN VAlloNE jvallone@liherald.com

North Bellmore School Dis trict taxpayers are one week away from a special vote in which they will decide the fate of a bond that could bring exten sive renovations to each of the district’s six school buildings.

The district, which serves pre schoolers through sixth-graders in North Bellmore and a portion of North Merrick, undertook a mandatory sur vey of buildings conditions in 2020.

The findings were submitted to the state in early 2021.

The John G. Dinkelmeyer, Martin Avenue, Newbridge Road, Park Avenue and Saw Mill Road elementary schools have kindergarten through sixthgrade classes. Jacob Gunther is leased to Wee Friends Too nurs ery school, and houses some dis trict offices.

The review uncovered a hand ful of issues to be addressed, including needed overhauls of every building’s HVAC system. The lack of elevators in five of the schools and other, smaller

projects, were also included in the survey’s findings.

In October, the district Board of Education adopted a bond res olution, totaling just over $39 million, to cover the cost of the renovations. Ahead of the vote, Superintendent Marie Testa and Jacqueline Rehak, assistant superintendent for business, told the Herald what taxpayers should keep in mind before they vote on the bond on Dec. 8.

What’s really on the ballot?

Testa said the district passed a bond in 2010 that funded renovations mostly at New bridge Road School, the oldest facility. There were smaller proj ects at other schools across the district, including new flooring, ceiling and masonry work.

A bond that included HVAC renovations had failed to pass in 2008, she added.

“Since probably around 2005, the surveys have been showing that the community has got to address these HVAC systems,” Testa said. “I think a misnomer

Courtesy Cynthia Seibold

A DisCARDED BAllooN at Lido Beach, a Town of Hempstead park, found by Cynthia Seibold, founder and executive director of the nonprofit Balloon Mission.

Polls are open on Dec. 8 from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., at Newbridge Road School in North Bellmore.

Discarded balloons are harmful to ecosystem

help bring its intent back to the forefront of residents’ minds.

She felt it was time to take a more proactive approach to the proliferation of balloons, and created a nonprofit called Balloon Mission in the hope of doing just that.

“Our program is to collect balloons before they end up on the land and in oceans, reducing our carbon footprint and the harmful microplastics that are generated from balloons,” Seibold said.

She emphasized that she is not “anti-balloon.”

“This is a growing issue,” she said. “I think people need to know that there are options of ballooning responsibly. We’re not telling you to not have your bal loons, but discard them in an appropriate manner.”

Though the nonprofit is in its early stages, Seibold said she has received a great deal of support and built relationships with local and statewide organizations, including the Town of Hempstead Department of Sanita tion, the State Department of Environmental Conserva tion and the Merrick Chamber of Commerce.

One of her primary goals, she said, is to the get the message out that Balloon Mission is initiating balloon collections in the town, and hopes to have collection bins set up by the first week of January so people can proper ly dispose of their holiday balloons.

The bins will be cardboard boxes with Balloon Mis sion signage, Seibold explained. Locations are still being determined, but she is hoping to set them up in commu nity-oriented location.

On a national level, Seibold said, people are noticing the effects of balloons. “There was actually a New York Times article that came out in March of 2022, that talks about this surge in balloon frenzy,” she said. “We couldn’t celebrate and we couldn’t do things when we were in lockdown.

“People want this — they want a balloon collection.

They want options,” she said. “They want to feel like they’re part of the solution, not part of the problem.”

Through her communication with officials in the Town of Hempstead, Seibold learned that the municipal ity actually has a code prohibiting the intentional release of balloons. It was passed into law in November 2019.

Since then, Seibold said, she has witnessed two bal loon releases, and said she would like to see signage go up, perhaps sometime next spring, advising against them. She believes the timing of the code’s passage, and the beginning of the pandemic, made it hard for the town to enforce it, but she is hopeful that Balloon Mission can

To view the code, go to TinyURL.com/BalloonCode.

Seibold is working closely with ACDS, an organiza tion that offers lifetime services to people of all ages with intellectual disabilities. Formerly the Association for Children with Down Syndrome, because of the scope of the services it offers, ACDS is now known simply by its acronym. It has locations in North Merrick and Plain view.

Jane Cohen, the supervisor of day habilitation servic es at ACDS, told the Herald that it has always offered vol unteers to various environmental groups, and that its members are excited about helping Seibold’s nonprofit.

“In January, we’re going to start collecting (balloons) from various pickup sites, and then we’re going to bring them back to our hub sites and sift through them,” Cohen said. “(Volunteers) can work on their office skills and note-taking, so they can feel like they’ve accom plished something. It’s very rewarding for our individu als.”

Seibold also hopes to educate people on alternatives to balloons. “I’m not looking to get rid of balloons — they make people light up,” she said. “I would like to start thinking of alternatives. Can we blow bubbles? Can we send up a nice waft of smoke or sage into the air? It’s about finding these other ways of commemorating those moments in our life.”

Seibold said she was hopeful that the establishment of her nonprofit would get people thinking about ways to help and find solutions. “There are people that are smart er than me out there,” she said, “and I need those people in on the Balloon Mission.”

To get in touch with Seibold, and to learn more about Balloon Mission’s future initiatives, contact TheBalloon Mission@gmail.com.

“How could we fix this?”

Courtesy Cynthia Seibold

many people are unaware that the balloons they release can harm the environment and wildlife.

A chance to celebrate, no matter your ability

As Burgers Go Inc. specializes in birthday parties for children with special needs

By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com

For over 22 years, Lauren Budd has been helping children over come barriers — whether they be speech, eating or other senso ry-related conditions.

A speech pathologist and United States Air Force veteran, Budd raised her son in Merrick, and now resides in East Mead ow. She has a breadth of experience in her field of expertise, having previously worked in both educational and medical settings, before entering the private sec tor, with her corporation Speech Can Teach.

“A majority of my cliental has had sen sory processing issues, or some sort of process ing issue,” Budd said. “I’ve found that kids have dif ficulties with being a picky eater, or with hav ing different sen sory needs.”

Post-Covid, as the world returns to some type of normalcy, Budd said a lot of chil dren are having trouble adjusting back into a social rhythm. Under Speech Can Teach, Budd created “Social Thinking Language Groups.”

LAuREN BuDD Founder, As Burgers Go Inc.

“It’s activity based learning — I take children out into the community so they can be themselves, so they can get accli mated and deal with their sensory issues, so they can learn how to self regulate in a place that is chaotic,” she explained. “That’s what the social groups are about.

“I get them out each week to a different activity that’s educationally based, struc turally based.”

Budd said the groups have been suc cessful in helping children overcome sen sory conditions. She decided to take her idea for the groups a step further, and cre ated As Burgers Go Inc., a different corpo ration that offers inclusive birthday par ties for special needs children.

“I wanted to get these kids in some thing, and be able to have a party, since most of these kids haven’t been able to go to a birthday party,” she said. “Their needs have not been met.”

A lot of birthday parties are geared towards things that might make a child with sensory processing issues feel over whelmed, she explained. Running around, loud noises and sounds, and other things can create turmoil for special needs chil dren.

“These parties are all structurally based,” Budd said of As Burgers Go. “There for those kids that have difficulty being in room that’s over stimulated. They are engaged in activities that are sensory based so it accommodates their needs.”

There’s dozens of options for parties and different packages, Budd explained, and she’s able to work with parents to cus tomize things that work for their child. Lego parties, magnetic tile parties and interactive sports table parties are just some of the parties she offers.

“It engages every child,” she said. “You do not have to be special needs but I am targeting that population because these kids have been left out.”

Parties for those local would take place at space Budd rents at 263 Horton High way, Mineola, but she said she is willing to travel and bring the party to families. Depending on distance, some travel fees may apply.

“Everything is self explanatory for all

the parties,” she said. “I also do open play where people could come on do play dates.

“I am trying to get this out there so people know there’s place to go for their special needs children, or any body who wants a party that’s very different,” she said, “with the sup port that they need to accommodate their needs, with someone who’s a speech pathologist.”

Budd’s corporation is online at AsBurgersGo.com. There, people can view all of the packages she offers, and also get in touch with her to dis cuss pricing, and something a little more custom. To email Budd directly, contact service@asburgersgo.com.

LAuREN BuDD, A speech pathologist, founded As Burgers Go Inc., a corporation that offers birthday parties packages for children with special needs or sensory processing issues. A veteran, with over 22 years of experience in speech pathology, she works with parents to figure out what works best for their children.

ThOugh gEARED TOwARDs children with special needs, the parties are really for anyone, Budd explained.

CREATED As A stem from her regular, private sector corporation, Speech Can Teach, Budd offers several party packages and custom parties.

Tim Baker/Herald photos

M ost of these kids haven’t been able to go to a birthday party.

no other.

Santa Night set for Heide family home

It’s another holiday sea son of the Heide Family in Merrick raising money and collecting supplies for the Freeport-based Bobbi & The Strays Animal Shelter.

This year, stop by the Heide’s family home, famously featured on national television, at 2509 Yale Place, Merrick.

From 6 to 9 p.m. on Dec. 3, the family is hosting a “Santa Night” — Santa, Mrs. Claus and the Grinch will be in attendance. The characters will be on hand, taking photos with every one inside of Santa’s giant sleigh.

Free hot chocolate, cook ies and candy canes will be distributed. The first 400 kids in attendance will also receive a gift from Santa.

Festivities won’t end with the gift giving, however. There will be an epic, snowball fight between Santa and the Grinch all night long. Those plan ning to attend are encouraged to wear red to show your love for Santa, or wear green to cheer on the Grinch.

Proud supporters of Bobbi & The Strays, visit BobbiAndTheStrays.org for more information on what will be collect ed, and stop by the house all season long for a great display that isn’t worth missing.

–Jordan Vallone

Jordan Vallone/Herald photos Visit the heide Family’s home in Merrick this weekend for a holiday display and Santa Night like

Gifts will be distributed to the first 400 children, and the family will be collecting items for Bobbi & The Strays Animal Shelter.

Lisa hentze and Mary Talon from the Freeport-based animal shelter, outside of the Heide’s home last year, with dogs Koki and Bella.

Honoring a longtime firefighter

Jack Fabian, in recognition of his years of dedicated service to the Merrick Fire Department, was presented a citation by Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin and Councilman Anthony D’Esposito. A celebration took place last month at Mio Posto in Merrick with members of Fabian’s family.

