Nassau Herald 01-19-2023

Hewlett seniors named Regeneron semifinalists

By HERNESTo GAlDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com

Hewlett High School seniors Ella Cohen Kashi and Hiral Chavre have been named semifinalists in the prestigious 2023 Regeneron Science Talent Search.

“Their accomplishments are a testament to their academic dedication to their field,” Hewlett High Principal Alexandra Greenberg said, “and the high quality of mentoring and education we value at Hewlett-Woodmere School District.”

Across the United States, China, Puerto Rico and four other countries, 300 semifinalist

“scholars” were named from a field of 1,949 applicants. Each scholar and school will be awarded $2,000. Forty finalists will be chosen on Jan. 24.

The Regeneron program is the nation’s oldest science and math competition for high school seniors, dating back to its start in 1942 as the Westinghouse Science Talent Search. It was known as the Intel Science Talent Search from 1998 through 2016, until Regeneron Pharmaceuticals became the sponsor.

Students are chosen based on their academic records and their research skills. In 1991, President George H.W. Bush called the compe-

Five Towns center’s future is in doubt

By HERNESTo GAlDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com

The Five Towns Community Center has called Lawrence home for 115 years, and has created many programs and services to fit the community’s needs.

The center’s 50-year lease with Nassau County is set to expire in 2024, and the county was expected to renew it. But a request for proposals issued by the county on Jan. 2 has put the future of the center in jeopardy: The RFP is seeking people or entities to lease the Lawrence property and provide youth-oriented activities and services.

“We were led to believe from the current administration that we were able to come to some type of agreement to continue our services,” the center’s executive director, K. Brent Hill, said.

Hill noted that County Executive Bruce Blakeman, who took office a year ago, succeeding Laura Curran, was a supporter of renewing the lease. As of press time, Blakeman had not responded to a request for comment.

A person with knowledge of the situation, who spoke to the Herald on the condition of anonymity, said that when Curran ran for reelection, she assured the center that she would renew the lease.

“After the election, it’s sort of been crickets,” the person said. “To add insult to injury, the county posted the RFP stating the community center will not be there in July of 2024.”

Hill said that the center’s board of directors hopes to meet with county officials — Blakeman specifically — to determine whether a deal can be made to continue providing services to

Courtesy Hewlett High School

HiRAl CHAVRE, lEfT, and Ella Cohen Kashi have been named semifinalists in the 2023 Regeneron Science Talent Search.

We were led to believe from the current administration that we were able to come to some type of agreement to continue our services.

K. BRENT Hill executive director, Five Towns Community Center

Cooking, tasting and judging the chulent

Grades fifth through eighth were split into teams of 10 at Brandeis Hebrew Academy in Lawrence as they showed off their culinary skills to nine judges in the school’s second annual chulent cook off on Jan. 13.

On the menu for the judges was a traditional Shaboos meal, each plate being different from one another. “This food is a staple in the Shabbat meals of Jews across the world,” said Leslie Gang, Brandeis’s director of admissions. “Everyone has a different type of recipe.”

The cook off was the idea of Rabbi Nissan Goldberg, whose goal was to bring the

students to work together.

Middle school students were split into teams of 10 and began preparing their dishes by slicing and seasoning on Thursday afternoon. Dishes were cooked overnight for the competition the following day.

The judging panel included Naomi Nachman, Mozelle Goldstein, Gabriel Boxer, Chef Oscar from Doma, Kayla Kaye, Malkie Hirsch, Zev Klein, Shifra Klein, Jonah Chusid, Sasha Berg and Esther Coco Berg.

— Hernesto Galdamez

StudentS at BrandeiS prepared their dishes for the judges at the chulent cook off on Jan. 13.

Hernesto Galdamez/Herald

Jonah ChurSid grading the chulent by it’s smell as the dish awaits a grade.

Hewlett’s robotics team standout at competition

By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com

Hewlett High School’s robotics team captured three awards — second place overall in the competition, first place for the Control Award and third place for the Design Award — at Sewanhaka High School in Floral Park on Jan. 15.

The Control Award celebrates a team that uses sensors and software to increase the robot’s functionality in the field. The Design Award recognizes design elements of the robot that are both functional and aesthetic and is presented to teams that incorporate industrial design elements into their robot.

The Hewlett High students spent the last day before the competition working on getting everything finalized. Students had to design their robots and prepare them to perform certain tasks and learn to program and document their processes. Janine Torresson, the Robotics Club coach oversees three teams: Bionica, Innovo, and RoboBoogie. Each team designed its own robot for the competition. Last year, Roboboogie advanced to the World Championship for the first time in school history.

Long Island hosted 25 teams around Nassau and Suffolk in the special robotics competition on Sunday. For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology — is a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring young people to study science and technology by engaging them in exciting mentor-based programs that build science, engineering, and technology skills.

Hewlett’s Robotics Club is a dedicated group of 50 students that spends hours refining its skills every week in preparation for competition. The clubs meets each week after school on Friday for six

hours, squeezing in as much work as they can.

“They have a lot of commitments so grabbing enough time for robotics can sometimes be difficult,” Torresson said.

“But they want to be here. They want to learn. They’re motivated and most of them really want to get some engineering experience before they go off to college.”

While preparing for the competition, the teams also engage in community outreach to promote robotics, which encompasses everything from seeking local sponsors to conducting workshops for elementary school students.

“We’re a robotics team and the community should know we are around and one way to do that is to show up and help out somewhere,” Torresson said. “Everyone should love science and we want to motivate, connect, and talk to different

businesses.

Hewlett senior, Brandon Salazar, the club’s outreach manager has done a large amount of community outreach this school year. “I really liked what they were doing and it was good to surround myself with like-minded people,” he said on why he joined robotics in his junior year. “If one of our teams wins the other two teams are happy and we all cheer.”

Salazar has had a close long standing connection with David Friedman, president of the Hewlett-Woodmere Business Association, who suggested he start a club that performs the community cleanups Hewlett and Woodmere in exchange for student community service hours. Students will be running the club next school year

Senior David Rudman has reached out to elementary schools, to teach kids about

robotics. “Last week, we went to our elementary school and the little kids there actually got to drive the robot, and the kids loved it.”

While the long Friday nights help the robotics teams prepare for competition and the year-long community outreach aids in giving back to the community, the most effective part is the idea of gracious professionalism at competitions, one of the values FIRST promotes among robotics competitors.

“Kids will come to help you from another team even though you’re at their competition,” Torresson said. “We have 25 teams that show up at a competition and everybody helps everybody.”

Courtesy Hewlett High School Robotics club

HEwLEtt HIgH ScHooL’S robotics team shines at the competitions, capturing several awards.

Kepherd Daniel/Herald tHE HIgH ScHooL students designed a unique robot to perform several competition tasks.

Kepherd Daniel/Herald ALoNg wItH tHE technology involved with robotics, Hewlett High’s students take part in community outreach to increase awareness of what needs to accomplished.

The Medicaid Asset Protection Trust (“MAPT”)

For those who don’t qualify for long-term care insurance or can’t afford it, the Medicaid Asset Protection Trust (“MAPT”) can protect your assets from the high cost of long-term care in your home or in a facility.

The MAPT sets up two roadblocks that Medicaid cannot break through. First, you cannot be your own trustee. Usually, one or more of the adult children act as trustee.

Secondly, you, as the creator of the MAPT, are entitled to the income only, not the principal. If you don’t have access to the principal (your home or other assets in the trust), then Medicaid doesn’t have access to the principal. The MAPT makes good sense for assets you’re not going to spend – like your home and investments you’re not using. As we often say, if you don’t need it to live on, then why not protect it for your family instead of losing it to pay for long-term care.

When you apply for Medicaid for nursing home care, if you’ve transferred any assets in the past five years, you are ineligible. The full protection of the trust only takes place five

years after you establish the trust. This is why you want to plan ahead. Under new rules to take effect in the next year or two, you will also need to have the MAPT in place two and half years in advance to be eligible for care in your own home.

The MAPT does not affect your lifestyle. You still receive your pension, social security checks, minimum distributions on your retirement plans, interest and dividends. You have the exclusive right to use and enjoy your home. You keep all your property tax exemptions. You can sell your house, buy a new one, or invest the proceeds, which remain in the trust, still protected.

The MAPT is also flexible. You can change trustees and you can change who you leave it to.

Although the MAPT is an irrevocable trust, not only does it have the flexibility mentioned above, but in New York there is a mechanism to revoke an irrevocable trust. All that is required is for all parties, you and your children, to sign. We even have a workaround just in case one of the children refuses to sign.

First semester ending, winter break coming up

With the first school semester coming to a close, there is so much to look forward to as well as to reflect on over the past few weeks at the Hebrew Academy of the Five Towns and Rockaway High School. Students are currently in the midst of taking their midterm exams. Every day is spent studying, preparing and eagerly anticipating the finish line: a muchdeserved winter break.

HAFTR Highlights

Invitational Scott Satran Memorial Tournament, which started Jan. 5, and concluded on Jan. 8. The boys’ varsity basketball teams from HAFTR, Magan David, Waterbury, Ramaz, David Renov Stahler, North Shore, Rambam, and Jewish Educational Center played in memory of Satran, a HAFTR graduate who died of cancer at 20 in 1987.

The past few weeks at HAFTR High have been filled with learning, but also exciting programming. December 19 to 23, the week of Hanukkah, was filled with dozens of activities like a dreidel competition, toy collections, fundraisers and an energetic concert by Mordechai Shapiro, where he broke out our annual Color War!

EsthEr Gaon

During color war, teams of red and blue, our school colors, competed for three days in various athletic, artistic, and academic games. The teams not only reflected certain colors but were given names to represent core Jewish values of gratitude and praise to God that coincide with the themes of Hanukkah.

Each team prepared speeches to analyze their designated team names, as well as created beautiful banners that illustrated these ideas. School spirit could be seen and felt throughout the building, and students were able to bond with teachers and peers. After the points were tallied on the final day of the competition, the blue team claimed victory.

Immediately following the New Year, HAFTR hosted their annual

To kick off the event, HAFTR’s varsity girls’ and boys’ basketball teams played Hebrew Academy of Nassau County at the Nassau Coliseum, where HAFTR’s teams claimed victory in both games. The tournament also served as a fundraiser to support Israel Sports Center for the Disabled, an incredible sports center and school for individuals with disabilities.

Students are currently concluding review sessions, study days and midterm exams. Our long-awaited intersession begins on Jan. 19 and concludes on Jan. 29.

Following the break, students will jump right back into the swing of things with academic teams starting or continuing their competitions, such as Mock Trial, Model U.N. and Debate. Freshman, sophomores and juniors will also take part in their student-teacher conferences, where they will meet with their teachers to evaluate and discuss their progress in each course, and plan for the rest of the academic year.

Wishing everyone a fantastic break and a wonderful New Year!

disabilities get to college

By HERNESTO GALDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com

Through its Special Education PTA program, the Hewlett-Woodmere School District has worked into helping students with disabilities preparing for the next step, college, was the topic of a Jan. 11 virtual meeting held on Zoom.

Children with disabilities who attend or live in the school district receive support through SEPTA’s services and programs such as resource room and speech therapy. These programs are aimed at helping the children succeed in school.

The meeting, hosted by Director of Guidance at Hewlett High School Mary Harrison and SEPTA co-president Rebecca Baum, had Julie Yindra, the director of Student Access Services at Hofstra University, discuss how she assists Hofstra students and advice on how parents can prepare their children for the rigors of college.

“There’s such a worry after high school and going to college,” Harrison said. “And preparing for that.”

Yindra, who began her career in education as a special education teacher in middle and high school, always wondered how her students would do after they left her classroom. After more than 30 years of teaching, she switched roles and worked in higher education to help students with disabilities.

Hofstra’s Student Access Services offers assistance and resources for students with disabilities. Yindra’s role consists of preparing students with the keys to having an easy transition from high school to college, and overcoming the anxiety.

“Every year, a student wanders up to our office door and looks both ways,” Yindra said. “To make sure no one is looking before they go through the door that says ‘Service with Students for Disability.’”

Harrison encouraged parents to guide their children in becoming aware of their

disabilities and understanding their strengths and weaknesses as early as middle school.

“The sooner we help out students to feel comfortable in their skin,” Harrison said. “The better off they will be.”

Yindra said that schools in high school will not inform the university of a child’s disability unless the child or parent makes them aware of it.

In middle school, students participate in Committee on Special Education meetings, which discuss their progress in the current school year with their parents.

“Our students participate in their CSE meetings starting in the middle school,” said Laura Peterson, Hewlett-Woodmere’s assistant superintendent for Special Education and Student Support Services “Students create and present a PowerPoint of their strengths, goals and needs at a student led Individual Education Plans meeting (their annual review).”

In high school, student participation at CSE meetings is crucial as conversations about the importance of final grades and Regents scores begin. Those grades are on the transcripts submitted to colleges.. Scores of ACT and SAT exams have always been a topic of discussion for college and most recently, those scores have become optional to submit during the application process.

Disability services are available at colleges across the United States, Harrison and Yindra emphasized the importance to parents of being aware of the schools that offer such services.

The National Center for Education Statistics reported that, 37 percent of students informed their university that they have a disability In 2022.

Yindra encourages parents to have their children not feel embarrassed for who they are. “We’ve been in acculturated to believe that this ability is a bad thing,” she said. “It’s not. It’s not a bad thing or a good thing. It’s just a thing.”

Hernesto Galdamez/Herald

PARENTS Of cHiLDREN with

spotlight athlete

Herald sports

Hewlett in win column - twice

By toNY BellissiMo tbellissimo@liherld.com

Coming off its first victory of the season following 11 losses out of the gate, youthful Hewlett put together another strong defensive effort last Friday and had four double-digit scorers in a convincing 59-31 victory at Carey in a Nassau Conference A3 boys’ basketball matchup.

