Merrick Herald 12-08-2022

Dancing away for Janie’s Fund

Page 3

Chamber spreads holiday cheer Page 4

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Grace Reform is ‘blessed’ with new playground

By JoRDAN VAlloNE jvallone@liherald.com

When Ian Conlon was pre paring to do his Eagle Scout project, he thought long and hard about whom he’d like it to benefit.

After toying with some ideas, the 17-year-old North Merrick resident settled on the Grace Reform Baptist Church, where he’d attended preschool many years ago.

Conlon has been a member of the Merrick-based Troop 351 since he was 12, but he wasn’t always a Boy Scout. He joined a

bit later than most boys, he said, because his older brother, Erik, was involved, and he saw the impact the troop’s work had on the community. Erik is an Eagle Scout himself, having earned the rank in 2020.

“I did go to preschool there,” Conlon told the Herald last week, after a short ceremony at Grace Reform, “but afterwards, I didn’t really come here much. I would come sometimes, just to see the teachers. But I want ed to come back and help them out.”

The church’s preschool is no Continued on page 6

Understanding HIV’s impact on LGBTQ community

By JoRDAN VAlloNE jvallone@liherald.com

December is HIV/AIDS

Awareness Month, and Pride For Youth, a local organization that is affiliated with the Long Island Crisis Center in Bellmore, is doing what it can to educate peo ple in vulnerable communities about the disease, and to operate as a safe haven and outreach cen ter that can get people who are affected by it the support and health care they need.

The Centers for Disease Con trol and Prevention first report ed cases of the human immuno deficiency virus, HIV, in June 1981. The virus damages the

immune system and interferes with the body’s ability to fight infection and disease. If left undetected or untreated, it causes acquired immunodefi ciency syndrome, or AIDS.

Today, health care organiza tions like the CDC know a lot more about HIV, how it is spread, and its progression once it is contracted. Since the virus was first detected, over 80 million people have been infected, and 40 million have died.

While the virus can be treat ed, and people with it can live long and healthy lives, groups like PFY strive to make sure peo ple know if they are at risk. The organization, which also has a

home base in Bellmore, provides access to testing and educational tools not just in December, but all year long.

“Primarily, we are funded through the AIDS Institute,” Tawni Engel, associate director of the Long Island Crisis Center, said, referring to the agency of the New York State Department of Health. “Year round, we’re always doing HIV testing and prevention.

“A lot of our programs actual ly are focused around educating the community on these things,” Engel said, “because statistically we do see a lot of members of the LGBTQ community at risk for HIV.”

The CDC says that while all Americans are affected by the HIV epidemic, certain popula tions account for the largest number of infections, including gay and bisexual men, injection drug users, and transgender individuals. Ethnically, AfricanAmericans and Latinos are at greater risk than other groups of people.

PFY offers a lot to the LGBTQ community, including social groups, counseling, and events throughout the year. Engel said that while those activities are part of the group’s mission, teaching those at risk how to be responsible and to take charge of their health is the overarch ing goal.

Jordan Vallone/Herald

ThE GRACE REFoRM Baptist Church thanked Ian Conlon for his hard work at a ceremony last week. Conlon, center, with, from left, the Rev. Douglas Totter; Deacon Dan Totter; Ian’s father, Michael Conlon; his mother, Annika; and the Rev. Robert Karson.

PFY a safe space for vulnerable populations

On Dec. 1, which was World AIDS Day, PFY hosted a Ruby Red Ball for members of the LGBTQ community ages 18 and older, at the group’s Bellmore location. It’s a fun event with a drag competition, raf fles and more. But, Engel added, “At the end of the day, it’s an HIV testing event for prevention and education. We try to make it fun and engaging, but also educational.”

Lauren McCarthy, PFY’s assistant director of preven tion services, said that along with HIV, testing for syphilis and hepatitis C is also offered at the organization’s clinic. “There’s a couple ways people can connect with us,” McCar thy explained. “We pretty much have LGBTQ focus groups every day of the week, for different demographics and ages. People can come to social groups, and then we provide sexual health education.

“Either folks come to us in that social setting, or they can come to for individual services,” she added.

Rapid testing is available Monday through Friday, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Peo ple can walk in for a test, McCarthy said, or schedule one ahead of time by calling PFY at (516) 679-9000. All screenings for those under 30 are free.

Depending on what someone is being

tested for, McCarthy said, results are generated in 15 to 20 minutes. If any test comes back positive, PFY immediately helps that person connect with a medical provider for treatment. A positive HIV result requires a test of confirmation.

“Once we get any con firmed results, we immediately link them into our case management program, where a case manager will work one on one with that person to coordinate care with our providers that we have connections with,” McCarthy said. “It’s a pretty wellrounded service where we’re making sure people do get to those appointments for treatment and care.”

Despite the fact that PFY is an LGBTQ nonprofit, anyone who feels they need a test can go to its clinics. And in addition to testing, PFY also educates those at risk on the use of PrEP and PEP — medica tions that provide an extra layer of pro

tection before or after sexual activity.

While to some, the AIDS epidemic may seem largely a thing of the past, it’s not, according to the State Department of Health’s Division of Epidemiology. Each year on Nov. 30, the division releases an HIV/AIDS Surveillance Report from the previous year.

The number of new HIV cases in the state has dropped by almost 50 percent in the past decade, according to the report.

During the coronavirus pandemic, howev er, case numbers slowly began to rise, and are up 17 percent on Long Island.

The data shows that testing, interven tion and education are still crucially important in vulnerable populations.

“Long Island can seem like such a small place, but yet some folks might not even realize what is going on,” McCarthy said. “We’re here, and we’re here to serve the community.”

Courtesy Pride For Youth

Pride For Youth, a LGBTQ nonprofit based in Bellmore, hosts an annual Ruby Red Ball, an event focused on HIV/AIDS Awareness. As an educational and advocacy center, PFY educates and provides test ing to vulnerable populations all year long.

Hitting the JAM Dance floor for Janie’s Fund

Local dancers join several other studios to raise over

JAM Dance Studio, which has been serving the Bellmore-Merrick community for 17 years, recently participated in a fundraiser for Ste ven Tyler’s foundation, Janie’s Fund.

Tyler, the front man of well known rock band Aeros mith, founded Janie’s Fund, to bring aware ness to the issue of abuse and neglect of young women and chil dren, and raise funds to ensure that all girls receive the support and services they need to overcome the trauma and pain associated with abuse.

Michele Cuccaro, coowner of JAM Dance, said the studio was invited to participate in the fundraiser, along with six other dance stu dios across the country, by the Star Dance Alli ance.

Last month, dancers between the ages of 5 and 17 took part in the festivities for four hours on a Satur day evening at the studio, which included a glow in the dark dance party with a DJs Jessica Senra and Patti Popolizio.

JAM’s master dancers teachers, Criscia Long, Tiffany Castillo and Marcus Jackson, led the fun and challenging dance class. Dancers won prizes, scholarships and mer chandise from brands including Pas try, Champion Dancewear and the Star Dance Alliance.

Together, the participating stu dios raised over $160,000.