Thanking kids for their support to service

Students at Reinhard Early Childhood Center in the Bellmore Public School dis trict created cards for firefighters to show their support. The cards were delivered to local fire departments. Town Councilman Chris Carini and Town Clerk Kate Murray stopped by the school to thank them for a job well done.

Courtesy Town of Hempstead

Courtesy Town of Hempstead

Lianne Webb, Natalia Suaza take home crowns

Baldwin, Valley Stream contestants win at Miss Long Island pageant

By daniEL oFFnER doffner@liherald.com

Lianne Webb and Natalia Suaza stood out from among dozens of contestants from across Nassau and Suffolk counties, crowned winners of Miss Long Island and Miss Teen Long Island.

The two young women from Baldwin and Valley Stream were among those who gathered at the Madison Theatre at Molloy College on Nov. 20, selected by a panel of judges based on their talents, drive, beauty and compassion.

Before stepping on stage, Suaza said that she set out to complete the New York City Marathon as a way to take herself out of her comfort zone and face her fears head-on.

Upon her coronation as the new Miss Teen Long Island, Sauza says she plans to work with Long Island communities, spreading her message of cancer aware ness.

“With my title, I hope to partner with the Center for Hope at Northwell Hospi tal and the Calvary Hospital,” she said.

Having lost her father when she was just 9, these organizations helped pro vide Suaza an opportunity to talk about him — just as they helped others with loved ones who have passed, and to try and live the lives that they would’ve wanted them to live. Suaza also praised their free summer camp that was offered for her and her siblings.

“This really impacted my life and made me as strong as I am today,” she said.

Leanne Baum, executive director of the Miss Long Island pageants, said that over the next year, both of the winners will make guest appearances to promote their platform.

Webb’s platform aims to promote advocacy for children. She works as a

behavioral therapist with Achieve Beyond, where she works with students with autism. She’s also a volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island.

By promoting these different causes across Long Island, the goal is for the pageant winners to become role models for change in the world. This year, for example, all of the pageant contestants came together before the big night to help collect food for Island Harvest, Baum said. In fact, they ended up with more than 400 pounds of food for Long Island’s largest food bank.

Both Webb and Sauza now move on to compete for Miss New York USA and Miss Teen New York USA next August.

Some of the runners-up from this year’s Miss Long Island competition include Jenna Hofmann of West Islip, Alexandra Ali of Commack, Alliyah St. Omer of North Baldwin, and Michelle Lent of Glen Cove.

The Miss Teen Long Island competi tion runners-up include Emily Hall and Valarie Goorahoo of Valley Stream, Rudra Patel of Farmingdale, and Kyra Smith of East Hampton.

Miss Long isLand Teen 2023 Natalia Suaza, from Valley Stream, joined by Miss Long Island Pageants executive director Leanne Baum, and Miss Long Island 2023 Lianne Webb, from Baldwin.

ThE 2022 Miss Teen Long Island winner Jessica Fuentes crowns her successor, Natalia Suaza, of Valley Stream.

ThE 2022 Miss Long Island winner Nadgeena Jerome crowns fellow Baldwin native and 2023 Miss Long Island winner Lianne Webb.

Tim Baker/Herald photos

Miss Long isLand contestants hit the stage at the Madison Theatre in their glorious gowns, showing their best for judges Matthew James Graziano, Yasmeen Gumbs, Amy Amato of RichnerLive, Peter Andolina and Edson Estime

Could renovations be coming to N. Bellmore?

is that people think it’s just for air.

“It’s not,” she went on. “It’s heating, ventilation, fresh air — it improves circulation.”

The district understands that it’s a lot of money, Testa said, but if this bond fails, it is preparing for the reper cussions. During the next building conditions survey, the roof of every building will be inspected, and if there are issues, overhauling the HVAC systems and repairing the roofs will be very expensive.

The HVAC work accounts for nearly $34 million of the current bond. “If (it) passes, that would be terrific, because there’s work to be done, because we’ve lost 14 years of time,” Testa said. “If it doesn’t pass, we’ll have to figure out other ways to fund it, which is very difficult at a cost near $40 million.”

She added that the quality of North Bellmore’s schools reflects the overall community. “We’re just trying to really go out and make sure that we reach all the resi dents and all of the families so that they understand that the neighborhood is only as good as the schools are,” she said. “If the schools aren’t kept up, it mirrors the neigh borhood.”

Paying off the bond

Rehak explained how the district would borrow the money if the bond passes. With the overall total as large as it is, not all of the money would be taken out at once.

“It’s a bond sale, and different lenders will bid on it,” Rehak said. “And then, based on the rates, you have a winner of the bid, and that’s who you end up getting the loan with.

“It’ll be done not all at once,” she added. “It happens in a series, depending on how much you need at one time.”

Contractors will also bid on the work to be completed.

over $39 million, it includes an overhaul of the HVAC system in every school.

Several of them can be employed for the renovations — it’s largely dependent on resource availability and how many schools they can work on at the same time.

The bond will be paid back over 15 years.

There are just over 21,000 voters in the district, who pay between 93 and 94 percent of the annual tax levy, due to the lack of businesses. The impact of this bond on tax payers would vary greatly, depending on a home’s assessed value. Some could end up paying over $400 more a year if it passes.

The district has a sample impact calculator on its website, but it does not take tax exemptions into consid eration.

And it’s important to remember, Rehak added, that

only marTin avenue Elementary School currently has an elevator. The bond also leaves room to add one at each of the other five schools.

the 2010 bond is still being paid off. “We do have another bond on our books that we’re paying principal and inter est on,” she said. “We’ll finish paying that off, and it will be done in 2029. When that principal and interest goes away, the tax impact will be less, because we’ll have less debt service.”

Testa said that the community has been receptive to the information the district is providing, and that resi dents understand the importance of the projects.

“I’m just wondering about the cost of it,” she said. “Some may feel it’s very expensive, and they can’t afford it.”

To view all presentations and mailers about the upcoming vote in either English or Spanish, go to North BellmoreSchools.org. Previous coverage of the bond by the Herald can be found online at LIHerald.com/Mer rick..

Courtesy North Bellmore School District

The sPecial bond vote in the North Bellmore School District is fast approaching. Totaling just

D’Esposito in driver’s seat to House floor

By KARINA KOVAC kkovac@liherald.com

He was an obscure candidate from Island Park who went up against a Republican powerhouse — and won.

His name was Al D’Amato, who would go on to serve 18 years in the U.S. Senate before being upended himself by Chuck Schumer in 1998. D’Amato’s early political career in Island Park involved him running village elec tions, which helped him get his feet wet before heading to Congress.

Now, four decades later, voters have sent another Island Park resident to Washington as Anthony D’Esposito makes his way to the floor of the House of Representatives, in congressional seat he flipped from Democrat to Republican.

“I don’t think that coming from a small community prepares you to be in politics,” D’Esposito said, after defeating Laura Gillen in the November election. “I think it opens your eyes to what community is all about.”

But getting involved on a local level in the fire depart ment, Kiwanis, chamber of commerce or a civic group is “really what opens people’s eyes to further public ser vice” — paralleling how the Hempstead town council man got his start.

Mentioning D’Amato’s influence during his victory speech election night, D’Esposito says he’s pleased to be adding to the village’s story.

“That’s a piece of history, especially coming from a small tight-knit community,” he said. “It’s a place where I was born, raised, called home. The fact that we’ve sent two members of our little village to represent us in Washington, D.C. I think is pretty cool.”

On Long Island, those within the Town of Hempstead have wondered who will fill his empty seat on the town board. D’Esposito still has a month or so left before he

has to pack up and head to Capitol Hill, but says he’ll “figure that out when the time comes.”

He spent his first week in Washington undergoing ori entation, and hopes when it comes time to join commit tees, he’ll find himself on homeland security, and trans portation and infrastructure.

Worried about the state of people’s pocketbooks as well as their quality of life, D’Esposito says nothing has

changed his campaign promises since winning.

“The duration of this campaign, the message has been the same,” D’Esposito said. “And people are con cerned about things that affect their pockets. They’re concerned about crime, and they want someone to repre sent them that’s willing to cross party lines and work with others in order to deliver for our communities.”

But then again, he’s already posting negative com ments on social media about some Democratic col leagues like U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez outgoing House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. D’Esposito says their track records leave much to be desired.

“When it comes to Nancy Pelosi, the fact that we can all ask ourselves, ‘Are we better off today than we were two years ago when Joe Biden took office?’ And she’s been nothing but a rubber stamp for the Biden adminis tration,” he said. “And I think a lot of the issues that we’re dealing with on Long Island are issues that are reflective of the administration.”

So, which Democrats will D’Esposito work with?

“People that are there to deliver for the communities that they represent,” he said. “Not just be a loud mouth piece and looking for headlines on Twitter and CNN.”

Sitting down as a delegation after Thanksgiving, D’Esposito says he’s looking forward to making America safer, the economy stronger, and energy greener. But his first focus will be eliminating the cap on state and local taxes, otherwise known as a SALT cap.

“For me, what’s most important is delivering change to Long Island,” D’Esposito said. “Working hard to repeal the SALT cap, so that we can bring tax relief to commu nities here in New York — some of the individuals who pay the highest taxes in the nation. So, there’s a lot of work to do.

“But I look forward to getting to D.C. again, rolling up my sleeves, and getting to work.”

Courtesy Anthony D’Esposito

By the steps of the U.S. Capitol Building sits freshly elected Anthony D’Esposito, a Republican from Island Park, getting ready for his first day in Congress.

STEPPING OUT

‘First Couple’ of ‘Up, Up and Away’ with Marilyn McCoo Billy Davis Jr.

By Mary Malloy

It’s easy to see why seven-time Grammy winners Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr., have been married for 53 years. A dynamic duo on and off the stage, the former members of the 196070s group The 5th Dimension have an easy way of sharing the conversation, finishing each other’s sentences, and endearingly calling each other “baby.” They are in true harmony — and headed to Tilles Center for the Performing Arts for “Up, Up and Away! A Musical Fable,” with special guest The Next Dimension, on Saturday.

As two of the lead vocalists with one of the top pop-R&B-soul-jazz groups of the era, their popular classics — among them “Up, Up and Away,” “Aquarius/Let the Sun Shine In,” “Wedding Bell Blues,” “One Less Bell to Answer” and “Stoned Soul Picnic” — live on. Graced with McCoo’s three-octave vocal range, the group was inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2002, and have stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the St. Louis Walk of Fame.