CaYlee DeMeo

Carey Senior Basketball

a tWo-tiMe all-CoUNtY selection and last season’s Conference Player of the Year when she averaged 22 points per game, DeMeo joined elite company Jan. 7 when she scored her 1,000th career point. The milestone basket came in Carey’s win over Glen Cove and was part of a 28-point performance. She’s the third player in program history to reach 1,000 points and currently ranks second in Nassau County in scoring.

gaMes to WatCh

thursday, Jan. 19

Gymnastics: Wantagh at North Shore 6 p.m

Gymnastics: Massapequa at South Side 7 p.m.

Girls Basketball: Port Washington at Baldwin 7 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 20

Girls Basketball: Malverne at West Hempstead 5 p.m.

Boys Swimming: So. Side/Lynbrook at Long Beach 5 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Lawrence at Clarke 7 p.m.

Boys Basketball: V.S. Central at Oceanside 7 p.m.

Boys Basketball: East Rockaway at Seaford 7 p.m.

Boys Basketball: West Hempstead at Malverne 7 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Baldwin at Port Washington 7 p.m.

Girls Basketball: Seaford at East Rockaway 7 p.m.

Girls Basketball: Hicksville at Freeport 7 p.m.

Girls Basketball: Oceanside at V.S. Central 7 p.m.

saturday, Jan. 21

Boys Basketball: Jericho at MacArthur 12 p.m.

Boys Basketball: New Hyde Park at Mepham 12 p.m.

Boys Basketball: G.N. North at South Side 12 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Wantagh at V.S. North 12 p.m.

Boys Basketball: North Shore at V.S. South 12 p.m.

Girls Basketball: G.N. South at Long Beach 12 p.m.

Girls Basketball: Elmont at Sewanhaka 12 p.m.

Girls Basketball: V.S. North at Wantagh 12 p.m.

The Bulldogs trailed just once — 8-7 midway through the opening quarter — and allowed just 11 second-half points on the way to handing the Seahawks (0-4 in A-3) their 10th straight defeat. Mateo Preziosi, Hewlett’s only senior, scored a gamehigh 13 points, sophomore Justin Ogilvie added 12, and juniors Luke Rochler and Frantz Limage added 11 and 10, respectively.

“It was a big week for us and hopefully the way we’re playing will continue,” Hewlett head coach Bill Dubin said. “The biggest improvement has been we’ve become much more competitive in practice. Our shooting has gotten better and we’ve played solid defense these last two games.”

Junior Zane Branch had the toughest individual defensive assignment on Friday when he was tasked to guard Carey senior standout Nick Broas, who entered the contest averaging 19 points per game. Broas was held to a season-low 10.

“Hewlett came here prepared and credit goes to them and coach Dubin,” Carey head coach Dan Reece said. “We really struggled offensively tonight. We had a tough shooting game and too many turnovers.”

Dubin said the game plan was to make someone other than Broas beat them. “He’s an excellent player and we wanted to make things as difficult as we could for him,” Dubin said.

Reece said junior center Jerome Ferguson was a bright spot for the Seahawks with 9 points and 10 rebounds. “It was his best game of the season,” Reece said.

Three-pointers from sophomore Kevin Colvin and Broas provided the hosts with their only lead before Hewlett scored 9 of the last 11 points of the first quarter to lead 16-10. An apparent buzzer-beating

midcourt shot by Broas was waived off by officials.

Preziosi scored 7 of his points in the second quarter as the Bulldogs extended their lead to 30-20 at halftime. Sophomore Lincoln Williams, who began the season at the JV level, provided a spark off the bench with a three-pointer and two nifty assists.

The Seahawks were held to two field goals in each of the final two quarters and will look to get in the conference win column against Roosevelt with a pair of matchups upcoming. “We need both, but one at a time,” Reece said. “Roosevelt is athletic and never easy to play at their

place. We just need to continue to bring the effort.”

Hewlett knocked off Roosevelt on the road for its first conference win, 47-42, Jan. 10. Rochler (11) and Preziosi (10) scored in double figures as the Bulldogs overcame a 24-point performance from the Rough Riders’ Dylan Hickman.

“When we follow the game plan, good things happen,” Dubin explained.

The Bulldogs host the rematch with Carey on Jan. 27 at 7 p.m. It’s the 18th annual Hoops for Hope Game to benefit SIBS Place in Hewlett. The game has raised approximately $125,000 over the years.

Media Origin Inc./Herald JUNior FraNtz liMage, left, was one of four double-digit scorers for Hewlett in last Friday’s Conference A3 victory at Carey.

EMMANUEL DEPAS, LEFT, Marie Pereira, Judith Hospedales and Nassau County Legislator Carrié Solages, gathered at the Theodore Roosevelt Executive and Legislative Building the day before the 13th anniversary of the 2010 Haiti earthquake to raise awareness for new immigration policy.

Migrating from Haiti, with a little support

By ANA BORRUTO aborruto@liherald.com

It’s been more than a decade since an earthquake devastated Haiti, killing more than 200,000 people, and leaving so many more thousands homeless. To this day, the Caribbean country continues to recover, all while facing other ongoing challenges such as limited access to health care, as well as poverty, political instability and violence.

While a lot of political talk in Washington is focused on what’s happening at the U.SMexico border, Nassau County Legislator Carrié Solages has joined immigration law professionals to share details of an expanded program under the Biden administration intended to provide legal pathways to America for migrants from Haiti, Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela as well as war-torn Ukraine.

“This is a positive development, and a humanitarian way to allow people to seek asylum,” Solages said. “We have witnessed so many people risking their lives in order to make it here in the United States.”

This new policy allows up to 30,000 individuals from these four countries to come to the United States per month for a period of up to two years —all receiving work authorization. These individuals must have an eligible sponsor, and pass a series of vetting and background checks.

To reduce overcrowding and wait times at U.S. ports of entry, those who are legal immigrants or citizens of the United

States can apply for someone in Haiti to come to America through an online application called the I-134A form, which gives that sponsor a chance to provide a declaration of financial support.

“They are basically asking you how are you going to take care of this person you are legally sponsoring, the person who is now called the beneficiary,” said Marie Pereira, founder of the Haiti Immigration Project. “Do you have the financial resources to take care of this person’s needs, from health to housing to clothing? Everything.”

Once the sponsor is approved, the beneficiary is required to submit their fingerprints and undergo an extensive background check. They also must be vaccinated for Covid-19, have a valid passport, and proof they are a Haiti native, Pereira added.

Those younger than 18 have to be accompanied by an adult who is their parent or legal guardian.

Judith Hospedales, an immigration law expert and formerly of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, said with the influx of displaced migrants in various states, the administration is trying to cut back on the issues migrants face when they arrive to the border.

Many migrants are seeking asylum — meaning they fear for their safety, or they believe they could be harmed if they stay in their home country — and want protection from another nation, like the United States.

But there are many who may not qualify for asylum status. In that case, they can

Who can become a sponsor?

Anyone who has legal status to live in the United States can sponsor a Haitian immigrant to the United States by submitting a free I-134A application.

That legal status means being a U.S. citizen, green card holder, or someone with temporary protection status.

However, sponsors should be wary of trying to bring in strangers, said Judith Hospedales. The further apart

the relationship between the sponsor and the person looking to come from Haiti, the more difficult it will be to prove that a person can be a suitable sponsor and financially responsible for the beneficiary.

To learn more, visit tinyurl.com/ SponsorHaiti.

–Ana Borruto

apply for temporary protection status, more commonly known as TPS. This status is for certain individuals who cannot return to their countries of origin because of circumstances within the country, such as those same countries not having the resources or capacity to take back their citizens at that particular time.

Emmanuel Depas, immigration attorney, founder and first president of the Haitian American Lawyers Association in New York, said prospective sponsors must take this process very seriously. Solages emphasized the importance of working with professionals like Depas when going through the sponsorship process.

“You have to say ‘yes’ with caution and understand what you’re getting into,” Depas said. “In those two years, you’re going to have to support (beneficiaries) financially, socially and help them get them acclimated to U.S. culture.

“I implore you to develop patience throughout this process.”

The Haitian American population is one of the fastest growing demographics in Nassau County, Solages said, with many living in communities like Elmont,

Freeport, Uniondale, Valley Stream and Hempstead. According to the most recent census numbers, the total Haitian population was just over 850,000 nationwide, with nearly 155,000 living in New York alone.

Haiti itself has a little more than 11 million people.

Elsie Smith has lived in the United States for 52 years, spending the last decade in Elmont. She wants to sponsor six family members who now live in Haiti — a widower father, his sister and his four kids, whose mother passed away five years ago. The children had to stop going to school last September.

Smith is grateful for the humanitarian relief program as it will give these children better opportunities in the United States.

“This is something for a country that is suffering too much, and we have so much we can offer in this country,” Smith said, through tears. “I live in a house with six bedrooms all by myself — I will provide, (the father) can get his papers for work, and the four children can go to school.”

This is something for a country that is suffering too much, and we have so much we can offer in this country.

ELSIE SMITH Haitian Elmont resident

Ana Borruto/Herald

Can you move beyond your upbringing?

If you were raised in a tumultuous home, raped by your mother’s boyfriend, dropped out of high school and became a teen mom, how could you expect anything good to happen in your life? Such a beginning is clearly a prescription for disaster!

Yet Maya Angelou, author, poet and civil rights activist did indeed rise from these dreadful circumstances to become a towering figure of hope, beauty and insight for people of all ages, all backgrounds.

How did she do it? Her own words are a testimony to her strength of character. Here are a few of my favorites:

never too late to do some good.

If someone shows you who they really are, believe them.

Person to Person

Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps, hurdles, leaps, fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope.

Courage is the most important of all the virtues because without courage none of the other things are possible.

You may shoot me with your words; you may cut me with your eyes; you may kill me with your hatefulness; but still, like air, I’ll rise.

My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor and some style.

People will forget what you said; people will forget what you did but people will never forget how you made them feel.

Nothing will work unless you do.

History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again.

A bird doesn’t sing because it has an answer; it sings because it has a song.

Every storm runs out of rain.

Hate: It has caused a lot of problems in the world but has not solved one yet.

Do the best you can until you know better; then when you know better, do better.

My great hope is to laugh as much as I cry; to get my work done and try to love somebody and have the courage to accept the love in return.

As long as you’re breathing, it’s

You may not control all the events that happen to you but you can decide not to be reduced by them.

You shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back.

Try to be a rainbow in someone else’s cloud.

Can you be a rainbow in someone else’s cloud? Yes, you can - so get going!

■ Be the light for a soul who’s living in darkness.

■ Be kind to someone who’s going through a rough time.

■ Inspire a broken heart to live life anew.

■ Awaken the joy of living to one who’s downtrodden.

©2023

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

crime watch

PRESS RELEASE

Chairman of the Nassau County Bridge Authority Issues Response to Decal Concerns

Dear Atlantic Beach, Long Beach and Neighboring Resident Communities: The Nassau County Bridge Authority (NCBA) is a separate functioning Authority. Unlike other bridges, the NCBA does not receive Tax Payer, Property Tax, County and State Funding. The NCBA funds 100% of its operations through toll revenue. The Atlantic Beach Bridge spans 1173 feet (40%+ greater than its neighboring Long Beach Bridge)

When I was nominated for this role, I was honored to give back to the communities. Unfortunately, timing is not something we can all control.

My first initiative as Chairman was to review the status of our finances, revenues and capital needs. My second initiative was to work with our engineers at Hardesty & Hanover and our auditor to ensure that we have adequate capital to address our required infrastructure needs. My third initiative and quite an important one, was to address the public outcry on the failing toll plaza.

Over the past three-years, the Authority has lost nearly $1M per year (excluding goodwill). One can assume that this was due to the COVID pandemic and loss of toll revenue. While the Authority was hoping for a return back to profitability, unfortunately this proved impossible at our current revenues.

Just like all American businesses, citizens and public authorities, we are not immune to inflation. We have encountered inflation unlike anyone has seen in 40+ years. This has affected all aspects of the Authority’s finances. We are scheduled to lose over $2M in 2023 and headed towards a path of insolvency unless we address the issues.

In my learnings, I discovered that our prior toll increase took place roughly 17 years ago and the study at the time, indicated that it was only good for about 5 years. The prior board did as much as they could to extend this until now. However, no-one could have predicted the pandemic and subsequent high inflation.

After a vigorous review, our auditor and board determined that a toll increase is required for the viability of the Bridge Authority. As a point of reference, bridges are rated 7 to 1, 7 being in excellent new condition and 1 being the opposite. The Atlantic Beach Bridge is rated a 5, which is incredible for a 70-year-old bridge. Make no mistake, this is because we were setup as a separate Authority from the start, in order to maintain our own bridge. The decision to raise tolls does not come lightly, especially at a time when our residents are hurting due to high inflation. That is why we made the decision to raise the residents at a much lower amount vs. non-residents and commercial vehicles. While going from $2.00 to $3.00 seems excessive, until EZ-Pass is implemented, it is still far below what $2.00 would be worth 17 years later with inflation.

The implementation of EZ-Pass was sound and logical considering the latter. The board could have simply spent similar amounts to upgrade the failing system and keep it as a cash toll. This seemed counterintuitive given the number of complaints ranging from pedestrians not having cash, commercial vehicles having to pull to the side, delivery drivers not knowing what to do and of course the dangerous conditions it causes when vehicles must back out. This is on top of the heavy summer traffic build-up on the 878, that occurs due to only accepting cash.

The biggest issue I want to clarify, is the circulation of ongoing misinformation (see figure #1 below). Misinformation has been circulating that the Decal system and its benefits are being completely eliminated. This could not be farther from the truth. In fact, we are upgrading how we treat Decals. While we are phasing out the Decal “stickers” by mid-2023, we are incorporating the Decal benefits into the EZ-Pass system. Travelers will be able to enjoy all of the benefits of their prior Decals with the current EZ-Pass Reader/Transponder. Travelers will be able to login to their EZ-Pass account and add the Atlantic Beach Bridge to their annual unlimited use for $199 (residents) and $349 (non-residents).