“We are so proud of our dancers who participated for such an incred ible cause,” Cuccaro said. “Dancers received their own link to share with family and friends to raise this money for the organization.”

The top earners were Hayley Ivey, Samantha Fahey, Guiliana Ribertone and Abbey Rothschild. Christin’s Creations donated the balloons for the event and Chick-FilA provided 150 meals.

Cuccaro, who coowns the studio with Gina Petitto and Lori Fortier, said JAM Dance was the recipient of the 2022 Heart Of A Cham pion Award, and was very proud of its efforts and contributions in the local community and the dance industry for 30 years.

The dancers also put together holiday boxes for the United States Army, and the extended their thanks to the stu dents and teachers at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton for making the cards that were sent to the soldiers overseas with the boxes.

JAM Dance Studio, which is located at 227 Bedford Ave., Bellmore has classes for dancers ages one and older. Cuccaro said people can still register for classes, and that the stu dio offers both recreational and competitive classes, as well as birth day parties.

For more, email forjamdancers@ gmail.com, or call the studio at (516) 781-5090.

— Jordan Vallone

Tim Baker/Herald photos

JAM DAnce StuDio in Bellmore participated in a fundraiser the brought in over $100,000 for Janie’s Fund, a foundation created by Aerosmith front man Steven Tyler.

We are so proud of our dancers who participated for such an incredible cause.

Michele cuccAro Co-owner

JAM Dance Studio

DAncerS rAnging in age from 5 to 17 participated in a four-hour long dance class last month for the charity.

the StuDio receiveD 150 free meals from Chick-Fil-A for the dancers.

on sAturDAy, the Ayo family met Santa Claus at a meet up at the Merrick Golf Course, also hosted by the

Chamber of Commerce spreads some holiday cheer

The Merrick Chamber of Com merce kicked off the holiday sea son with two separate events last weekend that the community looks forward to every year.

On Saturday, families were invited to meet Santa Claus, and although the event almost always takes place outdoors at the Merrick Gazebo on Broadcast Plaza by the Merrick Long Island Railroad Station, due to heavy rain and winds, it was moved inside, and instead took place at the Merrick Golf Course Clubhouse.

Santa arrived on fire truck — much to the excitement of children and families — and free candy and hot chocolate were served throughout the morning.

On Sunday, the Chamber’s giant meno rah and Christmas tree were lit at the

small town square adjacent to the Mer rick gazebo. In attendance were some local religious leaders, politicians includ ing Town Councilman Christ Carini, Town Clerk Kate Murray, Assemblyman Dave McDonough, and Legislators Steve Rhoads and Tom McKevitt, chamber members, and of course, the community. They were entertained by some perfor mances throughout the ceremony.

Afterwards, refreshments were also served.

“Merrick is feeling the holidays,” Cari ni wrote on Facebook. “(It was) a beauti ful night for the annual Merrick menorah and Christmas tree lighting. Hot choco late, cookies and a visit by Santa himself brought smiles to the children’s faces — great job by the Chamber.”

Courtesy Town Councilman Chris Carini AssemblymAn DAve mcDonough, board members from the Merrick Chamber, Town Councilman Chris Carini, Town Clerk Kate Murray, and Legislator Steve Rhoads, with every one’s favorite man-in-red.

Merrick Chamber,

Courtesy Lori Berger

Herald ScHoolS

Students in Michelle Biancardo’s Tech 8 Arduino class at Grand Avenue Middle School, in the Bellmore-Merrick Central School District, digitally designed fidget spinners prior to 3D printing them.

“Tinkercad is a computer-aided design (CAD) program enabling students to design, modify, and print 3D objects, experiment with circuits, or learn to code using blocks,” Biancardo explai.

While student Jeremy Dang devised a base for students to model, others became

creative with designs like cats, flowers, hexagons and more.

On Nov. 22, students worked on print ing last minute touches and assembly of their spinners.

“Constraints included the diameter of the ball bearing and other technical skills to shape and align the spinner parts,” she added.

The results were a spinning success.

— Jordan Vallone

Photos courtesy Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District

Leah PePitone, MicheLLe Biancardo, Ed Sullivan, Adrian Kulak, Zian Yang, Daniel Shepelsky and Eric Traynhan, above, worked on the tech driven initiative.

StudentS in MicheLLe Biancardo’s Tech 8 Arduino class at Grand Avenue Middle School, left, digitally designed fidget spinners prior to 3D printing them.

Eagle Scout project sees renovations through

longer open, Conlon said, and instead the school is now a K-through-12 facility. He contacted the church nearly two years ago, and through communications with one of its deacons, Dan Totter, he learned that the school really needed a new play ground, because the old one had fallen into disrepair.

“The slide was all boarded up. There were pieces of stone from the spring hors es coming out of the ground,” Conlon recalled. “It was not very safe, and it was definitely great to fix it up and make it look better.”

A project of such size comes with costs, and Conlon raised funds through a car wash, and also received a lot of money from donations and supporters of the church. And despite the time it took to get the project in motion, the work was completed relatively fast. The ground was broken to completely redo the outdoor space in September, and it officially reopened on Oct. 6.

“What we started initially was just tak ing some things out of the playground, and putting in new benches and doing new fences, but then it completely evolved into what it is now,” Conlon said. “It defi nitely made the scope of the work a lot larger.”

His project also inspired the church to install a new synthetic-turf field next to the playground. “I was not part of the field,” he said, “but it was completely not there before the project started. I think once the Eagle project idea was brought to the church, parents were interested in adding more — I’m really glad that I inspired that.”

At last week’s ceremony Totter said it was no exaggeration how much work needed to be done on the playground. “Fencing was falling apart, bushes were overgrown and blocking the line of sight — there were a lot of things to address, and Ian tackled all of them,” Totter said.

From coming up with an idea to orga nizing money and volunteers, and balanc ing his own schedule with the church’s, Totter said it was a tremendous amount of work. “They came here and they worked on it,” he added. “And it ended up being beyond what we initially imag ined.”

One of the church’s pastors, the Rev. Robert Karson, described the project as a blessing. “To see all the help that you and all your friends and family contributed to it, it was a pleasure,” he said at the cere

mony “and we’re so blessed to have what you’ve done here.”

Conlon’s mother, Annika Conlon, said the church was there for her son through out the project. “It was even more gratify ing to be with (everyone) that gave so much,” she said of those at the church who helped out. “(They) were always there when we needed (them). We’re so thankful and grateful.”

Even though the playground was com pletely redone, it will retain one element — a sign that says “Kaitlyn’s Castle.” Kai tlyn was a little girl who attended the school and died many years ago, Conlon said, “so the church named the play ground in her memory.” The sign was temporarily removed to be repainted, but will be put back very soon.

“Dan (Totter) and everyone else at the church were nothing but extremely help ful and truly dependable — dropping whatever they could to come help us whenever we needed anything,” Conlon said at the end of the ceremony. “I couldn’t thank you guys enough.”

Conlon is not officially an Eagle Scout yet, because his project needs to undergo a review process. The review time for projects can vary, and he’ll likely get offi cial word sometime next year.