After a decade with The 5th Dimension, McCoo and Davis decided to step away in 1975 to establish themselves as a duo. They had immediate success with the single “You Don’t Have to Be a Star (To Be In My Show)” which hit No. 1 on the charts and earned them a Grammy for Best R&B Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group. They have since enjoyed enduring success through the years as recording artists, performers and authors. Throughout their career, this showbiz couple has been honored with seven Grammy Awards and earned 15 gold and three platinum records, as well as enjoyed starring roles on television and the Broadway stage.

• Sat., Dec. 3, 8 p.m.

• Tilles Center for the Performing Arts Concert Hall, LIU Post, 720 Northern Blvd. Brookville

• Tickets are available at TillesCenter.org, or by calling the box office at (516) 299-3100

Their many endeavors go beyond their musical achievements. They also have a movie coming out during the holidays, “The Waltons Thanksgiving,” on the CW network. “It’s family-oriented, and it’s so perfect for this time of year,” McCoo says. “It’s nice for people to remember the warmth and love and excitement that comes from family.”

From East to West

“We are so looking forward to being in New York,” says McCoo, who, with Davis, calls California home. “We’ve visited, but we haven’t done a show there in quite a while. We truly always enjoy coming back … Long Island is such a pretty area, and we’re very excited.”

“We love New York, we have a history with New York,” Davis adds.

“Up, Up and Away” is a journey and musical celebration of their iconic music. The concert also includes tributes to fellow music legends including The Beatles (McCoo and Davis’ contemporaries) and The 5th Dimension’s original lineup.

They will perform some songs from their newest CD, “Blackbird: Lennon-McCartney Icons,” a celebration of The Beatles’ timeless music. The album covers 10 Beatles classics and solos. “It’s so relevant,” Davis says about the title track. “It fits in with things that are happening today. The young people are very concerned with what was going on in the world.”

And what about their own iconic songs as the “First Couple” of Pop & Soul?

“Of course, we’ll enjoy doing many of our hits,” says Davis. “They wouldn’t let us off the stage if we didn’t!”

Tony Danza

The actor-entertainer croons the classics in his cabaret turn. In ‘Standards & Stories,’ he performs a selection of his favorite standards from the Great American Songbook, plus selections from Jason Robert Brown’s score for ‘Honeymoon in Vegas,’ while interweaving stories about his life and personal connection to the music. Danza combines timeless music with wit, charm, storytelling, and a dash of soft shoe and ukulele, in this evening of glorious songs and personal storytelling, backed by a four-piece band. Perhaps best known for his starring roles on two of TV’s most cherished and long-running series, “Taxi” and “Who’s The Boss,” Danza has also established himself as a song and dance man, and received rave reviews for his performance in the Broadway musical comedy ‘Honeymoon In Vegas.’

Friday, Dec. 2, 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. $62. Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, LIU Post campus, Route 25A, Brookville. (516) 2993100 or TillesCenter.org.

Judy Collins: Holidays & His

The iconic legend lends her voice to holiday standards along with her classic hit songs as only she can. Collins performs holiday classics, along with songs from her latest album ‘Spellbound’ — her 55th album and first complete album of originals — and beloved songs culled from her six-decade career. Collins is as creatively vigorous as ever, writing, touring worldwide, and nurturing fresh talent. She is a modern-day Renaissance woman who is also an accomplished painter, filmmaker, record label head, musical mentor, and an in-demand keynote speaker for mental health and suicide prevention. She continues to create music of hope and healing that lights up the world and speaks to the heart.

Saturday, Dec. 3, 8 p.m. $70, $65, $60. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. (516) 767-6444 or LandmarkOnMainStreet.org.

WHERE WHEN

Courtesy Darren Stone/Jon Carrasco

Photos: Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr., honored with multiple Grammy awards numerous gold and platinum records, return to the concert stage with their iconic hits — and some surprise selections.

THE SCENE

Dec. 3

Heide Family Fundraiser

The Heide Family — famously featured on national television for their epic holiday display — will hosts their annual Santa Night on Saturday, Dec. 3. Stop by their home at 2509 Yale Place, Merrick from 6 to 9 p.m. to meet Santa, Mrs. Claus and the Grinch. Free gifts and refreshments will be available for the first 400 children. The family is proudly supporting the Freeport-based Bobbi & The Strays Animal Shelter. For more information, visit BobbiAndTheStray.org or contact MrPhillipHeide@ gmail.com.

Art Exhibition

Legally Blonde: The Musical

On stage

Plaza Theatrical continues its season with “Grumpy Old Men: The Musical,” Thursday, Dec. 1, 2 p.m; Friday, Dec. 2, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 3, 2:30 and 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 4, 2:30 p.m. Based on the beloved 1993 film, which starred Jack Lemmon, Walter Matthau and Ann-Margret, this stage adaptation captures the lovably crotchety characters through humor, great songs, and the affectionate depiction of a small town that feels like home to everyone. It’s performed at Plaza’s stage at the Elmont Library Theatre, 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont. $49, $45 seniors. Elmont. For tickets, call (516) 599-6870 or visit PlazaTheatrical.com.

St. John’s Santa’s Workshop

Dec. 10

The ultimate Broadway tribute to girl power arrives at Tilles Center, Saturday, Dec. 10, 4 and 8 p.m. Elle Woods, is ready to prove who’s in charge (again) in this ultimate Broadway tribute to girl power, on the LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Boulevard, Brookville. Based on the beloved movie, the musical follows Elle’s transformation as she tackles stereotypes, sexism, snobbery and scandal in pursuit of her dreams, and proves that you can be both ‘legally blonde’ and the smartest person in the room. Tickets are $89, $69, $59, $49; available at TillesCenter.org or (516) 299-3100.

Visit the North Bellmore Public Library through Dec. 1 for an art exhibition. Most are available for purchase. Artwork is displayed in two rooms in the library. Contact SuburbanArtLeague@gmail. com for more information.

St. John’s Lutheran Church hosts a Santa Workshop and Mrs. Claus’ Gingerbread Cottage, Saturday, Dec. 3, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Step into Christmas and shop for crafts and visit Mrs. Claus’ cottage. With raffle baskets, delicious baked goods, homemade soups, and more. 2150 Centre Ave., Bellmore. Contact (516) 785-4331.

On exhibit

Photography’s ascent in the art world is an international phenomenon. Nassau County Museum of Art’s star-studded exhibition spans the historical roots of the medium. View works by Ansel Adams and his generation and the thrilling, large-format color works of such contemporary masters as Cindy Sherman, Thomas Struth, James Casebere and Gregory Crewdson, among others. From the documentary to the painterly, images bear witness to the times. On view through March 5. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor. (516) 4849337 or NassauMuseum.org.

Tom Polito & Friends

Tom Polito & Friends will be at the North Bellmore Public Library, Sunday, Dec. 4, 2 p.m., to play a mix of holiday favorites and classic songs in pop, swing and R&B. The show, at 1551 Newbridge Road, Bellmore, is guaranteed to put you in the festive spirit. Call (516) 7856260 for more information.

Art talk

Join Nassau County Museum Director Charles A. Riley II, PhD, for a Director’s Seminar, Tuesday, Dec. 6, 4 p.m.

He’ll discuss “Photography: Beauty and Truth,” in a session that examines the intensely emotional approach to photography taken by many of the greats, including Dorothea Lange and Walker Evans, and the analytic, formal path of the Bechers, Struth, Hofer and many Contemporary artists. Participation is limited; registration required. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.

Holiday fun

Visit the streets of 19th century London during the darkest days of the year, in this adaption of the classic “A Christmas Carol,” with the Experiential Theater Company, Thursday and Friday, Dec. 1,-2 10:15 a.m

Happy Hanukkah

Get ready for Hanukkah by learning all about dreidels, at Long Island Children’s Museum, Saturday, Dec. 3, 1-3 p.m. Discover the game’s history and rules, and decorate your own dreidel to take home, at the drop-in program. Visit the museum on Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or LICM.org.

Matinee time

Join crafty Jack Frost on a magical, musical winter adventure, in Plaza Theatrical’s production of “Jack Frost,” Saturday, Dec. 3, 11 a.m. Also Dec. 17. The story, narrated by a groundhog name Pardon-Me-Pete, tells us about the immortal winter sprite, who falls in love with a human girl named Elisa after rescuing her. Tickets are $15. Bring the kids to the Plaza stage at the Elmont Library Theatre, 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont. For tickets, call (516) 599-6870 or visit PlazaTheatrical.com.

CITY CELLAR

AMERICAN MODERN

I’m right; You’re an idiot!

There’s no better time to under stand what confirmation bias is than during election season. What I believe is right! Your belief is not only wrong; it’s moronic and you’re an idiot to think the way you do!

Both parties believe their convictions are right, reasonable and rational, based on what they hear, see and their life expe rience. “My side bias,” officially termed “confirmation bias” is when people seek out, remember and interpret information, factually true or false, that confirm their beliefs while ignoring or refuting information that challenges their beliefs.

When it is election season people seek out information that paints their candidates in a good light, the other par ty’s candidates in a negative light. We look for details that uphold our beliefs, ignoring details that oppose our beliefs. No wonder so many of us swear by MSNBC news while others are just as dedi cated to FOX News.

forth, I recognized he was right. I was giv ing all my attention to the section of the report that warned of terrorist activity in Northern Uganda, a section of the coun try you needed a visa to enter. My fears pushed me to attend to the information supportive of my existing premise, ignor ing what didn’t conform to my initial belief. Glenn’s lack of fear allowed him to be more objective.

So, are we doomed to be forever biased toward whatever confirms our existing beliefs?

Guest Column

Yes and No. Some of us hold tight to our beliefs, even when the evidence over whelming shows that our beliefs are false. “Damn the evidence; those brainy experts think they know everything but they don’t know a damn thing.” Oth ers, however, change their beliefs with new knowledge and understanding.

Linda Sapadin

Though we may believe that our thinking is sane, sensible and sound, when we’re dealing with an emotionally charged issue (especially fear) or a deep ly entrenched belief, our thinking pro cesses themselves may not be rational or reasonable.