As our commitment to the Atlantic Beach, Long Beach and Neighboring Resident Communities, presently we do not plan to raise tolls again until at least January 2028 and beyond. We are looking towards other revenue streams to help offset our costs and to date are pursing the following:

1. Placing our liquidity in higher interest-bearing accounts at today’s rates. This will result in a financial benefit of roughly $200K annually.

2. Restricting overnight openings for the drawbridge to a schedule which will decrease costs by roughly $100K.

3. We have explored refinancing the bonds and are waiting for the right opportunity to save significantly.

4. Exploring the use of vacant land.

Lastly, with the EZ-Pass upgrade, the security gates in the toll lanes will remain in place. We are planning to add better LED lighting to the bridge, security cameras and having more of a police presence at the Bridge Authority. Rest assured that we are working for the benefit of the people.

Sincerely,

Chairman

Figure #1: Misinformation:

Petit Larceny

■ Jaquail Scarbrough, 18, of Far Rockaway, was arrested at 6 p.m. on Dec. 29 for shoplifting at the Stop and Shop in North Lawrence, according to police.

■ It was reported at 5 p.m. on Jan. 5

that an unidentified person stole an Amazon package on Central Avenue in Lawrence, police said.

■ Mariah Velazquez, 50, of Far Rockaway, was arrested at the Five Towns Shopping Center for shoplifting, authorities said.

***Please Note The Bridge Authority of Nassau County is*** changing the prices of the Atlantic Beach Bridge from $2 to S3 for all Nassau County Residents, and $4 for all Non-Nassau County Residents. They are also planning to remove the Atlantic Beach Bridge pass entirely in 2024. This means that the price will rise from $130. a year (the current decal price for nassau county residents), to approximately $4000. per car per year, because in 2024 the decals will be eliminated. We need to have a meeting with the Nassau County Bridge Authority to determine what can be done to minimize damage to residents and businesses in Atlantic Beach, Long Beach, Lido Beach, Point Lookout, and the entire Barrier Island who rely on using the Atlantic Beach bridge for work, school, shopping, and life’s activities.

Linda Sapadin

Samuel Nahmias

of the Nassau County Bridge Authority.

Nassau GOP calls on George Santos to resign

By MICHAEL MALASZCZYK mmalaszczyk@liherald.com

U.S. Rep. George Santos has faced stiff opposition from his colleagues since arriving at Capitol Hill at the start of the new year. It looks like he won’t have an easy time at home, either.

Republican leaders from across the county gathered at GOP headquarters in Westbury last week calling on Santos to resign immediately amid his trail of fabrications on his work and education history, as well as the growing questions surrounding how he financed his campaign.

In fact, those in attendance — led by Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman — went as far as declaring they would not work with Santos. Instead, they would direct constituent issues to newly minted U.S. Rep. Anthony D’Esposito or U.S. Rep. Andrew Garbarino. And if they can’t go there, local Republicans would reach out to U.S. Sens. Chuck Schumer or Kirsten Gillibrand — both Democrats.

“I am joined here with my colleagues in calling on George Santos’s resignation, because he cannot serve anymore,” Blakeman said, calling the congressman a “pathological liar.”

“My office will have no interaction with George Santos or his staff until he resigns. “

D’Esposito — who joined Congress the same time as Santos — made it clear through a video link from Washington

that Santos is not fit to serve.

“I think that what’s most important as a public servant is treating the public with respect and gaining authority — something that all of you behind that podium have done,” D’Esposito said, referring to his fellow Republicans at the news conference. “George Santos does not have the ability to serve here in the House of Representatives, and should resign.”

State Sen. Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick took particular issue with one of the claims Santos made during his campaign — that he was Jewish, and that he was descended from Holocaust survivors. Investigations by a handful of news outlets have questioned those claims, not finding any evidence of his grandparents being anything other than Catholic, and finding no record of them being in Europe during the World War II era.

“It is a great stain on the Republican Party of Nassau County that he worked with us,” Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick said. “I am particularly offended also, as a representative of the Five Towns and the Orthodox community. What he did regarding his religious status was exceptionally offensive.”

But even as his fellow Republicans were delivering these calls for him to be removed, Santos told reporters outside his Washington office that he had no intention of leaving his position. He maintains that if the 142,000 voters who elected him decide he should go, then he

will go — but they won’t get the chance to express that until 2024.

“George Santos has no business serving in Congress,” Hempstead town supervisor Don Clavin said. “On behalf of all the board members — and frankly, the 750,000 residents living in the Town of Hempstead — it’s time to go. He’s a national joke. He’s an international joke. But this joke’s got to go. Not tomorrow. Not next week. Today.”

Those were sentiments shared by Clavin’s counterpart in Oyster Bay.

“George, I’m speaking to you,” town supervisor Joe Saladino said. “It’s time to step down.”

Santos has been under fire since a New York Times expose last month challenged pretty much everything he has said about himself throughout this recent campaign, and his 2020 unsuccessful run against Tom Suozzi. Everything from education, employment, philanthropic activity, and salaries simply don’t check out.

Nassau GOP chair Joseph Cairo has taken some heat through all this, with a number of people questioning how much he knew of Santos’ past, and why there wasn’t better vetting. Cairo believed the Republican establishment there had already checked out his claims.

“He’s disgraced the House of Representatives, and we do not consider him one of our congress people,” Cairo said.

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy won’t personally take action to have Santos removed, saying it’s a decision voters should make. However, the congressman is under investigation at multiple levels — including potential criminal investigation about campaign finance.

Over the weekend, U.S. Rep. James Comer — the new House Oversight Committee chair — said if Santos is found to have broken campaign finance laws, he will be removed

Michael Malaszczyk/Herald NASSAU COUNTY EXECUTIVE Bruce Blakeman says his office will have no dealings with U.S. Rep. George Santos.

Community Center’s lease expires in 2024

the community. Board President Gwynn Campbell did not return calls seeking comment.

“I tend to be a very optimistic,” Hill said, “but I feel very uneasy about the situation.”

The deadline for responding to the RFP is March 1, which leaves community members worrying that a new entity will be chosen hastily by the county to take over the facility.

Established in 1907 in a building that sat on 5.7 acres of land, the center was first known as the Trade School, a place where people could learn a variety of vocational skills. It was eventually renamed the Inwood Community Center, and became the Five Towns Community Center in the 1970s. The current facility, on Lawrence Avenue, was built in 1972.

The center hosts a variety of program and services, including after-school programs for children, aid to the foreignborn, health and prevention services, and Gammy’s Pantry, which provides food and other necessities for those in need.

Local and regional nonprofit organizations, from Long Island Harvest to the Cedarhurst-based Rock and Wrap It Up!, have partnered with the facility.

“I would be very surprised if this goes through,” Rock and Wrap It Up! founder Syd Mandelbaum said. “I’m sure people will rethink this. There are things that the Five Towns Community Center brings to the table that are special.”

Hill said that the center has battled a false impression that it does not have an open-door policy for members of minority communities. “The Five Towns Community Center is a resource for people of all shades, nationalities, colors and backgrounds,” he said.

“We really are here for the community, regardless of their social status, immigration status and sexual orientation,” Hill added. “We are here for everyone.”

County Legislator Carrié Solages, who represents the neighborhood, noted the center’s longevity, and its importance to the people it serves. “As Nassau

“I will continue to work with local leaders to ensure that the community’s voice is heard and respected throughout this process.”

Have an opinion about the community center situation? Send your comments to jbessen@liherald.com.

Immediate Release: December 13, 2022

Nassau County Bridge Authority Announces Greater Discounts for Barrier Island Residents

Lawrence, NY - The Nassau County Bridge Authority is proud to announce the implementation of an Electronic Tolling System, E-ZPass® on the Atlantic Beach Bridge. Set to take place in the Spring of 2023, this significant improvement will make the customer’s driving experience safer and timelier.

In addition to the implementation of E-ZPass®, the Authority has proposed significant discounts for Barrier Island residents, shown in the chart below. These proposed rates are scheduled to be voted on by the Board of Commissioners. NCBA tolls remain among the lowest in the region and deliver support for critical infrastructure improvements for the Atlantic Beach Bridge.

“After a public hearing and consultation with elected officials and community leaders, I am recommending to the board that we adopt our initial plan amended with a further reduction in the annual fee for Barrier Island residents who use the bridge on a daily basis.” Said Nassau County Bridge Authority Chairman Samuel Nahmias. “The bridge has not had a toll increase in 17 years, and in order to guarantee the safe operation of the bridge into the foreseeable future, in these inflationary times, it is necessary for the board to take this action.”

2022 2023

Annual Fee - Barrier Island Resident Passenger Vehicle $130.00 $162.50

E-ZPass® - Barrier Island Not Available Resident Passenger Vehicle in 2022 $2.50

Annual Fee - Nassau County Resident Passenger Vehicle $130.00 $199.00

Annual Fee - Non-Nassau County Resident Passenger Vehicle $175.00 $349.00

Pass CardPassenger Vehicle 20 trip $15.00 $30.00

All Cash Tolls Passenger Vehicle $2.00 $4.00

Note: Effective January 1, 2023 all Cash Tolls will be $3.00 until the implementation of E-ZPass®, at which time all Cash Tolls will increase to $4.00.

Decals will be phased out in 2023. Decals will be replaced by unlimited E-ZPass®, which will provide the same function as the decal.

County considers its next steps, preserving and enhancing Five Towns Community Center’s tradition of community service must be our top priority,” Solages said in a statement to the Herald.

Herald file photo

The Five Towns Community Center’s future is up in the air after a request for proposals was issued by the county on Jan. 2.

Courtesy Sasha Young Gammy’s PanTry, creaTed by Sasha Young, has provided food and clothing for those in need.

For

Sands casino coming to Nassau Coliseum?

By JEFFREY BESSEN jbessen@liherald.com

A touch of Las Vegas could soon make its way to Uniondale’s Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum with hotels, performance stages, and even a casino.

The Las Vegas Sands, a resort company founded by late billionaire Sheldon Adelson, wants to develop what it calls a “multibillion-dollar flagship hospitality, entertainment and casino project” at the former home of the New York Islanders off the Hempstead Turnpike near the Meadowbrook Parkway. But the acquisition of up to 80 acres of the site would require state approval.

“The plan would include a casino accounting for 10 percent of the total project, outdoor community spaces, four- and five-star hotel rooms, and a world class live performance venue honoring the legacy of live music at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum,” Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman shared on Twitter.

There also would be celebrity chef restaurants, convention space and ballrooms, along with a luxurious day spa, a swimming pool, and a health club.

“We strongly believe Long Island can be home to one of the region’s great entertainment and hospitality developments,” said Robert Goldstein, Las Vegas Sands chair and chief executive, in a news release.

Sands, which is worth more than $42 billion on the New York Stock Exchange, says it wants to collaborate with the surrounding communities to create a plan as a way to maximizes economic opportunity while protecting the quality of life. Part of that plan would include creating 12,000 construction jobs, and then employing 5,000 people.

But making such a collaboration work will require Sands to listen, County Legislature Minority Leader Kevan Abrahams said.

“It is imperative for Sands resorts to conduct extensive community outreach, and then incorporate the feedback they receive into their proposal,” Abrahams said. That means not only talking to the people who live in the area, but also talking to officials at Hofstra University, Nassau Community College, as well as both Hempstead town and village.

Sands also needs to reach out to local fire departments, school districts, civic associations, chambers of com merce and others as a “necessary first step for addressing concerns and identifying opportunities.”

Scott Rechler is optimistic about a Sands development after nearly two decades of working to overhaul the Coli seum site.

“The plan envisioned by Sands is a once-in-a-genera tion opportunity to create the kind of world-renowned entertainment and hospitality destination that has been

THE LAS VEGAS Sands resort company is considering the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum property as a site for a new upscale casino. It’s championed by Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, but being met with cautious optimism by others, like County Legislature Minority Leader Kevan Abrahams.

sought after by Long Islanders,” said Rechler, chief executive and chair of RXR Realty, in the release.

But not everyone shares that enthusiasm. Protesters have gathered outside the Coliseum opposing the casino component, which they say promotes multiple addictions. Others believe such a development would add to

Herald file photo

STEPPING OUT

those

Monster trucks invade Long Island

By Karen Bloom

onster truck madness is back on Long Island this weekend when for two action-packed days at Nassau Coliseum. In this version, families can watch their favorite Hot Wheels trucks come to life when the Hot Wheels ‘Glow Party’ lights up the arena, Jan. 21-22.

While geared to the younger generation of monster truck fans, there is nothing tame about this version. You’ll still experience all the action of the 12-foot-tall, 10,000-pound machines will that bring audiences to their feet, racing and ripping up a customdesigned track full of obstacles to soar over — or smash through — delighting onlookers. A laser light show adds to the spectacle — the trucks maneuver their way through their stunts in a darkened arena.

Their names — Gunkster, Race Ace, Mega Wrex, Bone Shaker, Tiger Shark, Bigfoot and Demo Derby — reflect the outrageous mix of racing and showmanship that enthrall both the drivers and their fans.

WHERE WHEN

• Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 21-22; times vary

• Tickets start at $40 adult, $24 child; $10 additional for Crash Zone (prices are subject to change); available at HotWheelsMonsterTrucksLive. com or NassauColiseum.com

• Located at Nassau Coliseum, Uniondale

“Big trucks, big engines, crushing cars, hanging out with the fans, I love it all,” says Eric Steinberg, 22. “It’s an indescribable adrenaline rush.”