To see Conlon’s renovations in person, stop by the church at 36 Smith Street in Merrick.

Photos courtesy Ian Conlon

Ian’s Conlon EaglE Scout project was long planned at Grace Reform Baptist Church. Work on the playground began in September, and it reopened in early October. Conlon, in uniform at rear, oversaw some of the work being done.

thE rEfurbIshEd playground is now much safer, according to the church. Conlon’s project encompassed everything from new fencing to the replacement of equipment.

Clavin, Khzouz, Richner honored at gala

Money raised will help Nassau Community College feed the hungry

By ANDRE SILVA asilva@liherald.com

It was a night to remember, and a night to recognize the people and businesses that help make Nassau Community College what it is.

It was the annual gala of the Nassau Community College Foundation, taking place not far from the campus at the Cra dle of Aviation Museum in Garden City.

Among those honored were Hemp stead town supervisor Don Clavin, NICE Bus chief executive Jack Khzouz, NCC administrator Charmian Smith, and Richner Communications, the parent company of Herald Commu nity Newspa pers.

Adorned in their best suits, ties and dresses, guests were immediately offered cham pagne and given a chance to pose for photos in front of a red carpet display. From there, it was a tour of the model planes and his toric aviation displays before being invited to sit at their respective tables in the main dining room.

ChARmIAN SmITh interim VP, academic student services, NCC

Leading the night off was Donna Drake of her self-titled inspirational tele vision show introducing guests like Joy Dedonato, an NCC alum, and executive director of the NCC Foundation.

“I’ll never forget the people I met and the values I learned at Nassau Communi ty College,” Dedonato said. “This place taught me to hit the wall, where you can not go further, and then go further any way.”

NCC president Maria Conzatti then introduced the honorees, selected for their support. Like Clavin and Richner Communications, both of which publi cize important notices to students, while also providing advertising and market ing.

Clavin, in fact, is a staunch supporter of the college, Conzatti said, thanking him for what he has done as an elected official. Like helping to organize The Nest at NCC — a non-profit organization that aims to alleviate hunger for stu dents, employees and their families.

“Some people say it takes a village to raise a child,” Conzatti said. “And were proud that this village raised so many students who come back to support our college.”

Baldwin’s Charmian Smith is NCC’s interim vice president of academic stu dent services, telling the crowd she was honored to know her colleagues recog nized her in such a way.

“This gala helps to bring us all togeth

er after the years of the Covid-19 pan demic,” she said. “It’s a great time to cel ebrate each other, our accomplishments, the community, and our families.”

Clavin is an NCC alum, and has count ed some of the professors there as actual members of his family.

“So many of my friends started their lives at this institution,” the town super visor said. “To be recognized is just hum bling.”

Stuart Richner talked about the importance of providing well-rounded learning experiences.

“Educating young adults takes a team of professionals and advisers, which we understand,” the Herald Community

Newspapers publisher said. “Here at Richner, we work as a team to pro vide hyperlocal news to our commu nities.”

Khzouz described his being hon ored by the foundation “amazing.” NICE Bus employs more than 1,000 people, transporting more than 70,000 each day in 450 vehicles. That’s more than a million miles a month.

“We have a mission, which we live every day,” Khzouz said. “That mission is to make sure our bus services are an asset to Nassau County institutions and its citizens.”

And now NICE is celebrating 10 years

in Nassau County.

“We use large complex vehicles to drive through Nassau County and Queens at peak rush hour with impatient New Yorkers. What could go wrong?”

Khzouz joked. “Yet, we prevail anyway.”

Proceeds from the gala will help The Nest at NCC food pantry. To make a dona tion, too, visit tinyurl.com/GiveNCC.

Tim Baker/Herald photos

ThE NASSAu CommuNITy College Foundation honored Hempstead town supervisor Don Clavin, NICE Bus chief executive Jack Khzouz, NCC administrator Charmian Smith, and Richner Communications, parent company of Herald Community Newspapers, during a fundraising gala last week.

mARIA CoNzATTI, pRESIDENT of Nassau Community College, honored Baldwin’s Charmian Smith during the Nassau Community College Foundation Gala last week.

SuppoRTERS AND INVITED guests gathered to celebrate four honorees at the Nassau Community College Foundation’s annual gala last week at the Cradle of Aviation Museum.

It’s a great time to celebrate each other, our accomplishments, the community, and our families.

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Homemakers donate socks to veterans

By DANIEL OFFNER doffner@liherald.com

Some residents of Merrick joined the Rockville Cen tre Homemakers to pitch in and help donate much-need ed socks, and personalized cards to veterans. As the win ter weather arrives, the group does what they can to give back and help members of the military get a much need ed, and not-to-be-forgotten item of clothing.

This year, the group donated 250 pairs of socks — 200 for the men and 50 for the women in the armed services — and a quilt, which was decorated in Stars and Stripes.

“The Rockville Centre homemakers want to make sure that the men and women (in the military) know that their service has not been forgotten,” the club’s co-presi dent Mary Ann Grandazza said. “The white socks are wrapped in red white and blue ribbon with an attached note that states thank you for your service, the holiday cards all read, ‘Thank you for your service.’”

The organization is composed of about 60 women from ages 50 to 97 regularly meet to share and enjoy vari ous skills and activities.

The club, which is currently celebrating 105 years in Nassau County, has been giving back to local veterans for more than the last decade.

“We just want to give back the best way we can, and know that we can make a difference,” Grandazza said. “A kind gesture goes a long way.”

All of the socks are purchased at the Sock Factory in Garden City and are decorated in red, white and blue rib bon with a homemade tag thanking them for their ser vice. The socks are then packaged and donated to the American Legion Post No. 303 in Rockville Centre, which helps deliver them to the Nassau County Veterans Ser vice Agency.

“They do a great job,” American Legion Post Com mander Frank Colón said. “They’re a nice bunch of ladies and they appreciate helping out.”

In past years these socks were distributed to veterans at the Northport VA Medical Center, the A. Holly Patter son Extended Care Facility in Uniondale, and to troops overseas.

The RVC Homemakers have done a great deal for the community over the years, including their support to Catholic Health’s Mercy Medical Center, South Nassau

Communities Hospital and other local organizations, which they have helped by making pillows for breast can cer patients, hats for premature babies, blankets for can cer patients, and red scarves for heart patients.

Colón said that they also help out with the “Stand Down for Homeless Veterans” event every year at the Armory in Freeport.

“They always want to help out the veterans,” Colón said. “We truly appreciate them and think it’s great what they’re doing.”

Courtesy RVC Homemakers

FRANk COLóN, RVC Homemakers’ Betty Iaconetti of North Merrick, Karen Alterson of Oceanside, Anna Biamonte of Merrick, Laura Schuler of Rockville Centre, Patty Gaffney of Oceanside, Mary Ann Grandazza of Rockville Centre, and Legion member Pete Kaiser, as they donate socks and personalized cards to veterans.