A personal story I’ll share with you: When my son Glenn who worked for the U.S. agency - Aid to International Development - called me from Ukraine where he was working to tell me his next assignment would be in Uganda, I pan icked. This was about 20+ years ago when the only association I had with Uganda was Idi Amin, the bloody tyrant. To bol ster my belief, I visited the US State Department website and read about how dangerous the country was. I faxed the report to Glenn showing him proof of the dangers he’d face if he went there. He faxed me back, See Mom; I told you Ugan da was safe.

After conveying our positions back and

Still, confirmation bias is here to stay. So next time you’re in the midst of a heat ed argument, and you’re absolutely sure you’re right, take a moment to consider whether confirma tion bias may be contributing to your overconfidence.

Then, take a deep breath, step back from your sermonizing, and with an open, curious mind, listen. Truly listen to what the other person is saying. Even if you view things differently, see if you can at least partially agree with something he has said. Or, imagine based on her life experience, how she might legitimately think that way. If we could all do that, per haps then we wouldn’t be quite as divided as we are now.

©2022

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

A cold case, officials asking for help with Goldfarb murder

The Nassau County Police Depart ment’s Homicide Squad and Crime Stop pers are still seeking the public’s help in identifying someone wanted in connec tion with a homicide that occurred in Merrick in 2015.

On Nov. 18, 2015, detectives arrived to 250 Smith Street, Merrick, and found a deceased female victim inside a cottage in the rear of a home. The death was deemed suspicious. The victim was later identified as Suzanne Goldfarb, 48.

During the investigation, Kevin Smith, the NCPD’s chief of detectives at the time, said officers responded to a 911 call from the victim’s father. Goldfarb’s father had called her the night before to invite her to

dinner, but she declined, Smith added.

Upon arrival, Smith said detectives found Goldfarb bound and unresponsive on a bed in the upstairs bedroom of the home. An autopsy was completed, and it was determined the cause of death was asphyxiation.

Goldfarb was a nanny, and had lived in the Smith Street residence for about 5 years at the time of her death.

Crime Stoppers are asking anyone who can identify a person or people responsi ble for the murder to contact (800) 2448477, or visit NassauCounty.CrimeStop persWeb.com. All callers will remain anonymous.

–Jordan Vallone

Herald Sc H ool S

StuDentS in the North Bellmore School District spent time in November learn ing about Native American cul tures. Nicole Quevedo, left, and Mikaela Malot worked together to build a longhouse.

Fourth graders have been learning about the earliest residents of New York State at John G. Din kelmeyer Elementary School in the North Bellmore School District. Work ing in teams, they constructed models of Native American villages.

Local history and geography is the focus of the fourth grade social studies curriculum. In Kathleen Kee’s and Kim Rackley’s classes, students are studying Algonquin and Iroquois customs and practices, including their use of natural resources and raw materials to build homes.

In their model villages, students could

include either a longhouse, which was the typical style of housing built by the Iro quois, or a wigwam, which are associated with the Algonquin tribes. Their models also included woodlands, bodies of water and animals indigenous to the area.

Students followed the engineering design process. As a group, they brain stormed ideas, drew a sketch and decided what materials they would need. Supplies included cardboard, construction paper, clay, pipe cleaners and paint. Several stu dents even incorporated natural materi als like grass, leaves and twigs.

–Jordan Vallone

Photos courtesy North Bellmore School District

John G. Dinkelmeyer Elementary School fourth graders, from left, Avery Nicodemi, Charlotte Giannetta, Brielle Orphee and Mackenzie Santos constructed a model of a Native American village as part of their study on the early history of New York.

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

BY THE BOARD OF APPEALS

Pursuant to New York State Town Law Article 16, New York State Public Officers Law Article 7, and the Town of Hempstead Building Zone Ordinance, NOTICE is hereby given that the BOARD OF APPEALS of the Town of Hempstead will hold a public hearing in the Old Town Hall, 350 Front Street, Room 230, Second Floor, Hempstead, New York on 12/7/22 at 9:30 A.M. to consider the following applications and appeals:

THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 9:30 A.M. 786/22. MERRICK - Jill Kremer, Renewal of grant to maintain fence varying in height from 5’ to 8’7”., E/s Halyard Dr., 191.79’ S/o Pemaco Rd., a/k/a 2311 Halyard Dr. 791/22. - 792/22.

MERRICK - Seth & Cara Klein, Install 5’ high fence on 26” raised concrete patio (total overall height 7’ 2”); Variances, lot area occupied, side yard, side yards aggregate, rear yard, maintain raised concrete patio attached to dwelling., E/s Park Ave., 53’ N/o Park Pl., a/k/a 1785 Park Ave.

ALL PAPERS PERTAINING TO THE ABOVE HEARING ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THE BOARD OF APPEALS, TOWN HALL, 1 WASHINGTON STREET, HEMPSTEAD, NY 11550. This notice is only for new cases in Merrick within Town of Hempstead jurisdiction. There are additional cases in different hamlets, towns and villages on the Board of Appeals calendar. The full calendar is available a t https://hempsteadny.gov/ 509/Board-of-Appeals

The internet address of the website streaming for this meeting is https://hempsteadny.gov/ 576/Live-Streaming-Video Interested parties may appear at the above time and place. At the call of the Chairman, the Board will consider decisions on the foregoing and those on the Reserve Decision calendar and such other matters as may properly come before it. 135687

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SPECIAL DISTRICT MEETING NORTH BELLMORE UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT, IN THE COUNTY OF NASSAU, NEW YORK

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Education of the North Bellmore Union Free School District, in the County of Nassau, New York, has adopted a resolution on October 13, 2022, authorizing a Special District Meeting of the qualified voters of said School District to be

held on: Thursday, December 8, 2022 from 6:00 o’clock A.M. to 9:00 o’clock P.M. (Prevailing Time) at: NEWBRIDGE ROAD SCHOOL GYMNASIUM 1601 Newbridge Road, Bellmore, New York for the purpose of voting upon the following Proposition: PROPOSITION RESOLVED: (a) That the Board of Education of the North Bellmore Union Free School District, in the County of Nassau, New York (the “District”), is hereby authorized to undertake a school facilities improvement project (the “Project”), substantially as referred to and described in a plan prepared by John A. Grillo, Architect, P.C., Port Jefferson, New York (the “Plan”), on file and available for public inspection at the office of the District Clerk, said Project consisting of the installation of new air ventilation units with air conditioning capabilities, including all necessary and related plumbing and electrical upgrades, in all District buildings; playground upgrades; exterior masonry, ADA and building envelope improvements; and skylight and door replacements; and the foregoing to include the original equipment, machinery, apparatus and all necessary sitework, alterations and ancillary work required in connection therewith; and to expend therefor, including preliminary costs and costs incidental thereto and to the financing thereof, an amount not to exceed the estimated total cost of $39,018,234; provided that the costs of the components of the Project as set forth in detail in the Plan may be reallocated among the components of such Project if the Board of Education shall determine that such reallocation is in the best interests of the District;

(b) that a tax is hereby voted in the amount of not to exceed $39,018,234 to finance such cost, such tax to be levied and collected in installments in such years and in such amounts as shall be determined by said Board of Education; and

(c) that in anticipation of said tax, bonds of the District are hereby authorized to be issued in the aggregate principal amount of not to exceed $39,018,234 and a tax is hereby voted to pay the interest on said bonds as the same shall become due and payable.

Such Proposition shall appear on the ballot used for voting at said Special District Meeting in substantially the following abbreviated form:

PROPOSITION YES NO

RESOLVED:

(a) That the Board of Education of the North Bellmore Union Free School District, in the County of Nassau, New York (the “District”), is hereby authorized to install new air ventilation units with air conditioning capabilities, including all necessary and related plumbing and electrical upgrades, in all District buildings; upgrade playgrounds; construct exterior masonry, ADA and building envelope improvements; and replace skylights and doors, all in accordance with a plan prepared for the District by John A. Grillo Architect, P.C., Port Jefferson, New York, and to expend therefor not to exceed $39,018,234; (b) that a tax is hereby voted in the amount of not to exceed $39,018,234 to finance such cost, such tax to be levied and collected in installments in such years and in such amounts as shall be determined by said Board of Education; and (c) that in anticipation of said tax, bonds of the District are hereby authorized to be issued in the aggregate principal amount of not to exceed $39,018,234 and a tax is hereby voted to pay the interest on said bonds as the same shall become due and payable.

The voting will be conducted by ballot on voting machines or paper ballots as provided in the Education Law and the polls will remain open from 6:00 o’clock A.M. to 9:00 o’clock P.M. (Prevailing Time) and as much longer as may be necessary to enable the voters then present to cast their ballots.

NOTICE IS FURTHER

GIVEN that pursuant to Education Law §2014 personal registration of voters is required, and no person shall be entitled to vote at the Special District Meeting whose name does not appear on the register of the District.

Voter registration for the District will be ongoing through and including Saturday, December 3, 2022, from 9:00 o’clock A.M. until 3:00 o’clock P.M. (Prevailing Time), on all school days of the school year, at the District Office, J. G. Dinkelmeyer Elementary School, Newbridge Road Elementary School, Park Avenue Elementary School and Saw Mill Road Elementary School, for the purpose of preparing a register of the qualified voters of the District for said Special District Meeting, at which time any person shall be entitled to have his/her name placed upon such register, provided that he/she is known or proven to be then or thereafter entitled to vote at said Special District

Meeting for which such register is prepared. Immediately upon its completion, the register will be filed in the office of the District Clerk, 2616 Martin Avenue, Bellmore, New York, and will be open for inspection by any qualified voter of the District between the hours of 9:00 o’clock A.M. and 3:00 o’clock P.M. (Prevailing Time) on each of the five (5) days prior to the Special District Meeting for which it was prepared, except Sunday, and on Saturday, December 3, 2022 between the hours of 9:00 o’clock A.M. and 11:00 o’clock A.M.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that pursuant to Education Law 2018-a applications for absentee ballots may be applied for at the office of the District Clerk. Applications for absentee ballots must be received by the District Clerk no earlier than thirty (30) days before the election. Furthermore, such applications must be received by the District Clerk at least seven (7) days before the Special District Meeting if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter, or the day before the Special District Meeting if the ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter or his/her designated agent. Upon receiving a timely request for a mailed absentee ballot, the District Clerk will mail the ballot to the address set forth in the application by no later than six (6) days before the date of the Special District Meeting. No absentee voter’s ballot will be canvassed unless it has been received in the office of the District Clerk not later than 5:00 o’clock P.M. (Prevailing Time) on the day of the Special District Meeting.