It’s clear Steinberg loves his job. In fact, he doesn’t describe his role as a “job.” It’s his passion — what he was born to do.

Like his fellow drivers, Steinberg became enthralled with the big trucks at a young age. Missouri-born and raised, he was 3 years old when he went to his first monster truck event. From that moment on he was hooked.

“I just knew this is what I wanted,” he says. “Monster trucks are amazing, and caught my attention more than anything else. I looked up to the drivers as my heroes. I remember how I felt and that helped me transition to being a driver.”

Branford Marsalis

After some scheduling delay — in part due to the pandemic — the renowned saxophonist makes his long-awaited appearance at the Madison Theatre with his quartet. The NEA Jazz Master, triple-Grammy Award winner and musical polymath with his stellar ensemble — pianist Joey Calderazzo, bassist Eric Revis and drummer Justin Faulkner — bring the brilliance that has made this quartet one of the most revered and influential in jazz. Marsalis is equally at home performing concertos with symphony orchestras and sitting in with members of the Grateful Dead, but the core of his musical universe remains the Branford Marsalis Quartet. After more than three decades of existence with minimal personnel changes, this celebrated ensemble is acclaimed for its uncompromising interpretation of a kaleidoscopic range of both original compositions and jazz and popular classics.

Friday, Jan. 20, 8 p.m. $40-$95. Madison Theatre, Molloy University campus, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre. (516) 323-4444 or MadisonTheatreNY.org.

Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company

monster truck world, was Steinberg’s entrée into the circuit. He debuted Gunkster, first created by Hot Wheels for its 2021 Monster Trucks Series collectibles, in 2022.

He’ll be in high gear with all his tricks, driving Gunkster through all the non-stop action, which includes a wheelie competition, long jumps, freestyle, and even motocross. And if that is not enough, there’ll be a special appearance by the car-eating, fire-breathing transforming robot Megasaurus.

Steinberg encourages everyone to come to the Crash Zone pre-show, Saturday, at 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., and Sunday, at noon. Crash Zone gives fans access to the arena floor where they can view of the trucks up-close and meet the drivers, get autographs and take photos and, of course, check out some toy versions of the big trucks.

“Fans love it,” says Steinberg. “The kids are excited to see the trucks before the show. It’s all for them. For me, I always wanted to meet the drivers as a kid. I always looked up to them as my heroes. And now I want to be that hero. Meeting the fans is truly special and encourages us.”

hooked up with the Bigfoot

Determined to follow his dream, he enrolled in State Technical College of Missouri’s Automotive Technology HighPerformance Program. After his 2021 graduation, he hooked up with the Bigfoot team. Bigfoot, a name synonymous with the

Top photo: Gunkster, driven by Eric Steinberg, and other popular trucks, including Tiger Shark, will thrill fans with exciting car-crunching feats as they fly more than 35 feet in the air. Three stories tall and weighing more than 50,000 pounds, Megasaurus — at left — roars into the arena ready to chomp.

The Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company welcomes the coming of spring, the Year of the Black Water Rabbit. It’s a spectacular experience for all ages, combining traditional Chinese dance with modern flair. The Red Lions dance to a hip hop beat. The Golden Dragon brings good luck and fortune for the coming year. The ensemble also showcases a contemporary dance work, ‘Ashes of A Dead Frog,’ choreographed by legendary Polish Choreographer Jacek Luminski that was commissioned by Nai-Ni Chen almost a decade ago. Guest artists from the Chinese Music Ensemble of New York provide traditional and contemporary music on classical and folk Chinese instruments. Dancers, acrobats and musicians perform in festive costumes in red, gold, blue and purple colors symbolizing their prayer for a peaceful and harmonious New Year with plenty of prosperity and good fortune for everyone to enjoy and share.

Sunday, Jan. 29, 7 p.m. $52, $42, $32. Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville. (516) 299-3100 or TillesCenter.org.

Courtesy Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live

THE SCENE

Art talk

Feb. 23

Grab your lunch and join Nassau County Museum of Art Docent Riva Ettus for her popular “Brown Bag Lecture” live, via Zoom, Thursday, Feb. 23, 1 p.m. She’ll discuss the current exhibition, “The Big Picture: Photography Now.” Participants are invited to ask questions at the end of the program. Register at least 24 hours in advance to receive the program Zoom link. Also Feb. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.

Community Shabbat

Friends of the Brothers

Lunch & Learn

For men only: Join Dave Glasser at Executive Consulting Group Resources for a Talmudic study session with Rabbi Mordechai Sitorsky On Monday, Jan. 23, at 1 p.m., at 148 Doughty Blvd., Suite 212, Inwood. Entrance on Elizabeth Street. Do not arrive before 12:45 p.m. For more information, call (516) 3747070.

‘Breaking Bread’

Directed by Beth Elise Hawk the documentary explores the A-Sham Festival, a groundbreaking food festival where Arab and Jewish chefs work together to create tasty dishes to help foster social change. Go to the HewlettWoodmere Public Library, 1125 Broadway, Hewlett, on Wednesday, Jan. 25, at 2 p.m.

Stuart Marcus

Jan. 27

Jan. 27

Friends of the Brothers visits the Landmark stage with their dynamic tribute to the Allman Brothers, Friday, Jan. 27, 8 p.m. Their powerful celebration of the Allman Brothers, featuring musicians closely associated with the original band, continues the brotherhood with passion, committed to the ideals of every night being special and unique. Their first-hand experience with the Allman Brothers Band and their deep knowledge of the repertoire and the music’s roots and heritage allows them to play with an unrivaled depth. Hear songs from every stage of the Allman Brothers’ career, backed by a band of inspirational, veteran players. $33, $28. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. (516) 767-6444 or LandmarkOnMainStreet.org.

Celebrate Shabbat with the Chabad of Hewlett at the group’s community dinner on Friday, Jan. 27, at 6 p.m., at 24 Everit Ave., Hewlett. Fill 4-course meal with open bar, music and stories. $45 per adult, $38 per child. Reserve seats at JewishHewlett.com.

Stuart Marcus performs songs that will warm your heart on a cold day on Thursday, Jan. 26 at 1 p.m., at the Center for Adult Life Enrichment, 37 East Rockaway Road, Hewlett. Please register. Call (516) 374-4747.

The Best of the Eagles

Get into the Eagles’ groove when the tribute band visits The Paramount stage, Thursday, Jan. 26, 8 p.m. With special guest Fleetwood Macked. This authentic recreation features individual bandmates taking on the persona of the original Eagles members. $39.50, $29.50, $19.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. (800) 745-3000 or Ticktmaster.com or ParamountNY. com.

Defensive Driving

Registration is open for library district residents and opens Jan. 15 to all for Empire Safety Council Defensive Driving Course, Monday, Jan. 23 and Wednesday, Jan. 25, 6-9 p.m., at Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library, 1125 Broadway, Hewlett. $30 fee. To register, go to HWPL.org/calendar.

Having an event?

Forest Bathing

Take a meditative Forest Bathing walk, led by certified guide Linda Lombardo, Saturday, Jan. 21, 2-4 p.m. Based on the Japanese tradition of ShinrinYoku, a wellness practice developed in the 1980s, the walk, on the grounds of the former summer residence of Howard Gould and later Daniel and Florence Guggenheim, inspires mindful connections with the natural elements of the woods for a range of healthful benefits. $40, $35. Pre-registration required. Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Road. For information, visit SandsPointPreserveConservancy. org or call (516) 571-7901.

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

On 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.

Reclamation District

New: The Board of Commissioners of the Greater Atlantic Beach Water Reclamation District meets on Tuesday, Jan. 17 at 5 p.m., at 2150 Blvd., Atlantic Beach.

In-person Game Time

Play canasta, mah jongg and Scrabble in the Bentley Room of Peninsula Public Library, 280 Central Ave., Lawrence, Monday, Jan. 23, 2-4:30 p.m. Seating is limited and is first come, first seated. Masks recommended.

The Pigeon Comes to Long Island!

Step into activities pulled directly from the pages of Mo Willems’ books, during opening weekend of Long Island Children’s Museum’s new exhibit, Sunday, Jan. 22, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., in residence through May 14. Step into activities pulled directly from the pages of Mo Willems’ books, make art inspired by his work, engage in dramatic play and learn about the rich social and emotional lives of the author’s characters. Interact with Willems beloved characters: best friend duo Elephant and Piggie, faithful companion Knuffle Bunny, and The Pigeon. Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or LICM.org.

Hewlett seniors conduct high-level science research

tition the “Super Bowl of science” in remarks to that year’s finalists.

Kashi’s project was titled “Does Nostalgia Affect Adolescent Behavior? An investigation of Nostalgia Among High School Students.” Chavre’s was “NMDA Receptor Mutation and KCC2 Inhibition Induce Changes in Brain Development Associated with Neurodevelopment Diseases.”

Kashi’s research was conducted at the high school, under the guidance of Joseph Van Wie, the school’s director of social science, Kashi’s freshman history teacher and her instructor in Advanced Placement World History when she was a sophomore.

“My role as Ella’s mentor is multifaceted,” Van Wie explained. “I monitored her research progress, assisted with research questions, facilitated the development of her research design, helped implement the experiment and taught Ella how to code, record, analyze and interpret data.”

“I am honored to have worked with Ella and the other research students who prepared papers for the Regeneron competition,” Van Wie added. “It has been wonderful to have Ella named as a semifinalist, and I look forward to her continued growth as a social scientist.”

Chavre conducted her research at Stony Brook University, as an intern in its Simons Summer Research Program. The program welcomes academically talented high school students and gives them the chance to do hands-on research in advanced science.

Hewlett high’s science research coordi-

nator, Terrence Bissoondial, worked with Chavre. “My goal was to make sure she understands what she’s doing,” Bissoondial said. “As well as if the paper is done properly and submitted properly.”

Bissoondial met Chavre three years ago, when she was a freshman. “It’s amazing to see this lady’s dedication,” Bissoondial said. “It doesn’t matter what research it is, Hiral is an exceptional student.”

The internship program did not offer room and board, but Chavre, who lives in Hewlett, didn’t let that stop her. Her parents rented her an Airbnb for the summer.

“It was nice, because I got to experience what a college experience was like, she said. “It was a great way to practice before I go off to college and get that independence.”

The two scholars have yet to choose where they will attend college in the fall. Kashi hopes to major in computer science, and Chavre plans to concentrate on neuroscience.

“Congratulations to the top 300 scholars in this year’s Regeneron Science Talent Search,” Maya Ajmera, the president and chief executive of the Society for Science and the publisher of Science News, said in a news release. “The enthusiasm and quality of projects from this year’s participants were just outstanding. Each year, I am tremendously impressed by the ingenuity that the students bring to the competition.”

The 40 finalists will compete for more than $1.8 million in awards provided by Regeneron March 9-15 in Washington, D.C.

Courtesy Hiral Chavre

Hiral CHavre foCused her research on brain development.

Baron inspires children, one poem at a time

By MARK NOLAN mnolan@liherald.com

Lindamichelle Baron wrote her first poem when she was 6. And it was a hit piece, making fun of her cousin Gerard’s big ears.

“I have a cousin named Gerard, I think his ears are very odd.”

Upon hearing those words, Gerard grew out his hair to cover his ears.

With that first venture into slant rhyme, Baron discovered the thrill — and impact — of the written word. “That’s when I saw the power of poetry.”

Poetry has been embedded in Baron’s life ever since. She leaned on writing to support her through teasing in elementary school, and ultimately made a career through verse.

Now 72, she is the first poet laureate for the Town of Hempstead. Her mission is to bring poetry to every corner, including Malverne — where she presented previously — and West Hempstead — where she has yet to recite her poems.

“This is just absolutely amazing,” said Baron, the author of three poetry books and an associate professor at York College.

She was ahead of her time, throwing shade at childhood rivals decades before social media existed. She eventually developed poetry that inspires. Blessed with an infectious laugh and sense of humor and wonderment about the world,

Baron infuses verse into just about everything she does.

Poetry has been the constant throughout her life.

“People who know me know I’ve been in the community and library and organizations for decades,” she said. “They know my energy, my love of life and language and people — it’s all embedded in my poetry.”

A former New York City teacher, Baron became a professor who teaches aspiring teachers. And she insists her students understand poetry shouldn’t be relegated to English class.

“So much of what I taught used poetry,” Baron said. “Even if it was math. Teachers would say they don’t have the time. You embed poetry into everything you do.”

Budget cuts cost Baron her city teaching job, leading her to become an educational salesperson until 1988. She made a name for herself throughout the tri-state area — not as a saleswoman, but for using rhymes to sell educational materials.

“I would use poetry in my presentations to teachers,” she said. “They saw that poetry can be used to extract contextual knowledge and get students to think critically. They kept asking me back.”

One of her books, “The Sun is On,” is recommended for middle schools by the state, and has sold more than 100,000 copies.

“So many people of so many different

backgrounds have embraced my poetry, and that makes me so happy,” Baron said. “So much of my poetry has connections to my background as a woman of African descent, but it does capture everybody.”

Living in Hempstead village, Baron has read poetry to many local groups over the years. Her desire is to bring poetry to more than just students.

“Poetry should not be conceptualized as stagnant on the page,” she said. “My goal is to promote the power of poetry and enjoyment of the gift of poetry to the entire community.”

As the town’s first poet laureate, Baron really won’t change much, if anything. She will continue to speak to children and adults at schools, libraries — pretty much anywhere and everywhere someone will listen to the beauty of poetry.

Town councilwoman Dorothy Goosby, who recommended Baron for the non-paying position, said the appointment would lead to a greater understanding of the positive power of poetry.

“Poetry is meaningful and beautiful,” Goosby said. “It’s a creative outlet that provides a way for people to express themselves.”

Baron will continue writing poetry as she always has, while paying homage to the many people who have helped her since she was young. Her father introduced her to Langston Hughes and Gwendolyn Brooks, and the family of a child she babysat for as a teenager gave her an album of Maya Angelou reciting poetry.