S H O P L O C A L

CELLAR AMERICAN MODERN

STEPPING OUT

arrives on local stages

The festive tradition continues to delight

By Karen Bloom

Neil deGrasse Tyson

How real is what you’re seeing up on the big screen? Astrophysicistlecturer Neil deGrasse Tyson knows and he’ll clue us in, separating fact from fiction — in a new installment of ‘An Astrophysicist Goes to the Movies: The Sequel.’ Derived from yet another set of 30 films/television shows that range from ‘The Wizard of Oz’ to ‘Mary Poppins’ to ‘Game of Thrones’ to ‘Harry Potter’ to ‘The Lion King,’ this lecture is an entertaining and enlightening review of all the science that our favorite entertainment got wrong, combined with some of the stuff they got right. This lecture also incorporates the latest films as well as some classics that you may not have known had any science in them at all.

Friday, Dec. 9, 8 p.m. $250 (VIP), $100, $75, $50. $250 VIP ticket includes a post-show Q&A. Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, LIU Post, Route 25A, Brookville. (516) 299-3100, or TillesCenter.org.

New York

offers its 40th season of the holiday classic, presented in the style of the legendary George Balanchine, on the John Cranford Adams Playhouse stage at Hofstra University.

The dance theatre closely follows the Balanchine tradition — from storyline through choreography, as well as sets and costumes. It is the largest production on Long Island, according to new artistic director, — and dance theatre alum Nicole Loizides Albruzzese.

The dance theatre’s version keeps to the tone set by company founder Frank Ohman, which remains true to the spirit of New York City Ballet’s Lincoln Center production. As a former student and New York City Ballet soloist under George Balanchine, Ohman was one of a select few authorized to use the original pas de deux choreography of his mentor, which continues to distinguish this production.

Through the years, Ohman created original dances and scenes to enhance Balanchine’s iconic vision. Now Albruzzese — who was a student at the dance theatre’s Ohman School of Ballet under Ohman and performed most of the children’s roles in “The Nutcracker” during her time there — returns as a professional dancer in the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy before her international dance career, follows in her mentor’s footsteps in keeping to the Balanchine standard.

Special guest artists New York City Ballet principal dancers Indiana Woodward and Daniel Ulbricht take on the roles of Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier, joining a cast of Ohman School students to bring the holiday classic to the stage.

With the elegant Christmas party scene, the battle of the toy soldiers and giant mice, the intense snow storm, and elaborate dancing in the Land of the Sweets, this “Nutcracker” is sparkling treat that maintains its enduring appeal.

Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 17-18, noon and 5 p.m. $42, $32 seniors and children 12 and younger. Hofstra University, John Cranford Adams Playouse, Hempstead. For tickets, call (631) 462-0964, or visit OhmanBallet.org.

Curry’s interpretation at Tilles Center stars New York City Ballet soloist Miriam Miller as the Sugar Plum Fairy and New York City Ballet principal Tyler Angle as her Cavalier. Also of note, Fox Weather meteorologist (and Instagram and TikTok sensation) Nick Kosir joins the cast of more than 60 students and professional dancers as Dr. Stahlbaum, Clara’s father.

The Park Avenue Chamber Symphony, under the baton of maestro David Bernard, performs Tchaikovsky’s glorious score.

“This year, I’ve taken some elements and changed them to keep the production fresh,” Curry says. “Our professional dancers, along with our incredibly talented academy students, have accepted the challenge of these new variations and character developments. I’ve enriched the production with more theatricality and many new dramatic elements.

“Having our guest artists from New York City Ballet and the wonderful Nick Kosir is like having a very sweet cherry on top of an already decadent sundae.”

Company member Briana Laman dances the role of Clara, with fellow company member Ryan Cavaline as Nutcracker Prince. For this production, Curry has reinterpreted the central first act pas de deux in the prelude to Waltz of the Snowflakes (usually danced by a Snow Queen and a Snow King) for Clara and the Nutcracker Prince.

“Having this pas de deux danced by these two characters intensifies the connection between the two,” he says. “We see the arc of their relationship and gives the opportunity for Clara’s dream to have a more poignant and personal effect on our audiences.”

Saturday, Dec. 17, 1 and 6 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 18, 2 p.m. Tickets are $89, $69, $59, $49. Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, LIU Post, Route 25A, Brookville. For tickets, call (516) 299-3100 or visit TillesCenter.org or EglevskyBallet.org.

Kenny G’s

The Miracles Holiday & Hits

Ring in the holiday season with smooth jazz saxophonist Kenny G. The crossover jazz icon has enjoyed phenomenal success across the pop, jazz and R&B charts for more than three decades. Known for his lyrical and emotive style, his music has garnered a devoted fan base and made him one of the biggest-selling instrumentalists of all-time. The sound of his sax is as iconic as his curly coif. Indeed, both are instantly recognizable. Expect an evening filled with a festive spirit and contemporary classics. A reprise of last year’s successful outing,’The Miracles Holiday & Hits Tour’ features a mix of holiday hits and fan favorites infused with his captivating and distinctive blending of genres. The tour follows the release of his 19th studio album, ‘New Standards,’ and the acclaimed HBO documentary ‘Listening to Kenny G.’

Thursday, Dec. 15, 8 p.m.

NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Road., Westbury. TheTheatreAtWestbury.com or LiveNation.com, or (516) 247-5200.

New York Dance Theatre’s ‘The Nutcracker’

Dance Theatre

Those

sugar plum fairies and various figments of a young girl’s imagination come alive this month. The beloved holiday confection never goes out of style.

Courtesy New York Dance Theatre

Photo: Clara is enchanted with her nutcracker in the party that opens the ballet.

Eglevsky Ballet’s innovative ‘The Nutcracker’ Long Island’s professional dance company is known for its inventive staging of Clara’s delightful journey, featuring additional choreography by Executive Artistic Director Maurice Brandon Curry.

Courtesy Eglevsky Ballet

Photo: The enchanting snow scene is a shimmering showstopper.

THE SCENE

Shrek The Musical

See the uplifting tale of an unlikely hero who finds himself on a life-changing journey, presented by Nassau Community College Theater Department, now through Sunday, Dec. 11, 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m. All the beloved characters you know from the film are brought to life on stage for an incredible adventure that includes a wisecracking donkey and a feisty princess who resists her rescue. Throw in a short-tempered bad guy, a cookie with an attitude and over a dozen other fairy tale misfits, and you’ve got the kind of mess that calls for a real hero. Luckily, there’s one on hand — and that’s Shrek, of course. Nassau Community College’s Mainstage Theatre, Garden City. Tickets $18; NCC students free with valid ID; $15, veterans, alumni, seniors 60+, students and NCC employees. For tickets/information, visit NCC.edu or call (516) 572-7676.

Christmas Tree of Lights celebration

Mercy Medical Center Council of Leagues invites the community to its annual Christmas Tree of Lights celebration, Tuesday, Dec. 13, 5:30 p.m. Enjoy some of your favorite holiday songs sung by Mercy’s carolers and refreshments. The festivities take place in front of the hospital, 1000 N. Village Ave., Rockville Centre. Proceeds from the event will support the Endowment for Nursing Leadership and Education at Mercy Hospital. For information visit CHSLI.org/mercy-hospital.