A list of all persons to whom absentee ballots shall have been issued will be available in the office of the District Clerk, 2616 Martin Avenue, North Bellmore, New York, commencing with the issuance of the first absentee ballot and during regular business hours on each of the five (5) days prior to the day of the Special District Meeting between the hours of 9:00 A.M. and 3:00 P.M. (Prevailing Time), except Sunday and on Saturday, December 3, 2022 between the hours of 9:00 o’clock A.M. and 11:00 o’clock A.M. (Prevailing Time). Such list will also be available at the polling place on the date of the Special District Meeting. No absentee voter’s ballot shall be canvassed unless it shall have been received in the office of the District Clerk of the District not later than 5:00 o’clock P.M. (Prevailing Time) on the day of Special District Meeting.

NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN that a person shall be

entitled to vote at the Special District Meeting who is a citizen of the United States, eighteen years of age, a resident of the District for a period of thirty days next preceding the election or Special District Meeting he/she offers to vote and registered to vote for said election or Special District Meeting. A person shall be registered to vote if he or she shall have permanently registered with the Nassau County Board of Elections or with the Board of Registration of the school district. Only persons who shall be registered shall be entitled to vote.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that military voters who are not currently registered may apply to register as a qualified voter of the school district. Military voters who are qualified voters of the school district may submit an application for a military ballot. Military voters may designate a preference to receive a military voter registration, military ballot application or military ballot by mail, facsimile transmission or electronic mail in their request for such registration, ballot application or ballot. Military voter registration forms and military ballot application forms must be received in the office of the District Clerk of the school district no later than 5:00 o’clock P.M. (Prevailing Time) on November 14, 2022. No military ballot will be canvassed unless it is (1) received in the office of the District Clerk before the close of the polls on the day of the Special District Meeting and showing a cancellation mark of the United States postal service or a foreign country’s postal service, or showing a dated endorsement of receipt by another agency of the United States government; or (2) received by the office of the District Clerk by no later 5:00 o’clock P.M. (Prevailing Time) on day of the Special District Meeting and signed and dated by the military voter and one witness thereto, with a date which is associated to be not later than the day before the Special District Meeting.

BY THE ORDER OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION Dated: October 13, 2022 LAURICE GUNNELS District Clerk 135122

LEGAL NOTICE AVISO DE REUNIÓN EXTRAORDINARIA DEL DISTRITO DISTRITO ESCOLAR NORTH BELLMORE UNION FREE, EN EL CONDADO DE NASSAU, NUEVA YORK

POR LA PRESENTE, SE NOTIFICA que la Junta de Educación del Distrito Escolar de North Bellmore Union Free, en el condado de Nassau, Nueva York, ha adoptado una resolución el 13 de octubre de 2022, que autoriza una reunión extraordinaria de Distrito para los votantes calificados de dicho distrito escolar, que se celebrará el: Jueves 8 de diciembre de 2022 de 6:00 a. m. a 9:00 p. m. (hora vigente) en: EL GIMNASIO DE NEWBRIDGE ROAD SCHOOL 1601 Newbridge Road, Bellmore, Nueva York con el propósito de votar sobre las siguientes propuestas: PROPUESTA SE RESUELVE: (a) Que, por la presente, se autoriza a la Junta de Educación del Distrito Escolar de North Bellmore Union Free, en el condado de Nassau, Nueva York (el “Distrito”) a emprender un proyecto de mejora de las instalaciones escolares (el “Proyecto”), sustancialmente como se refiere y describe en un plan preparado por el arquitecto John A. Grillo, PC, Port Jefferson, Nueva York (el “Plan”), archivado y disponible para su inspección pública en la oficina de la Secretaria del Distrito. Dicho Proyecto consiste en la instalación de unidades nuevas de ventilación con capacidad de aire acondicionado, incluidas todas las mejoras eléctricas y de plomería necesarias y relacionadas, en todos los edificios del Distrito; mejoras en el patio de recreo; mampostería exterior, mejoras en virtud de la Ley sobre Estadounidenses con Discapacidades (ADA) y en el cerramiento del edificio; y reemplazos de claraboyas y puertas; y lo anterior para incluir el equipo original, la maquinaria, los aparatos y todo el trabajo de obra necesario, las alteraciones y el trabajo auxiliar requerido en relación con ello; y para gastar en ello, incluidos los costos preliminares y los costos incidentales a ello y la financiación correspondiente, un monto que no exceda el costo total estimado de $39,018,234; siempre y cuando los costos de los componentes del Proyecto como se establece en detalle en el Plan puedan reasignarse entre los componentes de dicho Proyecto si la Junta de Educación determina que tal reasignación obrará en favor de los intereses del Distrito; (b) Que, por la presente, se vota un gravamen por un monto que no excederá los $39,018,234 para financiar ese costo, y ese gravamen se exigirá y

cobrará en cuotas en la cantidad de años y en los montos que determine dicha Junta de Educación; y (c) Que, en previsión de dicho gravamen y por la presente, se autoriza la emisión de bonos del Distrito por un monto total de capital que no debe exceder los $39,018,234 y, por la presente, se vota un gravamen para pagar los intereses de dichos bonos en el momento de su vencimiento y exigibilidad. Dicha propuesta aparecerá en la boleta electoral usada para votar en la reunión extraordinaria de Distrito antes mencionada en forma sustancialmente abreviada: PROPUESTA SÍ NO SE RESUELVE: (a) Que, por la presente, se autoriza a la Junta de Educación del Distrito Escolar de North Bellmore Union Free, en el condado de Nassau, Nueva York (el “Distrito”) a instalar unidades nuevas de ventilación con capacidad de aire acondicionado, incluidas todas las mejoras necesarias y relacionadas de plomería y electricidad, en todos los edificios del Distrito; mejorar los patios de recreo; construcción de mampostería exterior, mejoras en virtud de la ADA y en el cerramiento del edificio; y reemplazar las claraboyas y puertas, todo de acuerdo con un plan preparado para el Distrito por el arquitecto John A. Grillo PC, Port Jefferson, Nueva York, y gastar para ello un máximo de $39,018,234; (b) que, por la presente, se vota un gravamen por un monto que no exceda los $39,018,234 para financiar tal costo; dicho gravamen se impondrá y recaudará en cuotas en los años y los montos que determine dicha Junta de Educación; y (c) que, en anticipación a dicho gravamen, se autoriza por la presente la emisión de bonos del Distrito por el monto principal agregado que no excede los $39,018,234 y, por la presente, se vota un gravamen para pagar el interés de dichos bonos en el momento de su vencimiento y exigibilidad.

La votación se realizará mediante boleta electoral en máquinas de votación o boletas físicas, según lo estipulado en la Ley de Educación, y las urnas permanecerán abiertas de 6:00 a. m. a 9:00 p. m. (hora vigente), durante el tiempo que sea necesario para que los votantes presentes en ese momento puedan emitir su voto.

SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que, conforme a la sección 2014 de la Ley de Educación, se requiere

que los votantes se inscriban personalmente; aquellas personas cuyos nombres no aparezcan en el registro del Distrito no podrán votar en la reunión extraordinaria del Distrito. El registro de votantes para el Distrito estará abierto hasta el sábado 3 de diciembre de 2022 inclusive, de 9:00 a. m. a 3:00 p. m. (hora vigente), todos los días del año escolar, en la Oficina del Distrito, JG Dinkelmeyer Elementary School, Newbridge Road Elementary School, Park Avenue Elementary School y Saw Mill Road Elementary School, con el fin de preparar un registro de los votantes calificados del Distrito para dicha reunión extraordinaria del Distrito, en cuyo momento cualquier persona tendrá derecho a que su nombre se incluya en dicho registro, siempre que se sepa o se demuestre que tiene derecho a votar en ese momento o posteriormente en dicha reunión extraordinaria del Distrito para la cual se prepara dicho registro. Inmediatamente después de su finalización, el registro se archivará en la oficina de la Secretaria del Distrito, sita en 2616 Marlin Avenue, Bellmore, Nueva York, y estará abierto para su inspección por cualquier votante calificado del Distrito entre las 9:00 a. m. y las 3:00 p. m. (hora vigente) en cada uno de los cinco (5) días anteriores a la reunión especial del Distrito para la que se preparó, excepto el domingo, y el sábado 3 de diciembre de 2022 de 9:00 a. m. a 11:00 a. m. TAMBIÉN SE NOTIFICA que, de acuerdo con la sección 2018-a de la Ley de Educación, las solicitudes de boletas electorales por ausencia pueden solicitarse en la oficina de la Secretaria del Distrito. La Secretaria del Distrito deberá recibir las solicitudes de voto por ausencia no antes de los treinta (30) días previos a la elección. Además, dichas solicitudes deben presentarse ante la Secretaria del Distrito al menos siete (7) días antes de la reunión extraordinaria del Distrito si la boleta electoral debe enviarse por correo al votante, o el día anterior a la reunión extraordinaria del Distrito si la boleta electoral debe entregarse personalmente al votante o a su agente designado. Al recibir una solicitud oportuna de un voto por ausencia por correo, la Secretaria del Distrito enviará el voto a la dirección indicada en la solicitud a más tardar seis (6) días antes de la fecha de la reunión extraordinaria del Distrito. No se escrutará ninguna boleta de voto por ausencia, a menos que se haya recibido en la oficina de la Secretaria

Public Notices

del Distrito a más tardar a las 5:00 p. m. (hora vigente) del día de la reunión extraordinaria del Distrito.

Una lista de todas las personas a las que se han emitido boletas electorales por ausencia estará disponible en la oficina de la Secretaria del Distrito, sita en 2616 Martin Avenue, North Bellmore, Nueva York, a partir de la emisión de la primera boleta electoral por ausencia y durante el horario normal de trabajo en cada uno de los cinco (5) días anteriores al día de la reunión extraordinaria del Distrito, de 9:00 a. m. a 3:00 p. m. (hora vigente) excepto el domingo y el sábado 3 de diciembre de 2022, de 9:00 a. m. a 11:00 p. m. (hora vigente). Dicha lista también estará disponible en el lugar de votación en la fecha de la reunión extraordinaria del Distrito. No se escrutará ninguna boleta electoral de un votante ausente a menos que se haya recibido en la oficina de la Secretaria del Distrito a más tardar a las 5:00 p. m. (hora vigente) del día de la reunión extraordinaria del Distrito.