Baron hopes to inspire others to enjoy poetry by honoring those literary role models and her heritage. When she sees a child’s face light up as she recites a poem, she realizes she is achieving her ultimate goal of making poetry accessible.

“That makes me so happy,” Baron said. “My poetry is for the entire community.”

Courtesy Lindamichelle Baron

LINDAMICHELLE BARON HAS been named the first poet laureate for the Town of Hempstead. She has written three poetry books, and spent a lifetime sharing the beauty of poetry with anyone willing to listen.

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE

VILLAGE OF LAWRENCE Sealed Bids for ZION MEMORIAL PARKSPLASH PAD PLEASE TAKE NOTICE

THAT SEALED

PROPOSALS must be received by the Village Board of Trustees at their offices at 196 Central Avenue, Lawrence, New York 11559 on: Monday February 6, 2023 at 10:00 AM at which time they will be publicly opened and read with the Contract to be awarded as soon thereafter as practicable.

All bids shall be in accordance with the specifications, drawings and terms of the proposed contracts

The Village will not accept bids from, or award contracts to, anyone who cannot prove to the complete satisfaction of the Board of Trustees that he has sufficient experience in this type of work and is financially able and organized to successfully carry out the work required in the specified time.

Plans and specifications will be available and may be obtained at the Village Hall, 196 Central Avenue, Lawrence, New York, 11559, starting at 10:00 AM, Wednesday, January 18, 2023, and thereafter, during normal Village business hours. A nonrefundable fee of $25.00 is required for each USB Flash Drive containing the contract documents.

The authorized contact for any questions regarding this proposal should be directed to Gerry Castro Village of Lawrence 196 Central Avenue Lawrence, New York 11559 Phone: 516-239-4600 x1031 email: gcastro@villageoflawrenc e.org

Dated: Lawrence, New York 11559

January 13, 2023

For the BOARD OF TRUSTEES

By: RONALD GOLDMAN, VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR

136782

Proposals must be in writing, signed by the party making the bid, contained in a securely sealed envelope, addressed to the District Manager Mike Ahern at 25 Franklin Ave Hewlett, New York 11557, marked “BID - 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe”. Sealed bids must be received at said location on or before the day and hour stated. Bid Price must include Full Purchase Price.

Proposals will be publicly opened and read at that time by the District Manager and the contract awarded by the Board of Fire Commissioners within thirty (30) days thereafter.

A non-collusive certificate as required by Section 103-d of the General Municipal Law must accompany each bid. The Board of Trustees reserves the right to reject all bids, and subject to the foregoing will award the contract to the lowest responsible bidder.

Dated: 1/9/2023, New York

By order of Board of Fire Commissioners, Hewlett Bay Fire District Dan Weisner Secretary 136784

PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES…

All relevant documents may be inspected at the office of the Village Clerk, 30 Piermont Avenue, Hewlett, New York, during regular business hours.

Dated: January 9, 2023 BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF APPEALS Michelle Blandino, Village Clerk 136748

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 1/25/23 at 9:30 A.M. to consider the following applications and appeals:

THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 9:30 A.M. 70/23. NR CEDARHURSTLeebee Avital, Renewal of grant to maintain 6’ high PVC fence forward of dwelling on Oakland Ave. which may substantially obstruct line of sight., N/W cor. Redwood Dr. & Oakland Ave., a/k/a 542 Redwood Dr.

516-374-3806 for further ZOOM information/instruction or visit our website at www.hewlettharbor.org.

All interested parties will be given the opportunity to be heard on the following application for variance relief:

Mr. Lemuel Santana 20 Thixton Drive Hewlett Harbor, NY 11557. Is requesting to build a new one family dwelling.

Applicant requests relief from Village Zoning code Ordinances 145-19.

Village zoning Code 145-19 states: The maximum permitted lot coverage shall not exceed 30%. Applicant is requesting a 55% lot coverage. Village zoning Code 145-19 states: the maximum permitted front yard surface coverage shall not exceed 23%.

Applicant is requesting a 62% front yard surface coverage. Village zoning Code 145-19 states: no side yard shall have a width that is less than 15’. Applicant is requesting a 13’6” side yard setback. Village zoning Code 145-19 states: Two side yards are required to maintain a minimum aggregate width of 35’. Applicant is requesting a 32’ side yard aggregate.

LEGAL NOTICE

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a public hearing will be held as to the following matter: Agency:Board of Appeals Village of Hewlett Bay Park

Date:January 24, 2023 Time: 7:00 p.m.

Place:Village Hall, 30 Piermont Avenue, Hewlett, New York

Subject:Application of Carmine & Colette Abruzzo, 162 Cedar Ave, Hewlett Bay Park, New York, to construct a new dwelling, where such construction requires a variance of Village Code §146-12, to permit the dwelling to have a side height/setback ratio of 1.08, where a maximum of 0.85 is permitted.

LEGAL NOTICE

HEWLETT BAY FIRE DISTRICT

LEGAL NOTICE

SEALED BIDS will be received by the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Hewlett Bay Fire District at Fire Headquarters, 25 Franklin Ave, Hewlett New York 11557 until 6:00 PM on Monday February 13, 2023, at which time bids will be publicly opened for One (1) 2022/ 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe - (COLOR MUST BE WHITE). Specifications can be obtained at Hewlett Bay Fire District Headquarters, Monday to Friday from 9am to 2:00 pm. Delivery must occur within 30 days of awarding this bid.

Premises are designated as Section 41, Block A, Lot 2 on the Nassau County Land and Tax Map.

At the said time and place, all interested persons may be heard with respect to the foregoing matters.

This application is a Type II Action under the State Environmental Quality Review Act.

Any person having a disability which would inhibit attendance at or participation in the hearing should notify the Village Clerk at least three business days prior to the hearing, so that reasonable efforts may be made to facilitate such attendance and participation.

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 Cedarhurst 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 at 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.

136770

LEGAL

NOTICE INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF HEWLETT HARBOR

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Board of Zoning Appeals of the Incorporated Village of Hewlett Harbor will hold a public hearing via ZOOM on February 2, 2023 at 7:00pm. All residents and professionals wishing to attend are directed to contact Village Hall at

Ben & Zvi Ben-Yosef 1304 Harbor Road Hewlett Harbor, NY 11557. Is requesting to install a front yard pervious driveway. Applicant requests relief from Village Zoning code Ordinances 145-19.

Village zoning Code 145-19 states: The maximum permitted lot coverage shall not exceed 30%. Applicant is requesting a 45% lot coverage. Village zoning Code 145-19 states: the maximum permitted front yard surface coverage shall not exceed 23%.

Applicant is requesting a 35.3% front yard surface coverage.

Continuation…Mr. Igor Kanfer 1298 Auerbach Avenue Hewlett harbor, NY 11557, is requesting to maintain rear yard pavers. Applicant requests relief from Village Zoning Code 145-19. Village zoning Code 145-19 states: The maximum permitted building lot coverage in a residential “B” district is 30%. Applicant is requesting a 59.2% lot coverage.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS

STEVEN GOLD, CHAIRMAN ZONING BOARD

MICHAEL RYDER

Village Clerk

Dated: Hewlett Harbor, New York January 3, 2023 136780

PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES…

Printed in this publication can be found online. To search by publication name, go to: www.newyorkpublicnotices.com

LEGAL NOTICE VILLAGE OF ATLANTIC BEACH ELECTION DAY

At the regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Village of Atlantic Beach held on January 9, 2023, the following resolution was offered by Trustee Sullivan and seconded by Trustee Baessler, who moved its adoption and it was duly carried unanimously, 1that the General Election of the Village of Atlantic Beach shall be held on Tuesday, June 20, 2023 and that the office to be filled and the terms thereof are as follows: 1(2) Two Trustees for two year terms; 2- that the Village Clerk is ordered and directed to cause a copy of this Resolution to be published in the Nassau Herald; 3- that this Resolution shall take effect immediately.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES EMILY SINISCALCHI, VILLAGE CLERK DATED: JANUARY 9, 2023 136787

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORKCOUNTY OF NASSAU DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY AS TRUSTEE FOR HARBORVIEW MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2005-9, V. VEEDEL WENTWORTH, ET AL.

NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure dated September 13, 2019, and entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau, wherein DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY AS TRUSTEE FOR HARBORVIEW MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2005-9 is the Plaintiff and VEEDEL WENTWORTH, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on February 21, 2023 at 2:30PM, premises known as 34 AVE A, INWOOD, NY 11096: Section 40, Block 157, Lot 8: ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE INWOOD, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 004905/2008. Jane P. Shrenkel, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in

accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 136778

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON FKA THE BANK OF NEW YORK, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE CERTIFICATEHOLDERS OF CWALT, INC. ALTHERNATIVE LOAN TRUST 2004-30CB, MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, 2004-30CB, Plaintiff, Against IGOR B. MONASTYRSKY IF LIVING, AND IF HE/SHE BE DEAD, 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; AND INTENDED BY INCLUDED IN 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, JULIA MONASTYRSKY, ET AL.

Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 01/17/2020, 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. This Auction will be held rain or shine. on 1/31/2023 at 2:00 PM, premises known as 1491 Peninsula Boulevard, Hewlett, NY 11557, And Described As Follows: ALL that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being At Hewlett, In The Town Of Hempstead, County Of Nassau And State Of New York.

Section 39 Block 69 Lot 72

The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $373,353.63 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 17-002754

If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the then Court Appointed Referee will cancel the Foreclosure Auction.

If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee or the Mortgagees attorney. Mark S. Ricciardi, Esq., Referee.

Leopold & Associates, PLLC, 80 Business Park Drive, Suite 110, Armonk, NY 10504

Dated: 12/8/2022 File Number: 7754874 LD 136376

LEGAL NOTICE

The following are the dates for the Hewlett Bay Fire District 2023 Board meeting and Workshops meeting. All District Board meeting will start at 7: 30 PM. Meeting will be held at the district building 1180 Broadway Hewlett New York 11557. District meeting dates Re-Org January 4, 2023 Regular meeting January 9, 2023 February 13, 2023 March 13, 2023 April 10, 2023 May 8, 2023 June 12, 2023 July 10, 2023 August 7, 2023 September 11, 2023 October 16, 2023 November 13, 2023 December TBD District Secretary Daniel Weisner 136783

LEGAL NOTICE

INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF HEWLETT HARBOR

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Planning Board of the Incorporated Village of Hewlett Harbor will convene and hold a public hearing via ZOOM January 26, 2023, at 7:00pm. All residents and professionals wishing to attend are directed to contact Village Hall at 516-374-3806 for further ZOOM information/instruction or visit our website at www.hewlettharbor.org. All interested parties will be given the opportunity to be heard on the following applications for relief:.

1) Mr. Aamer Hussain 226 Richards Lane Hewlett Harbor, New York 11557 has applied to the Planning Board for site plan, elevation plan and landscape design review for a new one family home, driveway and inground pool.

2) Mr. & Mrs. Guy and Licethe Friedman 1312 Club Drive (Lot 7) Hewlett Harbor, New York 11557 has applied to the Planning Board for site plan, elevation plan and landscape design review for a new one family home, driveway and inground pool.

3) Mr. & Mrs. Guy and Licethe Friedman 1312 Club Drive (Lot 6) Hewlett Harbor, New York 11557 has applied to the Planning Board for site plan, elevation plan and landscape design review for a new one family home, driveway and inground pool.

4) Mr. Stanley Aronov 207 Everit Avenue Hewlett Harbor, New York 11557 has applied to the Planning Board for site plan, elevation plan and landscape design review for a new one family home, 3 car carport, driveway and inground pool.

At said hearing, all interested parties will be given an opportunity to be heard. Copies of the proposed application will be available at the Village Hall at least five (5) days before the public hearing and may be seen during the regular business hours.

Those persons planning to attend the meeting and who require special accommodations because of a disability are requested to notify the Village Clerk no less than 48 hours prior to the meeting.

Dated: January 3, 2023 Hewett Harbor, New York BY ORDER OF THE PLANNING BOARD OF THE VILLAGE OF HEWLETT HARBOR TED MAY

Planning Board Chairman MICHAEL RYDER Village Clerk 136628

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING (VOTER REFERENDUM) OF LAWRENCE UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 15, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU, STATE OF NEW YORK

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that by Order of the Board of Education (“Board”) of the Lawrence Union Free School District No. 15, a Special Referendum Vote will be held on February 16, 2023, between the hours of 7:00 o’clock a.m. and 10:00 o’clock p.m., prevailing time, in the Lawrence High School Gym located at 2 Reilly Road, Cedarhurst, New York, for the purpose of enabling the qualified and registered voters of the District to vote by voting machine on the following ballot proposition:

Public Notices

Shall the Board of Education of the Lawrence Union Free School District No. 15 (the “District”) be authorized to sell the real property commonly known as the “Number 5 School,” located at 305 Cedarhurst Avenue, Cedarhurst, New York (Section 39, Block 311, Lots 10 & 14 on the Nassau County Land and Tax Map) including all buildings and appurtenances thereon, for the sum of Twelve Million Five Hundred Thousand and 00/100 Dollars ($12,500,000.00), pursuant to the specific terms and conditions of the Purchase and Sale Agreement on file with the Office of the District Clerk located at 2 Reilly Road, Cedarhurst, New York.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the registration of voters not previously registered and eligible to vote for the Special Referendum Vote will take place between 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 1, 2023 at the Office of the District Clerk. Such persons must present himself or herself personally for registration during the time and place set forth, in order to be entitled to vote.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the final date to register for the Special Referendum Vote is Thursday, February 2, 2023 from 8:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. in the Office of the District Clerk, 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 the satisfaction of the District Clerk, to be then or thereafter entitled to vote at the Special Referendum Vote for which such register is prepared.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the register shall include (1) all qualified voters of the District who shall personally present themselves for registration; and (2) all previously qualified voters of the District who shall have been previously registered for any Annual or Special District Meeting or Election and who shall have voted at any Annual or Special District Meeting or Election held or conducted at any time within the four calendar years prior to preparation of the said register; and (3) voters permanently registered with the Nassau County Board of Elections.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that the application for absentee ballots for voting on the proposition may be applied for at the Office of the District Clerk by calling for an appointment (516) 295-7032, online at Lawrence.org under the Board of Education

webpage and via email at MBharaj@Lawrence.org.