LI Warriors Sock Hockey Clinic

Add some skills to your sock skating game with members of the LI Warriors recreational hockey league at Long Island Children’s Museum, Saturday, Dec. 10, 10 a.m.-noon. Learn about stick handling and passing as you master wrist and slap shots on the LICM “ice” in a hockey clinic for ages 3 and up. Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or LICM.org.

Dec. 10 Jewish War Veterans Meeting

The Jewish War Veterans Post 652 meets on Thursday, Dec. 15 at 12 p.m., at Congregation Ohav Shalom, 145 S. Merrick Ave., Merrick. Lunch will be served. Enter through the side door. For additional information, call (516) 218-0316.

Bond Vote

There will be a special bond vote for North Bellmore taxpayers on Thurday Dec. 8. Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Newbridge Road School, 1601 Newbridge Road, North Bellmore. Taxpayers will vote to pass or deny a $39 million bond. Visit NorthBellmoreSchools.org for more information.

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.

Sugar Plum Ball/ Galactic Gala

Bring the kids to celebrate the season at festivities hosted by the Cerebral Palsy Association of Nassau County, Sunday, Dec.11, noon-4 p.m., at the Chateau Briand in Carle Place.

Kids ages 4-12, accompanied by their adult guest (Mom, Dad, grandparent, etc.), will enjoy

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. 8-9, 10:15 a.m.

The Dangers of Fentanyl Presentation

The Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District and the Parent Center present“One Pill Can Kill”: The Dangers of Fentanyl, Monday, Dec. 12, at 7 p.m., in the Board Room of the Brookside School, 1260 Meadowbrook Road, Merrick. The speaker will be Ron Reibl, local community member and advocate. Contact (516) 9921086 for more information.

Matinee time

Join crafty Jack Frost on a magical, musical winter adventure, in Plaza Theatrical’s production of “Jack Frost,” Saturday, Dec. 10, 11 a.m.; Sunday, Dec. 12, noon. The story, narrated by the groundhog Pardon-Me-Pete, tells 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 Showplace at Bellmore Movies, 222 Pettit Ave., Bellmore For tickets, call (516) 599-6870 or visit PlazaTheatrical.com.

Boy Scouts meet their elected official

In an effort to meet some community kids doing good work, Town Councilman Chris Carini stopped by the Bellmore Presbyterian Church last month in Bellmore to meet Boy Scout Troop 192.

Getting ready for tax season

Courtesy Town of Hempstead

During a Town of Hempstead Taxpayer Forum, Merrick residents William and Anne Dachille met with Receiver of Taxes Jeanine Driscoll at Town Hall.

Courtesy Town of Hempstead

A planetary exploration for students at Park Avenue Elementary School

Students got a full look at the Earth, and they only had to go as far as the gym nasium at Park Avenue Ele mentary School in the North Bellmore School Dis trict.

The 19-foot inflated globe, known as the Earth balloon, was set up on Nov. 28 and 29, and each class got a chance to visit to learn more about the world. Edu cators from Nassau BOCES, which presented the pro gram, explained that the images of land and water were based on actual satel lite photos.

As they circled the globe, students learned about the seven continents, the five ocean and nota ble rivers, mountains and even manmade features like the Panama Canal. Then, children were invited to the inside of the balloon to get a look at the Earth from a different perspective and explore plate tectonics.

The lessons were tailored for each grade, and topics included animal habi tats, rain forests and deserts, water con servation and the Earth’s place in the solar system. The Earth balloon program was presented in partnership with the Park Avenue PTA.

— Jordan Vallone

Photos courtesy North Bellmore School District Park avenue elementary School third graders got to go inside the 19-foot inflated Earth balloon to learn about world geography on Nov. 29.

Without even leaving their school, students were able to explore the entire world.

My mother may soon be applying for Medicaid. How does this

Thomas L. Kearns

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD

LOCAL LAW NO. 77-2022

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that, pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and the Municipal Home Rule Law of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing was duly called and held November 22nd, 2022 , by the Town Board of the Town of Hempstead on the proposed adoption of Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 77-2022, and following the close of the hearing the Town Board duly adopted Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 77-2022, amending Chapter 202 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, to include and repeal

“REGULATIONS & RESTRICTIONS” to limit parking at various locations.

Dated: November 22, 2022

Hempstead, New York

BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD

DONALD X. CLAVIN, JR. Supervisor

KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 135772

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD

LOCAL LAW NO. 78-2022

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that, pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and the Municipal Home Rule Law of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing was duly called and held November 22nd, 2022, by the Town Board of the Town of Hempstead on the proposed adoption of Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 78-2022, and following the close of the hearing the Town Board duly adopted Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 78-2022, amending Section 202-1 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, to include

and repeal “PARKING OR STANDING PROHIBITIONS” at various locations.

Dated: November 22, 2022

Hempstead, New York

BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD DONALD X. CLAVIN, JR. Supervisor KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 135786

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 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

Search for notices online at: www.newyorkpublicnotices.com

Congregation B’nai Torah celebrates Torah restoration

By MICHAEL MALASZCZYK mmalaszczyk@liherald.com

Temple B’nai Torah in Wantagh recently took a giant step forward in uni fying its diverse congregation by hosting a weekend-long spiritual Torah restora tion.

The temple, located at 2900 Jerusalem Avenue, has a long and storied history. B’nai Torah is a reform Temple that includes members from Wantagh, Sea ford, Bellmore, Merrick, East Meadow, and various other communities on Long Island.

Originally known as “Suburban Tem ple,” it became Temple B’nai Torah in 2008 when it merged with Massapequa’s Temple Judea. In 2018, B’nai Torah absorbed congregants — and a rabbi, David Bar-Nahum — from East Meadow’s Temple Emanu-El, which closed down.

From Dec. 2 to Dec. 4, the Temple cele brated two Torahs. Both are from Europe; one came from Holocaust-era Czechoslo vakia and the other came in pieces from various countries of Eastern Europe. This Torah restoration event consisted of congregants, led by a scribe, restoring the Torah by rewriting damaged Hebrew let ters, using a quill and ink.

For the Torah that was used during the Holocaust, Temple B’nai Torah’s goal is to make use of it rather than have it as an artifact from a dark time.

“Think about all the devastation from the Holocaust,” Joyce Rappaport, a con gregant from East Meadow and co-chair of the temple’s fundraising committee, said. “To think that this Torah survived, has been restored, and now will actually be in use again is incredible.”

The temple kicked off its weekend cel ebration by having its senior youth group members read from the newly restored Holocaust Torah at the Shabbat service the evening of Dec. 2. This was the first time this Torah has been read at a service since the Holocaust.

“We are having a really powerful gen eration-to-generation moment,” BarNahum said. “The next generation of our

community is now in touch with this scroll. It reminds us of the generations that perished in Europe but ultimately reminds us that, no matter how difficult things were, Judaism survived.”

On Dec. 4 the second Torah was restored in an all-day session, in addition to a brunch.