TAMBIÉN SE NOTIFICA que tendrá derecho a votar en la reunión extraordinaria del Distrito toda persona que sea ciudadana de los Estados Unidos, tenga dieciocho años de edad, sea residente del Distrito durante un período de treinta días inmediatamente anterior a la elección o a la reunión extraordinaria del Distrito en que se ofrezca votar y esté registrada para votar en dicha elección o reunión extraordinaria del Distrito. Una persona estará inscrita para votar si se ha registrado permanentemente en la Junta Electoral del condado de Nassau o en la Junta de Registros del distrito escolar. Solo las personas inscritas tendrán derecho a votar.

TAMBIÉN SE NOTIFICA que los votantes militares que no estén registrados actualmente pueden solicitar su inscripción como votantes calificados del distrito escolar. Los votantes militares que sean votantes calificados del distrito escolar podrán enviar una solicitud de boleta electoral militar. Estos votantes pueden indicar su preferencia de recibir un registro de votante militar, una solicitud de boleta electoral militar o una boleta electoral militar por correo postal, fax o correo electrónico en su pedido de dicho registro, solicitud de boleta electoral o boleta electoral. Los formularios de inscripción de votantes militares y los formularios de solicitud de boleta electoral militar deben recibirse en la oficina de

la Secretaria de Distrito del distrito escolar a más tardar a las 5:00 p. m. (hora vigente) del 14 de noviembre de 2022. No se escrutará ninguna boleta electoral militar a menos que (1) se reciba en la oficina de la Secretaria del Distrito antes del cierre de las urnas el día de la reunión extraordinaria del Distrito y muestre una marca de cancelación del servicio postal de los Estados Unidos o del servicio postal de un país extranjero, o muestre un endoso fechado de recepción por otra agencia del gobierno de los Estados Unidos; o (2) se reciba en la oficina de la Secretaria del Distrito a más tardar a las 5:00 p. m. (hora vigente) del día de la reunión extraordinaria del Distrito y esté firmada y fechada por el votante militar y un testigo correspondiente, con una fecha que se asocia a más tardar el día anterior a la reunión extraordinaria del Distrito.

POR ORDEN DE LA JUNTA DE EDUCACIÓN

Fecha: 13 de octubre de 2022

LAURICE GUNNELS Secretaria del Distrito 135124

are other health or safety concerns, the Court Appointed Referee will cancel the sale.

Jeffrey Halbreich, Esq., Referee

Knuckles, Komosinski & Manfro, LLP, 565 Taxter Road, Suite 590, Elmsford, NY 10523, Attorneys for Plaintiff 135310

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Plaintiff

AGAINST Alys Balbes; et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered November 5, 2018 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 December 13, 2022 at 2:00PM, premises known as 2599 Orr Street, Merrick, NY 11566-4745.

as 1710 Rugby Road, Merrick, NY 11566. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Merrick, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York, Section 55 Block 178 Lot 116. Approximate amount of judgment $371,193.83 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 008635/2016. 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.”

Gerard De Gregoris, Esq., Referee

Jericho, NY 11753

Tel. 516-942-4215 Dated: October 18, 2022 During the COVID-19 health emergency, bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of sale including but not limited to, wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6-feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale.

135223

LEGAL NOTICE

required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale.

135221

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE

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

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on October 25, 2016, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on December 15, 2022 at 2:30 p.m., premises known as 1720 Montague Avenue, Merrick, NY 11566. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 55, Block 24 and Lot 120. Approximate amount of judgment is $633,799.60 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #003996/2014. Cash will not be accepted. This foreclosure sale will be held on the north side steps of the Courthouse, rain or shine. COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed at the foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there

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 63 Block 135 Lot 861. Approximate amount of judgment $588,637.31 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 14715/2013. 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.”

Irene Villacci, 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: November 2, 2022 135326

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU Wells Fargo Bank, National Association as Trustee for Option One Mortgage Loan Trust 2007-6, Asset-Backed Certificates, Series 2007-6, Plaintiff AGAINST Danielle Borgia; Kenneth M. Borgia; et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered January 10, 2019 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 December 14, 2022 at 3:30PM, premises known

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: October 20, 2022 135328

LEGAL NOTICE REFEREE’S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU ELM CAPITAL LLC, Plaintiff - againstMARGARET RICE, et al Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on September 28, 2022. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 “Rain or Shine” on the 14th day of December, 2022 at 2:00 PM. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being, and identified on the land and tax map of the County of Nassau in the State of New York.

Premises known as 10 Beach Dr., Merrick, NY. (Section: 62, Block: 004, Lot(s) No: 70 (Group Lot 70-71, 269))

Approximate amount of lien $5,740.11 plus interest and costs.

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale. Index No. 606460/2021.The successful third-party bidder will be required to pay the Referee a deposit equal to 10% of the sum bid. The deposit must be paid by certified check or bank check made payable to the Referee. Cash will not be accepted.

Peter J. Famighetti, Esq., Referee.

Joseph Ehrenreich, Esq. Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 366 North Broadway, Suite 410

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

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on October 30, 2018. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 “Rain or Shine” on the 14th day of December, 2022 at 2:00 PM. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Merrick, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York.

Premises known as 82 Shoreham Way, South Merrick, (Town of Hempstead) NY 11566. (Section: 63, Block: 148, Lot: 28,29,57,59) Approximate amount of lien $1,236,858.75 plus interest and costs.

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

Index No. 606837/2017. Eun Thorsen, Esq., Referee.

Davidson Fink LLP Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 400 Meridian Centre Blvd, Ste 200 Rochester, NY 14618 Tel. 585/760-8218

Dated: October 14, 2022 During the COVID-19 health emergency, bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of sale including but not limited to, wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6-feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Bidders are also

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, EVERBANK, Plaintiff, vs. ALIX DUROSEAU, JR., ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on October 17, 2016, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on December 15, 2022 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 1692 James Street, Merrick, NY 11566. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 62, Block 22 and Lot 129. Approximate amount of judgment is $341,275.64 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 13-3120. Cash will not be accepted. This foreclosure sale will be held on the north side steps of the Courthouse, rain or shine. COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed at the foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the Court Appointed Referee will cancel the sale.

Richard Kerins, Esq., Referee Knuckles, Komosinski & Manfro, LLP, 565 Taxter Road, Suite 590, Elmsford, NY 10523, Attorneys for Plaintiff 135308

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR STRUCTURED ASSET SECURITIES CORPORATION MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, 2006-GEL2, Plaintiff AGAINST LINDON BROWN, CHANEL GREENE, GERMAINE J. BARROW, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered May 22, 2018, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on December 14, 2022 at 2:30PM, premises known

as 2282 SYCAMORE PLACE, NORTH MERRICK, NY 11566. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York, Section 56, Block 102 Lots: 120 and 121. Approximate amount of judgment $994,893.91 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #002541/2007. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the NASSAU County COVID-19 mitigation protocols and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the court appointed referee will cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure

Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine”. Charles John Casolaro, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 00-075196 73803 135243

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to N.Y. Election Law Article 17, Title 2, the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act of New York, and N.Y. Public Officers Law Article 7, the Open Meetings Law, public hearings will be held by the Town of Hempstead Temporary Redistricting Commission in the Nathan L. H. Bennett Pavilion, Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Village and Town of Hempstead, New York, on December 13, 2022 at 10:30am, to receive input regarding the reapportionment and composition of the Town of Hempstead’s councilmanic districts to be used beginning with the Town election of 2023.

ALL PERSONS

INTERESTED shall have an opportunity to be heard and give input at the times and place aforesaid.

Dated:Hempstead, New York November 15, 2022

BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, NEW YORK.

KATE MURRAY Town Clerk DONALD X. CLAVIN, JR. Supervisor 135671

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK INDEX NO. 603218/2022 COUNTY OF NASSAU

PHH MORTGAGE CORPORATION Plaintiff, vs. CATHERINE L. EMMOTT A/K/A CATHERINE EMMOTT, INDIVIDUALLY AND AS TRUSTEE OF THE CATHERINE L. EMMOTT LIVING TRUST DATED 08/05/2014; KNOWN AND UNKNOWN BENEFICIARIES OF THE CATHERINE L. EMMOTT LIVING TRUST DATED 08/05/2014, any and all persons unknown to plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or general or specific lien upon the real property described in this action; such unknown persons being herein generally described and intended to be included in the following designation, namely: the wife, widow, husband, widower, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees of such deceased, any and all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real property by, through or under them, or either of them, and their respective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors and assigns, all of whom and whose names, except as stated, are unknown to plaintiff, SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, s/h/s UNITED STATES OF AMERICA; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE;

“JOHN DOE #1” through “JOHN DOE #12,” the last twelve names being fictitious and unknown to plaintiff, the persons or parties intended being the tenants, occupants, persons or corporations, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the premises, described in the complaint, Plaintiff designates NASSAU as the place of trial situs of the real property

SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS

Mortgaged Premises: 2668 ROSEBUD AVENUE, MERRICK, NY 11566

SBL: Section: 62, Block: 8, Lot: 20 & 21

Servicer: PHH Mortgage Corporation

Servicer Telephone: (866) 799-7724 Defendants.

To the above named Defendants

YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in the above entitled action and to serve a copy of your Answer on the plaintiff’s attorney within twenty (20) days of the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service, or within thirty (30) days after service of the same

Herald neigHbors

ESports receives gaming PCs through grant

After being one of 25 schools nation wide out of 4,000 applicants awarded a grant, the John F. Kennedy High School Esports Team, in the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District, worked with representatives from AMD Processors and Generation eSports to build six highend gaming computers on Nov. 16.

Generation Esports runs the High School Esports League, the online league that Kennedy and other district eSports clubs play League of Legends, Rocket League, Valorant, and other games in. Esports, or competitive online video games, are a fast-growing industry, with college scholarships and corporate spon sorships for top players with the potential to play in professional leagues.

“Years from now, being on your school’s Rocket League or Valorant team will be considered as legit as being on the lacrosse or football team. This grant is a major step forward for making Esports a major part of JFK student life,” said Math

teAM MeMbers

richie Ippoliti, Tristan Bissoondial and Dylan Hovel. Because the team was one of 25 schools nation wide out of 4,000 applicants to receive a grant, the team built six high end gaming computers last month. A local DJ and gamer Gerard Williams, stopped by the school to engage with stu dents.