Applications must be received by the District Clerk in the District Clerk’s office by February 9, 2023 if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter. If the ballot is to be hand delivered, the ballot must be received by the District Clerk in the District Clerk’s office by 5:00 p.m. on the day of such Special Referendum Vote. If the ballot is to be hand delivered, the application must be received by the District Clerk in the District Clerk’s office the day before the Special Referendum Vote. A list of all persons to whom absentee ballots shall have been issued will be available in the Office of the District Clerk located at 2 Reilly Road, Cedarhurst, New York on each of the seven (7) days prior to the day of the Special Referendum Vote, except Saturday, Sunday or holidays, and that such list will also be posted at the polling place at the Special Referendum Vote.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that military voters may apply for a military ballot by requesting an application from the District Clerk via email at MBharaj@Lawrence.org.

For a military voter to be issued a military ballot, the District Clerk must have received a valid ballot application no later than 5:00 p.m. on January 17, 2023. In a request for a military ballot application or ballot, the military voter may indicate his/her preference for receiving the application or ballot by mail, facsimile transmission or electronic mail. A list of all persons to whom military ballots are issued will be available for inspection to qualified voters of the School District in the Office of the District Clerk during regular business hours during the seven (7) days prior to the election, except for Saturday and Sunday, and on February 16, 2023, the day set for the Special Referendum Vote, upon prior appointment only, subject to any applicable laws and regulations.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER

NOTICE that this Board shall convene a Special Meeting thereof within twenty-four hours after the filing with the District Clerk of a written report of the results of the Special Referendum Vote for the purpose of examining and tabulating said reports of the result of the ballot and declaring the result of the ballot.

NOTICE AVISO DE REUNIÓN ESPECIAL (REFERÉNDUM DE VOTANTES) DEL DISTRITO ESCOLAR GRATUITO DE LAWRENCE UNIÓN NÚM. 15, CIUDAD DE HEMPSTEAD, CONDADO DE NASSAU, ESTADO DE NUEVA YORK POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA que, por Orden de la Junta de Educación (“Junta”) del Distrito Escolar Libre de Lawrence Union N.° 15, se llevará a cabo una Votación de Referéndum Especial el 16 de febrero del 2023, entre las 7:00 a.m. y las 10:00 p.m., hora vigente, en el gimnasio de Lawrence High School ubicado en 2 Reilly Road, Cedarhurst, Nueva York, con el propósito de permitir a los votantes calificados y registrados del Distrito votar mediante una máquina de votación sobre la siguiente propuesta de la boleta electoral: Se debe autorizar a la Junta de Educación del Distrito Escolar Libre de Lawrence Unión No. 15 (el “Distrito”) a vender los bienes inmuebles comúnmente conocidos como la “Escuela Número 5”, ubicada en 305 Cedarhurst Avenue, Cedarhurst, Nueva York (Sección 39, Bloque 311, Lotes 10 y 14 en el Mapa de Impuestos y Tierras del Condado de Nassau), incluidos todos los edificios y dependencias de los mismos, por la suma de Doce Millones Quinientos Mil 00/100 Dólares ($12,500,000.00), Conforme a los términos y condiciones específicos del Acuerdo de Compraventa registrado en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito ubicada en 2 Reilly Road, Cedarhurst, Nueva York.

POR FAVOR TENGA EN CUENTA ADEMÁS que el registro de votantes no registrados previamente y elegibles para votar para el Voto de Referéndum Especial se llevará a cabo entre las 4:00 p.m. y las 8:00 p.m. el miércoles 1 de febrero de 2023 en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito. Dichas personas deberán presentarse personalmente para su inscripción en el lugar y hora señalados, para tener derecho a voto.

CUENTA ADEMÁS que el registro incluirá (1) todos los votantes calificados del Distrito que se presentarán personalmente para el registro; y (2) todos los votantes previamente calificados del Distrito que se hayan registrado previamente para cualquier Reunión o Elección Anual o Especial del Distrito y que hayan votado en cualquier Reunión o Elección Anual o Especial del Distrito celebrada o realizada en cualquier momento dentro de los cuatro años calendario años anteriores a la elaboración de dicho registro; y (3) votantes registrados permanentemente en la Junta Electoral del Condado de Nassau. SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que la solicitud de boletas de voto en ausencia para votar sobre la propuesta se puede solicitar en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito llamando para una cita al (516) 295-7032, en línea en Lawrence.org bajo la página web de la Junta de Educación y por correo electrónico a MBharaj@Lawrence.org.

Hindi’s Libraries partnered with the Five Towns Orthodox Feminists on MLK Day of Service. From left were Hindi’s Libraries co-founder Dovid Kanarfogel, and Five Towns Orthodox Feminists members Orly Farenblum, Tamar Rydzinsku and Meira Statman. Volunteer Sharon Gabin is not pictured.

Volunteering to honor Rev. King’s memory

The Five Towns Orthodox Feminists collaborated with Hewlett-based Hindi’s Libraries, a global nonprofit, and took part in the day of service on Jan. 16 that honors the memory of slain civil rights leader the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Hindi’s Libraries collects new and gently used children’s books and ships them to nonprofit organization across the world at no cost to those receiving the books.

Founded in 2018 by Leslie Gang and Dovid Kanarfogel, Hindi’s Libraries was established in memory of Hebrew Academy of the Five Towns and Rockaway teacher Hindi Krinsky, Kanarfogel’s wife, who died that year at 32.

Hindi’s Libraries opens its headquar-

ters to volunteer and community groups to help support the nonprofit and “book it forward” by sorting and labeling the book donations.

“We couldn’t think of a better way to spend our day of service than by honoring a woman who was part of our community and whose legacy spreads both joy and the power of literacy to children near and far,” said Orly Farenblum, a Five Towns Orthodox Feminists member, referring to Krinsky.

For more about Hindi’s Libraries, go to HindisLibraries.org.

Public Notices

Ms.

Mohinder Bharaj District Clerk of the Board of Education

Lawrence Union Free School District 136367

TENGA EN CUENTA ADEMÁS que la fecha límite para registrarse para el Voto de Referéndum Especial es el jueves 2 de febrero del 2023 de 8:00 a. m. a 11:00 a.m. en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito, momento en el cual cualquier persona tendrá derecho a tener su nombre colocado en dicho registro, siempre que se sepa, o se demuestre a satisfacción del Secretario del Distrito, que en ese momento o posteriormente tiene derecho a votar en la Votación de Referéndum Especial para la cual se prepara dicho registro.

POR FAVOR TENGA EN

Las solicitudes deben ser recibidas por el Secretario del Distrito en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito antes del 9 de febrero de 2023 si la boleta debe enviarse por correo al votante. Si la boleta se va a entregar personalmente, la boleta debe ser recibida por el Secretario del Distrito en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito antes de las 5:00 p.m. del día de dicha Votación de Referéndum Especial. Si la boleta se va a entregar personalmente, la solicitud debe ser recibida por el Secretario del Distrito en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito el día anterior a la Votación de Referéndum Especial. Una lista de todas las personas a las que se les habrán emitido boletas de voto en ausencia estará disponible en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito ubicada en 2 Reilly Road, Cedarhurst, Nueva York en cada uno de los siete (7) días anteriores al día del Voto de Referéndum Especial, excepto los sábados, domingos o días festivos, y dicha lista también se publicará en el lugar de votación en la Votación de Referéndum Especial.

SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que los votantes militares pueden solicitar una boleta militar solicitando una aplicación al secretario del distrito por correo electrónico a MBharaj@Lawrence.org. Para que un votante militar reciba una boleta militar, el secretario del distrito debe haber recibido una solicitud de boleta válida a más tardar a las 5:00 p.m. del 17 de enero del 2023. En una solicitud de boleta o solicitud de boleta militar,

el votante militar puede indicar su preferencia de recibir la solicitud o boleta por correo, transmisión por fax o correo electrónico. Una lista de todas las personas a las que se emitieron boletas militares estará disponible para su inspección por parte de los votantes calificados del Distrito Escolar en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito durante el horario laboral regular durante los siete (7) días previos a la elección, excepto los sábados y domingos y el 16 de febrero del 2023, día fijado para la Votación de Referéndum

Especial, previa cita únicamente, sujeto a las leyes y reglamentos aplicables.

POR FAVOR TENGA EN CUENTA ADEMÁS que esta Junta convocará una Reunión Especial dentro de las veinticuatro horas posteriores a la presentación ante el Secretario del Distrito de un informe escrito de los resultados

from the Hewlett Bay Fire District Capital Reserve Apparatus Fund for the purpose of purchasing 2022/ 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe, for a cost not to exceed $75,000.00 A complete copy of the Resolution summarized herewith is available for public inspection during regular business hours at the Office of the Hewlett Bay Fire District for a period of thirty (30) days from the date of publication of this notice.

Dated: Hewlett, New York January 9, 2023

/s/ Dan Weisner, Fire District Secretary 136785

LEGAL

— Jeffrey Bessen

Courtesy Hindi’s Libraries

Send Resume To pvenezia@numc.edu.

Administrative Assistant For Five Towns Law Firm

Mgmt/ Computer Skills Mandatory Salary Commensurate With Experience. In Office Position

Email Resume To Siberlaw@aol.com

ADMINISTRATIVE

Richner Communications - a rapidly growing multimedia company and publishers of the Herald newspaper grouphas several administrative job openings: Receptionist (P/T), Accounts Receivable/Billing Collections Clerk Multi-Media Coordinator (Hours Flexible) Qualified candidates are fast learners with good organizational and people skills - entry level ok.

Role requires working knowledge of Microsoft Office and ability to learn custom software programs. If you would like to join a communitydriven, fast-paced environment, please send your resume to: careers@liherald.com.

CIRCULATION ASSOCIATE

Full Time/Part Time Richner Communications, publisher of Herald community newspapers has an excellent opportunity for a FT/PT Customer Service Clerk in our busy Circulation Department. Basic customer service and administrative responsibilities include: heavy computer work, answering phones, making phone calls, entering orders, faxing, filing, etc. STRONG knowledge of EXCEL a must! Knowledge of DATABASE maintenance or postal regulations a big plus. Qualified Candidates must be computer literate, able to multitask, dependable, reliable, organized, energetic, detail oriented and able to work well under deadlines. For consideration, please send resume & salary requirements to: careers@liherald.com

CLEANING PERSON FT Needed For Local Cleaning Company. Will Train. If Interested Call Bill 516-678-5943

CONSTRUCTION WORKERS Assist General Contractor. Drivers License. Knowledge Of Construction. Call Mike. 516-887-8877.

DRIVERS WANTED

Full Time and Part Time Positions Available! Busy Print Shop in Garden City is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers. Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience. Hours Vary, Night Availability is a Must. Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239

DRIVING INSTRUCTORS

FULL CHARGE BOOKKEEPER :

Proficiency Quickbooks, 2/ 3 Days/ Week, Flexible. Send resume: Catalina Beach Club, 2045 Ocean Blvd. Atlantic Beach, NY 11509; Call 201-417-9940

MEDICAL ASSISTANT FT MEDICAL

REAL ESTATE

Open Houses

CEDARHURST 1/22, 2-3:30, 332B Peninsula Blvd. Move Right Into This Updated 3 Br, 2.5 Bth Coop Townhouse. LR, DR, Gran/Wood Kit w/ Stainless Steel Appl. Trex Deck Off LR.Primary Ste Features Updtd Bth & WIC. Att Gar Plus 1 Pkg Spot incl in Maintenance. W/D in Unit.Pull Down Attic.SD#15. Convenient to Shops, Trans & Houses of Worship...$449,00 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299

HEWLETT BA, 1608 RIDGEWAY Dr, NEW Move Right Into This Completely Gut Renovated 4 BR, 3.5 Bth Col on 1/4 Acre Prop. New Kosher EIK, FDR, LR w/ Fpl, Den & Enclosed Porch. Full Fin Bsmt. 2 Car Att Gar. SD#20...$1,469,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299

OUTSIDE SALES

HEWLETT 1/22, 12-1:39, 257 Willard Dr, NEW TO MARKET!! Spacious 5 BR, 3 Bth Exp Ranch With Open Layout.Main Floor Mstr Ste Plus Potential Mstr Ste on 2nd Flr.LR/Fpl, FDR, EIK & Sundrenched Family Rm w/ Doors to Deck. Fin Bsmt. Att Gar. Loads of Updates!! SD#20(Lynbrook)No Flood Insurance Req. MUST SEE THIS!..$1,098,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299

Open Houses

HEWLETT 1534 BROADWAY #103, OPEN HOUSE BY APPT, REDUCED! Magnificent New Renovation! One of a Kind Ranch Style Living in Luxurious Jonathan Hall Condominium with Doorman & Elevator. Just Move into This Gut Renovated, Spacious 2 BR, 2 Bath Apt with Open Layout.Large Designer Eat in Kitchen with Sep Pantry & Laundry Rm.Master BR Boasts Gorgeous Bth & Walk in Closet. Terrace Faces into Courtyard. Garage Parking Incl...$699,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299

HEWLETT 1534 BROADWAY #205, Open House By Appt! Extra Large 2000 Sq Ft, 2 Bedroom(Originally 3 BR), 2 Bath Condo in Prestigious Jonathan Hall with Doorman & Elevator. Updtd Wood/Quartz Kit, LR & DR. Washer/Dryer in Unit. Underground Pkg. Loads of Closets. Terrace Faces Back. Easy Ranch Style Living...$699,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299

Houses For Rent

BALDWIN GORGEOUS COLONIAL 2/3 Br. $3200. LOVELY RANCH 3 Br. 2 Ba. $3000. BEAUTIFUL TUDOR 3 Br., RVC Schools. $3300. Call Nancy Scarola Real Estate. 516-286-4310. 516-633-5300.