While many years have passed since three temples merged into B’nai Torah, many of the congregants still felt deep connections to their past temples. With this Torah restoration, key figures at Temple B’nai Torah felt they have taken a decisive step to making the Temple more whole and unified.

“Everybody has traditions that they’re fond of,” Bar-Nahum said. “And so I think that part of the project here is to remind us that no matter which of the different legacy communities we might have come from, this Torah belongs to all of us.”

The weekend was led by both BarNahum and Neil Yerman, a worldrenowned sofer, or Torah scribe. Some of Yerman’s past work in the area includes the restoration of Torahs at Temple Sinai of Roslyn. On Dec. 3, Yerman led a Torah study group and taught congregants the history of both of the restored scrolls.

All were welcome for Sunday’s restora tion, including non-Jewish members. “We are a very multicultural place, and every one is welcomed,” Ronni Fauci, also from East Meadow and a Fundraising co-chair, said. “My husband is not Jewish, yet he wrote in the Torah. We have congregants from many different backgrounds and no one is ever turned away from our doors.”

According to Fauci and Rappaport, nearly 200 people attended the restoration event, participated in weekend activities, and assisted in either writing letters in the Torah or helping with certain other aspects of the celebration.

“The Torah is God’s word to us,” David Bar-Nahum said. “We make a point to care for these scrolls, so that they last a long time and can endure. When we write letters in these scrolls, what we are really doing is ensuring that God’s word will last to the next generation.”

Karen Millindorf/Herald

On DEC. 4, the Temple B’Nai Torah in Wantagh hosted a Torah writing. Ronni Fauci, Rabbi Daniel Bar-Nahum, Cantor Rita Timman and Joyce Rapaport are pictured standing by the Torahs.

THE COugHLIn fAMILY, Kim, Amy and their daugthers Cammy, Lexi and Jaden, from Merrick, participated in the Torah writ ing.

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More complications from Superstorm Sandy

This unique home boasts 2,494 livable interior square feet with 4 bedrooms and 4 full bathrooms. The main floor offers a primary bedroom with ensuite, additional bedroom and full hall bathroom, bright living room with woodburning fireplace, eat-in kitchen with brick oven cooking, laundry room, den/family room with access to backyard patio and 2 car attached garage. 2 Additional bedrooms, den/office/exercise room and shared bathroom are found on the second level. There is also a full basement with utilities, storage, full bathroom, wet bar and endless possibilities. This home also boasts wood floors throughout, ample closets/storage on a 116 x 63 lot. Call for a private showing.

Q. We purchased our home with minor damage from Hurricane Sandy, and were told that because there was little or no damage, just mold in the unfin ished basement and new boiler, the house was fine, no title problems. But when we tried getting a permit for a shed, we were told we needed a permit for stormrelated repairs, including proof of our home’s value. We decided not to get the shed because of this, but we got a letter saying we still need the storm repair per mit, regardless. None of the neighbors we spoke to ever got this permit. It seems we’re being punished for being honest and trying to do the right thing. Is there a way around this problem? What if we do nothing?

A. My answer may be as confusing as your situ ation. I have seen no con sistency in this dilemma as I go from one munici pality to another, and I’ve asked why some impacted jurisdictions don’t require as much paperwork and scrutinizing as others. The answer from officials was generally that each jurisdiction made assess ments of the specific properties, and then recorded which ones were uninhabitable compared to which ones had various levels of needed repairs.

It may have been that at the time, when people were so devastated by their personal property loss es, it seemed like a bad policy to hurt homeowners further with permit requirements and lots of administrative paperwork. The concerns for peo ple’s emotions at that time have, seemingly, dimin ished. Your jurisdiction chose to notify people to submit estimates and property value statements, over a decade later, mostly when they apply for per mits for unrelated projects.

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I sat down to a Sunday-morning breakfast chat in a diner with the top elected official in your juris diction in February of 2013, four months after the storm, as a concerned citizen as well as a licensed professional and columnist. It was nice that they paid for breakfast, but I’m not sure they acknowl edged the level of problems I was seeing, from the lack of communication and enforcement with the public. I suggested that it was better to notify every one with specifics, not randomly ambush people when they applied for other things in the future, like you’re now experiencing.

I advised that everyone damaged by the storm could file basic repair letters, be contacted by block and lot numbers instead of all at once, and put the effects of the storm behind us all as quickly and painlessly as possible, but in a way that officially recorded people’s repairs in letter form and in a simple way. Building departments were extremely helpful in assisting people to get backup docu ments, and I saw an earnest effort to help the pub lic. But many homeowners ignored letters, did nothing and seem not to be affected by require ments.

Your story is an example of the result I predict ed. I wish I knew the answer. It may take another decade to figure this out. 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.

Ask The Architect

Monte Leeper

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Facing life — and death — with peace and love

John Casciani died last weekend. You don’t know him, but trust me, he wouldn’t want anyone to fuss over him. He came into this world quietly 88 years ago, and I’m sure would prefer the same exit now.

But you can’t have such a profound effect on someone’s life — to the point that you almost single-handedly changed it for the better — and expect them to experience your passing as an afterthought.

Casciani doesn’t deserve to be remem bered, but because I simply don’t know how to express my sadness that someone who touched and transformed so many lives as a teacher over the years no longer shares the same plane of existence we do.

with “peace and love” — something you always felt around him. Peace and love.

I can usually write a column like this practically in my sleep, but nothing seemed right to honor this man who did so much for everyone, yet didn’t want anyone to notice.

So, that’s what I did. I cried. Tears of sadness. Tears of happy memories. Tears of who I am. Tears of what I might have been if it weren’t for Mr. Casciani.

MICHAEL HINMAN

Writing isn’t just a profession for me. It’s how I cope. And the moment I learned of Mr. Casciani’s passing, I put pen to paper, sharing an anecdote from the very first time I met this fascinating chemistry teacher and photography club adviser from my high school days, and how he introduced me to the magical world of the darkroom.

I talked about the value of teachers, who are key to our self-discovery of who we are. I even shared Mr. Casciani’s way of making even the most mundane interest ing, like when he would wager his chemis try classes he could drink a glass of boiling water — and then actually do it.

But the moment I typed the final words of that piece, I closed the document and then dumped it in the trash. Not that Mr.

I was going through a bad time when I first met Mr. Casciani. We all remember being teenagers, and few of us can say it was easy. But Mr. Casciani truly changed my life. Not just teaching me the skills that helped me land my first newspaper job — the fact that I could devel op my own film and print my own pictures helped get me through the door of a daily newspaper when I was still in high school — but being someone who taught me it was OK to be fascinated by the world around us. That we shouldn’t be ashamed of that sense of wonder.

Yet I simply couldn’t find the words to express any of that. Outside of a few Face book interactions, I hadn’t had a direct conversation with Mr. Casciani since I graduated from high school in the early 1990s. But he would occasionally send me a note, usually asking me to help him remember some details about projects we worked on — like our school’s television program in the days when creating televi sion at the high school level wasn’t so easy to pull off — so he could reminisce.

He would sign each of those messages

But then I remembered something else Mr. Casciani taught me. Strength doesn’t come from not needing to ask for help — it comes from seeking help when you need it. Something pride inter feres with all too often.