Chairperson David Prince.

Prince procured the grant and partici pated in an online interview during the final round, along with student team cap tain Richie Ippoliti.

“Leadership is about accountability and getting everyone on the same page,” he said. “It makes you feel better about yourself once you’ve done that,” Ippoliti said during the build.

The equipment is worth approximately $30,000 will be used in gaming competi tion by the nearly 50 students in the club. The club is advised by James Alford.

Local hot 97 DJ and online influencer, Hip Hop Gamer Gerard Williams, also popped in to engage with students. He works with AMD Processors as a brand ambassador.

“I’m loving the energy in here,” he said as he greeted each student. “You all are doing amazing things here.

Jordan Vallone

Public Notices

is complete where service is made in any manner other than by personal delivery within the State.

The United States of America, if designated as a defendant in this action, may answer or appear within sixty (60) days of service. Your failure to appear or to answer will result in a judgment against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. In the event that a deficiency balance remains from the sale proceeds, a judgment may be entered against you.

NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF

SOUGHT

THE OBJECT of the above

caption action is to foreclose a Mortgage to secure the sum of $327,000.00 and interest, recorded on June 20, 2014, in Liber M 39754 at Page 677, of the Public Records of NASSAU County, New York., covering premises known as 2668 ROSEBUD AVENUE, MERRICK, NY 11566.

The relief sought in the within action is a final judgment directing the sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the Mortgage described above.

NASSAU County is designated as the place of trial because the real

property affected by this action is located in said county.

NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home.

Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect

your property. Sending a payment to the mortgage company will not stop the foreclosure action.

YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT.

Dated:October 28, 2022 ROBERTSON, ANSCHUTZ, SCHNEID, CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC Attorney for Plaintiff Nadine D. Smith, Esq. 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310 Westbury, NY 11590 516-280-7675 135493

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A deck becomes a nightmare

Q. We bought a house with a deck and didn’t know it never had a permit until we went to make a home office out of the garage. We then learned that the deck posts are resting on the patio, with no footings in the ground, so the deck won’t pass an inspec tion. The problem is that we got estimates for the con crete posts, 3 feet deep in the ground, and it’s going to be a lot more than we expected, like $12,000. We decided to take the deck down instead, but then we saw that the crumbled concrete steps underneath have to be replaced. Between demolition costs and new back steps, we feel stuck. Any alternative ideas would be greatly appreciated.

A. Once again, an avoidable problem created by someone not investi gating the right way, before building, then pass ing the problem on to an innocent buyer. An engi neer’s building report before buying might have caught this problem, but like many other instances, the problem is pushed off because it seemed like a minor reason to not buy the house.

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

8 Acorn Rd, BA, 5 BR, 3 Bth Front to

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ARE YOU BEHIND $10k OR MORE ON YOUR TAXES? Stop wage & bank levies,

Ask The Architect

Monte Leeper

The building code requires the support posts extend into the ground in your region at least 3 feet deep, so the post bottoms are below the front line. This is to avoid uplift that causes damage when the ground is frozen in the colder months. Ice crystals form that crowd out the posts and force them upward. Resting on a patio, not only is the deck moving up and down with the slab, but it has no safe anchorage to resist high winds from ripping it to pieces. So now you need an anchorage manage ment class before you get too upset.

A publication on barn-building for the farming industry, mostly in the American Midwest, often publishes techniques with many cost-saving engi neering diagrams and discussions about using treated wood posts, coated or uncoated, extending into the ground and resting on thick rubber disks down below the 3- to 4-foot-deep frost line. The discs come in sizes from 12 inches to 36 inches in diame ter, to spread the loads, which must be calculated to select the correct-sized column base footing pad.

The same requirement of flared-out spread is required in the building code for concrete posts and must be calculated, no guessing or shortcuts allowed, and there actually are code tables outlin ing the minimum required spread size of column bases. This technique, without concrete, was devel oped to save money and time. If you can imagine the constant stresses and strains the wind and earth can impose on a freestanding barn in a Midwest blizzard, you can imagine that the person who came up with this idea must have been out standing in their field.

Since you will need plans for the deck to show this money-saving solution, hire a licensed profes sional who will review the code, the right method and save you much more than the cost of their ser vice. You can already see what guessing led to. Good luck!

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

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OpINIONS

The challenges for the Long Island Four

Once upon a time, there was a group known as the Long Island Nine. They were the nine Republican state sena tors who wielded enormous power in Albany. We now have a new group of seven Republican senators, but the spotlight is shifting to a new Long Island Four: the newly elected Republi can members of Congress, who will have enor mous influence due to the fact that the Republi cans in the House of Representa tives will be gov erning with such a small margin.

JERRY KREMER

The Long Island Four are Representatives Andrew Garbari no, Anthony D’Esposito, George Santos and Nick LaLota. On almost any issue where a critical vote is needed, those four must support the needs of the lead ership, and that’s where the headaches begin. Sometimes what your leadership wants could be a vote that would do enormous damage back at home. I know from personal experience as a state leg islator that bucking the leaders isn’t

easy, but you aren’t elected just to do what the bosses want.

Santos was the first of the four to make a public statement about the House’s mission in 2023. He made it clear that he was “not interested in a Congress that spent all of its time investigating the enemy,” and wanted to be a part of productive actions. Santos and his colleagues will be tested very early in the new session, when the far-right wing proposes the impeachment of President Biden and investigations into the business activities of his son Hunter.

The next test will be whether to shut down the federal government to appease a group that would like to cut back on entitlements such as Medicare and Social Security. That will be fol lowed by resolutions to strip certain Democrats of their committee assign ments to get even for last year’s actions against Congresswoman Marjorie Tay lor Greene of Georgia. I could go on, but that’s just a taste of what is likely to happen early on in their tenure.

Most Long Island voters are just like any other rational voters. They want government to work, and are generally

tired of partisan bickering. Inflation is an issue that hurts voters of all parties, and Congress must be prepared to take action that will heal our economy. Last month’s election taught Washington pol iticians that there is overwhelming sup port for a woman’s right, in consultation with her doctor, to decide whether she should have an abor tion. Women in the four local congressional dis tricts expect their voices to be heard, and that promis es to be another dilemma for the Long Island Four.

To add to these new members’ potential politi cal challenges is the fact that most of them received substantial funding from the Republican Congressional Cam paign Committee. Without that money, a couple of them might never have made it to Washington. How do you vote on an issue that hurts your district but is a priority of the party leadership? That headache reminds me of the old Tip O’Neill reminder that “all politics is local.”

Of course, there’s a positive side to being a member of the majority. With the backing of your party leaders, you can get grants for programs and proj

ects that will make the voters happy. You also get sufficient staff to be able to han dle the thousands of requests for help from your constituents. One of the cru cial things that help candidates get reelected is good constituent service. There are numerous cases of members of Congress losing their seats because they ignored the day-to-day demands of their voters.

Representing our suburban congres sional districts shapes up as an enor mous challenge. Long Island is a very informed and progressive region. There are no secrets about how our represen tatives vote on contentious issues, and bad votes will be part of the debate when they seek re-election. Local voters have many issues they care about at the federal level, and they won’t be bashful about demanding action. As one who served almost a lifetime in public office, I wish the Long Island Four the best of luck as they embark on their new chal lenge. They will need a lot more than luck to stay in office.

Jerry Kremer was a state assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. He now heads Empire Government Strat egies, a business development and legis lative strategy firm. Comments about this column? JKremer@liherald.com.

Being vulnerable, a new holiday ritual

Can we settle in and be real?

No, not everyone is having a better time than you. No, you aren’t the only one who wishes you’d passed on the second slice of coconut custard pie. Yes, we’ve said it before, but that doesn’t make it any less true: Families coming together for holi days are a movable feast of food and family history, old gripes and edgy new connections.

And, yes, the coronavirus pan demic and politi cal fractiousness will take seats at our tables this year.

Ph.D. researcher-scientist who’s a pro fessor at the Universities of Texas and Houston. She says she has studied cour age, vulnerability, shame and empathy for the past few decades. She says she is a storyteller. She has a Netflix docu mentary out, several books that hit bestseller lists and podcasts galore. She has a unique style propelled by wit and infused with intel ligence. She tells us we need to be vulnerable. She tells us that when we’re willing to be vulnerable, we connect with people in more genuine ways.

nabes. So smart, so funny and so authentic. I identified with her immedi ately when she told a story of her daughter going to a prom. Her date picks her up in his pickup truck. The girl is dazzled; the guy is strutting. All Brown can think is, “They’re going to crash.” I get that. She was willing to share that tendency to cat astrophize, which as a mother, I own.

I know it all sounds like stuff we know, but try her podcast or her Netflix doc umentary and see for your self.

ly can learn from my experience.

So, to be more vulnerable, I shared some truths with my daughter I haven’t thought to mention in 45 years. I initiat ed a few risky talks with my son. I told stories on myself to the teenage grand kids, not the usual morality tales I prof fer but the real stuff, the dumb stuff, the mistakes that I was lucky to survive. I told them I pretty much stayed within my own no-risk zone all my life, and I know I should have stepped out, and I hope I still may.

RANDI KREISS

So give your self a break. With Thanksgiving just behind us and this month’s Hanukkah/Christmas/New Year’s Eve trifecta ahead, we need to treat our selves with care. We’ve all been through a meat grinder. It’s OK if the fruitcake isn’t homemade. It’s fine if the gift-giv ing isn’t a whirlwind of gimme-gimmegimme.

To strike a vulnerable note myself, these ideas didn’t come to me just like that. Lately I have been watching and reading Brené Brown, the MSW and

“I believe that you must walk through vulnerabili ty to get to courage, there fore … embrace the suck,” Brown says. “I try to be grateful every day, and my motto right now is ‘courage over comfort.’”

Vulnerability might look like shar ing something about yourself you might tend to hold back, or telling somebody they have hurt you in some way, or stepping out of your comfort zone to try some new adventure or job or social group. Brown talks a lot about vulnerability, and how it makes us so much more approachable.

She’s an influencer who has the creds to influence, unlike so many wan

I brought all my new found wisdom (not that much) to the Thanksgiving table, and now call on myself to be vulnerable and tell you most of the truth of my own holiday experience with the whole family.