PRESS-ROOM/WAREHOUSE HELP

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

NYS License Clean 3 Years Call 516-731-3000

EDITOR/REPORTER

The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to mhinman@liherald.com

Health Care/Opportunities

IN BRIEF

V.I.Properties Welcomes Zina Israelov!!

We are happy to welcome Zina Israelov to Team Rozana and Sara at V.I.Properties. Zina Israelov is an accountant with over 15 years of experience, in a well-known and prestigious real estate company. She holds degrees from Queens College and Hunter College in accounting and psychology, respectively. What Zina loves most is spending time with her grandson and watching basketball with her two boys. She moved to the Five Towns about 15 years ago and it has been nothing but home since day 1. One of her beliefs is that honesty, reliability, and being personable are essential when building trust with clients. This philosophy has driven her to be motivated and committed in finding the perfect home for youwith an easy and smooth experience throughout. Contact Zina at 347-836-1907 or by email zi@rozana-sara.com

Realtors are encouraged to send briefs and photographs to: Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd.., Garden City, NY 11530.

Acre Prop. New Kosher EIK, FDR, LR w/ Fpl, Den & Enclosed Porch.Radiant Heated Flrs. Full Fin Bsmt. 2 Car Att Gar. MUST SEE!! SD#20 DRASTIC REDUCTION! $1,469,000 1534 Broadway #103, BA, Magnificent New Renovation! One of a Kind Ranch Style Living in Luxurious Jonathan Hall Condominium with Doorman & Elevator. Just Move into This Gut Rvated, Spacious 2 BR, 2 Bath Apt with Open Layout. Large Designer Eat in Kitchen

INTRODUCING.… 2697 Morton Avenue. This completely renovated and rebuilt, all new construction 4 bedroom, 2 full bathroom home features an all new eat in kitchen with quartz countertops, shaker cabinets and stainless steel appliances. This home boasts two brand new bathrooms, custom moldings, crown moldings and hardwood floors throughout. There is also a full finished basement with high ceilings, all new windows, siding, roof, electric, plumbing along with gas fired hydronic heating system, central air conditioning and driveway. You will enjoy low taxes and no flood insurance is required. $749,000.

A zoning variance for a bigger den?

Q. I wanted to add on to the den on the side of my house. The den has been there since 1930. The problem I’m having is that if I want to make the addition so that it’s in alignment with the current den, the side distance to my property line is too close, by 12 inches, according to my building department. They say that I have to match the code requirement that was adopted in 1938, so instead of having a straight wall going all the way back, I either need to make a jog in the wall or go for a zoning variance. It just doesn’t make sense. I’m not adding a monster-sized addition, just 10 feet by 10 feet on the side of my house, behind tall hedges. My neighbor doesn’t mind, so what can I do about this?

A. Not much, except decide whether you want a ridiculous-looking room with a jog in the wall or want to spend the money and time to go through the zoning variance process. When I see cases like this, I understand the intent of the law, but not the “spirit” of the law. The intent is to prevent the construction of buildings too close to a property line, based on historical catastrophes such as the London fire and the Chicago fire, both of which saw hundreds of lives lost and tens of thousands of buildings destroyed, mainly because of their closeness to one another and their ability to burn easily.

We live in a modern age in which materials have been tested, analyzed, certified and regulated to limit flame spread, and communities have been set up with strict guidelines to leave spaces between buildings for safety and appearance. But knowing, or not remembering, this, communities may invoke the strictness of the law like a stern punishment, or look at the separate conditions and merits of each case, deciding that your straight wall versus a jogged wall isn’t going to hurt anyone and, being located on the side or behind your house, isn’t going to detract from the character of the community.

Some building departments have been given the flexibility to make these decisions, to avoid throwing the baby out with the bathwater, and have the authority to give approval for minor issues. Some municipalities have even gone so far as to pass ordinances allowing the discretion of building departments to allow for the alignment of built structures, previously approved, on the first story. It makes sense not to put homeowners through an unnecessary hearing process, sometimes costing thousands of dollars and many months of delay, just so they can have a straight wall.

Allowing alignment with a previously approved part of a building isn’t the same as having a flammable wall too close to a property line or another building. In the long run, a variance will be worth it. Otherwise the weird wall shift won’t be understood or be beneficial to you. Good luck!

Apartments For Rent

CEDARHURST NO FEE Private Entrance, Modern 1BR, 2BR, 3BR, CAC, W/D, Storage, Wall To Wall Carpeting, Indoor Parking Space. Starting At $1450 For One Bedroom When Available. (516)860-6889/ (516)852-5135/ (516)582-9978

MoneyTo Lend

© 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

MERCHANDISE MART

Antiques/Collectibles

We Buy Antiques, Fine Art & Jewelry Same Day Service, Free In-Home Evaluations, 45 Year Family Business. Licensed and Bonded, Immediate Cash Paid.

SYL-LEE ANTIQUES www.syl-leeantiques.com 516-671-6464

Miscellaneous For Sale

TORO POWER-MAX SNOWBLOWER: Model #826OAE. New. Original $1300. Asking $900. Call Arnold 516-432-1492

FINDS UNDER $100

Finds Under $100

ADULT TRICYCLE: VERY good, with a few rust spots, valued at $250. $99.00 firm. 516-458-6729

ANTIQUE BLACKBOARD, FREE standing with carving, rolling scroll pictures, flip down desk, $99. 516 295-1548

ANTIQUE GOLD DECORATIVE mirror 19" x 45" wide ,carved crest. $50 (516) 295-1548

BOYS GAP FLEECE Hoodie: Camo, Size 12: New with tags. $15 917-420-581

CHRISTMAS DECOR: HUGE assortment. Call for details and pics $40 & under. 516-225-919

CRYSTAL STEMWARE (MACY'S). Gorgeous Wine , Water, Champagne. Brand new original boxes $95. 516-225-9191

Finds Under $100

DOUBLE HUNG WOOD WINDOW: with screen. 52 X 29 1/2" Marvin Integrity, $45. 516-537-3941

GIRLS CLOTHES SIZES 5, 8, & 10: New with tags. Tops, Jeans. $8-9 each. 917-420-5814

KNITTED SKI BANDS One Size Fits All "BELLMORE" White lettering, Navy acrylic, New, $5. 516-320-1906

MULTI MEDIA OAK Storage Cabinet, "New in Box" Half Price at $50 Firm. 516-486-7941

NEW HYUNDAI SUV adjustable roof rails. cost $319- Selling for $99 firm (516)524-3617

PREVAIL PADS XTRA long super absorbent pack- 39, $12 ea. Box of 4 $38. 516-546-0275

WALL SAFE: HEAVY Steel "New in Box," Mount Surface or in Wall. $50 Firm. 516-486-7941

Finds $100-$350

Cleaning Services

MARINA'S CLEANING SERVICES: Cleaning Homes, Apartments, Condos, Offices. Experienced. FREE Estimates. Serving Long Island. 516-670-7764

Electricians

E-Z ELECTRIC SERVICES, INC. All Types Residential/Commercial Wiring, Generators, Telephone/Data, Home Entertainment, Service Upgrades, Pools, Spas. Services/Repairs. Violations Removed. Free Estimates Low Rates. 516-785-0646 Lic/Ins.

Handyman

HANDYMAN

Repairs and Installations for the Household. Careful and Reliable and Vaccinated. Licensed and Insured. 30-Year Nassau County Resident. Friendly Frank Phone/Text 516-238-2112 E-mail-Frankcav@optonline.net

Home Improvement

Home Improvement

HANDY DANDY

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

* Full Or Partial Kitchens/ Baths *Painting *Sheetrock *Taping/ Spackling *Installations Ceramic/ Vinyl Tile *Carpentry *Alterations *Repairs/ More. FREE ESTIMATES. Dan 516-342-0761

Miscellaneous

BEST SATELLITE TV with 2 Year Price Guarantee! $59.99/mo with 190 channels and 3 months free premium movie channels! Free next day installation! Call 888-508-5313

Plumbing

PLUMBER! PLUMBER! PLUMBER! FREE ESTIMATES! Heating, Repairs, Installations. $25 OFF New Customers. 24 Hour Emergency Response. 516-599-1011

BAR

KITCHEN

TREADMILL

WHEEL

516-437-7046

SERVICES

BATH & SHOWER UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Affordable prices - No payments for 18 months! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & Military Discounts available. Call: 866-393-3636

CARPENTRY & PAINTING: Residential/ Commercial. All Phases. Licensed/Insured. FREE ESTIMATES! Anthony & J Home Improvements 516-678-6641

DON'T PAY FOR Covered Home Repairs Again! American Residential Warranty covers ALL MAJOR SYSTEMS AND APPLIANCES. 30 DAY RISK FREE/ $100 OFF POPULAR PLANS. 833-398-0526

Tile

TILE INSTALLATION: 25 Years In Business. FREE Estimates. We Specialize In Quality Work. Broadway Tile Company. Call Jeff 516-647-2604 Or email estimating@broadwaytileco.com

Satellite/TV Equipment

DISH TV $64.99 For 190 Channels + $14.95 High Speed Internet. Free Installation, Smart HD DVR Included, Free Voice Remote. Some restrictions apply. Promo Expires 1/21/23. 1-866-595-6967

GET DIRECTV FOR $64.99/mo for 12 months with CHOICE Package. Save an additional $120 over 1st year. First 3 months of HBO Max, Cinemax, Showtime, Starz and Epix included! Directv is #1 in Customer Satisfaction (JD Power & Assoc.) Some restrictions apply. Call 1-888-534-6918

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Education

COMPUTER & IT TRAINING PROGRAM! Train ONLINE to get the skills to become a Computer & Help Desk Professional now! Grants and Scholarships available for certain programs for qualified applicants. Call CTI for details! 844-947-0192 (M-F 8am-6pm ET). Computer with internet is required.

TRAIN ONLINE TO DO MEDICAL BILLING! Become a Medical Office Professional online at CTI! Get Trained, Certified & ready to work in months! Call 855-543-6440. (M-F 8am-6pm ET). Computer with internet is required

Health & Fitness

ATTENTION VIAGRA USERS: Generic 100mg blue pills or generic 20mg yellow pills. Get 45 plus 5 free $99 + S/H. Call Today. 877-707-5523

& MARINE Autos For Sale

OpINIONS

The Republicans have sent in the clowns

One of my all-time favorite comedians was Groucho Marx. He always had the right response to the question of the moment. He used to say, “No matter what you ask for, the answer is no.” That describes the crazy new Republican majority in the House of Representatives.

can candidates who have run for Congress have campaigned on the promise to make government smaller. They made it a point never to explain which programs they were after, because they knew specifics would kill them.

Democratic Senate will no doubt vote against such changes, but that would leave the country without a budget.

of the House majority.

JERRY KREMER

For decades, the federal government has been providing funds for Social Security, Medicare, Homeland Security and the Department of Defense. Most rational people will tell you that these are crucial parts of the government, but various members of the new majority have targeted these programs for extinction.

When asked why they would seek to end one of these key programs, the individual Republican members would answer, “Because I don’t like it.” The idea that many members of the new majority want to bring government to its knees should be a warning sign to every American.

The Republican effort to dismantle American government is nothing new to political observers. Hundreds of Republi-

Eliminating programs goes along with the entire package of rules that were just adopted by the House of Representatives under the leadership of its new speaker, Kevin McCarthy. McCarthy has wanted to be speaker for over a decade. In 2015 he lost the job to John Boehner, and Boehner gave it to Paul Ryan. This year, for McCarthy, the speakership was now or never.

To avoid never, he agreed to a set of rules changes that at best could be described as insane. At the top of the list is a rule that will allow any one of the 435 House members to make a motion to take away the speakership from McCarthy.

Another rule allows members to single out any federal agency and vote to eliminate its budget. Because the House is empowered to craft the government’s spending plan, this rule could wipe out the entire budget of the Defense Department or the allocation for Medicare, with little or no debate in the House. The

What spells more trouble is a requirement that any increase in the debt ceiling must be matched by reductions in federal spending, which could target Social Security and Medicare. What is the next ugly byproduct of McCarthy’s failure to give into the far-right mob?

Spending limits, counterbalanced by cuts in programs, would create the possibility that Congress would default on its requirement to pay the nation’s debt. A debt default could lead to a global meltdown and a downgrading of America’s credit rating. The Republican House majority threatened debt default under President Barack Obama, but in the end, the Republicans came to their senses and approved the borrowing to keep the government functioning.

Apparently, rules changes weren’t enough for the 20 or so fringe House members as McCarthy sold his soul. In addition to giving in to them on rules, he agreed to appoint them to key committees, including the powerful Rules Committee. In effect, the group of 20 will have more power than the other 202 members

It is important to explain the significance of the appointment of troublemakers to the Rules Committee. The committee has the authority to do virtually anything during the course of consideration of a measure, including deeming it passed. It can rewrite parts of a bill, or the entire measure. House members such as Lauren Boebert, of Colorado, can hold the committee hostage. It’s a recipe for disaster.

Some readers might call these observations partisan, but any student of government will tell you that all of these changes are a recipe for disaster. As an example of the thinking of this power cluster, Rep. Jim Jordan, of Ohio, was asked why he favored cuts in the Defense Department, and he answered that there are too may generals in the military, and we have to get rid of many of them.