So, I sought that strength inside of me and asked for help. Marcie Schellhammer is the assistant managing editor of the Bradford Era in north-central Pennsylvania, about 30 miles from where I grew up. She’s written so many beautiful columns about people that I cite her work to my own reporters when we need examples of the best way to honor people with our words.

I did everything I was supposed to do. I shared a favorite memory, and how what I learned from it changed my life. I shared the moment my eyes opened, and even talked about how Mr. Casciani helped mold me into the man I am now. But it still wasn’t working.

“That’s because you wrote it to write a column,” Marcie told me. “You didn’t write it with your heart. At least that’s my pro cess. I can’t write a memorial column with out crying.”

As always, Marcie was right. And the more I thought about it, the more I realized I couldn’t take the traditional approach in honoring Mr. Casciani. I can scream from the hilltops how important our educators are — and they indeed are. But the truest way to honor a man like Mr. Casciani is to put what he taught me into practice.

To admit when I’m struggling. To face it. To seek out help. And to never, ever be ashamed of it. I joke from time to time that Mr. Casciani would tell me the skills I was learning in the darkroom would be skills that would help me the rest of my life. And then, in my mid-20s, darkrooms went extinct in the shadow of digital pho tography.

But that has changed my life. I haven’t stepped inside a darkroom in about two decades, but the skills I learned there opened the doors at the beginning of my career that allowed me to sit here and write these words today. And for that, I will be forever grateful to Mr. Casciani.

We all have a Mr. Casciani in our lives. And we can never thank them enough for making the impact they did. So, if you can still thank them, please take a moment and do it now.

Peace and love.

Michael Hinman is executive editor of the Herald Community Newspapers. Com ments? Execeditor@liherald.com.

No, Gwyneth, I will not buy your face cream

In this season of marathon shopping, I started wondering why I buy what I buy. There are millions of choices when it comes to our cosmetics and cars and food and OTC meds and clothing and shoes and TV series and movies and furnishings and technology, and travel and education.

So why do I scan the shelves and pick out one sneaker among the many sports shoes for sale?

celebrity flogs a product, my avoidance mode kicks in. I love Matthew McCo naughey, but I’m not buying a Lincoln because he looks dreamy sitting behind the wheel in the TV commercials. I am not buy ing Gwyneth Paltrow’s skin cream thinking it will make me look like her.

I mean, why would I buy a Dior product because Charl ize Theron is their public face? She’s a gorgeous 8-foottall South African beauty. My life, inside this body of mine, bears no resemblance to her existence. Dior face cream will not help. I resist.

does she know about shoes or me or the value of her product? As for the Kardashi ans, well, how much time do you have? Who are they, exactly, and how many of them are in the public eye, and what is their skill set? They endorse various hair products, and I imagine their pitch is to young people, but why? They are the most famous people who are famous just for being famous.

ing crosses, and stigmata. After an outcry from religious groups, Pepsi canceled its ad.

My friends are my greatest influencers. I buy what they tell me to buy; I watch the TV that they suggest; I read the books they send my way.

I also take seriously consumer reviews from reliable websites. I have found new doctors by reading online reviews.

We think we have the power of choice, but we are bedazzled by influ encers. Psycholo gists say that we are especially moti vated by celebrity endorsements that suggest we can acquire good looks, wealth, friends and celebrity itself by buying the car that George Clooney drives or wearing the ath letic shoes that Selena Gomez wears or drinking the Coke that LeBron James, Penelope Cruz or Michelle Kwan drinks.

RANDI KREISS

I’m crazy about Reese Witherspoon and I love Crate & Barrel products, but I’m not buying a new couch because she’s their “brand ambassador.”

Various media put enormous money into advertising campaigns that feature celebrities touting their products. For me, it’s a waste of their time and money. When a

I can’t argue that celebrity endorsements don’t work, because apparently they pay off big time, or companies wouldn’t seek out famous people to push their products. I just don’t think it works for me, and I would urge others to look at their prospective pur chases in a clear-eyed way, setting aside the celebrity glam factor.

Drew Barrymore has associated herself with Crocs. What the heck? Should I buy a clutzy shoe because she tells me to? What

Epic flops and scandals have haunted the celebrity endorsement industry. Kanye West recently unraveled with his nonstop antisemitic rants. He lost Adidas, Balen ciaga, Foot Locker, Gap, and others. Michael Phelps was dropped by Kellogg’s years ago, after a photo circulated of him smoking marijuana. Today, with a net worth of some $80 million, he can boast associations with Intel, Sub way, Under Armor, Beats and Visa. The weed factor is passe.

Years back, according to E-News, Madon na landed a one-year contract as the celebri ty spokesperson for Pepsi. A two-minute family-friendly ad premiered wherein the singer revisited her eighth birthday. But the next day, Madonna’s video for “Like a Prayer” debuted. The video featured burn

I have one friend whom I love who has mysterious powers over my purchasing decisions. When we’re together, we some times shop. I find myself buying what she tells me to buy — even the outsized blouse with a geometric print that makes my eyes burn. Sometimes there’s a pricey item I don’t need, but if she tells me I need it, boom, it’s in the shopping bag. I don’t know what it is. My only defense is not to go shop ping with her too often. Because if she tells me I need the striped balloon pants in neon green, it’s circus time for me.

As we go about our Christmas and Hanukkah shopping, it might be wise to consider who is influencing our purchases. One of the oldest and longest-running celeb rity endorsements was launched by Jell-O in the early 1970s, when they hired a 37-yearold actor named Bill Cosby. Presumably JellO has wiggled onward without him.

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

I can’t argue that celebrity endorsements don’t work. Apparently they pay off big time.

W e all have a Mr. Casciani in our lives, and we can never thank them enough.

Phone: (516) 569-4000

Fax: (516) 569-4942 Web: www.liherald.com E-mail: merrickeditor@liherald.com

Roosevelt’s address to the nation, Dec. 8, 1941

Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speak er, members of the Senate, and of the House of Repre sentatives:

Yesterday, Dec. 7, 1941 — a date which will live in infamy — the United States of America was suddenly and deliber ately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.

The United States was at peace with that nation, and at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with its government and its emperor, looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific.

Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in the American island of Oahu, the Japa nese ambassador to the United States and his colleague delivered to our secre tary of state a formal reply to a recent American message. And while this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or of armed attack.

It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time, the Japanese gov

ernment has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false state ments and expressions of hope for con tinued peace.

The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. I regret to tell you that very many Ameri can lives have been lost. In addition, American ships have been reported tor pedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu.

Yesterday, the Japanese government also launched an attack against Malaya.

Last night, Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong.

Last night, Japanese forces attacked Guam.

Last night, Japanese forces attacked the Philippine islands.

Last night, the Japanese attacked Wake Island.

And this morning, the Japanese attacked Midway Island.

Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area.

The facts of yesterday and today speak for themselves. The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the impli

cations to the very life and safety of our nation.

As commander-in-chief of the Army and Navy, I have directed that all mea sures be taken for our defense. But always, will our whole nation remember the character of the onslaught against us?