The mélange included kids, grand kids (all teens), ex-wives, new partners, airplane travel, car trips, weather, secrets, trying to squeeze 75 years of life lessons into words of wisdom for the grandkids, not because I should or because they want to hear it but because that is who I am. I need to teach, to hope that my words land in fertile ground and set roots, so my fami

This isn’t a recipe, but I noticed that when I opened up a bit with an honest personal story, so did others. Not every one, but the teenagers did let a crack of light into the mysterious interior of their adolescent lives.

It feels like a challenge with a big payoff. I’m going to keep reading Brené Brown. I’m pushing myself, and it feels right.

Try it for Hanukkah and Christmas and New Year’s. Talk to strangers at the party. Invite someone for dinner. Actu ally go to the shelter to deliver food. Find a way to find warmth after this long winter apart.

The best of times and the most chal lenging times lie in the holiday weeks ahead.

Copyright 2022 Randi Kreiss. Randi can be reached at randik3@aol.com.

A popular author suggests it, so I gave it my best shot at the family gathering.

O ur newest members of Congress must support the needs of the party leaders.

Vote ‘yes’ for cleaner, healthier classrooms

the midterms are over, but voting isn’t — especially for those who live inside the North Bellmore School District.

The answer on the Dec. 8 ballot is sim ply yes or no. The question? Should the school district bond $40 million to create clean air in classrooms that will not only have adequate heat and air-conditioning, but will also be more accessible for stu dents and teachers with disabilities.

But then again, $40 million is a lot of money, and for many, it’s a number that’s an astronomically large, unbearable bur den for taxpayers. With little commercial business to offset taxes, the brunt of this bond will be paid for by homeowners.

It can’t be ignored — and the district isn’t asking for such. Instead, school offi cials seek to help the community under stand why this much is needed. And how each and every dollar will make a differ ence in the classroom, clearing the air — quite literally — for better learning.

It’s simply the price that has to be paid to make that happen.

Every five years, the six buildings that make up the North Bellmore School Dis trict must be surveyed to assess building conditions. And since some of these very buildings are approaching the century mark, these inspections are more impor tant than ever.

North Bellmore’s surveys were com pleted in late 2020, and submitted to the state the following spring. The findings

were released to the community not long after, determining the buildings that teach kids from preschool to sixth grade needed new HVAC systems.

This is hardly a new problem. Voters had new HVAC systems on the ballot in 2008, but it was rejected. A different bond did pass in 2010, but did not include an HVAC overhaul.

Maybe heating and cooling classrooms is too much of a luxury? But it’s more than that. These systems also provide ven tilation and air filtration — something that has become even more important in what is hoped to be a post-coronavirus world.

“The priority is creating healthier buildings,” Marie Testa, the district’s superintendent, shared during a recent education board meeting. “A healthy school environment, as we know, supports learning and productivity in the class room.”

But it’s not just fresh air the $40 million will pay for. Only one school in the district — Martin Avenue — has an elevator. That means the rest of the school buildings are difficult, if not impossible, to access for anyone in North Bellmore or North Mer rick with a disability. Temporary ramps are in place in some buildings, should someone in a wheelchair need to move upstairs. But for the most part, if a stu dent, teacher, staff member or visitor is either permanently or temporarily dis abled, most of North Bellmore’s buildings

letters

O’Connell sure didn’t pull any punches

To the Editor:

Don’t you love freedom of the press? That basic right enables people like John O’Connell, former executive edi tor of the Heralds, to blatantly cast aspersions on public figures without including specific evidence to support his claims.

In his op-ed last week, “I’ll take the GOP agenda — without Trump — any day,” O’Connell refers to Hillary Clin ton as a “backstabbing, secretive, supercilious, lying, characterless cypher.” While I don’t love Hillary, I question what purpose such unsup ported name-calling achieves, except perhaps to justify why O’Connell opted to vote for Trump, despite his “unap pealing, obnoxious,” “insufferable” and “bullying” behavior.

O’Connell goes on to blast our sit ting president, vice president, trans portation secretary and governor,

do not work in their favor.

And then there’s the need to replace older playgrounds and complete other smaller, projects.

The district has done an excellent job showing how every single dollar would be used, and why it needs to be spent.

Through all the meetings, mailers, and every other way to communicate — in both English and Spanish — all avenues have been covered. There’s even a tax impact calculator on the school district’s website.

If this is the first time you’re hearing about the bond, you can’t blame the school district for not trying hard enough.

But as a voter, you know what’s at stake. Even if your children are grown and moved on — or you never had kids in the first place — your first impulse might be to vote “no” on a $40 million bond. But think about the children, the teachers, the staff members. A good education without distraction of how well everyone is breathing, or how they are going to get from one class to the next benefits all of us.

And those benefits aren’t free.

So, go out and vote on Thursday, Dec. 8, at Newbridge Road School. Polls are open anytime between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. And when you fill in that circle, do it next to “yes.”

By doing so, you’re voting “yes” for the health and well-being of our children. And you’re voting “yes” for the future.

‘Energy efficient’ may become a contradiction in terms

Hearings are getting under way on a proposal to socialize energy on Long Island. It would make the Long Island Power Authori ty the region’s sole entity responsible for keeping our lights on. Its structure would replicate virtually every government agency, bureau or department that you have cursed as inept, incompetent or indifferent.

The hearings, by a special com mission, are the result of legisla tion signed into law by Gov. Kathy Hochul. It directs the review of a plan to convert the existing public-pri vate partnership that manages our electrical grid to one that would, in essence, make the governor ultimately responsible for its operation and mainte nance.

To set the stage for these hearings, you need to understand that LIPA currently owns most of the Long Island electrical grid, including the bulk of our power plants. It has an incentive contract with PSEG Long Island, which actually runs the system. If PSEG does well and hits certain performance criteria, it is finan cially compensated. If it fails, it will take a financial bath. This is the essence of

why capitalism is always better, and why it provides for more-efficient creation and distribution of goods and services than any government-controlled or socialized economy.

What is instructive about this forced march to complete govern ment control is that these hearings were mandated by law to be held by the end of September, but are just beginning now. The govern ment commission couldn’t even get its act together to hold them on time. Good thing it isn’t responsible for directing our electrical future.

Oh, wait. It is.

James Hanley, a fellow with the Empire Center for Public Policy, is a seasoned observer of Albany’s political stinkpot. “It’s hard to predict what will come of this proposal,” Hanley has written. “Public power (left wing) advocates clearly want to eliminate any role for a private utility in operating LIPA’s grid. They don’t have any evidence that LIPA could improve upon PSEG’s management; they seem to think the word `public’ is a magical incantation that will make everything better.”

In truth, it makes everything worse. An example? Which delivery service is more reliable, the government controlled U.S. mail, or the privately owned Federal Express? The answer is obvious.

Letters

among others, again without a logical explanation. He cites the GOP agenda, familiar to most of us. However, he does not mention the many Americans who suffer from a housing shortage, food insecurity, climate change, or a lack of adequate gun control. He also exhibits no concern for the recent increase in racist, antisemitic and homophobic violence against fellow human beings. Will these people merely be casualties of war as the GOP tries to stifle the voic es of its opposition? Surely a nation as great as ours must be able to find a way to achieve compromise so that the needs and safety of so many of its citizens are not ignored.

PAm SInGER Malverne

Trump’s ‘great’ accomplishments?

To the Editor:

John O’Connell asserted in his nov.

24-30 column that he doesn’t like Donald Trump, but that the former president accomplished “great things.”

What in the world would those “great things” be?

His disrespect for the country’s courts and its diplomatic and intelli gence services? His refusal to accept the results of an election? Deepening politi cal divisions and encouraging racial bigotry?

O’Connell’s column derides potential Democratic candidates for president and vice president, but omits any men tion of the many GOP members of Con gress who have gone along with Trump’s lies about a rigged election. n or is there any mention of Trump’s attempt to defy the will of American voters by backing a coup.

O’Connell even claims there is a “GOP agenda.” And what would that be? more stunts such as votes to end Obam acare?

Hanley has identified the ideological underpinnings of this power grab. It has little to do with the efficiency, innovation and accountability demanded of PSEG Long Island under a strict don’t-screw-up contract with LIPA. Rather, it is about a progressive agenda of grow ing government whenever it can, assuming authority over infrastructure that it has no competence running and operating costs it has no interest in cutting.

What makes this power play particularly toxic is that LIPA had been tasked with running the grid before. It failed, miserably, when Superstorm Sandy came ashore a decade ago. As a result, then Gov. Andrew Cuomo required LIPA to engage private industry in running the grid, and to use financial incentives and penalties that are employed in the real world. Hav ing had such a raving success with cash less bail, today’s progressive powerbro kers seem quite content to ignore those lessons, and now seek the keys to the power grid.

How would that work? For starters, the people currently working for PSEG would probably be asked to transfer their skills and expertise to LIPA, a government enti ty. As LIPA employees, they would be given salaries, benefits and pensions that you and I would pay for. The LIPA man

agement structure would balloon with executives making six-figure salaries. There would be no financial incentives for any of them to work smarter, better, more efficiently.

Compare that with a recent J.D. Power survey that found dissatisfaction with PSEG Long Island among businesses on the Island. That could mean a financial hit for the utility management company, because its compensation is directly tied to customer opinions of its performance. Were LIPA in charge, and faced with such a report, its response would undoubtedly be “Feh,” for there would be no account ability under a socialized structure. That would be good news for those who feast on political patronage, because one suspects someone’s brother-in-law would be in charge of consumer complaints.

We can assume that it will be Hochul’s decision as to whether Long Island’s power goes progressive. She needs to, but probably doesn’t, appreciate, or care, that if that’s the future of LIPA, her office number will be on speed dial for 2.7 mil lion Long Islanders the next time a hurri cane takes down the grid. And if last month’s elections proved anything, it’s that those LIPA customers vote.

Ronald J. Rosenberg has been an attorney for 42 years, concentrating in commercial litigation and transactions, and real estate, municipal, zoning and land use law. He founded the Garden City law firm Rosen berg Calica & Birney in 1999.

Framework by Fatima Lasso

Centre

LARRy mcCOy Rockville

In a season of crowded stadiums, a moment to appreciate where it all began — Rome

i n Albany, a potential plan to gut the public-private management of our electricity.

ronaLd J. rosenBerG

Find a doctor today at mountsinai.org/southnassau