When all of these so-called reformers announced their plans, I thought of the word “clowns,” and then the song “Send in the Clowns” popped up in my thinking. Clowns are funny, but not this group of them.

Jerry Kremer was an Assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. He now heads Empire Government Strategies, a business development and legislative strategy firm. Comments about this column? jkremer@liherald.com.

Playing hide-and-seek with top secrets

Imagine my surprise when I opened my toaster oven to slide in a meatloaf and found a bunch of classified documents inside. Wow, I thought, secret docs are really popping up all over the place.

the documents were his because, well, just because. His team resisted turning them over, although the law demands that important papers get returned to the government after a president leaves office.

wizards.

People wondered if spies were hanging around Mar-a-Lago, hoping to read our nuclear codes over the dessert buffet. Or maybe someone was thinking about selling information to the other side, a kind of monetizing of the outgoing presidency.

Let me retreat a bit. After all, I did lose my most precious Covid-19 vaccine card just a week after I got the jab in January 2021. I awoke in the middle of the night and couldn’t remember where I had put it for super-safekeeping. I began to toss the room and the closet.

fight the government’s request to return the papers to safekeeping.

I once forgot to turn off the stove. Another time, I misplaced the code for my bicycle lock. Nearly every day I forget why I jumped up to run upstairs.

But shouldn’t the Secret Service, Homeland Security, the FBI, the president’s briefers and the CIA do better?

RANDI KREISS

The papers were in a folder that said Top Secret, so I read them immediately. Showing up in my oven makes them mine, right? Also, I took the extra precaution of declassifying them by chanting the order of the planets according to their distance from the sun, even Pluto, which is officially a nano planet. I mean, I don’t want to break any laws.

Just a few months ago, everyone was talking about a former president possessing bundles of classified documents, which he or someone close to him stuffed in various cabinets and closets in and around Mar-a-Lago, his golf club and happy place. The Justice Department, not known for leaping into action, actually raided the premises — that’s how worried it was that secrets may have fallen into the hands of spies. The former prez said

A special counsel was appointed by the DOJ to investigate the case of the purloined papers. Think: a kind of Wizard of Oz operating behind a screen.

Starting in early November, more secret documents were discovered, this time in offices and homes owned or formerly occupied by President Biden. He said he was surprised that classified material turned up under his watch, and his people did move with alacrity to give the paperwork back to the proper authorities in the government. Still.

Who is minding the store? How do secrets get passed around and land in somebody’s garage? A second special counsel was appointed. Now we have two

HAfter two days of misery, I tried to contact someone at the vaccine location. Someone there told me I had to appear in person, and even then I might not be successful. So I started all over again, searching my room and closets and, in case I really misplaced it, the fridge and the inside of my sneakers. On Day 4 I found the card exactly where I had put it originally, in a drawer. So I understand these lapses, but my vaccine card isn’t a nuclear code.

Biden apparently set down some papers and then forgot where they were, or when they needed to be returned to the government archives. More likely, he didn’t think about it all, and it was his staff that messed up.

Not so much with the other guy, who claimed possession of what were clearly classified papers and hired lawyers to

Hell, I did better hiding my diary from my sister when I was 12. No way MI-5 or the code breakers of Bletchley Park would have stashed spy secrets under a cushion.

I was surprised, but not really shocked, to find the eyes-only documents in my toaster oven. How to get rid of them? Roast? Convection bake? Air fry? I tried them all, and now I have a pile of ashes in my oven that I probably have to bake into another meatloaf, for security reasons.

This may not be the end of the story. All the president’s men and women somehow thought it was OK to store spycraft information in POTUS’s sock drawer or the ottoman at Camp David. Our government, bless its confused leaders, apparently subscribes to a special protocol for keeping secret documents secret, known as L.G.

That would be Loosey Goosey.

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

ell, I did a better job of hiding my diary from my sister when I was 12.

Twenty fringe House majority members have more power than the other 202.

11530

We don’t need Albany’s concrete fist in Nassau

New York has lost Oyster Bay. Well, more accurately, the state has lost 300,000 people — the town’s population — in just a single year.

Only California lost more people from domestic migration in the past year, and it wasn’t by much. But at least according to census numbers, New York can only watch as an average of 820 people move to another state. Each day.

Those are the kinds of numbers you’d expect from a state that’s struggling financially. But New York is anything but. In fact, it’s hard to find a time when New York was more prosperous. It’s just a prosperity that far too many people can’t afford to take part in.

“Over the last 10 years, our state had created 1.2 million jobs, but only 400,000 new homes,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said in her recent State of the State address.

Without a robust supply of homes, prices remain high. That’s great for developers and landlords, but bad for everyone else. The simple fact is, if our family members, friends and neighbors can’t afford to live in our communities, they’ll find a neighborhood where they can.

“Many forces led to this state of affairs,” Hochul said.

“But front and center are the local landuse policies that are the most restrictive in the nation. Through zoning, local communities hold enormous power to block growth.”

There are certainly benefits to such power, like preserving neighborhoods’ suburban single-family feel. But that feel isn’t cheap. The median sales price of homes in Nassau County in 2021 was $620,000, according to the state’s taxation and finance department. Outside New York City, the closest counties are Rockland, at $550,000, and Suffolk, at $510,000.

To afford a home like that, you’d have to

make at least $45 an hour — nearly three times the minimum wage. A typical salary in New York pays a little less than $25.

But you can’t work in New York if you can’t live in New York. And with the dearth of truly affordable housing, that just isn’t happening. It’s not that our local government officials don’t want affordable housing. It’s just that many don’t like the best way to create such housing: apartment buildings.

“Between full-on bans of multifamily homes, and onerous zoning and approval processes, they make it difficult — even impossible — to build new homes,” Hochul said. “Think about that. People want to live here, but local decisions to limit growth mean they cannot. Local governments can — and should — make different choices.”

Those choices need to begin here. Between 2010 and 2018, the governor said, counties like Nassau granted fewer building permits per capita than virtually all suburban counties across New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Northern Virginia and Southern California.

“With less supply, demand drives up prices,” Hochul said. “And who gets squeezed? Middle-income families and low-income families.”

Yet, not to fear, Hochul has a plan to fix it. She calls it the New York Housing Compact, and its intent is to build 800,000 new homes in the state over the next decade, setting “clear expectations for the growth we need, while at the same time giving localities plenty of tools, flexibility and resources to stimulate growth.”

Doing that requires downstate localities like Nassau to increase their housing stocks by 3 percent every three years. That can happen through redevelopment of dilapidated sites like old malls and office parks, incentivizing new housing production, or simply updating zoning rules.

In return, Hochul said, the state will offer new funding for schools, roads and sewers while removing some of the bureaucratic barriers standing in the way of new housing.

But failure to meet these goals on Hochul’s timetable means facing the governor’s mighty concrete fist. Albany will override local authority, and implement what she calls a “new fast-track approval process” to get home construction under way.

That’s one step too far. Forcing such change by trampling local government not only makes a bad mess worse, but also sets a bad precedent for the kind of power the governor wields over these communities.

What the concrete fist needs is a velvet glove in the form of incentives, as well as good education on what properly planned housing can bring.

There is a constant fear of city encroachment on our suburban way of life, but even a good suburb finds room for everyone from every walk of life.

How often do we hear friends talk about how much they enjoy visiting the vibrant town centers of places like Rockville Centre, Long Beach and Farmingdale? All of that is thanks to multifamily housing done right — not just for those who don’t necessarily make a lot of money, but for our young neighbors, who are just starting out in the world, and our older neighbors, looking to downsize and enjoy a simpler life.

This can happen by shining light on these successes, and how housing diversity grows neighborhoods rather than destroying them.

But let’s do it without the threats, without the negativity. Let’s provide the right incentives to make housing more affordable in our communities, and show why our Nassau County neighborhoods are indeed the best places to live.

letters

Bridge safety for everyone

To the Editor:

Legitimate concerns are being expressed about toll increases for the Atlantic Beach Bridge, but why is no attention being given to improving safety for all bridge users?

Many non-motorized, non-polluting travelers also cross the bridge, almost all of them on a sliver of cement, while carbon-spewing vehicles are allotted six lanes. And many of them cross at speeds far exceeding the posted rate of 25 mph.

Some cyclists choose to bike across the main roadbed — a dangerous route, especially on the steel decking. No provision is made for their safety as they attempt to reach the well-protected Rockaway bike lanes, which should be an inspirational model for the barrier island.

Cyclists riding over the bridge must cross

Pence can persuade America he’s the president it needs

one thing I should have learned from my 28 years in Congress and the 15 years before that in the maelstrom of New York politics and government is that political life is very tough and all-consuming — especially at the national level.

Now that I’m away from the incessant turbulence of campaigning, and can wake up in the morning knowing I can go back to sleep and not have to worry during the day about prying reporters or angry constituents, I am increasingly aware of how unnatural the political world can be — and usually is.

This was reinforced for me during a recent meeting and subsequent radio interview with former Vice President Mike Pence. The meeting was in the fifth-floor Manhattan office of the Red Apple companies headed by John Catsimatidis, one of New York’s most successful entrepreneurs and business leaders. Among John’s companies is 77WABC Radio, which has

become a major political force in New York.

(Full disclosure: I am a 77WABC contributor and co-host, and consider Mike Pence a good friend.)

The meeting with the former vice president was the latest of many that Catsimatidis has had with prospective national and statewide candidates and political heavyweights. Joining him were a number of executives, staff members and Sid Rosenberg, who hosts the station’s most popular show.

It went well from the start. Though his questions about a possible presidential candidacy were probing, Catsimatidis made clear his admiration and respect for Pence. As did the participants. Pence’s demeanor was calm and relaxed, and his answers were thoughtful and coherent.

Following the 50-minute meeting, John, Mike Pence, Sid Rosenberg and I took the elevator down to the 77WABC studio on the second floor to record interviews with Sid for “Sid and Friends,” and with John and me for “Cats at Night.” On both floors, there were the

Letters

multiple lanes of traffic at the tollbooths. Maimings and fatalities may well occur, but would be entirely preventable if the Atlantic Beach Bridge Authority gave consideration to all bridge users, not just drivers.

KeVIN J. KelleY Atlantic Beach

Next week, a nationwide focus on school choice

To the editor:

You likely don’t need me to tell you that children all over the country are suffering the academic consequences of the pandemic, and New York is no exception.

A 2022 survey revealed that 52 percent of American families were looking for a new school. To put it in personal terms, in a classroom of 25 students, 13 families are not satisfied with the education their children are receiving.

A great K-12 education for every child is no small undertaking, and we know there are many learning environments that help different students achieve their potential.

e very child is different — with different abilities, personality and needs. In a place like New York, families need the flexibility to choose the school that will set their child up for success —

whether it’s a traditional public school, a public charter school, a public magnet school, a private school, online learning or home-schooling.

If it’s been a while since you had school-aged children, you may not realize just how different the landscape of options is than it was even a decade ago.

A 2022 survey by the Harris Poll revealed that since the pandemic, home-schooling and public charter schools were the first and second most popular options for parents who decided to switch their children’s schools.

What’s more, some six in 10 parents said their children were happier with the change.

On the other hand, interest in open enrollment in traditional public schools, as well as magnet schools, remains high. Private school choice programs have expanded in many states in the last few years, and learning pods and micro-schools are a new and growing option.

But time is of the essence. Due to the explosion of education options in many places, application deadlines often fall as early as January for the next academic year.

The upcoming National School Choice Week — Jan. 22-28 — will streamline things for parents through a national public awareness campaign and thousands of events hosted by schools around the country.

requisite photos with staff members, studio workers and technicians. Mike Pence handled it all with smiles and good humor. Then he was off to his next engagement with his four staff assistants.

All of this sounds calm and rational. But think of how many times Mike Pence must go through this drill. How many business and political leaders, how many special-interest advocates and former politicians must Mike Pence meet, and how many radio and television interviews must he do, realizing that one word or expressed thought taken out of context could endanger — or even torpedo — his possible campaign?

How many big cities, suburban centers and small towns must he visit? How many early mornings and late nights will he have?

How will he keep to his endless schedule? I couldn’t help but notice the understandably tense looks on the faces of the Pence assistants trying to keep him at least reasonably close to his schedule without offending anyone at these meetings, while thinking about how they

would explain his lateness at the next meeting, and the meetings after that.

Mike Pence’s real challenges, though, as he thinks through a presidential run, are:

■ Figuring out how to claim justifiable credit for his real contributions to the Trump-Pence administration while disclaiming the Trump excesses — particularly the shameful events of Jan. 6, 2021, when Pence acted with courage and honor.

■ Understanding how, in a time of political anger and rage, such a sharply divided nation can be persuaded to get behind a candidate of experience, knowledge and calm demeanor.

These challenges must be met while enduring the exhausting rigors of endless travel, interminable meetings, raising campaign funds, and unexpected news stories about the latest misadventures of Donald Trump. It won’t be easy. It will certainly be difficult. But I, for one, hope that Mike Pence stays in the arena, perseveres, and makes the run.

Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. A version of this essay previously appeared in The Hill.

Framework by Carol Vallone

Parents who have chosen a school they love can also empower others by sharing their own experiences.

All families can help their kids achieve academic success.

The first step is to choose the perfect school fit, and the best way to do that is by being aware of the local options and regulations.

To learn about the academic alternatives in New York, parents can visit SchoolChoiceWeek.com/new-

york. While parents in New York and across the country are exploring and choosing schools next week, I hope they can count on all of our support.

SHelBY DOYle Nashville, Tennessee

Doyle is vice president of public awareness of the National School Choice Awareness Foundation.

Catching Cinderella up on the news 1,100 miles away — Walt Disney World, Orlando

He should claim credit for his contributions while disclaiming Trump’s excesses.