No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute vic tory.

I believe that I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend our selves to the uttermost, but will make it very certain that this form of treachery shall never again endanger us.

Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory and our interests are in grave danger.

With confidence in our armed forces, with the unbounding determination of our people, we will gain the inevitable triumph, so help us God.

I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, Dec. 7, 1941, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese empire.

letters

Taking the air out of balloon releases

To the Editor: Thank you to Senior Reporter Jordan Vallone for her well-written piece, “Balloon Mission is up and away: Planning initial projects, nonprofit sets tone for future” (Bell more and Merrick Heralds, Dec. 1-7, liherald.com/merrick/stories/bal loon-mission-is-up-and-away, 152602). And bravo to Cynthia Sei bold, of North Merrick, for using the pandemic to start a nonprofit group, Balloon Mission, committed to stopping the inane practice of releasing balloons into the environ ment as a form of celebration.

Balloons are made of rubber, latex or nylon fabric, which does not break down easily — a polyure thane balloon can take up to 450 years to decompose, according to the University of Melbourne. In the wild, balloons get caught in trees and underbrush, where they are shredded by branches. Over time, they appear to disintegrate, but what is really happening is the bal loons are further breaking down

into microplastics, which then become ingrained in soil and water systems. From there, they are ingest ed by animals and marine creatures — and then by we humans at the top of the food chain.

In 2019, the Town of Southampton passed a law

banning the intentional release of balloons — with a fine of $350 or imprisonment for up to 15 days for a first offense. Subsequent offenses would receive harsher penalties. The Town of Hempstead has a similar ordinance on the books, also passed in 2019,

opinions

The red wave that wasn’t, and the crime wave that isn’t

Despite expectations, Republi cans ended up underperform ing on Nov. 8. Although Republi cans narrowly captured the House, Democrats kept the Senate and even managed to flip multiple state cham bers blue, including capturing the gover nor’s office in Arizona, of all places.

Peculiarly, however, Republicans had one of their best nights in none other than the deep-blue Demo cratic stronghold of New York. They flipped a stagger ing one-fifth of all Democratic con gressional seats here, and nearly unseated Demo cratic Gov. Kathy Hochul.

How did they pull it off? Fear of crime. While in most of the nation, inflation and preserving democracy were the top two issues, poll ing from New York City in May showed that the No. 1 issue on people’s minds was crime — and it wasn’t even close.

Leading up to the election, the Republi cans unleashed a barrage of fear-monger

ing on the good people of Nassau County. For their part, the Democrats, as usual, were yet again unable to show a spine and attack the Republican narrative. But at any rate, it seems the Republican assault on our collective psyche was successful.

There’s just one problem. There’s no actual crime wave.

It’s completely normal to be worried about crime; we all deserve to be safe in our neighborhoods. But the facts just don’t bear it out. Did you know that the num bers of murders, rapes and sexual crimes have all gone down this year compared with last, according to offi cial Nassau County Police Department data? Surpris ing, I know. And all things considered, we’re actually in one of the safest periods ever in our county.

There have been increases in crime, but they’ve been related to property, not violent crimes. And even with the increase in property crimes, it is still exceedingly rare for a Nassau resident to be a victim of such a crime. The most common crime defined as “major” this year was grand larceny. You know what

your chances of being a victim of grand larceny are? About 0.002 percent.

But I can definitely understand the claim that we all feel an air of crime here in Nassau. Blame the media: 2022 saw a spike in the media coverage of shootings in New York City that went far beyond the actual num ber of shootings.

It sickens me. You turn the page, a shooting. Anoth er page, a corpse. The third page, a guy arrested for beating his girlfriend. The media fills us with dread, all to make money. And I see how my neighbors increas ingly construct their own fortresses, replete with video cameras, dogs and floodlights, all out of fear of passersby.

This fear has serious consequences, increasing anxiety, social withdrawal, and unraveling the social fabric of neighbor hoods. This is no way to live.

At the same time, I don’t want to live in a county where we see an increasing number of desperate people turning to theft to survive. After all, if you can’t work, you go hungry, and stealing catalyt ic converters beats going hungry.

Letters

but the fine for intentional release cannot exceed $100, and there is no provision for jail time. I would like to see Hempstead pass an ordinance with stronger teeth.

As a town resident, though, I am heartened to see Hempstead working with Balloon Mission to educate the public about the myriad dangers that balloon releases present — particularly to the 17,000 acres and 180 miles of coastal waterways under the town’s jurisdiction.

Finally, each of us can play our part in helping to reduce plastics in the environment. When you see a plas tic bottle or rubber balloon on the street in your neigh borhood, pick it up and throw it away. I’m a runner. When you run and collect garbage, it’s called plogging, a Swedish fitness term. Hempstead would do well, though, to add more trash cans for recyclables at its parks, like those at the Levy Preserve in Merrick. This way, when folks are out collecting garbage, they could easily recycle plastic bottles and aluminum cans.

SCOTT A. BRINTON Merrick

Randi nailed it on air travel

To the Editor:

I really love Randi Kreiss’s columns in the Herald, and the one that I specifically liked was “Flying the notso-friendly skies” (Nov. 24-30), about JetBlue and the way they’ve changed their system so that they don’t really accommodate people very well.

I went on a trip about three weeks ago, and it was really hard to book a flight because I had a couple of problems, and, like you said, to reach somebody, it’s like reaching God. And yes, the snacks are pretty sad.

Thank you so much for your articles, Randi.

JuDITH WEITz Long Beach

Framework by Tim Baker

So what can we do?

Let’s start with a price cap on gas in Nassau County, to fight inflation and bring relief to millions at the pump. Next, the county should put people to work at a good wage to finally fix these damn pot holes. And thirdly, let’s keep kids off the streets by fully funding schools, and lower violent crime by having Nassau replace our lead pipes, which contribute to lead poisoning, which researchers have tied to aggressive and impulsive behavior.

Too bad the Republican-led County Legislature won’t do any of that. In fact, when adjusted for inflation, Nassau’s 2023 budget actually has less funding for spe cial education and early-intervention pro grams. Nothing about lead pipes, or gas price caps. Don’t the Republicans care about preventing crime?

It’s OK to have a healthy fear of crime, and it’s OK to take measures to keep your self safe. But I implore my friends: Don’t let politicians and the media manipulate you. It is imperative that we do not fear our neighbor.

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

Here’s hoping they’re bundled up out there — Sea Cliff Yacht Club

the numbers of major crimes in Nassau County have actually gone down this year.

mattHew aDaricHev

Buy a Brick

Celebrate or honor your loved ones this holiday season and give the gift of a lasting legacy in the Mount Sinai South Nassau garden, located at the corner of Oswald Court and One Healthy Way. Purchase an engraved brick, tree, or garden bench, or name the entire plaza and garden space that thousands of patients, visitors, and employees will see every year as they enter and exit the hospital’s front entrance

Honor a loved one or someone who made a di erence in your life. Remember a special person or celebrate a special occasion. Support Mount Sinai South Nassau’s mission and vision for a healthier tomorrow.